Reyna Hawk's Blog, page 7

These are the things I am working on

So I thought I would make a small blog about my WIP or works in progress. These are books that I have either started or have an idea or outline for. With the Valentine/Petrilo series finished and behind me I thought I would concentrate on another story that I’ve thought about for approximately five years.

Angels and Arrows is a story of a girl who discovers at a young age she has the ability to communicate with ghosts and angels. The story follows her through a journey of not only coping but also using this ability to her advantage. Which as the story progresses she’ll need not only inner strength but assistance from outside sources when an obsessed and angry spirit attempts to take control of her life. I am currently writing this and hoping to have it released by January 2013.

Family or Foe is a story based on family secrets, lies, and double crossing. Family members covering up illegitimate children, in-breeding, and what happens to a family when one of the hierarchy tries to manipulate the others into turning their backs on one member who decides to stand up for themselves. This book is still in the thought process with no real substance as of yet.

I have several more story lines that involve the mafia. Those who know me, know that I have an obsession about the mafia. I could watch the movies and TV shows over and over again. There is something about it I find intriguing and interesting. However, when I write I do not write about just the killings and illegal activity. I try to give a glimpse into the life that most do not think of. I try to show the “humanistic” side to the mobsters.

I will post periodically in this blog as time progresses and the projects turn into something more substantial.

Reflection of Secrets FREE Kindle Version

I wanted to share a bit of information about my promotion for Reflection of Secrets- the second book of the Valentine/Petrilo Series……

AUGUST 23R D AND AUGUST 24TH GET YOUR FREE KINDLE VERSION

 

SYNOPSIS:

Just when Janie had high hopes of getting her life on the right path and being happy and free from the Petrilo Crime Family; more tragedies and startling revelations sends her in a direction she never imagined.  Janie thought all the trauma and heartbreak the Petrilos brought her were in the past and she could move on with a new life in Cherokee, NC. However, as many times in Janie’s past trouble and sadness lurk in the shadows. The beautiful life Janie has come to love takes a turn leading her right back to where she started; right back into the clutches of the Petrilo Crime Family. Will Janie survive another go around with the Petrilo Crime Family?

EXCERPT:

“Just be careful ok. You’re very vulnerable right now and I don’t want some jerk taking advantage of that. Understand?… Does he know how much money you got?” Daniel asked raising an eyebrow in suspicion.

“God no! We don’t talk about that crap… he has no clue about any amount of money I may or may not have” Janie lied. She knew better than to mention Malachi was aware that at one time she was able to get her hands on $10,000 cash.

“What do you two talk about?”

“I don’t know… things… Daniella… how I’m doing that day… he don’t much talk about himself. And well I don’t ask.” Janie was so wrapped up in her grief she’d never really taken the time to learn more about him. At that moment she realized just how little she knew about this man.

“Jesus Janie, really?” Daniel couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

“Ok, well I’m gonna run a check on him like I should of in the beginning. I wanna know who my sister and baby niece are living with. Damn… really?… I thought you were smarter than that.” Daniel could only shake his head in disagreement. Janie could be exposing herself and her daughter to a serial killer or child molester.

 

5 star review from William D Curnutt: “Reyna Hawk brings a twist to the story that you won’t see coming. She brings a surprise that you might not like, or you just might think is cool. I know I was caught off guard and wasn’t sure I liked this new twist. But the more I read the more I was caught up in what was happening.”

5 star review from Autumn: “One of the parts of the story that made me love the character Malachi is when he made it clear to Janie that he wants a relationship not a booty call. If that is what she wanted then do not come crawling to his bed. I know us women all love a man who thinks like that, because it shows they care about the woman and not the sex. My favorite quotes: “For where there is life, there is hope.”

5 star review from Mellisa: “This book was wow great wonderful. Kept me on the edge of my seat wanting more. It has mystery adventure and more. 

I will be telling my friends about this book and tell them they need to read it. I give it 5 stars. I can not wait for book 3.”

 

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR FREE COPY ON AMAZON AUGUST 23RD AND AUGUST 24TH

 

Got to do some bragging here

Many times we get on the internet and the different social web sites and we “friend” people and never talk to them again. We see their posts and laugh or like them; but that’s it. Then there are those that we “friend” and talk to nearly everyday and they truly become our friends; whether or not we meet them.

In a world full of hateful, greedy, selfish people there are still those that are nice, giving, and always helpful even when they have tons of work.  Elizabeth Delana Rosa at Crimson Flower Review and Randomness is one such person.  She has helped me tremendously and always takes the time to answer my questions. I am a new Indie Author and there are many things I am unaware of and therefore could be taken advantage of. She has always been honest and forthright with her opinions and services. She has many times gone above and beyond what other bloggers and reviewers have done.

Elizabeth is truly a gem hiding in a world full of coal. To book lovers visit her site and check out her reviews and awesome page. To Indie Authors trying to promote and get their books out there; contact her and she can get you started in the right direction. Elizabeth is fair and honest; no hidden fees and no price jacking!

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Wanted to help a fellow author….

For 2 days only August 20- 21, 2012 , Forbidden Mind by Author Kimberly Kinrade is on sale for only 99cents on Amazon in honor of being featured on EReader News Today ! Check out the book trailer on Youtube !

 

Synopsis:

Sam thinks she’s months away from freedom. After spending her life in a secret school, rented out to the rich and powerful as a paranormal spy, she is ready to head to college like any normal eighteen-year-old. Only Sam isn’t normal. She reads minds. And just before her big going-away party, she links to the mind of a young man who changes everything.

Drake wasn’t raised as a ‘Rent-A-Kid.’ He was kidnapped and taken there by force. But his exceptional physical strength and powers of mind control make him very dangerous, especially to Sam.

When they meet, Sam is forced to face the truth of her situation, and to acknowledge that not all is as it seems in her picture-perfect world. For what awaits her on her eighteenth birthday isn’t a trip to college, but an unexpected nightmare from which she may not be able to escape.

To survive, they must work together.

But will their powers be enough to save them before it’s too late?

***

Described as X-Men meets Alias but with a human trafficking twist (and more romance), fans of Katniss and The Hunger Games will find a new heroine to root for in the action-packed Forbidden Trilogy.

Reviews:

“…a thrilling, dark and deeply romantic read that had me sitting on the edge of my seat and eagerly awaiting the next installment.” – Refracted Light Young Adult Book Reviews

“Do not make any plans on the day you begin, as once you start, you will not be able to put it down.” – L.M. Stull, Author of A Thirty-Something Girl

“…hooked me in from the beginning.” – L.E. Manning

“This book was fantastic!” – Patti Larsen, Author of Family Magic

“Forbidden Mind is beautifully written and worth your reading time.” – BookWormSans

“Definite must read. For once you start, you simply can’t stop. 5 out of 5 stars!” – H. Badgwell

 

Excerpt:

The door to the studio hung open just a crack, and angry screams assaulted us as we approached. Luke and Lucy looked to me as if I knew what was going on.
I shrugged my shoulders in the universal I’ve-got-no-freaking-idea way and crept to the door. I could have just slipped into their minds, but listening to people talk both out load and mentally was hard to track and gave me a pretty big headache. At that moment, what they were saying, or rather screaming, to each other was more interesting.

We didn’t want to budge the door and draw attention to ourselves, so Luke pushed his head through. He bobbed in and out so quickly I almost missed it. Being able to walk through anything was mighty handy at times.

I nudged him. “Well?”
”Higgins and Mr. K. They both look pretty pissed.”
They sounded it too. I’d never heard Headmaster Higgins yell at any of the teachers, or students for that matter.

He wasn’t a pushover by any stretch, but he’d always been levelheaded—until today.
Higgins shouted at Mr. K. “How could you enter her without permission from me? Do you realize what you’ve done? This could ruin the school and everything we’re doing here.”

Was Higgins talking about me?

Mr. K replied with the same volume and anger. I could imagine the vein over his left eye bulging. “You have no idea how talented that girl is! She should be at the best art school in the world, not hidden here like a freak of nature. It’s my job to make sure she has a future when she leaves this god-awful place, and I’m not letting you, or the people you work for, stand in my way. Or hers.”

They must have been talking about me, but it made no sense. Why didn’t Higgins want me entering the contest, and why did Mr. K hate this place so much?

“Don’t you mean, the people we work for? They employ us both, and you’d do well to remember that, Mr. Krevner. Their reach extends beyond the gates of this school.”

I couldn’t believe it. Was the headmaster actually threatening my art teacher? What was going on?

“You will pull her from that competition and clean up the mess you’ve made, or your days here are numbered. Am I making myself clear?”

Something crashed into a wall, and my friends and I jumped back in surprise.

“Everything is very clear. You use her and her gifts, rent her and all these kids out to the highest bidder as spies. You make billions on these Rent-A-Kids, as they call themselves. And now you want to snuff her chance to shine doing what she truly loves? No. If you want to destroy her dreams, you can do it yourself. I’ll have no part in it.”

Footsteps approached the door. I tripped back, grabbed Luke and Lucy, and the three of us ducked around the corner of the building. I peeked out just as Mr. K stormed from the studio, his face bright red and contorted in anger. Not his best look.

Headmaster Higgins followed him out moments later. He adjusted his navy blue suit and plastered a calm mask over his face. His midnight black skin did not reveal his recent spike in blood pressure the same way that Mr. K’s pasty complexion had, but the tight way he held his shoulders and the fists he made of his hands spoke to his anger.

Tears stung my eyes, and I swiped at them with the back of a hand still stained with splashes of paint. If they pulled me from the contest, hundreds of hours of hard work would be wasted, and my future would get flushed down the toilet. That couldn’t happen!

When both men were gone, the three of us snuck into the studio and closed the door behind us. My enthusiasm had drained out of me like dirty bathtub water. I sniffled and wiped my traitorous eyes again.

Lucy put her arm around me. “Cheer up, Chica. We’ll figure this out, I promise. They can’t keep you from this, not after all the hard work you’ve done. And you’ll be leaving for New York soon. Luke and I will join you there, and we’ll make all of our dreams come true, just watch!”

I tried to smile, for her sake, but the smile didn’t reach my eyes.
Luke rubbed my head as if I were his pet dog. “Where’s this painting I’ve been hearing so little about?”
I swatted his hand and couldn’t suppress a small, but genuine, smile. Luke could always cheer me: funny, gorgeous, and so much like a brother it sucked.
”Over here.” The canvas draped over my painting appeared undisturbed. A sigh of relief escaped me. At least nothing had happened to it. “Close your eyes.”
They both groaned but did as told.
Fear and nervousness buzzed through me as I pulled the canvas off. What if they hated it? What if everyone hated it and my dreams of being a real artist died before they could even be born? My lungs clenched with stale breath and I exhaled before I got too dizzy. “Okay, you can look.”

They stood there, jaws dropped, stunned into silence. They either hated it or totally loved it.
”Um, is this a bad or good silence?”
Lucy pulled her mouth closed and swallowed before she spoke. “O.M.G. Sam, this is the most incredible, unbelievable thing I’ve ever seen in my life. You painted this?” “You like it?”

Her mental voice slammed into me. ‘Would I lie to you? It’s amazing!’

Relief flooded me even as I laughed at her joke. I could read minds, sure, but she was the human lie detector. No one dared lie to her.

Luke hugged me and whispered into my ear, “I’m so proud of you, Sam. This is truly epic!”

We stood there staring for several minutes. This painting represented so much about me, my life, my future… everything. I hated to leave it even for a minute, but my stomach protested its neglect with a loud rumble.

Luke grabbed my hand. “Come on, let’s feed you. My treat.”

With the buzz of success filling me, and Luke’s hand in mind, I entertained a what-if. What if I could get past the whole brother thing with Luke? I took in his tall, well-defined frame, his dark hair and bright blue eyes. Gorgeous inside and out, but… nothing. No spark at all. Such a pity. Of all the guys at school, he was the only one I could even imagine being with, but I couldn’t force the chemistry and neither could he.

We walked to dinner hand in hand, and I consoled myself with the fact that I had the best friends a girl could want. Not a bad consolation prize after all, and worth a hundred boyfriends.

 

Bio:

Kimberly Kinrade was born with ink in her veins and magic in her heart. She writes fantasy and paranormal stories for children, YA and adults and still believes in magic worlds. Check out her YA paranormal novels Forbidden Mind and Forbidden Fire and her illustrated children’s fantasy chapter books Lexie World, Bella World, and Maddie World all on Amazon.

She lives with her three little girls who think they’re ninja princesses with super powers, her two dogs who think they’re humans, her two cats who think they’re gods, and her husband, also known as the sexy Russian Prince, who is the love of her life and writing partner.

For a list of her books, check out: http://Amazon.com/author/kimberlykinrade

Website: http://KimberlyKinrade.com

For a fun fan experience, join the team at I.P.I. at http://IPIAcademy.com

For kids and parents of young kids, join the Lost Kids at http://ThreeLostKids.com

Twitter: @KimberlyKinrade

IPI Twitter: @IPIAcademy

Facebook: /KimberlyKinrade

IPI Facebook: /IPIAcademy

Email: Books@KimberlyKinrade.com

 

Video book trailers…. why???

It seems many authors are now making book trailers. Many wonder if they do any good; I would think they do because they can give the viewers a glimpse into the book and story line. I think a good book trailer can help the sales of the book. I look at them as I do movie trailers; they are tidbits of information for the story line. Book trailers need to be well thought out and coordinated so they give the readers a small glimpse of the book.

Here is an article where I explained the making of the Reflection of Secrets book trailer.

Interview on a Facebook Group

Here is the first official Fan Club Interview! I left a lot of things out that I wanted to ask, simply so I can do another interview. Read my reaction at the end

I love that you dedicated the series to your Mom, are there any hidden messages or character mannerisms that are for your mom or from her?

Reyna- My mother always told me I could be whatever I wanted to be; I wish she could have been here to see this happen. I know many people say she sees from above; but anyone who has lost a loved one knows it’s not the same as if they were here. But to answer your question I actually came up with the title for book one after a saying she used to say. I had heard it said in regards to numerous situations that I needed to stop looking through blind eyes. Other than that much of Janie’s boldness that transpired through the series and saying whatever came into her head was much like my mother.

Book one (Looking Through Blind Eyes) is the longest book in the series, how long did it take from start to publish?

Reyna-This is a long story so I’ll give the cut down version. I started this book nearly 20 years ago. But due to life and frustration over trying to get it published (this was before the day and age of self-publishing over the net) I had put it on the back burner. Then, in the Fall of 2011 I began concentrating on it full time, determined to get it published. I sent it the publisher’s in late March/early April. Once it was accepted it took about six weeks to go through the complete publishing process. For the other two books I switched publishing companies so it doesn’t take nearly as long now.

What in your life, if anything, caused the characters to become who they are?

Reyna-Nothing happened that made me think up these characters; unless you want to say my obsession with the mob. I love learning and reading about the mafia. Initially that is what brought about the storyline. Oddly enough two of the characters got their names from songs. Janie from Aerosmith’s Janie’s got a gun; Daniel from Elton John’s Daniel; Malachi I’ve just always liked the name; and Rico’s name is actually short for Federico. However, there is an FBI task force that concentrates on the mafia known as RICO, which I thought was a good play on words.

If you could choose only ONE character to come to life, who would it be and why?

Reyna-This is an easy one: Rico. He is my ideal man. He is a tall and a fine specimen of a man. He loves unconditionally and goes above and beyond to prove his love. Yes, I know he’s a hit man in the mob. But that is not who he is deep down. He looks at it like a job and not who he really is.

I’m not sure if you realize this (wink) but you officially have three names now, Mary, Beth and now Reyna. Would you like to tell the story of the three names?

Reyna-Yes I have realized this (smile). Mary is actually my first given name and what appears on all official documents. Not many people call me this; the only people who do are official people like businesses and work. Beth is my nickname given to me by my mother. It comes from my middle name, Elizabeth. As for Reyna, well I’ve always like the name Renee. However, I wanted something unique and different from Renee. So, I Googled the name Renee and looked at variances of it. Many people think it is Native American because of my admiration for them. However, it is actually Scandinavian, Latin, and Spanish and means counsel, song, and queen.

What’s next for Reyna?

Reyna-Well I will continue writing and have several story lines in the works. This is something I love to do and will continue no matter the popularity of the books. This wasn’t just a one time thing.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Reyna-Well I’d like to have a large array of books out there; with at least one of them on the New York Best Seller’s List. I would be thrilled if by this time this series has been made into movies. However, that’s not why I write; I write because I have so many stories that I want to share with others. Reading good books takes people out of the stresses of their lives and takes them to an entirely different world and that’s why I do it.

Any inside information on upcoming projects?!?

Reyna-Well I am currently working on a paranormal fiction titled “Angels and Arrows”. It is about a young girl that finds herself in the throws of an obsessed spirit of a man. It tells the story of how she grew up seeing spirits and how she came to be obsessed by this spirit; and how this spirit pushes those that try to get close away. Until she meets someone that isn’t afraid of the spirit and stands their ground against the dangerous spirit.

Favorite food:

Reyna-Chicken. I love chicken of any kind. I’ve said numerous times if not for chicken I could be a vegetarian.

And the last hard hitting question of this interview…single or taken?

Reyna-I am single but currently happy with my situation. I see those around me having relationship problems and think: “Wow, I am so glad I am single.” However, it does get lonely and I am not ruling out any future relationships. If the right person came along then I would definitely be open to it.

Jens Final Thought:

I believe that in 5 years Reyna (Aunt Beth as I like to call her) will be exactly where she desires to be. There comes a time in everyone’s life when you wake up one day and realize “Damn, this is what I’m supposed to do with the rest of my life” and in my opinion, that day came for Reyna 20 years ago, and what we have is an amazing story, full of twist, turns, and characters you can’t help but fall in love with. As some of you may know by now, Reyna is my aunt. So my question regarding her mother (my Grandma) being “in” the characters, is because certain phrases or actions in the storyline would make me say “that reminds me of the time Grandma said this or did that.” When you read a book, if the Author hasn’t provoked SOME sort of emotion from the reader than it’s easy for the reader to get bored with the story. For me, several emotions were provoked (eh,hem, some we won’t talk about here) but I have to say personally, the characters in the book made me feel close, if only for a moment, to the one person I wish more than anything could be here to enjoy Reyna’s success, give me the advice I so desperately need, and to see just how amazing her Great-Grandchildren are. They would all have thought she was just as amazing and warm as Jason and I did growing up. Even when she was lecturing.

What celebrity would I pick…..

I am not sure if every author considers their books being made into a movie. I am sure many of us do. To me it would be such an honor to have someone say  my books are so good they should be made into a movie. In fact, with this particular series I would love to see that happen!! Whenever someone speaks of reading them, they say they could see the story line unfolding in their heads like a movie. So here is an article I did for “To Read or Not To Read” about that…

If the Valentine/Petrilo series (Looking Through Blind Eyes, Reflection of Secrets, and Shattered Visions Haunted Memories) was set to be made into a movie; what celebrities would I pick for the characters?

Third and final book of the Valentine/Petrilo series

Well I knew this day would come; although it came faster than I thought it would! The third and final book of the Valentine/Petrilo Series has been finished. Shattered Visions Haunted Memories will be released on September 19, 2012… I am super excited for this release because all three books of the series will finally be published. I am currently working on the cover and doing the final editing and proofreading.

However, I am a bit sad. In writing these books I became “attached” and “emotionally involved” with these characters. This is something I definitely wasn’t expecting. I have been thinking of these books for nearly 20 years and now they are out in the world for others to enjoy.

I will keep updates here as the release date draws closer. Thank you to everyone who supported me in helping make this a reality!

Book one: Looking Through Blind Eyes

Book two: Reflection of Secrets

Guest post for I’m a book shark

I love doing guest posts that are unique or different. I’m a book shark website always has some pretty ingenious ideas for topics or guest post. This is one I did recently for my top ten favorite movies! Mickey Reed does a great job setting them up and making them look awesome! Thanks again, Mickey!!

Check out Reyna Hawk’s Top Ten Favorite Movies….

True Support

Sometimes we all go on tangents about not getting support for this project or that project. And when some of our closest family and friends disappoint us by not being there or showing their support; we get upset and rant and rave. I have been guilty of that in the past. Well, today I want to talk about a special person; my niece Jennifer. She has taken it upon herself to make a “Fans of Reyna Hawk” page on Facebook. This is a site where those that have read the book (or not) can discuss it, there will be interviews, and news of upcoming book and giveaways. I am so proud of her for taking the initiative and doing this. She is an awesome special woman! Thank you Jennifer I love you!

Here is the link to join this group: “Fans of Reyna Hawk”

All she asks is no spoilers!!