T.C. Booth's Blog, page 5

RRBC Book & Blog Block Party

Hello everyone! This is my stop on the RRBC Back to School Block Party. The prize I'm giving away is one ecopy of my new young adult novel, To Be Honest.            




I’m a mom of three teens and an elementary teacher, so back to school time hit me fast! Participating in this event is a fun break for me.
  I’d like to introduce you to the main character of my new young adult novel, To Be Honest. I enjoyed getting this character interview ready and hope you like it.







To Be Honest made it to number 2 on the Hot New Releases for Teen/Young Adult Fiction in the topic of bullying. 




Character Interview: Starla Emerson

Where do you go to school and what is your favorite subject?
  I’m a junior at Centerville High School in Indiana. Being a new girl that is different from everyone else hasn’t been easy. Luckily, I’ve made some new friends.
My favorite subject is English. I love classic literature and my partner in that class is a pretty amazing guy.  

What hobbies or interests do you have?
 Photography. I like to find the beauty in things that are easily overlooked and capture it. I also collect memories and keep them inside my memory boxes in my room.

Who do you most admire?
 My new friend Chase. He adores his handicap brother, devoting his time and talents to help him. My sister and I watched him perform in a BMX competition to raise money for Cerebral Palsy research. He rocked that competition!
 He also got me to step out of my fear and play the piano again despite not having all of my fingers on my right hand. I couldn’t have performed a piano solo in front of the whole school if it wasn’t for him. He believed in me.

Do you believe in God?
Yes, I do. He brought the right people into my life during a time I needed support the most. I thank him every day for them all…my family, friends, and Chase.

Do you have a motto?
 Be Brave. Chase and his brother have drilled this into me. They told me I was brave over and over until I actually started believing it. Chase gave me a bracelet with the word engraved on it. I also wrote a poem about my new motto that I read in English class.
 I made it through a lot in my life. Losing my fingers, moving away from my friends and to a new school where I was a target of a bully online. I had to be brave.

I hope you enjoyed getting to know a little bit about Starla. I think she’s a strong girl and I had fun creating her character.  


To Be Honest Book Trailer


 Too Be Honest Playlist
Steal My Girl by One Direction
Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey
Heroes by Alesso and Tove Lo
Fight Song by Rachel Platten

Journey to Her Dreams

It's my pleasure to host fellow Clean Reads author, Iris Blobel, on my blog today.







“It’s not the money that makes you rich. It’s the knowledge
that the other person loves you and is always there for you, no
matter what. That makes you content and, therefore, rich.”
 
 
Journey to Her Dreams
by Iris Blobel
 
I'm excited to tell you all about the re-release of JOURNEY TO HER DREAMS,
which I suppose was the start of my journey to my dreams as well.
Honestly, yes I was nervous going back re-visiting the story, nervous about the editing process for the new edition.  I can't believe how much I've learnt and how much I've -hopefully- grown as a writer.
JOURNEY TO HER DREAMS has enjoyed another full edit and an awesome new cover.
I hope you'll give Hollie and Sam's story a chance.
THANK YOU
 
 
♥♦♥  ~  OUT NOW  ~  ♥♦♥ 
 
 
AMAZON US: http://amzn.to/1UbJqZ8
AMAZON UK: http://amzn.to/1LUz251
AMAZON AU: http://bit.ly/1JVfTeM
 



 

♥♦♥  SYNOPSIS ♥♦♥ 
 
Would you travel around the world to uncover the reason for your dreams? 
Hollie Anderson does.
A young woman from Tasmania who lives on a farm just outside Launceston, she has got good looks, likes her job and loves to hang out with her friends. She should be happy, right?
But it’s a recurrent dream that throws her daily life into chaos and takes her on a journey to Ireland. While on her quest for answers she meets Sam in Dublin under unusual circumstances and both women, so different in many ways, find out they have one thing in common - and it changes their lives forever.


♥♦♥ MEET THE AUTHOR ♥♦♥
IRIS BLOBEL
 
 
Iris Blobel was born and raised in Germany and only immigrated to Australia in the late 1990s. Having had the travel bug most of her life, Iris spent quite some time living in Scotland, London as well as Canada where she her husband. Her love for putting her stories onto paper has only emerged recently, but now her laptop is a constant companion.
Iris resides west of Melbourne with her husband and her two beautiful daughters.
Next to her job at a private school, she also presents a German Program at the local Community Radio.
 
 
Social Media Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IrisBlobel
Twitter: https://twitter.com/_iris_b
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4067254.Iris_Blobel
 
 

Devon's Choice

I'd like to welcome fellow Ohioan and Clean Reads author, Catherine Bennett, to A Writer's Devotion today. Join me to learn more about Catherine and her contemporary romance, Devon's Choice.Faith, love and a cup of coffee, can change everything.







Life holds no surprises for Devon Murphy. Her life consists of keeping tabs on her aging Irish father, working part time at a coffee shop, and building her online graphics design business. Devon’s only tricky situation is a shallow relationship with the pampered and affluent Michael Turner, who sees her as just another woman to conquer. 
Following his father’s death, Brandon’s only goal is to expand the family business and live life on his own terms. That is, until he walks into the coffee shop one snowy evening and meets the enchanting, red-haired barista behind the counter. But can Devon and Brandon’s attraction for each other be strong enough to help erase their deepest disappointments and renew their faith in God?
Excerpt:  Once they got to the park, Devon unhooked his leash.  The dog ran in the snow and stopping abruptly, he turned, tongue out and ears perked.  Brandon reached down and patted snow into a ball and threw it far beyond Bubby, who took off after it.  After a few more throws, they left the dog to himself and walked along the brick path to a bench.  Brandon brushed the snow off with his gloved hand and they sat down.  Bubby played some more, then lay with his head up and ears alert.      “I’m curious,” Brandon said, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees.  “I may be out of line to ask you, but what kind of relationship do you have with this Michael guy?”  He looked sideways to see her worrying her bottom lip and hoped he was going to get a truthful statement.                                                      “It’s pretty shallow, really.  We’ve never discussed being an exclusive couple. He travels a lot with his company and I figure he probably goes out with other women, and not just for business if you know what I mean.  Once he practically admitted to it.”     “What kind of job does he have?”          Devon, who’d been watching the dog, turned to look at him.  “He’s the Executive Vice President for Turner Construction.  His father owns the company.”          Brandon drew himself back.  “Turner Construction!  That’s the largest construction company in the Midwest.”          “So, you’ve heard of it?”          “Yes, my dad had some experience with them.”             “So was it a good experience?”          Brandon shrugged.  “I really couldn’t say.”  Then, hoping to refocus her attention, he asked,  “How’d you ever meet him anyway?”       “He hit my car in a parking lot.  Not very romantic.”     Brandon looked over at her neutral expression.  Whatever kind of relationship she had with Michael Turner didn’t seem to be making her happy.  At that moment, all he wanted to do was to make her forget all about the jerk.     As if sensing him watching her, Devon turned her head enough to make eye contact with him.  The faint, milky glow from the streetlight showed enough of her features for him to see a soft blush warm her cheeks.  Under her dark lashes, he watched her sea green eyes glint invitingly as her soft lips turned up at the corners.  In that moment, his resolve to keep the date on a friendly level came crashing down.Author Bio:                                                                                                    I grew up in Ohio where I currently live with my husband and our two rescue Labradors. Some of my favorite things include reading, shopping, pepperoni pizza, Hershey bars and hanging out with my two grown sons. I also love dogs, so going to the dog park is cheap entertainment for my husband and I! Growing up an only child, I had many imaginary friends. I believe this - and a love of books - fueled my desire to write. It was many years later that my dream of becoming a published author came true.Social Media Links:
Website: www.catherinebennett.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCatherineBennettTwitter: www.twitter@author_cbennettPinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/authorcbennett/Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5990135.Catherine_Bennett

Book Trailer on You Tube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPBc1jGurlQI Tunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/devons-choice/id957904945?mt=11


Buy Links:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1AMhNfYBarnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1xkWZawSmashwords: www.smashwords.com/books/view/510322Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/devon-s-choice

Brave Bailee

Those of you who have read  To Be Honest know that Chase gives Star a bracelet engraved with the word brave to signify how she faces diversity and overcomes the many obstacles in her life. Even though I love my characters and the story line, the fact is they are fictional characters.




 I want to tell you about a real life brave little girl named Bailee. She is eight years old and recently diagnosed with leukemia. Bailee faces treatments beginning next week. I'm posting links below to order a Be Brave bracelet as well as other fundraiser links to help the family with medical costs.


Please support  her and keep brave little Bailee in your prayers.


$10 from every item sold will go directly to Bailee and her medical expenses
https://www.bravelets.com/bravepage/like-brave-bailee


https://www.booster.com/nlvfdbaileebrave

http://www.gofundme.com/zqj3jc

To Be Honest Book Release

 Today is the day! I'm so excited about the release of my first teen/ya adult novel, To Be Honest. You finally get to meet Star and Chase.  To celebrate the release, Lola Blog Tours organized a week long Book Blitz and Giveaway.  You may enter below to win a signed digital copy of the story or an Amazon gift card. The full blitz schedule can be found on Lola's Website .
























a Rafflecopter giveaway

Spolight Author Gwendolyn M Plano

  You have asked me, "Who or what inspires me?"  May Angelou will always hold a special place in my heart, because she gave me permission to write about the struggles that I held secretly within my soul. She opened the doors behind which sexual abuse and domestic violence thrive, and with her courage she paved a path of monumental change. Though I was not fortunate to meet her, she will always be my mentor.

  Poet Mary Oliver's verses speak to my spirit. Her ponderings draw me into mystery, where I am brought to a deeper level of understanding. Inevitably her choice of words guides my own. For instance this comment left me speechless: "Someone I once loved gave me a boxful of darkness. It took me years to understand that this too, was a gift." How extraordinary!

   Oriah Mountain's Dreamers is of similar quality to that of Mary Oliver--it is honest, pure. loving, and transformative. She knows pain and sorrow and yet found joy. She is like the sister I have never met, a friend who by her life teaches me how to live.

    In addition to the works of the authors mentioned above, there are many other writers who are  part of my life. Authors Nonnie Jules, Nicholas Rossis, and Robin Chambers are just few of who crowd my bookcases and inspire me to write. They open the doors of the heart through their choice of words and their characters. And, they help to reframe the worlds both seen and unseen.



 Author Bio

Gwendolyn M Plano spent her professional life in higher education. She taught and served as an administrator in colleges in New York, Connecticut and California. She has multiple academic degrees, including on in Theology, and one in Counseling. Recently Gwen retired, and she now devotes herself to writing, travel, her volunteer work, and her beautiful grandchildren.
Book Link
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K7WYTW6/
Gwen online!
Twitter: @gmplano
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/GwendolynMPlano
Website: www.gwenplano.com

Five Things I Learned From my Character Part II

Tomorrow is the cover reveal for my debut young adult novel, To Be Honest. To say I'm excited is an understatement.  I've been bursting inside to introduce to you Starla and Chase.  You learned a little about Chase in my first post of Five Things I Learned From my Character . Now I'd like to tell you what I learned through the main character, Starla.




Starla lacks self-confidence due to a deformity in her hand. Teens in general fear embarrassment in front of their peers, so the physical difference compounds this fear for Starla. She suffers from anxiety at a level that exceeds the norm and has had to learn ways to cope. The list below is what I learned through Star's character.




1. Tapping is a technique to lower anxiety. This method operates much like Chinese acupuncture without the needles. You use your fingers to locate tapping points on your body that trigger emotional balance along with focusing on words to bring you back in balance. I found it interesting and much more involved than my brief little snip of information here. Starla uses this technique in the story when her anxiety rises.




2. Photography is another outlet for Star that she enjoys. I learned about different types of lenses used in photography. The coolest thing I found out was that night vision lenses use infared light not visible to the naked eye in order to illuminate an area.




3. Starla loves to quote classic literature and apply it to her life. I added some classic literature titles to my 'want to read' list as a result of the quotes. I admit to never having read "Little Women". After reading some quotes from this classic, my interest is piqued.




4. Internet bullying is a means to target a victim in today's technology world. I've posted on this topic while writing the book. The information I learned was too valuable not to share. You can read my posts on this topic by clicking the titles: Big Hair and Bullies  & Her Hair is Full of Secrets


5. I learned to let Starla lead the story. Of course I started this story with an outline of where I wanted it to go. As Starla's character developed and she experienced things in the story, I allowed her to take over and lead. She turned into a much stronger girl than the one from the beginning of the story. I hope you enjoy her journey!


Cover Reveal is July 7th with Lola's Blog Tours.Book Trailer Reveal is July 14th with Double Decker Books.Book Release is July 21st with a Book Blitz event through Lola's Blog Tours.Fire Side Mocha Book Blast starts on July 30 with Double Decker Books.

Meet The Author of Lucia's Web

 I'm happy to host international author Sue Searless on A Writer's Devotion today. Read my interview of Sue to learn more about her and her new release, Lucia's Web. Enjoy reading an expert of this story below. Her writing drew me in immediately. This out of the box writer also gives excellent advice to aspiring authors.


What book(s) have you written that you would like to tell us about?

My latest release, Lucia's Web. I didn't think it was possible to have so much fun writing a book, and hopefully that carries through to my readers. The characters are so real to me that I feel I know them personally. I'm beyond excited about this latest release and can't wait to start getting the reviews.



Do you have any favorite childhood books?
Strangely enough, I wasn’t a huge reader as a kid. I enjoyed a bit of Nancy Drew and Beatrix Potter, but nothing particularly memorable. I only started devouring books as an adult.




What advice do you have for aspiring authors?
Stop procrastinating and just WRITE! We all have busy schedules and it’s way too easy to come up with reasons why you’ll tackle that first novel “when you stop working” or “when the kids are older.” If you don’t MAKE IT HAPPEN, it never will.



Where can we find you and your books?
www.suesearlesbooks.blogspot.com
https://www.facebook.com/Sue-Searles-Author/1434957063477372?fref=ts
https://twitter.com/sue_searles
https://www.pinterest.com/searles0490/
Instagram – Sue Searles


Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Lucias-Web-Sue-Searles-ebook/dp/B00ZQMOEQI
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lucias-web-sue-searles/1122137024?ean=2940151276801 
Kobo Books: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/lucia-s-web
Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/551150


Excerpt:


I sucked in a deep breath and held it, then wiped sweaty palms on my trousers. I’d only arrived home ten minutes ago and hadn’t relaxed enough to freshen up or change out of my work clothes.

Get a grip, Ali. I shouldn’t be so nervous—this was my apartment, my advertisement. So I was in charge.

It took me a little over eight seconds before I snapped myself out of my trance. If Lucia James had seemed distant and sociably inept on the phone, meeting her in person only solidified my impression of her. Pin-straight hair, dyed jet black with purple streaks, hovered just above a sorry pair of sagging shoulders. A thick, black fringe fell across an insipidly white face, barely hiding brown eyes bordered top and bottom with a heavy band of eyeliner. Black lipstick sapped the girl of any natural color and made her look deathly pale. She clutched a brown leather bag across her chest, and a black leather jacket and studded jeans rounded off the look. The girl bit her lip and dipped her chin, her nervousness palpable. I closed my mouth when I realized I’d been staring. “Um, sorry…come on in.” I stepped aside to let Lucia enter. Her brown eyes darted furtively around the spacious lounge, then focused on an invisible speck on the hardwood floor. “So, do you live nearby?” My eyes remained on her as I asked the question and tried to size her up. “No, I’m not from around here. I don’t know many people in Umhlanga yet.” A shoulder raised two inches, then went back down. “Where are you from?” I studied her, trying to draw the girl out of whatever spell she was in. “Eastern Cape.” Her eyes remained averted, the brown leather bag clutched like a lifeline across her chest.  The long fringe hung like a thick, black curtain over her right eye, and I had to resist the urge to reach out and pull it aside. “So, what brings you to Durban?” I honestly wasn’t trying to sound pushy, just curious. Besides, it was a reasonable question, not so? When Lucia didn’t reply, I crossed the room and closed the front door to give her time to answer. Just as I turned back to face her, she jerked her head away and averted her eyes back to the floor. I felt my frustration levels start to rise. So Lucia could quite easily look at me, as long as I wasn’t looking back at the same time? I held my palms together and tried to shake off the girl’s unsettling presence. “All right, so…the rent is fourteen grand, split three ways. With water and lights, say an extra grand, we can round it off at five grand each. How does that sound?” Lucia bit her lip hard and her eyes darted around the room briefly. “Sure. Whatever.” “Rent’s due by the first of each month.” I tried to keep it upbeat, to sound much friendlier than I felt. “I’d like to check references before I make a final decision.” I gave Lucia a pressing look, one intended to communicate that I wasn’t too convinced about her yet. And in case she hadn’t been looking, I’d made sure she heard the threat in my tone. “That’s no problem, you don’t have to worry about me not paying or nothing.” My warning didn’t seem to rattle her one bit. I drew in a deep breath and gathered my thoughts. “Right, so we have a domestic worker who comes in once a week. Name is Thandi.” Lucia met my eyes for the first time since she’d stepped foot in the place. “A-a cleaning lady?” There was measured trepidation in her voice. “M-hmm. That’s okay, right? With all three of us girls working—” She waved her hand. “That’s okay, I’ll clean my own room.” Lucia returned her grip to the bag and her gaze to the floor. I narrowed my eyes at her, unsure how to respond. For somebody trying to gain approval, she was being surly and aloof, if not downright rude. “Well, if you’re sure. Just let me know if you change your mind.” She gave a quick nod, obviously just to appease me.


Lucia’s tone was as colorless as her complexion, and lacked any kind of verve or energy whatsoever. The girl was as insipid as a jellyfish, with a personality to match.





Author Bio:
Sue Searles has written several books, ranging from women’s fiction and short stories to poetry and children’s books. Having worked on various forms of storytelling since childhood, writing has been a lifelong passion.
Now somewhat older and wiser, she is passionate about thinking outside the conventional box, and conveys messages that are thought-provoking and life-changing.
Her inspiration comes mainly from studying people, reading, and daily life. Sue is happily married and lives in sunny South Africa with her husband and son.

Meet Author Jane McGarry

It is my pleasure to introduce fellow Clean Reads Author, Jane McGarry on my blog today. Join me in learning more about her and  her young adult debut novel, Not Every Girl.





What inspired you to become a writer?
I've always loved to read. When I was young, I might imagine a story had a different ending or plot twist. Eventually, I started creating my own stories, but always thought the idea of publishing a book was just a dream. Over the years, I read voraciously and found that I enjoyed the young adult genre. The idea for Not Every Girl developed and I finally decided that the time had come to give the "dream" a shot.

 What book(s) have you written that would you like to tell us about?
Not Every Girl is my debut novel. It is a young adult adventure/romance with a feisty heroine, a standoffish prince and a few crafty outlaws for good measure. The two main characters are thrown together on an unexpected quest to save their fathers with plenty of action along the way.

Do you have any favorite childhood books?
I remember taking a copy of Thumbelina out of the library over and over when I was little. On the cover, the tiny girl was sitting inside a flower and it simply fascinated me. When I got a little older, I devoured the Nancy Drew mysteries and all the Little House on the Prairie books.

Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
1.Read. A lot. Especially in your chosen genre so you know what publishers are looking for.

2.Write. There will never be a “perfect time” for it, life will be in the way, don’t let that dissuade you. A bad page can be edited, a blank one can’t.

3.Persevere. Never give up on your work. Keep believing in it and you will find others who believe in it as well.

Where can we find you and your books?
Amazon buy link:
http://www.amazon.com/Not-Every-Girl-...

Barnes & Noble buy link:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/not-e...

Goodreads link:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

Author website:
http://www.janemcgarrybooks.com/

You Tube Book Trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgI3N...

Facebook link:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jane-M...

Twitter link:
https://twitter.com/JMcGarryauthor

Instagram link:
https://instagram.com/janemcgarryauthor/

Pinterest link:
https://www.pinterest.com/janem0378/

Five Things I Learned From My Character

I anxiously await a release date for my YA novel, Too Be Honest. In between biting my nails and crossing my fingers that I'll learn the date soon, I decided to reflect on some interesting things I found out from my characters while writing the story. The hero, Chase, is an avid BMX rider. I had to do some research on this topic since I hadn't a clue what it entailed. I've listed five cool things I found out.


1. BMX racing and freestyle is a worldwide sport.



2. It was founded in the 1970s and began with children in California racing their bikes on a dirt track.


3. In 2003 the International Olympic Committee declared BMX a full medal competition.


4. There were too many freestyle air tricks to list so I'll tell you about a couple that caught my attention. The Superman-the rider removes his feet and extends them behind him to resemble Superman in the air. Decade-the rider holds onto the handle bars and throws himself or herself(girls compete too) around the bicycle then lands on the pedals.


5. The USA BMX Mid America Nationals are being held right now in Western Missouri.


I've developed a great respect for this sport after doing my research. These riders have to put in a lot of hard work and practice. I'm sure talent plays into it also. Chase taught me a lot about this sport! Next post I'll talk about what I learned from my heroin, Starla.