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Ellie Potts's Blog, page 43
August 4, 2014
Seeing Stars snippet
“Come on, I’ll take you back to your scary room,” he said and stood up. He reached down to her.
Taking his hand, she let him help her up.
He looked briefly at their clasped hands and then at her. His eyes darkened, and she knew that look. It was a look she hadn’t seen in a while, one that made her body clench with a primal need. He smiled and let go of her hand.
“It is kind of scary,” she said as she walked to his car, letting him lock up behind them. Inside the garage he opened the car door for her. He came around and slid easily behind the wheel to drive back to her motel.
He pulled into the dim parking lot and parked. “It is eerily dark. I want to walk you to your room.”
She looked at the shady people hanging around the place. “I am not going to argue with you on that.”
He walked her up the stairs and to her room. She turned. “Thank—”
Before she could finish, his arms slipped around her waist, and he pulled her against him.
At first she was stunned, and then she went with it and wrapped her arms around his neck.
“Sorry,” Logan whispered into her ear. “I just think we both need a hug.”
The warmth was nice, the contact even better. Before she knew it, she was crying on his shoulder. He tightened the hug, and she let herself be held.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
The neighbor peeked out at them.
“I think we need to go in.”
She nodded and reluctantly let go to dig out her key card and open the room.
He followed her in, looking around. “The room looks much better on the inside than out.”
She was drying the tears. “It is.”
“You okay?”
“I got the call for the meeting on Wednesday. I was getting out of my car and noticed my husband was home. I went inside the house, so excited to tell him about the meeting; it was the start of our anniversary vacation. Five years married. I walked into the room, and there he was boinking the pretty neighbor in our bed.” Alisa sat down heavily on the bed.
“I’m sorry.”
She looked down at her hands in her lap. “I lost a hundred and ten pounds for him, we couldn’t have a baby, we—” She took in a deep breath. “I should have ended it a few years ago. There was nothing there anymore. We were stuck. I guess I thought there would be no other.”
Logan sat beside her and put his arm around her. “I think you are pretty, smart, witty, nerdy, and awesome. Anyone would love to have you and would regret losing you.”
She looked at him. “I’m sorry. That hug just made me purge my feelings. Are you okay?”
He looked away from her. “She boinked my so-called best friend as well as strange men even when we were together. I had to get tested. I was terrified. When the results came back okay, I had a small nervous breakdown. Of course Roman would have none of that. I think the trouble started when we talked about her moving to Los Angeles. She wanted me to stay in New York, but my job was here, and her job was there, as well as her estranged husband and her son she sees a couple times a week.” He stopped, regrouping his thoughts.
“There were too many warning signs.” He shook his head. “I have to go. I need to get a little rest before dealing with Roman tomorrow. Good thing we are almost done.”
He walked to the door, and she followed. “Good night,” she said, holding the door.
“One more hug for the road?”
“Sure.”
They held each other.
“Alisa,” he whispered.
“Yes.”
“I have to go, because at this moment, I want to kiss you.” She let go of him, shocked and nervous.
“Good night. Now lock up. I would be sad if something bad happens to you.”
She nodded and closed the door. She leaned against it. Her heart hammered in her chest. She wondered what it would be like to kiss him and shook her head.
You can’t do this, you silly girl. He is a movie star. What will happen afterwards?
“I go back to my boring life with an overbearing mother, minus a husband” Alisa told herself out loud. But that didn’t stop the dirty thoughts that spiraled around her head; neither did the shower, nor looking over emails.
Out now! http://www.amazon.com/Seeing-Stars-Ellie-Potts-ebook/dp/B00M68SVIW/ref=la_B008Y9OE56_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1407192861&sr=1-4
August 2, 2014
Hitting the hump…
As a writer I know you have hit that hump. That spot in the book where you stop and ask yourself WTF is going on here? For me the humps are easy to come by. I can be writing, writing, slowly question a character’s motive, writing, I don’t know if I like that much, writing, what the hell just happened-hump. At first it was hard to continue on thinking I have to go back reedit, figure out where I went wrong and fix it. This just causes more (to me writers block) or to others time to procrastinate. I have taught myself to muscle through it. Continue at the end. Because then the first draft is done-finished-well almost done. Now it’s time for the rewrite. It does go by smoother. You have the story, now you get to read it, and see where the issues were and fix it. I learned in Awaken the Elements, never second guess your characters, it causes that hump. Your characters might take your story off plan, but that’s okay. Because really it’s not your story it’s theirs. They are the stars. By doing this and letting the story unfold I actually had a better time writing Seeing Stars doing this. No humps in the story just in real life which held back the book, writing, editing and putting out wise. And there are no stopping life humps- if it’s going to happen it’s going to happen. But remember muscle through, at least through those writing humps!
August 1, 2014
Writing…
Sometimes it sounds so easy. You can write something, right. Then you sit down and get all ready- wait maybe I should check my email- oh just a quick pop on Facebook- hey I have new lives on (insert game)- back to writing- I think I need some (insert caffeine drink). This is just touching the tip of a writer’s procrastination. But when we write, we write. We sink so deep under the waves that when done we gasp for air like we’ve been submerged for ages. That electrical buzz feels nice once you get in there and have something to show for it. Writing is hard, but in the end it pays off. But never let anything discourage you from doing it. And you know the line: Do or do not, there is try. Have an idea write! Have fun! But remember it isn’t easy.
July 30, 2014
Awakening 3 by Jeanie Grey blog tour!
Title: Awakening 3
Author: Jeanie Grey
Series: Lilly Frank Series (Novella)
Genre: SciFi/Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: July 5 2014
Formats/Edition it will be Available in: eBook
Blurb/Synopsis:
Nearly fifty years after the events of Awakening 2, Lilly decides to stop running away and returns to Italy only to find the threat of a vampire civil war growing. With the help of Beth, Carrie and Jamie, Lilly learns how to face her feelings about her tragic past and to accept that, whether Torren wants her or not, her heart wants him. But when she finds Torren in Rome, not only is he still with Vittoria, he doesn’t seem to remember Lilly at all.
Can Lilly convince Torren to leave Vittoria to be with her and help the Organization find a peaceful solution to the conflict, or will Vittoria and a vampire war come between Torren and Lilly and their happily ever after?
Giveaway
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/54e9c425135/
Book Links
Jeanie Grey is a feminist reader and writer of romance and erotica who lives in Oregon. Her short stories have been published on deadlyeverafter.com and thedarkerhalf.com. For more about her work and her views on writing romance and erotica, please visit her website at http://jeaniegrey.blogspot.com
Author Links
Excerpt
“Torren?” she said again, a little louder, and this time Vittoria’s head snapped up and her eyes, narrowing to slits, locked with Lilly’s. In them, Lilly saw fear, anger, and hatred. She supposed she could understand that. But that wouldn’t deter her, either.
She was just about to say Torren’s name one more time when his head cocked slightly to the side and then, following Vittoria’s gaze, slowly rotated in her direction.
Those impossibly blue eyes came to rest on her, and it was as if a warm wind blew through her. There was another shifting and clicking into place, but this time it was inside her. That gaping hole she’d carried around with her for years was filled.
Torren gasped and started to rise, but Vittoria put her hand on his arm, and he settled down again.
“Hello,” Torren said. His voice—that voice like velvet over marble—was full of wonder.
Hello? That was it? After all these years, a casual hello was how he greeted her?
Lilly’s stomach dipped, and then, as she continued to stare into his eyes, as she watched his gaze roam over her features without a hint of recognition, her stomach full-on sank.
July 29, 2014
Seeing Stars first review!
I loved this story! It’s sweet, with a side of hot! *insert winky face* I know I’ll be reading this one again in the near future! 5 stars!- Thanks JD!!!
If you are interested in reviewing Seeing Stars or any of my books please let me know. I am willing to give you a free book for a review :D If you feel like it email me at eclecticellie@gmail.com
July 28, 2014
Happy Release Day! Seeing Stars is out!!! Book Blitz!
Title: Seeing Stars
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Can one secret stop two broken hearts from mending?
Alisa, bank clerk by day-self published writer by night, gets a phone call that will change her life. Hollywood wants to make one of her books into a movie. The news comes on the day she starts vacation, excited, she leaves work early to surprise her husband. To her surprise he is already home, and well even more surprising he is sexing up the neighbor in their bed.
Heartbroken and angry she makes a decision to head off to Hollywood on her own. Before the meeting she meets her TV crush Logan Rider. Logan has not only read her book Gateway, but he wants to direct the movie. The offer is almost too good to be true! Alisa is thrown into a whirlwind of Hollywood as she sees stars, learns the movie business, and uncovers a few secrets. Secrets that prove actors are just as flawed as regular people. But there is one secret that can destroy Logan’s career. Will Logan be devoured by this secret, or can he find the strength to conquer it with Alisa’s help?
“I’m too shy. I was horrible in drama in high school. They teamed me up with my first high school crush on our first partner thing. And I was just trying not to do anything embarrassing. I end up transferring out.”
“What did you take instead?”
“A study class was open.”
“I take it you were bored?”
“Not at all. I wrote.”
“I wish I had some other talent.”
“You act,” Alisa replied.
“Well, yes, but I wish I could do something else. Do you have any other hobby then writing?”
“I knit.”
“Well that is something I would like to learn.”
“I do it on looms. It is pretty simple.”
“Can you show me?” Dawn asked her eyes shining with anticipation.
“Sure.”
“Cut!” Roman shouted. “Okay we are going to set up for Logan and Dawn. Ten minutes!”
Ray Day sat down heavily in a chair beside them. “I really hope we get done soon. I have to start Twin Falls in a month, and I really wanted a few days off. I want to have mimosas and spend a kidless day in Disney.”
“If my kids found out I went without them they would shank me,” Dawn said seriously.
“You break too easy. Send them to school and get your Disney on.”
“I heard Disney what is going on?” Logan said as he walked over to them.
“I was talking about mimosas and then Disney without kids,” Ray said with a small sigh. “Before I have to go to Canada to film Twin Falls.”
“I will pass on the mimosas, but would love some Disney time. It’s been a few months. How about you Alisa, when was the last time you went to Disney?”
“Uh—” She thought about it. “Maybe ten years I want to say.”
“Do you not like Disney?”
“I love Disney, it is just kind of expensive to go,” she said, shrugging.
Logan put his hand on her shoulder. “Maybe we need to make a trip.”
“No trips!” Roman shouted. “Dawn and Logan, come on.”
Ray sighed again watching Logan leave. “That ass is amazing.” He looked at her. “I see that smile. You can agree.”
“I do agree.”
“Good. Step one of surviving actors. Some of us are loud and outspoken, don’t be shy jump in.”
“Check, jump in.”
“It’s nice seeing Logan happy. After the breakup he was so sad. I believe he thought she was the one.” She watched Logan and Dawn have an argument, until someone said the wrong line and they started giggling.
“CUT!” Roman screamed making Alisa flinch.
“Step two. Some directors are just assholes. You just learn to deal.” Logan turned to them and winked
“Check, assholes.”
“You are cute. I think we need to go on a double date.”
“I have no double,” she said turning to Ray.
“There is Logan.”
“Ah—We’ve only known each other for two days.”
Ray shrugged. “You guys could have been married and divorced by now, you know typical celebrity life.”
They laughed as they turned back to watch. After Dawn and Logan it was the whole cast, then Logan and his pretend off and on crazy girlfriend. Alisa watched Roman, she watched the stage hands, she watched the camera people, sound people, and all the rest.
A little nagging voice sprang forward. You don’t belong here.
But I want to belong here, she replied to the voice.
Buy Link: Amazon
Somebody told Ellie Potts you had to be rich to be eccentric otherwise you were plain crazy. She set out to prove them wrong doing things she was told she couldn’t do like dressing for pirate and renaissance faires, get her stories published, playing video games, planning to survive a zombie apocalypse, and other antics most women stay away from.
She is also a Whovian, Browncoat, Star Wars addict, and collector of arcane knowledge. Now she lives in California’s Central Valley where most of her stories and books take place. Her and her husband are owned by their attack Bugg, and her red eared slider turtle minion who live in the backyard.
Author Links: Site Blog Facebook Twitter Goodreads
Book Blast for July 28th
Tamaria Soana
Reading, Writing, and Roses
Owltastic Promotions
The eBook Promotions
Harlie’s Books
Laurie’s Thoughts and Reviews
Sexy Between the Covers
The Phantom Paragrapher
Intriguing Reviews
Author Paisley Brown
Kristy Centeno
Sapphyria’s Book Reviews
The Snarkology
Snarky Mom Reads…
July 25, 2014
Seeing Stars chapter 2 teaser!
Chapter 2
Alisa had never made the long trip to Los Angeles by herself before, and it was eight-thirty by the time she made it there. Night had fallen, but the traffic was heavy and the town was still awake and alive with things to do. It was definitely different from her small town where all stores closed by six. Using her cell phone, thank the stars for free upgrades, she quickly located a cheap motel. She hoped they had rooms available.
The lady behind the counter looked up from the TV with large brown eyes and sprang to her feet. “Hello!”
“Hi. I don’t have a reservation, but I am hoping you have a room available for three nights?”
“I have one room left!” she exclaimed as she entered some information into the computer. “Will you be charging or using cash? Is it just you?”
“Yes. Just me.” Alisa pulled out her wallet and handed over her bank card.
“Pretty girl like you shouldn’t be here by herself.” She slid the card back to Alisa with a receipt for her to sign.
“Thank you,” she mumbled, taking the pen and signing the paper.
The woman handed her a room card key and told her to have a nice stay. Alisa retrieved her stuff from the car and found her room. Fumbling her bags, she tried the key card, but the light refused to turn green. She finally dropped the bags, and with her hands free, slid the card into the lock. Finally the lock accepted the key, and the light turned green.
Inside the room, she looked around at the plain space which was done in reds and various shades of beige. Heavy curtains covered the large window, and a flat screen was bolted to the wall. Along one wall was a queen size bed with a bedspread matching the color scheme of the room. Other than that, the room had no other amenities or décor. Laying her bags down, she thought about getting some editing done. She had set a deadline for herself to get her newest novel to her editor by the end of the month, and it was coming close.
But what she could really go for was a shower.
She undressed as she made her way to the bathroom, not caring where her clothes ended up. Naked, she had a moment to look at herself in the mirror. Her shoulder length brown hair looked like how she felt, disheveled. She did make a mental note that she did need a trim, she liked the way her hair framed her oval face it didn’t make her nose look too big.
She got the water going at a nice, steamy temperature and stepped in. As the warmth beat against her skin, the day flashed back to her. Her chest tightened, and she felt as though she couldn’t breathe. She gasped, fighting the tightness. The tears ran down her cheeks, and she crumpled to the floor of the shower, rocking herself as she cried.
****
Alisa clutched her laptop bag as she walked toward the secretary. From the moment she walked into the building she felt underdressed, and had a stone in her belly. The bleached blonde woman looked at her with muddy brown eyes. “May I help you?”
“I have an appointment with Ron Suffington.”
“Name please?”
“Alisa Parson.”
“Oh yes. Your name is on the list. Please have a seat, and he will be right with you.”
“Do you have a lot of people come in who aren’t on the list?”
She nodded. “Tons.”
“With the security below, you would think that wouldn’t happen often.”
“Desperate people will do desperate things,” she said. Her eyes widened just a bit, causing Alisa to turn around and follow her gaze. Her breath caught.
Logan Rider walked up to the desk, towards her. The Logan Rider! Hot comedy and TV star Logan Rider! He towered over her by six inches, and his brown hair looked perfect. He was the reason she faithfully watched Family Insurance for five years. Family Insurance was a quirky family comedy in which Logan’s character ran an insurance company with his bossy sisters and playful brothers after their father ran away to join the circus. She had also watched most of his movies at least one hundred times each; they were her favorite comedies ever created.
Alisa remembered to breathe as he leaned on the counter looking at the secretary. Who had stuck her chest out to show off her goodies. Alisa stopped herself from looking down at her own. They weren’t perfect, but she thought a d cup fit her pretty well.
“I have an appointment with Ron,” he said.
“Of course you do,” she said, batting her eyelashes at him.
He smiled and then looked at Alisa.
Her heart thudded hard in her chest; she thought she would have a coronary right there. How embarrassing would that be? Her mind screamed. He is looking at me! We are sharing the same space. Alisa, you will not swoon!
“Are you Alisa?”
HE KNOWS MY NAME! Her mind screamed. “Yes.” She didn’t stutter. Score one for her.
He stood up straight and put out his hand. “Logan Rider.”
July 24, 2014
Music [Seeing Stars]
I usually try to turn off the TV to focus on my writing, but I do like my background noise. Each book usually has it’s own soundtrack, but Seeing Stars doesn’t. I was actually listening to The Eagles greatest hits and Elton John. Mellow Background music that I could sing too.
July 23, 2014
Logan Rider (Seeing Stars)
{Logan Rider walked to the desk, towards her. The Logan Rider! Hot comedy and TV star Logan Rider! He towered over her by six inches, and his brown hair looked perfect. He was the reason for the five years she watched Family Insurance, a quirky family comedy that had Logan’s character running an insurance company with his quirky sisters and brothers after their father ran away to join the circus. She had also watched most of his movies a million times; they were her favorite comedies ever created.}
Who I saw when I thought of Logan. Is a mix of some of my favorite actors. Jason Segal, Mark Ruffalo and Vincent D’Onofrio.
But Logan Rider has a secret, a dark secret, and if it comes out to the public it could destroy his career. Find out that secret Monday when Seeing Stars is released!
July 22, 2014
Seeing Stars Chapter 1 teaser!
Here is a teaser of chapter 1 for you! Remember Seeing Stars will be out next Monday!!
Chapter 1 (Not Fully Edited Yet)
“I understand,” Alisa said into the speakerphone in her car as she pulled into her driveway. “I can be there tomorrow.”
“Then we will see you tomorrow,” the secretary said.
“That’ll be great! Thank you so much!”
They said their goodbyes and she turned the car off.
She looked at her husband’s car in the driveway.
Odd, he’s home early. Well, that works. We can pack and leave tonight for sure, then.
All the hard work she had put into her writing was now paying off. She had been noticed. Me, she thought, someone wanted to make a movie of my book!
She grabbed her small purse but something kept her from getting out of the car, some doubt she couldn’t quite place. She finally stepped out, knowing she would surprise Kurt. What a big step! She noticed the car next door and checked her watch. Her widow neighbor was home early as well. She had lost her common-law husband two months ago.
Alisa made her way to the house, forgetting to beep the car to lock as she fumbled inside. The kitchen was clean, always a plus after a long work week. She walked to the dining room. Dropping her purse on the table, she looked around. She opened her mouth to call out, then hesitated. Squeaking noises were coming from the hall. She ventured to the hall and it grew clearer the closer to the bedroom she got.
She shot her hand out and pushed open the door. Her husband’s bare ass pointed at her from the bed. He held some petite feet that belonged to very skinny legs. A small euphoric cry escaped the woman under him.
Coldness filled Alisa. Not anger, just cold.
“I guess I will come back when you guys are finished,” she said, glad her voice sounded steady. She turned and walked to the living room. Looking around, she was dazed, cold, not sure what to do.
Her husband jumped off of the bed and came in, a sheet wrapped around his beer gut. “Alisa ”
“You promised.” She stood from the couch; she didn’t remember sitting down. He talked as she walked passed him, but a great roar filled her head. She passed her pretty neighbor, scrounging around the floor for her clothes.
Inside the closet Alisa grabbed her suitcase and threw it on the bed. She started shoving clothes in it. She zipped it up and had the feeling Kurt, was talking to her again. She grabbed her bag, disappeared into the bathroom to grab toiletries, and went to her office. There, she packed up her laptop, flash drives and some other things she thought she might need. Heading for the door, she felt heavy with the suitcase, purse, computer bag, and travel kit all strung around her.
Kurt grabbed her arm. “Alisa, sit down, let’s talk about this.”
“Don’t touch me ever again.” She pulled free from his grip.
“You can’t just leave! Where are you going to go? Your mother’s?”
“I have somewhere else to be.” She stormed out, throwing her stuff in the back of her car. Kurt called out to her as she jumped in and left.
At the stop sign, she looked one way. Yes she could go home to her mothers. She looked in the rearview mirror. Down behind her lay nothing she wanted; she just looked at her own hazel eyes. But— she turned the other way.
