Tanya Contois's Blog, page 7

Shifting Pride - Interview with Laura Diamond

Hello,Thank you for visiting with author Laura Diamond on her Blog Tour for “Shifting Pride.” As a thank you, please go to Laura’s website to register for a free copy of “New Pride,” the prequel novella to Shifting Pride. This is the Laura Diamond Fan Page link: http://authorlauradiamond.com/?page_id=37 Once you register, your name will be entered into the drawing. A random entry will be chosen and a copy of the prequel will be sent to the lucky winner!


Title: Shifting PrideAuthor: Laura DiamondGenre: YA Paranormal RomanceBuy Link: Amazon B&N
Book Blurb:Curiosity brings out the Kitty...

Sixteen-year-old Nickie Leone has proof her father is still alive. His watch arrives in the mail, with a note telling her to “keep it hidden,” and her curiosity is piqued. She obeys the request, even keeping it hidden from her mother. But when an email from her father disappears before her very eyes, she begins to question her own sanity.

And things get even more complicated when she meets Xavian Katz, the blue-eyed, blonde hottie whose contagious smile and ridiculous sense of humor make her want to tell him all her secrets. But there’s a current beneath his charm that she can’t quite read. He’s hiding something.

When Nickie grows pointed ears and whiskers…and then a tail!...Xavian (who always seems to knows the right time to be around) seems unsurprised. He’s a shapeshifter too, a coincidence that Nickie can’t deny or ignore. She needs his help to master her new abilities, because her father’s rival, Derek, wants her to join his tribe. The last thing she wants is to be under his rule, but Derek’s got something to do with her dad’s disappearance—she knows it. And maybe letting herself be captured is the best way to find out…
Interview:
Where are you from? 
I was born and raised in the rolling hills of upstate New York. Lovely during the fall (watching the leaves change colors is so awesome!), cold and snowy during winter, hot and humid during summer…and spring (which lasts about a week) is PERFECT, LOL!
 Did you always know you wanted to be a writer or was there something else you wanted to do as a career? In high school, I decided that I wanted to go to medical school and become a doctor. After twelve years (college, medical school, residency), I obtained my goal and my board certification in Psychiatry. During residency, I realized that I needed balance in life—work couldn’t be the be all and end all of my life, so I picked up writing…and haven’t stopped! I’ve been writing for over four years now and don’t plan to quit. What inspired you to write your first book? I’ve always enjoyed reading and for many years marveled at how people could do it. Then I got the idea that I’d like to try it and see if I could write a book. So I did. And then I couldn’t stop. Dangitall, I caught the bug!In your opinion what is the best movie adaptation of a book that you’ve read? The Lord of the Rings trilogy is BY FAR my FAVORITEST book (trilogy) turned movie EVER! I know the films don’t follow the books explicitly, but still, they’re PHENOMENAL. (I hope all the caps convey the fan girl emotion I’m feeling right now, LOL!) What is the first book that you remember reading? I don’t honestly remember the very first book I read, but it has got to be either Dr. Seuss or Shel Silverstein. If your book was being made into a movie do you already have actors in mind for each role? What bands/singers would you put on the soundtrack? Gosh, I have no idea who I’d cast! * ponders * You know, Alex Pettyfer would make a darn good Xavian. Yep. He sure would. When you’re creating characters do you incorporate traits from people you know? Not usually, although, Nickie’s (the main character) best friend, Tiffany, is actually loosely based on my own best friend, Tiffany. (She’s thrilled to be a part of the series, by the way!) If you had the chance to have a sit down with any author alive or deceased who would it be and why?OMG, can I pick more that one? I’d like to chat with Tolkien, Silverstein, Rowling, Vonnegut, Maugham…and so many more.What book are you reading now? I’m currently devouring anything and everything by Jennifer L. Armentrout.What are your current projects? I’ve written a short story “spin off,” titled TSAVO PRIDE, about the lions of Tsavo. I’m also drafting the sequel to SHIFTING PRIDE, tentatively called FRACTURED PRIDE. I have another young adult novel, ZODIAC COLLECTOR, that will be going into edits soon. Guess I’m juggling a few things, LOL! 

YA Paranormal Romance Novelette- New Pride by Etopia PressA shapeshifter without a pride, Richard Leone strikes a tenuous friendship with power hungry, Derek, from an unstable, rogue group.
On a hunt in the forest, they encounter a gorgeous brunette, Molly, partying with friends around a campfire.
Derek tells the rogue pride and they bristle at humans trespassing on their territory. Richard risks life and tail to protect his secret and the humans – especially Molly – while simultaneously trying to win her heart.
When Molly is kidnapped, he faces taking on the rogue pride alone, but quickly finds he has to put his trust in Derek, not only to rescue his new love, but to ensure the rogue pride doesn’t wreak havoc on his new town.

Tempted by the Storm by Maxine Mansfield promo and a giveaway

Tempted by the StormBy Maxine Mansfield
Genre: Erotic Fantasy Heat level: 4, Scarlet Rose Publisher: The Wild Rose Press Release date: November 9, 2012
Blurb: Larksong Hammerstrike has always been just the younger sister of Princess Aryanna. Never quite as pretty or as smart, always lacking, a mere empath whose power gets her into trouble more often than not. But at Carnalval, the festival of all things sexual, she unleashes her sensual side for a night in the arms of a masked stranger. When morning dawns, Lark can't resist a peek beneath the mask of her lover and is once again crushed by fate. The man of her lusty adventure is none other than the future Lord of the High Elves and destined to marry her sister. As heir to the kingdom of Landis and current instructor of wizardry at the Academy of Magical Arts, Sarco Sunwalker is honor bound to rise above the temptation of the beautiful empathic student who invades his mind, body, and soul. But when sparks fly, lightning strikes, and thunder rolls, Sarco finds himself more than tempted by the storm of Lark's passion and vows to find a solution that will prevent a war between races, fulfill an infamous quest, and win Lark's hand.


Excerpt
There was only one word that could describe the creature standing before him. Wonderful.“Did you say something?” the woman whispered.He shook his head. “Nothing, I just can’t believe my luck. You really are real and here with me.”She smiled, but her smile didn’t extend to her eyes.Before another heartbeat passed or another breath taken, he stood at her side. With tenderness, he gazed into her gentle, masked face and took both of her hands in his. He was humbled as her fingers trembled even more than his own did. “We don’t have to do this if you’d rather not.”She smiled wider, and her eyes gleamed with mischief. “I suppose we might as well. After all, we’re already here, and you’re at least halfway undressed.”Sliding his hands up her arms and around her shoulders to her back, Sarco felt for and found the clasps holding her gown together. With the flick of a wrist, they gave way, and with a swish, the silky fabric fell to her hips exposing lush, rose-tipped breasts. Just the right size to hold in both hands, to fondle, to caress, to taste.“Hmm, it seems you’re halfway undressed yourself.”



About the Author Maxine Mansfield writes fantasy, erotic romances. She lives in the far northern state of Alaska where the summer days are long and the winter nights even longer.
She has one very special man, his three equally special children, and their six delightful grandchildren in her life. Not to mention a very bossy African Grey parrot named Gabriel. Oh, and Gnomes! Many, many Gnomes.
Maxine can be found online at the following places: Website: http://www.maxinemansfield.com/default.html Twitter: Buy Links: http://www.wilderroses.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=180&products_id=906http://www.amazon.com/Tempted-Storm-Maxine-Mansfield/dp/1612177166/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1351808660&sr=1-4&keywords=maxine+mansfield
Other Books: Touched by the Magic (1st book in the Academy Series) http://www.amazon.com/Touched-Magic-Maxine-Mansfield/dp/1612173705/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1351808660&sr=1-1&keywords=maxine+mansfield Maxine is giving away 1 kindle copy of Tempted by the Storm to a lucky commenter. To enter leave a comment for Maxine and don't forget to include your email address!

Dangerous Past - A F Ebbers Book Review & Giveaway

Title: Dangerous PastAuthor: A F EbbersGenre: Suspense/MysteryBuy Link: http://www.amazon.com/Dangerous-Past-ebook/dp/B005LXK4SE/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1330228583&sr=1-1
Book Description:An airline captain and his wife are being stalked by professional assassins who have a deadline to kill him and make it look like an accident or suicide. The couple doesn’t know why they are being targeted. Little by little they are pulled into a dangerous web of intrigue by a murderous criminal network who offers the pilot his wife’s life if he will concede to their demands.Dangerous Past is a story of a man who must choose between doing what ought to be done or keeping his family alive by allowing a murderous and powerful VIP to escape his past.



Author Bio:

A. F. Ebbers, a journalism graduate of Ohio University was a reporter/writer for major newspapers, ad agencies, and in public relations for Cessna Aircraft Company. He also graduated from Army Flight School and flew for the Ohio and Kansas Army National Guards. Later he was called to active duty and served two flying tours in Vietnam. After retirement from the military, he flew for corporations and for regional airlines. A dual rated ATP pilot, he has written for numerous national magazines, Sunday supplements and trade and travel magazines and has written screenplays and short stories. Today he lives with his wife in the Austin, Texas area and, when not writing, enjoys tennis, flying and piano. Dangerous Pastis his debut novel.
About writing. I write realistically about what I have experienced. Most of the places in this novel are real because I’ve been there: from Vietnam to Europe to Asia to Washington to Texas and most places in-between. I create characters using a combination of real and imaginary personalities. My motto for writing fiction is always write what you know. Website: http://www.afebbers.com/Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/pages/AF-Ebbers-Author/165264770269586

Review:My first thoughts on this book was that I wouldn't like it. I do not like reading about war, planes do not excite me either but, I did enjoy Dangerous Past. There was war in the book and planes, pilots but the story was brilliant. I liked the suspense and the intensity of it. Great bookI give it 4 stars 
Giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Desolate City (Albertos Series #1) by Raquel Jones - Cover Reveal

All credit for this cover goes to Silviya Yordanova. Find her:

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/MyBeautifulDarkness

DeviantART - http://morteque.deviantart.com/
You can find the Author, Raquel Jones:Facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Racquel-Jones/206693799354239?ref=hl

Twitter : https://twitter.com/Rakeru19

Blog: http://racquelthewriter.blogspot.com/ 
Find the book on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16029730-desolate-city




Book Blurb
After being invited to a party, Seiren never dreamed of being haunted by the Haydens--supernatural beings--of her city. She was suppose to forget about how they watched her every move days before. She was suppose to forget how everything went downhill after meeting a certain white eyed Hayden. But that would be too simple...

Ereshkigal, a group of powerful beings that all Haydens resent, have their sights on Seiren and Haydens from every corner of Black Phoenix will do everything in their power to stop them.

With the help of the gun-toting agent Luann and Hayden guardian Julius, Seiren must figure out her place in all of this and why she is literally running for her life.

Devil Du Jour by Deena Remiel promo

 Devil Du Jour Blurb 

Derek Galloway is one tenacious man. His curious nature won’t let him rest until he closes Hell’s portal and finds a cure for Camille’s affliction. Satan will have one helluva fight on his hands if he tries to claim her again.

Camille and Derek, an unlikely couple, have found each other in the darkest of times. Will they find the answers they need to free her and the world from Satan’s grip? Or are they in for the longest, darkest battle of their lives?


 
Evil had done a real number on her in her sleep. She had to somehow push him out of her mind. Useless facts! She could try using all those facts she stored up for no good reason, but helped her in socially awkward situations. Maybe if she thought about them, she could squeeze the darkness out.“Did you know good means morally excellent, virtuous, and righteous?” She sniffed and wiped her wet eyes with the hem of her t-shirt. Dragging her fingers through her thick mane, she removed the tumbling mess from her face and did her best to tame the reckless locks of hair.“No I didn’t.” He extended his hand again, and this time she took it.“It also means honorable and worthy.” “Both of which you are.”She inched out of the corner, ever closer, and kneeled before him, suddenly sensing his physical need of her, his concern, and affection. How could she deny her own longing and desire for him?“Show me, Derek.” Her breath hitched. “Show me what Satan refuses me— the truth.”He rose to meet her in the center of the living room floor, the pair on their knees, like two souls praying and worshipping each other. Butterflies flitted joyfully in her belly, replacing the hurt of earlier, painful times. Her chin trembled with anticipation as he brought his lips to rest upon hers for the most gentle of kisses she believed had ever been given or received. “I’m worthy, I’m worthy….” she murmured over and over as he kissed her branded eyelids and chased with feather-light kisses a single tear that had escaped to run down her cheek. He blazed another trail along her throat, down to the sweet spot between her breasts, and she enveloped him in her arms, cherishing the gentle restraint he displayed, appreciating how hard it must be for him to contain his full desires. Even she held back a little, wounds still smarting under the bandages.But she couldn’t deny herself the glory of seeing what lay hidden under his shirt, and pushed him away to peel the thin material off in a burst of primal wanting. A godlike present had lain underneath. Smooth, sculpted arms, chest and abdomen seemed to beg for her hands to touch, and she willingly obeyed. Groaning, his eyes fluttered closed as she explored each hill with her lips and every valley with the tip of her tongue. He tasted of sunlight and all that was good and honest. Like a man. A virile man to whom she would have to show her entire body. She froze, frightened by her urgent need and limitations.He opened his eyes and when they met hers, they were filled with understanding. He caressed her cheek and whispered, “Camille, my beautiful flower, whatever you need, whatever you want, just tell me.”He waited patiently for her to find her voice. “I…I don’t want you to see my body. Not like this.”“Love-making can take many forms, sweetheart. Take me to your bed, Cam. I’ll show you.” 
AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A7M4KDE
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/devil-du-jour-deena-remiel/1113797172?ean=2940015849721
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/255210
HERE'S the buy link for BW on AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/The-Book-Waitress-Series-ebook/dp/B0091ZR9SQ
DIRECTIONS FOR READERS: Each stop on the DEVIL DU JOUR Blog Tour will have a letter to collect. After collecting all 13 letters, put them all together to create a sentence! Email me what the sentence says and I’ll email you back with a special gift! deenaremiel@yahoo.com

Our letter is the letter R.Deena is also giving away a $20 GC to Amazon or Barnes and Noble. To enter leave a comment with your email address and like Devil Du Jour on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
 

Guest post by Jaye Frances, author of Love Travels Forever

Thank you, Tanya, for featuring me today on All Things Books with my new release Love Travels Forever . The book is a collection of my favorite short stories and essays. In the following excerpt from “The Angels of Ellis Island” you’ll meet Betsy and Ben Hansen, a married couple who save the life, and spirit, of William, a frightened young boy awaiting an unknown fate in a strange country. Here’s an excerpt: Upon arrival at Ellis Island, William was herded off the ship and moved into the Great Hall. After a quick examination to confirm the absence of cholera or tuberculosis symptoms, he was transferred to the mainland terminal by ferry. Once inside, he was taken to a small room, its only window looking into a dimly lit hallway. Volunteers from the children’s mission usually made their pick-ups in the late afternoon, just in time for William to receive a late supper and a bed assignment. An hour later, William had traded the hard chairs for a place on the floor. Too scared to sleep, but too tired to keep his eyes open, he eventually dozed off, only to be awakened by the surprise of a hand lightly covering his. He looked up to see a young couple bending over him. “My name is Betsy and this is my husband, Benjamin. What’s your name?”William managed to whisper it before making his way to his feet. “I’m going to make dinner in a few hours and I know you must be hungry. Would you like to come home with us?” William barely nodded, but for Betsy and Ben Hansen, it was enough. A few minutes later, they were helping him into Ben’s supply wagon, making sure he saw the small bag of clothing they had retrieved from the terminal—the clothes Molly had packed for her son. Betsy and Ben had found William just minutes before the missionaries arrived. Ben was in the terminal to make a delivery of steam-pipe to one of the ships docked in New York harbor. On that particular day, Betsy had decided to tag along, to have the rare treat of enjoying lunch with her husband. Married for eight years, they lived above the pipe-fitters shop that employed Ben. Betsy and Ben had never considered themselves to be potential adoptive parents, and they certainly weren’t actively looking for a new addition to their family. They were already the proud parents of two girls, Sarah and Opal. But it didn’t matter. They made their decision spontaneously, without planning or concern for the additional burden another child would bring to their already tenuous economic situation, or the effect a new sibling might have on their daughters. They simply knew they couldn’t leave William in that room by himself. Here’s a brief synopsis: In Love Travels Forever , Jaye Frances captures the reader’s heart with an inspiring collection of seventeen stories filled with romance and passion, the hopeful innocence of youth, and a love so strong that it transcends the mortality of life. Here are just a few of the people you’ll meet: Evan and Frankie, a loving couple traveling through life hand-in-hand, are unaware that the shadow of fate is about to tear them apart. Helpless to change their shortened future together, one of them makes a promise—a promise of devotion and courage, honoring a love that surpasses the boundaries of time. Mark and Janice, the perfect couple with the perfect life, are on the threshold of finally seeing their dreams come true—until an unexpected circumstance changes their lives forever. Danny, a young soldier fresh out of boot-camp, is desperate to find a way to travel home and marry his sweetheart before being shipped overseas. Stranded in a train station on a three day pass with no hope in sight, Danny meets Wanda, an incredible woman who vows to find a way to bring Danny and his fiance together. Nora and Georgia are two eight-year-old best friends who share giggles, dolls, and secrets. But when one of them faces sudden danger, the other responds with an unconditional act of love and forges a lifelong bond between them unaffected by fear or prejudice. So find a quiet spot, get comfy, and grab a box of Kleenex. You’re about to take an unforgettable journey of the heart, to a place where compassion and hope have no limits, and where love continues to travel forever. Love Travels Forever is available now in kindle eBook on Amazon for $1.99 Author Bio: Jaye Frances is the author of The Kure , a paranormal-occult romance novel, The Possibilities of Amy , a coming-of-age romance novella, The Cruise-All That Glitters , a humorous adult satire about love on the high seas, The Beach , a sci-fi supernatural tale about a man who is given the opportunity to receive his ultimate wish, and Love Travels Forever , a collection of poignant short stories and essays. She is also a featured columnist for the NUSA SUN magazine. Born in the Midwest, Jaye readily admits that her life’s destination has been the result of an open mind and a curiosity about all things irreverent. When she’s not consumed by her writing, Jaye enjoys cooking, traveling to all places tropical and “beachy” and taking pictures—lots of pictures—many of which find their way to her website. Jaye lives on the central gulf coast of Florida, sharing her home with one husband, six computers, four cameras, and several hundred pairs of shoes. For more information, visit Jaye’s website at www.jayefrances.com, or Jaye’s Blog at http://blog.jayefrances.com
Where you can find Jaye.

http://www.jayefrances.com http://blog.jayefrances.com Amazon link for Love Travels Forever : US:http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009X1OFVC UK:http://www.amazon.co.uk/Love-Travels-Forever-ebook/dp/B009X1OFVC?tag=dwktt-21" Amazon Author Page:http://www.amazon.com/author/www.jayefrances.com My Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/jayefrancesauthor Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5232105.Jaye_Frances Jaye is giving away one e-book copy of Love Travels Forever. To enter you must like Jaye's Facebook page and leave a comment with your email address.  
The giveaway will begin today and run until December 10th.

My review of Oceans of Red 1 & 2 by Willow Cross from Julie Newberry

Ebook: Oceans of Red volume One
Author: Willow Cross
Fiction, Paranormal,
This review may contain spoilers
I got this book free on Amazon
Summary: By 2015 the streets of Los Angeles have been transformed from a thriving metropolis to a hostile world ravaged by demons bent on assimilating the human race. Standing between this total apocalypse of humanity and their chance for survival is 19 year old Remy Martin.A warrior in her own right, trained to think on her feet and kill if the situation requires, she is flanked by her older brother and younger sister.  Together, they devise a plan to take back the streets.  Against the wishes of their father, who commands the resistance forces, they venture into unknown realms of the supernatural in a race against time with the fate of the entire world in their young hands.Join them on their mission into darkness where death lies around every corner, it is virtually impossible to distinguish your enemies from your allies, and a single mistake could result in the annihilation of everyone you've ever known and loved.
The ReviewOK, I was a little dubious when I started this book, I really am not sure about futuristic books, But I am so glad I gave it a go, I loved it, The siblings together were so funny, worth reading just for that, I really enjoyed the storyline, I was hooked as soon as I started reading, I love that the main character is called Remy Martin, Such a cool name, the story was very well written and made me believe it to be true, I was a little worried about the father, he seemed to be in a world of his own, not realising what was happening, I am really looking forward to reading volume two, I would highly recommend this to anyone after a great story, 5/5
Ebook: Oceans of Red Volume 2
Author: Willow Cross
Fiction, Paranormal,
This review may contain spoilers
I was given this by the author for an honest review
Summary: Remy's saga continues as the siblings uncover a sinister plot to not only posses the human race, but to replace them entirely. Will she accept her destiny and learn to control the new-found power within her?
The ReviewHere we are again following the exploits of Remy Martin and her siblings, In this volume we find ourselves spending more time with Daelen, the druid, I love him, I hope he is in book 3, he made me laugh at times, I love the way Willow writes, she made me think I was actually there, watching it with my own eyes, she weaves the characters into your life, so you feel for them, I would love to know what an AssHat is too Willow? I would highly recommend this book, especially if you read the first one, as the story just continues on from where we were left in the first, an awesome book, now I understand why it’s called Ocean’s of Red, great title 5/5

Buy links and where to find Willow
Amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_nos...
Amazon.co.ukhttp://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_n...
Smashwordswww.smashwords.com/books/se...
Goodreadshttp://www.goodreads.com/search?utf8=...
Facebookwww.facebook.com/willowcrossb...
Twitterhttps://twitter.com/willowcross

Interview with Melissa Pearl by Julie Newberry

Thankyou for joining us today Melissa,
Betwixt is a little different from my usual reads, I am just curious, Where did your inspiration come from for this book?
It was actually inspired by a movie I saw years ago - Invisible. I loved the premise and the whole idea, but I was disappointed with the execution. I pushed the idea of writing a similar story aside, because I didn't want to copy what already existed, but about a year ago the story kept plaguing me. I let myself play with it for a while and a whole new story emerged. It became quite different to the movie, so I decided to turn it into a book of my own. I'm really happy with how it turned out in the end :)
Have you ever had an out of body experience?
No :)
Do you listen to music while writing? If so, what kind?
No - I need silence while I'm writing. I find music distracts me too much. When I'm coming up with scenes - out walking or at home on my own - I find instrumental movie music can really stir emotions within me. It can help me visualize an action sequence or pull out the emotion I need for a particular scene. So I guess I do listen to music while I create, but not while I write :)Oh - Taylor Swift can always get my imagination moving too. Man I love her stuff!!
What would you recommend to someone who likes to listen to music while reading Betwixt?
Hmmmm - good question. The story's a little melancholy in parts so I guess songs that make you want to cry.There's one that I was listening to the other day, which totally made me think of Betwixt.It's called "I Need You To Love Me" by Barlow Girl. To me it totally captured where Nicole is at in her life. It was fun listening to it in the context of my story.
What kind of things would we find on your browsing history right now?
Oh no!!!Haha :)Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Amazon, Indies Unlimited.These are the sites I check each day.I am a little addicted to checking for new reviews. I know you're not really supposed to read reviews of your books, but I just love to hear what people think about my stuff. Even the bad reviews can be helpful sometimes. I've read a few bad ones and thought, "Good point. I must watch for that in my next book."Also - it totally makes my day when I read that someone has enjoyed one of my books. Makes all my time and effort worth it :)
Do you have any guilty pleasures?
Dipping marshmallows in nutella and eating my little heart out while watching TV shows about cops - I love Castle, Numbers, Rookie Blue... all those kinds of investigative shows.
What do you do to relax after finishing a book?
Because I'm a full time mother and I'm trying to squish writing into every spare moment I have, I don't usually take any breaks after finishing a book, I just launch straight into my next one.I am a little worried about burn out though, so am planning on slowing down a touch when my youngest starts kindy. He will be starting with one morning a week soon and I'm actually planning on fitting in some non-writing me time into my life.
If an aspiring writer asked for advice what would you tell them?
Study the craft of writing. I have learned SO much and improved SO much as a writer by taking the time to do an on-line course and reading a bunch of great books on writing well. It's totally worth it. I want my readers to trust me. If I'm to deliver good quality work, then I need to put the effort in to keep improving as a writer.
What book did you first buy with your own money and do you still have it?
I think it must have been a Sweet Valley High. I can't remember for sure, but I know they were the first books I got addicted to as a young teen. I gave them all away - WHY I am still not sure :)
If you could write about any subject that is near and dear to yourheart, what would it be and why?
I like writing stories that examine human nature and how upbringing and experiences can affect someone's behaviour. Anything that touches on human emotion is right up my alley. All my books have a strong relational element so I already feel like I'm writing what's near and dear to my heart.
I do have a few stories that I am very much looking forward to writing at some point, but I've never worked on a project that I haven't been passionate about :)
Who are your absolute favourite authors and what would you do if they read & loved your book?
Francine Rivers, Dee Henderson and Simone Elkeles are my standard answer. I love all their work.If they read and loved my stuff, I'd be on cloud nine. What a huge compliment that would be to hear positive feedback from people who have inspired me so much. Fingers crossed it will happen one day :)

Optional questions
What is your biggest pet peeve?
People who park badly - taking up two spaces when they could easily fit into one. I just think it's so rude. It really bugs me!
Favourite meal?
I love good food, so I have quite a few favourites.Interestingly enough, the one that's popping into my head right now is a gourment chicken burger. There's a place in Auckland that does this amazing one with blue cheese dressing, bacon, avacado, chicken and salad. Man - it is so good!And they go gluten free buns too, which is just the best because I can't eat gluten.
Dessert wise - I love to finish off with something creamy like cheesecake, creme brulee or a lemon mousse :)
Favorite Drink (alcoholic/non-alcoholic)?
Freshly squeezed orange juice with lots of pulp. There's a super yummy one in the States. I can't get in China or NZ :(
A nice, thick vanilla shake always goes down well too :)
 All time favorite movie?
Too many to choose from. I love everything from action to comedy, thriller to romance. The only thing I want touch is horror.
Best book to movie adaption?
Probably The Notebook. I preferred the movie so much more than the book. Same with The Lord of the Rings.
Worst book to movie adaption?
Because I'm such a movie fan, I actually love books being made into movies and most of the time, they do okay.One movie I was disappointed with though was "My Sister's Keeper." I was expecting one thing and got something else. I thought they should have stuck more closely to the book.
Thankyou so much for joining us today Melissa, it has been great fun,Betwixt is out now and such a great read, highly recommended by me.
Buy links & where to find Melissa Pearl
Facebook
www.facebook.com/melissapearlauthor
Goodreads
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15...
Amazon.co.uk
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Betwixt-ebook...
Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Betwixt-ebook/d...
Smashwords
www.smashwords.com/books/view/250476

Interview with D. Michelle Gent, author of Ancients and Gods

1. If someone looked at your browsing history right now, what kind of things would we find.

All sorts of research, blogs and articles on writing and the publishing industry and anything from weaponry to poisoning. Oh yes, there’s enough to convict me, for sure! J


2. If you could write about any subject that is near and dear to your heart, what would it be and why?

I get to do that anyway, in magazine articles as well as my novels. I’m Editor of AWESOME online magazine and I write about bullying in school, animal abuse, historical characters and anything that takes my fancy – I really am fortunate!


3. Do you have a favorite song, album, or playlist to write to?

I prefer absolute silence when I write. The voices from my imagination are enough to listen to and I need to hear what they say, sometimes they don’t repeat their messages.


4. What was the first thing you did after the debut of the first book you wrote?

Floated around for a while trying to remove the grin from my face! J


5. What is your biggest pet peeve?

People who tell me ‘no you can’t’.


6. Do you have any guilty pleasures?

Guilty pleasures...? As in things I shouldn’t be doing when I’m supposed to be writing?
Petting my cat, gazing out of the window, Facebook, Twitter... procrastination in general.


7. What was your favorite book as a teen?

I don’t usually re-read books so I don’t have one that was my absolute favourite but as a teen I would ‘borrow’ my dad’s book collection one at a time and scare the living daylights out of myself with titles such as The Exorcist, Jaws, The Deep, The Rats etc etc.


8. If an aspiring writer asked for advice what would you tell them?

You CAN do it. NEVER take NO as the only answer you can get and for goodness sake and for the sake of your work, your readers and your pride, get your work professionally edited.



Optional questions :)



Favorite Meal:

Oh that’s an easy one! Christmas dinner with my family. It’s hard work, a lot of preparation and I always go over the top, too much food, too much choice and experimental desserts but it’s SO worth the effort!


Favorite Drink (alcoholic/non-alcoholic)

I like liqueurs – I have a sweet tooth. Glayva, Cherry Brandy, Amaretto... etc.

Non alcoholic – juice or water.


Sweet or Salty snacks?

That depends on the situation... I love Doritos but I also adore puddings – individual cheesecakes etc mmmm.


All time favorite movie

I don’t really have one that I can choose from... I enjoy Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Highlander, most musicals... a wide and varied mix really.


Best book to movie adaption

The Green Mile


Worst book to movie adaption

Judge Dredd (the Sylvester Stallone version) It’s a comicbook to movie adaptation but I collected the comics in the 80s and that movie was an utter travesty! I hope the new version is better!

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Review of No Tan Lines by Kate Angell

There's a place where the ocean meets the shore, where kicking off your shoes and baring some skin is as natural as sneaking under the boardwalk for an ice cream cone and stolen kisses. But life isn't all a beach for Shaye Cates, even if her idea of an office is a shady umbrella at the water's edge equipped with cell phone and laptop. Steely-eyed Trace Saunders is the incredibly irksome fly in her coconut tanning oil. And running a kids' softball team with her long-time rival is going to have everyone in her little Florida town buzzing. Her scads of laid-back relatives and his whole uptight clan know that Shaye just wants to play ball while Trace thinks only of business. But beneath the twinkling lights of the ferris wheel, the magic of sea and sand can sweep away every inhibition...Suddenly, it's summertime, and the lovin' is easy.

REVIEW

No Tan Lines by Kate Angell is a smart and sweet contemporary romance that is sure to become a favorite of many readers. Kate Angell has created a wonderful story featuring a cast of close knit characters from a small beach community. The contrast of the two main characters' personalities kept me from putting this book down and I thought they complimented each other perfectly because of their different personalities. The build up to the climax of No Tan Lines was well written and had me reading long into the night. This is a perfect book for all fans of romance and its many subgenres.

http://www.amazon.com/No-Tan-Lines-Kate-Angell/dp/0758269196/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1354286731&sr=8-1&keywords=no+tan+lines+kate+angell

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/no-tan-lines-kate-angell/1106566742?ean=9780758269195