Ally Shields's Blog, page 60
April 8, 2015
Coffee Chat Author Interview: Linda Kane
Welcome, Booklovers, to another Coffee Chat!This week's guest is mystery author, Linda Kane with her book The Black Madonna.
How do you take your coffee, Linda?
LINDA: It must have cream in it and be in a ceramic coffee cup.
Ally: That's easily done. I'll pour while you show readers your bio.
Bio: Linda Lee Kane has a M.ed, School Psychologist, PPS, and English Instructor. She is a member of SCBWI and ITW and studied her craft at Gotham Writer’s Workshops, a respected writing school based in New York City.
Something Unique that isn't in my bio: I ride American Saddlebreds and drive in the Roadster Racing division with a Hackney Pony.
Contact the author:
https://www.facebook.com/lindaleekaneauthor
https://twitter.com/llkane2152 Ally: Beautiful horse, BTW. But I digress. Please tell us about the genre(s) you write. I've heard your writing described as dark and yet cozy. Do you feel that unusual label is accurate?
LINDA: Genre: Historical Fiction: It is a mystery with murder, treachery, with a professor who is out of her depth but is determined to find a lost artifact left by the Cathars. It has romance with a very good looking detective who she is deeply attracted to, but can she trust him? I do believe you would find this book both dark and cozy.
Ally: Describe your journey to publication. Would you go the same route again?
LINDA: My journey to publication was targeting publishing companies that were interested in historical fiction, and I found an incredible company in the Black Opal. All of the people are very supportive and the writers that have been or are being published by Black Opal are very helpful with ideas for your website. I would love to have another opportunity to work with Black Opal.
Ally: What does your husband think of your writing? Supportive, indulgent, collaborator, something else?
LINDA: Very supportive. He would love me to be able to quit my job and write full time. Perhaps in the near future, I will.
Ally: How do you choose the names, attitudes and physical traits for new characters?
LINDA: That's an easy question, I think we all draw from ourselves and the people around us. The name Luci is French and from history she is related to the very brave Cathar woman who left a diary with tarot cards for Luci to follow. The attitudes you see by the people that are in your world, good or bad. The physical traits...I think television influences me on that. Particularly Max (his name came from a Hackney Pony of mine).
Ally: I always include a few short answer questions. Ready, set, go...
a. A secret indulgence: chocolate covered almost anything b. How many equine friends do you have? Are they all Saddlebreds (my favorite)? I believe everyone that I have met, whether I have competed against them, from different barns are incredible people. They have a love and care for all animals and they support you, invite you out, they are all incredibly nice people. American Saddlebreds are one of the most beautiful and intelligent horses, and I would say the same for their owners. c. An item on your bucket list: To go to France to really get up close and personal with the sites I have written about. d. Favorite after-five drink: Wine in Fresno, Margarita's on occasion and if I'm in Hawaii, Mai Tai's of course. e. What would "a night on the town" include? I probably sound boring but I love to go to the beach and just sit and listen to the sounds of the waves crashing on the shore, the smell of the of the salty air, and the cool breeze..now that's if I'm at a beach, but if I'm in San Francisco or New York, going to the theatre takes me away, throw in dinner, and I'm in seventh heaven.
Ally: It has been a pleasure sharing coffee with you, Linda. I hope you'll visit again. But now it's time for the book...
Buy Links:Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Black-Madonna-Linda-Lee-Kane-ebook/dp/B00O28R12Q
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-black-madonna-linda-lee-kane/1120482929?ean=9781626941854 Thanks for visiting the blog. Come back soon.
A-Z Blog Challenge: G is for Ghosts
Welcome to Letter G of the A-Z Blog Challenge.
My theme is Creatures in Paranormal Fiction.
To learn more about this blog hop and other participating sites, click on the blue/gold letter button in the post
or the badge in the sidebar.
G is for Ghosts:
Beliefs in ghosts, the spirits or souls left behind when people die, are as old and varied as mankind. In folklore and literature they've been depicted as sad, lost souls, comic figures, angry avengers, and mischief makers. Mention of them appears in nearly every culture, often with a strong dose of fear, but always fascination. Stories of hauntings are included in most town histories, but for some reason ghosts have a special fondness for southern cities in the US, such as Savannah, GA and New Orleans, LA. Click here for the Top 10 Most Haunted Cities in the US: http://www.toptenz.net/top-10-most-haunted-cities-in-the-u-s.php
For a list of popular ghosts books, check out this list: https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/ghosts
G is also for Ghouls: These gruesome creatures are closely related to Zombies and both are deceased humans who have turned cannibalistic. Some variations can be found at this Wikipedia link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghouls_in_popular_culture.
I was hard-pressed to find many authors who've attempted to write about "good ghouls"—there are a few—but I'll leave you to find them if you're interested.
Don't forget to read this week's Coffee Chat by scrolling down!
My theme is Creatures in Paranormal Fiction.
To learn more about this blog hop and other participating sites, click on the blue/gold letter button in the post
or the badge in the sidebar.
G is for Ghosts:Beliefs in ghosts, the spirits or souls left behind when people die, are as old and varied as mankind. In folklore and literature they've been depicted as sad, lost souls, comic figures, angry avengers, and mischief makers. Mention of them appears in nearly every culture, often with a strong dose of fear, but always fascination. Stories of hauntings are included in most town histories, but for some reason ghosts have a special fondness for southern cities in the US, such as Savannah, GA and New Orleans, LA. Click here for the Top 10 Most Haunted Cities in the US: http://www.toptenz.net/top-10-most-haunted-cities-in-the-u-s.php
For a list of popular ghosts books, check out this list: https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/ghosts
G is also for Ghouls: These gruesome creatures are closely related to Zombies and both are deceased humans who have turned cannibalistic. Some variations can be found at this Wikipedia link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghouls_in_popular_culture. I was hard-pressed to find many authors who've attempted to write about "good ghouls"—there are a few—but I'll leave you to find them if you're interested.
Don't forget to read this week's Coffee Chat by scrolling down!
April 6, 2015
A-Z Blog Challenge: F is for Familiar
Welcome to Letter F of the A-Z Blog Challenge.
My theme is Creatures in Paranormal Fiction.
To learn more about this blog hop and check out other participating sites, click on the blue button in the post
or the badge in the sidebar.
F is for Familiar.
A familiar is a supernatural entity that first appeared in medieval folklore and more recently in pagan lore. It was thought to assist a witch or sorcerer. Familiars are frequently depicted as cats, especially black cats, with uncanny abilities to serve their chosen witch or warlock. In spite of their side-kick roles, these beings are not subservient and are rarely controlled by anyone.
For a list of some famous witch's cats in movies and literature, check out this link:
F is also for fairy, a tiny supernatural being in fairytales and folk lore. Sometimes good, sometimes bad. In this picture you can compare the size between an fairy (a Tinkerbell-like creature) and an elf, as they were often portrayed in children's fairytales.
My theme is Creatures in Paranormal Fiction.
To learn more about this blog hop and check out other participating sites, click on the blue button in the post
or the badge in the sidebar.
F is for Familiar.A familiar is a supernatural entity that first appeared in medieval folklore and more recently in pagan lore. It was thought to assist a witch or sorcerer. Familiars are frequently depicted as cats, especially black cats, with uncanny abilities to serve their chosen witch or warlock. In spite of their side-kick roles, these beings are not subservient and are rarely controlled by anyone.
For a list of some famous witch's cats in movies and literature, check out this link:
F is also for fairy, a tiny supernatural being in fairytales and folk lore. Sometimes good, sometimes bad. In this picture you can compare the size between an fairy (a Tinkerbell-like creature) and an elf, as they were often portrayed in children's fairytales.
A-Z Blog Challenge: E is for Elves
Welcome to Letter E of the A-Z Blog Challenge.
My theme is Creatures in Paranormal Fiction.
To learn more about this blog hop and check out other participating sites, click on the blue button in the post.
E is for Elves.
Elves first appeared in Germanic mythology and folklore. They were supernatural beings with magical powers and physical beauty who were indifferent to humans. At different times in history, Elves have been portrayed as little people and frequently associated with the forests and archery.
High fantasy brought elves into prominence in fiction by writers such as Tolkien in his Lord of the Rings trilogy. Current fantasy literature has combined the powers and beauty of the original elves with the humanity of Tolkien.
Check out this Goodreads list for books that feature elves: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/28823.Books_With_Elves_NOT_Faeries.
E is also for Elvenrude, the home world of the dark elves in my Elvenrude trilogy.
My theme is Creatures in Paranormal Fiction.
To learn more about this blog hop and check out other participating sites, click on the blue button in the post.
E is for Elves.Elves first appeared in Germanic mythology and folklore. They were supernatural beings with magical powers and physical beauty who were indifferent to humans. At different times in history, Elves have been portrayed as little people and frequently associated with the forests and archery.
High fantasy brought elves into prominence in fiction by writers such as Tolkien in his Lord of the Rings trilogy. Current fantasy literature has combined the powers and beauty of the original elves with the humanity of Tolkien.
Check out this Goodreads list for books that feature elves: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/28823.Books_With_Elves_NOT_Faeries.E is also for Elvenrude, the home world of the dark elves in my Elvenrude trilogy.
April 5, 2015
Ankeny Authors Fair: April 11
If you're in the Des Moines area on April 11, please join us at the Ankeny book fair.
You can visit with fifty published authors and purchase their books - all genres!
I'd love to meet you.
You can visit with fifty published authors and purchase their books - all genres!
I'd love to meet you.
Happy Easter: Eaglets on Parade
I just had to share this beautiful sign of spring: three newly hatched eaglets on the Decorah Bald Eagle nest! They range in age from 9 days to 3 days.Mom eagle is feeding them brunch in this photo.
You can see the live nest camera here: http://www.ustream.tv/decoraheagles
This is the incredible video of the hatch of eaglet three (called D23) caught on zoom camera: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJN_ijngVjo&feature=youtu.be
April 4, 2015
A-Z Blog Challenge: D is for Dragon
Welcome to Letter D of the A-Z Blog Challenge.
My theme is Creatures in Paranormal Fiction.
To learn more about this blog hop and check out other participating sites, click on the blue button in the post
or the badge in the sidebar.
D is for Dragon.
Dragons are large, reptilian-like creatures who often breathe fire and fly by using bat-style wings. Traditionally they lived in caves, terrorized the countryside, and could only be killed by a sword forged with dragon blood.
I've always loved stories with dragons and never viewed them as monsters to be slain. In my mind they were beautiful, magnificent creatures to be admired from a distance. I never dreamed writers would create romantic, even tender stories, with dragons as the heroes. My first dragon shapeshifter romance was a definite surprise...but I love it!
Here's a Goodreads list you might check out: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/13569.Best_Dragon_Shapeshifter_Romance_Novels My favorite dragon author is Katie MacAlister.
If you prefer to go dark, D is for Demon. This link will take you to some of the traditional demons: http://www.deliriumsrealm.com/demons/. But even these creatures from hell have been romanticized. This Goodreads list will get you started in the YA version of this genre: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/42598.HOT_Demon_Bad_Boys_in_Young_Adult_Fiction Thanks for stopping. Please come back on Monday for Letter E.
My theme is Creatures in Paranormal Fiction.
To learn more about this blog hop and check out other participating sites, click on the blue button in the post
or the badge in the sidebar.
D is for Dragon. Dragons are large, reptilian-like creatures who often breathe fire and fly by using bat-style wings. Traditionally they lived in caves, terrorized the countryside, and could only be killed by a sword forged with dragon blood.
I've always loved stories with dragons and never viewed them as monsters to be slain. In my mind they were beautiful, magnificent creatures to be admired from a distance. I never dreamed writers would create romantic, even tender stories, with dragons as the heroes. My first dragon shapeshifter romance was a definite surprise...but I love it!
Here's a Goodreads list you might check out: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/13569.Best_Dragon_Shapeshifter_Romance_Novels My favorite dragon author is Katie MacAlister.If you prefer to go dark, D is for Demon. This link will take you to some of the traditional demons: http://www.deliriumsrealm.com/demons/. But even these creatures from hell have been romanticized. This Goodreads list will get you started in the YA version of this genre: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/42598.HOT_Demon_Bad_Boys_in_Young_Adult_Fiction Thanks for stopping. Please come back on Monday for Letter E.
April 3, 2015
A-Z Blog Challenge: C is for Centaur
A-Z Blog Tour day three, Letter C. For additional information and the list of other bloggers, click on the blue button below. Scroll down or click on blog tours in the sidebar for earlier Creatures in Paranormal Fiction on this blog.
C is for Centaur.
The centaurs are creatures from Greek mythology with the head and torso of a man and the body of a horse. Most of them were wild and barbaric, noted for their drunkenness and debauchery. They are self-serving and do not hesitate to kill anyone who stands between them and their objectives.
A notable exception to this savage behavior was Chiron, the only centaur granted immortality for his goodness and wisdom.
Like most mythological creatures, centaurs have appeared as characters, even heroes, in modern fantasy literature. Check out this Goodreads list of 38 centaur books: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/47553.Centaurs_Fiction
C could easily have been for Cat Woman or cat shifters or even corpses. Or maybe for changelings. In folklore these creepy creatures were the unwanted offspring of evil fairies or gnomes who were left in the place of more desirable, human children. The changelings often killed the host families because they fed on human flesh.
Not so today. Here's a starter list for current books with changelings: https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/changeling.
C is for Centaur.The centaurs are creatures from Greek mythology with the head and torso of a man and the body of a horse. Most of them were wild and barbaric, noted for their drunkenness and debauchery. They are self-serving and do not hesitate to kill anyone who stands between them and their objectives.
A notable exception to this savage behavior was Chiron, the only centaur granted immortality for his goodness and wisdom.
Like most mythological creatures, centaurs have appeared as characters, even heroes, in modern fantasy literature. Check out this Goodreads list of 38 centaur books: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/47553.Centaurs_Fiction
C could easily have been for Cat Woman or cat shifters or even corpses. Or maybe for changelings. In folklore these creepy creatures were the unwanted offspring of evil fairies or gnomes who were left in the place of more desirable, human children. The changelings often killed the host families because they fed on human flesh. Not so today. Here's a starter list for current books with changelings: https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/changeling.
April 2, 2015
A-Z Blog Challenge: B is for Bogeyman
Welcome to Letter B of the A-Z Blog Challenge.
My theme is Creatures of Paranormal Fiction, and I will post twenty-six new creatures, one every day except Sundays (you can scroll down to see A). I hope you'll join me and comment on any creatures you would add for each day. Just look for the blue button or blog hops in the side bar.
Other participants will have their own themes. Check them out by clicking on the the blue button of the blog hop badge in the sidebar. It will take you to the entire list of awesome bloggers.
B is for Bogeyman.
The bogeyman is an imaginary evil being who hides under the bed or in the closet and frightens children into good behavior. He has also appeared in fantasy and crime fiction as a nebulous antagonist, and the label has been applied to especially brutal unknown killers. Since no one has actually seen the bogeyman, this pictorial representation is as good as any.
To read 15 different concepts of the bogeyman around the world, follow this link: http://listverse.com/2009/10/24/15-bogeymen-from-around-the-world/
B is also for Banshee, a female omen of death. She warns those she loves with a soft, gentle song, but gives a piercing demonic wail to gloat over the death of her enemies. The banshee is a figure from Irish/Scottish legends.
Check out this list of recent banshee books fantasy fiction: https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/banshee.
My theme is Creatures of Paranormal Fiction, and I will post twenty-six new creatures, one every day except Sundays (you can scroll down to see A). I hope you'll join me and comment on any creatures you would add for each day. Just look for the blue button or blog hops in the side bar.
Other participants will have their own themes. Check them out by clicking on the the blue button of the blog hop badge in the sidebar. It will take you to the entire list of awesome bloggers.
B is for Bogeyman.The bogeyman is an imaginary evil being who hides under the bed or in the closet and frightens children into good behavior. He has also appeared in fantasy and crime fiction as a nebulous antagonist, and the label has been applied to especially brutal unknown killers. Since no one has actually seen the bogeyman, this pictorial representation is as good as any.
To read 15 different concepts of the bogeyman around the world, follow this link: http://listverse.com/2009/10/24/15-bogeymen-from-around-the-world/
B is also for Banshee, a female omen of death. She warns those she loves with a soft, gentle song, but gives a piercing demonic wail to gloat over the death of her enemies. The banshee is a figure from Irish/Scottish legends. Check out this list of recent banshee books fantasy fiction: https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/banshee.
April 1, 2015
A-Z Blog Challenge: A is for Angels
Welcome to my blog!
I've joined the A-Z blog challenge that runs the entire month of April (except for Sundays). Each day I must post "something" on my chosen theme: Creatures of Paranormal Fiction*. I hope you'll enjoy following along and that you'll enter your suggestions for other creatures in the comments!
There will be a few regular posts this month, but you'll always be able to find the Creatures blogs
by looking for the blue challenge badges or clicking on Blog hops in the sidebar.
*Every website has its own theme, so click on the blue letter badge to go to the main blog site for a list of participants.
Creatures of Paranormal Fiction
A is for Angels.
Angels are spiritual beings created in heaven as agents or messengers of God. In contemporary fiction, there is an entire sub-genre of paranormal romance devoted to these winged creatures. Of course the most fascinating are the fallen angels with human-like flaws. Even the greatest hero or heroine has to have a touch of bad boy or bad girl to keep us reading. :)
If you haven't tried this genre, you'll find titles by dozens of authors, including
Meljean Brooks and Nalini Singh. Check out this list:
https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/angel-books
A is also for Alpha, a very important character trait in most paranormal fiction. The genre abounds with alpha males and females. Whether its angels or vampires or shifters or ghosts, we love and immediately recognize alpha characters. But just what does alpha mean?
Technically, it's the first letter in the Greek alphabet and has a numerical value of 1. Maybe its prominent position is why it has come to symbolize the best, the strongest and most dominant, the natural leader, the preferred mate. But strength and courage alone are not enough without a softer side that demands and gives total loyalty.
One website has attempted to list the 25 traits of an alpha male. I'm not sure I agree with all of them, but see what you think. http://www.traitsofthealphamale.com/77/25-traits-of-an-alpha-male/
BTW, A is also for Arianna and Andreas, the main characters in my Guardian Witch urban fantasy series. They are both alphas but definitely not angels. :)
I've joined the A-Z blog challenge that runs the entire month of April (except for Sundays). Each day I must post "something" on my chosen theme: Creatures of Paranormal Fiction*. I hope you'll enjoy following along and that you'll enter your suggestions for other creatures in the comments!
There will be a few regular posts this month, but you'll always be able to find the Creatures blogs
by looking for the blue challenge badges or clicking on Blog hops in the sidebar.
*Every website has its own theme, so click on the blue letter badge to go to the main blog site for a list of participants.
Creatures of Paranormal FictionA is for Angels.
Angels are spiritual beings created in heaven as agents or messengers of God. In contemporary fiction, there is an entire sub-genre of paranormal romance devoted to these winged creatures. Of course the most fascinating are the fallen angels with human-like flaws. Even the greatest hero or heroine has to have a touch of bad boy or bad girl to keep us reading. :)
If you haven't tried this genre, you'll find titles by dozens of authors, including
Meljean Brooks and Nalini Singh. Check out this list:
https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/angel-books
A is also for Alpha, a very important character trait in most paranormal fiction. The genre abounds with alpha males and females. Whether its angels or vampires or shifters or ghosts, we love and immediately recognize alpha characters. But just what does alpha mean? Technically, it's the first letter in the Greek alphabet and has a numerical value of 1. Maybe its prominent position is why it has come to symbolize the best, the strongest and most dominant, the natural leader, the preferred mate. But strength and courage alone are not enough without a softer side that demands and gives total loyalty.
One website has attempted to list the 25 traits of an alpha male. I'm not sure I agree with all of them, but see what you think. http://www.traitsofthealphamale.com/77/25-traits-of-an-alpha-male/
BTW, A is also for Arianna and Andreas, the main characters in my Guardian Witch urban fantasy series. They are both alphas but definitely not angels. :)
