K.C. Sprayberry's Blog, page 178

Spotlight: Flirting with Chaos by Kenya Wright

Title: Flirting With ChaosAuthor: Kenya WrightGenre: New Adult Rock Star Erotic RomancePublisher: Omnific PublishingRelease Date: November 19, 2013
Synopsis: 
Can two mentally unstable best friends have sex and not drown in chaos? 
Rain's been washing blood off her hands for far too long. After five years, she accepts the fact that she"s still a little crazy but feels as if she's finally gotten it all under control. 
Parties, drugs, and sex flood Jude's life, and music and scandal run through his veins. He's the son of a rock god and grandson of a jazz legend. It's no surprise that his own star is on the rise, and with so many groupies vying for his attention, his childhood best friend Rain keeps him anchored in reality. 
She's nothing like him--an art student with no idea of her own beauty, who would rather curl up with a sci-fi novel than party in the spotlight. Everything changes when she asks him for a unique favor: she wants him to take her virginity. He's more than willing to oblige, but things get complicated when his pervy father gets involved. Meanwhile, intense feelings rise to the surface, ones neither Rain nor Jude are prepared to deal with. 
If their relationship has any chance for survival, she must finally confront the demons of her past, and he must face the addictions of the present. When the smoke clears, will they find that sex between best friends was a good idea, or will they discover they had been Flirting With Chaos the entire time? 
Short Teaser #1Prologue
“Sometimes it’s okay to kill, if you’re saving someone else in the process, Rainbow.” Dad wiped my tears from my face with bloody hands. “Go ahead, sweetheart. Do it for Daddy. Pull the trigger.”And I did.

Kenya Wright always knew she would be famous since the ripe old age of six when she sang the Michael Jackson thriller song in her bathroom mirror. She has tried her hand at many things from enlisting in the Navy for six years as a Persian-Farsi linguist to being a nude model at an art university.
However, writing has been the only constant love in her life. Will she succeed? Of course.For she has been coined The Urban Fantasy Queen, the Super Iconic Writer of this Age, The Lyrical Genius of Our Generation. Granted, these are all terms coined by her, within the private walls of her bathroom as she still sings the Michael Jackson thriller song.
Kenya Wright currently resides in Miami with her three amazing, overactive children, a supportive, gorgeous husband, and three cool black cats that refuse to stop sleeping on Kenya’s head at night.Website ~ Facebook ~ TwitterTwitter~ YouTube ~ Goodreads ~ Amazon

Spotlight: Eden's Mark by D.M. Sears

Today on Out of Control Characters, I'm spotlighting the author of the most amazing book. I've had the chance to read D.M. Sears novel, Eden's Mark, the first in the Ellethny Series, and I have to tell you – this is one of the best fantasy books I've seen in a long time.



Bio:
D.M. Sears lives in Missouri with her daughter and one crazy cat. Her first paranormal fantasy, Eden's Mark, was recently published by Solstice Publishing. D.M. Sears is a Director of an early childhood center and bakes cupcakes on the side. She loves most genres of books and has just signed a publishing contract for Eden's Darkness, Book 2 in the Ellethny Series, which will be out Feb/March 2014. 


Blurb:
What would you do if you had to save a world you knew nothing about?
Eden Arik was a typical teenager who lived the typical teenage life...until the pale eyes showed up in her dreams. The birthmark, Eden had always ignored, burned at the new nightmares, raising questions about her past. Eden finds out she is more than a mere human that is destined to save a world she never knew existed. Her only solitude is the woods behind her house where she meets a mysterious stranger with steel eyes. With the help of her guardians, two unlikely shape shifters, and a vampire who can bring her to her knees with one glance, Eden goes on to search the secrets of her past, present, and future. Along her way to discovery, Eden comes across Circenn; her grandmother, consort to the Darkness and the evil magic he possess. Circenn will stop at nothing to bring Eden to the darkness so she can harness her granddaughter's limitless power. Seduction, power, and death pave the way towards Eden's destiny and the fate of Ellethny. 
TwitterFacebookEllethny Series WebsiteAmazon    
Excerpt:
I shivered. The cold seeped into my bones, weakening me, chilling me so deep I felt ice in my veins. All the exertion from running took all the energy I could muster, but I continued to run through the vast dark forest. Thick soupy fog covered the ground, increasing my difficulty. Branches scratched at my body, grabbing at my clothes, cutting deep in my flesh. Sweat poured down my forehead and into my eyes, blood mingled with my perspiration dripping to the ground. I was getting nowhere. Despite the fact that I was running…I was still so cold. My lungs felt heavy, ready to burst, as I took a lungful of air. To stop was to die; I pressed on, pushing the pain down, ignoring the fatigue that washed over my muscles. Someone or something followed me. My heart beat faster, harder, louder, as I looked around, not seeing anything except dark forest. Cold and unrelenting darkness smothered me, unforgiving, surrounded me on all sides enveloping me into its frigid embrace.
A feral growl echoed behind me, my body tense, waiting the attack. My vision useless, I tried to peer through the thick fog hoping to see something, anything. A gleam of white caught my attention. The thrall of those wicked pale eyes was drowning. Deep rage and a burning hunger for chaos and death flickered like a blue flame in those white nothing eyes. A shudder came over me; those eyes would devour everything in their path. I could only watch; my feet stuck in place unable to move as my fear surged on. The voided eyes closed on me, my heart raced, my skin prickled…I woke up. 

Le Fashionista … Not!

It's the Book of the Week – and this week it's all about Softly Say Goodbye!
 
Today, I'll be talking about the consequences of underage drinking. Why this subject? It's such a downer. Why can't I get on something more fun … like the latest craze in skinny jeans, or the cute tops that go with them? Why can't I focus on what's cool in piercings? Why talk about getting drunk and what can happen to you afterward? That's so down.


It sure is a downer. You'll probably roll your eyes and say this isn't something you need to think about. Why should you? It's just a little beer. Right? Drugs are a worse problem than booze. Right?Wrong on both counts. Alcohol is the worst problem teens face, according to S.A.D.D. (Students against Destructive Decisions). According to their website, nearly three-quarters of all teenagers (72%) have consumed alcohol before they graduate high school. This includes anything from a single sip to binge drinking. That's 7.2 students out of 10 who have had a drink. Still don't think it's a problem?


Let's explore what happens to you if you happen to get caught underage drinking. Then you can decide if that's how you want the rest of your life defined.



 So, you're at the hot party of the year. You're in a field, on a beach, hiding at a friend's house that happens to have the coolest parents in town. There's a keg, an open bar, a veritable treasure trove of cases of beer for everyone to grab without someone making you feel bad. And then suddenly, there are flashing blue lights everywhere. Cops are arresting everyone. For having a party. For getting drunk. Those cops must not have much of a life. They just ruined your fun.
  
Well … those cops probably have a hundred better things to do than run a bunch of drunken teenagers to the jail. Oh yes, that's right. You're going to jail. That means you get to make a brand new fashion statement.The first thing that you'll notice is how badly handcuffs fit around all your cool bracelets.


No more skinny jeans with a belly-revealing shirt to show off your navel piercing. Nope. All that goes into a bag, to be retrieved when you leave your new home. You get a wonderful, fashion friendly (if you love jail wear) jumpsuit, or pants and shirt, to put on. Now, no one looks good in orange, or vertical black and white stripes. Blue isn't too bad, but still – everyone else is wearing the very same thing!


After having the worst picture of your life taken by someone who doesn't care if your hair looks like you stuck your finger in a light socket, you'll have to think clearly enough to roll your fingers over a scanner. Then you get to sit in the drunk tank with the nasty bum from outside a local bar. Your next stop is the courthouse. A judge might take pity on you, since you've just had such a horrible experience but …


That's not likely to happen. Your best bet is the judge will give you community service. Oh yeah. You get to clean up trash along the highway with the other drunks. Better hope your friends don't hear about this. They'll probably drive by and get all these cool shots on their cameras to post on Facebook. Or tweet about your misery. Even worse, you're stuck with all these old people drunks. So not cool! Oh, did I mention how you get to advertise what you did?

Once you're finished with this, another reality really bites. You no longer have a driver's license – anywhere from six months to a couple of years. No more going up to the mall with your buds. No more hanging out just having a good time. After the embarrassment of what you just experienced, are you ready to look at that same judge for driving on a suspended license? I thought not.Unfair you say? Well, it just gets better and better. There is the little issue of a criminal record that can and will ruin your chances at a decent college or university. This record will probably also blow off that great career you had planned for the future.So, ask yourself this. Is it worth it now to head on over to that party? Are you ready to face the consequences of getting completely plastered? You won't find much pity from your parents, or the cops responding to the party, or EMTs called for the person who had way too much, or doctors and nurses. A judge is definitely not going to listen to your pathetic excuse that everyone does it. Your best bet to avoid this problem is stay away from the drinking parties.The book I wrote on underage drinking, Softly Say Goodbye, explores some of these issues, from the standpoint of one teen taking on the problem in her high school through social media.


Erin Sellers, an eighteen-year-old high school senior, hates teen drinking. She and her three friends – Bill, her guy, Shari and Jake - decide to use Twitter to stop a group, the Kewl Krew, from using their high school as the local bar. But the members of this group are just as determined to stop anyone from messing up their fun. Despite veiled threats to her safety, Erin continues her crusade. You can find Softly Say Goodbye here:
Amazon
  

KC Sprayberry started writing young, first as a diarist, and later through an interest in English and creative writing.Her first experience with publication came when she placed third in The Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge contest while in the Air Force, but her dedication to writing came after she had her youngest child, now in his senior year of high school. Her family lives in Northwest Georgia where she spends her days creating stories about life in the south, and far beyond. More than a dozen of her short stories have appeared in several magazines. Six anthologies feature other short stories. She has three books that are Amazon best sellers: Softly Say Goodbye, Who Am I?, and Mama's Advice. Her other novels available are: Take Chances, Where U @, The Wrong One, The Ghost Catcher, Family Curse … Times Two,Who Am I?, Grace, and Secret From The Flames.

Spotlight: J.J. DiBenedetto's Dream Box Set

 Included in this set are DREAM STUDENT, DREAM DOCTOR, DREAM CHILD, DREAM FAMILY and WAKING DREAM. In addition, you’ll find the short story BETTY & HOWARD’S EXCELLENT ADVENTURE starring Sara’s parents.  But most of all, when you open this box of dreams, you’ll find romance, suspense, humor and plenty of heart…Get the gift that Keeps On Giving... Sale Ends After the Holiday!The Dream Series Box SetA savings of $7.95 for the holiday season!
J.J. (James) DiBenedetto was born in Yonkers, New York. He attended Case Western Reserve University, where as his classmates can attest, he was a complete nerd. Very little has changed since then. He currently lives in Arlington, Virginia with his beautiful wife and their cat (who has thoroughly trained them both). When he's not writing, James works in the direct marketing field, enjoys the opera, photography and the New York Giants, among other interests. The "Dreams" series is James' first published work. Follow the Author via: Website - Amazon - Facebook - Twitter - Goodreads

Book of the Week - Grace

Welcome to this week's Book of the Week blog. I'm featuring Grace, a sweet story of family and a special holiday.


Blurb: Grace Winston yearns for one last family Christmas before she leaves for England, but first she has to convince her brothers and sisters it's worth their while to come home. While her parents are happy that she's been accepted at Oxford University, they are pining for their family to gather together for the holidays. Grace talks her older brothers and sister into coming home, but then they must convince their other siblings: a brother who attacked their father to get money to feed his drug habit, and a sister who recently gave up alcohol and is raising her four young children alone. While Grace manages to bring them all together, she is soon wondering if this was really worth all the trouble she's gone through, especially when no one acknowledges her efforts to make this a Christmas to remember--until she receives an early gift that leaves her certain that everything will turn out all right.


I've lived in quite a few places, grew up in California, spent eleven years in the Air Force, moving from California, to Texas, to Illinois, back to California, then over the Atlantic Ocean to Germany. After more than five exciting years experiencing the Christmas traditions of Europe, I returned to the United States, to Arizona, up to Colorado, and finally I settled in Georgia.


Everywhere I went, there were special traditions, but none have given me as much pleasure as those I discovered in the South. Family is first and foremost here, often requiring the preparation any bridal planner would find too much to handle, when one has to consider not only immediate family but also those extended members, or a spouse's family. It's not unusual for adult children to spend the whole day going from grandparents to great-grandparents, to parents, and then repeating the same routine for their husband's or wife's relatives.


The meals are coveted, with each person attending these gatherings working hard to bring their most special holiday dish, or perhaps a luscious looking dessert they discovered over the previous year.


Let's not forget the gift giving, a moment when the carefully decorated Christmas tree, with its loads of packages coming undone. There's not much more conversation than "Oh, it's great!" or "Just what I wanted!" and always includes everyone exclaiming "Thank you!"


Perhaps the best part of a Southern Christmas is the closeness. Nothing that has happened in the past is allowed to intrude on this gathering. Those who only exchange "Well, I never." during the year, will greet each other like they haven't met since the last Christmas. Forgiveness is rampant. So goes this sense of tradition in Grace, from the opening, to the reunion, to the ending that is a beginning of a far better future.

Spotlight: Skin Deep by Megan D. Martin

Title:  Skin Deep
Author:  Megan D. Martin Series:  #1 of The Eternal Forces Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance
Publisher:  Dragonfairy Press
Expected Release Date:   November 2013
What would you do to have the body of your dreams?

Kiera hates being overweight and hides behind thick layers of clothing. One night, her friends present an opportunity that seems impossible to believe. With a single spell, she can have the thin physique she's always coveted.

But all magic comes with a price: no sex or she'll revert back to her old body. Kiera accepts the cost. It's not like she has men lined up at her door. Obeying this one tiny rule isn't difficult at all—until the night she meets Cain, a were-tiger and a soldier with the Eternal Forces.

When a slew of unexplained murders forces Kiera and Cain together, they'll have to face the horrors of their pasts. Will Kiera realize she is worth more than her outward appearance? Or will she make the wrong the choice and lose everything—including her life?



About the Author Megan D. Martin is a multi-published author, mother, student and editor. In her spare time she enjoys decorating her house with strange things that do not match, playing her old school Nintendo Entertainment System, and buying fish for her many fish tanks.

You can find Megan on pretty much every social networking site that exists.
Website: http://www.megandmartin.com/
Blog: http://www.MeganDMartin.blogspot.comFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/authormegandmartinTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/Megan_D_MartinGoodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6656963.Megan_D_MartinGoogle+: https://plus.google.com/115096823539939478098/postsInstagram: http://instagram.com/meeegannVine: Meeegann

Review:

Kiera ran from a violent relationship, even though she believed her abuser was dead. Her weight and verbal abuse by just about everyone she's encountered gives her very low self esteem. She really doesn't believe that any man will love her for herself, and she makes a deal with a Gypsy that has a condition that makes her life even harder.Cain is a Weretiger, part of an enforcement squad in Maine. He's always heard of the feorh, but doesn't believe he has one. He lives with the specter of killing his own father during the Black Plague period and believes he will never find a woman to love.These people come together in a paranormal tale that speaks of a modern day Cinderella story, but not any Cinderella story I've ever read. I love this book. It has everything to hold a reader's interest. Great characters with serious flaws, a plot line that never falters, and a rocking ending. Megan D. Martin yanks the reader right into the story on the first page, showing us Kiera's defining moment, where she must survive yet another physical attack by her abusive boyfriend. The realism of the reactions, of the dialogue, and of the situation will hit home for anyone who has gone through this, in addition to how Kiera avoids relationships after moving far from where she was attacked. The meeting between Kiera and Kyle brings home how each of their insecurities hold them back. Additionally, the appearance of an old enemy to distract Kyle at a pivotal moment is done with ease and perfection.I highly recommend for everyone who loves onto only romance but also suspense.

Spotlight: Abomination by S Cu'Anam

Welcome today to S Cu'Anam Policar, author of Abomination! We're going to profile a few bits about this book, which sounds quite intriguing, and let you know where you can find her on the web. Don't stop until you reach the end of this post – there is a Rafflecopter where you can enter for a prize!


S.Cu'Anam Policar was born in Brooklyn, NY, but now lives in Washington State. The Mother of three she makes time to write, usually late at night.
An avid reader, she not only writes but helps promote other authors with blog tours and reviews of their books.
She is Pagan but respects all religions and believes everyone should celebrate their similarities and not worry about their differences.
When she has the time, she enjoys playing video games, horseback riding, singing, and writing things short stories.
She absolutely loves to make new friends so don't be afraid to come by and say hi on Facebook! 



Blurb:**This book contains course language, sex, death, and at least one scene some may find offensive. It is not recommended for readers under the age of 18**

I didn’t ask to be what I am.
I didn’t ask to be created.
Everyday my very blood wars against itself.
They don’t understand.
They didn’t save me.
They only turned me into an Abomination.

Born a wolf, created to be a monster. Katalina DarkLaw, daughter of the DarkLaw pack alpha, finds herself losing more and more of who she is with every day that passes. Leaving behind a trail of murder and blood, she flees from her pack, right into the arms of Silver Von'Dyre, perpetual bachelor and alpha of Von'Dyre pack.

Will his faith in her be enough to save her? Or, will she become the monster she fears she already is? 



Excerpt: Silver’s PoV  “Missie,” I addressed the only female in the batch of betas. “How about you take me to your brother, and then you and Vandyl can go visit your den?” I plastered on my best smile. Missie’s had a crush on Vandyl since we were pups.
Missie released her Tru’San. She looked like her brother. Trust me, on a female that was not a good thing. She looked like DarkLaw with tits; it was disturbing really. With her hooked nose, beady little eyes and hair in places no female should have hair, I cringed inwardly and I almost felt bad for what I was about to have Vandyl do… Almost.
She slithered up to Vandyl and practically threw herself at him. It was all I could do not to laugh at my poor second. Vandyl looked absolutely horrified. Bet that fucker never calls me “old” again after this.
“Really Vandyl? You finally ready to experience all of this?” Missie asked as she moved her pudgy hands over her bloated body.
Vandyl turned almost as green as his hair and looked to me for help. I winked to him and gave him a smirk.
“Oh yeah Missie, he’s been talking about getting up in there since I told him we were going to visit Chos.” I nodded for emphasis.
Vandyl’s cutting gaze shot daggers at me as he mouthed. “I’m going to fucking kill you, Silver.”
A snort escaped me. “Now you have the three musketeers over here take me to DarkLaw and Vandyl’s all yours.”
Her beady little eyes twinkled, I patted Vandyl on the back as Missie grabbed his wrist tightly in her meaty hand and dragged him away. I chuckled softly as I followed the three betas into the cover of the trees. 

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Southern Traditions Reflect A Love of Family

Many times, I've heard how the traditions of the South reflect only the ugliness of a past many want to forget or rewrite. Yet, after having lived in Georgia for nearly twenty years, I can say I have found far too many things there are to celebrate, especially the festivals.


Period costumes worn by men and women hosting these events take the viewer immediately back to that time.


Visitors often have the opportunity to observe crafts such asBasket weaving


Woodworking



Sweet tea, cornbread, and hush puppies aside, there are events around every Southern town year round, to look back and never forget what our past ways. These are a coming together of the community, a way to celebrate both the good and bad of our history.

Heritage Days, a festival conducted during the fall of each year is more than a celebration of the past. It's also for the present, and the future.
For two hours, visitors are treated to that famous Southern barbecue, done right there on the grounds of Marsh House.
There is one of the biggest attractions - barbecue done right there on the grounds!






What would those barbecued ribs or brisket be without any of the other Southern food traditions such as:Cornbread

Sweet Tea


And Hush Puppies


Music plays a huge part of our Southern traditions, almost as important as the food. The preferred music are the old songs, the rich melodies that praise the birth of a Savior.

One of these rich festivals is the backdrop for An Ordinary House. This story appears in both the print and e-book editions of Mystery Times Ten 2013.


Mystery Times Ten 2013 
A curse brought about by a shallow, bigoted ancestor for refusing the hand of a French Creole man in 1838, and then keeping his ring haunts Kylie Swanson. To enable her family to gain access to the ancestral home, Kylie must find the ring, as no Swanson woman can enter without being caught between the living and non-living. But Kylie is busy with an annual festival, and can't think of anything else, until someone entices her mama to go inside Delilah's House. Now, Kylie, and her guy, Michel, must find the ring, so she can return it to him, as he is one of the last of Henri DuBlucet's ancestors. Can Kylie do this, and all else expected of her, before the sun sets and her mama is doomed to stay in the house until another member of her family steps forth and vows to break the curse.KC Sprayberry started writing young, first as a diarist, and later through an interest in English and creative writing. Her first experience with publication came when she placed third in The Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge contest while in the Air Force, but her dedication to writing came after she had her youngest child, now in his senior year of high school.

Her family lives in Northwest Georgia where she spends her days creating stories about life in the south, and far beyond. More than a dozen of her short stories have appeared in several magazines. Six anthologies feature other short stories. She has three books that are Amazon best sellers: Softly Say Goodbye, Who Am I?, and Mama's Advice. Her other novels available are: Take Chances, Where U @, The Wrong One, The Ghost Catcher, Family Curse … Times Two,Who Am I?, Grace, and Secret From The Flames.

Please come back next week, when we'll talk about another of my books, Grace. 

Review: Dead Chaos by T.G. Ayer

Welcome today to T.G. Ayer and her book, Dead Chaos, to Out of Control Characters.



I have been a writer from the time I was old enough to recognise that reading was a doorway into my imagination. Poetry was my first foray into the art of the written word. Books were my best friends, my escape, my haven. I am essentially a recluse but this part of my personality is impossible to practise given I have two teenage daughters, who are actually my friends, my tea-makers, my confidantes… I am blessed with a husband who has left me for golf. It’s a fair trade as I have left him for writing. We are both passionate supporters of each other's loves – it works wonderfully…
My heart is currently broken in two. One half resides in South Africa where my old roots still remain, and my heart still longs for the endless beaches and the smell of moist soil after a summer downpour. My love for Ma Afrika will never fade. The other half of me has been transplanted to the Land of the Long White Cloud. The land of the Taniwha, beautiful Maraes, and volcanoes. The land of green, pure beauty that truly inspires. And because I am so torn between these two lands – I shall forever remain cross-eyed. 


Blurb

Valkyrie Bryn Halbrook is broken and damaged...
Struggling to accept the loss of her wings, Bryn's not sure if she can be a real Valkyrie anymore. But when a mysterious prophecy claims she will be the reason the All-Father dies, she is determined to ensure the prediction will not come to pass.
A visit to the three fates who live beneath the great Tree of life, sends Bryn racing against time to find the missing Heimdall and his horn. As Odin's life hangs in the balance and Ragnarok draws ever closer, Bryn has to find a way to save Heimdall and Odin before she can discover the truth about who she really is. 
In the thrilling conclusion of the Valkyrie series Bryn must battle not only the formidable frost giants and the hated God Loki, but she must also find a balance between what she will lose and what she will gain.

Excerpts

#1
Further down the table were a row of microscopes, and stacks of little jars containing blood samples. It horrified me to think that part of my body had undergone this extent of experimentation. As if I were a monstrosity.
“This is what makes Midgardians a barbaric race.” A voice penetrated the haze of violent anger that surged through me.

SmashwordsAmazon USAmazon UKAmazon AustraliaB&N     
Review: Bryn and her companions face many consequences from the attack and kidnapping in the previous tale. She must deal with the mutilations done by Aidan's father, Dr. Lee, and his apparent lack of concern for anything but the science of those acts. Loki, their old nemesis, returns to taunt Bryn at every turn, and Ragnarok approaches. Asgaard falls into turmoil as Ulfr, Warriors, and Valkyrie have no clue where to turn.T.G. Ayer brings us the third, and hopefully not last, installment in her Valkyrie series with a fast paced novel that jumps right into the action. Bryn has overcome her reluctance to be the Valkyrie descended from the famous Brunhilde, and is now accepting and being assigned more responsibilities. Her growth under Ayer's capable plotting draws the reader further into the action. Ayer exhibits her mastery of the craft by knowing when to slow the action, take a step back, and let the reader catch their breath.More and more, as I read this series, I'm reminded of why I love Norse mythology. This book was almost impossible to put down, and that was only accomplished by a low battery in my Kindle. I have definitely put T.G. Ayer and her Valkyrie series on my must read again list. 

Spotlight: Dysfunction Junction by April Erwin

Today, Out of Control Characters welcomes April Erwin, with her book, Dysfunction Junction. I've known April for many, many years, and helped her with the critique process on this book during this time. It's a wonderful story for those of us who are a bit larger than others, and about finding a good relationship!



Author Bio:Dream big, be bold, no fear! April Erwin is the author of humorous and inspirational contemporary stories that reflect her faith and the life motto created with her sister and best friend. A lifelong resident of Independence, MO, April loves living in her hometown surrounded by family and her Cocker Spaniel, Buddy. Raised in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, she's thrilled to achieve her dream to become a writer and use that to witness of her Christian faith. She holds an Associate in Graphological Science, the study of handwriting analysis, tutors dyslexic and reading challenged individuals, enjoys photography, is a singer/songwriter and records original music with her sister, Angel. Dysfunction Junction is her second published novel. 
What was school like for you?
I was a nerd! LOL. I loved school and couldn’t wait for it to start each year. I was also very shy around new people. Thankfully, I attended a very small private Christian school where I knew everyone, so there was seldom a problem. I was the peace maker and friend to the friendless. Mom always encouraged that. Sometimes that was hard and I didn’t enjoy it much, but I knew what it was like to be teased and not always accepted. I was always chubby and although intelligent, often naïve. I didn’t like to see others go through that too.
From Kindergarten through 6thgrade I attended Eagle Hills, a two room trailer that sat beside our church. There were no more than 3 teachers, each handling about 3 grades. I can say I know what a one room school house was like.
When the school shut down, my teacher recommended I skip the 7th grade. There was a new Christian private school being set up, but it wasn’t quite ready yet. I chose to Homeschool my 8th and 9th grade years. In 1992 Center Place Restoration School opened in Independence, MO and I was the first student enrolled.CPRS was K-12 and was a 3 story building. There were lockers, rotating classes and a teacher for every subject. I was petrified I would get lost. After attending for the first week I had to laugh at how ridiculous that idea was. It was bigger than my trailer school – but not disorienting! J
I loved my 3 years in CPRS, uniforms and all. I was involved with choir, drama and Student Council all three years, taking the role of President my senior year. I still do all I can to support and promote my alma mater. They’re a great school.
Give us an insight into your main character. What does she do that is so special?
Kianna is unique in a lot of ways – she’s twenty-six and never been kissed. She struggles with self-image issues due to her size and she’s just about given up hope on real love because of all the failed relationships she sees around her. On the other hand, those same things are what I hope also makes her identifiable to the reader.
One thing that makes Kianna unique is her willingness to take a leap of faith into the unknown. She agrees to pursue those things that scare her and in the process learns a lot about herself and life.
What is your favorite quote? 
“There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as if everything is.” - Albert Einstein 
What’s your happiest childhood memory?
Family vacations when we would all pile in the car and drive three and a half hours south to visit Branson, Missouri. The Ozark Mountains are beautiful and so peaceful. Our grandparents lived nearby as well. We’d watch ‘Shepherd of the Hills’ performed live in an outdoor amphitheatre, enjoy country music and gospel shows and visit the theme park just to name a few things. A big part of the fun was the car ride itself when we 5 kids and Mom and Dad would all sing songs together to kill time. Everything from oldies to hymns and camp songs – it’s still the best part of a road trip.
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Book Excerpt:“Kianna, you have such a pretty face, honey.” Miss Bertha examines me as she leans on her tennis ball capped walker.
        “If only you could lose weight.” Reaching out, she pats my ample tummy.
        My mouth turns to cotton. Oh, no she didn’t!
        I want so bad to respond, but words fail me. Heat creeps up my neck and floods my cheeks. Tears sting the back of my eyes as I glance around the church hall to see if anyone noticed this mortifying exchange.
        “You know, a pretty girl like you could have any man she wanted if she took care of herself.” Miss Bertha squints her eyes, as if she’s analyzing the amount of effort it would take to make me truly suitable. “Your blonde hair and brown eyes are actually attractive.”
        Actually attractive…I’m not sure if that counts as a compliment.
        “I’m sure you’re right.” I mumble, clamping my mouth shut on what I want to say—you mean old biddy!
        Miss Bertha shuffles forward and for a moment, her skirt looks like it is harboring a pack of wrestling puppies. And she thinks I need to lose weight? Isn’t that like the hippo calling the elephant fat?
        I look for something to distract the nosy busybody. It’s Sunday night at Christ’s Covenant Restoration Branch, my church home since I was a baby. I thought a missionary service would be the one place I was safe.
        Wrong. I wish Jason was here. My best friend since childhood, Jason Payne is like the big brother I never had. He always knows what to say or do to make a situation better, but he’s out of town and I’m on my own.
        “Did you enjoy the missionary slides?” I ask, as the line moves again.
        I want nothing more than to run away, but it would only give her more ammo. I hear her walker click as she moves forward a step with me.
        “Oh, yes. The last set especially touched my heart. Jim is such an angel to be ministering to all those children in Africa. Brings tears to my eyes.” The fore-mentioned drops slide out and ride the wrinkled crevices in her cheeks.
        Jim Noble is the hottest missionary I’ve ever laid eyes on. He also happens to be the sweetest. He attended the same church youth events with Jason and me for years and we all stayed good friends. That was before Jim grew into his ears and before his family moved to the mission field. It doesn’t matter. He’s not interested in me romantically. To him, I’m a friend. Like I am to every other male I know.
        “He is a good man.” I agree. “I think it’s amazing how God is working in the communities over there.”
        Her head wobbles in agreement. “Too bad he doesn’t have a wife to help him. He’s such a catch; I can’t imagine why he isn’t married yet. I told him so too, tonight.”
        I bet you did. “I’m sure he’s waiting for the right person.”
        I see Jim across the fellowship hall and feel a stab of sympathy. No one leaves a conversation with Miss Bertha unscathed.
        “You might find he’d look your way if you slimmed down.” She eyes my hips and raises an eyebrow.
        I bite my tongue. Oh, Lord. Get me out of here before I say something terrible.
        “Pardon me, Miss Bertha. I see someone I need to speak to.”
        I slide out of the refreshment line and speed walk across the room, ignoring the surprised and probably hurt look aimed at my back. Remembering the wrestling puppies, I slow down and fight the urge to smooth my shirt down over the back of my slacks.
        Heaven help me, but I can’t take anymore of Miss Bertha’s supposedly helpful advice. I’m fat and I know it, but patting my tummy in the middle of a packed social hall is about the rudest thing I’ve experienced yet. Following it up with an attempt at conditional matchmaking, well, that’s par for the course.
        A crowd still surrounds Jim, but he sees me, and waves. I’m surprised he notices me. I return his smile and wave back. Several of the women look surprised at the exchange. I can see the wheels turning in their heads, and after getting Bertha-d, I can’t bring myself to go over there.
        Not that any of them would be hurtful. It’s just the opposite. Some of the women think being single is the only requirement for a successful relationship and they will push me toward anything with testosterone and a bare ring finger.
        Chicken. I kick myself for letting Miss Bertha’s comments bother me so much, but they’re hard to ignore —mostly because, despite her tactless delivery, she’s right.
***
        Walking to my car, late August heat billows off the black top like a humid oven. I pull open the car door and slide behind the wheel. My cell phone vibrates from the seat beside me. I pull the phone out of my purse and check the caller ID.
        “Hi, Jason, I’m glad you called.”
        “Miss me?” His deep voice echoes with humor and immediately brings lightness to my heart.
        “Every day.”
        “Are you crying?”
         “No.” I hesitate, “Not anymore.” I can’t lie to Jason.
        “What happened?” He waits patiently in silence while I pull my thoughts together.
         “Honestly, I got Bertha-d and I’m really emotional right now.” I give him a brief outline of the night’s events.
        “I wish I could be there with you. I’m sorry I’m going to miss your birthday, but as soon as I’m back, I’m all yours.”
        “Thank you, Jase.” I lean back into the head rest and close my eyes. “I’m feeling a bit better already.”
        We say our goodbyes and I drop the phone back into my bag.         I feel calmer, but the questions and insecurities are still there. Jesus, If you have a plan to show me, now would be a good time. 

Kianna Ravencamp is twenty-six and never been kissed. That’s about to change…
Finding true love these days feels impossible, only dysfunction surrounds her. Her sister’s married to an abusive husband and marriages she’s admired for years are falling apart. Maybe relationships like her parent’s don’t exist anymore. She dreams of true love and a family, but she’s never even been kissed.
For her birthday, her best friend gives her a journal and dares her to follow her dream of songwriting and vocal lessons quickly follow. Kianna’s finally dared to dream big… if the three men in her life don’t get in her way.
Nick Steele, her new vocal partner is flirtatious and charming. Derek Simpson, the new vocal coach is asking her out for coffee. Even Jason Payne, a childhood friend is acting odd. For the first time in her life, she will have to navigate dating and flirtation. Will her inexperience be her downfall? How will these relationships affect her songwriting career? Letting go and trusting God is the only answer that brings the path to real love and success. 
You can purchase Dysfunction Junction at Museit Up Publishing:MuseItUp Publishing