Lisa Logue's Blog, page 14
October 7, 2012
Rebekah Roberts- Guest Author!!
Rebekah Roberts
Author of Petals
Rebekah Roberts’ obsession with
fairytales, romance, and Jesus came at an early age. She knew as a young teen
that she wanted to write books for girls that were both fun to read and good
for them.
While working as a nanny and
volunteering in her church’s youth group, Rebekah continues her mission to
write wholesome romances and uses fiction as a platform for The Unfolding Rose
Ministries; where she helps to promote true beauty and self confidence in
girls.
Rebekah was homeschooled through
high school. She continued her education at Moore Norman Technology,
where she studied creative writing. She uses her education to instill a love of
the craft in the next generation through teaching writing classes.
Growing up in small town
Oklahoma, she loves the old south and history, which finds its way into her
writing and everyday conversation with dreams of plantation houses, WWII
dances, and Victorian trivia. She has a passion for taking an old story and
making it new.
When she is not writing or
working with youth, she loves to watch sci-fi movies with family or enjoy a pot
of tea with good friends.
What genre(s) do you write?
Christian Teen Romance, but every now and then I have to take a break and write a little horror.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
That everything has beauty in it and that God uses that beauty to do great things. I want every girl, (or guy) that reads my book to feel like they too are beautiful and that they are important.
What other careers have you had?
Wow, I have been everything from a receptionist at a funeral home to a full time nanny. I’ve been a home school teacher, a personal assistant, a waitress, a dog/cat sitter, a sales person and I’ve worked at a dry cleaners. I feel like there are far too many interesting things to do out there to just pick one, but throughout it all I have been a writer. I think all of those jobs have helped me not only be a better person, (ie. I try to tip better now) but a better writer.
What's something fans would find fascinating about you?
Oh, that’s so hard. When you live in your own skin, your life seems sort of boring, but I guess, the fact that I played drums in a rock band from the ages of nine to twenty, is pretty cool. I grew up in this exclusive world of local independent (or indie) bands. It’s a very close knit community and I learned a lot from those years. I never wanted to be a professional musician and i am glad I chose writing over the band, but I still miss those days. There is nothing that compares getting all the beats just right. It’s a thrill like no other.
What are some miscellaneous facts about you?
I am 24 years old.
I’m an avid walker, I take the twins that I nanny out on a walk every morning and I love to go walking by myself or with a friend.
I played the Scarecrow of Oz in my church’s huge interactive play and I just got the cast list, so I am excited to be playing it again this year.
Before I went gluten-free my favorite snack was cold egg-rolls, now I love to chop up a banana and put a little salt on it.
You can find Rebekah at the following links:
http://www.facebook.com/RebekahRobertsWriter
https://twitter.com/RebekahFRobertswww.RebekahRoberts.net
Thank you for sharing with me and my little piece of the universe and bearing with me while I worked out my technical issues. I wish you all the best and that you have much success!
~Lisa Logue
“Beauty might just be the beast.”
Calla Williams is not like other girls. Most girls spend their whole lives trying to be beautiful, Calla already is…and she hates it.
When she is shipped off one summer to live with family friends in their dilapidated Mississippi plantation, Calla is faced with the prospect of living with strangers and their teenage son. This is annoying because, like any other boy, he is sure to fall in love with her on sight. However, Griffin Davenport is not your typical teenage guy. With his hot temper and half of his face severely
scarred, “hate at first sight” is closer to what she finds.
Though the two teens try to stay out of each other’s way, an odd attraction to each other makes staying away anything but easy.
Now, Calla must deal with growing feelings, her own prejudices, and finding the secret to Griffin’s past. As hate turns to friendship and friendship becomes something more, Calla learns a startling truth: God uses even how we look in His plan for our lives.
Author of Petals
Rebekah Roberts’ obsession with
fairytales, romance, and Jesus came at an early age. She knew as a young teen
that she wanted to write books for girls that were both fun to read and good
for them.
While working as a nanny and
volunteering in her church’s youth group, Rebekah continues her mission to
write wholesome romances and uses fiction as a platform for The Unfolding Rose
Ministries; where she helps to promote true beauty and self confidence in
girls.
Rebekah was homeschooled through
high school. She continued her education at Moore Norman Technology,
where she studied creative writing. She uses her education to instill a love of
the craft in the next generation through teaching writing classes.
Growing up in small town
Oklahoma, she loves the old south and history, which finds its way into her
writing and everyday conversation with dreams of plantation houses, WWII
dances, and Victorian trivia. She has a passion for taking an old story and
making it new.
When she is not writing or
working with youth, she loves to watch sci-fi movies with family or enjoy a pot
of tea with good friends.
What genre(s) do you write?
Christian Teen Romance, but every now and then I have to take a break and write a little horror.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
That everything has beauty in it and that God uses that beauty to do great things. I want every girl, (or guy) that reads my book to feel like they too are beautiful and that they are important.
What other careers have you had?
Wow, I have been everything from a receptionist at a funeral home to a full time nanny. I’ve been a home school teacher, a personal assistant, a waitress, a dog/cat sitter, a sales person and I’ve worked at a dry cleaners. I feel like there are far too many interesting things to do out there to just pick one, but throughout it all I have been a writer. I think all of those jobs have helped me not only be a better person, (ie. I try to tip better now) but a better writer.
What's something fans would find fascinating about you?
Oh, that’s so hard. When you live in your own skin, your life seems sort of boring, but I guess, the fact that I played drums in a rock band from the ages of nine to twenty, is pretty cool. I grew up in this exclusive world of local independent (or indie) bands. It’s a very close knit community and I learned a lot from those years. I never wanted to be a professional musician and i am glad I chose writing over the band, but I still miss those days. There is nothing that compares getting all the beats just right. It’s a thrill like no other.
What are some miscellaneous facts about you?
I am 24 years old.
I’m an avid walker, I take the twins that I nanny out on a walk every morning and I love to go walking by myself or with a friend.
I played the Scarecrow of Oz in my church’s huge interactive play and I just got the cast list, so I am excited to be playing it again this year.
Before I went gluten-free my favorite snack was cold egg-rolls, now I love to chop up a banana and put a little salt on it.
You can find Rebekah at the following links:
http://www.facebook.com/RebekahRobertsWriter
https://twitter.com/RebekahFRobertswww.RebekahRoberts.net
Thank you for sharing with me and my little piece of the universe and bearing with me while I worked out my technical issues. I wish you all the best and that you have much success!
~Lisa Logue
“Beauty might just be the beast.”
Calla Williams is not like other girls. Most girls spend their whole lives trying to be beautiful, Calla already is…and she hates it.
When she is shipped off one summer to live with family friends in their dilapidated Mississippi plantation, Calla is faced with the prospect of living with strangers and their teenage son. This is annoying because, like any other boy, he is sure to fall in love with her on sight. However, Griffin Davenport is not your typical teenage guy. With his hot temper and half of his face severely
scarred, “hate at first sight” is closer to what she finds.
Though the two teens try to stay out of each other’s way, an odd attraction to each other makes staying away anything but easy.
Now, Calla must deal with growing feelings, her own prejudices, and finding the secret to Griffin’s past. As hate turns to friendship and friendship becomes something more, Calla learns a startling truth: God uses even how we look in His plan for our lives.
October 4, 2012
Guest post by Doug Simpson- MY SOUL AWAKENING
MY SOUL
AWAKENING
Interesting
title, some of you are probably thinking, but what does he mean? My personal
soul awakening provided me with the knowledge and courage to write my first
novel, appropriately titled Soul Awakening. Here is my story.
Over
thirty years ago, my wife introduced me to one of America’s almost-lost
miracle-men. His name was Edgar Cayce. He is regarded by many scholars in the
field as America’s legendary mystic. Edgar gave over fifteen thousand psychic
readings in a self-induced, trance-like state. His trance state was so deep
that, in the early days of his amazing medical readings, a group of doubting
Doctors performed their own sadistic experiments on him to prove he was duping
his clients. One Doctor took his pocketknife and slid it fully under one of
Edgar’s fingernails. He never reacted and there was no blood. Another sadist
poked a hatpin right through Edgar’s cheek. He never reacted, but there may
have been a drop of blood. But, as you can imagine, when Edgar came out of his
trance state, all hell broke loose!
Throughout
approximately forty years Edgar gave over ten thousand medical readings for
people, some of whom Edgar never met and who were located a thousand or more
miles away at the time of the reading. On occasion, in his deep trance state,
Edgar prescribed treatments and remedies that had not yet been invented.
As amazing
as the medical readings were, it was Edgar’s life or reincarnation readings
that seized my attention. Some two
thousand real live individuals, or their guardians, requested approximately
twenty-five hundred life readings where they were given information on a few of
their previous incarnations, specifically those ones which were significant to
their understanding of the reasons for their souls selecting the particular
bodies that they resided in, in their current incarnations. Reincarnated souls
that appeared in Edgar’s readings went as far back as the days of Adam and Eve,
and included the souls of Mary Magdalene, Thomas Jefferson and Martha
Washington, to name just a few.
If you are
curious, visit my website at http://dousimp.mnsi.net and you can access the
articles I have written on these three historical characters, and many others.
Once
certain individuals, seriously interested in researching ‘the-other-side,’ were
convinced that Edgar was the real deal; they asked inquisitive questions about
Creation and many other topics. One answer, significant to our story, is
Edgar’s account of the Creation of souls. In brief, think of God as an enormous
energy field that can think. After God Created and evolved the Earth with its
animals and numerous other creatures, but no humans, God realized that He had
done a pretty good job but He was lonely. Man had not been in the original
plan, so for company, God Created a calculated explosion in His energy field
and all souls were Created at the same time from the God-Energy. There is much
more to this story, but in a nutshell, God Created humans as residences where
souls could experience ‘life’. Souls incarnate time and time again until they
learn the required lessons to become God-like once more.
After
years of researching the Edgar Cayce readings, I ‘had’ to verify my beliefs so
I enlisted the services of a licensed hypnotist and experienced four past-life
regression sessions and uncovered a number of my past lifetimes.
Now one hundred
percent convinced of reincarnation, I commenced to write my reincarnation
articles in 2010, using the Edgar Cayce readings. I parlayed my knowledge and
experience and, with some helpful guidance from the other side along the way,
wrote my first novel, Soul Awakening. It is a work of fiction but was inspired
by a series of actual events. Probably all of the major events reported in Soul
Awakening have been experienced by me, by individuals I know, confided to me or
individuals I know, or revealed in the Edgar Cayce readings. Four of the
incarnations uncovered by the characters in Soul Awakening are my actual past
lifetimes, right down to the name and location.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Excerpt from Soul Awakening – titled Memorable Excerpt
Soul Awakening is a work of
fiction, inspired by a series of actual events. It is a spiritual mystery
involving the apparently accidental, though actually orchestrated by Divine
Intervention, meeting of three total strangers and their ultimate discovery
that they shared previous lifetimes together. It delves into reincarnation, past
lifetimes, spirit communication, messages from God, past-life regression
sessions, Guardian Angels, past-life recall in the awake state, and soul
attraction, which is the reincarnation of groups of souls together in more than
one lifetime.
A Memorable Excerpt from Soul Awakening
“I would like you to again picture yourself sliding down the
same tunnel as before, sliding towards the light at the end. When you exit from
the tunnel, you will land in a different lifetime than the one as Bernice Woodward.
Please let me know when you are out of the tunnel.”
After a few seconds, Clippers said, “I am out of the tunnel.”
“Please describe what you see.”
“There is a large crowd, men, women and children, waiting by the
side of the path from Capernaum.”
“Who are you waiting for?”
“Jeshua.”
“Who is Jeshua?”
“Jeshua the healer. Our Savior.”
“Are you waiting with the crowd?”
“Yes.”
“Is Jeshua a relative or a friend of yours?”
“No.”
“Why did you come this day to see Jeshua?”
“I brought our son for Jeshua to heal.”
“What is wrong with your son?”
“He has a crippled leg.”
“What is your son’s name?”
“Abraham bar Joseph.”
“Is your husband Joseph there with you?”
“No.”
“What is your name?”
“Anna.”
“I would ask you now to move along in time, just a little, to
when Jeshua and His followers or disciples arrive at the spot where the crowd,
including Anna and Abraham are waiting. When they arrive there, where you are,
will you let me know, please?”
“Yes.” The room went silent, and the seconds slowly ticked by.
“Four of His followers have joined our waiting group. They are
telling us that Jeshua will be arriving in a few minutes. The four followers
have split up and are circulating amongst the throng of people. One is coming
over where we are. He seems to be looking at us, or maybe it is Abraham that
caught his attention.
“‘What is the matter with the boy’s leg? Did he break it?’ he is
asking me. I told him that Abraham was born crippled. He has put his arm around
Abraham’s shoulder and asked us to come along with him. We are moving through
the crowd to the edge of the pathway. The people at the south end of the crowd
are starting to cheer. I see heads appearing over the knoll. It is wonderful to
see Jeshua. We have never seen Him before. He is stopping when He reaches one
of His followers. That follower appears to have a blind beggar with him. Jeshua
just placed His hand on the beggar’s head, and said something quietly. I am too
far away to hear. The beggar is jumping up and down, shouting, ‘I can see! I
can see!’ He is now thanking Jeshua.
“They are moving on towards us. The follower beside us is
telling Jeshua that Abraham has been crippled from birth. ‘Is that correct?’
Jeshua is asking Abraham. Abraham says, ‘Yes, sir. Please make me well so that
I can run and jump like the other boys.’ Jeshua is smiling. ‘My son, your sins
are forgiven. Give Me your crutch.’ Abraham hands Jeshua his crutch, and He
tosses it on the ground. ‘Now My son, let us see you jump as high as you can,’
Jeshua says. Abraham is hopping around the path like a rabbit. ‘Now,’ Jeshua
says, ‘Let’s see you run down to the end of the crowd and back as fast as you
can.’ Abraham has taken off moving as fast as I have ever seen any boy run.
This is a Miracle. It truly is a Miracle. Abraham has turned around and is
charging back towards us. He runs right into Jeshua’s arms and is hugging Him,
saying, ‘Thank you! Thank you!’ through his tears.
“The tears are pouring down my cheeks, also. I feel faint. I
reach out for Jeshua’s follower and he helps me to remain standing. Jeshua
backs away from Abraham, and musses-up his hair. ‘The Father has Blessed you,
My son,’ He says and now is walking further down the path. The follower asks if
I will be alright, and I tell him I think so. He is also moving along the path,
following Jeshua. Abraham and I are hugging each other. We are still crying.”
Eye was so mesmerized by the revelation that it took a few
moments for it to register that Clippers had stopped talking.
‘How do I follow that?’ she asked herself. “Is there anyone in
your current lifetime that you recognize who is there in the crowd waiting for
Jeshua?”
“Yes.”
“Please tell me their name then and today.”
“Abraham is Max Winston, my son.”
“I am now going to slowly bring you out of your hypnotic trance.
On the count of ten, you will be wide-awake and feeling refreshed, and you will
be able to remember most of what has taken place during our session today. One
...... two ...... three ...... you are beginning to feel more awake, four
...... five ...... six ...... seven ...... you are almost totally awake, eight
...... nine ...... ten. Wake up!”
Clippers stretched her arms, yawned, and
opened her eyes.
Eye handed her the two CDs. “I believe that we just experienced
the most rewarding regression session that I can ever remember, Clippers. You
truly are Blessed.”
AWAKENING
Interesting
title, some of you are probably thinking, but what does he mean? My personal
soul awakening provided me with the knowledge and courage to write my first
novel, appropriately titled Soul Awakening. Here is my story.
Over
thirty years ago, my wife introduced me to one of America’s almost-lost
miracle-men. His name was Edgar Cayce. He is regarded by many scholars in the
field as America’s legendary mystic. Edgar gave over fifteen thousand psychic
readings in a self-induced, trance-like state. His trance state was so deep
that, in the early days of his amazing medical readings, a group of doubting
Doctors performed their own sadistic experiments on him to prove he was duping
his clients. One Doctor took his pocketknife and slid it fully under one of
Edgar’s fingernails. He never reacted and there was no blood. Another sadist
poked a hatpin right through Edgar’s cheek. He never reacted, but there may
have been a drop of blood. But, as you can imagine, when Edgar came out of his
trance state, all hell broke loose!
Throughout
approximately forty years Edgar gave over ten thousand medical readings for
people, some of whom Edgar never met and who were located a thousand or more
miles away at the time of the reading. On occasion, in his deep trance state,
Edgar prescribed treatments and remedies that had not yet been invented.
As amazing
as the medical readings were, it was Edgar’s life or reincarnation readings
that seized my attention. Some two
thousand real live individuals, or their guardians, requested approximately
twenty-five hundred life readings where they were given information on a few of
their previous incarnations, specifically those ones which were significant to
their understanding of the reasons for their souls selecting the particular
bodies that they resided in, in their current incarnations. Reincarnated souls
that appeared in Edgar’s readings went as far back as the days of Adam and Eve,
and included the souls of Mary Magdalene, Thomas Jefferson and Martha
Washington, to name just a few.
If you are
curious, visit my website at http://dousimp.mnsi.net and you can access the
articles I have written on these three historical characters, and many others.
Once
certain individuals, seriously interested in researching ‘the-other-side,’ were
convinced that Edgar was the real deal; they asked inquisitive questions about
Creation and many other topics. One answer, significant to our story, is
Edgar’s account of the Creation of souls. In brief, think of God as an enormous
energy field that can think. After God Created and evolved the Earth with its
animals and numerous other creatures, but no humans, God realized that He had
done a pretty good job but He was lonely. Man had not been in the original
plan, so for company, God Created a calculated explosion in His energy field
and all souls were Created at the same time from the God-Energy. There is much
more to this story, but in a nutshell, God Created humans as residences where
souls could experience ‘life’. Souls incarnate time and time again until they
learn the required lessons to become God-like once more.
After
years of researching the Edgar Cayce readings, I ‘had’ to verify my beliefs so
I enlisted the services of a licensed hypnotist and experienced four past-life
regression sessions and uncovered a number of my past lifetimes.
Now one hundred
percent convinced of reincarnation, I commenced to write my reincarnation
articles in 2010, using the Edgar Cayce readings. I parlayed my knowledge and
experience and, with some helpful guidance from the other side along the way,
wrote my first novel, Soul Awakening. It is a work of fiction but was inspired
by a series of actual events. Probably all of the major events reported in Soul
Awakening have been experienced by me, by individuals I know, confided to me or
individuals I know, or revealed in the Edgar Cayce readings. Four of the
incarnations uncovered by the characters in Soul Awakening are my actual past
lifetimes, right down to the name and location.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Excerpt from Soul Awakening – titled Memorable Excerpt
Soul Awakening is a work of
fiction, inspired by a series of actual events. It is a spiritual mystery
involving the apparently accidental, though actually orchestrated by Divine
Intervention, meeting of three total strangers and their ultimate discovery
that they shared previous lifetimes together. It delves into reincarnation, past
lifetimes, spirit communication, messages from God, past-life regression
sessions, Guardian Angels, past-life recall in the awake state, and soul
attraction, which is the reincarnation of groups of souls together in more than
one lifetime.
A Memorable Excerpt from Soul Awakening
“I would like you to again picture yourself sliding down the
same tunnel as before, sliding towards the light at the end. When you exit from
the tunnel, you will land in a different lifetime than the one as Bernice Woodward.
Please let me know when you are out of the tunnel.”
After a few seconds, Clippers said, “I am out of the tunnel.”
“Please describe what you see.”
“There is a large crowd, men, women and children, waiting by the
side of the path from Capernaum.”
“Who are you waiting for?”
“Jeshua.”
“Who is Jeshua?”
“Jeshua the healer. Our Savior.”
“Are you waiting with the crowd?”
“Yes.”
“Is Jeshua a relative or a friend of yours?”
“No.”
“Why did you come this day to see Jeshua?”
“I brought our son for Jeshua to heal.”
“What is wrong with your son?”
“He has a crippled leg.”
“What is your son’s name?”
“Abraham bar Joseph.”
“Is your husband Joseph there with you?”
“No.”
“What is your name?”
“Anna.”
“I would ask you now to move along in time, just a little, to
when Jeshua and His followers or disciples arrive at the spot where the crowd,
including Anna and Abraham are waiting. When they arrive there, where you are,
will you let me know, please?”
“Yes.” The room went silent, and the seconds slowly ticked by.
“Four of His followers have joined our waiting group. They are
telling us that Jeshua will be arriving in a few minutes. The four followers
have split up and are circulating amongst the throng of people. One is coming
over where we are. He seems to be looking at us, or maybe it is Abraham that
caught his attention.
“‘What is the matter with the boy’s leg? Did he break it?’ he is
asking me. I told him that Abraham was born crippled. He has put his arm around
Abraham’s shoulder and asked us to come along with him. We are moving through
the crowd to the edge of the pathway. The people at the south end of the crowd
are starting to cheer. I see heads appearing over the knoll. It is wonderful to
see Jeshua. We have never seen Him before. He is stopping when He reaches one
of His followers. That follower appears to have a blind beggar with him. Jeshua
just placed His hand on the beggar’s head, and said something quietly. I am too
far away to hear. The beggar is jumping up and down, shouting, ‘I can see! I
can see!’ He is now thanking Jeshua.
“They are moving on towards us. The follower beside us is
telling Jeshua that Abraham has been crippled from birth. ‘Is that correct?’
Jeshua is asking Abraham. Abraham says, ‘Yes, sir. Please make me well so that
I can run and jump like the other boys.’ Jeshua is smiling. ‘My son, your sins
are forgiven. Give Me your crutch.’ Abraham hands Jeshua his crutch, and He
tosses it on the ground. ‘Now My son, let us see you jump as high as you can,’
Jeshua says. Abraham is hopping around the path like a rabbit. ‘Now,’ Jeshua
says, ‘Let’s see you run down to the end of the crowd and back as fast as you
can.’ Abraham has taken off moving as fast as I have ever seen any boy run.
This is a Miracle. It truly is a Miracle. Abraham has turned around and is
charging back towards us. He runs right into Jeshua’s arms and is hugging Him,
saying, ‘Thank you! Thank you!’ through his tears.
“The tears are pouring down my cheeks, also. I feel faint. I
reach out for Jeshua’s follower and he helps me to remain standing. Jeshua
backs away from Abraham, and musses-up his hair. ‘The Father has Blessed you,
My son,’ He says and now is walking further down the path. The follower asks if
I will be alright, and I tell him I think so. He is also moving along the path,
following Jeshua. Abraham and I are hugging each other. We are still crying.”
Eye was so mesmerized by the revelation that it took a few
moments for it to register that Clippers had stopped talking.
‘How do I follow that?’ she asked herself. “Is there anyone in
your current lifetime that you recognize who is there in the crowd waiting for
Jeshua?”
“Yes.”
“Please tell me their name then and today.”
“Abraham is Max Winston, my son.”
“I am now going to slowly bring you out of your hypnotic trance.
On the count of ten, you will be wide-awake and feeling refreshed, and you will
be able to remember most of what has taken place during our session today. One
...... two ...... three ...... you are beginning to feel more awake, four
...... five ...... six ...... seven ...... you are almost totally awake, eight
...... nine ...... ten. Wake up!”
Clippers stretched her arms, yawned, and
opened her eyes.
Eye handed her the two CDs. “I believe that we just experienced
the most rewarding regression session that I can ever remember, Clippers. You
truly are Blessed.”
Doug Simpson- Guest Author!
Doug Simpson
Author of Soul Awakening (Oct 2012 re-release)
Doug Simpson is a retired high school teacher who has turned
his talents to writing. His first novel, a spiritual mystery titled Soul
Awakening, was published in the United States in October of 2011, by Book
Locker. It will be available in print and eBook format through most book stores
around the world, in October of 2012 from his new publisher 5 Prince Publishing.
His magazine and website articles have been published in 2010 to 2012 in
Australia, Canada, France, India, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the
United States. His articles can be accessed through his website at http://dousimp.mnsi.net.
What is your favorite thing about being a writer?
There are many things I like about being an author or
writer, but if I have to pick one favorite I guess it is the feedback from
readers who say things like: Wow, I really enjoyed reading your book/article.
Touching people’s lives makes the work all worthwhile.
What genre(s) do you write in?
Spirituality Mystery/Romance Fiction
Why do you think people should choose your books over another author?
The area of spirituality that I write in is not common. Soul
Awakening is fiction but it was inspired by actual events in the lives of a
number of people, many of which I know personally. If a reader is curious about
the possibility of survival of the soul and spirit after the death of a body,
and reincarnation of souls, then Soul Awakening is definitely an eye opener.
What do you hope readers take with them after reading one of your stories?
We do not just have 'one life to live'. Reincarnation is
real.
How would you describe yourself if you were "speed dating" your readers?
You may never have heard of me before, but you will never
forget me and my message after reading Soul Awakening.
Doug's upcoming releases:
Soul Awakening re-release Oct. 2012
Soul Rescue Nov. 2012
Soul Mind Jan. 2013
Soul Connections Oct. 2013
You can find Doug at the following links:
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/doug.simpson.902
Website http://dousimp.mnsi.net
Blog http://doug-simpson-author.blogspot.com/
Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/1DougSimpson
Thank you for being patient with me while I dealt with my technical issues, Doug! I wish you all the best and I'm glad to have hosted you and your wonderful writing!
~Lisa Logue
Author of Soul Awakening (Oct 2012 re-release)
Doug Simpson is a retired high school teacher who has turned
his talents to writing. His first novel, a spiritual mystery titled Soul
Awakening, was published in the United States in October of 2011, by Book
Locker. It will be available in print and eBook format through most book stores
around the world, in October of 2012 from his new publisher 5 Prince Publishing.
His magazine and website articles have been published in 2010 to 2012 in
Australia, Canada, France, India, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the
United States. His articles can be accessed through his website at http://dousimp.mnsi.net.
What is your favorite thing about being a writer?
There are many things I like about being an author or
writer, but if I have to pick one favorite I guess it is the feedback from
readers who say things like: Wow, I really enjoyed reading your book/article.
Touching people’s lives makes the work all worthwhile.
What genre(s) do you write in?
Spirituality Mystery/Romance Fiction
Why do you think people should choose your books over another author?
The area of spirituality that I write in is not common. Soul
Awakening is fiction but it was inspired by actual events in the lives of a
number of people, many of which I know personally. If a reader is curious about
the possibility of survival of the soul and spirit after the death of a body,
and reincarnation of souls, then Soul Awakening is definitely an eye opener.
What do you hope readers take with them after reading one of your stories?
We do not just have 'one life to live'. Reincarnation is
real.
How would you describe yourself if you were "speed dating" your readers?
You may never have heard of me before, but you will never
forget me and my message after reading Soul Awakening.
Doug's upcoming releases:
Soul Awakening re-release Oct. 2012
Soul Rescue Nov. 2012
Soul Mind Jan. 2013
Soul Connections Oct. 2013
You can find Doug at the following links:
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/doug.simpson.902
Website http://dousimp.mnsi.net
Blog http://doug-simpson-author.blogspot.com/
Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/1DougSimpson
Thank you for being patient with me while I dealt with my technical issues, Doug! I wish you all the best and I'm glad to have hosted you and your wonderful writing!
~Lisa Logue
September 25, 2012
Guest post by Melynda Price- Her Journey!
I’ve
been doing several interviews lately, and would like to take the time
today to talk a little about my journey from unpublished to published
author. Everyone has their own story to tell and I love hearing about
other author’s success, but even more, I also want to hear about their
failures. No, I’m not sadistic, lol, but I believe there’s a lot to be
learned in these failures—my own and others.
Patience,
perseverance, and gratitude are a few qualities that have grown in me
through rejection. So, today’s stop, I want to pay special attention to
the unpublished authors and to those who are struggling in their career.
I’d like to share something I’ve learned through my journey.
It
only takes one “yes.”—five simple words, yet so profound. This little
bit of advice and encouragement was given to me by my good friend and
author, Laura Breck, and it will stay with me forever. It only takes one
“yes” for your dreams to come true, so try to take each “no” as a
learning and growing experience. Easier said than done, I know, I’ve
been there and I still have those days.
But
this is what I’ve learned and truly believe: Often, the rejection to
contract Until Darkness Comes was based solely on the query letter
alone. When you have a project you’ve loved, nurtured and cherished,
it’s hard not to take that rejection personally, but you can’t. A query
letter isn’t your novel, and if it’s rejected, they’re not rejecting you
or your work per say, but the query itself.
I
rewrote my query letter numerous times, and by far I found it more
difficult than writing the book itself. I knew I’d finally gotten it
right when I started getting requests to submit my manuscript. At the
time I signed Until Darkness Comes with 5Prince Publishing, I’d gotten
two offers to contract this book. I took me a year of submitting,
getting rejected, tweaking my query letter and re-submitting, before it
all started coming together. I’ve talked to other authors who have said
it took them as long as five years to get their first book contracted.
In researching the dreaded query letter, I found a few helpful examples
and included them on my website under “Writing Tips.” Feel free to check
them out. I hope it helps. Thanks for stopping by today, and I wish you
all the best in your literary journey.
Melynda Price
www.melyndaprice.com
About My Book:
A guardian angel… A forbidden love… Eternal consequences…
Olivia
Norton was born with a gift—a gift heaven has sworn to protect, and
hell is bound to destroy. Her perfect world is turned upside-down when
two handsome strangers, Max and Liam, step into her life. Olivia soon
discovers that her ‘Mr. Perfect’ is actually a perfect nightmare.
The
rules of engagement have changed and Liam, Olivia’s guardian angel, is
forced to cross dimensional borders or risk losing the woman he’s sworn
to protect. Suddenly, thrust into a world unlike anything he’s ever
known, Liam isn’t prepared to come face to face with the young woman
whose life he holds in his hands.
But
nothing is as it seems, and secrets abound that will ultimately force
him to choose between two impossibilities. Max will stop at nothing to
finish what he’s started, and Olivia is soon plunged into a battle
between good and evil. Her very life hangs in the balance as two forces
fight to win her heart.
Until Darkness Comes Excerpt ~ First kiss...
Olivia
took a brave step closer to Liam and cupped the side of his cheek,
forcing him to look at her. “Then who are you? Surely you can tell me
that. And don’t you dare lie to me, because I know you’re
not normal. I’ve never met anyone like you before. Normal guys don’t
act like you. Normal guys don’t look like you, and if they do, they’re
usually more like…”
“More like what?” His eyebrow arched curiously.
“More like Max, I guess.”
“Well, I can promise you that I am nothing like Max. More like the exact opposite, to tell you the truth.”
“Why
do you hate him so much? At first, I thought it was because he was my
boyfriend, and that you were just jealous or something. But it’s more
than that, isn't it?”
“There’s a darkness in him, Olivia. Can’t you feel it?”
“I’m
not sure how I feel when I’m with Max anymore. I used to
feel…carefree—wild and reckless, you know? But lately, I’m starting to
just feel…afraid. Like I’m walking on a tightrope and I’m about ready to
fall.”
“I’ll catch you,” he whispered, slowly trailing his fingers down the side of her neck.
Her
pulse beat erratically beneath his touch; she opened her mouth to say
something, but stopped. Instead, she moistened her bottom lip with the
tip of her tongue. His heated gaze fell to her lips and she felt Liam’s
resolve snap. A wave of desire blasted into her and a soft groan of
defeat rumbled in his chest as he lowered his head, capturing her lips
in a tender embrace. His kiss tore through her like fire. What started
out as tentative and sweet, quickly escalated to urgent and demanding as
a rush of adrenaline flooded her veins. She melted into his arms, her
lips fitting perfectly against his, like she was made just for him.
He
tasted exactly like he smelled—faintly of cloves, delicious. She parted
her lips, aching for more and instinctively he responded to her request
as if she’d spoken it. Drawing the kiss deeper, his tongue brushed
against hers. The more he kissed her, the hungrier she became, fueling
an insatiable fire deep in her core.
Olivia
wound her arms around his neck and pulled him closer. She’d never felt
more starved and yet completely satisfied as she did at that very
moment. He tightened his arms around her waist and pulled her against
him, as if he couldn't get close enough. Her feet left the ground as he
molded her to his lean, powerful body.
Time
momentarily ceased. She had no idea how long they stood there in each
other’s arms as the floor of the boat rocked beneath his feet. The
captain’s voice crackled over the speaker, announcing the end of their
tour. A reluctant groan escaped Liam’s lips as he broke their kiss and
slowly released her. Olivia stumbled when her feet touched ground and
his hand shot out to steady her...
been doing several interviews lately, and would like to take the time
today to talk a little about my journey from unpublished to published
author. Everyone has their own story to tell and I love hearing about
other author’s success, but even more, I also want to hear about their
failures. No, I’m not sadistic, lol, but I believe there’s a lot to be
learned in these failures—my own and others.
Patience,
perseverance, and gratitude are a few qualities that have grown in me
through rejection. So, today’s stop, I want to pay special attention to
the unpublished authors and to those who are struggling in their career.
I’d like to share something I’ve learned through my journey.
It
only takes one “yes.”—five simple words, yet so profound. This little
bit of advice and encouragement was given to me by my good friend and
author, Laura Breck, and it will stay with me forever. It only takes one
“yes” for your dreams to come true, so try to take each “no” as a
learning and growing experience. Easier said than done, I know, I’ve
been there and I still have those days.
But
this is what I’ve learned and truly believe: Often, the rejection to
contract Until Darkness Comes was based solely on the query letter
alone. When you have a project you’ve loved, nurtured and cherished,
it’s hard not to take that rejection personally, but you can’t. A query
letter isn’t your novel, and if it’s rejected, they’re not rejecting you
or your work per say, but the query itself.
I
rewrote my query letter numerous times, and by far I found it more
difficult than writing the book itself. I knew I’d finally gotten it
right when I started getting requests to submit my manuscript. At the
time I signed Until Darkness Comes with 5Prince Publishing, I’d gotten
two offers to contract this book. I took me a year of submitting,
getting rejected, tweaking my query letter and re-submitting, before it
all started coming together. I’ve talked to other authors who have said
it took them as long as five years to get their first book contracted.
In researching the dreaded query letter, I found a few helpful examples
and included them on my website under “Writing Tips.” Feel free to check
them out. I hope it helps. Thanks for stopping by today, and I wish you
all the best in your literary journey.
Melynda Price
www.melyndaprice.com
About My Book:
A guardian angel… A forbidden love… Eternal consequences…
Olivia
Norton was born with a gift—a gift heaven has sworn to protect, and
hell is bound to destroy. Her perfect world is turned upside-down when
two handsome strangers, Max and Liam, step into her life. Olivia soon
discovers that her ‘Mr. Perfect’ is actually a perfect nightmare.
The
rules of engagement have changed and Liam, Olivia’s guardian angel, is
forced to cross dimensional borders or risk losing the woman he’s sworn
to protect. Suddenly, thrust into a world unlike anything he’s ever
known, Liam isn’t prepared to come face to face with the young woman
whose life he holds in his hands.
But
nothing is as it seems, and secrets abound that will ultimately force
him to choose between two impossibilities. Max will stop at nothing to
finish what he’s started, and Olivia is soon plunged into a battle
between good and evil. Her very life hangs in the balance as two forces
fight to win her heart.
Until Darkness Comes Excerpt ~ First kiss...
Olivia
took a brave step closer to Liam and cupped the side of his cheek,
forcing him to look at her. “Then who are you? Surely you can tell me
that. And don’t you dare lie to me, because I know you’re
not normal. I’ve never met anyone like you before. Normal guys don’t
act like you. Normal guys don’t look like you, and if they do, they’re
usually more like…”
“More like what?” His eyebrow arched curiously.
“More like Max, I guess.”
“Well, I can promise you that I am nothing like Max. More like the exact opposite, to tell you the truth.”
“Why
do you hate him so much? At first, I thought it was because he was my
boyfriend, and that you were just jealous or something. But it’s more
than that, isn't it?”
“There’s a darkness in him, Olivia. Can’t you feel it?”
“I’m
not sure how I feel when I’m with Max anymore. I used to
feel…carefree—wild and reckless, you know? But lately, I’m starting to
just feel…afraid. Like I’m walking on a tightrope and I’m about ready to
fall.”
“I’ll catch you,” he whispered, slowly trailing his fingers down the side of her neck.
Her
pulse beat erratically beneath his touch; she opened her mouth to say
something, but stopped. Instead, she moistened her bottom lip with the
tip of her tongue. His heated gaze fell to her lips and she felt Liam’s
resolve snap. A wave of desire blasted into her and a soft groan of
defeat rumbled in his chest as he lowered his head, capturing her lips
in a tender embrace. His kiss tore through her like fire. What started
out as tentative and sweet, quickly escalated to urgent and demanding as
a rush of adrenaline flooded her veins. She melted into his arms, her
lips fitting perfectly against his, like she was made just for him.
He
tasted exactly like he smelled—faintly of cloves, delicious. She parted
her lips, aching for more and instinctively he responded to her request
as if she’d spoken it. Drawing the kiss deeper, his tongue brushed
against hers. The more he kissed her, the hungrier she became, fueling
an insatiable fire deep in her core.
Olivia
wound her arms around his neck and pulled him closer. She’d never felt
more starved and yet completely satisfied as she did at that very
moment. He tightened his arms around her waist and pulled her against
him, as if he couldn't get close enough. Her feet left the ground as he
molded her to his lean, powerful body.
Time
momentarily ceased. She had no idea how long they stood there in each
other’s arms as the floor of the boat rocked beneath his feet. The
captain’s voice crackled over the speaker, announcing the end of their
tour. A reluctant groan escaped Liam’s lips as he broke their kiss and
slowly released her. Olivia stumbled when her feet touched ground and
his hand shot out to steady her...
Melynda Price- Guest Author!
Melynda Price
Author of Until Darkness Comes
An
avid lover of paranormal romance, Melynda was inspired to write her own
series after reading the Book of Enoch. She’s always had a fascination
with stories about angels, and the role they’ve played in the history of
our multi-dimensional world.
She attended Bethel University in Minnesota and graduated in 2003, holding AA, ASN and BSN degrees. She
lives in Northern Minnesota where she has plenty of snow-filled days to
curl up in front of the fireplace with her Chihuahua, and a hot cup of
coffee, to write. She’s blessed with two amazing children, and a
wonderful husband of seventeen years.
What is your favorite thing about being a writer?
I
love creating and world building. Being an author of paranormal
romance, I get to create characters that are larger than life and
stretch beyond the borders of our world as we know it. My only challenge
is to make the unbelievable believable. I love it when someone asks me,
“Is that really a place, or did that really happen?” Then I know I’ve
done my job well.
What genres and authors might we find you reading?
I
only read Paranormal Romance and I prefer series. It’s so sad when a
good book ends, I like series because it keeps the characters alive. The
bigger the book the better, I don’t like investing my time into a
shooting star story. I want development, strong plotting and believable
world building—that takes time.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
There
are a few messages in my Redemption Series that I hope come through
strong. First, true love often requires sacrifice. Second, we all make
mistakes. Third, it’s never too late for second chances.
What other careers have you had?
Well,
I was a rocket scientist and a brain surgeon at Mayo Hospital, but,
ultimately, I’ve found that writing is my true calling.
What are some miscellaneous facts about you that others might find interesting?
I
have a very sick sense of humor. My daughter even has a facebook page
called “Things Mother’s Should Never Say To Their Daughters.”
My Chihuahua is named Ren. Yes, from Ren and Stimpy.
I’ve
been on seven wine tasting events in California with my brother and
sisters, and an $8 bottle of Arbor Mist Blackberry Merlot is still my
favorite. ☺
I
love slapstick comedy and laugh inappropriately when people get
injured, especially my kids. They don’t find it nearly as amusing as I
do. They’ve stopped getting mad at me for being so insensitive and
usually join in after they’ve finished crying, lol.
I
have horrible fashion sense. My favorite outfit is sweatpants and a
t-shit. My daughter dresses me when I have to go out in public.
I wasn’t really a rocket scientist or a brain surgeon. I just made that up, because I’m rather good at making sh!t up.
Currently,
Melynda is working on the next book in the Redemption Series. Keep up
with her for updates and more information about her and her books!
You can find Melynda at the following links:
Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/melynda.price.9
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/MelyndaPrice1
Goodreads:http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13829312-until-darkness-comes
Blog: http://melyndaprice.wordpress.com/
Website: www.melyndaprice.com
Thank you so much for stopping by! I 'll be adding your book, and several others, to my TBR list. Hope to see you again soon!
~Lisa Logue
Author of Until Darkness Comes
Anavid lover of paranormal romance, Melynda was inspired to write her own
series after reading the Book of Enoch. She’s always had a fascination
with stories about angels, and the role they’ve played in the history of
our multi-dimensional world.
She attended Bethel University in Minnesota and graduated in 2003, holding AA, ASN and BSN degrees. She
lives in Northern Minnesota where she has plenty of snow-filled days to
curl up in front of the fireplace with her Chihuahua, and a hot cup of
coffee, to write. She’s blessed with two amazing children, and a
wonderful husband of seventeen years.
What is your favorite thing about being a writer?
I
love creating and world building. Being an author of paranormal
romance, I get to create characters that are larger than life and
stretch beyond the borders of our world as we know it. My only challenge
is to make the unbelievable believable. I love it when someone asks me,
“Is that really a place, or did that really happen?” Then I know I’ve
done my job well.
What genres and authors might we find you reading?
I
only read Paranormal Romance and I prefer series. It’s so sad when a
good book ends, I like series because it keeps the characters alive. The
bigger the book the better, I don’t like investing my time into a
shooting star story. I want development, strong plotting and believable
world building—that takes time.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
There
are a few messages in my Redemption Series that I hope come through
strong. First, true love often requires sacrifice. Second, we all make
mistakes. Third, it’s never too late for second chances.
What other careers have you had?
Well,
I was a rocket scientist and a brain surgeon at Mayo Hospital, but,
ultimately, I’ve found that writing is my true calling.
What are some miscellaneous facts about you that others might find interesting?
I
have a very sick sense of humor. My daughter even has a facebook page
called “Things Mother’s Should Never Say To Their Daughters.”
My Chihuahua is named Ren. Yes, from Ren and Stimpy.
I’ve
been on seven wine tasting events in California with my brother and
sisters, and an $8 bottle of Arbor Mist Blackberry Merlot is still my
favorite. ☺
I
love slapstick comedy and laugh inappropriately when people get
injured, especially my kids. They don’t find it nearly as amusing as I
do. They’ve stopped getting mad at me for being so insensitive and
usually join in after they’ve finished crying, lol.
I
have horrible fashion sense. My favorite outfit is sweatpants and a
t-shit. My daughter dresses me when I have to go out in public.
I wasn’t really a rocket scientist or a brain surgeon. I just made that up, because I’m rather good at making sh!t up.
Currently,
Melynda is working on the next book in the Redemption Series. Keep up
with her for updates and more information about her and her books!
You can find Melynda at the following links:
Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/melynda.price.9
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/MelyndaPrice1
Goodreads:http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13829312-until-darkness-comes
Blog: http://melyndaprice.wordpress.com/
Website: www.melyndaprice.com
Thank you so much for stopping by! I 'll be adding your book, and several others, to my TBR list. Hope to see you again soon!
~Lisa Logue
September 22, 2012
Guest post by Ann Swann- What Writer's Block?
What Writer's Block?
Someone posted a picture of a coffee cup on Facebook that said “Writer’s Block: When the imaginary friends in your head won’t talk to you.” I started reading the comments other authors had written below the picture, and that gave me the idea for this blog post.
When I wrote it, I was being silly, but later I started to think about it, because no, I really don’t suffer from writer’s block. I’m not saying I just sit down to write and words flow from my fingertips (hehe, I wish). What I mean about making new friends is just something I’ve always done: if I’m stuck in one story, I just go and start to work on a different story. A couple of times I’ve been surprised when the two stories actually turn out to be connected.
I’ve got several “idea” files on my computer where I will write a note or two, even just an interesting word or phrase. I’ve also got a couple of files full of “names I like,” and “character traits” and even some favorite “beginning lines.” In other words, I no longer journal—although I’ve got a file for that, too, I just haven’t kept up with it in the last year or two—nope, instead, I take notes.
Thanks to Siri, the lovely voice on iPhone, I can even speak the notes when I’m driving, and she will write them on the “notepad” for me. Then I just type them into one of the aforementioned files when I get home (or simply delete them if they turn out to be junk, which also happens).
Of course I also have scraps of paper everywhere. Who doesn’t? If I don’t write it down, I forget it. Not at that age yet? If you’re lucky, you will be someday. (I can also write notes directly into my phone if I’m in the middle of a crowd and don’t want everyone to hear me speaking to Siri out loud.)
In other words, all these “story starters” are my other “imaginary friends.” By delving into my files, I can easily find another voice just begging to be heard—and that makes the old ones jealous. Before long, they show up, clamoring at the door, begging to come in and rejoin the conversation.
Someone posted a picture of a coffee cup on Facebook that said “Writer’s Block: When the imaginary friends in your head won’t talk to you.” I started reading the comments other authors had written below the picture, and that gave me the idea for this blog post.
When I wrote it, I was being silly, but later I started to think about it, because no, I really don’t suffer from writer’s block. I’m not saying I just sit down to write and words flow from my fingertips (hehe, I wish). What I mean about making new friends is just something I’ve always done: if I’m stuck in one story, I just go and start to work on a different story. A couple of times I’ve been surprised when the two stories actually turn out to be connected.
I’ve got several “idea” files on my computer where I will write a note or two, even just an interesting word or phrase. I’ve also got a couple of files full of “names I like,” and “character traits” and even some favorite “beginning lines.” In other words, I no longer journal—although I’ve got a file for that, too, I just haven’t kept up with it in the last year or two—nope, instead, I take notes.
Thanks to Siri, the lovely voice on iPhone, I can even speak the notes when I’m driving, and she will write them on the “notepad” for me. Then I just type them into one of the aforementioned files when I get home (or simply delete them if they turn out to be junk, which also happens).
Of course I also have scraps of paper everywhere. Who doesn’t? If I don’t write it down, I forget it. Not at that age yet? If you’re lucky, you will be someday. (I can also write notes directly into my phone if I’m in the middle of a crowd and don’t want everyone to hear me speaking to Siri out loud.)
In other words, all these “story starters” are my other “imaginary friends.” By delving into my files, I can easily find another voice just begging to be heard—and that makes the old ones jealous. Before long, they show up, clamoring at the door, begging to come in and rejoin the conversation.
Ann Swann- Guest Author!
Ann Swann
Author of All For Love
Born in West Texas, Ann began writing stories to amuse herself when she was abducted by a pack of shape-shifters and taken to live in the wild desert.
Even after she escaped, she continued to write short stories and novels featuring weirdities and oddities.
How long have you been a writer?
Since I was old enough to string sentences together in a spiral notebook.
What other careers have you had?
Elementary
school teacher, 911 operator, waitress, radio-station secretary,
freight office supervisor, newspaper delivery girl—don’t laugh—I was
able to take my kids with me when they were small.
Has your life changed significantly since becoming a published writer?
Yes, I have become a slave to Internet marketing.
What books or authors have most influenced your life?
Everything
from Black Beauty and Call of the Wild, right up through The Crystal
Cave, and on into Stephen King’s work (especially works like The Woman in the Room); books have taught me everything I need to know about life.
What are five random facts about you that you don't mind sharing?
I love roasted jalapenos.
My favorite drinks are coffee, chocolate milk, and Diet Coke (not usually all together).
My daughter, Sara Barnard, is also an author published by 5 Prince Publishing.
I have five grandchildren.I once met Andre the Giant (from The Princess Bride). He was very nice and very, very large.
Ann has several upcoming publications including The Phantom Student and The Phantom of Crybaby Bridge as books two and three in The Phantom Series. She also has a few stories in Campfire Tales which is an anthology of spooky stories.
You can find Ann at the following links:
Website: www.annswann.com
Blog: www.annswann.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/annswann.author
Email: Swannann76@yahoo.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ann_swann
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/annswann/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5420711.Ann_Swann
It's been so great to have you! I look forward to reading your work and the for the next time we meet. Good luck!
~Lisa Logue
Author of All For Love
Born in West Texas, Ann began writing stories to amuse herself when she was abducted by a pack of shape-shifters and taken to live in the wild desert. Even after she escaped, she continued to write short stories and novels featuring weirdities and oddities.
How long have you been a writer?
Since I was old enough to string sentences together in a spiral notebook.
What other careers have you had?
Elementary
school teacher, 911 operator, waitress, radio-station secretary,
freight office supervisor, newspaper delivery girl—don’t laugh—I was
able to take my kids with me when they were small.
Has your life changed significantly since becoming a published writer?
Yes, I have become a slave to Internet marketing.
What books or authors have most influenced your life?
Everything
from Black Beauty and Call of the Wild, right up through The Crystal
Cave, and on into Stephen King’s work (especially works like The Woman in the Room); books have taught me everything I need to know about life.
What are five random facts about you that you don't mind sharing?
I love roasted jalapenos.
My favorite drinks are coffee, chocolate milk, and Diet Coke (not usually all together).
My daughter, Sara Barnard, is also an author published by 5 Prince Publishing.
I have five grandchildren.I once met Andre the Giant (from The Princess Bride). He was very nice and very, very large.
Ann has several upcoming publications including The Phantom Student and The Phantom of Crybaby Bridge as books two and three in The Phantom Series. She also has a few stories in Campfire Tales which is an anthology of spooky stories.
You can find Ann at the following links:
Website: www.annswann.com
Blog: www.annswann.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/annswann.author
Email: Swannann76@yahoo.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ann_swann
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/annswann/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5420711.Ann_Swann
It's been so great to have you! I look forward to reading your work and the for the next time we meet. Good luck!
~Lisa Logue
Christina Ow- Guest Author!
Christina Ow
Author of Romance, Paranormal, Suspense, Contemporary
I love reading novels that take me on a ride of wild emotions. Books have always been an escape for me, for a few hours I love to live the lives of characters I grow to cherish and admire. I’ve always had an active imagination and because of it I’ve lived in my head more than I have been in the outside world. I’ve always imagined scenarios and wondered how it would turn out in the end, and what kind of emotions it would invoke. I began writing down the many stories in my head in 2010.
I have a Diploma in Law and I’m currently in my last year for my BA in International Studies. Writing was never a career path for me it was just a release as fashion design is my true passion, and now writing has become a vital part of me and my family as my twin sister is also a writer.
I hope to always continue with my love of writing no matter what the future holds for me.
What is your favorite thing about being a writer?
Being
able to express my imagination on paper and the fact that there is no
limit or boundaries when creating an entirely fictitious new life I can
live in for a few months.
What was the hardest part of writing your book?
When I had to describe a very painful scene. I really don’t want to do
it, but the book really needs it. I end up feeling guilty about destroying a
life.
What do you hope readers take with them after reading one of your stories?
It’s
not wrong to dream, true love does exist and to always think of
yourself and be selfish sometimes. Or you could risk getting lost or
stuck.
What other careers have you had?
I
was an intern at a law firm for three months and then I did two months
as an apprentice at a fashion house. I also feature in other artists
songs.
What else would readers like to know about your work?
The romantic suspense thriller, Fatal Jealousy will be released in January 2013.
Twins
Ellsa and Ellie are completely different in character, personality,
taste and interests. Apart from the striking resemblance to each other,
they share the one thing siblings shouldn’t…. the same taste in men.
They
keep falling for the same man, creating a quiet rivalry between them.
Determined not to let a man come between them ever again, Ellie and
Ellsa agree to stay away from each others relationships. But when they
meet Dale Carson, an FBI agent and a bachelor, their love lives are
turned upside down.
But they aren’t the only ones taken by the rogue. His partner and long time lover, Gwen Johansson, also called dibs.
Carson is interested in only one of them. He is pulled by Ellie’s
passion for love and art, and most importantly, him. What starts as a
sexual chase, ends with his permanent retirement from bachelorhood.
But their love story is not a smooth one.
Carson’s day job comes knocking on his front door and before he knows it, his whole world is ripped apart.
Out of all the possible suspects, Ellie has the most evidence stacked
up against her. She is implicated in the brutal murders of her
ex-boyfriends, and Carson is faced with the horror of arresting the love
of his life. With two suspects of his own, he is convinced she is being
set up, but he has no way of proving it.
Case Title: Woman Scorned
You can find Christina at the following links:
Facebook
Twitter
Blog
I apologize for the delay we had for this interview, but thank you so much for being here! I look forward to more from you and wish you all the best!
~Lisa Logue
Author of Romance, Paranormal, Suspense, Contemporary
I love reading novels that take me on a ride of wild emotions. Books have always been an escape for me, for a few hours I love to live the lives of characters I grow to cherish and admire. I’ve always had an active imagination and because of it I’ve lived in my head more than I have been in the outside world. I’ve always imagined scenarios and wondered how it would turn out in the end, and what kind of emotions it would invoke. I began writing down the many stories in my head in 2010.
I have a Diploma in Law and I’m currently in my last year for my BA in International Studies. Writing was never a career path for me it was just a release as fashion design is my true passion, and now writing has become a vital part of me and my family as my twin sister is also a writer.
I hope to always continue with my love of writing no matter what the future holds for me.
What is your favorite thing about being a writer?
Being
able to express my imagination on paper and the fact that there is no
limit or boundaries when creating an entirely fictitious new life I can
live in for a few months.
What was the hardest part of writing your book?
When I had to describe a very painful scene. I really don’t want to do
it, but the book really needs it. I end up feeling guilty about destroying a
life.
What do you hope readers take with them after reading one of your stories?
It’s
not wrong to dream, true love does exist and to always think of
yourself and be selfish sometimes. Or you could risk getting lost or
stuck.
What other careers have you had?
I
was an intern at a law firm for three months and then I did two months
as an apprentice at a fashion house. I also feature in other artists
songs.
What else would readers like to know about your work?
The romantic suspense thriller, Fatal Jealousy will be released in January 2013.
Twins
Ellsa and Ellie are completely different in character, personality,
taste and interests. Apart from the striking resemblance to each other,
they share the one thing siblings shouldn’t…. the same taste in men.
They
keep falling for the same man, creating a quiet rivalry between them.
Determined not to let a man come between them ever again, Ellie and
Ellsa agree to stay away from each others relationships. But when they
meet Dale Carson, an FBI agent and a bachelor, their love lives are
turned upside down.
But they aren’t the only ones taken by the rogue. His partner and long time lover, Gwen Johansson, also called dibs.
Carson is interested in only one of them. He is pulled by Ellie’s
passion for love and art, and most importantly, him. What starts as a
sexual chase, ends with his permanent retirement from bachelorhood.
But their love story is not a smooth one.
Carson’s day job comes knocking on his front door and before he knows it, his whole world is ripped apart.
Out of all the possible suspects, Ellie has the most evidence stacked
up against her. She is implicated in the brutal murders of her
ex-boyfriends, and Carson is faced with the horror of arresting the love
of his life. With two suspects of his own, he is convinced she is being
set up, but he has no way of proving it.
Case Title: Woman Scorned
You can find Christina at the following links:
Blog
I apologize for the delay we had for this interview, but thank you so much for being here! I look forward to more from you and wish you all the best!
~Lisa Logue
September 16, 2012
Sara Barnard- Guest Author!
Sara Barnard
Author of Children's Literature and Adult Historical Romance
Sara
Barnard is a military wife whose own heart has been on hold more often
than not. She holds her B.A. in History. Her work has appeared in
numerous anthologies, including REFRACTION (Marble Press, 2010), THE
HARSH AND THE HEART: CELEBRATING THE MILITARY (Silver Boomer Books,
2011), CAMPFIRE TALES (Coolwell Press, 2012), and will appear in an
upcoming Canadian anthology titled LIFESTYLES. She is a member of
Romance Writers of America and Abilene Writers Guild.
In
addition to reading and writing, Sara loves helping her children with
their homework, spending time outdoors with her family, and traveling. Sara,
her husband, and their four beautiful children live in the historic
Oklahoma hills along with their three rescue dogs, two cats, two rescue
kittens, eleven chickens, and one awesome horse. Let's see what else Sara has to tell us about her journey...
How long have you been a writer?
For
as long as I can remember! I won my first writing contest in the 3rd
grade and constantly came up with adjectives that described my animals.
For instance, when I was eight, I remember we Sevin-Dusted our dogs. My
dog, Callie, went bounding through a giant white spot of Sevin dust and I
recall thinking "And Callie bounded happily through the Sevin dust ..."
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Perseverance, faith, trust. Oh yeah, and above all, LOVE. Love for Him and for him!
Are any of your characters based on real people or events?
Yes.
In my children's story "The Big Bad Wolf Really Isn't So Big and Bad",
the narrator, Cocoa, is based on my late wolf-hybrid of the same name.
In A Heart on Hold, Sanderson is based on two people: Captain E.A. Adams
of the Confederate Army who really died in Alton Confederate Prison,
after lasting longer than most of his comrades, three days before the
war ended; and my sweet husband. Cotton is based on my eldest son, while
the three children Charlotte has to rescue is based loosely on the rest
of my children. Minerva is based on my best friend, Rochelle, while in
Charlotte, I tried to show a little of myself. In all honesty, Jackson
is based on Jackson Rathbone's character in Twilight.
What else would you like readers to know about you or your work?
I
am a metal head. At work, I received a call from the management
representing some eighties hair metal bands who want to write books
about their lives. When the management official told me their names, I
squealed like a groupie. Sheesh.
What are five miscellaneous facts about you?
I was almost a guest on The Next Great Baker.
I used to dance at Powwows.
I watch mostly nonfiction nature shows if I have control of the remote ... if I don't, it is either Pocoyo or jail shows.
I am trying semi-hard to learn French.
I have been accepted to graduate school in hopes of earning my Master's degree in Fish and Wildlife management.
Sara's current publication, A Heart on Hold, is the first in the 'An Everlasting Heart' series. Books two and three are coming soon, so be sure to visit her blog, website, Facebook pages and more to check for updates! Here's the blurb from A Heart on Hold:
Charlotte’s
lips only took a moment to find those belonging to her beloved. He
tasted faintly of molasses and she was immediately drawn into the warmth
of his embrace. Their bodies were perfectly pressed together, fitting
as though one had been divinely made for the other, as Sanderson’s
kisses trailed from Charlotte’s lips down her neck.
Her hands found his softly stubbled face and guided him back to her
lips. With his strong arms around her, she’d never felt more safe. Or
more vulnerable.
War.
Devotion. Deceit. Death. How long can a heart hold on before it
breaks? Most women would carry on with their lives after being thrust
into widowhood, but not Charlotte Adamsland. Upon learning that her
husband, Captain Sanderson Redding, was killed in a botched escape from a
Confederate prison in Illinois, she clings to his promise to return to
her no matter what, and quickly heads north through a war-ravaged
country with only her faith in God and her beloved horse to bring her
beloved Sanderson home – one way or another.
You can find Sara at the following links:
www.sarathreesuns.blogspot.com
www.sarabarnardbooks.com
sarathreesuns@gmail.com
facebook.com/sara.barnard6
facebook.com/sarabarnardbooks
Thank you for joining me tonight, Sara! Much luck and love on your journey! :)
~Lisa Logue
Author of Children's Literature and Adult Historical Romance
Sara
Barnard is a military wife whose own heart has been on hold more often
than not. She holds her B.A. in History. Her work has appeared in
numerous anthologies, including REFRACTION (Marble Press, 2010), THE
HARSH AND THE HEART: CELEBRATING THE MILITARY (Silver Boomer Books,
2011), CAMPFIRE TALES (Coolwell Press, 2012), and will appear in an
upcoming Canadian anthology titled LIFESTYLES. She is a member of
Romance Writers of America and Abilene Writers Guild.
In
addition to reading and writing, Sara loves helping her children with
their homework, spending time outdoors with her family, and traveling. Sara,
her husband, and their four beautiful children live in the historic
Oklahoma hills along with their three rescue dogs, two cats, two rescue
kittens, eleven chickens, and one awesome horse. Let's see what else Sara has to tell us about her journey...
How long have you been a writer?
For
as long as I can remember! I won my first writing contest in the 3rd
grade and constantly came up with adjectives that described my animals.
For instance, when I was eight, I remember we Sevin-Dusted our dogs. My
dog, Callie, went bounding through a giant white spot of Sevin dust and I
recall thinking "And Callie bounded happily through the Sevin dust ..."
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Perseverance, faith, trust. Oh yeah, and above all, LOVE. Love for Him and for him!
Are any of your characters based on real people or events?
Yes.
In my children's story "The Big Bad Wolf Really Isn't So Big and Bad",
the narrator, Cocoa, is based on my late wolf-hybrid of the same name.
In A Heart on Hold, Sanderson is based on two people: Captain E.A. Adams
of the Confederate Army who really died in Alton Confederate Prison,
after lasting longer than most of his comrades, three days before the
war ended; and my sweet husband. Cotton is based on my eldest son, while
the three children Charlotte has to rescue is based loosely on the rest
of my children. Minerva is based on my best friend, Rochelle, while in
Charlotte, I tried to show a little of myself. In all honesty, Jackson
is based on Jackson Rathbone's character in Twilight.
What else would you like readers to know about you or your work?
I
am a metal head. At work, I received a call from the management
representing some eighties hair metal bands who want to write books
about their lives. When the management official told me their names, I
squealed like a groupie. Sheesh.
What are five miscellaneous facts about you?
I was almost a guest on The Next Great Baker.
I used to dance at Powwows.
I watch mostly nonfiction nature shows if I have control of the remote ... if I don't, it is either Pocoyo or jail shows.
I am trying semi-hard to learn French.
I have been accepted to graduate school in hopes of earning my Master's degree in Fish and Wildlife management.
Sara's current publication, A Heart on Hold, is the first in the 'An Everlasting Heart' series. Books two and three are coming soon, so be sure to visit her blog, website, Facebook pages and more to check for updates! Here's the blurb from A Heart on Hold:
Charlotte’s
lips only took a moment to find those belonging to her beloved. He
tasted faintly of molasses and she was immediately drawn into the warmth
of his embrace. Their bodies were perfectly pressed together, fitting
as though one had been divinely made for the other, as Sanderson’s
kisses trailed from Charlotte’s lips down her neck.
Her hands found his softly stubbled face and guided him back to her
lips. With his strong arms around her, she’d never felt more safe. Or
more vulnerable.
War.
Devotion. Deceit. Death. How long can a heart hold on before it
breaks? Most women would carry on with their lives after being thrust
into widowhood, but not Charlotte Adamsland. Upon learning that her
husband, Captain Sanderson Redding, was killed in a botched escape from a
Confederate prison in Illinois, she clings to his promise to return to
her no matter what, and quickly heads north through a war-ravaged
country with only her faith in God and her beloved horse to bring her
beloved Sanderson home – one way or another.
You can find Sara at the following links:
www.sarathreesuns.blogspot.com
www.sarabarnardbooks.com
sarathreesuns@gmail.com
facebook.com/sara.barnard6
facebook.com/sarabarnardbooks
Thank you for joining me tonight, Sara! Much luck and love on your journey! :)
~Lisa Logue
A Complete Breakfast
I was craving eggs pretty badly this morning, which is rare, so I got my butt up and went to Kroger. I decided to try the "Break-free" egg substitute instead of regular eggs and was pleasantly surprised!! It was actually really good. Instead of getting hash browns, I made my own variation and that turned out really good, too. All in all, I was able to put together a complete breakfast for 563 calories. The only thing missing was fruit, but that's because I'm going to have some for a snack later :). Here's my recipe:
1 Medium potato, softened, peeled, quartered
1 cup or 1/4 c measured of Kroger Break-free egg product
1/4 onion, diced
1 tbsp Kroger Butter It's Not (cooking spray or equiv.)
3 strips Butterball Everyday Turkey Bacon (optional)
1 Nature's Own Thin Sliced Plain Bagel
2 tbsp Philadelphia Garden Vegetable 1/3 Less Fat Cream Cheese
1/4 c Shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese, divided (optional)
1. Peel, wash and quarter potato. You can either boil on stovetop or place in microwave safe bowl filled 1/4 full with water for 3 minutes to soften. Chop 1/4 onion to desired thickness, set aside. Place 1/2 tbsp Butter It's Not in pan or spray with cooking spray and place softened potatoes in pan on medium heat. Saute until edges begin to brown, add onion. Continue cooking until onions begin to brown. Scoop onto plate and sprinkle with 1/8 cup shredded cheese (optional).
2. Add remaining 1/2 tbsp Butter It's not to pan, lower hear and pour 1/4 cup measured or 1 cup pre-measured Break-free egg to pan. Eggs will cook quickly, so be sure to remaining shredded cheese if desired. Place eggs on top of hashbrown mixture on plate.
3. Place the strips of Turkey Bacon in the pan on medium heat. These will not crisp like regular bacon, but will get "harder" one they sit. These will only need to be in the pan for about 3 minutes. Add to plate as well.
4. Spread cream cheese on either side of bagel and plate with the rest of the meal.
Undoubtedly, you can save some calories by cutting out the butter and using cooking spray and not using cheese. However, this will be filling and you won't want to eat twenty minutes later. You can substitute the bacon for fruit or anything else you'd like. Possibly the most important point is that you won't be able to tell the difference between the Break-free eggs and regular ones. They tasted just like normal eggs.
As I find hearty meals, I'll be posting it for you all. I'll be pinning my recipes also so don't forget to follow me on Pinterest!
Thanks, guys!
~Lisa Logue
1 Medium potato, softened, peeled, quartered
1 cup or 1/4 c measured of Kroger Break-free egg product
1/4 onion, diced
1 tbsp Kroger Butter It's Not (cooking spray or equiv.)
3 strips Butterball Everyday Turkey Bacon (optional)
1 Nature's Own Thin Sliced Plain Bagel
2 tbsp Philadelphia Garden Vegetable 1/3 Less Fat Cream Cheese
1/4 c Shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese, divided (optional)
1. Peel, wash and quarter potato. You can either boil on stovetop or place in microwave safe bowl filled 1/4 full with water for 3 minutes to soften. Chop 1/4 onion to desired thickness, set aside. Place 1/2 tbsp Butter It's Not in pan or spray with cooking spray and place softened potatoes in pan on medium heat. Saute until edges begin to brown, add onion. Continue cooking until onions begin to brown. Scoop onto plate and sprinkle with 1/8 cup shredded cheese (optional).
2. Add remaining 1/2 tbsp Butter It's not to pan, lower hear and pour 1/4 cup measured or 1 cup pre-measured Break-free egg to pan. Eggs will cook quickly, so be sure to remaining shredded cheese if desired. Place eggs on top of hashbrown mixture on plate.
3. Place the strips of Turkey Bacon in the pan on medium heat. These will not crisp like regular bacon, but will get "harder" one they sit. These will only need to be in the pan for about 3 minutes. Add to plate as well.
4. Spread cream cheese on either side of bagel and plate with the rest of the meal.
Undoubtedly, you can save some calories by cutting out the butter and using cooking spray and not using cheese. However, this will be filling and you won't want to eat twenty minutes later. You can substitute the bacon for fruit or anything else you'd like. Possibly the most important point is that you won't be able to tell the difference between the Break-free eggs and regular ones. They tasted just like normal eggs.
As I find hearty meals, I'll be posting it for you all. I'll be pinning my recipes also so don't forget to follow me on Pinterest!
Thanks, guys!
~Lisa Logue
