Mia Darien's Blog, page 26

Character Interview: Janine McCaw & Helena LaRose from “Helens-of-Troy”

Please welcome today, Janine McCaw and Helena LaRose from Helens-of-Troy!

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Mia: What is the name of the book where we’ll find you? Can you tell us a little about it?

Helena: The book I’m featured in is called “Helens-of-Troy”. It’s an eBook, and it can be found at all the usual places, like Amazon, Kobo, Sony, iTunes and more. Sure, there’s a bit of an issue with a vampire murdering the children in town, but it’s really a story about relationships.

Mia: Tell us a little about yourself. Where do you fit into the story? What should we know about you?

Helena: My name is Helena LaRose. I am a Naturopath in the town of Troy. At least that’s what the sign in my office says. I’m really a demon fighter. I get that from my own mother. That’s the secret we LaRose women share from generation to generation. My own daughter, Helen, she’s not too big on it. We don’t really get along, Helen and I. Sometimes that happens in families. We managed to keep our distance until my granddaughter Ellie started having visions, and Helen got divorced for the umpteenth time. Now they’re both living under my roof. It’s fun having teenage Ellie around, but Helen…not so much. It probably didn’t help that there was a dead body on the porch the night they arrived.

Mia: What do you think of the author? Be honest. We won’t tell.

Helena: She spends way too much time on Twitter (@mc_janine). I’ve been trying to tell her about this problem that’s occurring on Ellie’s friend Jacey’s street, but she’s not paying much attention right now. I’m going to have to slap her silly. She’s a lot like Helen. Scorpios can be so stubborn. She does let me wear whatever I want though, so I guess I should give her some credit for that. Other people don’t always get my fashion sense. If I want to wear Victoria’s Secret to mow the lawn, well that’s just what I’ll do.

Mia: How do you feel about the story you’re in?

Helena: I never get bored, that’s for sure. One minute I’m cleaning my house for the arrival of my girls, and the next thing I know my neighbor’s son is arrested for murder. I get the sense Ellie knows a lot more than she’s letting on, but then again so does Helen. This isn’t going over very well with my boyfriend Roy, who happens to be the Chief of Police. I don’t know how to tell any of them about the vampire I just kicked out of the house. You know that dead spot in the back lawn? Fertilizer’s not going to help much.

Mia: Do you like being a character in the book?

Helena: Hellsbells, yes! I probably wouldn’t like it much if I was a minor character, but I’m the KICK-ASS DEMON KILLER! Seriously, can it get any better than that for a woman of my age? (And we’re not going to talk about my real age, okay?) You can email me if you like, Helena@helens-of-troy.com . We can chat more there.

Mia: How do you see your future? Without giving anything away about the story, naturally.

Helena: Have I told you how much I hate the holidays? This whole business with the murders started on Halloween. I’m going to have to deal with the “Nightmare on Jacey Street” right in the middle of Thanksgiving dinner, and then I have to go visit my own mother for Christmas. It’s not like I’ve been invited. I’ve been summoned. That’s never good.

Mia: What do you know about your author’s plans? Can we expect to see you in any future stories?

Helena: If I survive until the New Year, you will. I don’t even want to think about Valentine’s Day. Roy and I aren’t getting along too well at the moment. And then there’s that whole massacre thing to worry about.

Mia: Let’s say they make a movie about this book. Who do you want to play you, and why?

Helena: A movie? Really? About the Helens? I’ve never given it much thought. (I am SUCH a liar). I see a brunette Dolly Parton playing me, but my friend thinks Susan Sarandon. Then again there’s this goth’d up picture of Roseanne Barr on the web, and I do have quite the mouth at times. Whoever it is would have to be able to handle comedy, because that’s what gets me through it all. We’d need a cute little “Goth-Chic” to play Ellie (someone like Kenzi on Lost Girl) and you could just head on over to STUCK-UPS-R-US to cast Helen. Problem solved.

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Author Bio: HELENS-OF-TROY is the second novel completed by Janine McCaw. For the Vancouver-based novelist it is the continuation of a dream, and the fruit of years of working in a different creative realm.

McCaw’s deep understanding of compelling plots, widely appealing characters, natural dialogue and strong story arcs comes directly out of her early career in the film and television industry. McCaw’s skills as an observer started early when her family uprooted from the City to small town Ontario – and she became the classic fish out of water. Writing down her thoughts became an outlet as she scribbled her way through childhood, while she also developed her observational skills and visual eye with photography. A die-hard hockey fan, McCaw studied Cinematography at Humber College, and was headed for a career as a cameraperson covering professional sports when she landed an internship in a broadcasting services company.

McCaw excelled in the television distribution arena. She joined Thomas Howe & Associates and moved with that company to Vancouver, where she distinguished herself with her talent for identifying the right product for the right market, and her people-skills in negotiating contracts. After furthering her professional development with several high-profile Canadian entertainment companies, she parlayed her reputation as a leading Cable Programming specialist into her own boutique firm. Formed with a partner, Dark Horse Ent. specialized in finding, and selling, niche Canadian television series – entertainment, information and variety – around the Globe. McCaw also acted as an independent executive producer on award-winning television Classic Car series, CHROME DREAMS, and as a distributor for series including ENTRÉE TO ASIA, and AT HOME WITH HERBS.

In high demand as an insightful, humorous and engaging guest speaker, juror and analyst for festivals and trade forums around the country, McCaw also spent large amounts of time traveling abroad to television markets. Writing relieved the stress of constantly being on the road. Increasingly, she turned her main hobby into outlines for novels, and finished fleshing out the characters, plot and dialogue for OLIVIA’S MINE, a fictional account of a young bride’s struggle to make a life for herself against the backdrop of the disasters that hit Britannia Beach, British Columbia in the early 1900s. The book was released in 2006 and continues to be sold at the British Columbia Museum of Mining.

HELENS-OF-TROY was released early in 2012. McCaw is also currently developing eight other stories for novel form. All set on the Pacific North West and in Canada’s North, they include the murder mystery A LITTLE FIRST DEGREE, a feel-good trilogy THE INN AT HAZY WATERS (Northern Exposure meets Fantasy Island), and PUMPER an action romance that has already garnered interest as the basis for a feature film.

Buy Link: Amazon

Buy Link: Barnes & Noble

Buy Link: Kobo

Ten Questions with… Raynetta Stocks

Today I’m happy to welcome Raynetta Stocks to answer Ten Questions!

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Author Bio: Raynetta Stocks was born in Washington D.C. in August 1981. She excelled early at reading and writing, passions that endured and thrived into adulthood. She honed her skills entering literary contests and writing plays and prose for various extracurricular groups in both high school and college. Having already published a co-authored collection of prose titled Barely Breathing in 2005, Raynetta embarks upon her first solo effort, The Grim, a gritty and empowering novel about a young woman’s struggle with PTSD.  She now resides in Maryland with her family.

Author Site: http://www.raynettastocks.com

You can find her books at her website, on Amazon and at Barnes & Noble!

 

 

About the Writer

1. What five words describe you?

Fun-loving, nurturing, laidback, social, romantic

2. What was the first story you ever wrote? I mean the really bad one we all have that you’re trying to hide in the back of closet now that you’re published?

Haha! My first story ever was supposed to be a series, Babysitter’s Club style, about a group of adolescent animals that perform odd jobs around their town. They had weird names like Deerito Deer and Buster Bunny! I eventually scrapped the whole thing when I realized I was having these 12-year old animals face obstacles too heavy for the typical preteen.

3. What inspires you?

In a word: life. I like to talk about things that are often brushed under the rug, issues that rub people the wrong way. If we bring these ideas to the forefront, I think we’ll find these issues are more common than we’re willing to admit.

4. What distracts you?

When I’m writing, noise is my kryptonite. The story has to play out like a movie in my head, and then I write exactly what I see. It’s hard to think clearly when kids are running in and out of the house, and your boyfriend’s bugging you about what’s for dinner.

5. What’s your favorite story? This can be specific, as in a particular book or even story-driven movie, or general, like “I’m a sucker for a hero looking for redemption story.”

My favorite story is “Desiree’s Baby” by Kate Chopin. It’s a short story but packs so much punch. In general though, I love stories that hit you with that wild twist you weren’t expecting. Fantastic!

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About the Writing

1. Tell us about your currently available titles.

My newest release is The Grim, which follows Jaycee Baynes, single mother and convicted murderer, through her tumultuous stay at an in-patient psych ward. Unable to remember the horrendous events that incarcerated her, she is haunted daily by the presence of her bullet-riddled ex-lover, without whose help, she will undoubtedly never be freed. Having repressed all memory of what she’s done, Jaycee must find a way to manage her illness and confront her past–before it consumes her first.

2. What’s your favorite part about writing these stories?

The best part of writing The Grim was finally getting to tell the story I wanted to tell. Jaycee and I endured similar struggles and pains, and this book really changed my outlook on my whole life. I got to watch Jaycee grow and become a new woman, and at the same time, I did, too. It was an incredible feeling.

3. What would your characters say about you? Be honest!

Great question! My characters would probably say I’m a brilliant BS-er! A lot of the content of The Grim was completely off the top of my head as it was clear that some of the scenarios in which I placed them would most likely never have happened in reality. But I needed to add some adventure, and the only way to do that was to stretch the truth…just a little.

4. Who would play your favorite character if they made a movie of their story?

Wow, I’ve thought about this a lot actually. I would love Zoe Saldana to play my main character, Jaycee. She’s a brilliant actress, and I think her personality completely embodies everything I believe Jaycee to be. While I’m at it, her leading man, Aaron, would just have to be played by Channing Tatum! He’s the perfect blend of sensitivity and strength.

5. Do you have any projects currently in the works you want to talk about?

Actually, I have two projects pending. One is a second prose compilation with fellow author J. Mahogany tentatively titled Above Broken Dreams. I would love to include some short stories in this one, too. The second project is another novel, The Devil & I, a romance about a couple whose prior obstacles and secrets are finally catching up to them. I’m really excited about both!

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Thank you, Raynetta, for joining us today and good luck with your writing!

Character Interview: Rebecca Wilder from A. J. Walkley’s “Queer Greer”

Today’s Character Interview is an In World one with Rebecca Wilder from Queer Greer by A. J. Walkley. I’d like to thank them both for being here today! Enjoy!

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Background: Rebecca “Becca” Wilder is one of protagonist Greer MacManus’s love interests in Queer Greer. Greer meets Becca when she joins the swim team after moving to Becca’s hometown of Prescott, AZ, and an instant connection is sparked between the two.

Q: So, I imagine that you’ve had a little time leading up to today to think about your admissions essay. What are your thoughts about what you might like to write about?

A: Well, I was thinking that my swimming career would make sense. I’ve been in the water since before I could walk. I was made captain of my high school swimming team as a sophomore, which never happened before. I’ve set at least 10 records, five of which were the first for my school and district. So, that probably makes the most sense, right?

But, I was thinking about it and I don’t know if that’s enough. Colleges like to see that you’ve been able to overcome challenges, right? Swimming’s never been a challenge for me, just a series of accomplishments, really. Not to brag.

There is one thing, though, one part of my life that has been a challenge in some respects. And I think the colleges I want to apply to are liberal enough to understand…

Q: Oh? What is that one thing? Tell me a little about it.

A: To be blunt, I’m gay. I’ve known I was gay since as far back as I can remember. I chased girls at recess instead of boys. My first kiss was with a girl behind the jungle gym in third grade. You’d think that my challenges in this area might have to do with my parents finding out about my sexuality and kicking me out – but actually, before I even knew what to label myself, my mom was completely honest with me about all types of identities. I came home one day in fifth grade and asked her what sex was for the first time, and she told me about straight sex AND gay sex. She didn’t hold anything back. Maybe she already had a feeling I might be a lesbian back then, before I even really did.

When I told her about my first real girlfriend, Kate, she didn’t so much as blink. She just told me I should invite her over so both her and my dad could meet her.

I assumed that meant her and my father were on the same page about it. But, my mom has always been more open-minded than Dad. He registered as a Republican when he turned 18, after all, though he’s always claimed to be more of a moderate. He never seemed to be a judgmental person until he confronted me about my coming out the day after my mom took the news as if I had just told her I was going to the mall for a smoothie.

I take after my dad in a LOT of ways. He was the athlete between my parents. In high school he played a sport every season – wrestling, basketball, baseball. And he swam, too. I actually ended up beating a lot of the same records he set, at least on the women’s side of our high school’s swimming stats. To say I looked up to him in that way was an understatement. I was always striving to make him proud.

So when he came to my room after dinner and told me that no daughter of his was going to end up a dyke – pretty much a direct quote – I felt like, well, like everything I had ever accomplished meant absolutely nothing.

I’m sorry – is this too personal?

Q: Not at all. Today is to talk about you, and this is obviously a big part of your history and who you are. Has you dad come to terms with it since then, or is there still trouble between you two because of it?

A: It’s definitely been a struggle. It’s been maybe four, four-and-a-half years since we had that confrontation about it. Our relationship hasn’t been the same since and, honestly, neither has my parents’ relationship. I confide in my mom about everything, so she was the first person I turned to after my dad called me a dyke and left the room – I’ve been called that awful word by many people since, but he was the first person to say it, which hurt more than you can imagine. My mom and dad got in the biggest, screaming fight I’ve ever heard after I told her and she actually kicked him out of the house for a week because of it.

My mom tried to explain to me how he was just scared, knowing about the discrimination most gay people encounter at one point or another. But I’ve never been able to forgive him for saying what he did. I don’t think Mom has, either. He hasn’t really been an active part of my life since then.

Q: That’s a shame. It must be difficult for you. Do you think you’d want to talk about this in your college essay?

A: You know, maybe I can link my accomplishments in the pool with the perceived disappointments of my father. They seem pretty connected, don’t you think? It was about a year after our confrontation that I became captain of my team. I don’t think I worked out harder, swam faster or pushed the team to make better times than in that period – and then once I was officially named captain, I just kept going. I put all of my anger and hurt into the water. In a lot of ways, ironically enough, I’m not sure I would have done as well as I have as a swimmer if my father hadn’t said what he had to me – if he hadn’t actually believed those words.

You know, you’re the only person I’ve ever actually talked to about all of this other than my mom? I’ve dated since then and I haven’t even told my girlfriends about this. I’ve kind of pushed it out of my mind. Until now, I’ve kind of pretended that both of my parents had the best reaction to my coming out, the kind of response a lot of LGBT kids only dream about.

Q: At least your mother did react that way, but if you haven’t talked about this with anyone until now, do you feel that you’d be comfortable talking about this in an essay for admission?

A: I actually think it’s about time. I’m not doing anyone any favors keeping it to myself and I think it sheds some light on my character, don’t you think? I didn’t let my father’s disapproval of my identity change me one bit. I kept excelling in the sport I love and I’ve never made any excuses for who I am – to myself, to my family or anyone else.

Why wouldn’t a college want someone like me in their ranks?

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Author Bio: A.J. Walkley is the author of the newly released Queer Greer, as well as Choice. Follow her on Twitter @AJWalkley, on Facebook at facebook.com/ajwalkley, through her website at ajwalkley.com and her blog at alisonwalkley.com.

Buy Link: Rocket Science Productions

Buy Link: Amazon

News!

First off, I’m happy to announce that my post-apocalyptic erotic romance Sanctuary is now widely available! After spending ninety days in the KDP Select program, it’s been unlocked and is now available through Smashwords and Barnes & Noble.

[Smashwords] [Lulu - Print] [Amazon] [Barnes & Noble]

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Now that my Deeper than Skin blog tour is over, I’m back to my usual rounds of Character Interviews, and am now including Author Interviews. Please email me if you’re interested!

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I have a new page here at the site. You can see it up to your right under Services. I now offer low cost cover art, proofreading and formatting for my fellow indie authors.

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For anyone waiting on news about Voracious, Adelheid 3, it is in progress! This book has proven to be more stubborn than the last two so it’s taking a little longer than expected, but I’m still on target for a mid to late summer release!

…and that’s all from me!

Mia

Character Interview: Tessa Stokes & Drew Ruthin from “The Ruthin Trilogy”

Today, I am welcoming Tessa Stokes and Drew Ruthin, from The Ruthin Trilogy!

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Mia: What is the name of the book where we’ll find you? Can you tell us a little about it?

Drew: My name is Drew Deverel Ruthin and the book where you will find me is Drew Ruthin and The Blood of Changes Volume two of The Ruthin Trilogy, although I do feature strongly in Volume one which is called Devon Ruthin and a Vampire in Love.

The book is about what happens to me after Elise, who I love and who was supposed to love me leaves me for dead. She does this after actually poisoning me!

I don’t know that though until later when I hunt her down and find out.

It does have more story content about the community of ancient beings Elise belongs to and naturally my brother has a part in the book too.

It’s a love story in reality and not just about between characters but about life and how people love life in different ways.

Mia: Tell us a little about yourself. Where do you fit into the story? What should we know about you?

Drew: Well I am a vampire, I think. I am more than four hundred years old and quite wealthy as I was born into a privileged family. By all accounts I am a nasty piece of work. I don’t have many real friends and only one close friend. They have told me I am spoilt and full of myself. I do try to become a better creature but it is hard at first because I am predatory by nature. The whole story is really about me and my quest to win back the love I thought I had with Elise.

Mia: What do you think of the author? Be honest. We won’t tell.

Drew: I’m certain you will tell but I don’t care anyway. I think she’s cool. She tried to give me back a little dignity and humanity which was good of her since I do kill a few people. She’s not my type but I think she secretly likes me a lot. She’d be more on my brother’s wave length because she likes plants and nature and stuff and so does he. She lives in the country and she gets me out into it too in the book and maybe I even like that.

Mia: How do you feel about the story you’re in?

Drew: Since the story is really about me I’m happy enough. I think there could be a massive surprise in store for people who read the first book because there’s way more sex in this book and that’s because of my influence. I like that I am the catalyst for change in my brother and sister during this book. They have their eyes opened a little to the fact that the ancient beings they hang out with might not be the greatest after all. I like the story because it’s unusual.

Mia: Do you like being a character in the book?

Drew: You know I have no option really since that’s what I am although I am working on that aspect of my life. I just might be a character in a movie one day. I enjoy the freedom of being a character in this book because I do get to do anything I like and re-invent myself when necessary.

Mia: How do you see your future? Without giving anything away about the story, naturally. What do you know about your author’s plans? Can we expect to see you in any future stories?

Drew: I’m clearly in this for the long haul because the author likes me and because I am a principal character. I will feature strongly in volume three and there is also a spin off in the pipeline at the moment. Sorry I’m talking in clichés. There will be more books about the Ruthins after the trilogy has ended because it sets us up for the next hundred years or so of our lives.

This story, Volume two actually saves me; that’s all I can say really without giving too much away.

Mia: Let’s say they make a movie about this book. Who do you want to play you, and why?

Drew: That’s so hard to answer. For two reasons, I want to play me LOL and I don’t know many actors. I think it would be hard to get anyone quite as good looking as I am for a start.

I can’t answer. I suppose if it were to happen the author better sit in on the casting and make the decision as she knows exactly what I look like, all my mannerisms and what I sound like. Maybe there is some unknown actor out there that would do a great job given the chance.

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Author Bio: Tessa Stokes has lived in many places in the world because of her work but currently resides in the United Kingdom where she was born. She writes character driven stories, which are a genre blend of urban fantasy and real life. Her books are heavily romantic. Tessa has written many commercial and academic ‘items’ in her work other than as a fiction author and has been heard to say she was desperate to start writing all the stories she has carried around in her head for so long when she finally had the chance.

Site: http://www.tessastokes.info

Blog: http://the-ruthin-trilogy.blogspot.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/SeventhSpell

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Ruthin-Trilogy/160213177399394

The first story in the The Ruthin Trilogy is available from Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Soni, Kobo, iBooks & More.

The second story is available here: Kindle  and from Amazon

Ten Questions with… Amanda Bretz

Welcome to my newest segment here at From Mia’s Desk! I will now be hosting author interviews as Ten Questions with Mia Mondays. I am very happy to welcome my inaugural interviewee in Amanda Bretz!

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Author Bio: Amanda Bretz is the contemporary romance author of Finding Justus and Love in Greener Pastures. She is currently hard at work on her third book, with the working title of “Love, Simplified.” She holds a degree in communication from Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, Florida and has worked as a journalist in both print and online news media. When not writing, Amanda can be found whipping up something delectable in her kitchen, spending time in nature or getting lost in a good book. Amanda recently moved from historic Saint Charles, Missouri to her native Southern Illinois.

Author Website: http://authoramandabretz.wordpress.com/

About the Writer

1. What five words describe you?

Ambitious, fun, astute, nerd, silly.

2. What was the first story you ever wrote? I mean the really bad one we all have that you’re trying to hide in the back of closet now that you’re published?

A novella I started called Secret Admirer, about thirty pages into it, I realized I’m too much of a romantic to write a psychological thriller, and my bad guy wasn’t very believable anyway. It wasn’t the first story I wrote, but it was the first time I tried something different. It’s not finished, and I don’t know if it ever will be.

3. What inspires you?

Trees. Going for walks. Taking pictures. Writing in my journal.

4. What distracts you?

The internet. Beautiful, sunny days. The Food Network in HD (which ought to be outlawed, by the way).

5. What’s your favorite story? This can be specific, as in a particular book or even story-driven movie, or general, like “I’m a sucker for a hero looking for redemption story.”

My favorite story of all time is Gone with the Wind. It encompasses so many facets: historical, social, romance, tragedy and hope.

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About the Writing

1. Tell us about your currently available titles.

Finding Justus is the story of Justus Kendall, a woman who finds out her fiancé is cheating on her shortly before her wedding. Justus decides to take her honeymoon cruise and persuades her best friend into tagging along. It is on the Caribbean cruise that she meets and falls for the hero of the book, Latin dance instructor, Miguel Amores.

Love in Greener Pastures tells the story of recent college graduate Gabby Richards. Gabby has her life and career planned out, or so she thinks. When her father’s illness forces her to abandon her plans in Chicago and head back to the small town life she despises. Once she’s back in her hometown, Gabby is pursued by the hunky town mechanic Jake Harrison. Gabby must decide if she can leave her father and her relationship with Jake in order to further her career in Chicago or if she can carve out a career, and life, in her hometown.

2. What’s your favorite part about writing these stories?

The part of the story where boy meets girl has always been my favorite thing about reading romance, and as a writer, that’s always my favorite scene to write.

3. What would your characters say about you? Be honest!

Probably that I’m a crazy lady that hears voices (characters) in her head and then writes about them, LOL.

4. Who would play your favorite character if they made a movie of their story?

If Finding Justus was made into a movie, I would want Sara Ramirez to play Justus and Gilles Marini to play Miguel.

5. Do you have any projects currently in the works you want to talk about?

I’m currently writing my third novel, with the working title of Love, Simplified, (an excerpt of the novel appears on my blog). It’s a story about self-discovery and personal growth, but there’s also a romance. I’m still unsure how I’ll categorize this book, I don’t know if I’ll call it romantic fiction, or fiction with romantic elements. There are a lot of other things going on in the book that make it hard to define one clear category.

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Thank you, Amanda, for joining us today and good luck with your writing!

 

Deeper than Skin, Blog Tour: Saturday!

Today is the final day on my blog tour and I’m visiting Amanda Bretz! She’ll be visiting me very soon to open a new segment here at From Mia’s Desk, but for now, check out my guest post Romancing the NaNo Stone over at her blog!

Thank you to all the bloggers who hosted me! It’s been fun!

Deeper than Skin, Blog Tour: Thursday!

Today, I’m visiting Leigh Ellwood for a guest post!

Deeper than Skin, Blog Tour: Wednesday!

Today’s stop has me back at Jen Blood’s for an author interview!

Deeper than Skin, Blog Tour: Tuesday!

Today, you can read the first six thousand words of Deeper than Skin at Jen Blood’s blog for her Excerpt-ional Tuesdays!