Kitty Honeycutt/Morrigan Austin's Blog, page 7
August 9, 2012
"CAMPAIGN OF THE GODS" BY MIKE EVERS, OUT AUGUST 10TH, 2012
CELEBRATING THE RELEASE OF MIKE EVERS' SECOND BOOK IN THE HOPFIELD TALES!
"CAMPAIGN OF THE GODS"
[image error]
SYNOPSIS:
When Norse god Týr suspects his friend Thor is cheating in the phenomenal board game ‘Campaign of the Gods’ he takes matters into his own hands and searches out the only being in Asgard who can help solve his problem. But things are not what they seem… And once the forces of Hel are unleashed, only legendary Viking berserker Ivar Ragnarsson and his men can possibly save the day. They just have to work out when in history they are first - and why are the local townspeople so strange?
[image error]
BE SURE TO GET YOUR COPY OF THIS NEW BOOK, AVAILABLE TOMORROW, AUGUST 10, 2012 AT AMAZON.COM!
"CAMPAIGN OF THE GODS"
[image error]
SYNOPSIS:
When Norse god Týr suspects his friend Thor is cheating in the phenomenal board game ‘Campaign of the Gods’ he takes matters into his own hands and searches out the only being in Asgard who can help solve his problem. But things are not what they seem… And once the forces of Hel are unleashed, only legendary Viking berserker Ivar Ragnarsson and his men can possibly save the day. They just have to work out when in history they are first - and why are the local townspeople so strange?
[image error]
BE SURE TO GET YOUR COPY OF THIS NEW BOOK, AVAILABLE TOMORROW, AUGUST 10, 2012 AT AMAZON.COM!
August 8, 2012
GUEST POST WITH AUTHOR, JUSTIN COHEN
"QUEST, INC." BY JUSTIN COHEN
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Quest, Inc. Book Summary
The World’s #1 Personal Development Agency . . . has to prove it.
What if you brought together five top personal development experts—equipped with virtually everything we know about unleashing human potential—and gave them some lives to change? Could they really coach anyone to lose fifty pounds, fix a broken relationship, or get rich? What would they do for a homeless person, or a pro-golfer trailing at the back of her league? How about taking the racism out of a racist, or turning a hellish employee into a ray of sunshine?
Welcome to Quest, Inc. They say they can change your life. Now, as they’re followed by an investigative journalist from one of the world’s leading news publications, they have to prove it—or be damned as charlatans.
Based on real life peak performance and transformational strategies, you’ll see the highs and lows everyone faces on the road to self-realization—especially the experts. Get ready for breakthrough . . . or breakdown.
Excerpt Link (Chapter 1):
http://questinc.blogspot.com/search/l...
Justin Cohen's Bio:
Justin Cohen is the author of four books and seven audiobooks. He produced and hosted a television talk show in which he interviewed some of the world’s top experts on success. As a leading authority on personal development, with an honors degree in Psychology, Justin speaks, trains and writes in the fields of motivation, sales, service and leadership. Having spoken professionally for nearly fourteen years, Justin has presented in twelve different countries, and in virtually every industry, to an average of ten thousand people annually.
Quest, Inc. Video Book Trailer YouTube Embed HTML Code:
Paperback & eBook
Publisher: Telemachus Press
Price: $9.99 paperback, $0.99 ebook
ISBN: 9781937387303
Pages: 284
Release: March 20, 2012
Amazon buy link: ($9.99)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1937387305.....
Barnes & Noble buy link: ($9.99)
http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin.....
Kindle buy link ($0.99)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007MTPE1M.....
Justin Cohen's Web Site:
http://www.justinpresents.com/
Justin Cohen's Blog:
http://www.justinpresents.com/jchome/...
Justin Cohen's Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/people/Just.....
Justin Cohen's Twitter:
http://twitter.com/#!/justinpresents
Justin Cohen's Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/sho.....
Justin Cohen's YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/user/justinc.....
Quest, Inc. Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/.....
Tribute Books Blog Tours Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Trib.....
Quest, Inc. blog tour site:
http://questinc.blogspot.com/
[image error] [image error]
Quest, Inc. Book Summary
The World’s #1 Personal Development Agency . . . has to prove it.
What if you brought together five top personal development experts—equipped with virtually everything we know about unleashing human potential—and gave them some lives to change? Could they really coach anyone to lose fifty pounds, fix a broken relationship, or get rich? What would they do for a homeless person, or a pro-golfer trailing at the back of her league? How about taking the racism out of a racist, or turning a hellish employee into a ray of sunshine?
Welcome to Quest, Inc. They say they can change your life. Now, as they’re followed by an investigative journalist from one of the world’s leading news publications, they have to prove it—or be damned as charlatans.
Based on real life peak performance and transformational strategies, you’ll see the highs and lows everyone faces on the road to self-realization—especially the experts. Get ready for breakthrough . . . or breakdown.
Excerpt Link (Chapter 1):
http://questinc.blogspot.com/search/l...
Justin Cohen's Bio:
Justin Cohen is the author of four books and seven audiobooks. He produced and hosted a television talk show in which he interviewed some of the world’s top experts on success. As a leading authority on personal development, with an honors degree in Psychology, Justin speaks, trains and writes in the fields of motivation, sales, service and leadership. Having spoken professionally for nearly fourteen years, Justin has presented in twelve different countries, and in virtually every industry, to an average of ten thousand people annually.
Quest, Inc. Video Book Trailer YouTube Embed HTML Code:
Paperback & eBook
Publisher: Telemachus Press
Price: $9.99 paperback, $0.99 ebook
ISBN: 9781937387303
Pages: 284
Release: March 20, 2012
Amazon buy link: ($9.99)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1937387305.....
Barnes & Noble buy link: ($9.99)
http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin.....
Kindle buy link ($0.99)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007MTPE1M.....
Justin Cohen's Web Site:
http://www.justinpresents.com/
Justin Cohen's Blog:
http://www.justinpresents.com/jchome/...
Justin Cohen's Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/people/Just.....
Justin Cohen's Twitter:
http://twitter.com/#!/justinpresents
Justin Cohen's Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/sho.....
Justin Cohen's YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/user/justinc.....
Quest, Inc. Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/.....
Tribute Books Blog Tours Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Trib.....
Quest, Inc. blog tour site:
http://questinc.blogspot.com/
August 7, 2012
GMTA INDEPENDENT PUBLISHING NEW RELEASES FOR AUGUST!
THE MONTH OF AUGUST IS A TIME FOR NEW RELEASES FROM GMTA INDEPENDENT PUBLISHING!
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GMTA INDEPENDENT PUBLISHING: Presents the following titles coming out this month! Please be sure and get your copies and stay tuned for information on free days on Amazon for all of the titles listed. We have some amazing books coming out this month and definitely don't want you to miss out!
[image error]
A great teacher is a rock jutting from and sometimes engulfed by an ocean filled with the rip tides of passion, ineptitude, arrogance and ignorance. They are protruding spikes of granite which cannot be eroded easily. These are the teachers who make every effort against tremendous odds to polish young minds into the building blocks of society.
Great teachers are awe inspiring in their efforts to create excellence and their influence is powerful, extending beyond even their own lifetimes.
A fortunate few of us have had exceptional teachers who gifted our lives with knowledge as they challenged us and created a need to meet the potential of what we might achieve. These individuals changed the way we thought, possibly sent us down a career path or simply gave us a passion for learning. A passion which will move forward with us for all of our lives.
All of us have encountered educators.
More than a few of these educators started out to become teachers, only to be crushed at some point in their career. Those individuals have lost the desire to teach. Once this desire was destroyed, they ceased to care about anything but themselves and their retirement.
A number of these educators can and should be faulted for their effort to instruct their students. There are more than a few teachers who've simply been beaten into submission by the very system they drove themselves to become part of.
Most of those teachers who've been destroyed by our education system, toiled under the constraints of weak administrators. Administrators who care more about the system and the political realities of their own success, than education. For this type of administrator the people on the front lines of education and the children they strive to entice, excite or simply drag kicking and screaming into an academic environment are of little or no consequence.
This type of administrator creates educators out of gifted teachers. In the process, they destroy the gifts and fervor for knowledge that could have been passed to future generations.
I invite you to wander through the very foundations of our education system and spend a few hours with a few truly great teachers. When you finish I'd ask you to answer one very simple question, "Would I be a great teacher or end up an educator?"
[image error]
Grum the groblin has been thrown out of his home by his two brothers and has to prove he is brave or he won't be allowed back. Grum decides the best way to do this is to find a human and take it back home. Along the way he meets Burly, a mellow kind of bear, who takes him under his paw and together they go to town!
[image error]
Burlington Bear, Grum the groblin and Max are best friends. Burly and Grum show Max a Secret City in the middle of the forest but hunters are tracking them down. They knock out Burly, capture Max and want to turn the Secret City into a tourist attraction. Throw in some big cats, Grum's mother and brothers, Mike the Angel, a deer and a few ducks and the day becomes very exciting!
[image error]
It’s Burly’s birthday and he’s decided that he would like to have a lazy day on the beach. Little does he know, however, that a bank robber called Gruel the groblin is close by trying to hide some stolen gold! Hot on Gruel’s heels are Detective Finn, his daughter Tara and the mean and nasty toolkit Gang. Add a crab with attitude and Burly has more than his fair share of birthday surprises!
[image error]
Uncle Toby had said that there would be castles to explore, with ghosts and things. This helps to cheer up the glum twelve-year old Lovell twins, Tom and Mary, leaving their schools and loving parents to be evacuated to wild Northumbria during World War II.
Then the adventure begins. They live with their Aunt Victoria and Uncle Leslie, meet the loveable ‘Mrs M’, a strange dog called ‘Scamp’ and, worst, the terrible private tutor, Miss Urquart, from whom they run away to find a mysterious castle seen through an old telescope.
Now they are drawn into bizarre supernatural events of a time-warp between the war itself and ancient warfare. They encounter dark forces, as the story twists and turns, and are even rescued by the Royal Navy. Yet, this is only the beginning of more unexpected tragedies before the twins begin to escape from it all.
[image error]
In a heartwarming and touching poetry collection poet-author Gideon Cecil demonstrates the essence of love; that is real between a man and a woman, and is even greater with God’s love for man. This book is a magnificent compilation of romantic poems that deftly uses the language of love to fascinate the mind, excite the heart, and incite the soul.
With a myriad of topics that speak of sexual love, beauty of nature, God’s love,faith,philosophy, life, romance everyday activities,events,terrorism,politics,and so much more; readers will find this a mesmerizing poetic journey. His unique literary style and writing prowess reminds readers of Shakespeare,Tagore,Dante and Gibran. Cecil’s humor, emotional depth and sophistication make his verses and words even more captivating.
[image error]
When Norse god Týr suspects his friend Thor is cheating in the phenomenal board game ‘Campaign of the Gods’ he takes matters into his own hands and searches out the only being in Asgard who can help solve his problem.
But things are not what they seem…
And once the forces of Hel are unleashed, only legendary Viking berserker Ivar Ragnarsson and his men can possibly save the day.
They just have to work out when in history they are first - and why are the local townspeople so strange?
[image error]
Seventeen-year-old Talisa Santiago is the granddaughter of a shaman and going between two different worldly dimensions is something she realizes she is destined to do; however, what she doesn’t count on is what fate has in store for her. After surviving the first hurricane of the season on the island where she lives, Talisa learns her life is in grave danger. She must retreat immediately to live with a secretive clan of Indians on a remote reservation deep within the Great Smokey Mountains. Her blood brothers, three shifters who have the desires of both man and animal surround her, promising everlasting friendship and protection. However, the majestic mountains hold many secrets and danger lurks in the night. As Talisa falls prey to the evil tricksters that want her dead, she unleashed an untamed passion that may get them all killed.
[image error]
Nikki finds herself in a world between realms, the Bardo, and time is running out. Soon her essence will be scattered forever. Can she pull herself together?
Bardo , based loosely on the Tibetan Book of the Dead, follows Nikki, a young schoolgirl who has an.... unfortunate accident and finds herself trapped in the Bardo. It won’t be long before she'll be scattered across the realms. With only a dog to guide her, can she re-unite herself in time to escape?
Fun, fast and humorous, Bardo asks questions about some deep issues, including who we really are, the nature of life and death and why schools insist on students wearing school uniforms when there are much more fashionable options available.
[image error]
“Follow that dream.” Take a few moments to read poems meant to seek refuge from the harsh realities of life, from pain, confusion and loneliness. Allow these poems to take you on a journey of wherever your imagination may lead you. The poems in this book share coming-of-age struggles and the fantasies created in order to offer a temporary escape from the real world.
[image error]
Five-hundred years have past since the Great War between Man and Elf ripped the world asunder, leaving in its wake hatred and mistrust. Now, the Dark Knight has stolen the Sword of Truth, an ancient weapon made by the Gods. With it, he has sealed the door to heaven, leaving the Gods trapped and helpless, and will use its power to reshape creation.
The best hope for the world is a boy named Gewey Stedding, the only being ever born from the union of two Gods. Only he has the power to battle the coming darkness. And though he is God, he bound to earth and was raised human. Ignorant to his own abilities and origins, it will take the aid of all his friends and allies to help him overcome the deadly perils that lay ahead.
[image error]
She came home to settle her great grandmothers affairs and figure out her own life. Finding out that her grandmother left her everything including magic powers she forgot to unbind before her death. Anna finds someone to love amidst the war against the woman that was supposed to love her and her twin sister. The mother goddess helps her gain her magic. Can Anna stop her mother before her mother stops her?
[image error]
When a homeless girl named Rielle, and her unusual dog Pud are drawn into a forgotten and untamed forest of green and gold, they become hopelessly lost in a wild landscape. Here they meet an enigmatic unicorn who charms Rielle with his cryptic ways. Soon Rielle and Pud find themselves locked into an adventure of soulseeking, friendship, mystery and truth that is both disarming and sometimes sinister. In a world shrouded by hidden motives and brave daring, Rielle is challenged beyond her dreams.
[image error]
In an unwitting and fortuitous moment, a formidable and ancient enchantment is broken. Rielle and Pud find themselves embroiled with the glorious unicorn herd once again, but this time they must reclaim a stolen legacy from an evil which threatens to destroy Wish and the outside world. How will they ensure that the sinister darkness that corrupts Wish is thwarted? And what of the sad stranger who cannot shake a past the stalks him like a tragic shadow?
[image error]
When a quest of honour seems all but lost, will evil claim its prize? As the mighty warrior unicorns race with stealth to stop the darkness which has stalked Wish throughout time, Rielle and Pud are also swept into the turmoil of events. Joined by the timeless singing oracles and the First Ones to thwart a long injustice, can they count on each other, and a flawed hero, to claim a rightful destiny?
[image error]
GMTA INDEPENDENT PUBLISHING: Presents the following titles coming out this month! Please be sure and get your copies and stay tuned for information on free days on Amazon for all of the titles listed. We have some amazing books coming out this month and definitely don't want you to miss out!
[image error]
A great teacher is a rock jutting from and sometimes engulfed by an ocean filled with the rip tides of passion, ineptitude, arrogance and ignorance. They are protruding spikes of granite which cannot be eroded easily. These are the teachers who make every effort against tremendous odds to polish young minds into the building blocks of society.
Great teachers are awe inspiring in their efforts to create excellence and their influence is powerful, extending beyond even their own lifetimes.
A fortunate few of us have had exceptional teachers who gifted our lives with knowledge as they challenged us and created a need to meet the potential of what we might achieve. These individuals changed the way we thought, possibly sent us down a career path or simply gave us a passion for learning. A passion which will move forward with us for all of our lives.
All of us have encountered educators.
More than a few of these educators started out to become teachers, only to be crushed at some point in their career. Those individuals have lost the desire to teach. Once this desire was destroyed, they ceased to care about anything but themselves and their retirement.
A number of these educators can and should be faulted for their effort to instruct their students. There are more than a few teachers who've simply been beaten into submission by the very system they drove themselves to become part of.
Most of those teachers who've been destroyed by our education system, toiled under the constraints of weak administrators. Administrators who care more about the system and the political realities of their own success, than education. For this type of administrator the people on the front lines of education and the children they strive to entice, excite or simply drag kicking and screaming into an academic environment are of little or no consequence.
This type of administrator creates educators out of gifted teachers. In the process, they destroy the gifts and fervor for knowledge that could have been passed to future generations.
I invite you to wander through the very foundations of our education system and spend a few hours with a few truly great teachers. When you finish I'd ask you to answer one very simple question, "Would I be a great teacher or end up an educator?"
[image error]
Grum the groblin has been thrown out of his home by his two brothers and has to prove he is brave or he won't be allowed back. Grum decides the best way to do this is to find a human and take it back home. Along the way he meets Burly, a mellow kind of bear, who takes him under his paw and together they go to town!
[image error]
Burlington Bear, Grum the groblin and Max are best friends. Burly and Grum show Max a Secret City in the middle of the forest but hunters are tracking them down. They knock out Burly, capture Max and want to turn the Secret City into a tourist attraction. Throw in some big cats, Grum's mother and brothers, Mike the Angel, a deer and a few ducks and the day becomes very exciting!
[image error]
It’s Burly’s birthday and he’s decided that he would like to have a lazy day on the beach. Little does he know, however, that a bank robber called Gruel the groblin is close by trying to hide some stolen gold! Hot on Gruel’s heels are Detective Finn, his daughter Tara and the mean and nasty toolkit Gang. Add a crab with attitude and Burly has more than his fair share of birthday surprises!
[image error]
Uncle Toby had said that there would be castles to explore, with ghosts and things. This helps to cheer up the glum twelve-year old Lovell twins, Tom and Mary, leaving their schools and loving parents to be evacuated to wild Northumbria during World War II.
Then the adventure begins. They live with their Aunt Victoria and Uncle Leslie, meet the loveable ‘Mrs M’, a strange dog called ‘Scamp’ and, worst, the terrible private tutor, Miss Urquart, from whom they run away to find a mysterious castle seen through an old telescope.
Now they are drawn into bizarre supernatural events of a time-warp between the war itself and ancient warfare. They encounter dark forces, as the story twists and turns, and are even rescued by the Royal Navy. Yet, this is only the beginning of more unexpected tragedies before the twins begin to escape from it all.
[image error]
In a heartwarming and touching poetry collection poet-author Gideon Cecil demonstrates the essence of love; that is real between a man and a woman, and is even greater with God’s love for man. This book is a magnificent compilation of romantic poems that deftly uses the language of love to fascinate the mind, excite the heart, and incite the soul.
With a myriad of topics that speak of sexual love, beauty of nature, God’s love,faith,philosophy, life, romance everyday activities,events,terrorism,politics,and so much more; readers will find this a mesmerizing poetic journey. His unique literary style and writing prowess reminds readers of Shakespeare,Tagore,Dante and Gibran. Cecil’s humor, emotional depth and sophistication make his verses and words even more captivating.
[image error]
When Norse god Týr suspects his friend Thor is cheating in the phenomenal board game ‘Campaign of the Gods’ he takes matters into his own hands and searches out the only being in Asgard who can help solve his problem.
But things are not what they seem…
And once the forces of Hel are unleashed, only legendary Viking berserker Ivar Ragnarsson and his men can possibly save the day.
They just have to work out when in history they are first - and why are the local townspeople so strange?
[image error]
Seventeen-year-old Talisa Santiago is the granddaughter of a shaman and going between two different worldly dimensions is something she realizes she is destined to do; however, what she doesn’t count on is what fate has in store for her. After surviving the first hurricane of the season on the island where she lives, Talisa learns her life is in grave danger. She must retreat immediately to live with a secretive clan of Indians on a remote reservation deep within the Great Smokey Mountains. Her blood brothers, three shifters who have the desires of both man and animal surround her, promising everlasting friendship and protection. However, the majestic mountains hold many secrets and danger lurks in the night. As Talisa falls prey to the evil tricksters that want her dead, she unleashed an untamed passion that may get them all killed.
[image error]
Nikki finds herself in a world between realms, the Bardo, and time is running out. Soon her essence will be scattered forever. Can she pull herself together?
Bardo , based loosely on the Tibetan Book of the Dead, follows Nikki, a young schoolgirl who has an.... unfortunate accident and finds herself trapped in the Bardo. It won’t be long before she'll be scattered across the realms. With only a dog to guide her, can she re-unite herself in time to escape?
Fun, fast and humorous, Bardo asks questions about some deep issues, including who we really are, the nature of life and death and why schools insist on students wearing school uniforms when there are much more fashionable options available.
[image error]
“Follow that dream.” Take a few moments to read poems meant to seek refuge from the harsh realities of life, from pain, confusion and loneliness. Allow these poems to take you on a journey of wherever your imagination may lead you. The poems in this book share coming-of-age struggles and the fantasies created in order to offer a temporary escape from the real world.
[image error]
Five-hundred years have past since the Great War between Man and Elf ripped the world asunder, leaving in its wake hatred and mistrust. Now, the Dark Knight has stolen the Sword of Truth, an ancient weapon made by the Gods. With it, he has sealed the door to heaven, leaving the Gods trapped and helpless, and will use its power to reshape creation.
The best hope for the world is a boy named Gewey Stedding, the only being ever born from the union of two Gods. Only he has the power to battle the coming darkness. And though he is God, he bound to earth and was raised human. Ignorant to his own abilities and origins, it will take the aid of all his friends and allies to help him overcome the deadly perils that lay ahead.
[image error]
She came home to settle her great grandmothers affairs and figure out her own life. Finding out that her grandmother left her everything including magic powers she forgot to unbind before her death. Anna finds someone to love amidst the war against the woman that was supposed to love her and her twin sister. The mother goddess helps her gain her magic. Can Anna stop her mother before her mother stops her?
[image error]
When a homeless girl named Rielle, and her unusual dog Pud are drawn into a forgotten and untamed forest of green and gold, they become hopelessly lost in a wild landscape. Here they meet an enigmatic unicorn who charms Rielle with his cryptic ways. Soon Rielle and Pud find themselves locked into an adventure of soulseeking, friendship, mystery and truth that is both disarming and sometimes sinister. In a world shrouded by hidden motives and brave daring, Rielle is challenged beyond her dreams.
[image error]
In an unwitting and fortuitous moment, a formidable and ancient enchantment is broken. Rielle and Pud find themselves embroiled with the glorious unicorn herd once again, but this time they must reclaim a stolen legacy from an evil which threatens to destroy Wish and the outside world. How will they ensure that the sinister darkness that corrupts Wish is thwarted? And what of the sad stranger who cannot shake a past the stalks him like a tragic shadow?
[image error]
When a quest of honour seems all but lost, will evil claim its prize? As the mighty warrior unicorns race with stealth to stop the darkness which has stalked Wish throughout time, Rielle and Pud are also swept into the turmoil of events. Joined by the timeless singing oracles and the First Ones to thwart a long injustice, can they count on each other, and a flawed hero, to claim a rightful destiny?
August 6, 2012
GUEST POST WITH AUTHOR, KELLY MCCRADY
How does a zoologist become a writer of fantasy and romance?
[image error]
My journey was more like why does a writer study zoology in college instead of writing or literature?
Along with reading and writing, growing up my passion was animals—their ecology, their physiology, their behavior, their classification. I watched nature documentaries long before I learned how to read and write. When I began writing in grade school, my first stories involved animals as the main characters (notably a frog and fish my first-grade story “The Fish Who Wanted to See the World”). Still, I spent entire summers in the public library, reading teetering piles of books per week, all fiction. In high school, I was part of the “authors club,” initiated by a friend of mine and proctored by our 12th grade English teacher. In college, I studied medieval literature and creative writing as electives, but I majored in zoology. After earning my bachelor’s degree, my best jobs were following my interest in working with animals. Eventually I became a zookeeper at a small zoo in Central Oregon, working with animals native to the high desert region.
My course changed toward writing when I became a mother and left the zoo. I wondered, in the endless, sleepless cycle of feedings and diapers, if I had indeed left the zoo. The work hadn’t changed, simply the venue. Add a guinea pig, a dog, hermit crabs, fish…nope, zoo is still around me, 10 years later.
Enter my other passion, writing. In 2003, I joined an online writer’s workshop where I learned to critique manuscripts and practiced different aspects of writing craft. I began submitting my work, and in 2007 became a published author.
My novel The Empire’s Edge (reviewed on this site earlier this year) was published in March 2011. Since then I have not finished any new manuscripts, focusing instead on my new career as an editor. I still write in fits and starts and hope to finish some new material for my readers within this next year.
_____
Kelly Schaub is a freelance editor who masquerades as writer Kelly McCrady. She is a member of the Editorial Freelancers Association and Willamette Writers.
[image error]
My journey was more like why does a writer study zoology in college instead of writing or literature?
Along with reading and writing, growing up my passion was animals—their ecology, their physiology, their behavior, their classification. I watched nature documentaries long before I learned how to read and write. When I began writing in grade school, my first stories involved animals as the main characters (notably a frog and fish my first-grade story “The Fish Who Wanted to See the World”). Still, I spent entire summers in the public library, reading teetering piles of books per week, all fiction. In high school, I was part of the “authors club,” initiated by a friend of mine and proctored by our 12th grade English teacher. In college, I studied medieval literature and creative writing as electives, but I majored in zoology. After earning my bachelor’s degree, my best jobs were following my interest in working with animals. Eventually I became a zookeeper at a small zoo in Central Oregon, working with animals native to the high desert region.
My course changed toward writing when I became a mother and left the zoo. I wondered, in the endless, sleepless cycle of feedings and diapers, if I had indeed left the zoo. The work hadn’t changed, simply the venue. Add a guinea pig, a dog, hermit crabs, fish…nope, zoo is still around me, 10 years later.
Enter my other passion, writing. In 2003, I joined an online writer’s workshop where I learned to critique manuscripts and practiced different aspects of writing craft. I began submitting my work, and in 2007 became a published author.
My novel The Empire’s Edge (reviewed on this site earlier this year) was published in March 2011. Since then I have not finished any new manuscripts, focusing instead on my new career as an editor. I still write in fits and starts and hope to finish some new material for my readers within this next year.
_____
Kelly Schaub is a freelance editor who masquerades as writer Kelly McCrady. She is a member of the Editorial Freelancers Association and Willamette Writers.
August 3, 2012
GUEST POST WITH AUTHOR, A.E. HOWARD
Traffic Lights and Possums: The Inspiration Behind Flight of Blue
[image error] [image error]
I was driving home one day, about to cross an intersection with a new traffic light close to my house. Fortunately, I wasn't in a hurry, and I didn't start up right away when the light turned green because just as I took my foot off the brake, a car blew through the light like it wasn't even there.
Shaken, I continued home, passing a possum on the side of the road that had been hit by a car. Angered by the carelessness of drivers, especially as I'd had my then infant son in the car with me, I got out to see if I could help the poor creature. He was beyond help, but with his dying breath, he told me of an Opossum sorcerer, a cursed traffic light, and a rip in the fabric of the world. Of course, after that I had to investigate and record the story I discovered.
And most of that is true. ;-)
I live in a semi-rural spot outside Nashville, and possums are most often the kind of animal I see lying on the sides of the road, and between the possum and the light, the story was born as I drove home thinking of all that I had seen.
I'm what some writers call a pantser, at least at this point in my writing career, so I started the story with Kai and Ellie, Sebastian and Reginald, and the idea that Kai and Ellie find an Opossum sorcerer and take him him home, discovering along the way that he cursed a light and they need to help him reverse the curse. (I'm also the queen of long sentences... half my editing is spent going back and breaking things up).
It was only as I followed the kids and Reginald through the woods on that last normal Friday, eavesdropping on their conversations, that I realized Reginald's desire for revenge had opened up something much darker than any of them ever dreamed possible. I found myself wandering through the three Realms, eyes wide, taking in a far bigger world than I realized had existed in the beginning. It was also around the same time that a small bird with brilliant blue wings, or perhaps it was just a bright blue finch, flew out of the grass, landing on a clothesline as a I drove by, and Serina landed in the story, bringing the title of the book with her.
Soon after that, I discovered what had happened to Kai's parents, but of course, I couldn't tell Kai and Ellie in the middle of all they were doing, so I had to keep it to myself. But after investigating their disappearance as Kai and Ellie tried to get Reginald home safely, I discovered there was much more to the story, and the second and third books of the Keeper of the Keys Chronicles began to form in my mind.
Increasing difficulties and fulfillment of prophecy: Upcoming Installments for the Keeper of the Keys Chronicles
Flight of Blue is the first of three books in the Keeper of the Keys Chronicles. The next one will be out in 2013, or that’s the plan right now anyway. I’ve not revealed the title of the second book to many yet, but I’ll share it with you. It can be our little secret ;-) (Shhhh!).
The second book is called The Guardians. Since I’m giving away secrets today, I’ll share with you the working synopsis I have for this book at the moment.
Kai Williams has discovered all the Guardians including his parents have been lured inside time bubbles where minutes tick by so slowly, they don’t realize they are trapped. While trying to find a way to free them, Kai is stalked by a mysterious figure called the Dream Walker who attacks Kai while he’s sleeping and is bent on getting an object--a small skeleton key--away from him. Keeping the Dream Walker at bay, Kai goes to his friends for help. Together they find pieces that lead them on a quest for the secret cabinet of the ancient sorceress Belladonna and the powerful object she hid away before her disappearance, an object that will break the time bubbles and release the Guardians. Pursued by Name Monsters who have teamed up to fight them, will Kai and his friends be able to outwit the forces arrayed against them and free the Guardians? And will Kai be victorious in the war being waged for his mind while he dreams?
The third book will have to remain more of a mystery. It does have a title, but I’m not ready to release that yet. Suffice it to say at this point, Kai will find out the real meaning of the prophecy of the Lucinarium and what exactly his role is in the events foretold. At this point, I aim to have book three out in 2014, but again, no specifics are available just yet.
Purchase Flight of Blue: Paperback | Kindle
A.E. Howard’s Author Page | Blog Tour w/ Giveaway!
Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
Rafflecopter code:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
[image error] [image error]
I was driving home one day, about to cross an intersection with a new traffic light close to my house. Fortunately, I wasn't in a hurry, and I didn't start up right away when the light turned green because just as I took my foot off the brake, a car blew through the light like it wasn't even there.
Shaken, I continued home, passing a possum on the side of the road that had been hit by a car. Angered by the carelessness of drivers, especially as I'd had my then infant son in the car with me, I got out to see if I could help the poor creature. He was beyond help, but with his dying breath, he told me of an Opossum sorcerer, a cursed traffic light, and a rip in the fabric of the world. Of course, after that I had to investigate and record the story I discovered.
And most of that is true. ;-)
I live in a semi-rural spot outside Nashville, and possums are most often the kind of animal I see lying on the sides of the road, and between the possum and the light, the story was born as I drove home thinking of all that I had seen.
I'm what some writers call a pantser, at least at this point in my writing career, so I started the story with Kai and Ellie, Sebastian and Reginald, and the idea that Kai and Ellie find an Opossum sorcerer and take him him home, discovering along the way that he cursed a light and they need to help him reverse the curse. (I'm also the queen of long sentences... half my editing is spent going back and breaking things up).
It was only as I followed the kids and Reginald through the woods on that last normal Friday, eavesdropping on their conversations, that I realized Reginald's desire for revenge had opened up something much darker than any of them ever dreamed possible. I found myself wandering through the three Realms, eyes wide, taking in a far bigger world than I realized had existed in the beginning. It was also around the same time that a small bird with brilliant blue wings, or perhaps it was just a bright blue finch, flew out of the grass, landing on a clothesline as a I drove by, and Serina landed in the story, bringing the title of the book with her.
Soon after that, I discovered what had happened to Kai's parents, but of course, I couldn't tell Kai and Ellie in the middle of all they were doing, so I had to keep it to myself. But after investigating their disappearance as Kai and Ellie tried to get Reginald home safely, I discovered there was much more to the story, and the second and third books of the Keeper of the Keys Chronicles began to form in my mind.
Increasing difficulties and fulfillment of prophecy: Upcoming Installments for the Keeper of the Keys Chronicles
Flight of Blue is the first of three books in the Keeper of the Keys Chronicles. The next one will be out in 2013, or that’s the plan right now anyway. I’ve not revealed the title of the second book to many yet, but I’ll share it with you. It can be our little secret ;-) (Shhhh!).
The second book is called The Guardians. Since I’m giving away secrets today, I’ll share with you the working synopsis I have for this book at the moment.
Kai Williams has discovered all the Guardians including his parents have been lured inside time bubbles where minutes tick by so slowly, they don’t realize they are trapped. While trying to find a way to free them, Kai is stalked by a mysterious figure called the Dream Walker who attacks Kai while he’s sleeping and is bent on getting an object--a small skeleton key--away from him. Keeping the Dream Walker at bay, Kai goes to his friends for help. Together they find pieces that lead them on a quest for the secret cabinet of the ancient sorceress Belladonna and the powerful object she hid away before her disappearance, an object that will break the time bubbles and release the Guardians. Pursued by Name Monsters who have teamed up to fight them, will Kai and his friends be able to outwit the forces arrayed against them and free the Guardians? And will Kai be victorious in the war being waged for his mind while he dreams?
The third book will have to remain more of a mystery. It does have a title, but I’m not ready to release that yet. Suffice it to say at this point, Kai will find out the real meaning of the prophecy of the Lucinarium and what exactly his role is in the events foretold. At this point, I aim to have book three out in 2014, but again, no specifics are available just yet.
Purchase Flight of Blue: Paperback | Kindle
A.E. Howard’s Author Page | Blog Tour w/ Giveaway!
Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
Rafflecopter code:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
August 1, 2012
GUEST POST WITH AUTHOR, SANDRA BRANNAN
GUEST POST WITH AUTHOR OF "THE LIV BERGEN MYSTERY SERIES,"
SANDRA BRANNAN
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[image error]
Liv Bergen Mystery Series…
Unbelievable! Two years ago in September 2010, the first in the Liv Bergen Mystery Series, In The Belly Of Jonah, was released and now I have the third book releasing August 7, 2012. Widow’s Might makes this series a trilogy. What a rush! But there’s so much more to come.
When I started writing back in 1995, I dreamed someday I might get published, but that was before I understood how difficult a journey that really would be. I didn’t know the numbers. Before the recent ebook craze, numbers cited were that only 1 out of every 1000 books written are ever published and only 7% of those published ever sell more than 2,000 books. If I’d known then what I know now, maybe I wouldn’t have tried so hard to write the best book I could, to find the right agent and the perfect publisher for my series.
Instead, the ever-growing stack of rejection letters to my query – that elusive one-page animal that makes or breaks a writer – fueled me to write and edit and write some more, searching for the best product to attract the eye of an eager agent or a desirous publisher. I didn’t know the odds were so incredibly stacked against me so I just kept writing. Ten novels later and a couple of tries at screenplays, I sat down and wrote In The Belly Of Jonah in four weekends, from start to finish. For me, I finally ignored everything I learned in the 14 years of writing and studying the industry and told myself to just write a good story, an ‘unputdownable’ as one of the reviewers called it.
And although I may have dreamed of publishing a book someday, I admit that I never imagined winning the September 2010 Indie NextList Notable for my debut, nor did I ever dream the cover would be named best cover of the year. And the most amazing outcome was having such a wide connection with fans of mysteries and thrillers across this country. My ideal reader for In The Belly Of Jonah was someone simple like me who liked a good puzzle to solve yet preferred the fast pace of thrillers. And the Liv Bergen Mystery series was born. The print run was sold out within the first month, a debut novel in a series by an unknown author from South Dakota. I was in total shock and continued to stay in that state by the number of reviews and emails from fans who continuously sought me out to thank me and tell me how much they enjoyed my books. I’m tempted to ask, ‘Did my mother email you or something?’ because it’s all so surreal to me. As a South Dakotan who constantly asks people I meet their names, in case we’re related or we know people who are related, the world at that point just became a whole lot bigger. I received emails from Israel and Thailand, from Australia and the United Kingdom. I even received an email of the patent holder of the curious weapon I used for In The Belly Of Jonah asking me to have lunch with him someday. Unreal!
A year later just before the second in the Liv Bergen Mystery was released, my husband so helpfully tells me, ‘You know, the second book has to be even better than the first or people will stop reading the series.’ No pressure there. He was right of course. But again, I was lucky that fans enjoyed Lot’s Return To Sodom the summer of 2011, a book that takes the reader to the seedier interworking of motorcycles gangs attending the infamous Sturgis Rally, with the ebook version reaching a top 50 list on Amazon for the year with women’s mysteries. Crazy, considering just how many choices readers have on the ebook list for that site.
And this year as the third in the series, Widow’s Might, releases August 7, 2012, I anxiously wait to hear and read how people perceive Liv Bergen’s journey, as miner and sleuth, and hope to find mystery lovers enjoying a story that takes our protagonist and Special Agent Streeter Pierce on a journey to understand history and how the Black Hills were settled to catch the elusive Crooked Man. And who can resist finding out why someone would be sneaking into a hospice facility to kill an octogenarian who is dying of cancer? I hope you can’t.
As for book clubs, I have enjoyed going around this country to book signings and conferences, speaking about the series, but I find book clubs the most fun because the people are so in to their books! I love when I’m asked tough questions and have fun no matter where I go. I attend as many as I can in person, but love attending telephonically or via Skype for all you advanced techies who know what that is so just let me know if you want me to join in. My email address is sandra@sandrabrannan.com or feel free to send me a message on my FaceBook page at ‘Sandra Brannan, Author’.
I really do enjoy book clubs and have a great time with them and keep getting asked back, so that should tell you I don’t get sloppy drunk or gorge myself on all your snacks. But I have been known to hijack book clubs. In fact, one night a book club was talking about In The Belly Of Jonah and one of the members saw me at a library event and asked me to surprise their club by knocking on their window that night. Yes, I snuck up on the porch. Yes, I did press myself against the picture window. And yes, there were screams. And yes, I did get lucky and wasn’t shot, tazed, or arrested. But in the end it was quite fun! Actually, they were my beta readers for Widow’s Might. I choose a book club each book to read in advance of me sending the book to the publisher as my beta readers. Call me if you want to get on that list!
Keep your nose to the limestone and thanks for choosing Liv!
Exclusives main page https://apps.odylfarm.com/sandrabra.....
Widow's Might excerpt https://apps.odylfarm.com/sandrabra.....
Giveaways main page https://apps.odylfarm.com/sandrabrann...
Kindle Fire Giveaway https://apps.odylfarm.com/sandrabra.....
SANDRA BRANNAN
[image error]
[image error]
Liv Bergen Mystery Series…
Unbelievable! Two years ago in September 2010, the first in the Liv Bergen Mystery Series, In The Belly Of Jonah, was released and now I have the third book releasing August 7, 2012. Widow’s Might makes this series a trilogy. What a rush! But there’s so much more to come.
When I started writing back in 1995, I dreamed someday I might get published, but that was before I understood how difficult a journey that really would be. I didn’t know the numbers. Before the recent ebook craze, numbers cited were that only 1 out of every 1000 books written are ever published and only 7% of those published ever sell more than 2,000 books. If I’d known then what I know now, maybe I wouldn’t have tried so hard to write the best book I could, to find the right agent and the perfect publisher for my series.
Instead, the ever-growing stack of rejection letters to my query – that elusive one-page animal that makes or breaks a writer – fueled me to write and edit and write some more, searching for the best product to attract the eye of an eager agent or a desirous publisher. I didn’t know the odds were so incredibly stacked against me so I just kept writing. Ten novels later and a couple of tries at screenplays, I sat down and wrote In The Belly Of Jonah in four weekends, from start to finish. For me, I finally ignored everything I learned in the 14 years of writing and studying the industry and told myself to just write a good story, an ‘unputdownable’ as one of the reviewers called it.
And although I may have dreamed of publishing a book someday, I admit that I never imagined winning the September 2010 Indie NextList Notable for my debut, nor did I ever dream the cover would be named best cover of the year. And the most amazing outcome was having such a wide connection with fans of mysteries and thrillers across this country. My ideal reader for In The Belly Of Jonah was someone simple like me who liked a good puzzle to solve yet preferred the fast pace of thrillers. And the Liv Bergen Mystery series was born. The print run was sold out within the first month, a debut novel in a series by an unknown author from South Dakota. I was in total shock and continued to stay in that state by the number of reviews and emails from fans who continuously sought me out to thank me and tell me how much they enjoyed my books. I’m tempted to ask, ‘Did my mother email you or something?’ because it’s all so surreal to me. As a South Dakotan who constantly asks people I meet their names, in case we’re related or we know people who are related, the world at that point just became a whole lot bigger. I received emails from Israel and Thailand, from Australia and the United Kingdom. I even received an email of the patent holder of the curious weapon I used for In The Belly Of Jonah asking me to have lunch with him someday. Unreal!
A year later just before the second in the Liv Bergen Mystery was released, my husband so helpfully tells me, ‘You know, the second book has to be even better than the first or people will stop reading the series.’ No pressure there. He was right of course. But again, I was lucky that fans enjoyed Lot’s Return To Sodom the summer of 2011, a book that takes the reader to the seedier interworking of motorcycles gangs attending the infamous Sturgis Rally, with the ebook version reaching a top 50 list on Amazon for the year with women’s mysteries. Crazy, considering just how many choices readers have on the ebook list for that site.
And this year as the third in the series, Widow’s Might, releases August 7, 2012, I anxiously wait to hear and read how people perceive Liv Bergen’s journey, as miner and sleuth, and hope to find mystery lovers enjoying a story that takes our protagonist and Special Agent Streeter Pierce on a journey to understand history and how the Black Hills were settled to catch the elusive Crooked Man. And who can resist finding out why someone would be sneaking into a hospice facility to kill an octogenarian who is dying of cancer? I hope you can’t.
As for book clubs, I have enjoyed going around this country to book signings and conferences, speaking about the series, but I find book clubs the most fun because the people are so in to their books! I love when I’m asked tough questions and have fun no matter where I go. I attend as many as I can in person, but love attending telephonically or via Skype for all you advanced techies who know what that is so just let me know if you want me to join in. My email address is sandra@sandrabrannan.com or feel free to send me a message on my FaceBook page at ‘Sandra Brannan, Author’.
I really do enjoy book clubs and have a great time with them and keep getting asked back, so that should tell you I don’t get sloppy drunk or gorge myself on all your snacks. But I have been known to hijack book clubs. In fact, one night a book club was talking about In The Belly Of Jonah and one of the members saw me at a library event and asked me to surprise their club by knocking on their window that night. Yes, I snuck up on the porch. Yes, I did press myself against the picture window. And yes, there were screams. And yes, I did get lucky and wasn’t shot, tazed, or arrested. But in the end it was quite fun! Actually, they were my beta readers for Widow’s Might. I choose a book club each book to read in advance of me sending the book to the publisher as my beta readers. Call me if you want to get on that list!
Keep your nose to the limestone and thanks for choosing Liv!
Exclusives main page https://apps.odylfarm.com/sandrabra.....
Widow's Might excerpt https://apps.odylfarm.com/sandrabra.....
Giveaways main page https://apps.odylfarm.com/sandrabrann...
Kindle Fire Giveaway https://apps.odylfarm.com/sandrabra.....
July 30, 2012
GUEST POST WITH AUTHOR, TARYN ELLIOTT
GUEST POST WITH AUTHOR OF "ASHES AND WINE" TARYN ELLIOTT
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Hello! My name is Taryn Elliott and I’m the brainchild behind ASHES AND WINE. And I say brainchild, because my characters tend to take over no matter how thoroughly I try to plot and plan. I wouldn’t call it a muse. No, my writing can’t be boiled down to that. I work my butt off even when I’m not in the mood to deal with writing. But then…I hit that sweet spot when I’m in the heart of a story and all sorts of things happen—sometimes not exactly as I expect them to go.
“Just be lucky that Simon hasn’t spoken up. Yet.”
HUSH, Royal.
“Just sayin’.”
I asked you here to help me, not make threats.
“It’s not my fault that he’s going to infect your brain and make you tell his story someday.”
Not today.
“Nah. Not today. I know Mercy’s poking around in there already.”
This whole teasing side of your personality. When did I let that come out?
“The minute Tessa showed up and fought for me like a little tigress. Besides, it’s always been there. It was just under—you know, some stuff.”
*sigh* Yes, I know. I’m sorry about that. I didn’t ask you to help me out with this interview to bring up all those hurts.
“I know. I’m okay. Tessa helps me be okay with it. It’s easier to remember all the good stuff about my Pops when she’s smiling up at me with that gorgeous smile of hers. And when she comes into the vines and makes me take a break. It’s harvest time, so I forget to do that sometimes.”
Good. I’m glad. And speaking of the vines, why don’t you tell the lovely readers here at Great Minds a little bit about the winery?
“It started off as a little winery with just twenty acres about sixty years ago. My great granddad—my name sake, Royal Andreas—came over here from Greece with a few seedlings from a little town named Attica. But he learned that the soil here is much different from his homeland. So we’ve diversified into a lot of different styles over the years. I run the winery now that my Pops has passed away. With the help of my brothers, Simon and Colter—they’re twins, God save me—along with Rafe, Garrett and Eli, we manage forty acres of land now. We’ve managed to keep one really special grape alive no matter how many changes and setbacks we’ve had. The Savatiano. It makes a sweet white wine—at least the way we ferment it. It’s got a crisp pear flavor to it. Huh. It’s no wonder I fell in love with Tessa.”
Oh really, why’s that?
“She smells like pears. Right behind her ear—that’s the sweet spot. I love to nuzzle her right there and drink in the scent of her.”
Well, then. Lucky freaking girl.
“Nah, I’m the lucky one. She puts up with me.”
Ahem. Why don’t we get back to the interview?
“Sure. I’m all yours, love.”
Yeesh. I’m not used to all this charm. I don’t miss the surly, silent Royal, but man, you are potent.
“The love of a good woman will do that.”
I think I threw up in my mouth a little bit.
“You write romance for f—um, for God’s sake.”
Yeah, I do, but you’re so happy it’s sickening.
“Now you sound just like Rafe. He’s threatening to disown me because we can’t keep our hands off each other. I say you knock him on his ass. I think I’d like to see Rafe fall for a woman that will keep him in line. I shouldn’t be the only one that finds my happily ever after.”
I’ll keep that in mind. *writes down in notebook* That’s actually a good idea.
“I have them once in a while.”
Right. *scribbles a few more lines* Right, sorry. I got off track. See what happens when these guys are around? I lose all my focus. Stop laughing over there, buddy.
“I said nothing.”
I knew I should have asked Tessa to do this. She’s much more cooperative.
“What’d I do? Man, I’m always in trouble.”
Don’t pout it’s not manly.
“Think we can wrap this up? I don’t really like to talk about myself. You should probably have Tessa do this stuff. She likes to talk about books and shit. I have ten acres of Sav to get into the stomping vats by sunset.”
Right, I’m sorry.
“Don’t be sorry. Just do your thing, writer girl.”
All right, last question. How are things going now that you and Tessa are living in two different cities and are in a relationship?
“I wish they had a frequent gas buying card like they do for flights. My truck is getting a work out. But other than that, we’re doing just great. Marissa, Tessa’s assistant store manager, and her brother, Blake are stepping up. And miracle of miracles, my little control freak is letting them. She works at the store four days a week and I get her the rest. As soon as Harvest is over I’ll go into the city more. We’ll make it work because we don’t have a choice to do anything else. I’d never ask her to give up her store and she knows what the winery means to me. Besides, the woman is already taking over the Andreas Winery storefront and causing havoc with Garrett and Eli. She’s worse than my mother when it comes to organization and efficiency. She’s menace.”
And you love her madly.
“I love her more every single day. Now, I just have to figure out a good way to propose. Then everything will be perfect. Mercy already told me she’s going to help out with that.”
Oh really? This is news to me.
“I told you Mercy would be buzzing in your ear soon enough. Tessa’s best friend needs to deal with that hotel mogul guy. The one with the prissy name.”
Alaric?
“Right, Van Horny.”
Van Horne. Alaric would crush your head like a peanut if he knew you guys called him Van Horny behind his back.
“I’d like to see him try.”
Oh, for the love of testosterone, relax. I think I’m done with you. The readers are going to think I’m nuts.
“You’re the one writing the words, love.”
Go. You’re a menace. Oh and Royal?
“Yeah?”
I’m glad you and Tessa are happy. You had to go through enough crap to get there.
“Every word was worth it, writer girl.”
Well, I hope you didn’t mind my rambles. Royal was a heck of a lot chattier than I thought he’d be. I guess the love of a good woman really did plunk him into his happy space. I hope you’ll consider giving Royal and Tessa a read. Thanks so much for allowing us to come on your site. We had a great time.
LINKS TO CONNECT WITH TARYN AND BUY HER NOVEL:
Taryn's Site: http://tarynelliott.com/
Entangled Publishing: http://www.entangledpublishing.com/
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Ashes-and-Win.....
[image error] [image error]
Hello! My name is Taryn Elliott and I’m the brainchild behind ASHES AND WINE. And I say brainchild, because my characters tend to take over no matter how thoroughly I try to plot and plan. I wouldn’t call it a muse. No, my writing can’t be boiled down to that. I work my butt off even when I’m not in the mood to deal with writing. But then…I hit that sweet spot when I’m in the heart of a story and all sorts of things happen—sometimes not exactly as I expect them to go.
“Just be lucky that Simon hasn’t spoken up. Yet.”
HUSH, Royal.
“Just sayin’.”
I asked you here to help me, not make threats.
“It’s not my fault that he’s going to infect your brain and make you tell his story someday.”
Not today.
“Nah. Not today. I know Mercy’s poking around in there already.”
This whole teasing side of your personality. When did I let that come out?
“The minute Tessa showed up and fought for me like a little tigress. Besides, it’s always been there. It was just under—you know, some stuff.”
*sigh* Yes, I know. I’m sorry about that. I didn’t ask you to help me out with this interview to bring up all those hurts.
“I know. I’m okay. Tessa helps me be okay with it. It’s easier to remember all the good stuff about my Pops when she’s smiling up at me with that gorgeous smile of hers. And when she comes into the vines and makes me take a break. It’s harvest time, so I forget to do that sometimes.”
Good. I’m glad. And speaking of the vines, why don’t you tell the lovely readers here at Great Minds a little bit about the winery?
“It started off as a little winery with just twenty acres about sixty years ago. My great granddad—my name sake, Royal Andreas—came over here from Greece with a few seedlings from a little town named Attica. But he learned that the soil here is much different from his homeland. So we’ve diversified into a lot of different styles over the years. I run the winery now that my Pops has passed away. With the help of my brothers, Simon and Colter—they’re twins, God save me—along with Rafe, Garrett and Eli, we manage forty acres of land now. We’ve managed to keep one really special grape alive no matter how many changes and setbacks we’ve had. The Savatiano. It makes a sweet white wine—at least the way we ferment it. It’s got a crisp pear flavor to it. Huh. It’s no wonder I fell in love with Tessa.”
Oh really, why’s that?
“She smells like pears. Right behind her ear—that’s the sweet spot. I love to nuzzle her right there and drink in the scent of her.”
Well, then. Lucky freaking girl.
“Nah, I’m the lucky one. She puts up with me.”
Ahem. Why don’t we get back to the interview?
“Sure. I’m all yours, love.”
Yeesh. I’m not used to all this charm. I don’t miss the surly, silent Royal, but man, you are potent.
“The love of a good woman will do that.”
I think I threw up in my mouth a little bit.
“You write romance for f—um, for God’s sake.”
Yeah, I do, but you’re so happy it’s sickening.
“Now you sound just like Rafe. He’s threatening to disown me because we can’t keep our hands off each other. I say you knock him on his ass. I think I’d like to see Rafe fall for a woman that will keep him in line. I shouldn’t be the only one that finds my happily ever after.”
I’ll keep that in mind. *writes down in notebook* That’s actually a good idea.
“I have them once in a while.”
Right. *scribbles a few more lines* Right, sorry. I got off track. See what happens when these guys are around? I lose all my focus. Stop laughing over there, buddy.
“I said nothing.”
I knew I should have asked Tessa to do this. She’s much more cooperative.
“What’d I do? Man, I’m always in trouble.”
Don’t pout it’s not manly.
“Think we can wrap this up? I don’t really like to talk about myself. You should probably have Tessa do this stuff. She likes to talk about books and shit. I have ten acres of Sav to get into the stomping vats by sunset.”
Right, I’m sorry.
“Don’t be sorry. Just do your thing, writer girl.”
All right, last question. How are things going now that you and Tessa are living in two different cities and are in a relationship?
“I wish they had a frequent gas buying card like they do for flights. My truck is getting a work out. But other than that, we’re doing just great. Marissa, Tessa’s assistant store manager, and her brother, Blake are stepping up. And miracle of miracles, my little control freak is letting them. She works at the store four days a week and I get her the rest. As soon as Harvest is over I’ll go into the city more. We’ll make it work because we don’t have a choice to do anything else. I’d never ask her to give up her store and she knows what the winery means to me. Besides, the woman is already taking over the Andreas Winery storefront and causing havoc with Garrett and Eli. She’s worse than my mother when it comes to organization and efficiency. She’s menace.”
And you love her madly.
“I love her more every single day. Now, I just have to figure out a good way to propose. Then everything will be perfect. Mercy already told me she’s going to help out with that.”
Oh really? This is news to me.
“I told you Mercy would be buzzing in your ear soon enough. Tessa’s best friend needs to deal with that hotel mogul guy. The one with the prissy name.”
Alaric?
“Right, Van Horny.”
Van Horne. Alaric would crush your head like a peanut if he knew you guys called him Van Horny behind his back.
“I’d like to see him try.”
Oh, for the love of testosterone, relax. I think I’m done with you. The readers are going to think I’m nuts.
“You’re the one writing the words, love.”
Go. You’re a menace. Oh and Royal?
“Yeah?”
I’m glad you and Tessa are happy. You had to go through enough crap to get there.
“Every word was worth it, writer girl.”
Well, I hope you didn’t mind my rambles. Royal was a heck of a lot chattier than I thought he’d be. I guess the love of a good woman really did plunk him into his happy space. I hope you’ll consider giving Royal and Tessa a read. Thanks so much for allowing us to come on your site. We had a great time.
LINKS TO CONNECT WITH TARYN AND BUY HER NOVEL:
Taryn's Site: http://tarynelliott.com/
Entangled Publishing: http://www.entangledpublishing.com/
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Ashes-and-Win.....
July 27, 2012
GUEST POST WITH AUTHOR, ALEAH BARLEY
Bolts of Inspiration
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I’m sure you’ve all read those blog posts where authors giggle say giggle that they just don’t know what inspired them! Rainbows! Moonbeams! Whiskers on kittens!
This isn’t going to be one of those posts. First off, I don’t giggle. Second, my cat’s the jealous type. If he caught me even looking at kittens he’d turn my arm into chop suey.
My name’s Aleah Barley, and my new book (my first book!) is called Too Hot to Handle and it’s about a drop dead gorgeous LAPD detective and a spunky ex-car thief. On paper Jack Ogden and Honey Moore couldn’t be more wrong for each other, but the sparks between them are almost as explosive as the arsonist they’re trying to track down. The tagline says it all ‘He stole her heart, she stole his car.’
Like many other authors my inspiration is ethereal, hard to pin down. It’s like luck. The more you try to pin it down the less of it you have. However, occasionally it strikes like a bolt from the blue… usually when I’m reading something totally unrelated.
The hero of Too Hot to Handle is Jack, an overworked LAPD detective with a split lip, a badge, and a gun. When I developed him as a character, I was inspired by tightly written mysteries with snappy patter and clever foreshadowing. Robert B Parker, Lawrence Block, and Lee Child.
Jack’s a classic mystery hero. A ‘by-the-book’ police officer, but when going by the book means hurting someone he loves he discovers that there’s more to life than law and order. Honey is his perfect foil. A smart, sexy woman with a penchant for fast cars and a dedication to the people in her community.
In addition to having a sexy romance, Too Hot to Handle also has two hot-hot cars! Jack drives a Dodge Super Bee—mostly so I could make a joke about ‘classic American muscle’—but the truly incredible piece of machinery is the Volvo Sport that Honey helps ‘retrieve’ from a local chop shop. The Volvo Sport is a fiberglass roadster that I learned about while reading The New York Times. Only sixty eight of them were ever made, and only sixty seven of them survive to this day. Reading that article, I knew the Volvo Sport was the perfect piece of machinery to roll across the pages of my book.
Every day I try to read something new, whether it’s a book I’ve never seen before or a newspaper article on some unknown subject. That’s what inspires me!
What inspires you?
[image error]
I’m sure you’ve all read those blog posts where authors giggle say giggle that they just don’t know what inspired them! Rainbows! Moonbeams! Whiskers on kittens!
This isn’t going to be one of those posts. First off, I don’t giggle. Second, my cat’s the jealous type. If he caught me even looking at kittens he’d turn my arm into chop suey.
My name’s Aleah Barley, and my new book (my first book!) is called Too Hot to Handle and it’s about a drop dead gorgeous LAPD detective and a spunky ex-car thief. On paper Jack Ogden and Honey Moore couldn’t be more wrong for each other, but the sparks between them are almost as explosive as the arsonist they’re trying to track down. The tagline says it all ‘He stole her heart, she stole his car.’
Like many other authors my inspiration is ethereal, hard to pin down. It’s like luck. The more you try to pin it down the less of it you have. However, occasionally it strikes like a bolt from the blue… usually when I’m reading something totally unrelated.
The hero of Too Hot to Handle is Jack, an overworked LAPD detective with a split lip, a badge, and a gun. When I developed him as a character, I was inspired by tightly written mysteries with snappy patter and clever foreshadowing. Robert B Parker, Lawrence Block, and Lee Child.
Jack’s a classic mystery hero. A ‘by-the-book’ police officer, but when going by the book means hurting someone he loves he discovers that there’s more to life than law and order. Honey is his perfect foil. A smart, sexy woman with a penchant for fast cars and a dedication to the people in her community.
In addition to having a sexy romance, Too Hot to Handle also has two hot-hot cars! Jack drives a Dodge Super Bee—mostly so I could make a joke about ‘classic American muscle’—but the truly incredible piece of machinery is the Volvo Sport that Honey helps ‘retrieve’ from a local chop shop. The Volvo Sport is a fiberglass roadster that I learned about while reading The New York Times. Only sixty eight of them were ever made, and only sixty seven of them survive to this day. Reading that article, I knew the Volvo Sport was the perfect piece of machinery to roll across the pages of my book.
Every day I try to read something new, whether it’s a book I’ve never seen before or a newspaper article on some unknown subject. That’s what inspires me!
What inspires you?
July 26, 2012
GUEST POST WITH AUTHOR, LAURA KAYE
5 Words to Describe Marco Vieri (and the excerpts to prove it!)
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I’m very excited to be at Great Minds Think Aloud to celebrate the release of my newest contemporary romance, Her Forbidden Hero. This book features a friends-to-lovers story involving a wounded Special Forces veteran and his best friend’s little sister—two story lines I personally love and hope readers will, too!
I thought I’d spend some time introducing you to the hero, Marco Vieri, who might just be my favorite hero I’ve ever written! So, I’ll give you five words that describe him, and then an excerpt to back each of them up! Here we go:
Alpha
“Any chance you’re going to explain the silent treatment?”
He glared her way, then set the empty dishwasher racks off to the side on the floor.
“Marco, I don’t understand—”
“You got that right.”
“Got what right? I don’t even know what we’re talking about. All I know is you’re kinda being an asshole and I haven’t the foggiest idea what I…”
The words died in her throat as Marco abruptly turned, stalked across the space behind the bar, and flipped up the counter in front of her. She retreated as he stepped through the gap, and then he grabbed her by the arms—firm enough that she knew he had her, but not enough to hurt.
“How many times did you get grabbed out there tonight? Huh?” He pushed her back one step, then another, until her spine came flush against something unyielding. He braced his hands on the wall above her shoulders and towered over her, six-foot-three-inches of pissed-off versus five-foot-four-inches of turned-on. “How many guys laid their fucking paws on you?”
Alyssa could barely breathe, let alone respond. Her heart was a speeding train in her chest. How had he even known what had happened on the floor, anyway? Besides, she’d handled it. Kim had prepared her for the rowdy ones, plus you didn’t grow up in a violent household without knowing how to dodge some unwanted contact. The self-defense classes she’d taken in college taught her the rest. So what if one guy kept putting his arm around her shoulders when she leaned in to take his orders and another grabbed her ass? No blood, no foul, and all that.
“I can tell you this goddamn much. There is at least one man in this town who is lucky to be alive tonight.”
“Marco,” she whispered.
He pounded his fist on the wall. “I can’t…you c-can’t…” He shook his head.
“Marco,” she said again. “I’m okay.”
He stared at her a long moment, blue eyes blazing and his breathing hard. Slowly, he leaned in, his tongue flicking his bottom lip.
Alyssa’s mouth dropped open. Oh, God, how many times had she dreamed of this? She tilted her head and held his gaze, her whole body alive with anticipation. Her hand fisted in his shirt, pulling him in or pulling herself up—she wasn’t sure which.
Tortured
While Alyssa was still sweet—and still Brady’s younger sister—she wasn’t little. She wasn’t a girl. She should be off-limits—no, she was off-limits, for so many reasons—but his body didn’t seem to be getting the message.
Truth be told, his body wasn’t the only one ignoring what ought to be accepted fact. Her presence, her touch, the kindness and acceptance in her eyes—all of these offered the promise of comfort in a way little else had this past year. Her laugh and her positivity uncovered a part of him—the old Marco—he’d been unable to find in the darkness and confusion of his damaged mind. Problem was, he saw the idolization in her eyes, too. While she thought she was looking at the guy she’d known four years ago, and for a lifetime before that, she had no idea he was
only half the man he’d been.
And when she figured it out, seeing the realization on her face would slay him.
Even if she could grow to accept who he was now, would it really be fair of him to ask her to accept less than she deserved?
Because Alyssa Scott deserved it all.
Protector
The guy staggered but clearly wasn’t taking no for an answer.
Marco developed tunnel vision as his hand cranked down on the guy’s shoulder and whipped him around. His right fist cocked back and exploded forward, busting open the man’s cheekbone on impact. The scumbag stumbled before crashing onto his back.
Marco was on him in an instant. Voices sounded in the distance as he wailed on the asshole who had dared touch the woman he loved. Jesus, what would’ve happened if he’d come out five or ten minutes later?
“Marco! Stop! Come on, Marco!” A thick arm wrapped around his neck and jerked him back. Marco swung. “He’s down, man. He’s down,” said the voice.
Marco’s heart was a wild thing in his chest. His gaze scanned for Alyssa, but he couldn’t find her in the crowd of spectators. When had all these people gotten here?
Honorable
Every day, Alyssa became more and more appealing to him. Her looks, her smile, her big heart—everything about her lured him in, made him want more, made him want it all, with her. Which was just not fucking possible.
Hating the realization, Marco watched her enter the dining room and approach one of her tables. Much as he wished otherwise, he was too damn jaded and broken for someone as young and hopeful as Alyssa. Sure, it might be okay for a few months, but what about in a year or five years? His bitterness and pain would wear her down until he saw it reflected back to himself through her eyes. And that would kill him.
Possessive
They walked into the break room and found a table of food and three guys already digging in. Everyone looked up from their plates and their collective surprise at his appearance in the break room was nearly a tangible thing. Making friends hadn’t exactly been his main objective. Then the men’s attention shifted and everyone gave Alyssa an appraising glance that made Marco want to put his arm around her. Was the V-neck cut of her shirt a little low or was it just him? He just barely resisted the protective gesture and instead forced himself to make introductions.
“Guys, this is Alyssa Scott. Pete just hired her as a new waitress. Alyssa, this is Tommy, Eric, and Van.”
She grasped the back of the chair next to Eric. “Hey.”
Eric rose and gestured to the chair. She stepped away and he pulled it out for her, both of their cheeks pinking as she sat.
Marco eyeballed Eric, groaning internally as he saw the awe settling onto the younger man’s face. Fucking perfect.
So, did I make my case?
If so, tell me which of the five pieces of evidence you most enjoyed and why! Oh, and GIVEAWAY!: I’ll offer one commenter who leaves their email address an ebook of Her Forbidden Hero. Good luck!
And thanks so much for reading! ~Laura Kaye
Buy Laura's Books
Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter Sign Up
About Her Forbidden Hero:
You always want what you can't have...
She's always been off-limits...
Former Army Special Forces Sgt. Marco Vieri has never thought of Alyssa Scott as more than his best friend's little sister, but her return home changes that...and challenges him to keep his war-borne demons at bay. Marco's not the same person he was back when he protected Alyssa from her abusive father, and he's not about to let her see the mess he's become.
...but now she's all grown up.
When Alyssa takes a job at the bar where Marco works, her carefree smiles wreak havoc on his resolve to bury his feelings. How can he protect her when he can't stop thinking about her in his bed? But Alyssa's not looking for protection--not anymore. Now that she's back in his life, she's determined to heal her forbidden hero, one touch at a time...
About Laura Kaye:
Voted Breakout Author of the Year in the 2011 GraveTells Readers’ Choice Awards, Laura is the bestselling and award-winning author of over a half-dozen books in paranormal, contemporary and erotic romance. Hearts in Darkness is the EPIC eBook Award Winner for Best Novella and HOLT Medallion Award of Merit Winner for Best Romance Novella, Forever Freed is the NJRW Golden Leaf Winner for Best Paranormal of 2011 and is a finalist for two GDRWA Booksellers’ Best Awards, and North of Need, the first book in the Hearts of the Anemoi series, is a finalist for a FF&P PRISM award, was named GraveTells’ Best Book of 2011 and won their 5-STAR Gold Heart Award, and won Sizzling Hot Read of the Year at Sizzling Hot Books. Laura lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.
[image error][image error][image error]
I’m very excited to be at Great Minds Think Aloud to celebrate the release of my newest contemporary romance, Her Forbidden Hero. This book features a friends-to-lovers story involving a wounded Special Forces veteran and his best friend’s little sister—two story lines I personally love and hope readers will, too!
I thought I’d spend some time introducing you to the hero, Marco Vieri, who might just be my favorite hero I’ve ever written! So, I’ll give you five words that describe him, and then an excerpt to back each of them up! Here we go:
Alpha
“Any chance you’re going to explain the silent treatment?”
He glared her way, then set the empty dishwasher racks off to the side on the floor.
“Marco, I don’t understand—”
“You got that right.”
“Got what right? I don’t even know what we’re talking about. All I know is you’re kinda being an asshole and I haven’t the foggiest idea what I…”
The words died in her throat as Marco abruptly turned, stalked across the space behind the bar, and flipped up the counter in front of her. She retreated as he stepped through the gap, and then he grabbed her by the arms—firm enough that she knew he had her, but not enough to hurt.
“How many times did you get grabbed out there tonight? Huh?” He pushed her back one step, then another, until her spine came flush against something unyielding. He braced his hands on the wall above her shoulders and towered over her, six-foot-three-inches of pissed-off versus five-foot-four-inches of turned-on. “How many guys laid their fucking paws on you?”
Alyssa could barely breathe, let alone respond. Her heart was a speeding train in her chest. How had he even known what had happened on the floor, anyway? Besides, she’d handled it. Kim had prepared her for the rowdy ones, plus you didn’t grow up in a violent household without knowing how to dodge some unwanted contact. The self-defense classes she’d taken in college taught her the rest. So what if one guy kept putting his arm around her shoulders when she leaned in to take his orders and another grabbed her ass? No blood, no foul, and all that.
“I can tell you this goddamn much. There is at least one man in this town who is lucky to be alive tonight.”
“Marco,” she whispered.
He pounded his fist on the wall. “I can’t…you c-can’t…” He shook his head.
“Marco,” she said again. “I’m okay.”
He stared at her a long moment, blue eyes blazing and his breathing hard. Slowly, he leaned in, his tongue flicking his bottom lip.
Alyssa’s mouth dropped open. Oh, God, how many times had she dreamed of this? She tilted her head and held his gaze, her whole body alive with anticipation. Her hand fisted in his shirt, pulling him in or pulling herself up—she wasn’t sure which.
Tortured
While Alyssa was still sweet—and still Brady’s younger sister—she wasn’t little. She wasn’t a girl. She should be off-limits—no, she was off-limits, for so many reasons—but his body didn’t seem to be getting the message.
Truth be told, his body wasn’t the only one ignoring what ought to be accepted fact. Her presence, her touch, the kindness and acceptance in her eyes—all of these offered the promise of comfort in a way little else had this past year. Her laugh and her positivity uncovered a part of him—the old Marco—he’d been unable to find in the darkness and confusion of his damaged mind. Problem was, he saw the idolization in her eyes, too. While she thought she was looking at the guy she’d known four years ago, and for a lifetime before that, she had no idea he was
only half the man he’d been.
And when she figured it out, seeing the realization on her face would slay him.
Even if she could grow to accept who he was now, would it really be fair of him to ask her to accept less than she deserved?
Because Alyssa Scott deserved it all.
Protector
The guy staggered but clearly wasn’t taking no for an answer.
Marco developed tunnel vision as his hand cranked down on the guy’s shoulder and whipped him around. His right fist cocked back and exploded forward, busting open the man’s cheekbone on impact. The scumbag stumbled before crashing onto his back.
Marco was on him in an instant. Voices sounded in the distance as he wailed on the asshole who had dared touch the woman he loved. Jesus, what would’ve happened if he’d come out five or ten minutes later?
“Marco! Stop! Come on, Marco!” A thick arm wrapped around his neck and jerked him back. Marco swung. “He’s down, man. He’s down,” said the voice.
Marco’s heart was a wild thing in his chest. His gaze scanned for Alyssa, but he couldn’t find her in the crowd of spectators. When had all these people gotten here?
Honorable
Every day, Alyssa became more and more appealing to him. Her looks, her smile, her big heart—everything about her lured him in, made him want more, made him want it all, with her. Which was just not fucking possible.
Hating the realization, Marco watched her enter the dining room and approach one of her tables. Much as he wished otherwise, he was too damn jaded and broken for someone as young and hopeful as Alyssa. Sure, it might be okay for a few months, but what about in a year or five years? His bitterness and pain would wear her down until he saw it reflected back to himself through her eyes. And that would kill him.
Possessive
They walked into the break room and found a table of food and three guys already digging in. Everyone looked up from their plates and their collective surprise at his appearance in the break room was nearly a tangible thing. Making friends hadn’t exactly been his main objective. Then the men’s attention shifted and everyone gave Alyssa an appraising glance that made Marco want to put his arm around her. Was the V-neck cut of her shirt a little low or was it just him? He just barely resisted the protective gesture and instead forced himself to make introductions.
“Guys, this is Alyssa Scott. Pete just hired her as a new waitress. Alyssa, this is Tommy, Eric, and Van.”
She grasped the back of the chair next to Eric. “Hey.”
Eric rose and gestured to the chair. She stepped away and he pulled it out for her, both of their cheeks pinking as she sat.
Marco eyeballed Eric, groaning internally as he saw the awe settling onto the younger man’s face. Fucking perfect.
So, did I make my case?
If so, tell me which of the five pieces of evidence you most enjoyed and why! Oh, and GIVEAWAY!: I’ll offer one commenter who leaves their email address an ebook of Her Forbidden Hero. Good luck!
And thanks so much for reading! ~Laura Kaye
Buy Laura's Books
Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter Sign Up
About Her Forbidden Hero:
You always want what you can't have...
She's always been off-limits...
Former Army Special Forces Sgt. Marco Vieri has never thought of Alyssa Scott as more than his best friend's little sister, but her return home changes that...and challenges him to keep his war-borne demons at bay. Marco's not the same person he was back when he protected Alyssa from her abusive father, and he's not about to let her see the mess he's become.
...but now she's all grown up.
When Alyssa takes a job at the bar where Marco works, her carefree smiles wreak havoc on his resolve to bury his feelings. How can he protect her when he can't stop thinking about her in his bed? But Alyssa's not looking for protection--not anymore. Now that she's back in his life, she's determined to heal her forbidden hero, one touch at a time...
About Laura Kaye:
Voted Breakout Author of the Year in the 2011 GraveTells Readers’ Choice Awards, Laura is the bestselling and award-winning author of over a half-dozen books in paranormal, contemporary and erotic romance. Hearts in Darkness is the EPIC eBook Award Winner for Best Novella and HOLT Medallion Award of Merit Winner for Best Romance Novella, Forever Freed is the NJRW Golden Leaf Winner for Best Paranormal of 2011 and is a finalist for two GDRWA Booksellers’ Best Awards, and North of Need, the first book in the Hearts of the Anemoi series, is a finalist for a FF&P PRISM award, was named GraveTells’ Best Book of 2011 and won their 5-STAR Gold Heart Award, and won Sizzling Hot Read of the Year at Sizzling Hot Books. Laura lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.
July 25, 2012
GUEST POST WITH AUTHOR, ROBIN BIELMAN
GUEST POST WITH AUTHOR OF, "WORTH THE RISK" ROBIN BIELMAN
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Hi Kitty! Thanks so much for having me on Great Minds Think Aloud. I’m delighted to be here!
I have a confession to make. I wasn’t always the voracious reader I am now. Growing up, I enjoyed reading Nancy Drew mysteries and stories by Ray Bradbury and Stephen King. But I didn’t finish one book and immediately pick up another. Then college life and work life and family life took precedence over my reading life. I loved reading to my kids and always found myself in the children’s section of the bookstore rather than the grown-up section.
Then something happened. My freelance writing job led me to buy my first romance novel. Holy cow, had I missed out! I was immediately hooked. Not only on reading it, but writing it as well. I went from a girl who read an occasional Tony Hillerman novel to a girl who wanted to read romance ALL the time. (Not that Mr. Hillerman didn’t write awesome books. He did.) But I realized that what I loved most about any story, whether it was in the pages of a book, on television, or in the movies, was the romance between two characters. I loved the tension, the banter, the First Kiss. ~sigh~
In my debut novella, Worth the Risk, Sam and Dean’s first kiss takes place five years before the novel opens. So I wanted their First Kiss after they meet up again to be something special. Something unique. It takes place in a crowded bar and involves hot sauce. Here’s a peek…
“What do you say, Dean?” Joe looked at them with raised eyebrows. “Up for a little hot sauce challenge?”
“I’m game if she is.” Dean regarded Samantha’s quizzical expression then added, “Hot sauce is a kissing game where we each get hot sauce on our tongues, then make out to see how long we can last.”
Samantha gulped and looked at his lips. They were sinfully appealing, but she had no intention of connecting with them again. “No, thanks.”
“Aww, come on!” someone from the crowd shouted.
“You chicken?” Dean asked.
“What? No. I just see no reason to kiss you if I don’t have to.”
“I’ll do it!” a female voice shouted.
Samantha tried to stand, but Dean held tightly to her waist. “I’m not doing this with
anyone but you.”
She relaxed against him. He always knew exactly what to say. This time, though, so did she. “Sorry, Dean. I’ve got to go.”
He cupped her cheek and looked deep into her eyes. “One kiss, Sam. I dare you.”
So what about you? What’s your favorite thing to read? Let me know in the comments and you’ll be entered to win an eBook copy of Worth the Risk.
Thanks again for having me, Kitty!
Their love was ancient history...until their paths crossed again.
Samantha Bennett put Dean Malloy out of her mind five years ago, when he broke her heart after a summer fling. But now he's back in her life, and ready to steal a heritage protection contract that could make or break her career--if he doesn't steal her heart first. Samantha's vowed to hate him, but it's more than anger heating the competition between them.
With sparks flying across the conference table and sizzling in every touch, Dean proposes a weekend liaison. Anything to have Sam again; anything to get her out of his system. But the unresolved feelings between them complicate both their personal and professional lives, and one wild weekend could turn into a disaster that would destroy the one job that means more to Samantha than anything. For a shot at love...is it worth the risk?
You can read the first two chapters of Worth the Risk here: http://www.entangledpublishing.com/wo...
Buy the Book:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Worth-the-Ris.....
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wor.....
About Robin…
Robin Bielman lives in Southern California, a bike ride away from the ocean if she’s feeling really adventurous. She loves books and baking and running on the treadmill while watching her favorite TV shows. When she’s not reading or writing her next story, she’s spending time with her high school sweetheart husband and two sons, most likely watching, playing, or discussing baseball. She drives too fast, drinks too much caffeine, and if every day were Cupcake Day, she’d be a happy camper! She loves to connect with readers. You can find her online here:
Website: http://www.robinbielman.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RobinBielmanW...
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/#!/RobinBielman
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/robinbielman
[image error]
Hi Kitty! Thanks so much for having me on Great Minds Think Aloud. I’m delighted to be here!
I have a confession to make. I wasn’t always the voracious reader I am now. Growing up, I enjoyed reading Nancy Drew mysteries and stories by Ray Bradbury and Stephen King. But I didn’t finish one book and immediately pick up another. Then college life and work life and family life took precedence over my reading life. I loved reading to my kids and always found myself in the children’s section of the bookstore rather than the grown-up section.
Then something happened. My freelance writing job led me to buy my first romance novel. Holy cow, had I missed out! I was immediately hooked. Not only on reading it, but writing it as well. I went from a girl who read an occasional Tony Hillerman novel to a girl who wanted to read romance ALL the time. (Not that Mr. Hillerman didn’t write awesome books. He did.) But I realized that what I loved most about any story, whether it was in the pages of a book, on television, or in the movies, was the romance between two characters. I loved the tension, the banter, the First Kiss. ~sigh~
In my debut novella, Worth the Risk, Sam and Dean’s first kiss takes place five years before the novel opens. So I wanted their First Kiss after they meet up again to be something special. Something unique. It takes place in a crowded bar and involves hot sauce. Here’s a peek…
“What do you say, Dean?” Joe looked at them with raised eyebrows. “Up for a little hot sauce challenge?”
“I’m game if she is.” Dean regarded Samantha’s quizzical expression then added, “Hot sauce is a kissing game where we each get hot sauce on our tongues, then make out to see how long we can last.”
Samantha gulped and looked at his lips. They were sinfully appealing, but she had no intention of connecting with them again. “No, thanks.”
“Aww, come on!” someone from the crowd shouted.
“You chicken?” Dean asked.
“What? No. I just see no reason to kiss you if I don’t have to.”
“I’ll do it!” a female voice shouted.
Samantha tried to stand, but Dean held tightly to her waist. “I’m not doing this with
anyone but you.”
She relaxed against him. He always knew exactly what to say. This time, though, so did she. “Sorry, Dean. I’ve got to go.”
He cupped her cheek and looked deep into her eyes. “One kiss, Sam. I dare you.”
So what about you? What’s your favorite thing to read? Let me know in the comments and you’ll be entered to win an eBook copy of Worth the Risk.
Thanks again for having me, Kitty!
Their love was ancient history...until their paths crossed again.
Samantha Bennett put Dean Malloy out of her mind five years ago, when he broke her heart after a summer fling. But now he's back in her life, and ready to steal a heritage protection contract that could make or break her career--if he doesn't steal her heart first. Samantha's vowed to hate him, but it's more than anger heating the competition between them.
With sparks flying across the conference table and sizzling in every touch, Dean proposes a weekend liaison. Anything to have Sam again; anything to get her out of his system. But the unresolved feelings between them complicate both their personal and professional lives, and one wild weekend could turn into a disaster that would destroy the one job that means more to Samantha than anything. For a shot at love...is it worth the risk?
You can read the first two chapters of Worth the Risk here: http://www.entangledpublishing.com/wo...
Buy the Book:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Worth-the-Ris.....
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wor.....
About Robin…
Robin Bielman lives in Southern California, a bike ride away from the ocean if she’s feeling really adventurous. She loves books and baking and running on the treadmill while watching her favorite TV shows. When she’s not reading or writing her next story, she’s spending time with her high school sweetheart husband and two sons, most likely watching, playing, or discussing baseball. She drives too fast, drinks too much caffeine, and if every day were Cupcake Day, she’d be a happy camper! She loves to connect with readers. You can find her online here:
Website: http://www.robinbielman.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RobinBielmanW...
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/#!/RobinBielman
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/robinbielman
