Sharon Ledwith's Blog, page 86

Wenches of Words Wednesday: Patricia Yager Delagrange

I’m excited to feature fellow Wench of Words, Patricia Yager Delagrange, an author of contemporary fiction, on my blog today! Take it away, Patricia…

Inspiration Behind the Book by Patricia Yager Delagrange

How many times have I seen an Amber Alert on the news which ends in the child’s death? How many times have I been driving down the freeway and read about another child kidnapping in yellow lights across a billboard? How many times have watched on the news that another child has been murdered?

Too may times. One time is too many.

And each time this occurs I wondered how in the world do the parents make it through such a tragedy? How do they go on? How can they return to work? How can they face interacting with family and friends after their child’s death? How do they go on living?
This question had burned in my mind for years and I wanted to write about it. People have asked me how I can write about something that’s never happened to me. I counter with: I write fiction. All fiction writers tell a story they’ve made up in their heads. But they imbue that story with their own feelings. Which is what makes a good book. And I have a wealth of feelings that I used when I wrote Moon Over Alcatraz. I have two children. I know what it’s like to love two human beings unconditionally, with no reservations. My kids often ask me, “Do you love me, mom?” And my answer is, “Always and forever.”

So I took a happily married couple, excited to have their first child, placed them in the delivery room, and had the umbilical cord wrapped around the baby’s neck, which produced a still birth.

And that’s pretty much what happened to that couple - their lift stood still. They didn’t know how to move on from there. Instead of looking to each other for solace and renewal, they turned away from each other. Both of them, unbeknownst to the other, dealt with their grief in a way that broke them apart, instead of pulling them together.

Losing a child is devastating. And each person deals with that emotional turmoil in their own particular way. I’d go so far as to say that no one can predict how they would act in that circumstance. Emotions can be unpredictable, surprising even to the person who’s experiencing them. This is what happens to Brandy and Weston. You have a difference in their emotional upheaval. One character is the mother who carried her baby to term, and the other is the father who didn’t have that same physical experience.

BLURB:

Following the death of their baby during a difficult birth, Brandy and Weston Chambers are grief-stricken and withdraw from each other, both seeking solace outside of their marriage; however, they vow to work through their painful disloyalty. But when the man Brandy slept with moves back to their hometown, three lives are forever changed by his return.

EXCERPT:

Three days later we were standing at the edge of a hole in the ground at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Hayward, the silence so thick, the insides of my ears buzzed like a distant swarm of angry bees. Mr. Peralta and another gentleman stood off to the side while Weston and I held hands next to a tiny casket.

Weston had chosen a simple mahogany box with gold handles, a bouquet of white lilies graced the top of the small box. I knelt down and laid a kiss on the smooth wood then wiped off the tears that had fallen on top. Weston joined me, placing a single red rose in the middle of the lilies. He helped me up and we stood side-by-side in silence, my guilt over her death like a stone in my empty belly. I missed everything I’d dreamed would be happening right now, yearned for all that could have been.

Weston nodded at the man standing next to Mr. Peralta and our baby was slowly lowered into the gaping maw. She reached the bottom, and a bird landed on the rich brown dirt piled next to the grave. It pecked around, chirping a little song then flew off - as if saying goodbye. My heart squeezed inside my chest.

I picked up a small handful of soft dirt. “Goodbye, Christine,” I whispered, throwing it on top of her casket.

Weston wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me in close to his side. Why her? Why my baby? Was this supposed to make sense? And, if so, to whom?

We drove home in silence. No words existed to express my grief.

BUY LINKS
Musa Publishing Amazon Barnes & Noble

Learn more about Patricia Yager Delagrange on her website and blog . Stay connected on facebook and

Authors in the Limelight Interview: C. W. Trisef

I want to thank and welcome author, C. W. Trisef for sharing his personal writing journey with us on my blog today. His books, Oracle: Sunken Earth and Oracle: Fire Island, can be purchased from Amazon, and other on-line bookstores.

How long have you been writing, C. W.?I have been writing all my life, but I am a debut author.  “Oracle – Sunken Earth” (book 1 in the series) is my first novel, released June 2011.  “Oracle – Fire Island” (book 2) is my second, released March 2012.  The 7-book series is about a teenage boy named Ret Cooper who cautiously undertakes the daunting task of “healing the world” with a spherical ball of curious design called the Oracle.  The Oracle has six unique markings on it.  Ret has the same six markings on the palms of his hands, which individually lead him to our planet’s most ancient secrets.  These world mysteries guard Mother Nature’s six pure, original elements, which Ret must collect and place inside the Oracle.  Ret’s knowledge grows and his powers increase with each element collected.  The series is good, wholesome adventure, packed with humor, intrigue, science, and even a little innocent romance.

Where did you get your idea and inspiration to write the Oracle series?I have always been fascinated by our planet’s ancient secrets, so that was certainly the genesis for the series.  The world mysteries in book 1 are the Bermuda Triangle, the Lost City of Atlantis, and the Bimini Road.  The world mysteries in book 2 are the Nazca Lines, Machu Picchu, and Easter Island.  My website (www.trisefbook.com) explains each world mystery in greater detail.  I like to think that the Oracle series is an impressive blend of fact and fiction, based on real places and substantiated theories.  I believe that a great story not only entertains but also educates, thus the unique writing style.

An author after my own heart! What sets the Oracle series apart from other books in the same genre?The Oracle series was written to entertain and educate through wholesome literature.  I have a passion for creative literature, especially fictional adventure.  Every word is placed to educate, every theme to build social awareness, and every detail to promote creativity.  The Oracle series is clean and wholesome, but also intriguing, adventurous, and fun.  With an underlying goal to educate readers, it was necessary to put a little more effort into word placement and literary technique.  Although the writing style may be referred to as uncustomary, it might also be described as refreshingly unique (at least that's my hope).

As an author, C. W., what is your writing process? Outline, brainstorm, research, outline some more, set aside hours to get into the writing groove, consult the outline, let go and just write, and then go back to the outline again.  It is really important to me to know the end game before I start writing, and to adjust quickly, if needed.  I think a great story weaves subtle nuance (hints) into the storyline, and the only way to do that is to know exactly where the adventure will be going.  I would also love to see the Oracle series on the big screen, so the books are written with that hope in mind.

Hey, I’d go to those movies! I know you’re planning seven books for this series. How long did it take for you to start and finish your first two adventures, Oracle: Sunken Earth and Oracle: Fire Island?Writing book 1 was a much longer process than writing book 2, but that was mostly because (as I stated above) it is important to me to know the end game before I start writing, so I spent a great deal of time upfront lying out (outlining) the entire 7-book series before finishing book 1.  Book 2 took less than one year, and book 3 will likely have the same result.

Sounds like you have a solid foundation for future success. Do you have any advice for other writers doing a series, C. W.?Yes, don’t get discouraged, keep going!  It is a great feeling to see hard work in book form.  Check out my website (www.trisefbook.com) and/or shoot me an email (trisefbook@gmail.com) if I can help in any way.

What’s next for C. W. Trisef the author?Book 3 in the Oracle series is already underway.  I hope to release a book a year until all seven are done and the series is complete, so that should keep me busy until 2017 or so.  The ending of the Oracle series is epic (very exciting), so getting to book 7 and the series completion will remain my primary focus for the foreseeable future.  Beyond the Oracle series, I do have another project in mind (another series, probably shorter than 7 books), but that will have to wait.

Knowing that patience is a virtue, I’ll be waiting! Okay, here’s one for me, since I’m writing a time travel series—If you could time travel anywhere into Earth’s past, where would you go and why?Staying true to the Oracle series, I would love to go back in time and visit the world mysteries that I write about (like the Lost City of Atlantis, Machu Picchu, Easter Island) and discover what really happened to these places.  Who knows, maybe these mysteries really are hiding Mother Nature’s six pure elements for Ret Cooper to collect and place in the Oracle … J

Stay Connected with C. W. Trisef:http://www.trisefbook.com/

http://www.facebook.com/cw.trisefhttps://twitter.com/CWTrisef

Buy Links:http://www.amazon.com/Oracle-Sunken-Earth-C-W-Trisef/dp/1463559216/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1#_

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/oracle-sunken-earth-cw-trisef/1103996217?ean=9781618422637&itm=2&usri=trisefhttp://www.amazon.com/Oracle-Fire-Island-ebook/dp/B007FKLVF6/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1330624404&sr=1-2#tags

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/oracle-fire-island-cw-trisef/1109211238?ean=9781620952269

Cover Reveal for Rita Monette’s The Legend of Ghost Dog Island

I love helping out my fellow authors. Whether it’s an interview, or a share or tweet on the social media networks, I get a blast from sharing their good news. I interviewed YA author Rita Monette back in July for my ‘Authors in the Limelight’ segment. Please click here to read our interview. I had asked Rita if I could also do a cover reveal when the artwork was completed for her book. Guess what? Her book cover is ready! The following is Rita’s personal announcement about her new cover for her upcoming book with Musa Publishing’s YA imprint Euterpe, and boy, she’s seems pretty excited about it! Take it away, Rita…

It's finally here! The cover art for The Legend of Ghost Dog Island.

The talented Kelly Shorten, from Musa Publishing, has done it again. She captured the essence of Ghost Dog Island perfectly. And here it is!!! What do you think? I'd love to hear your comments...
 
About Ghost Dog Island
Moving is nothing new for ten-year-old Nikki Landry. Her fisherman father relocates their raggedy old houseboat several times a year in search of better crab fishing spots. However, their latest move has brought her to a mysterious bayou, where she feels like something is watching her from a nearby island. But when Papa tells her about a local legend that something sinister might be living nearby and stealing the souls of dogs, she fears for her beloved beagle’s life. Join Nikki as she seeks to discover the truth behind the legend…before it’s too late.

Book is due out November 16! Will post links on my blog http://ritamonette.blogspot.com/ when available.

Wenches of Words Wednesday: Samantha Combs

Boo! I’m excited to feature fellow Wench of Words, Samantha Combs on my blog today. Not only is Samantha a young adult author, but she likes to dip her toes into the dark waters of the horror genre too. Since today is Halloween, I thought it appropriate to hand the gallows, er platform over to her. Take it away, Samantha, and try not to scare anyone…

No, really. I didn't misspell it. HELLOWEEN is my new book. My eighth publication and my third adult horror collection. I am pleased to announce it is available on Amazon . To give you a little taste of it, I'm including the first few lines of each of the six stories. Hope it whets your appetite and makes your skin crawl, even the tiniest little bit.
Samantha Combs delves into the darkness of the Halloween season, the decadence of October, and the evil of All Hallows Eve. And as usual, she asks you along for the ride.

Come meet all her new friends; an inventive chef, an abused wife with an unusual solution, the invisible friend so different in adulthood than when you were a kid, the self-made woman who learns everything comes with a price, the woman of circumstance who learns neighbors can be more than just nosy,and finally, a quiet, unassuming wife who has paid far too much attention to her husband's, um, hobby.

So, go ahead, mix, mingle, enjoy meeting them all, but remember...the scariest monsters are the ones safely tucked away, hidden in the normal, the regular, the mundane. And in the end, Good does conquer Evil....just not EVER the way you'll expect.

 Eat at JOE’s

Reynaldo “Rey” Claude leaned over the wooden crate of tomatoes and inhaled deeply. The farmers market was always the best place to find the freshest ingredients for his culinary creations and Rey enjoyed his visits to gather the tasty produce. He strolled along the bustling wholesale market, making his choices and filling his basket. He was known there, and most vendors stopped to say hello and offer Rey a free sample of this, that, and the other. Which he took willingly. His food creations were like art pieces to him; each had to have its own special sauce. Pasta was pasta, but it was all about the sauce. He only wished his patrons felt the same.

DEMON IN THE GPS

Nadine Keller was running late. She still had a million things to do and had most of them on her mind, so when the GPS started talking to her, she didn’t immediately notice it. She had jumped into the Range Rover and flung the dry cleaning into the back seat. She dumped her overstuffed purse on the passenger seat and backed out of the mall parking lot. When she heard the calm, modulated voice telling her to turn left, she just obediently flicked on her signal and made the turn. Later, she would realize she didn’t remember programming an address into the GPS. She should have been wary then. GPS units didn’t just start talking to you out of the blue, demanding things. Not like husbands did.

SKIN DEEP

Darla Demples punched the elevator button to the tenth floor. She shifted back and forth on her fashionable high heels and transferred her briefcase from her right shoulder to the left. Impatient, she poked the button again and began to tap her slender foot. Damn! You’d think the head of one of the largest cosmetics company could get a damn elevator when she wanted it. Her gaze fell on her company logo, proudly emblazoned on literally every surface in the lobby: Dollyface Cosmetics. She read the catch phrase underneath, pride welling within her: Look like a living doll, forever. Dolly smiled wistfully, remembering how she came up with the slogan, after a sleepless night with a very cranky baby daughter. Denise was almost an adult now, in college hundreds of miles away. She knew she didn’t see her near as often as she should, but she always found a way to validate that. I’m working for her future. She knows that. My success will set her up for the rest of her life, her and her future children.

IMAGINARY FRIEND

Just because I’m telling you this story, doesn’t mean I’ll be alive at the end of it. I just want to clear that up. So there aren’t any surprises at the end. It’s how I kind of like to do things. I’ve never been one for surprises. Even when I was younger, when my birthday would come around, I made sure I knew all the plans ahead of time. I never wanted the surprise party all the other kids were begging for. Neither did Lenny. He hated them even more than me. Only, he couldn’t tell anyone. You see, Lenny was my imaginary friend. Or maybe I should say is. I’m fully grown now, with an education, a great job and even my own office. In fact, that’s where I am right now. Lenny is here, too, somewhere. He doesn’t always come out, only when he thinks I need him. I guess I needed him earlier. I suppose I should get the whole story out now, before they arrive. Just looking down at the bodies makes me a little scared of what they will think. What they might do to me. Lenny keeps saying I didn’t have a choice. He told me I had to do it. If not, I’d never be my own person. I’d never be free.

NEW NEIGHBORS

Mindy Jasper hollered down the hall of her new house to her children. “Jackson! Danielle! Hurry or we’ll be late for your first day of school.” She peered down the hall, then had to flatten herself against it to avoid being crushed by both of her children as they came hurtling toward her. Her daughter came first and spun around Mindy’s jeans-clad legs, hiding from her brother, who was only seconds behind her. He stopped when he reached his mom and sister, but only because he’d tired of the game. His sister didn’t look terrified anymore, not now that she was next to Mom, and to him, it was only fun if she was.

THE SERIAL KILLER’S WIFE

She heard the back door creak open and shut. Even though he always tried to be quiet, she never missed that unmistakable sound. Elaine Gardner had heard that sound a million times. Most of the time, it meant that her husband Roland was coming in from work, or from tending the garden, or from taking out the trash. She knew when it didn’t mean that. When he came in way past midnight, she knew it had an entirely different meaning: it meant her husband, Roland Gardner, was returning from a kill.

So, if any of these sound interesting or compel you to read them in some way, buy the book for a buck at Amazon and don't forget to tell me what you think. Please click the titles to check out any or all of my SEVEN books!

SPELLBOUND
EVERSPELL
GHOSTLY
THE DETENTION DEMON
TEETH AND TALONS
WAY PAST MIDNIGHT
WATERDANCER

I am a Southern California author with seven published books, including the Global Ebook Award-winning debut title SPELLBOUND. I enjoy writing YA paranormal romance and supernatural fantasy, but I also dabble in the horror and sci-fi genres as well, and writing for the Middle Grade audience. I have plans for many more books in the future!

When I'm not writing, I work full time and enjoy spending time with my husband and two children. My guilty pleasures include reality television, the Food Network channel and shoes. I truly believe I can accomplish anything if I have the right pair of shoes. And I adore totally inappropriate earrings.

I love writing and publishing my work and I am in awe of the technological advances of our lives. E-readers and similar gadgets are bringing the written word to a generation that might never have discovered books otherwise and every time I see a kid pick one up to read something it fills me with joy to be a small part of that process. If a child can connect with literature because he or she did so electronically, a connection still was made. I am excited to see what our world has in store for literature and thrilled to be along for that ride.

CONNECT WITH ME!
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Enjoy and Happy Halloween! ~Samantha Combs

Wenches of Words Wednesday: S.G. Rogers

I’m excited to feature fellow Wench of Words, S.G. Rogers, an author of speculative fiction, as well as a young adult author, on my blog today! Take it away, S.G…  What’s In a Name?  Is naming your characters a joy or a chore? Charles Dickens had a way with names.  Many of his characters had odd, but memorable monikers, such as Wopsie, Winkle, and Spottletoe.  Some were more descriptive, like the bombastic Mr. Bumble or the festive Mr. Fezziwig.  Author JK Rowling has fun with her character names, too.  Gossip columnist Rita Skeeter connotes an annoying mosquito and the cruel Dolores Umbridge isn’t that far a stretch from the word umbrage. Strangely enough, I find it easier to name secondary or tertiary characters than the main ones.  Perhaps it’s because I feel some sort of pressure to make my main characters somewhat dignified, approachable, or attractive. Since that impression is subjective, it always takes me longer to decide which way to go. Is it just me? Even though naming my main characters is always a bit of a challenge, picking names for the remaining residents of my stories is a delight.  My creativity is unfettered and my humor comes to the forefront.     In my latest fantasy release, Tournament of Chance, my protagonists’ names are the relatively straightforward Heather, Dane, and Joe.  Some of the minor characters, however, have more amusing names like Gumm the troll, Towcheez the fairy, and the one-eyed chef, Piers. Fun details won’t save a weak storyline, but a strong plot can be further enhanced with a little imagination.   As a reader, do you feel memorable names increase your enjoyment of a novel, or are they a distraction?  As an author, do you agonize over your cast of characters?   After all, a rose by any other name might just be fantastic. ~ S.G. Rogers [image error] In Tournament of Chance, a hunter’s daughter becomes the spark that ignites a revolution—in time. When a beautiful commoner enters the Tournament of Chance archery competition, her thwarted victory sparks a revolution in the oppressive kingdom of Destiny. Although Heather never believed the legends about the restoration of Ormaria, after three shape-shifting Ormarian wizards awaken from a long magical slumber, she joins their perilous quest to regain the throne. Heather battles vicious predators and angry trolls to free the wizards’ magic, but at a horrendous cost. She is unexpectedly torn from the arms of the man she loves and hurled back in time to fulfill a prophecy not yet written. The ensuing maelstrom tests Heather’s survival skills, wits, and endurance. Will she become an unwritten footnote in history, or can she trust the magic to lead her back to her one true love? Now available at Musa Publishing: http://musapublishing.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6&products_id=396Author Links: Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/SuzanneGRogersBlog - http://childofyden.wordpress.com/Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4216062.S_G_Rogers  

Let's get this Halloween Party started...

Hello Everyone! Welcome to the Super Spies Halloween Party! We’re giving away a KINDLE FIRE by playing a game called “Bobbing for Books” and here’s how you enter to win!
The first way to enter is by tweeting and Facebook sharing about the event and posting the tweet or share in the comment section at Lisa Orchard’s blog. Each tweet or share counts as one entry. So, the more tweets you do the more entries you have. J
The second way to enter is by purchasing one of the participating authors’ books and posting the title and confirmation code in a comment below. This purchase counts as two entries, so if a contestant buys two books, they are entered four times in the giveaway. J
The winner will be announced on October 30th. Lisa Orchard will send them an e-mail and also post on Facebook and Twitter. J
****Please be aware that the KINDLE FIRE will be gifted from Amazon and sent directly from there. Therefore, if the winner receives a damaged prize, Lisa and the participating authors are not held liable for any damages. The winner must work with Amazon to get a replacement.
Now let the tweeting and sharing begin! Good luck to all of you! This is going to be a fun party!  
“The Super Spies and the Cat Lady Killer”
By: Lisa Orchard
An innocent game of Truth or Dare spins out of control when Sarah Cole discovers the dead body of the Cat Lady. A great Halloween read!
Astraea Press: http://www.astraeapress.com/#ecwid:mode=product&product=10078468
Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/Super-Spies-Lady-Killer-ebook/dp/B007JZH61K
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-super-spies-and-the-cat-lady-killer-lisa-orchard/1109518725?ean=2940014338202
“Hauntings of the Heart”
By Joselyn Vaughn  When lost love shows up on your doorstep, what do you do?  Minnie Schultz slams the door in his face.  With the help of some paranormal investigators, an Elvis impersonator and a couple of nosey friends, can Minnie and Gordon find the future they were meant to have?
Astraea Press: http://astraeapress.com/#ecwid:category=662245&mode=product&product=7355585
Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Hauntings-of-the-Heart-ebook/dp/B005Z8WJRY/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1319568032&sr=1-1
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hauntings-of-the-heart-joselyn-vaughn/1106922258?ean=2940013221796&itm=2&usri=hauntings+of+the+heart
Find more of Joselyn’s books here: http://joselynvaughn.com

“Abiding Echoes”
By: Kay Springsteen
Love is family…
Love is endless…
Love is timeless…
Love is abiding…
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Abiding-Echoes-Orsons-Folly-ebook/dp/B008MRR876/ref=la_B004RZUWLG_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1350052539&sr=1-9
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/kay-springsteen?store=ALLPRODUCTS&keyword=kay+springsteen
Find more of Kay’s books here: http://kayspringsteen.wordpress.com/

“Vala Appointed”
By: J. F. Jenkins Identical twins Anj and ZesWillam have always been considered odd, even in a world where myth is real. Their magic is powerful and intense, as well as their secrets. None more so than Anj, who has the biggest secret of them all.
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/j.f.-jenkins
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/J.F.-Jenkins/e/B004P3HB6O/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_3

“Double Crossing”
By: Meg Mims
August, 1869: Lily Granville is stunned by her father’s murder. Only one other person knows about a valuable California gold mine deed — both are now missing. Lily heads west on the newly opened transcontinental railroad, determined to track the killer. She soon realizes she is no longer the hunter but the prey.
As things progress from bad to worse, Lily is uncertain who to trust—the China-bound missionary who wants to marry her, or the wandering Texan who offers to protect her … for a price. Will Lily survive the journey and unexpected betrayal?
Astraea Press: http://www.astraeapress.com/#ecwid:category=662245%26mode=product%26product=5907170
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Double-Crossing-ebook/dp/B005GWEMCO/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&qid=1328907865&sr=8-1
Barnes and Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/double-crossing-meg-mims/1104769443?ean=2940013174597&itm=14&usri=double%2bcrossing

“Cruel Justice”
By: Mel Comley The headless body of a wealthy widow is discovered decomposing in Chelling Forest. Detective Inspector Lorne Simpkins and her partner, DS Pete Childs are assigned to the case. A few days later another victim, this time a young girl, is discovered. Who could the killer be and what's the connection between the two victims?
Amazon/ US: http://www.amazon.com/Cruel-Justice-Book-one-ebook/dp/B005QOY4FM
Amazon/UK:  http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cruel-Justice-Book-one-ebook/dp/B005QOY4FM
Find more of Mel’s books here: http://melcomley.blogspot.fr/ 

“Moonlight on the Palms”
By: Lisa Greer
When professor Astrid Kent's estranged mother dies, she returns to her childhood home of La Casa De La Luz to set things right. But secrets, murder, and her mother's ex-husband—Astrid's former fiance before she fled Texas in shame—threaten to entangle her at every turn, even as another man vies for her heart.
Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Moonlight-on-the-Palms-ebook/dp/B00578UTLU/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1326205480&sr=1-1
Astraea Press: http://www.astraeapress.com/#ecwid:category=1221951%26mode=product%26product=3906042
Barnes and Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/moonlight-on-the-palms-lisa-greer/1103861118
Find more of Lisa’s books here:http://www.lisalgreer.com/

“Prepare to Receive More”
By: Benecia Ponder A Step-by-Step Guide to Forming Your Prosperity Partnership with God.
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009BT40DY/ref=as_li_tf_til?tag=benepond-20&camp=14573&creative=327641&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=B009BT40DY&adid=0VEXNXSBKN1XYZJHWEY7&&ref-refURL=http://preparetoreceivemore.com/
“The Trouble with Charlie”
By: Catherine Bennett
Love.Desire. A psycho bent on revenge. But can Charlie Reynolds recognize the most dangerous of the three?
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00849AM9I
Barnes and Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-trouble-with-charlie-catherine-bennett/1110924132?ean=2940014458948
Astraea Press:  http://astraeapress.com/#ecwid:mode=product%26product=10046834
“At What Cost”
By: J. Andersen When sixteen year old Maggie Reynolds discovers she's pregnant at the beginning of Junior year, she's scared to death to tell her parents for fear of what they'll do. Luckily, her boyfriend suggests another alternative: abortion, but will it really solve all her problems like she hopes it will?
Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/At-What-Cost-ebook/dp/B008BEDPPO
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/at-what-cost-j-andersen/1111557851?ean=2940014771320
Astraea Press:  http://astraeapress.com/#ecwid:mode=product%26product=12328251 
“The Legacy”
By: Patricia Kiyono
A family finds and embraces its samurai heritage. The Legacy introduces the Tanaka family, whose story begins in The Samurai's Garden, available beginning November 6 from your favorite ebook distributor!
http://www.amazon.com/Patricia-Kiyono/e/B0067PSM5C/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1348917923&sr=1-2-ent

“The Last Timekeepers”
By: Sharon Ledwith When Amanda Sault and her four classmates are caught in a major food fight at school, they are given the choice of suspension or yard duty. It was a no-brainer. A two-week crash course in landscaping leads the kids to discover a weathered stone arch buried in an overgrown backyard. Instead of a forgotten lawn ornament, it turns out to be an ancient time portal from the lost continent of Atlantis.
Musa Publishing: http://musapublishing.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=5&products_id=277
Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Last-Timekeepers-Arch-Atlantis-ebook/dp/B0084AKSP0
Barnes and Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-last-timekeepers-and-the-arch-of-atlantis-x2019-sharon-ledwith/1111074347?ean=2940014363952

“There your Heart will be Also”
By: Felicia Rogers
The Renaissance Hearts Series – Begin the adventure with Sarra and Cedric.
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/There-Heart-Renaissance-Series-ebook/dp/B005XSEQ7C
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/there-your-heart-will-be-also-felicia-rogers/1106848770?ean=2940013291041
Astraea Press: http://www.astraeapress.com/#ecwid:mode=product&product=5907188
Find more of Felicia’s books here: http://feliciarogersauthor.weebly.com/

“A Collie Rescue”
By: Lindsay Downs Former Army Sergeant Sandi Charleston, diagnosed with PTSD and homeless barely survives day to day. By a miracle of fate she meets Taz, a uniquely special collie, who helps turn her life around.
Astraea Press: http://www.astraeapress.com/#ecwid:category=662245&mode=product&product=13897850 
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Collie-Rescue-Emily-Dahill-ebook/dp/B008V4JP6C

Barnes and Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-collie-rescue-lindsay-downs/1112437116?ean=2940014828376
Find more of Lindsay Downs books here: http://lindsaydowns.com/

“A New Dream”
By: Elaine Cantrell
Former NFL player Matt McCallum and baker Violet Emerson find a common dream for their lives, but a loose end from Matt’s past returns to jeopardize their future. Will love be enough to save their new dream before it turns into a nightmare?
Astraea Press: http://www.astraeapress.com/#ecwid:mode=product&product=2676585
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/A-New-Dream-ebook/dp/B004TAWHO4
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/new-dream-elaine-cantrell/1102710733?ean=2940012395245

“Psychic”
By: John Warnock What if you awoke one day and discovered you had ESP? Would you feel blessed? Or would you feel cursed?
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Psychic-ebook/dp/B001ECQLCE
Barnes and Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/psychic-john-warnock/1101224535?ean=2940011111563
Find more of John’s books here: http://www.johnwarnock.info/ 
“Secrets of Catalpa Hall”
By: Lori Lapekes
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Secrets-of-Catalpa-Hall-ebook/dp/B007WYPIGS
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/secrets-of-catalpa-hall-lori-lapekes/1110362265?ean=2940014565875
Astraea Press: http://www.astraeapress.com/#ecwid:mode=product&product=11343670
Find more of Lori’s books here: http://lorilapekes.com/ 
“No Job for a Woman”
By: Sherry Gloag Circumstances demand Julian and Deborah learn to work together and Julian dares to dream that he might gain the love of the only person he’s ever given his heart to.
But will Deborah live long enough to discover that by releasing everything she values, she will gain everything her heart desires?
Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/No-Job-Woman-ebook/dp/B0095II45G
Barnes and Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/no-job-for-a-woman-sherry-gloag/1112754572?ean=2940015111361
Find more of Sherry’s books here:http://www.sherrygloag.com/


“Crossing the Deep”
By: Kelly Martin
Sixteen year old Rachel Harker expects the hiking trip in the mountains to be short and painless. Four days later, injured and scared, she just prays to make it home alive.
Astraea Press: http://www.astraeapress.com/#ecwid:mode=product&product=15502342
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Crossing-The-Deep-ebook/dp/B009NWGMMQ
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ebooks/category.asp?PID=28515 
“Persephone”
By Kaitlin Bevins
There are worse things than death, worse people too. The “talk” was bad enough, but how many teens get told that they’re a goddess? When her mom tells her, Persephone is sure her mother has lost her mind. It isn’t until Boreas, the god of winter, tries to abduct her that she realizes her mother was telling the truth. Hades rescues her, and in order to safely bring Persephone to the Underworld he marks her as his bride. But Boreas will stop at nothing to get Persephone. Despite her growing feelings for Hades, Persephone wants to return to the living realm. Persephone must find a way to defeat Boreas and reclaim her life.
Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Persephone-ebook/dp/B008HYPD58
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/persephone-kaitlin-bevis/1111973897?ean=2940014686051
Find more of Kaitlin’s books here: http://kaitlinbevis.com/
  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

Wenches of Words Wednesday: Sloane Taylor

I’m excited to introduce a new promotional platform I intend to post on Wednesdays. The name of the game is authors helping authors here, so my awesome author cohort, Sloane Taylor and I approached a group of wonderful women writers to create, The Wenches of Words. The idea of this group is to promote all members who have penned one or more books. We gals feel we are stronger in numbers, and that word of mouth is the best possible marketing strategy.

There is a variety of genres within this awesome group of female authors. Contemporary fiction, Historical, Horror/Paranormal, Mystery, Romance-Erotic, Romance, Speculative fiction, Young Adult, and Middle-Grade to give you an idea of the wide range of writers we have on board. Now, I promise I will not post anything inappropriate on my blog as I am a MG/YA author. That said, I also want to offer my readers other author’s books that may pique their interest. So, let’s get this party started with the leader of this group, Sloane Taylor…
  My new standalone book is hot off the Musa Publishing e-press! With a gorgeous cover designed by Kelly Shorten and the unbeatable editing skills of Elizabeth Silver, that boosted the book to a level 4 Heat Rating, MASQUERADE brings true romance and all the delicious personal bits to life. Read on and see for yourself.

Behind every mask is a fragment of truth.

BLURB:Chicagoan Clancy Marshall has planned her dream vacation in Venice down to the last detail. From gondola rides to masked balls, and anything else that just happens along, she is determined to experience all pleasures. But those careful plans fly out the door when she literally falls into the arms of a masked stranger. Vittore Ricci comes from an old Venetian family that claims two doges in their lineage. A straight-laced Count and owner of a prestigious hotel, he never does anything without serious consideration. Until a sexy American tourist offers an opportunity no man can refuse.

EXCERPT:Green eyes sparkling behind delicate shades of purple feathers held him hostage. Vittore thought he had recognized her the moment she walked onto the pier. When she spoke, he knew his search had finally ended. Determination and desire had persevered. The gods had delivered her into his hands and he wanted to learn more about this mystery woman with her gay laugh and quick wit, even if it was only for one night.

Clancy opened her door, then switched on the entry light. At the bedroom, she glanced over her shoulder, the long plumes brushing her creamy bare shoulder. “Make yourself comfortable. I’ll be just a moment.”

He wandered around the room, straightening the pillows on the sofa, adjusting a wing backed chair and, finally, the magazines scattered across the pecan desktop. It was there he found a handwritten note caught between the pages. A little guilt crept in for snooping, but he shoved it aside, eager to discover more about this sensual woman who intrigued him.

Note to Self — Loving Venice

1. Ride in a gondola
2. Climb the Campanile in St. Mark’s Square
3. Attend a masked ball
4. Dance under the stars in St. Mark’s Square
5. Tour a professional kitchen
6. Buy one special piece of Murano glass
7. Fall in love—at least for the night
8. Hear a Vivaldi Concert
9. Attend an opera at the Fenice
10.

Vittore reread the paper, paying close attention to number seven. He looked out at the waning moon and sent a prayer of thanks to Raphael the Archangel, the patron saint of happy meetings, for his good fortune.

BUY LINK

Authors in the Limelight Interview: Robyn Opie Parnell

I want to thank and welcome author, Robyn Opie Parnell for sharing her personal writing journey with us on my blog today. Her featured book, Maya and the Crystal Skull, can be purchased from Amazon, and other on-line bookstores.

How long have you been writing, Robyn?

I wrote my first novel when I was fifteen – an Australian version of Nancy Drew.

In my early twenties, I submitted a 2,500 word picture book to publishers. I thought the book was brilliant. I loved it. Publishers, unfortunately, didn’t agree. But I didn’t know back then that picture books are usually less than 700 words and never ever more than 1,000. Oops! It’s a good thing we live and learn.

Around mid-nineties, I read books and completed courses on writing for children. My first three books were accepted in 1998 and published in 1999. The three books are still available today. They are My Bike, Jen Stays Inside, and People Need Trucks.
Where did you get your idea and inspiration to write Maya and the Crystal Skull?

Maya and the Crystal Skull is a different story for me. The idea and inspiration were a lifetime in the making.

When I was a teenager, I became interested in the ancient civilizations of the Maya, Incas and Aztecs. In my spare time, I read about these cultures and learned what I could about them. Life moved on and I forgot about the Maya, Incas and Aztecs.

About seven years ago, I developed a fascination for clairvoyant mediums, life after death and the spirit realm. In the last few years, I added the law of attraction and quantum physics to the things that fascinate me. I’m also a greenie, as in I used to work for Greenpeace Australia.

I’m a sponge. I love soaking up information about things that interest me. If I’m not interested, forget it!

To cut a looooonnnnnnggggg story short, one night my husband wanted to watch a documentary on crystal skulls. How awful,I thought. But I agreed because I love my husband. The legend of the crystal skulls is linked to indigenous peoples such as the Maya, Aztecs and Native American Indians. I was once again hooked on these cultures and curious about the crystal skulls. After a month of research and an inkling of an idea, I sat down and plotted Maya and the Crystal Skull. This story – and ultimately the series – includes all of my favorite interests: the legend of the crystal skulls, the Mayan culture, clairvoyant mediums, the spirit realm, quantum psychics and the environment.     

Amazing what watching one show will do, isn’t it? What sets Maya and the Crystal Skull apart from other books in the same genre?

Maya and the Crystal Skull appears to be an action/adventure, similar to those featuring Indiana Jones and Lara Croft. And it is! Maya and the Crystal Skullis action-packed, full of danger and intrigue, and death-defying moments.

Maya King is trying to live a “normal” teenage life, while recovering from the tragic death of her mother. Her “normal” existence is shattered when Maya has to save her dad and the world from evil villains.   

Now the novel is set apart by the characters: Maya’s side-kick, Ethan, is from the spirit world. The series assumes that there’s life after death and that at least two dimensions co-exist – the physical Earth and the spirit realm. Through Maya’s adventures, we learn about both dimensions.

The series also includes the beliefs of indigenous peoples, in the first instance the Maya of Mesoamerica. My favorite interests – the legend of the crystal skulls, the Mayan culture, clairvoyant mediums, the spirit realm, quantum psychics and the environment – are the ingredients that make this series unique.

A writer after my own heart! As an author, Robyn, what is your writing process?

I write every morning, 7 days a week if possible, until at least lunch time. I like to spend a minimum of 4 hours a day on my own writing.

After an idea inspires me, I don’t immediately sit down to write the story. I always finish one story before I move on to the next. If I don’t finish a story before being distracted by another one, I’m afraid I’ll end up with a lot of unfinished stories. Plus, I like an idea to sit in my head for a while. This gives my subconscious mind a chance to play with the idea, characters, plot etc while I’m going about my daily life. Pretty soon, seemingly without effort, my subconscious mind has put together a whole story and all I have to do is sit down to write.

I like to know the ending before I start to write. I prefer to have a target to aim for. Again, I’m making sure I finish my stories. The ending can change, which is the case with my children’s novel Black Baron. I knew the ending before I put fingers to keyboard, but my original ending was replaced by a better one.

I usually give myself a target word count to reach each day and that target is usually 1,000 words. I keep writing until I’ve reached 1,000 words. Occasionally, I have an appointment and I can’t write 1,000 words. On those occasions, I aim for whatever I can do. I prefer to write every day, even if sometimes I can only add 100 words to a story. The target of 1,000 words, though, means that 98% of the time I write 1,000 words a day.

Writing is a habit. I’ve created habits that enable me to write a lot and to write as efficiently as possible.
I applaud your discipline and stamina! How long did it take for you to start and finish Maya and the Crystal Skull?

I spent a month researching the legend of the crystal skulls and the Mayan people of Mesoamerica. My interest in clairvoyant mediums, the spirit realm, quantum psychics and the environment meant I didn’t need to research these subjects. I’d been reading about them for years.

I also spent a few days writing a plot outline for Maya and the Crystal Skull. When I wrote the first draft, I knew every twist and turn, so I didn’t stop to think about where my story was going. The plot of the published novel is almost identical to my original plot outline.

Before I started, I planned to write a 40,000 word novel in approximately 40 days. That’s 1,000 words a day – a reasonable goal for a full time writer. I wrote the first draft of Maya and the Crystal Skull in 6 weeks – 43 days in reality.

Writing quickly, and with a plot outline at hand, by the time I reached the end of the manuscript, I couldn’t remember about 80% of what I’d written. The first 100 or so pages were a blur. I had fresh eyes for editing, which took me approximately 3 to 4 weeks.

I used a similar process with the sequel Maya and the Daring Heist.Do you have any advice for other writers, Robyn?

When I submitted my first manuscripts to publishers, I didn’t know about word counts, age groups, types of books or anything else to do with children’s books. My first manuscripts were rejected.

My advice, based on my own experience, is to learn everything you can about writing, especially to do with your chosen genre. I read books about writing, completed courses, joined writers’ groups and organizations. Only then were my stories accepted for publication.

After all, you wouldn’t pilot a jumbo jet without first learning how to fly. Why would we submit a manuscript to a publisher without first learning how to write a children’s book?

If you’ve learned about your chosen genre, so you’re way ahead here, then my advice is persistence. Professional writers often say that the secret to their success is persistence. They never gave up! I never thought of comparing learning how to fly with learning the ins and out of writing, but you’ve got a point! What’s next for Robyn Opie Parnell the author?

I’ve been busy. My books Stop! Do Not Read This Book and You’re Amazing – the Law of Attraction for Young People will be released in paperback in 2013.

I’m doing a final edit of the sequel to Maya and the Crystal Skull, which is called Maya and the Daring Heist, for release in 2013.

I have other books in the pipeline, including a picture book Wiggle Jiggle All Around and a short chapter book If Not Jannah.

Despite two false starts, I’m still hopeful of seeing our family feature film (a screenplay co-written with my husband Rob Parnell) on the big screen. I wish you all the best with your new books and plans! Okay, here’s one for me, since I’m writing a time travel series – If you could time travel anywhere into Earth’s past, where would you go and why?

I’m torn between two time periods.

One, I’d love to travel to Central America during the Classic Period (250 AD to 800 AD) and live with the Mayan people. I’d love to learn, first hand, about this culture that built cities with amazing pyramids, that lived in harmony with the land, that studied the stars and planets, that created complicated calendars, and much, much more.

Two, I’d love to travel to England in the 16th century to witness the great William Shakespeare in action. I’d love to experience Shakespeare’s plays at the time he wrote them. I’d also love to meet him. This period involves the plague, so it’s a bit trickier in relation to time travel. What if I caught the plague and died?Robyn Opie Parnell is the author of more than 80 published children's books. She has been writing for children for over 10 years; most of her books are sold around the world and many have been translated into foreign languages. Robyn wrote her first children's book while at high school. It was a mystery similar to the Nancy Drew series. When Robyn was a child, she wished she could be Nancy Drew because the teenage sleuth was always involved in an exciting adventure.

Please visit the following links for more information on Robyn and her books: http://www.robynopie.com
http://www.robynopie.blogspot.com
https://www.facebook.com/robyn.opieparnell
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Maya-and-the-Crystal-Skull/194081397336766?ref=hl
https://twitter.com/robynopieparnel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NwL7zjB6kM
http://www.youtube.com/user/robparnell2008/videos
http://www.stopdonotreadthisbook.blogspot.com

Blurb for Maya and the Crystal Skull:
Move over Indiana Jones...

Maya's life has changed.

Her mother is dead, killed in a car accident; she's befriended by Ethan, a boy who claims he's from the spirit world; and now her father is missing.

What does the legend of the crystal skulls have to do with her father's disappearance? Will Maya travel to Mexico to save him? How can Maya's destiny have anything to do with the future of humankind?

The Mexican jungle, ancient Mayan ruins, dangerous bounty hunters and evil kidnappers...

Yes, Maya's life has changed.

The fate of the world now depends on her.

To purchase Maya and the Crystal Skull:

http://rnrbooksfilmmusic.com.au/maya.html
http://www.amazon.com/Maya-Crystal-Skull-ebook/dp/B0069WE3GK
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Maya-Crystal-Skull-ebook/dp/B0069WE3GK
http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/Maya-Crystal-Skull-Robyn-Opie/9780975609675 http://www.booktopia.com.au/maya-and-the-crystal-skull/prod9781873671009.html
http://www.fishpond.com.au/Books/Maya-and-Crystal-Skull-Robyn-Opie/9780975609675
http://www.vipabooks.com.au/products/23754-maya-and-the-crystal-skull.aspx
http://www.holisticpage.com.au/Maya-And-The-Crystal-Skull-Parnell-Robyn-Opie/9781873671009
http://www.whitcoulls.co.nz/book/maya-and-the-crystal-skull/36869066/



 
 

Victory is Sweet...

On this cool, but beautiful Thanksgiving Day in my homeland of Canada, I thought it only fitting to announce the winners of the Musa Publishing 1st Anniversary Blog Hop. I have so much to be grateful for this past year, most of it I owe to Musa Publishing and the wonderful experience they have given this first time author. So, without further ado…drum roll…

The winner of the Kindle Fire is Catherine Lee! With a touch of green in my eyes, I salute you!The winner of the Musa Swag Bag #1 is duckysblue (I know, I’m as confused as you are), and the winner of the Musa Swag Bag #2 is Cassandra! Congrats to both the lucky winners.

And now, the winner of an ecopy of The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis goes to Devin Hodgins! Kudos, Devin, I will contact you via email.I wish to thank all of you who've hopped by my blog to comment, follow, and enter in the last seven days. I raise my glass to Musa Publishing on a spectacular first year in the publishing industry, and look forward to many more years working together and supporting each other. Go Team Musa! Cheers!

Happy, Happy First Anniversary Musa Publishing!

It’s been one wild ride this past year! It started with signing my book contract for my MG/YA book, The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis last September. High fives! Then moved to many revisions and rewrites. Ugh. Then switched to edits. Groan. And then more edits. Flinch. Moving along to line edits. Sigh. Hitting the mark with book cover approval. Thumbs up. Getting my website launched. Cheers! Activating a Twitter account. Grumble. Then finally my long-awaited book release. Yay! Followed by my book release party. Double yay! Then onto book blog tours, blog hops, and contests. Followed closely by receiving my promotional paperback books. Doing library readings. And continually promoting and marketing on the social media and my blog. Boom, boom, boom! The life of a newly published author never stops, and certainly never surrenders! Whew!

And now my publisher, Musa Publishing celebrates their first year as a full fledged epublisher. The fact that this new publisher gave me a chance to spread my wings and fly into the publishing world is awesome. They took a gamble on me. They rolled the dice on this new author. And I’m so grateful for the opportunity they’ve given me. If you haven’t had time to check out, The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis, here’s the blurb: When 13-year-old Amanda Sault and her annoying classmates are caught in a food fight at school, they're given a choice: suspension or yard duty. The decision is a no-brainer. Their two-week crash course in landscaping leads to the discovery of a weathered stone arch in the overgrown back yard. The arch isn't a forgotten lawn ornament but an ancient time portal from the lost continent of Atlantis.

Chosen by an Atlantean Magus to be Timekeepers--legendary time travelers sworn to keep history safe from the evil Belial--Amanda and her classmates are sent on an adventure of a lifetime. Can they find the young Robin Hood and his merry band of teens? If they don't, then history itself may be turned upside down.
Contest time!All you have to do is leave a comment on my blog, and a way I can contact you. That’s it. And if you feel inclined to follow my blog, then that’s a double entry! At the end of this week-long blog hop, you’ll be entered in a draw to win an ebook of The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis. Oh yeah, did I mention the Kindle Fire you could also win? Double bonus!Every time you comment on any blogin the Musa Blog Hop, you’ll be entered to win a Kindle Fire (US and Canada only), compliments of Musa Publishing. International winners will receive a $50 Musa Publishing gift card. That’s a win-win as far as I’m concerned!  

Here are the Musa Blog Hop Rules:
1) HAVE FUN!!!2) INVITE ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS!!! SPREAD THE WORD!!!

3) THIS TOUR STARTS: October 1, at Midnight (PST)THIS TOUR ENDS: Monday, October 7, at Midnight (PST)

Winners will be drawn and posted October 9th! ***4) PARTICIPATION AT ALL BLOGS IS RECOMMENDED, BUT NOT REQUIRED. REMEMBER, THE MORE BLOGS YOU HOP and COMMENT ON, THE BETTER YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING PRIZES. EVERY AUTHOR & BOOK PAGE IS WAITING TO MEET AND INTERACT WITH YOU, SO PLEASE BE SURE TO SHOW THEM SOME LOVE!

5) Grand Prize of a Kindle Fire is for US and Canada mailing addresses only. International winners will receive a $50.00 Musa Gift Card. Winner will be announced on October 7th 2012 at 11 EST at The romance review forum.6) DID I MENTION TO HAVE FUN? ***Authors & Book Pages have full discretion to choose an alternate winner in the event any winner fails to claim their prize(s) within 72 hours of their name being posted or after notification of win, whichever comes first. Anyone who participates in this blog hop tour is subject to these rules***