Meredith Allard's Blog, page 46

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:

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

An Interview With Author James Hutchings

What books did you love as a child? Why?

When I was very little I apparently made my mom read me comics instead of books. A little later I loved the Narnia series. I didn't get the religious angle until I reread them as an adult.

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

I don't know if they're my favorites, but these are the most influential: JRR Tolkien and Jack Vance for the elaborate dialogue. Robert E Howard for the general atmosphere. Terry Pratchett for the humour. Lord Dunsany for the use of Fame, Time and so on as characters.

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

I think I've wanted to do something creative since I was a teenager. But I've tried several different things, such as music and filmmaking, before I finally settled on writing. To be honest, if it turned out that I was actually better at, say, painting than writing, I think I'd be happy to change. So in a sense I still haven't decided.

What are the joys of writing for you?

I like the satisfaction of finishing something (as long as I think it's good). For that reason I prefer writing short pieces to long ones. Often when I'm working on a longer piece I take some 'time off' to do something short.

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

I get discouraged a lot. Usually it's when people don't like something I've written as much as I do, or when I run out of ideas halfway through a story. One thing I do is make a point of writing every day, even when I don't feel like it. This helps get through temporary slumps. I think if you wait for inspiration to strike it never will. Often I start with the attitude that "I'm really tired and I can't think of anything. I'll just write a token amount so I can say I did something today," and actually end up having a good idea and getting a lot done.

I usually have several things that I'm working on at the same time. This helps with running out of ideas, because I can leave what I'm working on and do something else instead. The danger with this is that starting something can be more fun than finishing it, and so you run the risk of having lots of half-written pieces that you never finish.

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

I mostly read (and write) fantasy. It tends to be old stories, and more short stories than novels. I've never read any of the Harry Potter or Game of Thrones series for example. I used to read science fiction, and found fantasy a bit pointless. I think my idea was that science fiction was stuff that could happen, whereas fantasy was stuff that couldn't. Nowadays I feel that having ESP or super-advanced alien technology isn't actually that different to having magic.

What was the inspiration for your book?

Because it's a collection of short pieces, most of which aren't related to each other, it has lots of different inspirations. Some ideas just pop into my head, without me knowing where the idea comes from. Other ideas come from experiences in my life. For example a while ago I found three injured birds in the space of a few weeks. I took all of them to the local vet. As I was carrying one of them, I thought that the woman at reception might wonder where I was finding all these injured birds, and that was the inspiration for my story "Lost, Feral or Stray." I've written a lot about cats, based on having been a cat owner.

Of course other fiction is a big inspiration. In some cases it's obvious. I've done poems directly based on stories by HP Lovecraft and other writers for example. In other cases it's more subtle: for example the city of Teleleli or Telelee is partly based on Fritz Leiber's Lankhmar, partly on Terry Pratchett's Ankh-Morpork, and partly on Port Blacksand in the Fighting Fantasy series. The dialogue in Lord of the Rings had a big influence on how my characters talk.

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

Most of my stories are set in a made-up world (and the world isn't intended to be based on medieval Europe or any particular period of history). So I don't need to do research. However I do do a kind of research, in that I write down interesting things from history or fiction that I find, usually on Wikipedia. For example, these are curses from the front of two medieval books, that I intend to use one day:

If anyone take away this book, let them die the death; let them be fried in a pan; let the falling sickness and fever seize them; let them be broken on the wheel, and hanged.

Should anyone by craft of any device whatever abstract this book from its owner may their soul suffer, in retribution for what they have done, and may their name be erased from the book of the living and not recorded among the Blessed.

Tell us about your book.

44 stories. 19 poems. No sparkly vampires.

What advice do you have for other writers?

Nowadays anyone can self-publish. If you can make a Word document, you can have an e-book on Smashwords or Amazon. However that means that if your work is no good, no one's going to stop you. I'd recommend that people get onto Critique Circle and/or Scribophile, put their work up, and listen to what people tell you. Don't 'defend' your work against people's 'attacks.' They aren't attacks; they're helping you. I've found that the people who defend their work have a strong tendency to have the worst writing, I suppose because they're not making the changes they need to make.

My next point doesn't matter if you're going to self-publish, but it is important if you want to be published by a regular publisher or if you want to submit stories to magazines. Most places won't publish work that's already been published. And most places count putting a story on the internet as publishing it. In my opinion that's silly, but that's what they do. Scribophile and Critique Circle are exceptions, because Google doesn't index them and you can't see any stories without logging on. However there are writing group websites out there where, if you put a story on the site, that counts as the story being published. That seems like a really terrible way to set things up, but they're out there.

I'd also say that getting a book out isn't the final step. It's just the start of the work of self-promotion. This is true even if you're not  self-publishing. I'm told that authors are expected to pretty much arrange their own book signings and so on (if you just want to have a book out to show family and friends then this doesn't matter, of course).

There are a lot of sharks out there, who make their money from authors and not from readers. They will make all sorts of promises about how they're going to promote you and help you, but these are lies. Authors do not pay publishers, ever, and if they're asking you to pay then it's a scam. Of course if you're self-publishing you might end up paying someone to design a cover for you, or you might pay for internet advertising, but those are different things. You might also pay a printer to print your books if you want to get physical books rather than e-books – but in this age of the Kindle and print-on-demand I don't know why you'd want to. Preditors and Editors is a good website to look at, and you can get good advice at the forums of Critique Circle.

Finally, I'd suggest learning to touch-type if you can't already. You're going to be doing a lot of typing, and every hour you spend getting faster at typing will save you ten in the long run.

What is your next project?

I'm working on a verse version of A Princess of Mars. This is a science fiction adventure story, now in the public domain, written by Edgar Rice Burroughs, who's more famous for Tarzan. Disney is also doing a movie of it, called John Carter, but that's not why I chose it. I generally work on several things at the same time, so I'm also in the middle of a few short stories and poems. I've been encouraged to write a novel set in the fantasy city of Telelee, which is the setting of a few of the stories in The New Death and others. I have a lot of background for this world, because I blog every day and most of it is setting detail. I also have a half-finished novel called All-American Detectives, which is a combination of a detective story and a story about superheroes, which I'll probably come back to in the future.

About James Hutchings

James Hutchings lives in Melbourne, Australia. He fights crime as Poetic Justice, but his day job is acting. You might know him by his stage name 'Brad Pitt.' He specializes in short fantasy fiction. His work has appeared in Daily Science Fiction, fiction365 and Enchanted Conversation among other markets. His e-book collection The New Death and others is now available from Amazon and Smashwords. He blogs daily.

Filed under: Guest Authors Tagged: interviews, James Hutchings

An Interview With Author Lawna Mackie

What books did you love as a child? Why?

I loved the book Secret World of Og. The names still stick in my head. The Pollywog and the critters called Ogs.

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

My favorite authors are Sherrilyn Kenyon and Christine Feehan. Their novels always transported me to another place. Paranormal romance stuck in my heart.

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

I always dreamed of being a writer, but never really decided to embrace the thought until about four years ago.

What are the joys of writing for you?

I love being swept away when I write. I love my characters and the journey they make throughout the novel.

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

Finding the time to write is the largest obstacle for me. I overcome that with the help of my wonderful husband who gives me all the support and space I need. He's always by my side helping me to succeed.

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

I love paranormal/romantic fantasy. I read it and I write it. I also love historical romances. My Christmas novella Quinn's Christmas Wish is a bit of both. It's a paranormal within a Christmas story.

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

Good question. I think there is a genuine innocence about what I write, but I also love fantasy creatures and I'm not scared of scary villains. I've always thought of my life as somewhat of a fairy tale so I think I share that in my writing.

What was the inspiration for your book?

I've brought to life an animal that lives in my heart. It's a memory that has lived with me for many years. I'll have to save that story for another time.

What were the challenges of writing your story?

Quinn's Christmas Wish takes place in 1912, so that was challenging for me…it is an historical with paranormal elements, something I haven't attempted to write before.

Tell us about your book

Quinn's Christmas Wish is a magical paranormal Christmas novella. It's a heartfelt story about compassion, love and the hardships found in a town called Bandit Creek. Here is a review I copied from Amazon. It gives a good description of the story:

"Loved this book! The connection between Samuel and Amanda was immediate. Such a fiery romance between the two. Poor Quinn with all his trials and heartbreak at least is finally able to find a friend in the most unlikely place, Jazira, a fantastical talking wolf. Jazira is able to survive in this world only due to the kindness of Quinn, Samuel and Amanda, but gives back more than what she has received. Lawna made me cry twice with this story, once in despair, and then again in happiness! Looking forward to Ms. Mackie's other two books coming out in December and January, and looking forward to more Bandit Creek Books!"

Here is the Amazon link.

What did you learn about yourself from writing this book?

I learned that I really enjoyed writing a historical paranormal romance, and I enjoyed the youth aspect of this novel.

What advice do you have for other writers?

Don't ever give up! This is a quote from one of my co-workers that holds a lot of meaning: "Congratulations for doing what many only think about!"

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

1. Write because you love it.

2. Write what you love to read.

3. Enjoy writing because editing isn't fun.

What is your next project?

I can't wait to start my next novel. It will be a paranormal romance called Rooted Remains.

What are you reading now?

I haven't started anything new at the moment, but I'm looked forward to it around Christmas time.

Anything else you'd like your readers to know?

Quinn's Christmas Wish and the conception of Bandit Creek Books was done in conjunction with a fantastic group of authors. I encourage everyone to visit Bandit Creek at www.banditcreekbooks.com.

Quinn's Christmas Wish

A Bandit Creek Paranormal

As far as twelve-year old Quinn is concerned Christmas has lost its magic. Since his father's death life has lost its sparkle. His mom is now a widow struggling to put food on the table. Quinn is no help, and the mysterious illness afflicting him only makes things worse. Even Christmas, complete with decorated trees, ribbons and bows has no meaning…then along comes Jazira.

Jazira doesn't know what happened to her former self, the eleven-year old little girl. She drowned, didn't she, along with half the other folk of Bandit Creek in 1911? Somehow, she's grown four furry legs complimented with a large wolf head and body. Scared and alone, she reaches out to Quinn and a strong bond is formed. Jazira learns Quinn, and his mother, are threatened by a wealthy powerful citizen of Bandit Creek. She is determined to protect her new family, no matter what.

Christmas Eve finds Quinn staring up at the adorned tree and muttering a quiet prayer. Will the Spirits of Christmas grant his wish, or will the evil surrounding Bandit Creek prevail once again?

From the Author:

I have always believed in fairy tales and when I got tired of the old ones I made up my own. Each story would have a hero and heroine, but they were anything but typical.

I devoured my first romance novel when I was a teenager. I couldn't read them fast enough. Years later I stumbled across my first paranormal romance…an injustice would be done if I tried to explain my joy when I found this genre of romance. My passion was finally in print.

Now, with the help of my bizarre dreams and crazy imagination, I have started to write and intend to share my stories with you. I hope you'll love them as much as I do.

I am truly blessed. My husband and my animals are my inspiration. We live on a small acreage in Didsbury, Alberta, with our most beloved companions, Dozer, Daisy and Mandarin.

Happy reading everyone. I sure would love to hear from you. www.lawnamackie.ca

Quinn's Christmas Wish – December 1, 2011  available through Amazon and Smashwords.

Impossible to Hold – December 19, 2011 released through Liquid Silver Books http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com

Enchantment  – January 13, 2012 released through Muse It Up Publishing http://museituppublishing.com

Filed under: Guest Authors Tagged: Bewitching Book Tours, guest authors, interviews, Lawna Mackie, Quinn's Christmas Wish

An Excerpt from The Opera by Michelle Franklin

Teague made a chary approach, wondering how to broach the subject in a manner that would not give offense. He said his addresses to the commander, explained what he and Mureadh had seen, and before he could finish his speech with a solemn regret and apology for the affront on behalf of the Frewyn Players, the commander interposed with:

"I must have evidence of this travesty," she said, beaming with glee. "This is far too much suspense."

He produced the poster and smiled at the commander's instant eagerness as she took it into her hands and held it open for a meticulous inspection.

"Oh, by the Gods, this is glorious," she exclaimed, remarking the whole of the piece. "I must show this to my mate. I cannot decide what shall anger him most: the violet skin, the overdrawn and yet handsome scowl, the fangs, or the paltry sizes of his sword, kilt, and the article beneath it." She smirked at such an erroneous interpretation and nodded while her eye perused every corner of the page. "This depiction could only be made more marvelous if a rose had been put in his mouth," she said laughingly. She sighed and her expression saddened. "He shall be disappointed about the size of my chest, however."

"I did think that was a little inaccurate," said Teague, stealing a momentary glance at the deep vale between the commander's heavy breasts.

"Little is certainly what I should call those in comparison to what my mate so delights in every evening."

They exchanged a smile, and the commander shifted into the light to remark the vibrancy of the colours and the brushstrokes employed in the piece.

"The palette was well chosen," she mused. "I rather like my flaxen hair and blue eyes."

"The Den Asaan's pink kilt is my particular favourite," Teague said with a half-smile.

"Pink is rather his colour, especially with the red eyes and grey hair to match. He's made me far too becoming and much too small in height and in proportion. I'm rather inclined to think this charade is not even about me, as I am nowhere on this advertisement other than in the title, and even that is ambiguous. My mate is certainly recognizable."

Teague simpered. "I recognized him immediately."

"I assume that this pristine fellow on the glimmering horse is meant to be our good king."

"I believe so, commander. "

"Well, Alasdair looks rather splendid, as he ought. He shall be quite pleased. Any illustration that portrays Alasdair with such excellently sculpted hair and a fine jerkin is all his delight. Maeve is the one who should be offended. She should never have wanted to be a white horse, or this fat and smiling."

Teague chuckled to himself, relieved to see how keen the commander was to oblige such misconception, and as she excused herself and hastened to the kitchen to share the news with Alasdair, he hoped that the offense on the king's side would be as moderate as the commander's. Though he did wish to remain within Diras Castle to see Rautu's reaction to the advertisement, there was a dinner to be had and there were friends to be met with, and as he left the barracks to rejoin Mureadh, he had little doubt of hearing the giant's roaring disapproval from wherever he should be in the capital at the moment of discovery.

About The Opera

By Michelle Franklin

The Frewyn Players at the Royal Theatre in Diras are looking for new material to perform when a famous director from Marridon arrives to impart a Marridon theatrical pastime that is certain to make them famous. An opera will be their new performance, one that glorifies Frewyn's greatest heroes, but what begins as homage ends as mockery, and the play that would make them the greatest exhibition in Frewyn might instead make them the Den Asaan's most merited enemy.

About the Author:

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

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Tales-from-Frewyn-The-Opera-ebook/dp/B005TL7QMA

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/94632

Twitter: @MrsDenAsaan & @DenAsaan

Filed under: Guest Authors Tagged: guest blogs

Finding Your Own Road to Travel

When I first began reading about publishing and marketing, I felt overwhelmed with the sheer abundance of information. Most of it is helpful—some of it extremely helpful—but there were times when I felt like I was disappearing under the weight of searching for some magic answer to all my publishing problems. For one thing, I wasn't sure whose advice to follow. Everyone's path to success has been different, and other authors are sharing tips from their personal experiences. Some authors find success doing blog tours, others from key advertising, others from blogging, still others from creating niche websites or interacting with readers on various forums. But what does that mean for someone like me who's starting from scratch?

Here's the main thing I learned:  just as I had to find my own road as an author, I have to do the same with publishing. If I hear a marketing tip that sounds reasonable (and doable) I'll try it. What do I have to lose? I liken my marketing strategy to that old saying, "I'll try anything once." I read as much as I can find, and I experiment, and then I see what works for me and what doesn't. That's what this is…a grand experiment, and each of us has to find our own recipe for success.

There will never be a one-size-fits-all marketing solution. Everyone is different. We've written different books that appeal to different audiences. We have different personalities and different ways we like to connect with people. The best advice I can offer at this point, if I should be offering advice, being relatively new to all this, is to read whatever you can find from other authors who have been there, done that. Weed out the helpful information from the not-as-helpful since all advice isn't equal. How do you know what's sound advice and what isn't? I still like the tried-and-true method of "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is." There's a lot of good, free advice out there. There's also some bad, free advice.  I'm not a fan of marketing advice that says, "Do it my way or your book will die a slow, violent death." What works for one author may or may not work for you. You have to experiment to find out.

Once I learned to look at marketing as a grand experiment, I relaxed and even learned to have fun with it. I didn't need to drive myself to distraction searching for some hidden gem of publishing knowledge. I need to discover and experiment and grow. There's always something new to learn, and there's no time limit. That's one of the great things about publishing now: there's no longer a shelf life on books. We can continue to find new readers for our work as long as we're willing to give it our time and attention. And that's a glorious thing.

Filed under: Indie Publishing Tagged: indie publishing, marketing

Book Lover's Holiday Giveaway Hop

Is it time for a new giveaway already? It seems like the Gratitude Giveaway just ended (and, actually, it did). Thanks to I Am a Reader Not a Writer and Kid Lit Frenzy for hosting the giveaway.

I have 5 more paperback copies of Her Dear & Loving Husband to give away, and I have one $10 Amazon.com or BN.com gift card (your choice) for a lucky winner.

You must be a follower of this blog to enter. Then fill in the form below and that's it. Happy holidays!

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There are other wonderful giveaways too. Click here to hop over to one of the other participating sites and see what else you can win.

Filed under: Giveaways Tagged: Book Lovers, Giveaways, Her Dear & Loving Husband, I am a Reader Not a Writer, Kid Lit Frenzy