Kayla Curry's Blog, page 8
March 10, 2013
Embraced by Darlene Jones! Excerpt and Feature!
Hello! Are you paranormal fans also fans of aliens? Well, if you are, today is your lucky day. I'm hosting the book Embraced, by Darlene Jones. Take a look at the blurb and then an excerpt from the book!
EMBRACED by Darlene Jones
The Blurb:
When Principal, Abby Davies, shows Curtis a page of scribbles and asks him to try to figure it out, Curtis isn’t sure what to think. He likes Miss D and all. She isn’t too bad for a school teacher. You can talk to her and she doesn’t make fun. But, sheesh, a secret code from aliens? That’s just too scifi for him. To keep her happy, he says he’ll help. Thing is, once he starts studying the scribbles, he can see messages.
Coder Guy, as Abby calls whoever is sending the messages, wants her to fix things. What things? Abby and Curtis find the answer when letters with Abby’s signature appear in newspaper offices. The things asked for come true. But, who’s writing the letters? Coder Guy?Or Abby?
Then the reporter shows up. What is a war correspondent doing in their little town? He says he loves Abby, but he sells her story to the world; her face splashed over every television and computer screen. The next day Miss D and Curtis are the only ones who remember the reports.
That’s when real fear sets in.
Meanwhile, Yves, who fell in love with Em, has loved her through her life as Jasmine, still loves her in this life as Abby. He fumes as one of the rookie gods fumbles communication with her. Once again, Yves breaks the rules to help Abby, but with deadly results.
The Excerpt: “More drawings?” Curtis gestured at the papers she held. Abby looked down at the pages and willed her hand to stop trembling. The three pages of code drawings seemed to shimmer and shiver with a life of their own. “Yes. Three pages. From Friday, Saturday, and last night. They’re pretty … they’re … pretty well done, I’d say.” But Curtis was no longer listening. He waved the papers she’d just handed him and almost shouted with excitement. “These are amazing. Way better than the first drawing you brought us.” Abby stifled a small grin, but she had to agree. The drawings outclassed her scratches a million times over. “My friend developed instant artistic talent.” “I’ll say.” Curtis shuffled the pages back and forth. He shook his head slowly and muttered “wow” over and over. Finally he looked up at her. “Miss D, thanks for getting so many. Now we have four to compare. We’ll see if there are any repeated patterns or sequences of symbols. Your friend is great to share these with us.” “No problem.” Oh God, I’m such a liar. Of course there was a problem, and not just because she was lying to Curtis. My friend. How lame was that? The mere existence of the pages was the real problem. Some nights the clickings chattered incessantly in her fillings, almost driving her crazy. Those were the nights of very little sleep. The weekend had been eerily silent. That was a new phenomenon since Friday, no clickings, instead Coder Guy had begun leaving the pages filled with drawings. Either way—no escaping the code. A while back, she’d grown tired of sharpening the pencil she used each night and replaced it with a pen, which was now almost out of ink. She’d have to remember to get out a new one tonight. Or maybe not? What would happen if there was no writing utensil? “What’s so funny?” Curtis asked. Abby hadn’t realized she’d laughed out loud. The lack of pen wouldn’t stop her night visitor. She stifled another burst of laughter she knew bordered on hysteria. Truth was, much as the pages of code scared her, she’d be devastated if no more came. The person—being, alien, Coder Guy—was an integral part of her life now; his existence had established a rhythm that kept her balanced. Or so she thought. Maybe she was completely off her rocker. Whatever the case, she didn’t want to lose that contact. Coder Guy’s presence warmed her, kept her from feeling alone and lonely. Oh, man, I am losing it here. Really losing it.
Amazon
Apple ibook
Smashwords
Find out more about Embrace and the other books in the series on Darlene's website: www.emandyves.com
Darlene Jones' Bio:
A long time ago, I lived in Mali. Every single day, I wished I could wave a magic wand to relieve the heart-wrenching poverty. The story line of my books reflects my desire to wave that wand and make the world a better place. If only wishes could come true. And of course, every novel needs its love story, so along with the sci-fi magic, I’ve added the requisite romance.
Initially, I intended to write “a” novel. The story and characters took over and the ending of the first demanded another. Two books became three and three became four.
I've always believed we can't be the only beings existing in the vastness of the universe. There must be others “out there somewhere” and I brought some of them along for the ride. The setting stays, for the most part, within the realities of our world, but I've found that I love the magic the sci-fi element of other beings can bring to the story.
EMBRACED by Darlene Jones
The Blurb:
When Principal, Abby Davies, shows Curtis a page of scribbles and asks him to try to figure it out, Curtis isn’t sure what to think. He likes Miss D and all. She isn’t too bad for a school teacher. You can talk to her and she doesn’t make fun. But, sheesh, a secret code from aliens? That’s just too scifi for him. To keep her happy, he says he’ll help. Thing is, once he starts studying the scribbles, he can see messages.
Coder Guy, as Abby calls whoever is sending the messages, wants her to fix things. What things? Abby and Curtis find the answer when letters with Abby’s signature appear in newspaper offices. The things asked for come true. But, who’s writing the letters? Coder Guy?Or Abby?
Then the reporter shows up. What is a war correspondent doing in their little town? He says he loves Abby, but he sells her story to the world; her face splashed over every television and computer screen. The next day Miss D and Curtis are the only ones who remember the reports.
That’s when real fear sets in.
Meanwhile, Yves, who fell in love with Em, has loved her through her life as Jasmine, still loves her in this life as Abby. He fumes as one of the rookie gods fumbles communication with her. Once again, Yves breaks the rules to help Abby, but with deadly results.
The Excerpt: “More drawings?” Curtis gestured at the papers she held. Abby looked down at the pages and willed her hand to stop trembling. The three pages of code drawings seemed to shimmer and shiver with a life of their own. “Yes. Three pages. From Friday, Saturday, and last night. They’re pretty … they’re … pretty well done, I’d say.” But Curtis was no longer listening. He waved the papers she’d just handed him and almost shouted with excitement. “These are amazing. Way better than the first drawing you brought us.” Abby stifled a small grin, but she had to agree. The drawings outclassed her scratches a million times over. “My friend developed instant artistic talent.” “I’ll say.” Curtis shuffled the pages back and forth. He shook his head slowly and muttered “wow” over and over. Finally he looked up at her. “Miss D, thanks for getting so many. Now we have four to compare. We’ll see if there are any repeated patterns or sequences of symbols. Your friend is great to share these with us.” “No problem.” Oh God, I’m such a liar. Of course there was a problem, and not just because she was lying to Curtis. My friend. How lame was that? The mere existence of the pages was the real problem. Some nights the clickings chattered incessantly in her fillings, almost driving her crazy. Those were the nights of very little sleep. The weekend had been eerily silent. That was a new phenomenon since Friday, no clickings, instead Coder Guy had begun leaving the pages filled with drawings. Either way—no escaping the code. A while back, she’d grown tired of sharpening the pencil she used each night and replaced it with a pen, which was now almost out of ink. She’d have to remember to get out a new one tonight. Or maybe not? What would happen if there was no writing utensil? “What’s so funny?” Curtis asked. Abby hadn’t realized she’d laughed out loud. The lack of pen wouldn’t stop her night visitor. She stifled another burst of laughter she knew bordered on hysteria. Truth was, much as the pages of code scared her, she’d be devastated if no more came. The person—being, alien, Coder Guy—was an integral part of her life now; his existence had established a rhythm that kept her balanced. Or so she thought. Maybe she was completely off her rocker. Whatever the case, she didn’t want to lose that contact. Coder Guy’s presence warmed her, kept her from feeling alone and lonely. Oh, man, I am losing it here. Really losing it.
Amazon
Apple ibook
Smashwords
Find out more about Embrace and the other books in the series on Darlene's website: www.emandyves.com
Darlene Jones' Bio:
A long time ago, I lived in Mali. Every single day, I wished I could wave a magic wand to relieve the heart-wrenching poverty. The story line of my books reflects my desire to wave that wand and make the world a better place. If only wishes could come true. And of course, every novel needs its love story, so along with the sci-fi magic, I’ve added the requisite romance.
Initially, I intended to write “a” novel. The story and characters took over and the ending of the first demanded another. Two books became three and three became four.
I've always believed we can't be the only beings existing in the vastness of the universe. There must be others “out there somewhere” and I brought some of them along for the ride. The setting stays, for the most part, within the realities of our world, but I've found that I love the magic the sci-fi element of other beings can bring to the story.
March 8, 2013
Calling all paranormal authors! Guest posts needed!
I'm running out of things to write on here, so I need you guys to submit some guest posts to me. You can feature your paranormal books in any way you wish. Just send 'em over to lil87blue@hotmail.com and I'll schedule you as they come in. If you would like a certain date, feel free to request it.
I'm hoping this will jump start the blog a little. I'm really looking forward to hearing from authors of paranormal books! Thanks guys! If you are needing fresh content for your blog, I'd love to do a guest post in return, so let me know if you're looking too!
I'm hoping this will jump start the blog a little. I'm really looking forward to hearing from authors of paranormal books! Thanks guys! If you are needing fresh content for your blog, I'd love to do a guest post in return, so let me know if you're looking too!
March 1, 2013
An Eternity of Roses, $.99 book for a good cause!
Hi everyone! Today I'm posting about a very important cause. An author I met on facebook is putting her book on sale for $.99 and donating 10% of that to a woman struggling with Lymphoma. The author's name is Natalie G. Owens and she is doing her part to help Vicky Rose Stewart by offering her book at a discount for one week. You can learn more about Vicky Rose Stewart, her battle and how else you can help by going to the facebook event page A Good Deed for a Friend in Need.
The book is titled
An Eternity of Roses (The Valthreans, Book 1).
It's a book that I think you paranormal fans will enjoy, so take a look at the blurb and pick it up on Amazon where it will be $.99.
Two lovers separated by an evil curse.
A desperate quest through time.
A love that wants to beat all odds.
And all the while, deadly danger brews around a two-thousand-year-old secret society and the enemy that lives to decimate it."...'Til the end of my life, I shall belong to you as your husband."
That was the promise Adrian made to Emmaline. And then, he was gone forever...
It is 1807. Adrian Segrave, Viscount Bournemouthe, and Lady Emmaline Deramore are about to wed and British Society teems with excitement at this imminent love match. But Madeleine de Brandeville, a mysterious Frenchwoman, has her lustful and ambitious sights on the groom. When she sets her cruel plan in motion, she leaves devastation in her path.
Heartbroken, Emmaline embarks on an adventure she'd never imagined having. As the world changes and chaos brews, her fate becomes linked with the Valthreans, a group of immortals who must learn to face a deadly enemy that threatens their place in the human world. But all the while, there is one thing she wants more than any other--to get back her man.
When she finally finds her prize, her worst nightmares are far from over and the toughest battle is yet to begin. Will love win the war in the end?
Disclaimer: Do not read this novel if you dislike drop dead sexy heroes, strong heroines, intriguing immortals, magic, spells, mystery, amazing adventures, exotic settings, secret cults, and sensual love scenes.
Author Bio:Natalie G. Owens got her first taste of serious writing by penning award-winning poetry, short stories, and articles for college and local publications. She sold her first book to a small publisher in 2007 and is currently indie published. Her favorite stories to write are romances with a dark edge featuring brooding heroes, strong heroines, and a good dash of fantasy. Social Media links:Website: www.nataliegowens.com
Facebook profile page: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=563297082
Facebook author page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Natalie-G-Owens-Author/24911987111
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/natalie_g_owens
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4527498-natalie-g-owens Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/u/0/115212743960662992349/posts One reviewer described it as “a fast-paced, loving, lovable romp through time and character and romance … with characters who are so fully fleshed that I felt they were standing beside me.” More info and free chapter at http://bit.ly/V0eCy4 Download from: The book is on sale on AMAZON for a limited time, please grab it up to help out a great cause! Amazon US: http://amzn.to/13cT8QyAmazon UK: http://amzn.to/TFFH8E Amazon (all territories), copy and paste: viewBook.at/B00AXLAUMO Other links to buy it for $3.99 Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/WGD7wC Smashwords: http://bit.ly/V0gWVJKobo:http://bit.ly/TVLOEY iTunes:http://bit.ly/SYUSMv All Romance eBooks: http://bit.ly/13vbYmX
The book is titled
An Eternity of Roses (The Valthreans, Book 1).
It's a book that I think you paranormal fans will enjoy, so take a look at the blurb and pick it up on Amazon where it will be $.99.Two lovers separated by an evil curse.
A desperate quest through time.
A love that wants to beat all odds.
And all the while, deadly danger brews around a two-thousand-year-old secret society and the enemy that lives to decimate it."...'Til the end of my life, I shall belong to you as your husband."
That was the promise Adrian made to Emmaline. And then, he was gone forever...
It is 1807. Adrian Segrave, Viscount Bournemouthe, and Lady Emmaline Deramore are about to wed and British Society teems with excitement at this imminent love match. But Madeleine de Brandeville, a mysterious Frenchwoman, has her lustful and ambitious sights on the groom. When she sets her cruel plan in motion, she leaves devastation in her path.
Heartbroken, Emmaline embarks on an adventure she'd never imagined having. As the world changes and chaos brews, her fate becomes linked with the Valthreans, a group of immortals who must learn to face a deadly enemy that threatens their place in the human world. But all the while, there is one thing she wants more than any other--to get back her man.
When she finally finds her prize, her worst nightmares are far from over and the toughest battle is yet to begin. Will love win the war in the end?
Disclaimer: Do not read this novel if you dislike drop dead sexy heroes, strong heroines, intriguing immortals, magic, spells, mystery, amazing adventures, exotic settings, secret cults, and sensual love scenes.
Author Bio:Natalie G. Owens got her first taste of serious writing by penning award-winning poetry, short stories, and articles for college and local publications. She sold her first book to a small publisher in 2007 and is currently indie published. Her favorite stories to write are romances with a dark edge featuring brooding heroes, strong heroines, and a good dash of fantasy. Social Media links:Website: www.nataliegowens.com
Facebook profile page: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=563297082
Facebook author page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Natalie-G-Owens-Author/24911987111
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/natalie_g_owens
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4527498-natalie-g-owens Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/u/0/115212743960662992349/posts One reviewer described it as “a fast-paced, loving, lovable romp through time and character and romance … with characters who are so fully fleshed that I felt they were standing beside me.” More info and free chapter at http://bit.ly/V0eCy4 Download from: The book is on sale on AMAZON for a limited time, please grab it up to help out a great cause! Amazon US: http://amzn.to/13cT8QyAmazon UK: http://amzn.to/TFFH8E Amazon (all territories), copy and paste: viewBook.at/B00AXLAUMO Other links to buy it for $3.99 Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/WGD7wC Smashwords: http://bit.ly/V0gWVJKobo:http://bit.ly/TVLOEY iTunes:http://bit.ly/SYUSMv All Romance eBooks: http://bit.ly/13vbYmX
February 26, 2013
Big list of paranormal books!!
Yeah. I'm recycling this from Blogger Book Fair. I'm doing it for two reasons. 1. Because I'm lazy and short on time and 2. because these books look awesome!! Some I've read and others I really want to read. These are books that participated in the Blogger Book Fair in the paranormal genre:
*The links will take you to their BBF page where you'll find blurbs, covers links and more!
Paranormal Romance
Aurora Sky: Vampire hunter by Nikki Jefford
Beautifully Broken by Sherry Soule
Dark Matter: Elemental Enmity Series #2 by Christie Rich
Five: Elemental Enmity Series #1 by Christie Rich
Forget Me Not by Allison Blanchard
Genesis: Elemental Enmity Series #3 by Christie Rich
Ghostwriter by Lissa Bryan
Her Sweetest Downfall by Rebecca Hamilton
Horizon: Elemental Enmity Series #4 by Christie Rich
Into You by Riley J. Ford
Moonlight Mayhem by Sherry Soule
MORE by T. M. Franklin
Shadow’s Soul: Book 2 of the Kyn Kronicles by Jami Gray
The Forever Girl by Rebecca Hamilton
Paranormal Thriller
Curtain Call: Death Metal Series #1 by Nathan Squiers
Noir: Crimson Shadow Series #1 by Nathan Squiers
Shadow’s Edge: Book 1 of the Kyn Kronicles by Jami Gray
Sins of the Father: Crimson Shadow Series #2 by Nathan Squiers
Vigilare by Brooklyn James
Vigilare: Hellhound by Brooklyn James
Dark/Paranormal/Supernatural/Urban Fantasy
A Prescription for Delirium by Noree Cosper
A Shadow of Time by Louann Carroll
Beautifully Broken by Sherry Soule
Bitten by Dan O’Brien
Curtain Call: Death Metal Series #1 by Nathan Squiers
Detecting Magic with Dick Hunter: The Morte des Hommes Files by A. Jarrell Hayes
Elfblood Trilogy #1: Elfblood by Kyra Dune
Elfblood Trilogy #2: The Silver Catacombs by Kyra Dune
Fractured Light by Rachel McClellan
Fractured Soul by Rachel McClellan
Gemini Rising by Louann Carroll
Legacy of a Dreamer by Allie Jean
Mana by Asher Tensei
Moonlight Mayhem by Sherry Soule
Neverlove by Angela Brown
Obsidian: Mystic Stones Series #1 by Kayla Curry
Perfect Betrayal by Jade Kerrion
Perfect Weapon by Jade Kerrion
Perfection Unleashed by Jade Kerrion
Revamp by Beck Sherman
Shadow’s Edge: Book 1 of the Kyn Kronicles by Jami Gray
Shadow’s Soul: Book 2 of the Kyn Kronicles by Jami Gray
The Oraces of St. Ambrose: Going Under by Jennifer M. Barry
Vaempires: Revolution by Thomas Winship
Vaempires: White Christmas by Thomas Winship
Vaempires: Zombie Rising by Thomas Winship
What Kills Me by Wynne Channing
When The Silence Ends by Jade Kerrion
Wild Point Island by Kate Lutter
*The links will take you to their BBF page where you'll find blurbs, covers links and more!
Paranormal Romance
Aurora Sky: Vampire hunter by Nikki Jefford
Beautifully Broken by Sherry Soule
Dark Matter: Elemental Enmity Series #2 by Christie Rich
Five: Elemental Enmity Series #1 by Christie Rich
Forget Me Not by Allison Blanchard
Genesis: Elemental Enmity Series #3 by Christie Rich
Ghostwriter by Lissa Bryan
Her Sweetest Downfall by Rebecca Hamilton
Horizon: Elemental Enmity Series #4 by Christie Rich
Into You by Riley J. Ford
Moonlight Mayhem by Sherry Soule
MORE by T. M. Franklin
Shadow’s Soul: Book 2 of the Kyn Kronicles by Jami Gray
The Forever Girl by Rebecca Hamilton
Paranormal Thriller
Curtain Call: Death Metal Series #1 by Nathan Squiers
Noir: Crimson Shadow Series #1 by Nathan Squiers
Shadow’s Edge: Book 1 of the Kyn Kronicles by Jami Gray
Sins of the Father: Crimson Shadow Series #2 by Nathan Squiers
Vigilare by Brooklyn James
Vigilare: Hellhound by Brooklyn James
Dark/Paranormal/Supernatural/Urban Fantasy
A Prescription for Delirium by Noree Cosper
A Shadow of Time by Louann Carroll
Beautifully Broken by Sherry Soule
Bitten by Dan O’Brien
Curtain Call: Death Metal Series #1 by Nathan Squiers
Detecting Magic with Dick Hunter: The Morte des Hommes Files by A. Jarrell Hayes
Elfblood Trilogy #1: Elfblood by Kyra Dune
Elfblood Trilogy #2: The Silver Catacombs by Kyra Dune
Fractured Light by Rachel McClellan
Fractured Soul by Rachel McClellan
Gemini Rising by Louann Carroll
Legacy of a Dreamer by Allie Jean
Mana by Asher Tensei
Moonlight Mayhem by Sherry Soule
Neverlove by Angela Brown
Obsidian: Mystic Stones Series #1 by Kayla Curry
Perfect Betrayal by Jade Kerrion
Perfect Weapon by Jade Kerrion
Perfection Unleashed by Jade Kerrion
Revamp by Beck Sherman
Shadow’s Edge: Book 1 of the Kyn Kronicles by Jami Gray
Shadow’s Soul: Book 2 of the Kyn Kronicles by Jami Gray
The Oraces of St. Ambrose: Going Under by Jennifer M. Barry
Vaempires: Revolution by Thomas Winship
Vaempires: White Christmas by Thomas Winship
Vaempires: Zombie Rising by Thomas Winship
What Kills Me by Wynne Channing
When The Silence Ends by Jade Kerrion
Wild Point Island by Kate Lutter
February 23, 2013
5 Reasons I've Become a Bad Blog Host
Hey guys! I'm so sorry I haven't been posting much lately! Here are my excuses and a few solutions:
Excuses:
I've been hard at work on Moonstone: Mystic Stones Series #2, Ruby: A Mystic Stones Jewel, and Vibe: Grey Apathy. That's one novel and two short stories. The good news? I'm finished with Moonstone for now and Ruby is just about done, which leaves Vibe: Grey Apathy at about 30% done.I just finished Blogger Book Fair and I have to get data together so I can run the next one more efficiently. The good news? Most everything is getting squared away.I'm running out of ideas on what to post on this blog. Anyone have anything paranormal related that they would like to discuss?I've just been plain lazy. I have a review that I need to write, but I'm unsure on what to say.I've been cheating on this blog with my other blog, the Pepper Press where I write about marketing books.Solutions? Well, I would love some suggestions an what YOU want to see on the Paranormal Lounge. I'll also be participating in the A-Z Challenge in April, so that means there will be at least 26 posts on here in April.
So, to tide you over while I get it together, lets talk about Twilight and Warm Bodies!
I haven't seen Breaking Dawn Part 2 yet, but I assure you I will be getting it when it comes out on March 2nd. Anyone else buying the DVD? I'm sure most of you have already seen it in theaters. I have all the other DVDs and I saw all the rest of the movies in the theater.
For some reason, I wasn't as excited for Part 2. It might just be the whole Kristin Stewart fiasco, where she cheated on Rob. I know they are back together, and I know people make mistakes, but I think it did kinda ruin the excitement for me a little. How about you?
On to Warm Bodies. Has anyone read the book and seen the movie? I've only seen the movie and I LOVED IT!! Yeah. Valentine's Day date with the husband and we went to that movie. We both liked it a lot. It's such a new and refreshing take on Zombies. What's your opinion?
Excuses:
I've been hard at work on Moonstone: Mystic Stones Series #2, Ruby: A Mystic Stones Jewel, and Vibe: Grey Apathy. That's one novel and two short stories. The good news? I'm finished with Moonstone for now and Ruby is just about done, which leaves Vibe: Grey Apathy at about 30% done.I just finished Blogger Book Fair and I have to get data together so I can run the next one more efficiently. The good news? Most everything is getting squared away.I'm running out of ideas on what to post on this blog. Anyone have anything paranormal related that they would like to discuss?I've just been plain lazy. I have a review that I need to write, but I'm unsure on what to say.I've been cheating on this blog with my other blog, the Pepper Press where I write about marketing books.Solutions? Well, I would love some suggestions an what YOU want to see on the Paranormal Lounge. I'll also be participating in the A-Z Challenge in April, so that means there will be at least 26 posts on here in April.
So, to tide you over while I get it together, lets talk about Twilight and Warm Bodies!
I haven't seen Breaking Dawn Part 2 yet, but I assure you I will be getting it when it comes out on March 2nd. Anyone else buying the DVD? I'm sure most of you have already seen it in theaters. I have all the other DVDs and I saw all the rest of the movies in the theater.
For some reason, I wasn't as excited for Part 2. It might just be the whole Kristin Stewart fiasco, where she cheated on Rob. I know they are back together, and I know people make mistakes, but I think it did kinda ruin the excitement for me a little. How about you?
On to Warm Bodies. Has anyone read the book and seen the movie? I've only seen the movie and I LOVED IT!! Yeah. Valentine's Day date with the husband and we went to that movie. We both liked it a lot. It's such a new and refreshing take on Zombies. What's your opinion?
February 21, 2013
Vibe Teaser
I'm getting really close to finishing the first short story in the Vibe series. So, I thought I would post a teaser. The first story is called Grey Apathy. The series centers around a futuristic society that must feed off of emotions to survive. Humans are now called huemans. The genres this series falls under is mystery, paranormal, and dystopian.
This teaser is not edited yet, but here it is:
At the precinct, I walked into a warm welcome. Everyone was glad to see me—mostly because their case load had grown dramatically since I left.
“Well, I’m here,” I announced as I entered the captains office, “What’s going on?”
“Prism. Finally. This here is Atramen. He’s going to be working this case with you. I haven’t decided if you are going to be partners yet.”
Atramen stuck out his hand for me to shake. I obliged and commented as I took off my sunglasses, “So your parents didn’t have much of an imagination when it came to naming you either.”
“I guess not. Most people don’t make the connection,” he said. He was good looking. His hair was dark and his skin was olive toned. He had brown eyes like all the other people in the world, but they were somehow a shade darker. I could tell that he was well trained from the musculature of his body. He was dressed in black—just like me.
“Well, I’m not exactly getting a vibe from you, but I do know what atramental means. Why is it that I don’t detect grief? You are a black, right? If you don’t mind me asking.”
“It’s best that you know, since we’ll be working together. I’ve learned to control my emotional energy. I can contain it, or at least diminish it to the point where it is almost undetectable unless you are very close to me.”
I smiled, “I think we’ll get along just fine.”
This teaser is not edited yet, but here it is:At the precinct, I walked into a warm welcome. Everyone was glad to see me—mostly because their case load had grown dramatically since I left.
“Well, I’m here,” I announced as I entered the captains office, “What’s going on?”
“Prism. Finally. This here is Atramen. He’s going to be working this case with you. I haven’t decided if you are going to be partners yet.”
Atramen stuck out his hand for me to shake. I obliged and commented as I took off my sunglasses, “So your parents didn’t have much of an imagination when it came to naming you either.”
“I guess not. Most people don’t make the connection,” he said. He was good looking. His hair was dark and his skin was olive toned. He had brown eyes like all the other people in the world, but they were somehow a shade darker. I could tell that he was well trained from the musculature of his body. He was dressed in black—just like me.
“Well, I’m not exactly getting a vibe from you, but I do know what atramental means. Why is it that I don’t detect grief? You are a black, right? If you don’t mind me asking.”
“It’s best that you know, since we’ll be working together. I’ve learned to control my emotional energy. I can contain it, or at least diminish it to the point where it is almost undetectable unless you are very close to me.”
I smiled, “I think we’ll get along just fine.”
February 18, 2013
If You were a Character in a Novel, What Role would you Play?
Today I'm hosting Rachel McClellan during her Blog Tour for Fractured Soul--the sequel to Fractured Light. In this post you'll find her guest post on characters in a novel, an excerpt from Fractured Soul, and a giveaway for an ebook of Fractured Soul. If You were a Character in a Novel, What Role would you Play?Part Three – The Sidekick
(To read part one and two, go here: “The Author”,“The Hero”) Sidekick’s play a vital role in every novel. They are the character who strengthens and builds up the hero whenever he/she is down. They provide comfort, advice, a shoulder to cry on, whatever the hero needs. Author Bronwyn Williams explains, “The sidekick tends to be the more passive, literate character who fulfills the groundwork in order to free his or her hero to perform the action.”
A primary relationship between a hero and the sidekick is trust and loyalty. This bond should be unbreakable. And what often happens is when the hero is at his darkest moment, it always seems to be the sidekick who steps in to build the hero back up. So in some ways, the sidekick is also a hero.Think about your life. Who are you a sidekick to? For me it’s often my husband and my children. I want to support them. I want to make them feel good about themselves. But most importantly, I want them to know that in their story, they are the hero. And as a sidekick, it’s my job to encourage them to make the right choices, to stand up for what they believe in, and to never waver, thereby helping them to achieve hero status. One of my favorite quotes regarding sidekicks is from Rachel Hawkins book Spellbound: “Okay, fine. But just so you know, following me into hell means you're all definitely the sidekicks.” Who are some of your favorite sidekicks? .ExternalClass p.ecxMsoNormal, .ExternalClass li.ecxMsoNormal, .ExternalClass div.ecxMsoNormal {font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";} .ExternalClass a:link, .ExternalClass span.ecxMsoHyperlink {color:blue;text-decoration:underline;text-underline:single;} .ExternalClass a:visited, .ExternalClass span.ecxMsoHyperlinkFollowed {color:purple;text-decoration:underline;text-underline:single;} .ExternalClass p {font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Times;} .ExternalClass table.ecxMsoNormalTable {font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in;} .ExternalClass div.ecxSection1 {page:Section1;}
To read part four, “The Villain” visit Angela Brown’s blog on February 21st.
--
Rachel McClellan
www.RachelMcClellan.com
Excerpt from Fractured Soul
As soon as the Vyken appeared in the doorway, I tossed a ball hard. He dodged it by jumping up along the side of the wall, his nails and bare toes somehow finding a hold in the thin cracks of the wall. I threw another one, but he was already moving, scrambling alongside the stones like a spider. He was grinning.
I rolled away from the wall until I was in the middle of the room. I lost sight of him for just a fraction of a second, but that was enough. The Vyken was gone, or, I should say, hiding. He was still here. I could feel him. I looked up toward the rafters of the tower roof. It was pitch black.
At the bottom of the tower, I heard Christian begin to ascend the stairs. “I’m coming, Llona!” he yelled.
Still staring up, I created Light again in the palm of my hand and willed it to rise. The closer it got to the rafters the faster my heart beat. Sweat rolled down the small of my back.
Light began to fill dark spaces, exposing that which wished to remain hidden. My Vyken was there, but he wasn’t alone. Another sat crouched on a beam. Where his left eye should’ve been there was an empty hole.
I screamed when my Vyken dropped from the ceiling, extinguishing the light. He fell onto my stomach, pushing my shoulders into the floor. I tried to create Light, but it was as if he knew what I was going to do because his hands slipped up and pinned my wrists together. He bent forward and inhaled my skin. The warmth of his breath steamed my ear when he said, “I’m going to eat every part of you.”
About Fractured Soul (sequel to Fractured Light)
Llona will do whatever it takes to protect her new found friends and home, but the dark plot threatening Lucent Academy, a school that’s supposed to be a safe place for Auras, may be too powerful for even Llona to defeat. This fast-paced tale of love, loyalty, and overcoming the darkness will keep you on the edge of your seat until the last page!
What others are saying:
“I love these books! A kick-butt heroine and a hottie love interest, with a refreshingly original concept. Be prepared—once you start, these are hard to put down.”
—Paula Cotton, book reviewer at ReadingLark.blogspot.com
“Fractured Soul is a brilliant sequel, exceeding even the remarkable first book in the series. It will haunt your every waking moment between the times you’re reading it, and it will stay with you long after you’ve finished. It’s an amazingly well written and engrossing story that I highly recommend—after you’ve read the first one, of course.”
—Cindy Bennett, bestselling author of Geek Girl and Rapunzel Untangled
Author Bio
Rachel McClellan was born and raised in Idaho, a place secretly known for its supernatural creatures. When she's not in her writing lair, she's partying with her husband and four crazy, yet lovable, children. Rachel's love for storytelling began as a child when the moon first possessed the night. For when the lights went out, her imagination painted a whole new world. And what a scary world it was...
Find Rachel
Facebook | Blog | Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Book Trailer
Buy Fractured Light
Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Buy Fractured Soul
Amazon | Barnes and Noble
About Fractured Light Llona Reese is used to living on the run. After the Vykens killed her parents, she knew they would eventually come for her too. She can’t take any chances. But when she starts to make friends for the first time in her life, she gets careless and lets her guard down. Big mistake.
As an Aura, Llona can manipulate light and harness its energy. But if she wants to survive, Llona will have to defy the Auran Council and learn to use her power as a weapon against the Vyken whose sole desire is to take her light. Now she’s caught in something even bigger than she can understand, with a power she can’t wield, and no one she can trust, except, just maybe, a mysterious stranger.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
(To read part one and two, go here: “The Author”,“The Hero”) Sidekick’s play a vital role in every novel. They are the character who strengthens and builds up the hero whenever he/she is down. They provide comfort, advice, a shoulder to cry on, whatever the hero needs. Author Bronwyn Williams explains, “The sidekick tends to be the more passive, literate character who fulfills the groundwork in order to free his or her hero to perform the action.”
A primary relationship between a hero and the sidekick is trust and loyalty. This bond should be unbreakable. And what often happens is when the hero is at his darkest moment, it always seems to be the sidekick who steps in to build the hero back up. So in some ways, the sidekick is also a hero.Think about your life. Who are you a sidekick to? For me it’s often my husband and my children. I want to support them. I want to make them feel good about themselves. But most importantly, I want them to know that in their story, they are the hero. And as a sidekick, it’s my job to encourage them to make the right choices, to stand up for what they believe in, and to never waver, thereby helping them to achieve hero status. One of my favorite quotes regarding sidekicks is from Rachel Hawkins book Spellbound: “Okay, fine. But just so you know, following me into hell means you're all definitely the sidekicks.” Who are some of your favorite sidekicks? .ExternalClass p.ecxMsoNormal, .ExternalClass li.ecxMsoNormal, .ExternalClass div.ecxMsoNormal {font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";} .ExternalClass a:link, .ExternalClass span.ecxMsoHyperlink {color:blue;text-decoration:underline;text-underline:single;} .ExternalClass a:visited, .ExternalClass span.ecxMsoHyperlinkFollowed {color:purple;text-decoration:underline;text-underline:single;} .ExternalClass p {font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Times;} .ExternalClass table.ecxMsoNormalTable {font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in;} .ExternalClass div.ecxSection1 {page:Section1;}
To read part four, “The Villain” visit Angela Brown’s blog on February 21st.
--
Rachel McClellan
www.RachelMcClellan.com
Excerpt from Fractured Soul
As soon as the Vyken appeared in the doorway, I tossed a ball hard. He dodged it by jumping up along the side of the wall, his nails and bare toes somehow finding a hold in the thin cracks of the wall. I threw another one, but he was already moving, scrambling alongside the stones like a spider. He was grinning.
I rolled away from the wall until I was in the middle of the room. I lost sight of him for just a fraction of a second, but that was enough. The Vyken was gone, or, I should say, hiding. He was still here. I could feel him. I looked up toward the rafters of the tower roof. It was pitch black.
At the bottom of the tower, I heard Christian begin to ascend the stairs. “I’m coming, Llona!” he yelled.
Still staring up, I created Light again in the palm of my hand and willed it to rise. The closer it got to the rafters the faster my heart beat. Sweat rolled down the small of my back.
Light began to fill dark spaces, exposing that which wished to remain hidden. My Vyken was there, but he wasn’t alone. Another sat crouched on a beam. Where his left eye should’ve been there was an empty hole.
I screamed when my Vyken dropped from the ceiling, extinguishing the light. He fell onto my stomach, pushing my shoulders into the floor. I tried to create Light, but it was as if he knew what I was going to do because his hands slipped up and pinned my wrists together. He bent forward and inhaled my skin. The warmth of his breath steamed my ear when he said, “I’m going to eat every part of you.”
About Fractured Soul (sequel to Fractured Light)
Llona will do whatever it takes to protect her new found friends and home, but the dark plot threatening Lucent Academy, a school that’s supposed to be a safe place for Auras, may be too powerful for even Llona to defeat. This fast-paced tale of love, loyalty, and overcoming the darkness will keep you on the edge of your seat until the last page!
What others are saying:
“I love these books! A kick-butt heroine and a hottie love interest, with a refreshingly original concept. Be prepared—once you start, these are hard to put down.”
—Paula Cotton, book reviewer at ReadingLark.blogspot.com
“Fractured Soul is a brilliant sequel, exceeding even the remarkable first book in the series. It will haunt your every waking moment between the times you’re reading it, and it will stay with you long after you’ve finished. It’s an amazingly well written and engrossing story that I highly recommend—after you’ve read the first one, of course.”
—Cindy Bennett, bestselling author of Geek Girl and Rapunzel Untangled
Author Bio
Rachel McClellan was born and raised in Idaho, a place secretly known for its supernatural creatures. When she's not in her writing lair, she's partying with her husband and four crazy, yet lovable, children. Rachel's love for storytelling began as a child when the moon first possessed the night. For when the lights went out, her imagination painted a whole new world. And what a scary world it was...
Find Rachel
Facebook | Blog | Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Book Trailer
Buy Fractured Light
Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Buy Fractured Soul
Amazon | Barnes and Noble
About Fractured Light Llona Reese is used to living on the run. After the Vykens killed her parents, she knew they would eventually come for her too. She can’t take any chances. But when she starts to make friends for the first time in her life, she gets careless and lets her guard down. Big mistake.
As an Aura, Llona can manipulate light and harness its energy. But if she wants to survive, Llona will have to defy the Auran Council and learn to use her power as a weapon against the Vyken whose sole desire is to take her light. Now she’s caught in something even bigger than she can understand, with a power she can’t wield, and no one she can trust, except, just maybe, a mysterious stranger.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
February 13, 2013
For Valentine's Day, I give you a piece of Ruby.
Today I'm posting a little (unedited) excerpt of the upcoming short story Ruby: A Mystic Stones Jewel. Ruby is a companion story to Obsidian and can be read before or after reading Obsidian.
The hopeful release date for Ruby is sometime towards the end of March, but since it's Valentine's Day I wanted to give you a little sneak peak. Ruby focuses on Ava and Tom's interactions before the events of Obsidian and therefore is a bit of a love story. So, without any more delays, here is the sneak peak:
The metal elevator doors glided open to the luxurious seventeenth floor. Ava stepped out and immediately saw the man she was looking for and by the look on his face, he was happy to see her.
“Ava, what brings you up to the seventeenth floor?” Mr. Walker asked.
“Well, it’s been almost a year since you signed your lease, so I thought I’d bring up the renewal papers since you seem so comfortable up here,” Ava smiled.
“Wonderful! Let’s step into my office, shall we? I’ll sign them right away, otherwise, they’ll get lost on my desk.”
Ava nodded and followed Tom to his office, he stopped short and let her enter first as he placed a gentle hand on the small of her back. He closed the door behind them and gestured at one of the guest chairs while taking the packet of papers from her hands. He took his seat behind his large desk, which was spotless and completely contradictory to what he’d said in the hall. He looked into Ava’s eyes every time he flipped a page and smiled.
“So, since I’m signing papers—”
“Oh, no. Let’s not start that, Mr. Walker. You know I can’t come work for you,” Ava said before he got the question out.
“How did you know?” he grinned.
“You ask me every time we see each other.”
“I wish it were more often. Then maybe I would wear you down.”
“I just don’t think I’d fit in at Psytech and I like where I am now,” Ava replied.
Tom sighed, “I know you do. I just can’t figure out why.”
The pen dragged on the last page of the renewal papers as Tom signed his name with a flourish and stood. He rounded the desk with a predatory look on his face. It was one that Ava had seen on him often. She just couldn’t convince herself it was only the look of a man who wanted her to work for him. To her, it sometimes seemed that he wanted so much more. She took a deep breath as he came close to her. She was about to stand, but he surprised her by sitting in the guest seat next to her.
“I hope that one day you will say yes to me. We could really use you here at Psytech—I could really use you.”
Ava smiled and felt herself blush, “It would be a little strange working in the same building.”
“You’re a treasure, Ava. They would be sad to loose you, but I would make sure that you are happy here.”
“I know you would, but the problem is, I’m happy now. Thank you for the offer, Tom, but I just can’t. I hope you understand.”
“I don’t, but I’ll be respectful of your decision. Now, that doesn’t mean I won’t stop asking you,” he said with a sly grin, “but I would never think poorly of you for staying with Herrick-Peyton.”
“Thank you.”
“Let me walk you to the elevator,” he said.
“I’m sure you’re busy—you don’t have to do that.”
“I can take time out of my schedule for you, Ava.”
Ava smiled and let Tom lead her to the elevator. He handed her the papers and smiled again. His hand brushed against hers and although his skin was cold, she felt heat rise in her body. The elevator signaled that it was ready and she stepped inside. Tom’s eyes held hers as the doors closed. She took a deep breath and pressed the ground level button. He had such a strange effect on her.
The hopeful release date for Ruby is sometime towards the end of March, but since it's Valentine's Day I wanted to give you a little sneak peak. Ruby focuses on Ava and Tom's interactions before the events of Obsidian and therefore is a bit of a love story. So, without any more delays, here is the sneak peak:
The metal elevator doors glided open to the luxurious seventeenth floor. Ava stepped out and immediately saw the man she was looking for and by the look on his face, he was happy to see her.
“Ava, what brings you up to the seventeenth floor?” Mr. Walker asked.
“Well, it’s been almost a year since you signed your lease, so I thought I’d bring up the renewal papers since you seem so comfortable up here,” Ava smiled.
“Wonderful! Let’s step into my office, shall we? I’ll sign them right away, otherwise, they’ll get lost on my desk.”
Ava nodded and followed Tom to his office, he stopped short and let her enter first as he placed a gentle hand on the small of her back. He closed the door behind them and gestured at one of the guest chairs while taking the packet of papers from her hands. He took his seat behind his large desk, which was spotless and completely contradictory to what he’d said in the hall. He looked into Ava’s eyes every time he flipped a page and smiled.
“So, since I’m signing papers—”
“Oh, no. Let’s not start that, Mr. Walker. You know I can’t come work for you,” Ava said before he got the question out.
“How did you know?” he grinned.
“You ask me every time we see each other.”
“I wish it were more often. Then maybe I would wear you down.”
“I just don’t think I’d fit in at Psytech and I like where I am now,” Ava replied.
Tom sighed, “I know you do. I just can’t figure out why.”
The pen dragged on the last page of the renewal papers as Tom signed his name with a flourish and stood. He rounded the desk with a predatory look on his face. It was one that Ava had seen on him often. She just couldn’t convince herself it was only the look of a man who wanted her to work for him. To her, it sometimes seemed that he wanted so much more. She took a deep breath as he came close to her. She was about to stand, but he surprised her by sitting in the guest seat next to her.
“I hope that one day you will say yes to me. We could really use you here at Psytech—I could really use you.”
Ava smiled and felt herself blush, “It would be a little strange working in the same building.”
“You’re a treasure, Ava. They would be sad to loose you, but I would make sure that you are happy here.”
“I know you would, but the problem is, I’m happy now. Thank you for the offer, Tom, but I just can’t. I hope you understand.”
“I don’t, but I’ll be respectful of your decision. Now, that doesn’t mean I won’t stop asking you,” he said with a sly grin, “but I would never think poorly of you for staying with Herrick-Peyton.”
“Thank you.”
“Let me walk you to the elevator,” he said.
“I’m sure you’re busy—you don’t have to do that.”
“I can take time out of my schedule for you, Ava.”
Ava smiled and let Tom lead her to the elevator. He handed her the papers and smiled again. His hand brushed against hers and although his skin was cold, she felt heat rise in her body. The elevator signaled that it was ready and she stepped inside. Tom’s eyes held hers as the doors closed. She took a deep breath and pressed the ground level button. He had such a strange effect on her.
February 12, 2013
Announcing a new short story series from . . . ME!
Yeah, that's right, I'm doing a little self promo today. Over the weekend I announced the series I'm working on over at John Forster's blog. I decided I better announce it here too in case you missed it.
So, here it goes!
The series will consist of nine short stories. They DO have a paranormal element to them. We'll talk about that a little more below. They are also murder mysteries that take place far into the future.
This world that I envision is futuristic, fast paced and dark. At the center of it is Prism, a homicide detective with a dark past and a cynical outlook on life. She is a rare type of hueman and she's not always easy to be around.
Set in the futuristic mega city, Vibe, the story will follow Prism as she returns to her job as a detective after taking a personal leave. Vibe is a city with millions of people, and Prism can't stand to be in crowds.
You see, this new breed of humans--now called huemans--have all developed the insatiable need to feed on emotions. It all started when humans started generations before when humans started taking pills to level out their moods in order to clear their heads in important situations.
Humans soon began giving birth to babies with strange colored eyes who could not be satisfied with only milk. It took a while, but it was eventually found that the babies needed to feed on an emotion and the emotion was determined by the color of their eyes at birth. In the series, there are nine major emotions that huemans feed on and each emotion is represented by a color. The catch is, that at the age of one, all eye colors change to brown and their emotional needs are hidden.
Since Prism is a "color wheel," meaning she is one of the rare huemans who can feed on any emotion, being near crowds overwhelms her senses. This sensitivity to emotions, is the reason she prefers to work at night, when most people are sleeping. The problem is that all the monsters come out at night.
Take a trip to Vibe. It's the place where emotions have become weapons, currency and livelihood. Coming March 2013 - Volume One: Grey Apathy.
Like the Vibe Facebook Page to keep up to date on releases and other fun stuff!
So, here it goes!
The series will consist of nine short stories. They DO have a paranormal element to them. We'll talk about that a little more below. They are also murder mysteries that take place far into the future.
This world that I envision is futuristic, fast paced and dark. At the center of it is Prism, a homicide detective with a dark past and a cynical outlook on life. She is a rare type of hueman and she's not always easy to be around.
Set in the futuristic mega city, Vibe, the story will follow Prism as she returns to her job as a detective after taking a personal leave. Vibe is a city with millions of people, and Prism can't stand to be in crowds.
You see, this new breed of humans--now called huemans--have all developed the insatiable need to feed on emotions. It all started when humans started generations before when humans started taking pills to level out their moods in order to clear their heads in important situations.
Humans soon began giving birth to babies with strange colored eyes who could not be satisfied with only milk. It took a while, but it was eventually found that the babies needed to feed on an emotion and the emotion was determined by the color of their eyes at birth. In the series, there are nine major emotions that huemans feed on and each emotion is represented by a color. The catch is, that at the age of one, all eye colors change to brown and their emotional needs are hidden.
Since Prism is a "color wheel," meaning she is one of the rare huemans who can feed on any emotion, being near crowds overwhelms her senses. This sensitivity to emotions, is the reason she prefers to work at night, when most people are sleeping. The problem is that all the monsters come out at night.
Take a trip to Vibe. It's the place where emotions have become weapons, currency and livelihood. Coming March 2013 - Volume One: Grey Apathy.
Like the Vibe Facebook Page to keep up to date on releases and other fun stuff!
BE MINE Giveaway for Obsidian: Mystic Stones Series #1
Hey there all you paranormal lovers! For Valentine's Day I'll have a special treat for you, but for today I have a giveaway going on facebook! Here's how to enter:
Log onto facebook and go to the Obsidian Facebook Page.
Step 1: Like the page.
Step 2: Share one of these three images: (They will already be there, just hit share--do not take them off of here and share them or else I won't be able to see that you shared them!)
That's all there is to it! What is the prize? Take a look! (They're playing cards with Obsidian characters and other Obsidian Images on them! Yay!) I'll pick one winner and announce them on Valentine's Day!
Log onto facebook and go to the Obsidian Facebook Page.
Step 1: Like the page.
Step 2: Share one of these three images: (They will already be there, just hit share--do not take them off of here and share them or else I won't be able to see that you shared them!)
That's all there is to it! What is the prize? Take a look! (They're playing cards with Obsidian characters and other Obsidian Images on them! Yay!) I'll pick one winner and announce them on Valentine's Day!
