Tawdra Kandle's Blog, page 61
July 8, 2013
COLLATERAL DAMAGE Excerpt Tour and Giveaway!
Annie Ogden is back. Like it or not, she’s about to learn about COLLATERAL DAMAGE.
A love story.
When Annie Ogden’s ex-boyfriend Michael Garcia reappears, she has to confront a lie dating back to her time in Iraq. Will she go back to hot, passionate Michael, who has developed a disturbing interest in meth, or stick with her pudgy PI partner and fiancé, Salvatore?
A murder.
The calculus changes when Michael is arrested for murder. When Salvatore refuses to help investigate, Annie is forced to try to find the killer herself. Meanwhile her sister’s creepy husband, Todd, is making more of an ass of himself than usual.
An obsession.
Annie’s problems with three obsessive men suddenly pale in significance when she realizes the killer has set his sights on her. Having changed his mind about helping her, Salvatore finds himself in a desperate race against time, the only man capable of finding the killer before it’s too late.
I’m so excited to be part of this excerpt blog tour to celebrate the release of Frederick Lee Brooke’s book COLLATERAL DAMAGE. Today, I’m sharing with you Chapter 16. To see what comes before. . .and what comes next. . .follow along on the other participating blogs below!
But wait. . .there’s more! Enter to. . .
Win a $25 Amazon gift card AND a signed paperback edition of any book by Frederick Lee Brooke! To win, all you have to do is visit every blog on the 26-day Collateral Damage Excerpt Tour and leave a comment showing that you read the excerpt. That’s it! See the blog list and join the tour …
June 24 Shannon Mayer Chapter 1
June 25 Scott Bury Chapter 2
June 26 Raine Thomas Chapter 3
June 27 Emily Walker Chapter 4
June 28 Simon Jenner Chapter 5
June 29 Amberr Meadows Chapter 6
June 30 Anne Chaconas Chapter 7
July 1 BestsellingReads Chapter 8
July 2 Tyler-Rose Neath Chapter 9
July 3 Naomi Leadbeater Chapter 10
July 4 Mohana Rajakumar Chapter 11
July 5 Helen Hanson Chapter 12
July 6 Marilou George Chapter 13
July 7 J.C. Martin Chapter 14
July 8 Corinne O’Flynn Chapter 15
July 9 Tawdra Kandle Chapter 16
July 10 Martha Bourke Chapter 17
July 11 Connie M. Chyle Chapter 18
July 12 Cyndi Chapter 19
July 13 Kenneth Hoss Chapter 20
July 14 Andrea Kurian Chapter 21
July 15 Andy Holloman Chapter 22
July 16 Marilyn Diekman Chapter 23
July 17 Christine Nolfi Chapter 24
July 18 Jennifer Chase Chapter 25
July 19 Patricia Sands Chapter 26
Chapter 16—Annie
Loud music emanated from the small house. I crossed the front yard, threading through groups of people standing there. No one paid any attention to me. I kept one eye on those blinking Christmas lights and that missile. I had seen such missiles on the tarmac, but never like this. I wondered where they got it. I hoped they had tightened the bolts and secured guy wires to make sure nothing would vibrate loose. Even with no warhead, a missile like that weighed upwards of two hundred pounds.
Fifty people stood in the backyard and another fifty on the deck when I got there, most of them with a can of beer in their hand. The music was so loud, people had to shout. No sign of Michael or Husker. People stood around chatting, enjoying the sunset and the breeze that came up every so often. From back here, I could see the support structure for the Shrike. Six guy wires extended from the top of the pipe structure and looked to be bolted to the roof. Rock solid.
I saw a few familiar faces, but no one I’d been close to. I squeezed through knots of people on the deck and headed into the kitchen through a sliding glass door. Todd would be showing up soon, and I wanted to be as far as possible from him. I was reaching for a bottle out of a cooler when I heard my name being called.
“Annie. Annie!”
The face that emerged from a crowd on the other side of the table was none other than June Sanderson. Finally, someone I knew.
June had been a sniper. She had proved herself many times carrying eighty pounds of equipment and going three days without sleep while on patrol with me. She’d chalked up more than thirty confirmed kills on her two tours before taking a bullet herself. I’d heard about the incident from others. Her right ear had been sliced clean off. The last time I’d seen her was before she left on the patrol where she’d been injured. With a disfiguring injury, they shipped you home.
“Hey, good to see you!” she said as we hugged. Her ear looked completely natural and symmetrical, peeking out from her short brown hair. I was guessing it was a silicone reconstruction. “Husker said you were coming down. How’s life?”
“Really good. I didn’t even pack any stuff. Michael wanted me to come so bad. Basically came and snatched me. I needed a vacation. Where are you living?”
“Right here,” June said. “Over in St. Pete. I’ve got my own bakery. Specialty bakery goods.”
“Really?”
“I’ve got three bakers and four salesgirls plus two guys who do nothing but make deliveries. I already had to rent more space. But it was no problem. I‘m the only business in our mall that’s not going bust. We’re doing well, actually.”
“Where’d you get the idea of a bakery?”
“You want to take a walk? This is too loud.”
We’d been shouting back and forth. I followed her out the sliding glass door and away from all the noise. There were more groups arriving, and more trying to come in than go out. I passed Todd on the deck. He looked dorky, the only person in the whole crowd with a sport coat. He was talking to a couple of guys I didn’t know.
June and I walked as far as the dock area, where huge cranes towered over stacks of containers, and three or four large container ships sat waiting. Workers in hard hats walked up and down along the fence between us and the dock, and cars and trucks drove past. Despite the activity, it was much quieter than the party. The breeze off the water felt good on my face.
“You remember when we got hazed?” I said.
June laughed. “They didn’t have a clue about women, did they?”
“I’ve never drunk as much before or since.”
“I remember your hair,” June said. I groaned to think of it. I had banished this memory. “First they dyed it red. It came out orange. Then they tortured you, going around snipping with scissors like they were going to cut it all off.”
“My hair was a lot shorter anyway. I remember being tied up. And they made us drink shots.”
“Tequila,” June confirmed. “Instead of cutting it, they greased it and made it into two horns that stuck up.”
“I seem to recall we weren’t wearing much.”
“It never got out of hand. They behaved like gentlemen,” June said. “We were in our bras and underwear. They were all running around in briefs. Everyone was out of their minds.”
“Your hair was so short, they didn’t know what to do with it.”
“Someone had a beaver tail from back home. They stuck that on me and made us parade around till we threw up.”
“I didn’t throw up,” I said.
“Are you kidding? You threw up so long I thought they were going to bring you to the hospital. I never knew a person to vomit so much. You probably lost a kidney. Then you passed out.”
“What a lovely image to take home from the party.”
I wondered what other images I’d blanked out since coming home. The human mind included a program for deleting unpleasant memories, like the sight of people getting their legs blown off or your boyfriend laughing at you when you most needed a hug. Only it didn’t delete the memories altogether. It archived them, so that they appeared again in just the wrong moment.
June punched my arm. “You’re only human, right?”
We walked through the port area and I told her about Salvatore—how we’d met, the kinds of investigations we did. I told her how I’d gotten engaged less than a week ago. I told her about losing the ring.
“I always lose something on road trips,” June said. “I lost my best pair of sunglasses on a trip out west with my family when I was fifteen. I lost my virginity on a road trip to Georgia. Boy, was I dumb to go with those guys.”
“I can imagine,” I said.
“I lost my best friend on a road trip to South Carolina just before joining the army.”
“What happened?”
June sighed. “Car crash. I was driving. Pouring rain, the car skidded. It was this two-lane road. I wasn’t going too fast, but the other car was. We sideswiped each other. We ended up against a tree. My airbag worked but Laura’s didn’t. She died on the way to the hospital. I had a broken wrist and some cuts. Three guys on a joy ride doing a hundred. Two died, the third one lost a leg.”
“That must’ve been a sad time.”
“It’s what made me join the army. Laura and I were…well, you know, sort of like sisters. We met in kindergarten. We were best friends all the way through grade school, middle school, high school. Our friendship survived every kind of trouble—boyfriends, parents, drugs. We went on that road trip, and boom, it was over. All over in an instant.”
“How did that make you join the army?”
“I wanted to die, Annie. I felt so lost and lonely. It was my fault. Losing her ripped a hole through my heart. A piece of me was gone. But instead of killing me, the army gave me a plan and a structure, so I knew from one day to the next where I had to be. What I had to do. I needed that to survive.”
I thought about how each person had their story. Like the story Michael had told me about Husker on the way down. Or even my own story. And how our stories kept intersecting, how we were all at this party now. I realized I’d had no choice but to come to this party. It was as if I was part of an algorithm that functioned on a different plane. I couldn’t understand it I could only live it.
“I can’t believe you lost your ring,” June said, studying my hand, as if the ring might’ve somehow reappeared.
“Someone probably stole it.”
“How could someone steal it?”
I shrugged and didn’t answer. I would never know. I didn’t want to tell June about what happened with Michael in Atlanta.
“So tell me about this bakery. You never said what gave you the idea.”
We turned on a street that would take us back. It was full dark. We’d been walking more than an hour.
“My own condition was the trigger,” June said. “I had a problem with diarrhea and cramps over in Iraq. I got myself tested and found out I have an intolerance to gluten. I’m a celiac. I can’t eat normal bread without getting sick.”
“I’ve heard of that. You mean like vomiting?”
“Cramps, indigestion, diarrhea. There’s loads of people walking around undiagnosed. You read about it.”
“I thought it was a lifestyle thing. Like vegetarians.”
“For some people. Folks like me don’t have a choice. We have to follow a diet. Otherwise it trashes the small intestine.”
“Ouch. But how do you make bread and cakes and everything without flour?”
“One common gluten-free flour is a mixture of rice and potato flours. Rice is okay, potatoes are okay. We have a very clean, sterile environment. All certified gluten free and everything. Hey, Annie, maybe tomorrow you can see my bakery.”
I thought about my plan to fly back to Chicago. I hadn’t booked any flights yet. I certainly wasn’t going anywhere first thing, if only because of that.
“How far is it from here?”
“Twenty minutes. It’s no problem. We can go there straight from the party, if you feel like it.”
“Do you think it’s going to go all night?”
“Definitely. There’s people here from all over the country, like you. Lots of folks who haven’t seen each other since we were in Iraq. A lot of catching up to do, you know? Annie, I’m so happy to see you.”
We hugged. I was happy to see June, too. June had always been easy to talk to, somehow uncomplicated. Alison was right. I made things complicated.
We were standing in the backyard again, shouting over the music and the noise of the crowd, which looked as if it had doubled. Now both the front and the backyards were full of people. People stood in the street with a six-pack in one hand, a drink in the other. Out back, the deck was so crowded it looked like it would be impossible to even get in. I was perfectly happy to stand on the grass with June, no drink in my hand, just the cool breeze in my face.
Suddenly I became aware of a different kind of energy. To our right, two guys screamed at each other, gesturing and pointing.
“Hey, what do you think he’s so upset about?”
“I don’t know,” June said.
The tall, blond one’s eyes bugged out. A vein stood out on his forehead, he was so worked up. The dark-haired man, more compact in build, shouted a string of insults even louder, not stopping to listen. They were nose to nose, building up to a fight. People moved back to give them space.
“There’s Husker.” I saw Husker threading his way through the knot of people. But he arrived too late.
The shorter one with dark hair threw the first punch. The blond dude had longer arms and got a punch to the side of the other guy’s face. Then the short man unwound and pummeled the blond man with both fists. He looked like someone who sparred in a gym five times a week. His muscles rippled as he punished the blond dude. Blood spattered from cuts on his face.
“Hey, aren’t you guys going to stop them?” June yelled at a group of men standing near her. They looked like they were enjoying the fight.
A crowd had gathered. The blond dude managed to kick the dark-haired man in the groin, but this only set him off again. The dark-haired man threw an open fisted hand in the blond man’s throat. The blond man lay on the ground, bleeding from cuts on his face. He spit out two or three teeth and muttered cuss words.
“What’s going on here? Jonas, why’re you guys fighting?” Husker put a hand on the dark-haired man’s shoulder.
“Man don’t listen to reason,” Jonas said. He massaged his knuckles. He was sweating but otherwise uninjured.
“Yeah, but we’re having a party.”
Jonas pointed to the missile hanging above the house. “Tried to tell him it was a Shrike. He kept saying it was something else—a Sidewinder, Sparrow.”
“Course it’s a Shrike,” Husker said. “Still ain’t nothing worth fighting about. He was just provoking you.”
June knelt down next to the blond man, still flat on the grass. “He needs medical attention. Someone’s got to stitch him up.”
“Goddamn it all,” Husker said.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR. . .
Frederick Lee Brooke is the author of the widely-acclaimed Annie Ogden mystery series, which includes Doing Max Vinyl, Zombie Candy, and Collateral Damage. The books do not have to be read in order.
Having lived in Switzerland for the past two decades, Brooke has taught English, run a business and learned French, German and Italian. You can find him online at www.FrederickLeeBrooke.com. Sign up for his newsletter and read all about his travels, recipes, and upcoming works!
READ THE OTHER ANNIE OGDEN MYSTERIES!
July 7, 2013
A Day in the Life of. . .NATASHA BOYD!
The first NEW ADULT SLEEPOVER WEEKEND will be held in beautiful Savannah, Georgia December 6-8, 2013. I can’t wait to be there, part of the fun and sharing my New Adult books!
To get us really excited about this weekend, the fabulous Dawn Pendleton has been posting A DAY IN THE LIFE interviews on her website, and I’m happy to share this one with you all. . .get to know Natasha Boyd!
(Stay tuned for more fascinating NA authors. . .)
Natasha Boyd is a writer with a background in marketing and public relations. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and lives in the coastal Carolina Lowcountry, complete with Spanish moss, alligators and mosquitoes the size of tiny birds. She has a husband, two sons and a cat named Tuna. Eversea is her first full-length novel.
Stalk Natasha here:
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#IndieBF 2013 EVENT BLAST!!
Indie BookFest 2013 is coming up FAST! On August 3rd, some of the most amazing Indie & traditionally published authors will all find their way to Orlando for the first annual Indie BookFest! #IndieBF2013
#1. Over 40 AMAZING Indie Authors Selling & Signing Books!
#2. Books-A-Million selling copies of Isaac Marion’s WARM BODIES!
#3. Four 50 minute long sessions, featuring some of your favorite authors speaking on a variety of topics!
#4. Large Swag bags handed out to the first 150 registered attendees!
#5. Breakfast, drinks, & a gourmet lunch included in the registration price!
#6. A Kindle Fire Giveaway!
#7. A HUGE basket filled with over 40 signed books, 4 Twilight barbies, & sooo much more will be raffled off to benefit a local charity! ( @A Gift for Teaching )
#8. Did I mention over FORTY amazing Authors???
#9. A two hour FREE entry book signing from 1:30-3:30 PM!
#10. An audience-involved Build-A-Book-Hunk Game show with prizes!
Tickets *are* limited, so be sure to snag yours today. You won’t want to miss out on the book signings, games, freebies, sessions, food, and an all-around fun-filled day!
Grab yours today! http://indiebookfest2013.eventbrite.com/
Indie Bookfest is also opening its doors to the public for a FREE ENTRY book signing from 1:30-3:30 PM, so if you can’t make to the full day event, be sure to come prepared to purchase books or bring your own with you to be signed by your favorite authors during this time.
P. S. Join us on Twitter from 8-10pm EST on Sunday night(July 7th) to have a little fun with some of the IBF2013 attending authors! I’ll be giving away a PAPERBACK book every 30 minutes and a few other prizes! Be sure to use the hashtag #IndieBF2013 in all your tweets!
Can’t wait to see you there!
July 5, 2013
THE POSSE–Release Blast!
THE POSSSE is now live and available on Amazon!
One woman, three men, and a beach romance as unpredictable as the riptide. . .
Being a widow at the age of forty-four was never in Jude Hawthorne’s plans. After her husband’s death, she’s left with her family’s beach restaurant and two nearly-grown children. The last thing she’s looking for is another chance at love.
However, if her husband’s best friends, the Posse, have anything to say about it, love is just what she’s going to get. The Posse is determined to take care of Jude, and when they decide the best way to do that is for one of them to sweep her off her feet, three begin to vie for her affections. But only one can reach her heart.
In a story of friendship, loss and second chances, Jude will learn her life is far from being over.
Tawdra Kandle has been a writer since the invention of the pen. Her first published work appeared in Child Life magazine when she was 13 years old. After a brief, thirty year hiatus, during which time she married, had four children and stuck to writing non-fiction about fun stuff like parenting and homeschooling, Tawdra’s young adult quartet The King Series was released. The Posse is her first adult contemporary romance. She lives in Florida with her husband and children–both skin and fur-types. And yes, she has purple hair.
Stalk Tawdra here:
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INDIE BOOKFEST 2013 iPAD GIVEAWAY BLOG HOP!
INDIE BOOKFEST 2013 is coming up fast! Will you be joining us in Orlando for this once in a lifetime event?
Participating authors are sponsoring an iPad Mini Giveaway! Enter to win below. . .and see YOU in Orlando!
Indie BookFest 2013 is all day long event (starting at 8:00 AM and ending at 5:00 PM) celebrating Indie Authors and Artists and their freedom of expression. Join some of your favorite Indie Authors for a day filled with book signings, sessions, and lots of good food and great fun! You won’t want to miss the sessions throughout the day, where several panelists will be speaking on a variety of topics relevant to writing, publishing, promoting your books, and all things indie.
Indie BookFest 2013 will be held at the Buena Vista Palace in Buena Vista, FL, on August 3rd, 2013 … just minutes from all the Disney and Universal parks! Everyone attending Indie BookFest 2013 will have access to special room rates while staying at the Buena Vista Palace. Turn this one day event into a fun little getaway and indulge in the sunshine and parks while you are visiting the Orlando area.
Register for Indie BookFest 2013
Sessions, refreshments, morning gourmet coffee bar, lunch, & much more? = $20
Fun hanging out with a great group of your favorite Indie Authors? = PRICELESS!
Not only is Indie BookFest going to be a day filled with a lot of fun and fabulousness, but it will also be a time to come together and help a local organization, A Gift For Teaching. We will be raffling off an AMAZING prize to one lucky winner, so be sure to come prepared to purchase a few tickets, rub a lucky 8 ball, and by doing so, help out local teachers and children in the process!
** Be sure to bring in some school supplies to be entered to win another wonderful prize … everyone who donates will receive some special Indie BookFest swag!**
Learn more about the 2013 charity Indie BookFest will be featuring HERE. We hope to see you all on August 3rd in Orlando, it is sure to be a great time!
Indie Bookfest is proud to announce that along with our stellar line up of over 45 indie authors such as: Shelly Crane, Kristie Cook, Tabatha Vargo, Amy Miles, Michelle Madow, Shanora Q. Williams, Quinn Loftis, C.A. Kunz, Tiffany King, G.P. Ching, Rachael Wade, Tawdra Kandle, Sarah Ross, and MANY OTHERS, that Isaac Marion (Author of Warm Bodies) will be a special speaker at the event!
Be sure to stop by the blog and show your Indie pride and love of books by picking up one of these AWESOME tees! All proceeds go to finance the event!
(Click on the pictures below to go to the blog to purchase!)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Visit these blog in the blog hop!
Living, Learning, and Loving Life
Pink Fluffy Hearts: Diary of a Coffee Addict
Reality Bites! Let’s Get Lost!
Teracia’s book hoarding problem
The Official Site of Inger Iversen
Check out these Indie BookFest 2013 author interviews:
Amy Miles
1. What is one thing about you that your fans don’t know about
you?
I’m an introvert and as such I am a
nervous wreck before and during each book signing that I do. I say “um” a LOT to try to deal with the
nerves. Also…I fan girl just like
everyone else. I’m always sneaking away
from my booth to meet other authors.
2. What has been your favorite fan moment?
That would have to be when the bank manager
of our local branch came rushing out to meet me in the car. That was surreal. Not just that she wanted to take a pic with
me, while totally having the worst hair day of the year, but that someone in my
area had read and loved my books. Best
day ever!
3. Is there one indie author who has helped you about? What was their advice?
The best part about being an indie author is
the love and support you find from other authors. I have developed so many lasting friendships
with some truly amazing people over the past year.
The best advice I have been given, and now pass on to anyone
who will listen, is to not sweat the reviews.
The good ones make you think you are better than you really are, and the
bad ones shake your confidence. Glean
what you can, hone your craft and let the negative reviews wash off your
back. They don’t define you as an author
unless you let them.
4. At the bookstore, what is your favorite section to
visit?
I write what I love to read, so
you know I’m spending some quality time in the teen section. I am a diehard ya fantasy fan. I love paranormal anything. Sci-fi?
Bring it on! Romance? Action?
Yeah, I’ll take a double helping of those please!
5. Where do you come up with the ideas for your books?
Ideas are everywhere. In movies, books, dream, songs, etc. The question isn’t really where they come
from, but what do you do with them? I
keep a dream journal under my bed and if you were to drop by my house at 2am
(totally creepy, by the way!) you would find me perched on my toilet,
frantically writing down ideas under the bathroom light. I also have a notepad app on my iphone, a
small notebook in my purse, in my car, in my desk, etc. Having enough ideas to write a book is never
my problem. It’s having the time to work
on all of them.
Andrea Heltsley
1. What author has inspired you the most on your journey?Nathaniel Hawethorne.
I read Young Goodman Brown and did a paper on him in college. I fell in love with his writing and the
story. I loved the descriptiveness of
that particular story.
2. What’s your go-to
songs to get the creative juices flowing?
I will put on my Shakira playlist. I have almost every English and Spanish song
she’s recorded.
3. Who has been your
best cheerleader?
My dad has been. He
helped read my stuff when no one else really got involved.
4. At the bookstore,
what is your favorite section to visit?
I love the YA section.
The covers are always awesome and I just love YA.
5. Do you have a
writing ritual?
I have to have music playing and a candle burning when I
write.
Peggy Sue Martinez
1. How long did it take you to write Contingency?
It took me two
months from start to finish to write the first draft of Contingency.
2. What are the last five books you’ve read?
Mercy Blade by Faith Hunter, Death’s Rival by Faith Hunter,
Blood Trade by Faith Hunter, Taking on the Dead by Annie Walls, The Breeders by
Katie French.
3. Do you have a book trailer?
4. Who has been your best cheerleader?
My husband has always been my number one cheerleader in
everything.
5. What would be your advice to yourself before publishing your
book?
Write. Don’t stop, even when all the doubts begin and you think
everything you’ve written is crap. Keep writing. When you’re done writing,
prepare to butcher your writing, do several rewrites, and then sew it all back
together again. I’m a firm believer that the true magic of the writing process
happens during editing and rewrites.
Raine Thomas1.How long did it
take you to write For Everly?
It took me six weeks to write For Everly. That’s
the shortest amount of time it’s ever taken me to write a novel. It just
flowed!
2.If you had one
superpower, what would it be?
I would
want the ability to manipulate time. Since I work three jobs and have a family,
I never have time to read. I miss reading!
3. Do you have a
book trailer?
I sure do!
4.Were you an
exceptional English student in school?
I
was. In fact, I majored in English with a focus in Creative Writing (graduating
magna cum laude). Ironically, I didn’t realize I wanted to be an author until I
was in my thirties.
5.What has been
your favorite “fan” moment?
I was
floored when a fan reached out to me and said she intended to dress up like one
of my characters (Olivia from Central) for Halloween. That really made me feel
like I’d made the “big time!’
Adam Kunz
1. Where did you come
up with the idea for your books?
I got the idea for One Tiny Secret from many years of
reading R.L. Stine, Stephen King, Agatha Christie Christopher Pike, Carolyn
Keene, Franklin W. Dixon, and V.C. Andrews, and from watching many, many,
horror/thriller films. When I decided to sit down and write my first standalone
novel (after writing three with my mom under the penname C.A. Kunz) I knew that
it had to be a thrilling mystery with a dash of romance thrown in for good
measure. Also, it absolutely had to take place around Halloween (my favorite
holiday). I really wanted to craft a twisty-turny storyline that would have
reader’s second guessing themselves when it came time to pick “whodunit”.
2.Do you have a
certain process you do to get the creative juices flowing?
I know this is going to sound backwards from a lot of
writers, but when I start a new book, and need to get the creative juices
flowing, I immediately attack the back book blurb and try to get the whole idea
for the novel down to just a few paragraphs. Then I write down the bios for
each character to get them all out of my head and onto paper. The next step of
my process is to create a skeletal outline, expanding on the back book blurb
that I worked on earlier. Then the last step before I begin to actually write
is to draw up how I envision the cover for the book to look. I keep this
drawing by me while I write as a visual stimulant for my writing. I find that
this process helps a ton when it comes to actually writing the book, and has
worked for me for quite some time now.
3.How long did it
take you to write One Tiny Secret?
From start to finish it took me about three months to write
One Tiny Secret. I wrote the first three chapters in about a week or so, and
then took a month break to focus on the day job. Then I committed all of my
time after that to writing, and finished from the third chapter on in about a
month and a half.
4.What author has
inspired you the most on your journey?
Wow, there are literally too many to name, but here are a
few that I’ve been inspired by since I was a kid, and continue to still love
today: J.K. Rowling, R.L. Stine, Stephen King, Agatha Christie Christopher
Pike, Carolyn Keene, Franklin W. Dixon, and V.C. Andrews.
5.What do your order
at your favorite coffee shop?
Okay, so I have to admit that I’m kind of obsessed with
coffee. This is even in my author bio, so you know it has to be true, hahaha!
And when I go to Starbucks, Panera, Dunkin Donuts, or pretty much any other
coffee shop, I tend to order the seasonal drink. Pumpkin spice lattes are my
favorite, but coming in a close second is anything caramel.
Mandie Stevens1. Where did you come
up with the idea for your books?
I got the idea for The Edge of Eden when I was
perusing pre-made book covers on Once Upon a Time Covers Facebook page. When I came across the cover fell in love and
I went back to it multiple times over the next week before finally decided that
it was meant for me. I was working on another project and pulled off of it.
The story about an alchemist and the world she lived in
poured out of me. Anya has become one of my favorite characters to write about.
2. What do your order at your favorite coffee
shop?
Always a caramel macchiato, the only difference is if it’s hot or iced.
3.Is there one
Indie author who has helped you out? What was their advice?
There has actually been a group of authors
who have helped me a lot but if I have to choose only one it would be Liz
Schulte. She is simply amazing and has a website http://thestorymavens.com/
which offers writing advice. The best advice has been to finish. You can’t do
anything else until you have a manuscript.
4. What’s your go-to
songs to get the creative juices flowing?
It depends on what I’m writing but right now it has been Gin Wigmore,
Imagine Dragons, and a lot of Awolnation.
5. If you had one
super power what would it be?
The ability to write super quickly. Maybe then I
could get all of the ideas for books out of my head before I get more!
Devyn Dawson
1. What is one thing about you that your fans don’t
know?
I am hopelessly addicted to McDonald’s vanilla
cones. I’m not a fan of their food, but
I do like cones and tea.
2. What do you look
forward to the most at Indie Bookfest 2013?
I am really excited to meet some authors who have been my
online ‘friends’ for a while, and to get up with some old fans.
3. What has been your
favorite ‘fan’ moment?
I was at the opening night of Breaking Dawn part 1 and
someone was yelling my name out loud across the crowded lobby. The girl even asked if I wanted to sit with
her and her friends. That was awesome.
4. If you had one
super power what would it be?
I’d have the ability to heal the sick.
5. At the bookstore,
what is your favorite section to visit?
I go to the Teen section first, and then the bargain books
Tawdra Kandle
1. What character was your favorite to write? Why?
Easy! Nell was my favorite. She speaks loudly, and she is so
much fun. She was only supposed to be in the first book, and then she was
supposed to disappear. And then one night, in the middle of writing the second
book BREATHLESS, Tasmyn had a dream, and it was Nell. It was one of the
scariest scenes I had ever written–so much so that I freaked myself out.
Shortly after that, Nell told me more of her story, and it turned out that she
was in all four books. . .and then also needed her own. I am so excited to
write her book! It is called UNDENIABLE and will be the second book in the
Serendipity Duet
2. What is the story behind your title and cover?
I am not the type of writer who comes up with a cover and/or
title before I write the story. So I didn’t have a title for FEARLESS until I
was more than halfway through it. I just called it Tasmyn. Then one night I was
leaving a restaurant, thinking about a particular scene. . .about how Michael
makes Tasmyn feel. . .and a song from the (then brand-new) Taylor Swift album
came on the radio. The whole idea of the line about the first kiss was so
evocative of Tasmyn and Michael’s first kiss, and the title captured one of the
main themes of the series, which is Tasmyn moving from a place of fear and
hiding to confidence and power. As for the cover. . .I was not a cover person
when I first indie published. I happily am surrounded by people who are wise
and talented. I wanted a sense of Tasmyn being tossed into a world far outside her experience to date, and I
wanted the magic there, too. My youngest daughter took several photographs of a
small town near us, and the cover artist was able to use the picture in the
background. I LOVE this cover!!
3. What’s your go-to songs to get the creative juices
flowing?
I am a song slut, I’m afraid. My most frequent go-to artists
are probably Blue October, Matt Nathanson and Christina Perri.
4. What do you look forward to the most at Indie Bookfest
2013?
Writing can be
somewhat lonely. I love any chance to hang out with other authors, meet new
friends and talk books and writing. It’s going to be a blast!
5. Who has been your best cheerleader? All of my family has
been extremely supportive from day one, but my youngest daughter has made my
writing life possible. She takes over all household chores and cooking when I
am on deadline, gives me ideas, feedback, takes photos and proofreads. . she is
my cheerleader all the time and I am so grateful!
CHRISTINA MOBLEY
1. What has been your
favorite ‘fan’ moment?
My favorite ‘fan’ moment came just a few days ago. I
received my first fan letter in the mail.
It was from a fifth grader who had read both books. It made me realize
how far the book is starting to reach.
2. Do you have a
writing ritual? My ritual is crazy. I usually squeeze some time in ever few
days after the kids are asleep. I turn up the music, read back a few pages, and
everything starts to flow. My favorite
writing accessory is caffeine and my big comfortable chair.
3. A character from
your book comes to life, who would it be?
That’s a hard one. I think it would have to be Thomas. He’s
the southern warrior every girl could want. I’d like to bring the main
character, Ava to life too, but I’m sure some huge catastrophe would follow.
LOL
4. Where you an
exceptional English student in school?
No. Honestly, even eight years ago I would not have dreamt
that I would one day be an Author. I think for me, the story came and I had to
find a way to put it on paper. I never imagined
I would fall in love with the writing process.
5. If you had one super power what would it be?
Time Travel. I would love to be able to go back in time or
make the day just a little longer.
TONI SINNS1. Who has been you biggest cheerleader?
Probably my cohort, partner in crime, and the reason I hear
voices in my head to begin with Shannon Morton (author of Tempted by Evil book
1 of The Light and Shadow Trilogy). My running partner and I spend many an
evening pounding the pavement and harping about the characters in our heads,
and what the may are or may not be sharing with us at the moment.
2. Who has been your best cheerleader?
Definitely without a doubt my Husband. It doesn’t matter
what I say or want to do or talk about trying to make happen he is right beside
me telling me to do it and that we will find a way to make sure it gets done.
After that would be my mom.
3. Is there one Indie author who has helped you out? What
was their advice?
There has been multiple actually. My two biggest help with
advice or suggestion have been Karina Gioertz, and MCV Egan. Another couple who
are always so sweet and supportive are Joan Lane and Paulette Mahurin. And
lately Eileen Register has helped me out a bunch too.
4. What is one thing about you that your fans don’t know?
Well that is really hard to think of. I am not very good
with keeping myself hidden. Most of my fans know I have stories in multiple
genres coming out over the next few years, most of my fans know I’m the owner
of Turning The Pages Magazine, most of my fans know that I am not only a writer
and reader but I am also a huge crafter and video game nerd, and most know the
fun facts like I’m married, have 2 dogs 3 guinea pigs, live in FL. Blah blah
blah. I guess something that many don’t know about me is how crazy shy,
skittish, and unsociable I really am. I can talk to you every day all day on
the computer but face to face or on the phone I get nervous and freak out lol.
5. How long did it take you to write “I’ve Got You
Covered”?
Well to be honest the whole idea behind the series has been
written, tweaked, rewritten, stopped, restarted, for I’m thinking it is going
on 5 or 6 years now. But the last rewrite which is what you get in book one
only took about 6 months to write down and say this is how it is going to be.
JOCELYN STOVER
1. If you had 1 super power what would it be?
Fortunately for me I already have a killer super power, I’m
a redhead. My temper is flash fire rage that levels everything and everyone in
the surrounding vicinity. Despite what many think I do have a soul and most
certainly am not from the devil. However, given my incendiary nature I can see
how many people may have gotten confused.
2. What is one thing
about you that your fans don’t know?
The first person to post on Facebook about the return of
Pumpkin Spice Lattes in the fall goes on my shit list. I hate anything that
reminders me winter is real and for whatever reason that stupid drink is the
start of a chain reaction wherein everyone is in a frenzy to embrace the change
of season and destroy my dreams of eternal sunshine.
3. What are the last five books you’ve read?
Finally after months of writing I took a break and devoured
Amy Bartol’s Premonition series, Michael Siemsen’s A Warm Place to Call Home,
and Tarryn Fisher’s The Opportunist and Dirty Red. I loved them all.
4. How long did it take you to write Out of Reach?
It took me six months to write Out of Reach. Being my debut
novel I have no idea if that’s fast or slow. What I can say is I wish I had
more time to dedicate to writing.
QUINN LOFTIS 1. Where you an
exceptional English student in school?
LMBO, no really that’s my answer
2. You’re stranded at
the beach for the weekend – you can take two books with you, one is an Indie
book and the other is ‘mainstream’ – which two are they?
Alpha and Omega by Patricia Briggs
Opal Jennifer L Armentrout
3. What has been your
favorite ‘fan’ moment?
Had a book signing in Texas with the amazing Heather Self
and met to amazing teens who just chatted my ear up for an hour, and they were
awesome. Talking to them made my characters come alive and it got me all
excited to go write some more.
4. What do you look
forward to the most at Indie Bookfest 2013?
Meeting all these authors face to face. I’m soooo going to
have fan girls moments, repeatedly.
5. At the bookstore,
what is your favorite section to visit?
Typically the teen section, but I also like the
dystopian/scifi section as well.
KRISTIE COOK
1. What is one thing
about you that your fans don’t know?
I really don’t like feet. I think they’re disgusting! If you
really want to gross me out, just put a dirty foot near me. Yuk!
2. If you had one
super power what would it be?
I would love the ability to stop time. Not to reverse it,
like a time-turner because I think that could be too dangerously tempting. But
to just stop time for a bit—let everyone else relax under my personal ‘pause’
button—so that I can add more hours to my day to write and do my mundane
responsibilities. Then I’d just hit my ‘play’ button and be able to hang out
and have fun!
3. Would you prefer
going to the park for a relaxing picnic or are you an amusement park
rollercoaster person?
Can I do both? Seriously, I’m a bit of an adrenaline junky
and love amusement parks, motorcycles, and even hope to get my pilot’s license
one day. But with that being said I also love taking a step back and just
sitting still and watching people—especially in places like a park or beach.
It’s times like that where I come up with some of my favorite ideas for scenes
and characters. Besides, picnic food is awesome!
4. Do you have a book trailer? Yes, and I love to share it!
5. What has been your
favorite ‘fan’ moment?
This April my publisher and I went to London for the London
Book Fair. We were able to get a signing at alocal indie bookstore called
Treadwell’s. That day I had the chance
to meet my European “Crew” a group of seven of my biggest supporters and
cheerleaders who came from locations throughout England– and even the
Netherlands and Estonia just to meet us and to meet each other. It was such an
amazing time to realize that my stories had facilitated these wonderful
friendships.
Heather Allen
1. What character was
your favorite to write?
I have found that I love writing from the male point of
view. Crazy? Yes! I loved writing from James’ perspective in the second book –
Barely Breathing. But in the final book-
forever Breathing Ever and Jack are my favorite characters. I think each book
has been a journey in itself.
2. If you had one
super power what would it be?
If I could have one superpower it would be to travel through
time. This is the most dangerous one right? Alter events and change time…I
choose this one though because I have no patience. I want to know things as
soon as I can. Waiting in anticipation is good but knowing facts to make the
best decisions is better!
3. What author has
inspired you the most on your journey?
I am an avid reader. I will just about read anything,
romance, horror, mystery, YA, NA… But I accidentally stumbled upon the Indie
world because of one author. I wrote Just Breathe over the course of a year but
didn’t know what I would do once it was finished. While trying to go the
traditional route, I picked up a book by Abbi Glines and devoured it. I found
later that she was self-published and it just felt right for me.
4. Do you have a book
trailer? Link
Just Breathe – the first book in the Trilogy – Book Trailer
5. What’s your go-to
songs to get the creative juices flowing?
Each book is inspired by different songs and artists. I
absolutely love alternative music but some books warrant other music. I just go
with whatever inspires me for each book. As I write- if an inspiring song comes
on, I save it and add it to the playlist. A little teaser – my next book which
will be a NA is inspired by Blink 182.
CANDACE KNOEBEL
1. Where did you come
up with the idea for your books?
I had previously thought of the idea back in 2007, but never
tried to sit down and write. Probably because I didn’t think I could. It came
back to me in 2009 after I finished a series that left me feeling empty when
complete. I didn’t want to read anything else for awhile and for some reason,
the idea popped back up and I figured I would write some of it down. At that
point in time I had no idea that it would shape into a novel, thusly changing
my goals in life.
2. What character was
your favorite to write? Why?
I’d have to be partial and go with Aurora-the main
character. She’s feisty, courageous, hard-headed, kind…everything I’d want to
read in a heroine. Her journey to self-discovery and control is one that I find
encouraging.
3. If you had one
super power what would it be?
I would have to choose the ability to fly. It would make
getting places a lot easier!
4. What would be your
advice to yourself before you published your book?
I would tell myself to set up my author platform first. It’s
better to branch out to your peers and learn about them and how everything
works before you dive in under your head.
5. What’s your go-to
songs to get the creative juices flowing?
I have more go-to artists than just a particular song.
Thirty Seconds to Mars always gets me pumped and ready to write. I also enjoy
M83 and most any indie alternative artist. It helps me zone out and think.
CHELSEA CAMERON
1. Do you have a writing ritual?
I always have to have music on when I’m writing. I can’t
STAND silence (it freaks me out), so I always have loud music going. I write a
lot at a local cafe, so I have to make sure I have my caffeinated beverage of
choice, some water and am sitting at my favorite table.
2. What do your order at your favorite coffee shop?
My favorite thing to get is the Dirty Vanilla Chai. It’s a
vanilla chai with an espresso shot. That really gets the writing juices flowing
3. What is the story behind your title and cover?
The title, Deeper We Fall, wasn’t the original title. I knew
I wanted to use the word “deeper” somehow. So I looked around at
other book titles and then I found a line of poetry on google and that was it.
Plus, no one else had it. The cover was done by Sarah Hansen at Okay Creations.
I told her I wanted to have the hands reaching out, and she helped me choose
the image, but the rest was all her. When I saw it the first time, I was
completely in love.
4. What are the last five books you’ve read?
No Attachments by Tiffany King, Catching Liam by Sophia
Bleu, On The Island by Tracy Garvis-Graves, Point of Retreat and Slammed by
Colleen Hoover. I’m on a contemporary kick lately.
5. What is one thing about you that your fans don’t know?
I’m crazy short. Only five feet tall. Someone once said that
she pictured me as tall and willowy and it was one of the nicest things
anyone’s ever said to me.
Heather Allen
1. What character was your favorite to write?
I have found that I love writing from the male point of view. Crazy? Yes! I loved writing from James’ perspective in the second book – Barely Breathing. But in the final book- forever Breathing Ever and Jack are my favorite characters. I think each book has been a journey in itself.
2. If you had one super power what would it be?
If I could have one superpower it would be to travel through time. This is the most dangerous one right? Alter events and change time…I choose this one though because I have no patience. I want to know things as soon as I can. Waiting in anticipation is good but knowing facts to make the best decisions is better!
3. What author has inspired you the most on your journey?
I am an avid reader. I will just about read anything, romance, horror, mystery, YA, NA… But I accidentally stumbled upon the Indie world because of one author. I wrote Just Breathe over the course of a year but didn’t know what I would do once it was finished. While trying to go the traditional route, I picked up a book by Abbi Glines and devoured it. I found later that she was self-published and it just felt right for me.
4. Do you have a book trailer? Link
Just Breathe – the first book in the Trilogy – Book Trailer
5. What’s your go-to songs to get the creative juices flowing?
Each book is inspired by different songs and artists. I absolutely love alternative music but some books warrant other music. I just go with whatever inspires me for each book. As I write- if an inspiring song comes on, I save it and add it to the playlist. A little teaser – my next book which will be a NA is inspired by Blink 182
July 4, 2013
THE LEGENDS OF AMUN-RA: The Emerald Tablet Tour Review and Giveaway
Genre: Sci-Fi, Fantasy
Leoros doesn’t have many friends. The son of a scientist and archeologist, he is constantly on the move. But when his parents make a startling discovery in Egypt, Leoros’ world is turned upside down.
Do you wish you could have the power of a god? Would you use it for good…or for evil?
When an archaeologist discovers the mythic Emerald Tablet buried beneath Egypt’s desert, her son decodes the ancient text leading him to a distant world.
On that world, a slave girl begins a journey towards a destiny she cannot imagine. But when an ancient foe rises from the ashes, they will be brought together by forces neither understands.
Leoros, who dreams of being like the heroes in the comic books, must fight to unlock the secrets of the universe to save a people he never knew existed.
Atlantia, whose bloody visions wake her in the night, senses the darkness coming.
Together they will face an enemy with the power of dark energy, lose a mentor to the assassin’s blade, and be betrayed by someone they trust. Their fight for the future is just beginning, and before it is over, a final sacrifice must be made. When the darkness comes, will they stand and fight or will they join it?
There is darkness in everyone.
My review: Sci-Fi is not usually my favorite genre. Consequently, I was not sure how I would enjoy this book. However, the fascinating blend of sci-fi, fantasy and mythology worked together to create a promising story.
The characters are strong and well-written. Once their backgrounds were established and the plot really took center stage, the action and pace of the book increased.
Leros is the most engaging character. I found him sympathetic and relatable.
First books in series are difficult, because they must engage and entice without giving away too much of the overall arc of the series. With this being a planned seven book series, the challenge was even greater. The author has introduced some interesting concepts and opened some promising plot lines. How he proceeds to grow them will determine the viability of the books.
This would be a good match for a lover of science fiction and/or history. I look forward to enjoying the rest of the series.
Purchase the book:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble
About Joshua Silverman
Joshua Silverman was born in Washington, D.C. and raised in Orange County, California.
While attending California State University, Fullerton and studying Criminal Justice, Joshua was introduced to a creative writing class where he wrote a series of paranormal stories. As a child, he has always been an amateur historian, focusing on ancient Egypt, Greece, and Roman civilizations.
Since working in the legal environment, he has combined his passion for creative writing with his love of ancient history by penning his debut novel, The Emerald Tablet, the first of seven in the Legends of Amun Ra series.
Follow Joshua Silverman:
Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads
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Enter the Contest Below! a Rafflecopter giveaway
July 2, 2013
EMBRACING THE WOLF Tour and Giveaway!
Embracing the Wolf by Stephanie Nelson
For the first time, Anna Avery was looking forward to the future. She’s mated to her soul mate. The pack has become her new family, and she has friends she can confide in. She had every reason to look ahead, until a vision put her future happiness in jeopardy.
Someone is set on destroying her mate, Adam, and only Anna can prevent this possible future. While trying to unravel the hazy web of her premonition, she finds out the annual pack conference will take place on her mountain. And Adam’s parents will be attending. As only a “made” wolf, Anna will have to face their prejudice and possibly make the hardest decision she has ever had to make. Because saving Adam’s life might just mean walking away from him for forever.
Buy: Amazon / Amazon UK / Barnes & Noble
About Stephanie
Stephanie resides in the Midwest with her husband and furry children. When she’s not cooking up Gwen and Anna’s next adventures, she enjoys reading, traveling and watching movies.
Follow Stephanie: Website / Facebook / Twitter
Join the Social Event on Facebook August 1 -3 to Get to Know the Author and for fun prizes
Follow the Book Tour
Cover Reveal: ANNIE CROW KNOLL-SUNRISE
Hayson Publishing is proud to announce the forthcoming release of ANNIE CROW KNOLL-SUNRISE, the debut novel of Gail Priest. We’re thrilled to offer a sneak peek of the cover and a preview of the story.
Annie Crow Knoll-Sunrise is the story of a place where people come to restore their spirits, heal their pain and reclaim their lives.
Annie is a determined young woman who is left to run her family’s property after the death of her parents. Managing fourteen summer cottages with only the help of a family friend, she struggles to survive on her own. When she meets Drew, a young college professor, Annie thinks she’s finally found a love she can trust.
But years of conflict and pain destroy their bond and leave Annie alone again, unless she can find lasting peace and passion in the most unlikely arms.
In this family saga, love, loss and history twine together the people whose lives are changed by Annie’s fierce determination and the magic of her knoll nestled along the head-waters of the Chesapeake Bay.
June 30, 2013
A Day in the Life of. . .Marissa Carmel!
The first NEW ADULT SLEEPOVER WEEKEND will be held in beautiful Savannah, Georgia December 6-8, 2013. I can’t wait to be there, part of the fun and sharing my New Adult books!
To get us really excited about this weekend, the fabulous Dawn Pendleton has been posting A DAY IN THE LIFE interviews on her website, and I’m happy to share this one with you all. . .get to know Marissa Carmel!
(Stay tuned for more fascinating NA authors. . .)
Marissa Carmel has loved writing ever since a young age. She has a duel degree in History and Political Science, but took as many creative writing classes as she could. She spent most of her twenties bartending which is where she met her husband and a multitude of interesting people. When she’s not reading or writing, she’s hanging out with her family, experimenting in her kitchen or doing yoga on the living room floor.
Stalk Marissa here:
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Author Facebook
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June 28, 2013
THE POSSE Cover Reveal!
THE POSSE, my first contemporary romance, will be out in early July! I’m so excited about this book, and I am thrilled to reveal the gorgeous cover designed by Stephanie Nelson of Once Upon A Time Covers.
Being a widow at the age of forty-four was never in Jude Hawthorne’s plans. After her husband’s death, she’s left with her family’s beach restaurant and two nearly-grown children. The last thing she’s looking for is another chance at love.
However, if her husband’s best friends, the Posse, have anything to say about it, love is just what she’s going to get. The Posse is determined to take care of Jude, and when they decide the best way to do that is for one of them to sweep her off her feet, three begin to vie for her affections. But only one can reach her heart.
In a story of friendship, loss and second chances, Jude will learn her life is far from being over.
Watch for news of this release and stalk Tawdra here!
