Heidi Angell's Blog, page 28

Meet The Author with Elm Valle

Hello Lovelies,Have I got a fun author for you today! Elm Valle is a debut author who grew up in Central Europe mostly in Germany and Italy, since his father was in the US Army. After living abroad most of his life, he came back to California and earned his Bachelors in Psychology from the University of California at Davis, where he also commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army.  He spent the next 6 years in the Army as a Light Cavalry Scout with 10th Mountain Division. During this time, he also earned his Masters of Science in Business Administration from Central Michigan University. In 2002, he left the Army as a Captain. Since then he has worked primarily in Supply Chain.Elm has a passion for life and enjoys all aspects of it to include writing, playing guitar and piano, and learning new languages.Doesn't he sound AWESOME! Alright, lets get into the interview! Welcome to An Angell's Life Elm!First of all, I would like to thank Heidi for the opportunity to be a guest on her wonderful site! I didn’t want to much to promote my new book, Soul Ascension, as much as I wanted to share my insights with my fellow authors/readers.Well, we are thrilled to have you. Let's jump right in! What is one great lesson you have learned as a writer?My Writer’s Answer: I have lived in over 12 countries and visited a dozen more because of the military lifestyle; and I can truly say that as writers, musicians, and artists, you have the privilege and opportunity to change the world profoundly.  The thoughts you put onto paper, whether in a book, a poem, a song, or music, defines our current generation and becomes your legacy; forever written in the human compendium. There are few times in anyone's life that they will truly touch someone else's – but through your work, you bring inspiration, provide hope, elicit love, fear, sorrow, and laughter to others.  I once read that we breathe in life and we breathe out poetry.  You, the writers of our generation breathe life into the worlds that you create. This is the greatest lesson I have learned as a writer is that we, as a collective of writers, can make a difference.My Real Answer: Um, marketing my book really sucks! No one wants to read it! No really, not even my relatives read it. Sigh!Oh sweeties, I am so sorry to hear that your family won't read what you write. Don't feel bad. Most of my family hasn't either. I think it is kind of like that old saying "No one recognizes a prophet in his own land." Don't worry, you will find your niche! I love the multiple answers approach! Let's roll with this!What inspires you?My Writer’s Answer: Whenever I see others succeed and persevere despite adversity - that inspires me. But what really inspires the most is human temperance and self-sacrifice. The ability to be selfless and compassionate are traits I try to work on every day. It is difficult, but when I see others exhibit these traits, I am inspired to become more like them. I am inspired to be a better person and hopefully it comes out in my writing and music. Lastly, nature inspires me as well, and all of its grand simplicity and beauty.My Real Answer: A million dollars??!! (shrug) Wait, might as well make it two million, cause I will need the money to advertise my book more…damn pay-per-click scheme.Ha, ha! Didn't I tell you guys he was fun? What is your next project?My Writer’s Answer: I have two ideas in mind: One potential book is called Timeless, and there is actually an excerpt on my blog. It is about a female writer who is struggling with writer’s block that meets this adventurous self-centered bad boy. They inadvertently and predictably fall in love but they will be going through some difficult times before that happens. The other project I was contemplating is a bunch of mini-stories from real soldiers deployed overseas.My Real Answer: (Thinking to myself) Are you serious? A love story?? Yeah, your father (he was a drill sergeant) would be so proud!Soldiers are allowed to love too, just with that stiff upper lip, right? What is the current book you are promoting?My Writer’s Answer:  I started writing Soul Ascension, A Journey of Insights, way back in 1999 (damn I feel old).  It is a book about simple yet profound insights based on my experiences. I tried to make the book as simple and fluid as possible. It is a quick read at 136 pages. The great thing about this book is that it’s not long, complicated or written in an academic way. I deliberately made it short and super simple in an effort to expand its reach and ensure it can touch the lives of as many people as possible, all around the world. It reads in exactly the same way my audience thinks. An important point to note is that I don’t directly give readers the answers they’re seeking – but instead the inspiration and space they need to deploy their own inner strength and figure things out for themselves. This is so much more life-changing than telling people what to do, directly.My Real Answer: Psstt…you should go buy it. You know you want to…yes? No? Please!Well, I hope I answered your questions, if not, at least provided some mediocre entertainment. But in all seriousness, I appreciate this opportunity. Lastly, to all my fellow authors: Keep Writing, Never Give Up! And always remember…. whether you believe it or not, you are making a difference in someone’s life!Thank you so much for joining us Elm! You have a delightfully self-effacing style and if that carries over to your book, then I am sure it will be a delight to read as well!Want to learn more about Elm and his books? Then head on over to his websitewww.Soul-Ascension.comWant more of Elm's cheeky sass? Then you will definitely want to follow hisblog here. You can grab a copy of his bookSoul Ascensionon Amazon for only $2.99Until next time,Keep Reading!

Songs

Sing Songs.Songs of gladness,bang the bongs.Songs of sadness,for hearts that long.Sing songs in rhymes,bang the chimes.Hallelujah to happier times!Sing songs of joy!Hit it, Roy!Praises to our little boy.Sing songs like Pearl,give it a whirl.Happiness for a little girl.Sing songs of death.Pray for us Beth,as we gather to mourn a sudden death.Sing songs of praise,an end to all those sad earth waysand moving on to happier days.Until next time,Keep Reading!

What Would You Like To See Next?

Hello Lovelies,Well, I have been getting some feedback from many different places on what I should work on next, so here I am compiling a short list of proposals for you to vote on. I really do appreciate your input! All of these projects are projects I am passionate about, so it makes it really hard for me to choose! Let me know your thoughts.As you know, The urban fantasy series, The Hunters, which is a series for those who believe vampires should be killed, not kissed, is getting the second book released this fall (Just before Halloween, quite fitting, right?!)So we currently have The HuntersAnd The Hunted will be out soon.Shall I get started on the third book in this series?Or, I also have two books out in my paranormal detective series The Clear Angel ChroniclesShall I get started on the third book, which is beating around in my head?I also have the second book in the YA contemporary literary series Hell School, which is a project I am very passionate as it is based on my real life experiences.But then one of my fans asked "Hey, whatever happened to that Zombie/ contagion book you did for Nano a few years ago?" Well, long story short, I lost it in the move. I was going to re-write it, but then it felt like Zombies were being over-done and taking a turn to ROMANCE... Um, so yeah. I figured I would try it again in a decade or so when people came back to their Zombies-are-for-killing senses! But what are your thoughts? I have seen some good slash-um Zombie books come out just this year. I'll let you decide?Lastly, someone proposed a poetry book based on all the poems I share. Anyone else want a poetry book?Let me know what ideas make you giddy, what you wouldn't mind, and what you absolutely hate, in the comments below!Until next time,Keep Reading!

Meet Author Erica Tucci

Hello lovelies,I am so delighted with our guest today. Erica and I have been Facebook friends for awhile now and I am always so impressed with her wisdom, gentleness, and poise!Erica Tucci had a full life as a corporate manager of a Fortune 500 company, a healing arts business owner and an author. It all came to a screeching halt in June 2011 when she had a stroke. During her recovery, she gained much wisdom about what’s really important in life. Although she was a Reiki master, massage therapist and life coach as well as a corporate cog, she realized that her passion was her books. Her hope now is that the messages of her books will be an inspiration for others, young and old. Her most recent venture has been her Sarah’s Gift series, chapter books for 7-12 year olds about a young girl with psychic abilities, which speak to the children with special gifts, helping them deal with different life situations. Her other books include Moms and Their Young Spirited Boys (1998), Anything is Possible, a novel based on a true love story (2011), Zesty Womanhood at 40 and Beyond (2011), Radiant Survivor (2013 - Amazon bestseller), and most recently the first book of the Sarah’s Gift series Standing Up for Yourself (2016 - Amazon bestseller). The second book Believing In the Magic was released July 18. I will be posting a review sometime in August, so keep your eyes out for it! In the mean time, let's get on to the interview!Hello Erica, how are you?I’m doing quite well. I’m still working on my recovery from the stroke that I had in 2011, but I just take it one day at a time, knowing that I will fully heal. And of course, I keep myself very busy with my writing.I am delighted that you were able to take time to join my readers today! What is the current book you are promoting?Believing In the Magic (Book 2 in the Sarah’s Gift series)Who is your favorite character in your book and why?Sarah, since she’s modeled after me so I can really relate to everything she feels and encounters.Who is your least favorite character and why?The freckle-faced pug-nosed boy in chapter 10 who makes fun of Leila, Sarah’s friend. He’s obnoxious and represents the kind of person that taunts anyone who is different, which both Sarah and Leila are. Since Sarah knows what it’s like to be teased by her peers, she protects Leila from him and others like him.What inspired this book?I think I will talk about the Sarah’s Gift series instead of just one book of the series. Earlier this year, I encountered my inner child who felt like she wasn’t getting the attention she needed. So I gave her a vehicle through which she could speak her piece: the written word. Through the childhood stories that she reminded me of, came the memory of Bear, who came to me in a dream when I was six years old. So when I found Dr. Steven Farmer’s Children’s Spirit Animal Cards, I used them as the basis for the series since each card is of an animal and its “spirit” message. Animals have messages for us all that can help guide us in our lives. In my first book of the series Standing Up for Yourself, Bear helps Sarah to develop confidence in herself, to believe in herself and stand up to the school bully she encounters. In the second book Believing In the Magic, Crow comes to Sarah and Leila to teach them that their thoughts have power and that they need to believe in the magic that is all around, that they can manifest anything that they desire.Very cool concept. What is your next project?The third book of the series, which will be based on Coyote. It will be co-authored by a twelve year old girl who can see spirits and auras. My plan is to have several books in the series co-authored by youngsters. I think this will add a nice quality to the series since it’s written for 7-12 year olds, and will give budding young writers the chance to get their work published.Wow, it is awesome that you are giving kids a chance to share in the creative process. I use my psychic Clear Angel to highlight "differently-abled" people as well. Sometimes it is easier to address these difficult topics in fiction and have people be more open-minded.If there was one thing you could do to change the world, what would it be?To instill love into everyone’s hearts so that there would be no more separation and dissent among people.Wouldn't that be great? How do you write your books?I don’t follow the rules about disciplining oneself to write at a certain time each day or a certain number of words. I just write when I choose to do so. I am disciplined enough in my own way that when I have a deadline to meet (usually self-imposed since I work for myself), I will do what it takes to meet it. But since I had my stroke in 2011, I have also learned to pace myself so I don’t get stressed out. And if I find myself getting overwhelmed, I step back and take a break. I try to get out in nature as much as I can during my work hours to breathe creativity into my being, however, summers in Houston Texas are unbearably hot and humid, so I have to be satisfied with just looking out the window as I work. :-)Ha, ha, the hot humid summers are one thing I DO NOT miss since leaving the South! Where do you come up with your stories?Like most authors, my stories, whether they’re for a non-fiction or a fiction book, are from my own life experiences. My first book Moms and Their Young Spirited Boys (1998) came from my concern about being able to raise boys and having to deal with their masculine energy. My novel Anything is Possible (2011) is a love story based on my own encounter with a wonderful man who is still present in my life. The complete story behind the novel is fascinating since I manifested the story into reality nine years after I started writing it. I wrote my book Radiant Survivor (2013) two years after my stroke. It’s a compilation of stories of me and 14 other “survivors” of life-altering experiences, and the lessons that I learned as I traveled down the road to recovery (which I’m still on). And of course Sarah’s Gift series (2016) is based on my childhood memories.Tell us something unique about you:Hmmm, if I tell you this, I don’t want you to think I’m crazy. :-) I often feel that I am not of this planet. I feel like I come from somewhere else in the universe. I am introverted and often feel uncomfortable being around others socially, much like Sarah in Sarah’s Gift. If I’m performing on stage something that I know well (I was a pianist and dancer in my younger years, and a successful speaker in my corporate years), I’m fine, but put me in a social environment and I clam up somewhat.I do better in front of groups than one on one too! We are all weird in our own unique ways. I say, embrace the things that make us unique! Thank you so much for joining us today Erica, it has been a delight! For those who want to know more about Erica, visit herwebsite. Want to keep in touch with Erica? Follow her onFacebook,Twitter, orLinkedin.Who loves goodies? Me too!! Well, this delightful interview was a part of Erica's release tour and as such, she has graciously offered up 10 Copies of the first book in the series, Standing Up for Yourself, winner’s choice Kindle or Paperback.Enter herefor your chance to win.And keep your eyes peeled for my review of Sarah's Gift, Believing in the Magic coming in a week or so!Until next time,Keep Reading!

Poetry Corner: I Do

I want someone to love.​​Someone I can take care of.Someone who will love me too.That won't treat me like his old gym shoe.The one who, when the time comes,Will say "I love you" and"I do."Until next time,Keep Reading!

Book Review: The Grotto's Secret by Paula Wynne

Genre:Historical Conspiracy ThrillerSynopsis:for fans of Glenn Cooper, Kate Mosse and James RollinsA healing herb kept secret for centuries. A TV show host who stands to lose everything.Castile de Granada, 1492: Risking her life, Spanish author Ana-María de Carbonela vowed to keep an unknown yet powerful healing herb’s location hidden. It remained a secret …Until now.TV show host Kelby Wade is forced into the search when her niece is targeted by the relentless assassin who killed her brother. She is pursued on a perilous quest, from a grotto in rural Andalusia to a bizarre hospital in Surrey, to uncover the mystery found between crumbling sheets of parchment in the ruins of a rural Spanish farm.In a race against a conspiracy who want the herb’s power, she struggles to piece together the puzzle and follow the trail her brother left to trace the mysterious plant before the deadly conspirators locate it.It’s only a matter of time before the ancient secret gets exposed ...My Take:I received an advanced reader copy, pre-editing, so I won't comment on grammar and style, even though I will preface by saying that may have really pulled me out of the story and made it harder for me to enjoy.I enjoyed the back story of Maria and her Madre, but I wanted more details of that world. The historical part was a bit thin. Accurate to many degrees, but very thin. Now I want to go find a good book that takes place during the Spanish Inquisition and really gives me the nitty gritty of life for a woman like Madre. Such a tease!The modern story was not as appealing for me. At the beginning I was kinda rooting for the bad guy because he is stalking and murdering the Italian version of Paris Hilton. I didn't feel bad. (Yes, that probably says a lot more about me than the author, but I do not like celebrity personalities.) And given that Kelby is a part of that same world, I had a hard time connecting with her. It is hard to care about her story, if you don't care about her.I liked the story of her brother Gary. He was a cool character. I want to read the book that actually talks about his experience. That would have been a much cooler book. Kind of reminiscent of Dirk Pitt, but on land. Unfortunately, I know how his story ends and that would be a bummer.I liked Dr. Roy Robson, but their chemistry bugged me. Maybe because I liked him and I didn't like her, I didn't want to see it work. I just like a stronger protagonist. Kelby didn't feel particularly strong to me. She was being led along, and only dumb luck (or possibly some spiritual hoo-joo) kept her alive.  Even the greatest scene where she had a chance to show me her mettle ended up feeling accidental.It goes against my need for control, and my need to believe that I have power over my destiny. This felt even more heightened when the author drew parallels between what happened to Maria and what was happening to Kelby.Despite all of that, the author created an interesting conspiracy in the pharma world where people are being murdered to prevent them from discovering a wonder plant with remarkable healing properties that would bring the pharma industry to it's knees. I found that part of the story very compelling and would have loved to see more of that.There was a lot going on in this story, and there were parts I really enjoyed, and parts that were just ho-hum. I can't say that there was anything that made me hate the book. I just didn't love it. I was expecting more focus on the big conspiracy and the historical piece, with a dab of romance . I didn't care for the bizarre added tales of the stalker, or the contract killer who seemed to have his own interesting and dark tale.The story was too messy and that troubled me. Part of that was to pull in some red herrings, I suspect, and part of it was probably because the author didn't know where the story was going either.  This is another example of how indie authors can create stories that wouldn't normally get published as they are because they don't fit neatly into genre lines. If you like messy complex stories with lots of extraneous story threads all coming together in an almost, but not quite, Deus Ex Machina moment of improbability, then this is definitely the story for you. Grab a copy ofThe Grotto's Secretfrom Amazon and enjoy your ride. I prefer my stories to be a bit more clean and for the protagonist to have a bit more influence rather than being the unexpected hero through fate.Have you read the Grotto's Secret? What are your thoughts? Let me know in the comments below.Until next time,Keep Reading!

Meet the Author Monday with Charlene Jones

Hello Lovelies,Today we have the wise and wonderful Charlene Jones with us. I had the privilege of meeting Charlene during the B2B Cycon back in April and she is a delight!Well, I will turn the time over to Charlene!Hi Heidi and thank you for this opportunity to appear on your website. I am so pleased to be here.One of the questions you asked me is what place I might like to visit and I have to say, Greece. It would be a return since I first put foot on Greek soil in 1971 while traveling with my high school friend.Tim and I had spent a difficult time in Turkey, and jumped at the chance to join a young American named Jeffrey in his VW van. You have the picture in mind, I’m sure, complete with bell bottoms, embroidered shirts, and hearts full of visions.We crossed through Thessalonika, with Jeffrey and Tim filling my mind with battles won and huge victories, but what I recall most vividly was singing. I believe we sang “every song that driver knew,” to quote Janice Joplin.The light in Greece refracts differently, with more clarity and more vibrant colors than anywhere else. The Aegean Sea slaps fast and high over splotches of algae that bloom green, purple, aqua, sky blue, sending colors ricocheting through your eyes.The Greek people at that time had such a relaxed attitude, Den Peirazie, they’d say, meaning “later, don’t worry now.” They encouraged me, a tightly wired young North American to relax and have fun, enjoy the great food, music and natural beauty. It was a great trip.You posed an intriguing question with which person in history I’d like to have been. I’m not sure I’d like to have been her, but Eleanor of Aquitane, with her bare-breasted aristocratic women flying the English flags high above their war clad horses, marching down upon Henry the 2nd as he prepared to go Crusading in the Middle East, that moment has a particular appeal. She did join her husband in his Eastern quest and created more historic stir when she conjured a traitorous plot, with their sons, against Henry. Her motives? Some say jealousy since Henry’s wandering eyes had lit upon a young lady of the Court.From writing, what great lesson have I learned? To keep learning. Although I have graduate degrees in teaching writing and therefore have studied writing from many sides and angles I’m open to learning what others have discovered since my University days. So many people now teach writing, we are very fortunate.I feel particularly blessed since with so many others engaged happily in teaching writing, I feel free to just get on with the writing.If I might never write again I’d relapse to my pre-writing position: Chief Story Teller. I love to tell stories, and have been told I do so fairly well.That is one thing about me, although  you have asked for something unique. I think I’ll save my response to this for my memoir, due out in early 2017. It’s called My Impossible Life. Read it and you’ll understand the title.Thanks again Heidi for this fun opportunity and I look forward to working with you on this year’s B2BCyberCon! We had so much fun last year. Cheers for now!Thank you for joining us, Charlene! A pleasure, as always! This woman's powerof description is vivid, right? Want to learn more about Charlene Jones? Visit her website atSoul Scienceand check out her books, The Stain, a novel, and Medicine Buddha/Medicine Mind a non-fiction work.Until next time,Keep Reading!

Confused

Have you ever been lonely and had nowhere to go?Have you ever been forgotten and felt so very low?I don't understand why you don't love me, the way that I love you.Can't you see through my eyes that my love is very true?You never take the time to know that I exist.Yet, I thought you cared for me, since our first kiss.Now I stand broken-hearted. All I can do is cry.The only question in my head, is that I am wondering why:Why don't you care?Why aren't you there?The only thing I do is wait by the phone.Crying as I feel all alone.Why am I easily hurt whenever I fall in love?The only one who can answer is the one who stands above.Now I stand confused.Until next time,Keep Reading!

Book Review: Journey of the Marked: Miyran Heir by Rebecca P. McCray

Genre:Science FictionSynopsis:The mark means honor. The mark invites death. On a distant planet, Eros thrives in the Human settlement he calls home. Raised to follow his grandfather's noble footsteps, he studies the details of each species that co-exist here. But when the mark appears, he's called to fight, which changes his life forever.Forced to abandon his home, the mark makes him the hunted. He's attacked the night he arrives in the city. A tough, street fighter named Kenrya saves his life. When they join others on the same journey, her cynical attitude drives a wedge between the group.Given the perils facing them, can they put aside their differences and trust each other long enough to survive?Discover this epic adventure where an individual's unique abilities can change the course of the future.My Take:AKKK!! I am so upset! I thought there were more books in this series! It is KILLING me waiting to read the next book! Seriously, I loved this book so much that I am sooooo excited for the next book in the series. I love the way the author creates so many fantastical species who have all come together to live on this one planet. The concept of the story is thrilling, the characters are delightful, and the way they come together and trying to figure out why is so exciting! There is not a character in this book that I don't love, I even love to hate the creepy villain!Despite how fantastical the story is, it is believable. Each species is unique and beautiful in their own way. I absolutely adore Tip, with his sweet curiosity. I can't help but picture him as my son. The personality is almost a perfect match. Eros is delightful, a nice balance of wisdom and open-mindedness. I get Kenrya. Azetan kind of reminds me of a young version of Kwai Chang Caine. Prizine is a fiesty yet delicate creature.I would love to see this as a movie! I will be buying the book for my 12 year old for a back to school present. (Because any excuse to gift a book is a good excuse!)Yep, I am totally fangirling. Cannot wait for the second book to come out, and count on seeing that review as well!Do you want to read Journey of the Marked: Miyran Heir? Grab a copy fromAmazonfor only $3.99Until next time,Keep Reading!

Meet Author Madeline Antonia Rosenberg

Hello Lovelies,Today we are meetingMadeline Antonia Rosenberg, who is a new adult contemporary romance author. She enjoys drinking overpriced flavored coffee, reading contemporary romance novels (duh), and writing and watching endless amounts of TV. (Don't judge!)I am definitely looking forward to this interview, with a girl who is after my own heart! Let's get to it.How are you?I’m great thank you!What is the current book you are promoting?Hot Mess is a contemporary new adult romance. It is the first novel in the Tragic Love Series. It is an addicting read that you will not want to put down! It follows young adults through their journey of heartbreak and finding themselves.Who is your favorite character in your book and why?That’s a tough question, because I definitely love different aspects of all my characters. My favorite would have to be Anna – I based her off of myself so I definitely relate to her most. She seems a bir cliché at first, but she is forced to grow up towards the end of the story.Ha, I totally understand loving all your characters! If your book were made into a movie, who would you cast?This would be my dream come true! I would love for Emma Roberts to play Anna- she is an amazing actress and I believe she would be perfect for the role. Trevor would be played by Jesse McCartney- I have been a huge fan of him since he was in Dreamstreet and on Summerland. I believe he would play the perfect brooding character. Tanya Rosen would be played by Julianne Hough- she has the looks and acting skills to play the cliché popular girl who is secretly insecure. Benji Shaw would be played by Colton Haynes. I think that he would play the part perfectly- a playboy with a vulnerable side.Jaden Shaw would be played by Ashley Benson. She has been on the hit show, Pretty Little Liars, for years which is the same genre as Hot Mess. I think that she would play the part of a wild teenager at boarding school perfectly.Wow, you have really put some serious thought into this! Someone, get this in front of Hollywood! How do you write your books?I write on my computer, phone and sometimes pen and paper (last resort)I love finding multi-tasking writers like myself! We are so few and far between! What is one great lesson you have learned as a writer?Bad reviews are actually a good thing, because your book is not going to be for everyone. It's important to have diversity in your reviews, if you have only positive reviews people will think they are fake.Thanks for joining us today Madeline. It was a delight! Do you want to learn more about Madeline?Follow her onFacebook, on InstagramhotmessTLseries,Twitter. Learn more about whatMadeline likes to read by following her onGoodreads.Want to give Hot Mess a try? Grab a copy fromAmazon for only $3.99, or free through Kindle Unlimited!Until next time,Keep Reading!