Kathleen Patel's Blog, page 7

Chilling scene -writing exercise with famous author D.A. Graystone

‘Two Graves’ is an incredibly well written novel. Once I started reading, I was hooked. The storyline is profound, with a captivating subplot. 
This book will keep you on your toes. The tension builds from the first page. The depth of the characters deepens your experience. The players are complex and may remind you of people that you actually know.
You will cringe as you live through the killer’s memories of torment and suffering. The abusive childhood created a rage so intense-it produced a serial killer. You may try to put yourself in his shoes; try to understand his motivation. You may not like the feelings this evokes.
Your mind will race as the tension builds and the storylines meld. What is the connection with the serial killer and the mafia? Is the Kesle Police Department tied up with the mafia? Corruption is in the air.  
How will it end?
“Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.”  
Interview
K-
Thanks so much for joining us for an interview today, Derek. I was captivated with your book, ‘Two Graves’. It was intense, with some brutal murder scenes. I hope it sends out a message to all bullies.
 Being a Reiki Master and a Wiccan, I would guess that your personal beliefs lean more toward the peaceful & harmonious. Was there any personal inspiration for the story?
D-
Very true, I believe in peaceful resolutions to conflicts but I am also a realist in knowing that is not always possible, especially with bullies. Much of the inspiration for the novel came from past experiences. Yes, I was bullied when I was younger. I was in the Audio Visual club (this was the 70s before computers), I got straight A’s, was always the “good” kid in class, in other words, a total geek. I hung around with geeks and I even played the violin. (No, not the flute but then the violin didn’t ‘fit’ in the novel.) I might as well have had a target on my back.
I was saved by my one talent of being a fast runner. Both because it got me away from the bullies but it also got me accepted by the jocks, some of the worst bullies out there. I was the anomaly, a geek jock. But for that one talent, and the confidence it gave me, I would most likely have been a target all my life. And now that I have children, I see the trends still continuing and have even gotten worse. My son is bullied and,regardless of the new sensitivity toward bullying, I feel just as helpless as I did when I was his age.
And that helplessness combined with my current confidence is what drove the creation of my killer. In the aftermath of a bullying, I had thoughts of ‘I shouldhave said this’, ‘I should have done this’. Now, what if a chronic victim could suddenly turn those thoughts into ‘I can fight back and give them even worse than they gave me’. Fighting back but to a degree that for most of us, hopefully, would only be fantasy.
K-
I understand that pain, firsthand.  I wish more kids could find a constructive way to fight back.  Unfortunately, more often than not, it seems to happen like it does in your book.  When the victim is terrorized to a certain degree it simply pushes them over the edge.  Every time you hear of a tragic massacre in a school, the perpetrators were victims of  bullying. It's just heartbreaking.  
On a lighter note, if ‘Two Graves’ is made into a movie, who would you like to see cast in the roles?
D-
Interesting you should say that. Every book I write, I have pictures of my characters pinned up on the wall, often times just pictures of people I see but often actors. And you have to remember that it can take years to write the book and sometimes my choices age themselves out of running. I did see George Clooney as Mann and originally Julianne Moore as Dani. However, I could see Poppy Montgomery in the part Dani with no problem at all. Joaquin Phoenix was always the killer, although he would have to put on some pounds. I have also promised my 88 year old father that he can have a walk on part.
K-
I love George Clooney as Mann.  Poppy would be great- and now she even has the red hair, like Dani. Maybe your father could play the role of a veteran cop that they call in to consult with on the case. I would have never thought of Joaquin Phoenix, but if he put on a few pounds, yes, I can see it!
Please share with us, what is your writing ritual? Where do you like to write?  How often? Do you schedule time or wait for inspiration?
D-
I write as often and whenever I can. With my schedule, that might mean at 5 in the morning or 12 at night or anywhere in between. My preference for location is a house we go to in Exuma, Bahamas. Otherwise, I do most of my writing in my basement office that the previous owners used for a storage room. The writer in me considers it warm and cozy, with convenient access to everything in the room – doesn’t that sound better than hot, cramped and crowded. Whenever the Canadian weather allows it, I also write in my back yard around the pool.
My method is to plot and plan the entire book. I also have detailed character sketches and back stories for my characters before I start. More often than not, much of the backstory doesn’t even get into the book but it is always in the back of my mind, giving motivation to the characters. Then, after I transfer all my notes to index cards, I just start writing at the beginning and to until it ends. I also set up a schedule of X number of words a day that invariably is overly ambitious and never achieved.
K-
I like the idea a the detailed character sketches and back stories.  I think I read somewhere that Steven King does something similar. I’m going to try that technique.
Balance seems to be an issue that most authors grapple with. You have a wife, four daughters, one son, and three granddaughters. How do you balance your personal life with your writing and the promotional aspect of writing?
D-
I have to change my bio again since one of my daughters got married and I inherited two more granddaughters. And then we have one more coming this summer. Balance? I don’t know a fledgling Indie author who isn’t an expert juggler. Strangely, it always seems to be the writing that suffers if you are not diligent in getting at it. For me, the real secret is not having to rely on the muse to tickle my creativity. I force myself to just sit down and writing something, often complete trash but usually with some nugget I can salvage. And although I just finished saying I write from the beginning to the end, my mood might dictate what I write that day. I will occasionally skip to a scene with my killer if I have had a particularly bad day. I also usually have three or four projects on the go at any one time.
But the real saving grace for me?  In Yvette, I have the most understanding wife in the world. She supports me, even if she doesn’t understand why I feel it necessary to edit the same book over and over and over. This allows me the time and energy to work (guilt free) on the various activities associated with writing and promoting.
K-
Congrats on your two new granddaughters and also for the baby who is on the way. What a blessing.
I agree that the support of your spouse means everything.  Thank you, Yvette- the world needs more of Derek’s books : )
It sounds like  writing a murder scene could be very therapeutic. I can see that:
A bad day at work, a troublesome boss that has you all stressed out… And then, a few minutes after you get home…he gets what he’s got coming!
I have a ritual. I like to do a “writing exercise” with the authors that I interview. I give them a scene and then ask them to re-write the scene in their own special style. Are you game?
D-
Yes.
K-Okay- here you go:
Anil sat quietly in the dark room, staring down into the amber liquid in the glass he held in his hand. He quickly swallowed the whiskey, in one gulp. Then he screamed out filthy obscenities, while he hurled the glass to the floor. He grimaced as a large glass shard bounced up and lodged in his bare ankle. He reached down and grabbed the glass shard, and pushed it deeply in to his skin, and then pulled the shard through his leg, all the way up to his knee.  "Arrrrrrrrrrrrrr!"He screamed out in pain and then grabbed the glass shard and threw it back on the floor. He didn't notice the blood gushing down his leg and pooling on the floor. He felt a little better now. He had discovered that cutting himself seemed to calm him down. Sometimes he became so irate and agitated it took more than just a few cuts. It was starting to escalate. Like a drug, he needed more and more. The month before he was not able to soothe himself until he had sliced off his pinky finger.
D-

This was fun! However, you might notice that my characters are usually more proactive, less prone to self-infliction and more prone to blaming others for their problems – and then taking it out of them.

Anil sat staring at the old style computer monitor, absently swirling the amber liquid in the Glencairn glass, not even noticing the enticing aroma of the whiskey. He couldn’t take his eyes off the damn screen and the smiling couple on the Facebook update. Now that she was with that smiling sack of skin, Anil knew he was forgotten, ignored. Nonexistent.
“You bitch,” he said in a low voice.
Downing his drink in a single gulp, he weighed the heavy glass in his hand. Pulling back, he threw it, exploding the monitor in a cascade of sparks and smoke, obliterating the happy couple on the screen.
Looking down, he saw a shard of the monitor in his forearm. He studied the sharp glass, watching the blood well out. In a slow, deliberate motion, he pulled the thin glass along his arm, fascinated as the already scarred skin parted and blood dripped down his arm. He felt no pain. There was a time, before he met her, when cutting himself was the only way he felt alive. The pain allowed him to feel something, anything. Now, there was only the hollowness since she deserted him. Now, even the pain was just a dull sensation – like his entire world without her.
Cutting himself had no effect.
But cutting her?
He pulled the thin glass from his arm and watched a single drop of blood fall onto his desk. What would he feel if he was to pull this across that smiling face of hers? Would he finally begin to feel again asHe remembered her status update and smiled. So, she was getting engaged?
How would she wear that big sparking diamond if she didn’t have a ring finger?
K-
Wow!  I did not see that coming!  That was an excellent twist to what I had expected.  I knew it would be spectacular. Thank you.
Do you have any upcoming events or book promotions?
D-
Thirteen Great Indie Authors and myself are participating in the Stock Up For Summer event, a free giveaway of our books June 14-16th. My other novel, The Schliemann Legacy, will be free those days. You can get more information about the event and some incredible authors at http://www.greatindieauthors.com(a work in progress).
K-
That sounds really exciting.  I will be checking that out.
Derek, thank you so much for joining us. It was wonderful chatting with you. Where can people find you and your work on the web?
D-
I welcome all fans, stalkers and people who just have too much time on their hands while surfing the web…Web Site: http://www.dagraystone.comFacebook http://www.facebook.com/dagraystoneTwitter: http://twitter.com/dagraystoneAmazon: http://www.amazon.com/D.A.-Graystone/e/B005A3XTEG/ref=sr_tc_ep?qid=1336869210

Author D.A. Graystone-review,interview & gruesome scene!

‘Two Graves’ is an incredibly well written novel. Once I started reading, I was hooked. The storyline is profound, with a captivating subplot. 
This book will keep you on your toes. The tension builds from the first page. The depth of the characters deepens your experience. The players are complex and may remind you of people that you actually know.
You will cringe as you live through the killer’s memories of torment and suffering. The abusive childhood created a rage so intense-it produced a serial killer. You may try to put yourself in his shoes; try to understand his motivation. You may not like the feelings this evokes.
Your mind will race as the tension builds and the storylines meld. What is the connection with the serial killer and the mafia? Is the Kesle Police Department tied up with the mafia? Corruption is in the air.  
How will it end?
“Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.”  
Interview
K-
Thanks so much for joining us for an interview today, Derek. I was captivated with your book, ‘Two Graves’. It was intense, with some brutal murder scenes. I hope it sends out a message to all bullies.
 Being a Reiki Master and a Wiccan, I would guess that your personal beliefs lean more toward the peaceful & harmonious. Was there any personal inspiration for the story?
D-
Very true, I believe in peaceful resolutions to conflicts but I am also a realist in knowing that is not always possible, especially with bullies. Much of the inspiration for the novel came from past experiences. Yes, I was bullied when I was younger. I was in the Audio Visual club (this was the 70s before computers), I got straight A’s, was always the “good” kid in class, in other words, a total geek. I hung around with geeks and I even played the violin. (No, not the flute but then the violin didn’t ‘fit’ in the novel.) I might as well have had a target on my back.
I was saved by my one talent of being a fast runner. Both because it got me away from the bullies but it also got me accepted by the jocks, some of the worst bullies out there. I was the anomaly, a geek jock. But for that one talent, and the confidence it gave me, I would most likely have been a target all my life. And now that I have children, I see the trends still continuing and have even gotten worse. My son is bullied and,regardless of the new sensitivity toward bullying, I feel just as helpless as I did when I was his age.
And that helplessness combined with my current confidence is what drove the creation of my killer. In the aftermath of a bullying, I had thoughts of ‘I shouldhave said this’, ‘I should have done this’. Now, what if a chronic victim could suddenly turn those thoughts into ‘I can fight back and give them even worse than they gave me’. Fighting back but to a degree that for most of us, hopefully, would only be fantasy.
K-
I understand that pain, firsthand.  I wish more kids could find a constructive way to fight back.  Unfortunately, more often than not, it seems to happen like it does in your book.  When the victim is terrorized to a certain degree it simply pushes them over the edge.  Every time you hear of a tragic massacre in a school, the perpetrators were victims of  bullying. It's just heartbreaking.  
On a lighter note, if ‘Two Graves’ is made into a movie, who would you like to see cast in the roles?
D-
Interesting you should say that. Every book I write, I have pictures of my characters pinned up on the wall, often times just pictures of people I see but often actors. And you have to remember that it can take years to write the book and sometimes my choices age themselves out of running. I did see George Clooney as Mann and originally Julianne Moore as Dani. However, I could see Poppy Montgomery in the part Dani with no problem at all. Joaquin Phoenix was always the killer, although he would have to put on some pounds. I have also promised my 88 year old father that he can have a walk on part.
K-
I love George Clooney as Mann.  Poppy would be great- and now she even has the red hair, like Dani. Maybe your father could play the role of a veteran cop that they call in to consult with on the case. I would have never thought of Joaquin Phoenix, but if he put on a few pounds, yes, I can see it!
Please share with us, what is your writing ritual? Where do you like to write?  How often? Do you schedule time or wait for inspiration?
D-
I write as often and whenever I can. With my schedule, that might mean at 5 in the morning or 12 at night or anywhere in between. My preference for location is a house we go to in Exuma, Bahamas. Otherwise, I do most of my writing in my basement office that the previous owners used for a storage room. The writer in me considers it warm and cozy, with convenient access to everything in the room – doesn’t that sound better than hot, cramped and crowded. Whenever the Canadian weather allows it, I also write in my back yard around the pool.
My method is to plot and plan the entire book. I also have detailed character sketches and back stories for my characters before I start. More often than not, much of the backstory doesn’t even get into the book but it is always in the back of my mind, giving motivation to the characters. Then, after I transfer all my notes to index cards, I just start writing at the beginning and to until it ends. I also set up a schedule of X number of words a day that invariably is overly ambitious and never achieved.
K-
I like the idea a the detailed character sketches and back stories.  I think I read somewhere that Steven King does something similar. I’m going to try that technique.
Balance seems to be an issue that most authors grapple with. You have a wife, four daughters, one son, and three granddaughters. How do you balance your personal life with your writing and the promotional aspect of writing?
D-
I have to change my bio again since one of my daughters got married and I inherited two more granddaughters. And then we have one more coming this summer. Balance? I don’t know a fledgling Indie author who isn’t an expert juggler. Strangely, it always seems to be the writing that suffers if you are not diligent in getting at it. For me, the real secret is not having to rely on the muse to tickle my creativity. I force myself to just sit down and writing something, often complete trash but usually with some nugget I can salvage. And although I just finished saying I write from the beginning to the end, my mood might dictate what I write that day. I will occasionally skip to a scene with my killer if I have had a particularly bad day. I also usually have three or four projects on the go at any one time.
But the real saving grace for me?  In Yvette, I have the most understanding wife in the world. She supports me, even if she doesn’t understand why I feel it necessary to edit the same book over and over and over. This allows me the time and energy to work (guilt free) on the various activities associated with writing and promoting.
K-
Congrats on your two new granddaughters and also for the baby who is on the way. What a blessing.
I agree that the support of your spouse means everything.  Thank you, Yvette- the world needs more of Derek’s books : )
It sounds like  writing a murder scene could be very therapeutic. I can see that:
A bad day at work, a troublesome boss that has you all stressed out… And then, a few minutes after you get home…he gets what he’s got coming!
I have a ritual. I like to do a “writing exercise” with the authors that I interview. I give them a scene and then ask them to re-write the scene in their own special style. Are you game?
D-
Yes.
K-Okay- here you go:
Anil sat quietly in the dark room, staring down into the amber liquid in the glass he held in his hand. He quickly swallowed the whiskey, in one gulp. Then he screamed out filthy obscenities, while he hurled the glass to the floor. He grimaced as a large glass shard bounced up and lodged in his bare ankle. He reached down and grabbed the glass shard, and pushed it deeply in to his skin, and then pulled the shard through his leg, all the way up to his knee.  "Arrrrrrrrrrrrrr!"He screamed out in pain and then grabbed the glass shard and threw it back on the floor. He didn't notice the blood gushing down his leg and pooling on the floor. He felt a little better now. He had discovered that cutting himself seemed to calm him down. Sometimes he became so irate and agitated it took more than just a few cuts. It was starting to escalate. Like a drug, he needed more and more. The month before he was not able to soothe himself until he had sliced off his pinky finger.
D-

This was fun! However, you might notice that my characters are usually more proactive, less prone to self-infliction and more prone to blaming others for their problems – and then taking it out of them.

Anil sat staring at the old style computer monitor, absently swirling the amber liquid in the Glencairn glass, not even noticing the enticing aroma of the whiskey. He couldn’t take his eyes off the damn screen and the smiling couple on the Facebook update. Now that she was with that smiling sack of skin, Anil knew he was forgotten, ignored. Nonexistent.
“You bitch,” he said in a low voice.
Downing his drink in a single gulp, he weighed the heavy glass in his hand. Pulling back, he threw it, exploding the monitor in a cascade of sparks and smoke, obliterating the happy couple on the screen.
Looking down, he saw a shard of the monitor in his forearm. He studied the sharp glass, watching the blood well out. In a slow, deliberate motion, he pulled the thin glass along his arm, fascinated as the already scarred skin parted and blood dripped down his arm. He felt no pain. There was a time, before he met her, when cutting himself was the only way he felt alive. The pain allowed him to feel something, anything. Now, there was only the hollowness since she deserted him. Now, even the pain was just a dull sensation – like his entire world without her.
Cutting himself had no effect.
But cutting her?
He pulled the thin glass from his arm and watched a single drop of blood fall onto his desk. What would he feel if he was to pull this across that smiling face of hers? Would he finally begin to feel again asHe remembered her status update and smiled. So, she was getting engaged?
How would she wear that big sparking diamond if she didn’t have a ring finger?
K-
Wow!  I did not see that coming!  That was an excellent twist to what I had expected.  I knew it would be spectacular. Thank you.
Do you have any upcoming events or book promotions?
D-
Thirteen Great Indie Authors and myself are participating in the Stock Up For Summer event, a free giveaway of our books June 14-16th. My other novel, The Schliemann Legacy, will be free those days. You can get more information about the event and some incredible authors at http://www.greatindieauthors.com(a work in progress).
K-
That sounds really exciting.  I will be checking that out.
Derek, thank you so much for joining us. It was wonderful chatting with you. Where can people find you and your work on the web?
D-
I welcome all fans, stalkers and people who just have too much time on their hands while surfing the web…Web Site: http://www.dagraystone.comFacebook http://www.facebook.com/dagraystoneTwitter: http://twitter.com/dagraystoneAmazon: http://www.amazon.com/D.A.-Graystone/e/B005A3XTEG/ref=sr_tc_ep?qid=1336869210

Revenge for a bad reviewer

When I got my one star review, for my first book, ‘Hiren’s Magical Adventure’ my first thought was,   Who is this monster and why does she hate me?  I was not expecting a Pulitzer Prize for this juvenile/young adult book, but it sounded like she didn’t even read it! I spent a good part of the day in front of my computer crying intermittently. Then I reached out to a couple of my author friends. They gave me comfort by sharing the fact that they too had suffered through bad reviews. In fact, I learned that even "the greats" have bad reviews every now and then. They reminded me to look for the value in constructive criticism. That was difficult to do, given the hateful nature of the review and the pain that the evil book blogger had inflicted.
A few months later, I found myself with a couple of three-star reviews for my new book, ’The Dolls’. I was sad, however, this time it was different. These reviews really did convey constructive criticism. One of them was from a prominent book reviewer, Dave Avila from Digital Ink Spot. I had missed some typos, and Dave pointed that out (ouch!), along with the fact that the book could use some editing. The other was from a reader who didn't like the ending. Okay, now this was valuable information that I could use to improve my book.
Being on a limited budget, I was not sure I would be able to afford professional editing. I reached out to Melissa Foster, World Literary Café, and she recommended someone that could help me, and stay within by budget. After working with the editor, going through a couple of rounds of revisions, my finished product was ready. The new version of ‘The Dolls’ is a smooth flowing story with deeper character development and an exciting ending. I could not be happier. I will be forever grateful to Dave and Anna for their constructive criticism. In fact, I'm getting ready for my Kindle free days, on May 15 and 16th.
Now, on to the revenge…Having had some time to heal my wounds from the one star review of ‘Hiren's Magical Adventure’, I decided to have that book professionally edited, as well. I am delighted with the ‘new and improved’ edition.
 I can now look at that ugly review and laugh (bitterly). In the words of the great George Herbert, “Living well is the best revenge...”

Bullied by his teacher

Bullying and youth suicide has become a popular topic today. It seems as though every week there are new stories of the tragic deaths of children and teens. Their peers had tormented them to the extent that they felt the only answer was death. That is a tragedy in itself. However, something even more sinister is now coming to light.  Children and parents rely on teachers to protect their students from danger and abuse. No one even thought about the revolting possibility that the teachers themselves were bullies. Just recently, a frustrated parent, Stuart Chaifetz, put a wire on his ten year old, autistic son, Akian. He recorded the staff in Akian’s class at Horace Mann Elementary School in Cherry Hill, NJ. They were calling the child "a bastard," talking about vomiting that morning due to a hangover, and apparently teasing the autistic child to the point where he had a "half-hour meltdown."  This is horrendous! It is unthinkable. However, it gets worse. Mr. Chaifetz said he has discovered that the teacher of his son's class, Kelly Altenburg, was moved to another school and not fired, while a teacher’s union official told msnbc.comWednesday that Altenburg "basically was exonerated."
What?
How can children feel safe when the cancer of bullying has spread beyond their peers and now includes their teachers?
The growing awareness of the epidemic in bullying must continue. . Education is the key.   Everyone must be aware of the signs of bullying and what to do when you spot a situation.  That is why I wrote a short handbook that I am giving away- free of charge.  You can get your free copy here.
Do you know that there are different types of bullying?
Physical BulliesThis includes hitting or kicking the victim. Also taking or damaging the victim's property. This is the most obvious type of bullying because it is so easy to spot. The entire population in the school usually knows physical bullies.
Verbal BulliesVerbal bullies use words to hurt or humiliate another person. This would include name-calling, insulting, making racist comments, and teasing. This type of bullying is the easiest to inflict on other children. It can be done quickly and on the sly. Its effects can be more devastating than physical bullying, because these scars stay with you forever.
Relational BulliesRelational or relationship bullies try to convince their peers to exclude or reject a certain person or people and cut the victims off from their social connections. This type of bullying is linked to verbal bullying and usually occurs when children (most often girls) spread nasty rumors about others or exclude an ex-friend from the peer group. The most devastating effect with this type of bullying is the rejection by the peer group at a time when children most need their social connections.For more on types of bullying click here.
This could be a great opportunity to open the dialog with the children in your life:
Can you identify the type of bullying in the scenarios below?
This is a situation where Ally and Bella are playing and then Jenny asks them if she can play too. Ally and Bella roll their eyes and tell Jenny that she cannot play with them.  This is hurtful and Jenny will feel that she is being left out or ostracized.This is relational bullying.
Here is another situation where Bobby and Nick think it is really funny to hide Jimmy's coat. Jimmy asks them if they know where it is, but they will not tell him. Jimmy is upset. He has to go to recess, in the cold, with no coat. Plus, he will get in trouble at home when he must tell his parents that he lost his coat. 
This is cruel and humiliating. This is physical bullying.
In this situation, Jenny walks in the bathroom and finds Ally and Bella combing their hair. Jenny says, "Hi." and Ally and Bella ignore her and then Ally says, "Why are your sleeves rolled up Jenny- it's winter!" and then Ally and Bella laugh at Jenny. Jenny leaves the bathroom in tears. She will be upset all day and have a hard time sleeping that night. She is humiliated and hurt. 
This is hurtful and humiliating. It is very mean to make fun of someone and laugh at him or her.This is verbal bullying.
Another example is a situation where Bobby and Nick are playing on the basketball team and they never pass the ball to Jimmy-even when Jimmy is in the perfect position and he is open to catch the ball.
This is wrong. It is hurtful and mean to exclude Jimmy. Everyone deserves his or her turn. This is relational bullying.
In life- not just sports, we must realize that we only win when we are team players. When we work together as a team, we always succeed. We all need to treat each other with kindness and love.God said, "Treat others as you would want to be treated.” So before you do something mean or thoughtless to someone- think of how you would feel if they did the same to you?
Here are some random facts about bullies:
Even though a bully will insult their victim and try to ridicule the way the victim looks, the fact is- most bullies are unattractive. Even if they were attractive, they would still look ugly because of their ugly behavior.
The purpose of bullying is to hide the fact that they are not very smart. In reality, they are weak and incompetent. They want to take all attention away from their inadequacy. Even though the bully puts on a big show, with the ability to attract and intimidate many followers, bullies have low self-confidence and low self-esteem, and thus feel insecure. Low self-esteem is a factor proven in all studies of bullying.
Bullies operate on resentment, bitterness, hatred, and anger, and often have wide-ranging prejudices against anyone who is different. Jealousy and envy are what drives a bully. Rejection is another powerful motivator of bullying.
Today, bullying behaviors at school are viewed as dangerous and harmful acts that victimize the targeted student and bystanders. Bullying can no longer be dismissed as harmless teasing. Bullying is a pattern of deliberate, negative, hurtful, aggressive acts that works to shift the balance of physical, emotional, or social power. This is a hate crime. Yes a crime.
They are currently working on legislature to pass laws that will ensure if someone if convicted of bullying, as a child, they will go to a juvenile detention facility, or if they are a teenager or adult, they will most likely be tried as an adult and go to prison. If you are or have been a victim of a bully, you are in good company. Some famous people who have been bullied include:Lady GagaRobert Patterson- yes, Edward from TwilightKristen Stewart- Bella from TwilightTaylor Lautner- Jacob from TwilightDaniel Radcliffe- star of Harry Potter moviesEmma Watson- the star from the Harry Potter moviesMiley CyrusPrince HarryKate MiddletonMichael PhelpsChristine AguilaraChris RockPierce Brosnan- that's James BondBill Clinton- a former president of the United StatesTiger WoodsDemi LovatoRhiannaTaylor SwiftJustin TimberlakeSo, please keep your eyes open. Whether you are a student, a parent, or a teacher, you must watch out for your fellow "team members". As decent human beings, we are all responsible for keeping our children safe. Remember, "It takes a village to raise a child". If you see any bullying behavior- step up and do the right thing. Your action could save a life.
As I mentioned earlier, I have written a short handbook to help you spot the signs and know what to do when you recognize bullying behavior. I am giving away the book - free of charge. Let's get the word out! The book is 'The Bullying Epidemic-the guide to arm you for the fight' and you can get your free copy here

Famous Book Blogger Josie Ann reviews Hirens Magical Adventure

Review: Hirens Magical Adventure Title:  Hirens Magical Adventure
Author:  Kathleen Patel
Genre:  Fiction; Young adult; Fantasy; Adventure


My Rating:  5/5

Summary:  When Hiren starts to misbehave his parents decide to send him back to India to learn about his heritage and culture. He reluctantly says good bye to his friends and family and goes on the journey of a lifetime. He learns about fascinating traditions that date back thousands of years. He meets a mysterious girl that shows him some of the magic in India. She introduces him to the exotic animals friends in the jungle and teaches him about the magical meditation that enables them to leave their bodies and let their spirits travel through the universe.  He also encounters some ghostly family secrets wrapped in mysticism and mystery. But in the end, he learns that love truly conquers all.

Review:  I was asked to review this book by the author, and I'm honestly happy that she approached me because I absolutely loved this book!!  I loved the cover of this book, because if anyone knows me, they know that I have a huge soft spot for tigers.  Anyway, in Hirens Magical Adventure, Hiren is sent to India by his parents to stay with his grandparents for the summer, to learn to appreciate his heritage.  Before Hiren went to India, I sympathized with him, because it just seemed to me as if he really didn't understand why his family had to be different than any other American families.  When Hiren went to India, he stayed with Dadee and Dadoo, which I learned is an Indian tradition as to what you would refer to your grandma and grandpa as.  As the story went on, I was super anxious to find out all about the family's secrets and why they were so unaccepting of Dimpi and Pratibha.  I loved the fact that this book kept me on the edge of my seat, and kept me wanting more.  If you read this book, not only will you enjoy it, but you will learn about the Indian culture, which I appreciated so much. Posted by- Josie Ann visit her website here  

























Find the book here Facebook page here

Vigilante-saving the world-one murder at a time!

Vigilante was my first step into the inspired world of Claude Bouchard.  This spellbinding story kept me guessing until the very end. 
A serial killer is busy with a variety of “projects”.  You see, this serial killer is on a mission.  He wants to rid Montreal of the vermin that keeps good people up at night.  He exterminates a variety of criminals.  They are the lowlifes that we love to hate; pimps, rapists, drug dealers- you get the idea.
Here is where conflict steps in.  While most people feel that the Vigilante is doing good work, there is always that annoying legal issue.  The police must find the killer.  Moreover, to make it even more complicated, the killer is a likable guy!
Law enforcement teams up with cutting edge technology and discover more than they bargained for.  The storyline is brilliant.  The characters are complex and you will immediately form strong feelings about each of them.  However, will you be able to figure out the identity of the vigilante?
I do not think so.


Interview with Claude Bouchard

K- Claude, you’ve got yourself a new fan.  I really enjoyed the book. I just can’t believe that it was your first novel.  It’s excellent and the ending was brilliant!  You are quite knowledgeable in law enforcement, as well as technology. Is this part of your background?
C- Well, Kathleen, I’m always pleased to get a new fan, especially when it’s one as charming as you. Also, allow me to start by thanking you for the wonderful review as well as the invitation to do this interview.
To answer your question, no, I’ve never worked in law enforcement or information technology. I’ve always read a lot and my favourite genre is mystery/crime fiction so that, combined with imagination and common sense, is where my cop minding stems from. Though computers have interested me for the longest time, my background is in human resources and finance and I’ve yet to become an IT master by any means. I should point out that I wrote Vigilante in 1995, before emails and the Internet were the norm, so when I pulled out my manuscript in 2009, I was rather pleased with how what I’d written fourteen years earlier still made sense and reflected what is commonplace now.
K- You are quite welcome, Claude.  It is my pleasure. 
It sounds like you were pretty Internet savvy back in 1995. I was selling computer training and most of our clients were trying to figure out what this “Internet thing” did! 
Was there any special inspiration for this story?
C- The verdict of the O.J. Simpson trial is what flicked a switch in my mind, in the sense of criminals literally getting away with murder or other heinous crimes. The gears started churning as I imagined someone out there who would undertake ensuring that violent criminals pay for their actions. Vigilante was the result.
K- I’ll be honest- I could understand the Vigilante and his motivation.  He was just trying to make the world a better place.
You have a wonderful style of writing.  Is this something that comes naturally to you- or do you have to work at it?
C- With practice comes improvement and I’ve written tons of stuff over the years, much of it work-related though it remains writing nonetheless. As mentioned earlier, I’ve also done a lot of reading and still do which also contributes to honing one’s writing skills in terms of vocabulary, sentence and paragraph structure and so on.
Like any other writer, what is initially produced is a first draft which is then revised, edited corrected, reviewed, corrected some more… You know the drill. However, what I write in that initial draft reflects my writing style. The editing phase is more of a polishing activity versus a rewriting one.
K- What is your writing experience like?  I mean where do you sit?  What time do you write?  How often? For how long at each setting?
C- The best way to describe my writing experience or activity would be fluid, informal and unstructured. We have a three bedroom home with only one bedroom required so one room is an art studio and the other is a study which is where my PC is and where I spend most of my day.
Depending on inspiration and such, I do sometimes write in the morning but generally do so more in the afternoon, never evenings and rarely weekends. Speaking specifically of books (as I do maintain a blog, etc), I write daily at times when I’m on a roll and other times, not at all when I’m in a mulling phase.
Even when I’m actively working on a project, my writing is interspersed with research as well as Twitter and Facebook postings as I chat with people, promote my work and that of others. A day of writing can generate as little as a hundred words, as much as a few thousand and anywhere in between. I never set deadlines and a book is finished once it’s finished.
K- You sound like a true artist.  You just can’t schedule a burst of inspiration : )
If this were made into a movie, who would you cast in the roles?
C- Ah, you bless me with an easy question as I was recently asked this in another interview. I will now cheat and copy/paste what I replied then.
The question was asked to me about Chris Barry several years ago and the almost immediate answer was Matthew McConaughey at the time. Since then, I’ve always had difficulty picturing someone else though Thomas Jane and Paul Walker are plausible candidates.
Denzel Washington would be great in McCall’s role though age becomes a factor so possibly Isaiah Washington or Terrence Howard instead. Christian Bale would also be a consideration.
K- Matthew McConaughey- definitely.  I can see Terrence Howard as McCall.    
If you would like, I have a fun ritual that involves me giving you a scene and then you re-write it in your own delightful style. Would you like to try it?
C- Give it to me.
K- Okay- here it is:
We followed Jill through the doorway in to the studio.  Mirrors covered all surfaces of the studio.  There were no windows and the cool air was thick with the familiar aroma of incense.  “Oh my!” Tara stumbled a bit, disoriented. Ivan caught her arm. He was standing just inside the doorway.
All the mirrors gave the illusion of a creepy fun house.  On the far end of the room was a shelf that covered the entire wall.  The shelf displayed about a half dozen dolls.  As I got a closer look, I felt an odd tightening in my chest.  There was something strange about these dolls.  They were about 2 feet tall, impeccably dressed, and frighteningly life-like.  I gasped when I stepped closer to the red haired doll.  As I looked in to her eyes, I felt as though I was looking at a miniature woman.  It was eerie. 

What is up with these dolls? Calm down, calm down….
Tara walked slowly, looking closely at each doll.  She appeared to be in shock.  She was particularly fascinated with one that had black hair and wore an African costume, complete with fancy headdress.  She leaned in and reached towards the doll, to touch it.  When her hand made contact with the dolls face, she snapped it back as though she had been burned.  She spun around quickly and looked at me.  I could see the fear in her eyes. 
We need to get the hell out of here.
C- Cool! Here it goes.
Jill gave us the faintest of smiles then unlocked the door, pushed it open and led us into the studio beyond. Tara and I stopped short as we gazed in awe at the room we’d just entered. All surfaces were covered in mirrors, the walls, the ceiling, even the floor we stood on.“Oh, my,” Tara exclaimed as she wavered, disoriented by the multitude of reflections thrown at her from every direction.Ivan, who stood just inside the doorway, caught her arm to steady her.The mirrors were reminiscent of creepy fun houses found in old amusement parks. I noted a shelf which spanned the width of the far wall on which half a dozen dolls were displayed. As I approached to examine them more closely, I felt an odd tightening sensation in my chest. Though I was unable to put my finger on it, something was strange about these dolls. About two feet tall and impeccably dressed, each was frighteningly lifelike. I stepped closer to examine a particular red haired doll and gasped. As I looked into her eyes, I felt her gaze piercing into mine as though she was actually a miniature woman… Eerie…‘What is up with these dolls?’ I thought with a rush of anxiety. ‘Calm down, calm down…’Tara had followed me and now moved slowly before the shelf, pausing to look closely at each doll. Her movements were trancelike and she appeared to be in shock. She stopped before a black haired doll clad in an African costume complete with an elaborate headdress, seemingly fascinated. Leaning in yet closer, she raised a hand and reached for the doll. As soon as her fingers brushed the doll’s cheek, she snapped her hand back as though she had been burned before spinning around to stare at me with fear in her eyes.“We need to get the hell out of here,” she murmured through clenched teeth.

K- I am completely enchanted.  You’re an incredible writer and I am honored that you have taken the time for this interview. 

C- Kat, this whole interview was a blast!  Thanks once again for asking me to do this.
K- It was my pleasure!  I will be reading more of your books.  I hope you’ll come back and chat again.  Thank you so much.
Claude Bouchard Website here
Buy the book here
Follow Claude on Twitter here

Bullying- stop the epidemic!

There are memories in my childhood that are still so painful I try not to think about it.   When those memories do come rushing back, the tears begin to flow. It's hard to believe that after all these years; I can feel the sadness as though it were yesterday.
You see, when I was a little girl, I was the victim of bullying.  I had just moved to a new city with my parents and I was starting at a new school.  I missed my old friends, but I hoped I would make some nice new friends.  I was kind of shy and quiet so I was nervous.  But it was exciting.  I didn't know what to expect- but I never expected what happened. 
On my first day of school, the bully in my class decided to single me out.  Looking back- it seems so absurd that someone can randomly pick an innocent child and then terrorize them based on something like their name or the fact that they wear glasses.  It's also hard to believe that this boy had so much power over the rest of the children- no one dared to confront him.  He could make other children join in with the taunting and teasing.
No one would defy him to be my friend.  They were afraid.  This could result in the bully focusing his abuse on them.  Even the teachers ignored the abuse.
Then there were the school rituals that fed right into the bully culture.
When it came to gym class there was a dreaded process that the teachers used to build the teams.  The teachers picked a couple of children to be the "Team Captains", and then those children would pick their teams.  It was so humiliating.  I knew I would be the last one chosen.  I didn't even want to play because the bully and his friends always welcomed the opportunity to hit me with the ball or just run into me and knock me to the ground. 
He made my life a sad and lonely hell.  It wasn't just the taunting and name calling.  At recess he and his friends just tortured me.  Between the taunting and being hurt physically, it was terrorism.  He once hit me in the face with a football and I still remember how badly that hurt.  I cried but no one came to my rescue.
My mother told me to ignore him.  I did.  It didn't change anything.  I had a very ignorant relative that asked me, what was wrong with me ?  There must be something wrong with me or the kid would not pick on me. 
I didn't know.  At this point I was confused.  I was only seven years old. Maybe something was wrong with me. But what changed? I had a lot of friends at my old school.  We all got along really well.  I didn't understand.
I had a hard time falling asleep at night because I had a pain in my stomach.  I was afraid of what would happen the next day at school.  I loved Fridays, I cherished my weekend reprieve from the suffering, but I started feeling sick on Sunday morning, knowing it was only a matter of hours...
I prayed and prayed to God to make the bully leave me alone, but the bullying never stopped.  Thankfully after a couple of years the school closed.  I went to a new school.  The bully went to a different school. 
 Everything changed.  I was back to being a normal kid with friends.  Thank God.
That happened to me many, many years ago and yet when I think about it or talk about it, I start to cry.  I cry for that helpless little girl so many years back and I cry for my young nieces and nephews- I never want them to go through anything like that.  And I cry for the children that were bullied so badly they felt there was no way out and they killed themselves.  Now their parents and brothers and sisters will always wish they had done something.   No innocent child deserves to be bullied. 
I believe the solution is education.  Everyone needs to be aware of the signs of bullying and what to do when you spot a situation.  That is why I wrote a short handbook that I am giving away- free of charge.  You can get your free copy here.
Do you know that there are different types of bullying?
Physical Bullies
This includes hitting or kicking the victim.  Also taking or damaging the victim's property. This is the most obvious type of bullying because it is so easy to spot. Physical bullies are usually known to the entire population in the school.


Verbal Bullies
Verbal bullies use words to hurt or humiliate another person. This would include name-calling, insulting, making racist comments and teasing. This type of bullying is the easiest to inflict on other children. It can be done quickly and on the sly.  Its effects can be more devastating than physical bullying, because these scars stay with you forever.
Relational Bullies
For more on types of bullying click here.
This could be a great opportunity to open the dialog with the children in your life:
Can you identify the type of bullying in the scenarios below?
This is a situation where Ally and Bella are playing and then Jenny asks them if she can play too.  Ally and Bella roll their eyes and tell Jenny that she can not play with them   
This is hurtful and Jenny will feel that she is being left out or ostracized.  This is relational bullying.
Here's another situation where Bobby and Nick think it's really funny to hide Jimmy's coat.  Jimmy asks them if they know where it is, but they will not tell him.  Jimmy is upset.  He has to go to recess, in the cold, with no coat.  Plus, he will get in trouble at home when he must tell his parents that he lost his coat.   
This is cruel and humiliating.   This is physical bullying.
In this situation Jenny walks in the bathroom and finds Ally and Bella combing their hair.  Jenny says, "Hi." and Ally and Bella ignore her and then Ally says, "Why are your sleeves rolled up Jenny- it's winter!" and then Ally and Bella laugh at Jenny.  Jenny leaves the bathroom in tears.  She will be upset all day and have a hard time sleeping that night.  She is humiliated and hurt.   
This is hurtful and humiliating.  It is very mean to make fun of someone and laugh at them.  This is verbal bullying.
Another situation could be where Bobby and Nick are playing on the basketball team and they never pass the ball to Jimmy-even when Jimmy is in the perfect position and he's open to catch the ball. 
This is wrong.  It is hurtful and mean to exclude Jimmy. Everyone deserves their turn.   This is relational bullying.
In life- not just sports- we must realize that we only win when we are team players.  When we work together as a team we always succeed.  We all need to treat each other with kindness and love.  God said, "Treat others as you would want to be treated."  So before you do something mean or thoughtless to someone- think of how you would feel if they did the same to you?
Here are some random facts about bullies:
Even though a bully will insult their victim and try to ridicule the way the victim looks, the fact is- most bullies are unattractive.
The purpose of bullying is to hide the fact that they are not very smart.  In reality, they are weak and incompetent.  They want to take all attention away from their inadequacy.
Even though the bully puts on a big show, with the ability to attract and intimidate many followers, bullies have low self-confidence and low self-esteem, and thus feel insecure. Low self-esteem is a factor proven in all studies of bullying. 
Bullies operate on resentment, bitterness, hatred and anger, and often have wide-ranging prejudices against anyone who is different. Bullies are driven by jealousy and envy. Rejection is another powerful motivator of bullying.
Today, bullying behaviors at school are recognized as dangerous and harmful acts that victimize the targeted student and bystanders. Bullying can no longer be dismissed as harmless teasing.  Bullying is a pattern of deliberate, negative, hurtful, aggressive acts that works to shift the balance of physical, emotional, or social power.  This is a hate crime.  Yes a crime. 
They are currently working on legislature to pass laws that will ensure if someone if convicted of bullying, as a child, they will go to a juvenile detention facility or if they are a teenager or adult, they will most likely be tried as an adult and go to prison.
If you are or have been a victim of a bully, you are in good company.  Some famous people who have been bullied include:Lady GagaRobert Patterson- yes, Edward from TwilightKristen Stewart- Bella from TwilightTaylor Lautner- Jacob from TwilightDaniel Radcliffe- star of Harry Potter moviesEmma Watson- the star from the Harry Potter moviesMiley CyrusPrince HarryKate MiddletonMichael PhelpsChristine AguilaraChris RockPierce Brosnan- that's James BondBill Clinton- a former president of the United StatesTiger WoodsDemi LovatoRhiannaTaylor SwiftJustin TimberlakeSo, please keep your eyes open.  Whether you are a student or a parent or a teacher,   you must watch out for your fellow "team members".   As a decent human being, it is everyone's responsibility to keep our children safe.  Remember, "It takes a village to raise a child".  If you see any bullying behavior- be brave and do the right thing.  Your action could save a life.As I mentioned earlier, I have written a short handbook to help you spot the signs and know what to do when you recognize bullying behavior.  I am giving away the book - free of charge.  It's called, The Bullying Epidemic-the guide to arm you for the fight'and you can get your free copy here:  Let's get the word out! 

The Black Witch- she's irresistible

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As I started reading 'The Black Witch', I was transported toanother time and place.    As I met thecharacters and followed them on their journey, I was drawn in by their idiosyncrasiesand flaws. And then the subsequent nightmare than ensued...
Dorian Coe and his wife, Diana are the first to discover 'TheBlack Witch', while shopping around for a sailing vessel.  They are immediately put under her spell andare willing to sacrifice their life savings to have her.  It's an evil spell that no one can resist. Thescenes are so vividly depicted; I almost fell under the spell myself.
When Dorian tells his friend Gale about his 'find', andbrings him to see the vessel, he is inexplicably drawn to her, as well.  Obsession sets in.  They must have her.  Even with the dire warnings given in thelogbooks- nothing matters but 'The Black Witch'.
They invite a group of friends to join them as passengers tocelebrate The Black Witch's first launch. They head out into the mysterious opensea. It isn't long before pure evil rears its ugly head. Slowly each horrifiedpassenger comes to the realization that they are doomed and there is nothingthey can do about it.  Even the womanwith strange powers is no match for the powerful force driving 'The BlackWitch'.
Interviewwith the author- Micheal Rivers

There are so many intricate details describing the 'BlackWitch'.  Are you a sailing man yourself?
A: I grew up on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I havealways had a great love for tall ships. For me they hold a beauty like no other.
Was there any personal inspiration for this story?
A: The inspiration for The Black Witch came from aculmination of the character of the Bankers (residents of the Outer Banks) anda long and hard won sense of pride. Tales of the sea are not uncommon therewith superstitions and spirits to fill the stories that are passed fromgeneration to generation.
Do you believe in psychic ability and astral projection?
A: I do believe in psychic abilities but I am stilllooking into Astral Projection. I have known several people who had abilitiesthat were beyond question. A family I know well lost 13 members of their familyin four months. These deaths ranged from SIDS to heart attacks and cancer. Thewoman predicted all of them by name except for one. She said she could not seethe face of the unnamed person.I really enjoyed your writing and I can't believe that thiswas your debut novel.  Whenever I read abook with such intense imagery, I am always in awe.  Do you have a special process that you gothrough when writing? 
A: Yes I do. I set up my story board before I ever do anactual outline. At this point a Pepsi and a cigarette come into play and thestory starts to roll. The outline is basic and changes as the story progresses.I found for me, sticking to a singular outline, or thought does not let mystory take a life of its own. The story has full control of the outcome.
This is a book that should be made into a movie.  Have you considered selling the screenrights?
A: If anyone was interested in putting the story onscreen I would be honored. At this time I have not been approached with anoffer.
I can't wait to read your other books, but I would love toknow what happens next!  Any chance of asequel?
A: I am going to be doing a sequel to The Black Witch. Ihave had a lot of readers request it so I will grant their wish. I thank themfor requesting it. To me that is a great compliment. Surprise!!! I am actuallyworking on the sequel now. The main character is named Drummond Fowl.


Buy 'The Black Witch' here.  
Follow Micheal on Twitter here.   
Visit Micheal's website here.

My Emily- A story that will change your life

I wanted to read this book for a while.  I was afraid because I knew it would be verysad.  I got a sudden boost of courage onenight, when I was having trouble sleeping. I started reading and I could not stop.  I was up until after 2:00 AM, when I finallyfinished the book.  I think I cried fromthe first chapter on.  Again the nextday, whenever I thought about Emily and her family, more tears.
However, there was much more in this book.  It was not all sadness.  There was a wealth of goodness. 
There was strength and hope. [image error]  There was pure joy. 
There was love and sweetness. 
Emily was a delightful little girl.  She was full of love and kisses.  She displayed courage and perseverance wellbeyond her years.   An angel who came to earth for a short time, but touchedcountless lives. 
Matt shared his joy and his pain with such clarity you couldfeel it in your soul.  He was able to deepenhis personal relationship with God and that gave him strength.  However, in the end, Emily was the one thatgave him hope. 
There areseveral lessons in this story.  The firstwill dispel the myth that "a child born with Down syndrome has littlehope for a meaningful life."  The secondis the inspiration for gratitude- something we all need in our lives.  The third is the reminder that you can turnto God for refuge in your time of need. You alone construct that relationship, connecting the way that works foryou. .

Interview with Matt Patterson
K- How long was it, after losing Emily, before you startedto write this book?
Would you believealmost 20 years?  It all started with anewspaper column at a small daily in Michigan's Upper Peninsula where I coveredthe courts and crime beat. My weekly column was my escape from the straightnews that came with sitting in court or dealing with law enforcement officers,lawyers and judges. I tried to relay to readers that I was more than the guywho covered preliminary hearings and other proceedings.  I wanted them to know I was a regular guy – ahusband, a dad and a fella who possessed a small sense of humor. On the week ofEmily's birthday I decided to write a column sharing Emily's story and herinfluence on me and the many others who crossed her path. The response to thecolumn was very positive and I received a few notes thanking me.  One writer on the staff told me that I shouldwrite a book.  I told her I thought thatwould be a great idea. The timing never seemed right, but about two years ago Iwas moved to give it a shot. And as they say, "the rest is history."
K- I guess God and Emily must have decided that the timewas right.  Did you ever feel like Emilywas guiding you, while you wrote?
Absolutely!  There were particular moments, I feel, thatshe guided me as to what to write and how to share it. There were moments,especially when dealing with some specifics of her care and after she hadpassed away, that she was the one sharing and I was just the guy typing thewords.
[image error] K- I was touched by the story of the charcoal portraitsthat you purchased as gifts.  The way youspotted that artist, on that day, enforces my belief in fate.  Do you believe in fate?
That's actually avery good question.  Many people bring upthat story, as well as the one with the birthstone rings as moments when theywere particularly touched. Now, to answer your question, I have to say yes –yes, I believe in fate. I do, however, have to add I'm not a real big believerin luck.  Do I believe in coincidence?Not really. 
In regard to Emily, IDO NOT believe I got dealt a bad hand. Was it bad luck? Quite the opposite! Ifanything, I was "lucky" to have her!  Wasit a painful time?  You bet!  However, I feel we were blessed with Emily –no doubt whatsoever. Was it fate? I feel it was our destiny to be her parents.We are such better people for having gone through this.  I consider myself fortunate to be able toshare her story and perhaps touch a heart or two. It has given me such an opportunityto serve. Whether it's sharing this story in cancer or grief support groups, witha friend or individual from our church or with someone on-line, I feel I sovery blessed to be able to perhaps help in some small way.
K- It was inspiring the way you had nothing but good tosay about the medical professionals.  Ithink many people would want to point the finger at someone.  To find some comfort in having someone toblame.  Was that a conscious decision ordid you pray about it?
Great question!  I feel, at times, we live in a time that it'squick and easy to blame someone.  That'sjust not me.  I don't believe it was aconscious decision to not lay blame or point a finger, but I can say that by prayingfor those who were caring for Emily, it was a whole lot easier to be grateful,as opposed to blaming someone.  
Everyone who played apart in Emily's care remain very special to us. They did everything they couldfor her AND for us. To walk out of that ICU room minutes after Emily passedaway and see the physicians gathered in a small circle with their arms foldedand their heads down in disappointment and sadness.  Then, to see those from the pediatric unitlined up to say their last good-byes to Emily? How can I point a finger when I allI wanted to do was hug and thank them?
K- Your book will help so many people get through theirgrief.  Do you plan to write any other books?
M – Yes, I do!  I'm very excited about my next project whichwill be a companion to My Emily.  Ireally can't give all the details because I don't have it all sorted out quiteyet, but I can say it will be an effort to help others, for sure.  I'm excited about its possibilities.
K- Thank you so much for this interview.  Moreover, thank you for sharing Emily withthe world.  
[image error] M – You're so verywelcome, Kathleen.  I have to say thankYOU for being so generous with your words and actions in trying to share mylittle book with others.  This journey insharing Emily's story has gone far beyond what I would've ever expected.  I have truly been humbled and blessed by somany wonderful people in wanting to help share Emily's legacy.  It's been amazing thus far and I feel I stillhave a lot of work to do – and that's exciting!
 K- I wish you and your family the very best health, happiness,and love.

Purchase the book here Visit Matt Patterson's website hereFollow Matt Patterson on Twitter here 

Two Graves- the serial killer was bullied- see what happens...

My personal note: The fact that the serial killerin this book was a victim of bullying caught my attention. I am anactivist for anti-bullying.  This book illustrates just how deep thedamage of bullying can cut. 
This was an incredibly well written novel. Mr. Graystone, you are a talented writer.  Once I started reading- Iwas hooked.  The storyline is profound, with a captivating subplot. 
This book will keep you on your toes.  The tension builds from the first page. The depthof the characters deepens your experience.  The players are complex and may remind you of people that youactually know.
You will cringe as you live through the killer'smemories of torment and suffering. The abusive childhood created a rage sointense-it produced the serial killer. You may try to put yourself in hisshoes.  You may try to understand the motivation.  But you may not like what you feel.

Your mind will race as the tension builds and thestorylines meld.  What is the connection with the serial killer and the mafia?Is the Kesle Police Department tied up with the mafia? Corruption is in theair.  

How will it end?

"Before you embark on a journey of revenge, digtwo graves."  
Find D.A. Graystone books here
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