Mia Darien's Blog, page 28

From Mia's Desk… Updates!

There is still a week left in my contest to make a reporter for Adelheid! The winner will be announced on April 6!

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Anyone who follows my Twitter or my "Am Writing" page will have seen that the third book in my Adelheid series has been giving me a lot of trouble, which includes writing 40K only to realize it… well… sucked and I had to redo it, with a shifting of the plotting/outline and rewriting it. I am happy to announce, however, that I've done it!

Today I finished the first draft. It will get a once-over content review from me before going out to my Beta Readers. I'm happily still on target for my Summer release.

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Watch this space! I will be putting out news about a new release in my Romance line, and the accompanying blog tour. I'm very exciting about this one.

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I'm also going to start offering services for fellow Broke Writers at what I feel are low but fair rates, including editing, formatting and cover art. If you're interested ahead of time, please contact me but the page will be posted soon with more information.

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I'm also always looking for more character interviews. Check out the Characters page and/or contact me for more information if you're an author with a character who wants to talk!

Character Interview: Heliodor & Leonard from Alisa Jeruconoka's "Unparallel Worlds"

Our guests today are Heliodor and Leonard, from Unparallel Worlds by Alisa Jeruconoka. Thanks to all of them for joining us!

Also, please visit Alisa's Blog to see me talking about the creation of Adelheid as a city! Building Adelheid

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With Leonard, a Prince of Darkness, having feelings for a Princess of Light Aurelia, the Princess' brother Heliodor decides to exercise some brotherly rights and have a… talk with the Dark Prince.

Heliodor: Why do you think you are the right person for my sister Aurelia?

Leonard: I never promised Aurelia anything and I never thought that I am the right person for her. For a long time I tried to suppress my feelings because I knew that no good can come from this. She lives on the Light side and I belong to Darkness. My brain acknowledged it but not my heart.

If you ask me again then I say that I'm not the right person for her but I would do everything possible to protect her with my life. Even if I die and she is in danger, I would find the way back just to help her.

Heliodor: Those are pretty words indeed. I suppose time will tell if you mean them, but I wish to know more about you. If you had a choice to change something in your life what would it be?

Leonard: I hate the ancient feud between our worlds of Light and Darkness. Why does our generation should pay for our parents' mistakes? For centuries our families had been so busy fighting for the vain titles, buried in no winning arguments that they missed that the delicate balance between Light and Darkness disturbed, damaging not only the Life Forces of our planet Adriana but also of the whole Universe.

I want peace if not for me than for the future generations.

Heliodor: Would you choose to live on the light side?

Leonard: I believe what Zalion told me. He taught me that before the beginning of the War our worlds of Light and Darkness coexisted peacefully for many many years. The Light civilization traded the Sun's energy with the Dark civilization. The Dark civilization in return traded the essence of darkness with the Light civilization. The cross-marriages strengthened the friendship between civilisations. At this point it doesn't matter which side of Adriana I would choose to live on.

But then, Heliodor, when your Father Edmond, the King of Light, cheated in competition and blamed Zalion, the King of Darkness, for all possible sins I'll never choose to live on the Light side because I don't want to be stabbed in the back.

Heliodor: *Aside* At least that's the story you have been told. I know another side to that tale, but it's not use to argue… *To Leonard* Have you ever loved anyone else? What is the difference between your first love, so called, and now with Aurelia? We love differently in our younger years than we do as we grow older. Have you grown to know the difference?

Leonard: I don't know what love is. My family have never loved me because I don't remember my parents. I have never loved anyone before because my adoptive father, Zalion, taught me that only envy and betrayal exist in this world, where you have to be a tough warrior to survive. I always hated the fact that I have a heart and feel emotions. But then I met Aurelia and something clicked in my heart. I don't know what love is, but she is in my mind whatever I do, and as soon as I close my eyes she is in my dreams. I can suppress hunger and thirst, and pain doesn't bother me much. There is something that I fear more than anything, and you know Heliodor what it is, that I'll never see Aurelia. If that is love, then I love her.

Heliodor: On the light side our pendants give us special powers, what gives your people special powers?

Leonard: We don't need powers because Zalion created the invisible Dark Army of genetically modified warriors. For a long time his scientists had been experimenting with the human, animal and plant genes and I want to say that they succeeded. The warriors have no emotions and they don't have pain.

Also Zalion made sure that our Castle is well protected from all sides. For instance, if we were attacked from the ground it would not possible to cross the ditch, which is full of giant piranhas, monster fish, octopuses and huge squids. And nor from the air where dragons spat fire, and harpies, with their vulture-like bodies, and a snake-like Gorgon Medusa guarded the Castle.

Heliodor: Interesting. What of those markings upon your body? What do they represent?

Leonard: My family has a tattoo running the full length of our right arm and spreading halfway across our chest and stomach. It is a phoenix, a symbol of overcoming adversity, of renewal, physical strength and courage. The tattoo is the family's royal symbol of resurrection and a long fight against betrayal. It is embodied during the ceremony.

Heliodor: It is often said that you can judge a person by the company they keep, so what will you tell me of your closest friends?

Leonard: There is only one rule that governs the Kingdom of Darkness- The Strongest Survives. I don't have friends although I like to think that Troian, my younger brother, is the one I can rely on, although he is a half-breed vampire who has always a craving for blood.

Heliodor: And what of your royal family?

Leonard: Heliodor, today, I reveal a lot of secrets. Now, you know more about the Kingdom of Darkness then I know about the Empire of Light. As I said before, I don't remember my parents. My adoptive father Zalion brought me up as a tough warrior. I have three younger brothers who have been created during the experiments with animals, fish, birds and plant genes. Troian is a bat-vampire, Valafar's body comprised of a mix of wild dogs and wolves genes and Ammit's serpent body takes a human form only on very rare occasions. And, one day, I'll tell you about my newly born brother Vladlen.

Heliodor: I only have one more question for you. I wish to protect my sister. What if Dark Forces will take control over you? Is Aurelia in danger?

Leonard: Heliodor, you are not listening to me. The future of our civilisations, of a whole planet is in danger because the balance of Light and Darkness is disturbed. Your people are immortal, but they begin to die because they need the infusion of Dark Energy to fight the diseases. On the Dark side, the Army of genetically modified warriors is multiplying so fast that even Zalion can't control them anymore. The Dark matter gains power and gets stronger every day. My side needs Light infusion to stop it. The Balance is vital not only for the planet but for the whole universe to survive.

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Author Bio: My name is Alisa. I live in London and work as a full-time interpreter/translator to the owner of a large international company. This left me with no real time to write but even if I have five extra minutes I love to create my masterpieces of fantasy fiction, which I share with my readers. The love to imagine and project myself into imaginary worlds came from my mum. Since my childhood we created alternative universes, dimensions, time portals, fought the Evil Empire and witchcrafts' spirits, and helped good will to get involved in bringing justice. I brought these happy memories through all my life. You can judge it yourself.

Unparallel Worlds offers you a fast paced story with weird and wonderful characters. The plot is really different from the other fantasy fiction genres available on the book market as it involves mixing different types of genres like magic, fairytale, romance, sci-fi and even a little bit of urban fantasy at the end.

Alisa's Site: http://www.unparallelworlds.co.uk

Buy Link: Kindle

Buy Link: Smashwords

Character Interview: Kate Fuentes & Talon and Gage Thorn from the Elements Series

Welcome to another Tuesday 'special addition' Character Interview! This week brings us a kind of Out of World, In World mash-up with Talon and Gage Thorn, from the Elements series by Kate Fuentes. I'd like to welcome all three of them today!

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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?

Talon answers, "We live inside the pages of a world known as ELEMENTS. When my brother Gage and I aren't traveling through mystical portals to unknown dimensions, we live on a ranch in New Zealand with our father, Gable, and our nanny, Leia."

"Our lives are a little bit different from other teenagers you might know," Gage replies, "We were born with special abilities that give us the gift to harness the power of two of nature's elements. I can manipulate water and my brother Talon can control fire."

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

"Age before beauty," Talon snidely says to Gage.

Gage smiles and shakes his head before answering, "I'm a little more reserved and passive, thinking before I react to situations as opposed to this guy," Gage motions toward his twin. "It's safe to say, I'm the level-headed person out of the two of us."

"B-O-R-I-N-G!" Talon replies, "Spontaneity is revered by many, but some people cannot let themselves wander outside of their comfort zone and prefer to live inside their quaint little box of safety. Not me! Steer me in the direction of where I can find the most action and I will be in heaven!"

"I also forgot to mention our variant levels of maturity. Obviously he has the mind of a toddler as well," Gage retorts.

"Sorry Grandma!" Talon chimes in before they both begin to laugh at one another.

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

"At first I thought we were going to butt heads when it came to create control, but I ended up having a great relationship with Kate. I rather like the personality she conjured up for me. I think it fits me quite well!" Talon says.

"I'm told she modeled our characters after her real life sons and is emotionally tied to the stories and our characters as if we were her realistic offspring. I'm flattered to have the honor of portraying her fictional son and hope we live up to her expectations." replies Gage modestly.

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

"We are adrenaline junkies, and enjoy experiencing the different worlds we travel to and meeting new and intriguing people," Gage says.

"Yeah well, I don't enjoy the near death experiences, or the bounty we have on our heads from the emperor of doom, but I agree with Gage when he says we like to travel and meet new people," Talon confesses.

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

"Are you kidding me? It does wonders for my social life," Talon teases. "Who doesn't like to be around someone who has the power to move objects with their mind. It's a definite crowd pleaser!" Talon says with a smile.

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

The brothers grow quiet before Gage finally decides to answer. "Our future is uncertain, but the prophecy tells of many battles and death. We don't like to think about what can happen, but focus on what we will do to prevent the unthinkable from happening and that requires our focus to be on defeating the evil king Maradati before he can fulfill his destiny of destroying mankind. Every day we are burdened with the thought of losing and every day we fight our battles either mentally or physically to accomplish the very reason we were brought to this earth…to protect humanity and secure the future for the human race."

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

"So far we've made it through to the third book, Kingdom of Aqueous and I've heard rumors and talk of a fourth book. Whether or not we make it into the finale is something Kate hasn't discussed with us. We are hoping for the best!" Talon says playfully.

"If anyone in the realistic world has heard anything, let us know please. It would be nice to be able to plan ahead, just in case we need to audition for another gig!" Gage replies sarcastically.

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

"There are a lot of talented actors out there, but I'm going to have to leave the hunt up to the experts. That's why they get paid the big bucks!" Gage says.

"Whoever plays me has some pretty big shoes to fill," Talon laughs. "For my brother, I think someone like Alex Pettyfer or Liam Hemsworth are a good fit for Gage, you know, a pretty boy type. For me, let's see…Robbie Amell or maybe Kellen Lutz."

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Author Bio: My name is Kate Fuentes, author of a young adult fantasy series called Elements. I modeled the characters after my two sons and created the fantasy realm as a story to read to my children at night. I'm fascinated at the enormity of endless imagination that we humans are capable of having, and enjoy being able to write fiction for others to appreciate as well.

My series includes: Book one, Elements: The Beginning, released in April 2011 and Book two, Elements: Veil of Darkness, released in December 2011. Book three, Elements: Kingdom of Aqueous is scheduled to release in the spring of 2012. I plan to continue the installments and have not decided how many books will complete the series.

I attended college in Arizona and transferred to California where I finished my studies in business marketing and advertising while progressively composing short stories in the foreground. I am quite passionate about writing but also enjoy helping those that are underprivileged, forgotten, and oppressed by working in a global reach department during the week in the hopes that I may bring attention to the causes which will, in effect, inspire others to volunteer or champion for those less fortunate locally and around the world.

I like to meet other people from diverse cultures and backgrounds and hope to one day travel to various locations and countries to volunteer in different areas where I'm needed.

I am happily married to my junior high sweetheart and we have two glorious children. We appreciate our time spent with one another and always make sure we set aside a day for family fun night.

I enjoy family game night, playing competitive sports, sarcasm and snark, photography, and I love to travel. I have a STRONG appreciation (not obsession: wink, wink) for shoes and have justified the number I've obtained as 'collector items' to my understanding and patient husband. Many of my closest friends don't know I secretly enjoy reading a dictionary and thesaurus for fun (now they do…) and I would play trivia every night of the week if I could. I LOVE JEOPARDY!

Find Kate on the web!

Site: http://katefuentes.com

Blog: http://siredscribblings.blogspot.com

FaceBook: http://facebook.com/elements.series

Twitter: http://twitter.com/fuentes_kate1

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/dreamscribbling

Buy Link, All Books: http://katefuentes.com/orders_275.html

In Defense of the Pen Name

From time to time, I've seen some readers and writers besmirch authors who choose to use a pen name. They say things like, "What are you hiding?"

I will stand up today and say that I use a Pen Name. I am not pretending to be anyone other than I am, and am always earnest in my dealings with people, but I simply do not feel comfortable splashing my legal name all over the internet. And a writer's name is their brand, so it goes everywhere. Neither would I want to post my phone number or address. It's my personal information and I simply prefer to keep it personal.

Other authors may not mind using their legal names, and more power to them! It's a choice that each writer should be allowed to make with grace and in peace.

My History with Nicknames

I spent a lot of time on the internet as a teenager. I started writing in online Role-Play Groups (by email or message board, fan-based groups in Pern, or the Wheel of Time, or Star Trek) when I was about fifteen. I still write in groups, though now mostly original world based. Yes, I'm a geek. I admit it.

Anyways, in the beginning, I knew that I'd be writing with and talking to strangers, and I was a very cautious teenager. I never used my real name, never told people my city, or any identifying information.

I went by my character's name. One of my earliest characters was Miahala, with the nickname Mia. A friend started calling me Mia-Bella, for no reason I ever knew, and when I started writing with a group as a character that wasn't Mia, Bella became my online handle.

I've now used Mia and Bella for years and answer to them as readily as my given name, although I nearly changed Bella when Twilight became a craze. I was Bella before she was.

When I chose to self publish in the past couple of years, I knew I'd need a name that I could build my marketing off of. Even though I'm no longer a teenager, the internet is still a little too open for me. I prefer to use my nicknames, so I did not want to use my legal name as my writing name.

Why Mia Darien?

Mia was always a special name for me. Darien was chosen for a personal reason.

See, in the RPG where I was Mia, I met the man who is today my husband. His character's name was Darien. The two characters wrote together in a great romance, and now he and I live together in one. Since all of my stories are either romances or have a touch of romance to them, I chose a Pen Name with a romantic history for me.

Reasons of Genre

I know some authors use different names for different genres, and this can give the impression of deceit. I really only understand this when it's a matter of maturity levels for the audience, like a YA author who also wants to write erotica and doesn't want their YA fans picking up the erotica because of their name.

Otherwise, when it's a matter of thinking that fans won't cross over… what's the point? You'll have to win new fans in that genre no matter the name.

I did consider writing my romance and more Adult stories under a different Pen Name, because I didn't want fans of my Adelheid series (which is PG-13 ish) picking up my 18+ stories without reading the description closely enough and getting a surprise. Ultimately, I decided not to. Firstly, because I'll just work to make sure the adult stuff is clearly noted up front. Secondly, because you don't get that kind of warning at a bookstore.

For example, I remember when Hamilton's Anita Blake series had little to no graphic sexual content. There was no warning when it turned into the erotic fest it later became, so I decided to keep the one name and just make things clear up front.

A Rose by Any Other Name…

You could say that I am "hiding" my legal name, and I am. Because it's personal and I'd rather keep it to myself, but it does not mean I hide who I am with my fellow writers and my readers. When I write something on a blog or on Twitter or GoodReads, it's me and when you read my fiction, that is me too.

I write this blog post to defend the Pen Name. Perhaps some authors do use Pen Names for less "up front" reasons, but generally speaking, choosing to follow a time-honored tradition such as using a nom de plume doesn't automatically mean an author is doing something shady or trying to deceive their loyal readers.

Sometimes, it's as simple as wishing a touch of privacy in a world that's giving less and less of it.

Adelheid Needs a New Reporter! (Contest)

Well, I'm running my first contest! Anyone is welcome to enter, although if you've read at least Cameron's Law, you'll probably have a better clue of what I'm looking for.

Here's the deal: I need a reporter character for the Adelheid Chronicle. They will be featured in the fourth book of the series, Written All Over Her. And I want to give my readers and followers the chance to create that character. Although I'll be writing the character, you'll see your character idea in the book, you'll be credited in the Acknowledgments/Dedication, and you'll receive a free copy of the ebook when it comes out!

What you have to do to enter: use the Contact Me form up there at the top of the page, send me a name, a species, and an idea about why they'd be an interesting character. You don't have to be a writer to enter, just someone who'd like to make something up and see it in print! I'll pick the most suitable idea and announce on April 6. (That's two weeks from today.)

If for some reason the Contact Me form doesn't work for you, you can also leave a comment on this post or send me a Tweet/DM.

This character may, depending on how things go, appear on this blog before the release of the book to write the occasional Adelheid Chronicle story.

If your idea doesn't get picked, but would still make a good citizen for Adelheid, I will save your idea and find a different way to weave the character into this or future books. All ideas will get credit in the book that first features the character.

So, let me hear what you got!

Character Interview: Rachelle Ayala & Michal from "Michal's Window"

Please welcome Rachelle Ayala and Michal, from Michal's Window. This is an Out of World interview, with a bit of In World flavor as our guest speaks to us from… well… Heaven. Enjoy!

You can also visit me as I guest at Rachelle's site to talk about character interviews! See my post at Rachelle's Window!

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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?

Michal: I wanted it to be Queen Michal the Great, but the 21st century author went to a liberal arts college and sought to confine me to that darn window. Seems like every disaster in my life hangs out a window.

Mia: You still haven't told us the name of the book.

Michal: *crosses her arms* Her favorite general ed course was "The Russian Experience." I mean, she loved Catherine the Great. And who was she but some obscure German princess of little money?

Mia: I happen to know it's called "Michal's Window." You were saying about your window?

Michal: Windows and I just don't get along, thank you very much. I'm a 3000 year old queen. What do I need with windows and mirrors?

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

Michal: *holds up hand* One question at a time, please. I'd prefer you to know very little about myself. I am, after all, a very private person.

Mia: This book seems like a tell all. You narrated it in first person. Tell me, Michal, was sex really that great back then? And with three men? You must have broken quite a few taboos of your culture.

Michal: *juts out her lip* Please, after 3000 years in Heaven, what do you want me to say?

Mia: Let's pretend for a moment. You're back at your father's palace, and a young, handsome, red-headed harpist has just stepped in the gate. What did you think of him? What did you feel?

Michal: *sighs and rubs her palms on her dress* He was really very sweet, standing their trembling and sweating. But when he settled down to strum his harp, all I could do was imagine him singing to me, and strumming my hair. That intense look in his eyes, the fervor of his love for God and his desire for peace in Israel–I just wanted all of that directed on me.

Mia: So, love at first sight?

Michal: Oh yes.

Mia: What do you think his first impression of you was?

Michal: I knew he wanted me. After all, I was the princess of Israel. But it took a while for him to convince me that he cared for me and not my position. Of course, being the daughter of a man who hated him presented great difficulties.

Mia: I could imagine it would. All right, let's move on. What do you think of the author? Be honest. We won't tell.

Michal: The author? Ha, she was in love with David and Ittai. I was so mad at her. I mean, how dare she think about David all the time? And Ittai should have been a secret. Really, these 21st century women have no shame. But she's Bathsheba's bratty great to the hundredth generation granddaughter so I'll let her take the wooden spoon and…

Mia: I'll leave that for the two of you. How do you feel about the story you're in?

Michal: Well, she did portray me pretty positively despite all the bad press I get elsewhere. This was the first book where I get to be victorious. My life was filled with dramatic tragedies, my husband escaping my father's wrath through my window, the years he spent in the wilderness, my estrangement from him while married to Phalti, and then my disgrace at the Ark of the Covenant incident. Most books have me as the villain, the jealous first wife, unable to accept the sainted Abigail and beautiful Bathsheba. So I actually feel pretty good about this one, especially with three men in love with me throughout the book.

Mia: Certainly quite a thing. Do you like being a characer in such a book?

Michal: *smiles* How can I not? A girl's gotta have some fun. Granted the book had a lot of tragic moments, but the author always gave me fun parts, my time with Jada, my little going-away party for Aunt Kyra, and of course the rug scene. Too bad she cut out my frolics with my sister's future husband… Ahem…

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

Michal: My future is pretty assured. It's really peaceful up here in my mansion. The walls are gemstones with water trickling through so my favorite orchids can grow between the cracks. There's a brook of diamonds and streets of white gold. And David is with me, did you want a word with him?

Mia: Let's leave him where he is. What do you know about your author's plans? Can we expect to see you in any future stories?

Michal: She seems to have left ancient Israel, although she has a draft of a follow-on story about Ittai's time of exile. I do make brief appearances. There is a great scene of me buying a slave to set her free. Ittai just does not know how to bargain so I used him as a dummy while I talked the temple master down. But honestly, who knows if she's going to run with the story. She seems to be working on some story about horseless chariots running over people. The people in that story are all stuck in front of boxes with magic lids that show moving pictures and play music.

Mia: We call them movies. It's like a window where you can see people's lives as they are played out.

Michal: Oh, sort of like the viewing tablets we have in Heaven, but they censor all the good parts.

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

Michal: Oh, that's easy. There's a woman who lives in France with lots of children. Angelina Jolly, I think. She looks tough enough to kill a man. You do know I killed a man, right?

Mia: Yes, indeed. But we're out of time, thanks for being here tonight.

Michal: You're welcome. I've got all eternity. Well, it's back to looking out my window. *waves and floats away*

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Author Bio: Rachelle Ayala was a software engineer until she discovered storytelling works better in fiction than real code. Her first book, Michal's Window, is a romance set in Biblical times. Rachelle has always lived in a multi-cultural environment, and the tapestry in her books reflect that diversity. Rachelle is currently working on a romantic suspense involving software engineers. She is a very happy woman.

Rachelle's Site: http://rachelleayala.blogspot.com

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

Buy Link: Kindle

Character Interview: Kristin from Stacy Eaton's "My Blood Runs Blue"

Please welcome Stacy Eaton and her character Kristin, from My Blood Runs Blue and Blue Blood for Life. This is an In World interview where I get to "play" a journalist who is interviewing her character. Outlandishly creative, I know. Thanks to them both for joining us today!

Also, yes, I know it's Tuesday and not Thursday, but I've decided to temporarily open up Tuesdays for Character Interviews, lest my backlog put me scheduling them into the summer!

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Mia: Tell us a little about yourself and your job at the Fawn Hollow Police Department, Officer Greene.

Kristin: Please, call me Kristin. I'm the senior patrol officer for a small department here in the Southeastern part of Pennsylvania. My job mainly consists of doing the routine patrol duties of writing tickets, going to ambulance calls, animal complaints, investigating small crimes and responding to some more serious crimes once in a while. Our township is pretty quiet most of the time, but I love that because it gives me a chance to get to know the residents and to help them more.

Mia: I'll bet it's one with a lot of challenges. Do you enjoy your work?

Kristin: I thrive on my job! lol… Up until recently it was the only thing in my life that helped me to feel whole. In my personal life, I always felt like something was missing. When I got to work and put on my uniform, I almost feel complete. I love being there when people call for help. I love to be able to help calm them in stressful situations and to guide them when they get stuck with a problem. Being a police officer, you get to do and be a lot of things. Some days you get to be an animal control officer, a nurse, a psychologist, a parent, a teacher or a friend. Many times, you have to do all those things at the same time. It is a job that is not good for people who can't multitask, that's for sure.

Mia: What's your most memorable case?

Kristin: I have had a couple this last year, but I think one of the most memorable was when a young woman got her throat cut. Well, that is what the dispatcher told us when my partner Mick and I got dispatched. When we got there, I held her for her last words, but she mumbled something as she was dying that just didn't make sense. It was hard for me because I knew her and I knew her parents. Well, at least I thought I knew her parents. Turns out when Dawn was murdered, it started my life moving in a total different direction.

I had to go give the death notification to her parents. (shaking head) I hate doing those. They are the hardest things to deal with. Anyway, the parents didn't act the way I would have expected and my instincts were telling me that there was something else going on. I was seriously right on that, and when I found out the truth, wow… Let's just say it changed my life forever.

Mia: Wow, that must be quite a story. Can you tell us anything more about it?

Kristin: I can't tell you much, I've been sworn to secrecy, but let's just say that I strangely enough have better hearing then they thought I did and when Dawn's mother said something about a guy finding them, it peaked my interest.

They also mentioned the VMF. At the time, I had no clue what that was, but I soon learned that it was a security company that worked for both the human world and the vampire people.

Mia: Wait… Did you say vampire? Are you serious?

Kristin: Lol… Yeah I did say vampires. I know… I know… it kind of blows your mind doesn't it. Tales of vampires have been around forever, but there was never any proof that they really existed – right? Well, I know firsthand that they do.

Although, most of the vampires that I have met don't come anywhere close to being like the horrible creatures you read about in some of those off the wall paranormal horror stories. These guys and ladies all care about people. They want to live in harmony with them and not be treated differently. Mind you they are different, but they try to be as close to human as possible.

Most people think that vampires can only exist if they are killed by one, but the truth is they are actually bred to be them. Strange, I know… but true.

Mia: Wow. It's going to take a while to process this one… but maybe you can tell me more about this. What do you mean "bred to be them"?

Kristin: Vampires mate – Full bloodied vampire males mate with half breed woman. When the half breed gets pregnant by a vampire, she makes the final transition to a full blooded vampire. If she were to become pregnant by a human male, then she would never transition and would live out the life as a human.

Children born to vampires – are half breeds, but they look and act just like normal children; as they grow older, they will become stronger, hear and see better than other human children. Male half breeds are turned by their fathers through trading of blood when they get into their late twenties or early thirties.

It is possible to breed with a vampire and not mate with them too. To mate to someone, you bond your blood and bodies together at the same time. To mate, well that's just like the way the humans do it.

Mia: This is still kind of blowing my mind. How many people know about this? How many think you're just, well, no offense, but think you're crazy?

Kristin: Well, when I found out, I kind of just accepted it because I think deep inside I already knew about it. Now, I had to tell my friends recently about it and they had some mixed emotions, but they pretty much accepted what I told them.

Olivia my best friend accepted it and thought it was pretty freaking cool right off the bat. Kat and Izzy were a bit more skeptical about it, but they soon realized I was serious. My partner Mick, well he found out by accident and it shocked the heck out of him. He kind of walked into a major scene where I was dealing with two guys who had kidnapped Alexander, and he got the shock of his life.

Other than a few humans, they try to keep it pretty quiet. It's better that way as too many people would probably fear them and cause problems.

Mia: I hope our interview here today won't cause you any trouble!

Kristin: Honestly, I think most people will just think I am crazy. I honestly think that since the vampires try to be human that humans should know more about them. I see no reason why they can't be side by side. Although they actually are already, humans just don't know that. I know that having them around in my job as a police officer is awesome! Our crime rate is down, because the bad guys keep getting caught.

Mia: Low crime rates are certainly nothing to complain about. I thank you for your time. It's certainly been interesting… Keep up the good work, officer!

Kristin: Thank you Mia – I really appreciate your time and willingness to speak with me today! I was a pleasure to visit with you.

* * *

Author Bio: Currently I work full time as a Police Officer for a small township is Southeastern Pennsylvania. While my current position is that of a patrol officer, I spend a lot of time doing investigations and crime scene processing. Forensics is something I love and I take my job very seriously. It is not just about proving who is guilty; it is also about proving people are innocent.

I am also a wife to a Police Officer and with our constant schedules life can get very hectic at home. I have been blessed with two children, a son who is currently in the United States Navy and I am very proud of him for what he is doing and for serving his Country. My daughter is amazing and she loves to help market my books to teachers and other parents while she is at school and church. She is also working on a book too.

When I am not working the job that currently pays all the bills I work on my business and write.

Find Stacy on the Web!

Site: http://stacyeaton.com/

Blog: http://stacyeatonauthor.blogspot.com/

FaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stacy-Eaton/191880767522183

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

GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4826711.Stacy_Eaton

My Blood Runs Blue

Buy Link: Kindle

Video Trailer: YouTube

Blue Blood for Life

Buy Link: Kindle

Video Trailer: YouTube

Character Interview: Micheal Rivers & Gerald from "Moonlight on the Nantahala"

Today, I welcome Micheal Rivers and Gerald from the book Moonlight on the Nantahala. Thanks to them both for being here today, and to my readers, enjoy!

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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?

Gerald: My name is Gerald Leicester and I have the dubious honor of being portrayed in Moonlight on the Nantahala. Mr. Edward Caulfield befriended my wife and they spent their days together discussing their lives. Mr. Caulfield is an elderly gentleman who lost his wife many years ago and it would seem he never recovered from his loss of her. My wife has professed her own problems to him concerning me, and those around her. He has a beautiful home in the mountains of North Carolina, unique in more ways than I can fathom. Those that know him say they have seen the ghost of his deceased wife dancing on the waters of the Nantahala River. Whatever the case may be the property is worth a fortune and I plan to have it for my own.

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

Gerald: I am originally from Richmond, Virginia. Fortune smiled upon me when I met Lena. I knew her father could make my future everything I could ever desire and he didn't disappoint me. There are those who consider me an inconsiderate ingrate, topped with a measure of greed. I call it being a good business man. I have my own rules for life and will not have anyone including my wife disrupt my style of living. Lena is my wife, and I do not feel she should be discussing me with a stranger. She has to be taught to keep her mouth shut. I never lose when it comes down to the final word, no matter what it takes!

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

Gerald: Ah yes, Mr. Rivers. He has style, but he doesn't know how to keep a secret. He wrote things about me that is not meant for others to know. He is a nice person, as long as he is not allowed into your thoughts. He betrayed me and I won't forget it.

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

Gerald: Moonlight on the Nantahala is a good story; I only wish I had not been nominated as the villain. Edward Caulfield and Lena learn a lot about each other and the lessons that can be learned from life. If I were a different man I might have enjoyed their pleasant days among the mountains. True love for me is having what I want, when I want it, and a nice bank roll to back it. They seem to feel differently about that subject.

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

Gerald: No, I don't. I really don't believe people understand how truly great I am. Rivers doesn't shine a very pleasant light upon me.

Mia: How do you see your future?

Gerald: I see my future as bright as it always was. However, not being a psychic I cannot say for certain what the future brings. I think Caulfield will see things my way. I am sure when everything is said and done I may very well be the recipient of his estate.

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

Gerald: We have not discussed any further collaboration between us. I don't feel it would benefit me to associate myself with Rivers any further. He has found someone else to spend his time with in Germany. My sources tell me he has moved into a haunted castle called Verliege.

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

Gerald: A movie would be wonderful. Having said this, I wonder if people would see me in a different light. Mathew McConaughey looks a lot like me. He has my attributes. He is young, talented and a taste for the finer things in life. His penchant for aggression at the precise moment needed is admirable.

* * *

Author Bio: Micheal, an American author, was born in Ahoskie, North Carolina in 1953. He served his country during the Vietnam War in the USMC. Later, his travels provided over thirty years of investigating and collecting stories of the paranormal. His genres include horror and thriller with an element of paranormal in all of his novels. The Smokey Mountain Ghost Trackers of Western North Carolina was founded by him and he is the lead investigator. Micheal currently resides in the mountains of North Carolina along with the love of his life and his Boxer he fondly calls Dee Dee.

Buy Link: Kindle

A Bit o' Crazy

There is no real point to this post. I've just been doing all these character interviews with other authors and my characters nearly staged a mutiny in my brain, so I decided to let them have a little fun. Enjoy!

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Sadie: Mia is letting us have control of a blog post for today. We get to talk about whatever we want.

Dakota: She's a bigger idiot than I thought.

Madison: Dakota, play nice. Just because you're in a bad mood doesn't mean you have to be nasty to everyone else.

Sadie: She's in a bad mood? I hadn't been able to tell the difference.

Dakota: *growls deep in her throat, snapping her teeth*

Sadie: Down, kitty!

Vance: Do I have to separate the two of you?

Madison: Vance! Where the hell did you come from?

Vance: My parents, or so they claim. I haven't seen any proof yet.

Dakota: Are you here to do anything useful, or just be obnoxious?

Vance: Dakota, I hardly noticed you doing anything useful. You were just growling at my girlfriend. I don't take too kindly to that really. Oh, that's a mature expression you're making. You're older than all of us, put together, including the vampire. When are you going to learn to behave?

Sadie: I'm guessing not ever.

Dakota: I could kill both of you so easily.

Vance: You'd be arrested.

Dakota: You'd never catch me. I'm the best hunter around. Even Mia admitted it.

Sadie: I know who could find you.

Dakota: You wouldn't…

Madison: You know she would.

Dakota: *growls again, but a little quieter this time* Damn Mia and her book, butting into my life. I refuse to forgive her just because some things worked out well in the end.

Madison: You do have a way with animals, Sadie.

Sadie: I live with you, don't I?

Madison: Hey! I clean up after myself every shedding season. I don't want to hear it out of you, bloodsucker.

Sadie: Love you too, Madison.

Dakota: Aren't we supposed to be doing something constructive with this blog post?

Madison: Look who is suddenly the voice of maturity!

Dakota: Well, my age was brought up. I figured I had to do something with it, now that I'm the old-as-dirt one.

Sadie: Oh, I'd never say you were older than dirt. Whatever is older than dirt. That's you.

Dakota: *hisses* I really could kill you and find a way to hide the body. Maybe I'd just turn into a big cat and eat the remains.

Sadie: Now there's a thought that's gonna fester.

Vance: Don't worry. She'd never do it. Vampires taste like death.

Sadie: Damn this blog and its PG rating! I'd really like to reply to that properly.

Vance: That's why I said it.

Dakota: Would you like us to leave you two alone?

Sadie: Honestly…?

Dakota: Oh, God. I'm out of here.

Sadie: If only I'd known it would be that easy to get rid of her…

Madison: You love us and you know it. Even her. You don't know what you'd do without us.

Sadie: I suppose that's true. Just don't tell her that. And keep your voice down. She could be anywhere. She could be that fly buzzing around our heads right now…

Dakota: *calls from other side of door* Or I could be eavesdropping right outside the door!

Sadie: Oh, hell. So much for being constructive…

Quick Update

Anyone who is following along here will see that the Character Interview feature has been rather popular! I've got even more in process, and it's very exciting and a lot of fun. Since the initial "burst" of interviews from starting this is through, I'm now moving it back to a weekly feature. We will be having Character Interview Thursdays!

I'm still open to taking new interviews, so please email me if you're interested. You can use the Contact Me form and I'll get back to you! I am happy to provide an Interview to schedule, such as for a blog tour.

There is also room for guest posts and author interviews, if anyone is interested. I'll be doing more blog posts about writing, publishing, reading and Adelheid in the future, too! So, watch this space!