Michele E. Gwynn's Blog, page 16
December 31, 2015
Happy New Year Readers!
Hello, all! I wanted to pop in quickly and just say thank you (Gracias, Grazi, Dankeschoen, Spasibo, Dank Je, Multumesc, Tack, Dyakuyu) for making 2015 so wonderful! I couldn't do it without you. Your support means the world to me. I hope everyone has an amazing start to the new year, and may 2016 bring you joy, peace, and lots of love.
Remember, if you live in a country where Amazon is not available, you can order the paperback version of my books directly from CreateSpace. I will also be making the leap to Ingram Spark publishers in the spring so I can reach more of you throughout the world!
Check out my CreateSpace Print Books Page Here
Enjoy! Stay Safe, and see you in 2016~
Much love,
Michele E. Gwynn
December 26, 2015
In novel writing, think location, location, location!
Writing a book involves more than just an engaging plot and dynamic characters. Another factor in hooking readers in is location. Where does the story take place? Is the city appropriate to the plot line, and how much does the writer know about the whereabouts. Often, much like in the business of real estate, location is everything. Some writers are known for style based entirely on the locations of their many books. Take Stephen King as an example. When we think of his stories, we picture the northeast, and usually, Maine. King was born in Maine and he's very familiar with the state. He writes what he knows. Other famous books are widely known for their international flair such as the Bourne trilogy by Robert Ludlum. Not a single fan is without knowledge that the spy, Jason Bourne, crosses international borders throughout each book. The Millennium series by Stieg Larsson ....Sweden.
So it goes without saying that the location is every bit as important as the plot and the characters.
I've used both real and fictional locations in my stories. The fictional cities are Farley, Oklahoma in Harvest (The Harvest Trilogy Book I) and Pelican's Bay, Florida in Waiting a Lifetime. I've driven through Okalahoma, and my parents were both from Florida so there was at least some familiarity, but in my other books, I've used both cities that I've visited and those on my bucket list.
In book I of the Checkpoint, Berlin Detective Series, Exposed: the Education of Sarah Brown, the story begins in Helotes, Texas, not far from where I grew up on the northeast side of San Antonio. Our protagonist, Sarah, leaves her small town for big adventure overseas. She first visits Barcelona, Spain (a bucket list city) before flying to Berlin (visited in 2010). She ends in Amsterdam (a layover for me). Book II, The Evolution of Elsa Kreiss, the story continues in Berlin, and then steps a toe into Hamburg (bucket list). One of the characters is from Pskov, Russia, and there was a lot of research into the geography for that one. He's pretty wicked. Book III, The Redemption of Joseph Heinz, (Coming spring, 2016) has Heinz flying from Berlin to Stockholm, Sweden (bucket list) briefly before flying to St. Petersburg, Russia (a bucket list city as well). The stories are dark, criminal, upsetting, and the locations couldn't be any less so. Adding places that are either industrial and/or frigid in temperature adds to the setting creating the proper mood.
My stand alone paranormal vampire romance, Darkest Communion, takes place in Bucharest, Romania because.....of course! Where else would an 800-year-old vampire live? The story incorporates the eastern European folklore of the Strigoi and gypsy curses. It was important to have a believable location where locals still believed in the old ways, in mysticism, shamanism, and tales about monsters.
Returning to my UFO-themed saga, The Harvest Trilogy, books II and III take place respectively, in my hometown of Schertz, Texas (Celluloss), and a neighboring town I visit often, Marion, Texas (Census). I had to go into some details in order to blow up a city...what better place than one I know like the back of my hand?
Finally, I needed to country-hop for my angel series. Jerusalem (researched city) was high on the list because...angels! Book III, Sophie's Wish, is set at Christmas in Paris, France (bucket list). Book II, Camael's Battle, has some epic sword fights in biblical locations in Jerusalem.
In 2016, the full length novel for The Ghosts of Cardiff, my new series, will explore supernatural crime and cold cases in and around Cardiff, Wales (visited in 2010). Who doesn't like a good ghostly mystery, and I feel as if the older the story, originating in a city of historic significance where more battles than we can count on our fingers and toes happened, the better.
Another important element in many stories...the weather! We'll talk about that next time.
What cities have you visited, which are your favorites? Share in the comments below.
To find these books, click on the "BOOKS BY MICHELE E. GWYNN" tab.
So it goes without saying that the location is every bit as important as the plot and the characters.
I've used both real and fictional locations in my stories. The fictional cities are Farley, Oklahoma in Harvest (The Harvest Trilogy Book I) and Pelican's Bay, Florida in Waiting a Lifetime. I've driven through Okalahoma, and my parents were both from Florida so there was at least some familiarity, but in my other books, I've used both cities that I've visited and those on my bucket list.In book I of the Checkpoint, Berlin Detective Series, Exposed: the Education of Sarah Brown, the story begins in Helotes, Texas, not far from where I grew up on the northeast side of San Antonio. Our protagonist, Sarah, leaves her small town for big adventure overseas. She first visits Barcelona, Spain (a bucket list city) before flying to Berlin (visited in 2010). She ends in Amsterdam (a layover for me). Book II, The Evolution of Elsa Kreiss, the story continues in Berlin, and then steps a toe into Hamburg (bucket list). One of the characters is from Pskov, Russia, and there was a lot of research into the geography for that one. He's pretty wicked. Book III, The Redemption of Joseph Heinz, (Coming spring, 2016) has Heinz flying from Berlin to Stockholm, Sweden (bucket list) briefly before flying to St. Petersburg, Russia (a bucket list city as well). The stories are dark, criminal, upsetting, and the locations couldn't be any less so. Adding places that are either industrial and/or frigid in temperature adds to the setting creating the proper mood.
My stand alone paranormal vampire romance, Darkest Communion, takes place in Bucharest, Romania because.....of course! Where else would an 800-year-old vampire live? The story incorporates the eastern European folklore of the Strigoi and gypsy curses. It was important to have a believable location where locals still believed in the old ways, in mysticism, shamanism, and tales about monsters.
Returning to my UFO-themed saga, The Harvest Trilogy, books II and III take place respectively, in my hometown of Schertz, Texas (Celluloss), and a neighboring town I visit often, Marion, Texas (Census). I had to go into some details in order to blow up a city...what better place than one I know like the back of my hand?
Finally, I needed to country-hop for my angel series. Jerusalem (researched city) was high on the list because...angels! Book III, Sophie's Wish, is set at Christmas in Paris, France (bucket list). Book II, Camael's Battle, has some epic sword fights in biblical locations in Jerusalem.In 2016, the full length novel for The Ghosts of Cardiff, my new series, will explore supernatural crime and cold cases in and around Cardiff, Wales (visited in 2010). Who doesn't like a good ghostly mystery, and I feel as if the older the story, originating in a city of historic significance where more battles than we can count on our fingers and toes happened, the better.
Another important element in many stories...the weather! We'll talk about that next time.
What cities have you visited, which are your favorites? Share in the comments below.
To find these books, click on the "BOOKS BY MICHELE E. GWYNN" tab.
December 24, 2015
Merry Christmas
A little wish from me to you.... May your Christmas be filled with family and friends, laughter and love, and gifts that cost no money at all. Be happy and healthy, grateful for your blessings, and may you read many good books in the coming year.
December 19, 2015
Remembering those we've lost
The holidays are all about family. Usually, everyone hangs out either in the kitchen eating, or in front of the television watching sports. Sometimes, just talking around a firepit outside in the chilly winter air makes for a perfect gathering for friends and loved ones, but there are those we must not forget. Today, I drove my mom (pictured below) out to Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery to bring Christmas flowers to the graves of my grandmother and my stepdad. Buried not far from both are my mom's good friend, Ruby, and my stepdad's friend, Bill, who all passed away within the last two years.
Everyone has their own belief system. Some like to visit the place of burial (like mom), and others believe that you can honor the departed anywhere you happen to be by lighting a candle, performing an act of charity (related to something that deceased loved one cared about), or simply having a private conversation out loud in the hope that they can still hear us. Whatever it is you believe, just take a moment to remember those you've lost whether family, or a friend, and even those who've died protecting and defending the rights and lives of others. One day, we, too, will be gone, and it would be nice to know someone loves us enough, misses us enough, to spare a thought in memorium.
Everyone has their own belief system. Some like to visit the place of burial (like mom), and others believe that you can honor the departed anywhere you happen to be by lighting a candle, performing an act of charity (related to something that deceased loved one cared about), or simply having a private conversation out loud in the hope that they can still hear us. Whatever it is you believe, just take a moment to remember those you've lost whether family, or a friend, and even those who've died protecting and defending the rights and lives of others. One day, we, too, will be gone, and it would be nice to know someone loves us enough, misses us enough, to spare a thought in memorium.
December 17, 2015
A tree at the Alamo
Every year, I drive my mom and some friends around a few of the nicer spots to view Christmas lights. This always includes a pass by the Alamo in downtown San Antonio. The Christmas tree is always huge and each year, has a different color theme. I really need a better camera for night shots, but this is the view this year. I was sad to see not too many people decorated their homes in the historic district near San Antonio College, but the gorgeous lights at the University of Incarnate Word are always worth the drive.
Did you decorate? Slip on over to my Facebook Fan Page and share pics of your Christmas lights.
Find me on Facebook Here
Did you decorate? Slip on over to my Facebook Fan Page and share pics of your Christmas lights.
Find me on Facebook Here
December 11, 2015
The Cat Who Wanted to be a Reindeer 2.0 Reboot for Christmas
Did you know that I have a children's book? Well, I do!
I wrote The Cat Who Wanted to be a Reindeer several years ago after losing my wonderful, furry little buddy, Samu (like Shamu, but his full name was Samuel Duane. Yeah...he had quite a name). Writing the book helped me through my grief, and it gave me the opportunity to share Sam with anyone willing to read the story to or with their children. I've long wanted to re-do it while still using the illustrations drawn by me (the non-artist). The pictures are very personal because no one could draw my cats like I could...someone who knew and loved them. Each of the four cats in the story were all mine, and sadly, are now residing at the Rainbow Bridge, but in this book, they live on. I redid the story, re-edited, and all the colorful pictures are even more vibrant and vivid with a fun, new cover. There will be a second book in the series in 2016, but for now, if you have little ones, check out The Cat Who Wanted to be a Reindeer in ebook and paperback. (The new cover image isn't showing on Amazon yet, but should pop in there within the next day or two).
Download here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006EXBUO2…
Meet Samuel Duane. Samu was only 7 years old when he left this world. He suffered from a condition called Megacolon that advanced beyond treatment and even surgery. Losing him broke my heart, but I have 7 years of memories, pictures, and this book to remind me of the good times. I'm so happy to be able to share just a little of him with the world.
2009
I wrote The Cat Who Wanted to be a Reindeer several years ago after losing my wonderful, furry little buddy, Samu (like Shamu, but his full name was Samuel Duane. Yeah...he had quite a name). Writing the book helped me through my grief, and it gave me the opportunity to share Sam with anyone willing to read the story to or with their children. I've long wanted to re-do it while still using the illustrations drawn by me (the non-artist). The pictures are very personal because no one could draw my cats like I could...someone who knew and loved them. Each of the four cats in the story were all mine, and sadly, are now residing at the Rainbow Bridge, but in this book, they live on. I redid the story, re-edited, and all the colorful pictures are even more vibrant and vivid with a fun, new cover. There will be a second book in the series in 2016, but for now, if you have little ones, check out The Cat Who Wanted to be a Reindeer in ebook and paperback. (The new cover image isn't showing on Amazon yet, but should pop in there within the next day or two).
Download here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006EXBUO2…
Meet Samuel Duane. Samu was only 7 years old when he left this world. He suffered from a condition called Megacolon that advanced beyond treatment and even surgery. Losing him broke my heart, but I have 7 years of memories, pictures, and this book to remind me of the good times. I'm so happy to be able to share just a little of him with the world.
2009
December 9, 2015
A FREE book for all the Naughty Girls for Christmas
For all the Naughty Girls on Santa's list, Xaviera Snow wants you to have this FREE eBook Download from the sexy and scintillating collection of shorts, The Erotic Diary of Xaviera Snow. Grab Erotic Liaison (book II in the anthology) FREE Dec. 10th - 12th on Amazon.com.
Download Your Copy Here
Download Your Copy Here
December 6, 2015
Join the Evolution in a Kindle Countdown Deal
Countdown Bargain 12/06/2015: The Evolution of Elsa Kreiss by Michele E. Gwynn Targeted Age Group: 18+
New Career, Same Criminals. From spanking bad men to arresting them, Elsa Kreiss’s life takes a sharp turn from enforcing the rules of her dungeon to enforcing the rules of law after she joins the German police force. An unsolved case of three missing girls from Charlottenburg pulls her mentor, Kommissar Joseph Heinz, back into the dark abyss just as love finds him. While he searches for a killer, she fights an attraction to a very bad boy. Lukas Trommler is everything she likes in a man; cocky, confident, and hot. An art buyer at a local gallery, Lukas exudes culture with an edge of danger. He invites her into his world where she comes face to face with a familiar monster, Yuri Ivchencko, one of the most powerful and wealthiest men in the world with ties to the Russian mafia. His obsession with the sick and twisted side of human nature expressed in art offends Elsa, who doesn’t hesitate to say so. Her outburst lands her squarely on his radar. A note signed by none other than Ivchencko is delivered to her hands. Their worlds are about to collide, and not everyone will survive. Can Elsa trust Lukas or is he far more dangerous than she imagines? What does Ivchencko want of her, and how is he connected to Lukas? Who is the killer, and who will be killed? Time is running out, and Elsa must embrace her inner dominatrix to save her friends and family.
This book is bargain priced from 12/06/2015 until 12/11/2015 in U.S.. Price is: 3.99 Reg. One Countdown level to 0.99
Link To Buy The Evolution of Elsa Kreiss
BookGoodies Author Interview
New Career, Same Criminals. From spanking bad men to arresting them, Elsa Kreiss’s life takes a sharp turn from enforcing the rules of her dungeon to enforcing the rules of law after she joins the German police force. An unsolved case of three missing girls from Charlottenburg pulls her mentor, Kommissar Joseph Heinz, back into the dark abyss just as love finds him. While he searches for a killer, she fights an attraction to a very bad boy. Lukas Trommler is everything she likes in a man; cocky, confident, and hot. An art buyer at a local gallery, Lukas exudes culture with an edge of danger. He invites her into his world where she comes face to face with a familiar monster, Yuri Ivchencko, one of the most powerful and wealthiest men in the world with ties to the Russian mafia. His obsession with the sick and twisted side of human nature expressed in art offends Elsa, who doesn’t hesitate to say so. Her outburst lands her squarely on his radar. A note signed by none other than Ivchencko is delivered to her hands. Their worlds are about to collide, and not everyone will survive. Can Elsa trust Lukas or is he far more dangerous than she imagines? What does Ivchencko want of her, and how is he connected to Lukas? Who is the killer, and who will be killed? Time is running out, and Elsa must embrace her inner dominatrix to save her friends and family.
This book is bargain priced from 12/06/2015 until 12/11/2015 in U.S.. Price is: 3.99 Reg. One Countdown level to 0.99
Link To Buy The Evolution of Elsa Kreiss
BookGoodies Author Interview
December 3, 2015
Amazon Prime Titles from Michele E. Gwynn
Are you an Amazon Prime member? Have you borrowed these titles? You haven't? Well, why not? It's that time of year when life both speeds up and slows down. In all the rush to prepare for the holidays, sometimes, a little quiet time just sneaking off to read is the best present you can give to yourself. Check out these books, and find your next favorite book or series....
FIND BOOKS BY MICHELE E. GWYNN HERE
FIND BOOKS BY MICHELE E. GWYNN HERE
November 23, 2015
A New Psychological Thriller Coming March 2016
An Exclusive sneak peek....
