Sarah Cass's Blog: Sarah's StoryLines, page 44

Tuesday Tales – Laughter {Spontaneous Combustion}

The prompt this week was Laughter.

Oh, sorry. I hope you weren’t coming for another episode of Hybrid. I’m afraid it’s been set aside so I can work with it the way I wanted to. This week’s prompt inspired me to start the prequel to my novel, Changing Tracks. Back before Jane was Jane…she was Clara. A young school teacher in Heber City, Utah (about 1864)…

Remember, this is a meme with many contributing authors, so make sure to click the link at the bottom of the image to take you to see more!

Anyhow, as always this is un-edited mostly, so forgive any errors. :

Clara wound her way through the empty desks. One by one she set clean slates at each seat, and under each she left a note.

The scavenger hunt she had planned would take the whole class down by the creek, to the bottom of the crag hidden in the foothills.  There she hoped they would make the same discoveries she had, if they followed her clues properly.

Outside trips like this were the reason she had so many students, not just in her district, but from the surrounding districts. The children learned a lot, and very few parents complained, however the school superintendent did.

She shuddered at the thought of him and the ‘compromise’ he’d agreed to.  One she despised more with each and every visit.  If Tommy ever got wind of it and what she went through, the superintendent would face a fate worse than death—and she’d be out of a job again, just like in New York.

Thankfully the war, and Tommy’s duty to the President, kept him away most of the time. Having a Pinkerton brother didn’t have many perks, but his near-constant absence was one of them.

Laughter shook her out of her reverie, the children’s rambunctious approach pulled her out of the thought process.  She rushed to get the rest of the notes and slates in their places and back to the front of the room before the door opened.

While most of the children played outside until she rang the bell, a few came in early to finish work if they had it, or sometimes just to chat.  She hoped none of them ventured a look under their slates before everyone could come in for the surprise.

“Good morning, Miss Young.” Annalee skipped in and set her books under her desk. The peppy little eight year old with a shock of bright red hair set her hands on her hips and scowled. “Christopher says we ain’t going to—”

“Aren’t going to.”

“Aren’t going to do our trips no more. Said the new superintendent don’t want them. Is he right?”

The chalk in Clara’s hands clattered to the floor, shattering into several pieces. She blinked and spun around. “New superintendent?”

“Yuh-huh. Papa says he’s coming today. Something about Mr. Clayton being transferred suddenly.”

Clara clenched her jaw and tilted her head. “Oh, he was, was he? Where to?”

“Somewhere far.” Annalee shrugged. “But is it true?”

“Well, we can certainly hope not. I hope our new Superintendent is just as—forgiving—of my teaching methods as Mr. Clayton was.” Clara swallowed down the bile rising in her throat and forced a smile. “Why don’t you go outside and play? We have a few minutes left before I ring the bell.”

Once Annalee raced outside, Clara sighed and leaned back against the blackboard. The whole thing reeked of Tommy and his manipulations. How had he known? She’d been very careful on his last visit to leave no clues of the ‘arrangement’ or her displeasure with it.  That brother of hers could smell a lie from miles away.

If he’d done this, he’d better have found her a far more easy-going Superintendent to deal with her unique teaching style or all of his sneaky, slimy, dirty tricks would have been for naught.

Well, if the new superintendent was visiting today, she’d best get to work. No better way to meet him than teaching the children her way.

For she’d have it no other way.

No matter what she had to do to keep her school how it worked best.

She’d already proven that once, and she was prepared to prove it again if need be.

*~*

Hope you enjoyed it!  Click on the Tuesday Tales badge to see more excellent entries!!

*~*

 

 

An Interview with Tamara Monteau

I’m happy to welcome fellow SCP Author, Tamara Monteau by today. 

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I was born and raised in Washington State, joined the Air Force and met my husband of now 31+ years. We now live in Middle Georgia, have four adult children and one delightful granddaughter.

I became interested in the paranormal when I was a child. My sister and I rushed home from the bus every day to get our Dark Shadows fix before doing our homework. We spent hours play-acting our favorite scenes. In 1992, in the aftermath of the ill-fated Dark Shadows revival, I began imagining ways I could help my own vampire find peace. One night, while my husband and I sat in front of the boob tube, I picked up pen and paper, and started to write. I’ve been hooked ever since.

2.  Can you tell us about the challenges you faced getting your first book published?

After I finished writing Dark Destiny in 2003, I registered it with the Library of Congress and began searching for a literary agency to handle the work. Most of the ones I contacted were predatory, asking for money up front for questionable services. I lost heart, and played with the text for the next five years, enhancing the story and defining secondary characters.

My best friend contacted Author House for me, and after speaking with a representative for almost an hour, I decided to give self-publishing a try. By then, my chosen title had been snapped up by another paranormal, vampire, author, so I decided on Twilight Destiny after a search for that title revealed no vampire genre conflicts.

I published two other novels through Author House, and was preparing to do the same with my fourth when I came upon Secret Cravings Publishing in April of 2011. I took a chance and emailed the publisher, and was shocked at her acceptance. I then asked her to consider my backlist, and two weeks later, Haven’s Realm was born!

My story is one of patience, I suppose. I never really pursued traditional publishing. It all seemed to just fall into place, with the admitted help of a few valued friends. It did seem strange to me that the very first publishing house I should ever contact accepted my work, when it took Stephen King forty attempts to find a home for Carrie (at least that’s what I’ve come to understand). I never suffered the trauma of a rejection letter, and although I’ve received criticism for my choice of title for book one, so far I’ve received some pretty awesome reviews on the entire series.

3. What was your favorite chapter to write and why?

I would have to say Chapter 15 of Haven’s King. In it, Jason introduces Mirissa to the Council of Elders for the first time. The way the scene unfolded established the ceremony by which all Council mates are greeted, and when it played out, I was so surprised and excited I did a happy dance on the back porch for half an hour. (I’m sure the neighbors thought I was crazy.)

4. Were all of your characters easy to write, or did some of them give you trouble? Any particular character you didn’t like at all?

All of my characters are endearing friends. Oh, I have my villains, but they don’t usually hang around too long.

I think the hardest character I’ve ever written was Devon, the older vampire from medieval England who was slain in the middle of my first book. In book four, I stepped back to the beginning of my timeline, and had to create Devon for my readership. I knew I needed a character who would be perceived as beloved, and it broke my heart when I wrote his last scene before a hunter’s arrow took him down. Readers learn more of his history as the events within Secrets & Promises unfolds and the Council makes Chari aware of the consequences of her actions against them.

5. Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Never give up your dream. Work at it, read about it, tell your friends about it, and keep it active in your mind and spirit. Never write when writing feels forced. You’ll never be happy with the outcome. Instead, open your heart to the possible and let the voices within you flourish. When you have before you a finished product you couldn’t possibly improve upon, you’ll know you’re ready to take the next step and become an aspiring “published” writer.

6. In researching your book what did you learn that surprised you? Or, alternatively, what thing did you research that you never thought you would (and considered deleting from your browsing history)?

I spent a lot of time researching for Secrets & Promises. I need, for a start, a doctor of genetics, and the bulk of my knowledge stemmed from watching all the crime shows on TV. While I kept my explanations as simple as I could, I learned interesting aspects I was able to modify to cross science with magic. Because I promised readers the history and foundation of the Community and its members, I spent more than half my research time investigating the individual pasts and more fully developing members that have been in existence from the beginning. In addition, the past lives of my primary female character presented me with an even greater historical challenge as I followed Vincent’s tragic existence. I came away with a much greater appreciation for early history and how various events throughout time intertwined to bring us the world we now know.

7. Narrow down your novel. Why must we read it? (besides the obvious, it’s awesome answer…because of course it is!)

Well, sure it is. Secrets & Promises is my most in-depth work yet. Two different romances intertwine amidst suspense and mystery that weaves together at the end with surprising results. This is my most tragic tale, and should keep readers turning pages and hungering for more. In fact, one among the SCP staff left me a comment that, after reading this fifth story, she’ll be setting aside personal time to read my backlist. I can think of no greater praise for a book even my husband, who is my worst critic, declared “well written”.

8. Do you have any unique talents or hobbies? Talents? Uninque?

I am extremely creative, and dabble in many kinds of art, from painting and ceramics to writing and graphic arts. I can also sing and play (modestly) the guitar and piano. My greatest talent is in my imagination, and my greatest work and satisfaction found in the pages of Haven’s Realm.

9. Which character speaks the loudest to you?

I fell most deeply in love with Ronan (Dragon Lord), but I’ve always had sympathy for Vincent. Jason (Haven’s King) was patterned after my own husband’s quirky humor and cockeyed optimism. Joshua and Catherine (Twilight Destiny) reflect the quieter, more thoughtful aspects of myself. I guess they’re all special to me in one way or another. How does one choose a favorite from amongst one’s children?

10. Do you have another book coming out soon?

I have no idea where Haven’s Realm will take me. Book six is now half written, and I have seeds of ideas sprouting now that I’ve succeeded in expanding the scope of the Community (won’t tell you how – read the book). I can only promise it will not end soon.

*~*~*~*

[image error]| Amazon | SCP | B&N | ARe |

BLURB

When her best friend is taken by a vampire, Dr. Charlotte Vinetti shifts her genetic research focus in hopes of finding a cure. Five years later, she’s no closer to her goal, and long-troubled by the one vampire she’d killed who was different from the rest. Her worst nightmares become terrifying reality when she’s captured and realizes her captors are intelligent, sentient beings rather than the mindless creatures who continued to invade her home.

Vincent was nearing the end of his strength. Haven’s trials over the past five years had overtaxed his resources, but he knew with dread his problems were only beginning when the hunter the Community had long sought was the reincarnation of his deepest love. Forced by ancient promises to stand against the Bargain, his only hope lies in ending their gypsy curse and winning her love, for only then can he earn the Council’s forgiveness.

*~*

Excerpt:

“This will further relax you.” He motioned her to one of the chairs, and she sat obediently before taking a sip. Apricot brandy–her favorite. She took careful sips of the warming liquid while watching him with nervous apprehension. A thousand questions crowded her mind, none of them coherent enough to vocalize, so she waited for him to break the silence. When he did, his words surprised her.

“This situation is, in a way, my doing, and for that I offer you my most remorseful apology. If I’d had the courage to seek you out the moment I sensed you near, none of this would’ve occurred. Devon might still be alive. For my reluctance, I am to blame.”

She stared at him in open shock. He’d sensed her? Before she killed their friend? But that was almost five years ago! “I don’t understand.”

“I don’t expect you to. Not yet.” He took a sip from his crystal tumbler, the contents thick and red. She closed her eyes for a moment to quell the bile rising in her throat.

“There is much to be said between us, and much to resolve, both with you and me, and between us and the Council. Right now we don’t have time to address even a tenth of the questions I hear in your mind. We meet with them soon. You must help me devise a defense.”

Her thoughts raced to catch up. There was, indeed, much to resolve, but how can she answer for the crimes she committed against them? The reality that he’d cast his lot in with hers struck home. She swallowed dryly and asked, “We meet with the Council?”

He took another swallow from his glass and sat in the other chair. She nervously sipped at her own. “All right. I’ll attempt to explain. Be silent and listen closely.” She nodded her understanding. “The information I’m about to share would not come to you for at least a month or two. I’m afraid I’ll need to break a few rules if I mean to keep us both alive.”

He took a long pull from the tumbler, draining its contents, set it on the table and leveled his gaze at her without expression. “I’m a member of the Council of Elders, a group of seven advisors who serve our king. By standing in your defense, I’ve turned my back on my brethren. I stand to lose not only my position in a Community I helped create, but also my right to the Bargain. You will come to know of these matters in time, but for now understand that such a loss would destroy me.”

He paused to allow her silent nod. “In a few minutes, we’ll stand together before my friends, for in siding with you and accepting the Reckoning, I share your guilt. When Mirissa, my queen, suggested it and the Council agreed, our fates became one. Without it, you’d have stood judgment alone. Now it stands as our only means of survival. I must understand your motives if I’m to justify your actions. If I can’t make them hear us, our lives will end tonight.”

*~*

[image error]Where to find Tamara:

Website: http://www.Havens-Realm.com

Blogsite: http://havensrealm.wordpress.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TamaraMonteau

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TamaraMonteauAuthor

The Outlaw Lawman – and the Lawman Outlaw #Giveaway {CLOSED}

GIVEAWAY CLOSED – WINNER(S) CHOSEN & EMAILED 

For me, there is just something about the lawman that toes the line between good and bad.

He has to be tough enough to put away the ‘bad guys’…but good enough to know right from wrong.  In other words, somewhere deep inside he has to have a conscious, even if it’s well masked.

Sometimes it’s an outlaw that makes a good lawman.

I’ve had a couple favorite sheriff’s in my TV western watching.

The Outlaw Lawman:

On Dr. Quinn…

~waits for the groans to end~

Yes. Dr. Quinn.  The gunslinger Kid Cole became sheriff for an episode.  Even for just one episode, he turned out to be the best Sheriff the town had (sorry, Matthew and Daniel fans…and even I, a Hank-lover have to admit he would have made a horrible sheriff).  I guess Kid Cole won the race because he knew the mind of an outlaw, but he had the temperance of years and the desire to just sit down in a quiet place and watch the roses grow.

The Lawman Outlaw:

Now my other favorite Lawman was Seth Bullock of Deadwood.

Not an outlaw, unless you count a politician as an outlaw ~cough~

Seth was a good man that settled into Deadwood after a bad turn as Sheriff in Helena, Montana.  Through a turn of circumstance, he ended up as sheriff of Deadwood.

Seth toed the line because of his willingness to sometimes overlook the wrong-doings of Al Swearengen for the eventual betterment of the town.

Far and above, though, his ability to overlook some wrong-doings, was Bullock’s temper.  He sure didn’t like being taken advantage of, and he certainly didn’t like being threatened or bribed.  It led to some all out brawls, and him removing his sheriff star once or twice.  He wanted to do good for the town, but sometimes he got in his own way.

*~*

In Changing Tracks (Dominion Falls Series book 1), there are a couple of sheriffs.  Outlaws and cowboys alike, they make their own impact on the town.  Are one of them my favorite kind of sheriff?  Well, you’d have to read it to find out.

And so, for the Cowboys and Lawmen Blog Hop, I’m Giving Away a copy of Changing Tracks (Dominion Falls Series Book 1).

To enter, just leave a comment and tell me what your favorite sort of lawman is in your westerns?  Do you like the Outlaw Lawman, or the Lawman Outlaw?

***YOU MUST LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IN THE COMMENT TO QUALIFY FOR THE GRAND PRIZE***

There are nearly 50 authors joining in this hop – each sharing why we love Cowboys and Lawmen.  You want a chance to win more than Changing Tracks?  Head on over to Cowboy Charm and follow the linky list!  As you enjoy some awesome blogs and find fantastic books, for every post you comment on with your email address, you will be entered for some amazing prizes.

Grand Prize: At least a $75 Gift Card for Amazon or Barnes and Noble, your choice. The winner will be chosen at random from comments containing email addresses, and will be announced on May 7. This is open to both US and international readers.

Cowboy Charm Blog Hops now has a companion FaceBook Group. If you’d like to join to receive blog hop and prize announcements here’s the link: https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/453991144693516/

The Outlaw Lawman – and the Lawman Outlaw #Giveaway

For me, there is just something about the lawman that toes the line between good and bad.

He has to be tough enough to put away the ‘bad guys’…but good enough to know right from wrong.  In other words, somewhere deep inside he has to have a conscious, even if it’s well masked.

Sometimes it’s an outlaw that makes a good lawman.

I’ve had a couple favorite sheriff’s in my TV western watching.

The Outlaw Lawman:

On Dr. Quinn…

~waits for the groans to end~

Yes. Dr. Quinn.  The gunslinger Kid Cole became sheriff for an episode.  Even for just one episode, he turned out to be the best Sheriff the town had (sorry, Matthew and Daniel fans…and even I, a Hank-lover have to admit he would have made a horrible sheriff).  I guess Kid Cole won the race because he knew the mind of an outlaw, but he had the temperance of years and the desire to just sit down in a quiet place and watch the roses grow.

The Lawman Outlaw:

Now my other favorite Lawman was Seth Bullock of Deadwood.

Not an outlaw, unless you count a politician as an outlaw ~cough~

Seth was a good man that settled into Deadwood after a bad turn as Sheriff in Helena, Montana.  Through a turn of circumstance, he ended up as sheriff of Deadwood.

Seth toed the line because of his willingness to sometimes overlook the wrong-doings of Al Swearengen for the eventual betterment of the town.

Far and above, though, his ability to overlook some wrong-doings, was Bullock’s temper.  He sure didn’t like being taken advantage of, and he certainly didn’t like being threatened or bribed.  It led to some all out brawls, and him removing his sheriff star once or twice.  He wanted to do good for the town, but sometimes he got in his own way.

*~*

In Changing Tracks (Dominion Falls Series book 1), there are a couple of sheriffs.  Outlaws and cowboys alike, they make their own impact on the town.  Are one of them my favorite kind of sheriff?  Well, you’d have to read it to find out.

And so, for the Cowboys and Lawmen Blog Hop, I’m Giving Away a copy of Changing Tracks (Dominion Falls Series Book 1).

To enter, just leave a comment and tell me what your favorite sort of lawman is in your westerns?  Do you like the Outlaw Lawman, or the Lawman Outlaw?

***YOU MUST LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IN THE COMMENT TO QUALIFY FOR THE GRAND PRIZE***

There are nearly 50 authors joining in this hop – each sharing why we love Cowboys and Lawmen.  You want a chance to win more than Changing Tracks?  Head on over to Cowboy Charm and follow the linky list!  As you enjoy some awesome blogs and find fantastic books, for every post you comment on with your email address, you will be entered for some amazing prizes.

Grand Prize: At least a $75 Gift Card for Amazon or Barnes and Noble, your choice. The winner will be chosen at random from comments containing email addresses, and will be announced on May 7. This is open to both US and international readers.

Cowboy Charm Blog Hops now has a companion FaceBook Group. If you’d like to join to receive blog hop and prize announcements here’s the link: https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/453991144693516/

An Interview with AJ Best

I’m happy to welcome fellow SCP Author, AJ Best by today. She was good enough to answer a few questions. So pull up a chair and relax and get to know AJ.

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

A little about myself, hmmm. I’m tall and shrinking. Does that count?

2. Are you a pantser or a plotter?

I’ve tried it both ways, and so far pantsing makes life go round. I even went to a course called pantsing to plotting. I think I failed the class. I’m such a bad student.

3. Can you tell us about the challenges you faced getting your first book published?

The first book (short story) was not the easiest thing to get published. I wanted desperately to be a Ravenous Romance gal, but they wouldn’t even give me the time of day. Maybe their watch was broken. So I sent the MS to Passion in Print and OY VEY, they didn’t have much good to say about it. I steamed, cussed, pouted, and threw things until I said, “Self, let’s ignore the not so good stuff, and take the good stuff and run with it.”

Low and behold it worked. Secret Cravings read my short story and sent my acceptance letter to me while I was eating pizza at Pizza Hut. It is not advisable to scream at the top of your lungs in a small town restaurant. When we left there we went to Big Lots, and I had a ton of fun running the battery down on my phone calling everyone I could think of and telling them that I was finnally a published author.

4. What was your favorite chapter to write and why?

My favorite was the last chapter as that is where they make up. I can’t tell you the spot they make up on, or where they are when it happens, it will ruin all the fun. But let’s just say, it makes making up fun.

5. Were all of your characters easy to write, or did some of them give you trouble? Any particular character you didn’t like at all?

My characters are never easy to write. I know (as any parent does) what is good for their kids, but they don’t want to do anything I tell them to do. It’s a huge fight til I give in and alas things work better than I thought they would.

6. Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Write. Keep writing. Guest blog, even if you don’t have a book out because you want your name out there for people to say, “Hey, I’ve heard of that AJ chick, she’s a smart ass. Wonder what she’s gonna say today!” But also, remember that anything you put on the internet your publishers and fans can find. So even if you are a smart ass, don’t be a dumb ass about it. LOL

7. In researching your book what did you learn that surprised you? Or, alternatively, what thing did you research that you never thought you would (and considered deleting from your browsing history)?

I’ve done some research for a friend’s book, but even as odd as that was I would never delete my browser history. I can’t wait for the day I die and my grandkids go through my computer and nearly fall out of their chair at what granny was looking at. I think the oddest thing that I have looked up for myself was a creature that hunts vampires. It was rather odd searching for “creature that drinks vampire blood”.

8. Narrow down your novel. Why must we read it? (besides the obvious, it’s awesome answer…because of course it is!)

You must read it because I’ve placed a subliminal messaging loop in this interview, and if you don’t read it, your eyes will pop. Just kidding. You should read the book because it’s a great short story that will catch you on fire at the very end. Make sure you warn your SO.

9. Do you have any unique talents or hobbies? Talents? Uninque?

Not really, but I am the jack of all trades and the master of none. I crochet, oil paint, change computer monitors to cat beds, make paned windows into a painting that looks like a window looking out. I can sew, quilt, make artisan bread, and nearly anything homemade!

10. Which character speaks the loudest to you?

The loudest one is my female heroine in my paranormal romance. She has gone through a ton of crap before the first chapter is over and she’s ready for something good to happen by now. And she’s not very quiet about it.

11. Do you have another book coming out soon?

I have several books in the works, a cookbook, a paranormal romance, and a woman’s fiction book. But none of those are coming out right away.

*~*~*~*

[image error]| Amazon | SCP | B&N | ARe |

BLURB

Mary is prepared for the anniversary of a lifetime. Ten years of wonderful memories fill her mind. She can’t wait to see what the next ten will bring. When her plans for early morning seduction fail, her mind jumps to worst case scenarios.

Joe’s attention, focused elsewhere, may be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. Will he be able to come up with a good reason for forgetting their anniversary?

As the day continues, will the answers Mary finds leave her in tears? Will she find the next ten years dreams shattered before her? Only Joe holds the answers to the questions her heart asks.

**********

Author Bio

From the age of seven AJ has been passionate about the written word. Taking advantage of her summer breaks she would spend the entire day at the library reading. It wasn’t until the age of thirteen the written took hold and wouldn’t let go. Her mother made sure she had a typewriter, yes a manual one, and plenty of correction tape.

AJ’s first love was poetry. Before she was given the experience to comprehend the meaning of love she typed out her first poem:

lazily we walk along the beach

you and I hand in hand

nature has its things to teach

we listen and learn

but never turn

to see what we left behind

When not writing you will find AJ in the garden, kitchen or animal shelter. The family’s love for animals has brought them a pretty cool status among the community. They are one of the only families in the county who will take in feral cats.

AJ is determined to become the worlds youngest ‘cat lady’. Her living furbaby collection includes Jack, Thor, Belle, Shadow and Earl. Keep an eye out in all of her writing, there will be a kitty in every story. It’s the only way she’ll get to reach the ‘cat lady’ status without her fiance` kicking her out.

AJ loves to connect with people. Feel free to stop by her web page www.ajbestwrites.com or send her an email at ajbestwrites(@)gmail.com

Hump Day Hook 25 – Changing Tracks #Giveaway

Another Hump Day Hook! This week ALL participants are having a giveaway of some kind!  So head on over to the Hump Day Hook site when you’re done here and follow the links for many more giveaways!!

Since just last week I gave away a copy of Masked Hearts. I thought this week I’d return to an old favorite and give away a copy of Changing Tracks (Dominion Falls Series Book 1).

And to ease the sting of 2 paragraphs over 1…I’m going to giveaway a copy to one lucky commenter!!

Jane has just awoken from a restless night of sleep. One with a particularly vivid dream:

When his lips touched hers, the aching need took over. She opened up to him in desperation. Her tongue responded to his, searching the familiar depths of his mouth. When he’d pulled back, still convinced it was a dream, she’d breathed out the words she’d never dare say aloud.

“I love you.”

And as in every other dream he’d been gone. She reached for him again, but in the whisper of a breeze from her window he was gone.

*~*~*

Blurb:

There’s nothing simple about forgetting your past.

Cole Mitchell runs the busiest saloon and brothel in Dominion Falls. He keeps his women at a distance, unwilling to relive a past he worked hard to forget.

Until the night Jane Doe falls into his saloon bleeding and near death.  She wakes with no memory, only the firm belief someone tried to kill her. In the strange world of amnesia she manages to find solace in Cole’s arms and he finds home in hers.

While they work together to solve the mystery of her appearance, their pasts – her lack of, and his buried – build a barrier between them.

To make matters worse, Jane’s past isn’t willing to let her go. A stranger proves he’ll kill to keep his secrets safe. With those she loves in danger, Jane’s errant memory is all that stands between them and death.  Cole can only do so much to protect her, will it be enough?

Buy Links:

Secret Cravings Website –  http://bit.ly/14XQPTl

Amazon -  http://amzn.to/11DDgcG

Barnes & Noble -  http://bit.ly/XcTs0R

All Romance Ebooks -  http://bit.ly/WJxSiA

Bookstrand -  http://bit.ly/12dl2PB

*~*

Hump Day Hook asks authors to post one paragraph of one of their stories, whether a WIP, one contracted, or already published.  Please visit and comment on the participants – you might just stumble on the next great read for your library!  To see more participants, click on the HDH banner below:

An Interview with Cart Dupree from A Matter of Fate – Ellie Heller

[image error]Josiah Carthage Dupree, Cart, is visiting today with an interview and the announcement the winners of the A Matter of Fate book tour! Once we can get him to stop pacing Averill, the leader of the Buffalo pack, will start the interview. Or maybe not.

****

You are planning to sit, right? No? Okay, we’ll do this as you’re pacing, but don’t think I won’t be telling our author about your recalcitrance. After all, promotion is part of the job now too.

Averill ignores Carts glare and waves her hand indicating the armchair opposite her. Cart sits down and immediately tilts the chair back on its back two legs. Deciding to pick her battles Averill begins.

Now, I understand you are the male lead in this book, is that right? Cart rolls his eyes at her question. Yes.

What is your author like? Cart focuses on her, pausing before answers. Averill wonders what he’d originally was going to say that he filtered. Of course she has her own guess. Her method of writing isn’t the most consistent – some days it’s a lot, some a little, but she gets the work done. If she worked for me I’d probably pair her with Tiff. Tiff is hyper-organized and overly methodical, so they’d balance each other out.

Anything you’d like to dish out about your author? She can’t have Spicy Nacho Doritos in the house. She has no restraint and will eat the whole bag in a sitting.

Averill looks down at her notes to hide her smile because it is so true. Their author cannot resist the chips and more than once has left orange smudges on the keyboard. She looks back up to find a smile teasing the corners of Cart’s mouth. So far so good.

Did you have a hard time convincing your author to write any particular scenes for you? Cart’s brow furrows and he shakes his head. No, not that I can think of.

What are your favorite scenes in your book: the action, the dialog or the romance? Cart shrugs. I don’t have a favorite in the book. A rather feral yet self-satisfied smile peaks out, transforming him from good looking to devastatingly handsome. Averill blinks in the glare of his attractiveness and hopes Mona realizes just how lucky she is. My favorite parts are off screen.

Ah, yes. Averill decides not to go into detail on that.

If you could rewrite anything in your book, what would it be? Cart raises one eyebrow at her, daring her to ask it again, and Averill realizes that might not have been the best question to follow up with.

What was your family like growing up? The front legs of the chair clatter to the floor as Cart lets out a belly laugh. Great way to get the topic off sex, he finally says shaking his head at her. My family is both small and large. There’s just my mom, me, and my cousin…  and the entire rest of the pack.

When you were a child, what was the worst thing you did and how did your mother punish you for it? You mean what was the worst thing that I did that I got caught and punished for. Actually it wasn’t my mom who caught me, it was the counselors at camp. I was fifteen. When the rest of the teen bunks where out doing a night ‘run’, we were too young to actually change, but learning woodscraft at night is really useful, I did two things only one got found out. First, I added mineral oil to all the boys acne wash. There was the worst pimple breakout in years that summer, except me and a couple of kids who didn’t use it. That no one found out about, at least not that summer. What I got caught at was putting itching powder in the counselor’s sleeping bag. It wasn’t until later they realized I’d put it in everyone’s. The punishment? For the entire rest of the summer I got assigned two young bear cub shifters as buddies. They didn’t stop talking and followed me everywhere and got into everything. I mean everything. I spent all my time making sure the pair didn’t destroy the camp or harm themselves. It was a nightmare.

Except, isn’t one now on your team? Yeah, Menlo grew up to be an okay adult. Stopped talking so much and started listening.  

Now he’s relaxed and bantering, time to pose the question Mona asked Averill to include.

Do have any secret aspirations that your author doesn’t know about? Sky diving but, as you know, elf-blood and airplanes don’t mix.

Have you thought about trying something similar like jumping off a cliff with a hang glider? Cart’s eyes widened in surprise. No, I hadn’t, until now. I’ll have to look into that.

Opps, Averill had put her foot in it now. No use finding out something special if he was going to go off and do it himself!

I’m sure, in all that free time you have you’ll get plenty of chances. Cart’s shoulders slumped. Yeah, right. One day, after things calm down, I’ll give it a shot.

A floating, two inch wide bundle of light that shoots off sparks bobbed into existence in front of Cart causing Cart to stand. The way the imp hovers by him following his moves, its clearly been sent with a message for the shifter. Hey, looks like the winners are here. Let’s see what we’ve got.

1 the grand prize is a Kindle ($69 value) and a $35 Amazon GC (or the option of a $100 Amazon or B&N gift card),



Name: Kathy Power 




1 the first place prize is a Buffalo Bills Blanket and a $20 Amazon gift card
 


Name: Leslie Miner


6 prize packs featuring bags full of book swag

Name: Stephanie Christmann



Name: Wayne Deava



Name: Jessica Ryba
Name: Viki Sloboda
Name: Karielle Stephanie


Name: Teresa Mccluskey

A second imp pops up, twirling rapidly and clearly agitated. I need to go take this. Thanks Averill, it’s been a blast.

As soon as Cart is out the door, Averill crosses to the phone. “Hey Mona, I got something you can work with.”

 

****

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS! Ellie will be contacting you for shipping information shortly!

Tuesday Tales – Yellow {Hybrid}

The prompt this week was Yellow.

This week Jy and Jdyne make it to the Assembly finally…

Remember, this is a meme with many contributing authors, so make sure to click the link at the bottom of the image to take you to see more!

Anyhow, as always this is un-edited mostly, so forgive any errors. :

Movement across the planes as a phoenix traveled always reduced us to ash. I could sense my father’s discomfort with dissolving into ash, but it was required and he was a king so he didn’t complain.

The great hall of the Assembly was magically protected. None could enter but the assembly, and up to two companions they must bring on their own fire. Our entrance would not be on my father’s fire, but my own power.

That alone would shock them.

The downpour of ash in the middle of the circular room wouldn’t hurt with our hope for dramatic impact, either.

I felt my father lose consciousness once we had scattered across the void, and I let my energy gather him close. Just for fun Spark and I let our energy fly around the room, ruffling their crest’s before we zoomed up into the dome.

While the dragons below us eyed the room suspiciously I drew my father’s ashes in with my own and nudged him to consciousness. The first murmurs below let me know it was time to show ourselves.

Our ashes drifted down slow at first, like flakes of dust catching in the light. As they grew thicker, the dragons around us began to take notice. Green, blue, yellow and red eyes turned toward the growing pile of ash.

A whisper of energy separated my father’s ashes from our own and in a whirl of power and my own red fire he came back into human form. His cheeks flushed, eyes still bright silver, he radiated a new sense of strength like he’d been as revitalized by the experience as I always was.

I grinned and let the fire overtake me to stand tall beside him, Spark perched on my shoulder. “Good morrow, my lords.” I bowed down to one knee, my right hand curled before my forehead in a sign of respect. My inability to fully transform into a dragon had led to a compromise since I had no crest lower in respect to my elders.

“Rise, Child.  You are not their inferior.” My father spoke with warmth and pride I hadn’t heard in years. “They are yours. I hadn’t quite realized what you’re capable of.”

Pride and a bit of embarrassment probably colored my cheeks, but I did as he commanded. “My lords, I have come in hopes of staying your desire to begin a war again. To tell you the truth of what I am, of what the hybrids are. Our kind cannot afford another war, and the human race does not deserve the wrath of Alatus.”

“The truth of what you are is an abomination.” Gardolden, a particularly old and stuffy dragon with bright yellow eyes signifying his ties to the northern lands bristled. His forefeet curled over the edge of his ledge and he crouched as if to pounce. “You came in without the aid of your father. That shows how dangerous you are.”

“I, and my father’s phoenixes are the only beings capable of breaching your magical protection, because we are the only ones descended of a race older than your precious dying dragon magic.” I smiled, and hoped the malice and intent behind my words had their impact. “If I was a threat you’d already be dead. Did you not feel me ruffle your crest before we showed ourselves?”

“Is that a threat?”

“Not yet. Just a point of fact.” I turned my back on the blustering Gardolden, and scanned the dragons behind me. The twelve men along with my father represented the greatest powers on the Wyvern plane. Thirteen total. It stood to reason they were scared.

“The time for secrets is over.” Jdyne’s voice carried through the room without effort and stilled all protest. “I have attempted to protect the princess, your future queen, mind you, for too long. It’s time you learned the truth.”

“A Terran can never be our queen. We told you that years ago, Jdyne.” Sigda, a green-eyed dragon with opalescent scales called from my left. His eastern lands were vast, and he’d always been kind and indulgent of her in her youth. Good to know allegiances were so weak.

“I am more than Terran. More than Wyvern. Perhaps you are just scared, Sigda. Perhaps you all are. Change has never been welcome to the dragons, after all. It took you millennia to give up the Terran plane and let them be.” I lifted my chin, and turned to face the man that once told me stories alongside his son. A son now dead.

“And look what they’ve done with it.” Sigda refused to look at me.

“Your son, and my best friend, Tamyr was lost in our last war, Sigda. At one time you wanted us mated. Now you question my role in our world?”

Sigda’s crest sank flat to his head and his wings fluttered, a huff of steam curling from his nostrils.

“So many of you know me, and you have known Alatus. Will you truly let the inflammatory words of an ill-tempered and jealous one determine our futures? Will you let us battle and destroy what’s left of our world, and let him destroy another plane and its inhabitants because he is power-hungry?”

*~*

Hope you enjoyed it!  Click on the Tuesday Tales badge to see more excellent entries!!

*~*

 

 

Sweet Saturday Sample 3 – Into a Mirror Darkly

Another Saturday, another sample.

Sweet Saturday Samples are samples of any story, published, unpublished, whatever you like.  Any genre is welcome of any heat level – but the samples themselves are all rated PG-13, so yes, all samples are safe for innocent (or not) eyes.

It’s been quite some time since I brought out Into a Mirror Darkly to show off.  It’s a WIP, and to put it into a genre would be difficult as it spans several. Red is one of my favorite characters to date. She truly kicks butt. It is a first draft of a WIP, so excuse any errors.

I hope you enjoy it.  And don’t forget to check out Sweet Saturday Samples for more samples!

By now Gran should have the silver weapons cleaned of ogre blood, so Red wouldn’t have to feel unprotected for long.  Whether or not Gran had put protection spells on Red’s land meant little.  Magic was too scarce these days to be reliable.  That’s why the damnable clockwork inventions were everywhere – replacing magic.

With a sigh, Red turned to the wall.  In place of a real mirror hung a well-shined metal plate.  No matter much the plate shone, the reflection was still warped and muddled, leaving much to be desired.

She twisted her lips and tapped the lid of a small pot on the shelf below the plate. The internal debate dissipated when she heard a familiar masculine laugh outside.  Without further hesitation she took the extra step to line her eyes with coal and enhance her lips with rich red.

“It’s so rare that I get to say you remind me so much of your sister.” Gran’s voice comforted her while her words twisted a long buried knife in Red’s belly.

“Except we both know I’m nothing like Snow.” Red reached for the brush, but it was snatched out of the way and running through her hair too fast. With just a few brush strokes and a whisper of a spell, Red’s rich auburn hair fell in gentle waves across her shoulders. “We don’t even look alike. Just because I made my lips red doesn’t mean we have anything in common.”

Gran tsked, straightening the clothes Red had scattered in her search for an outfit. “She’s your sister, Rose. Don’t hold such hatred in your heart for blood.”

“Is she really, Gran?  Is she really, truly, my blood?” As usual the question silenced her Gran in ways nothing else would.  At eighty six the woman could boast to rarely ever outright lying.  With another eighty or so years ahead of her if magic hung around long enough, she’d do her best to keep that record.

“Of course she’s blood,” Gran finally admitted.

“Blood. But is she really my sister? Mother always said we were twins, born minutes apart.” Red wrapped a lock of red hair around her finger, thinking of Snow’s jet black hair and ‘pale as snow’ skin.  The opposite of Red’s deep olive skin that turned dark brown in the months the sun shone through the dust clouds.  “And besides appearance we certainly have nothing else in common.”

“You did once.”  Gran set a hand on her arm, the fierce fire of a woman devoted to her family bursting forth in the depths of her blue eyes.  Years of experience lined her features, while the beauty she’d been in youth came out in the high cheekbones and plump lips she still stained daily.  “In the Before.”

“Yes, well in the Before there was magic galore to blind us to such things.  Amazing how hiding the sun has revealed truths, like how much some people are willing to sacrifice for wealth and position.”

“Do not speak ill of your sister.”

“She sleeps in that woman’s castle. The one that killed her own husband, not to mention her niece.” Red snatched her arm back, “Your cardinal rule is to not ignore company isn’t it, Gran? I should go greet Solange.”

Gran’s strength and ferocity faded with the mention of Misty, and she gave a nod, “You’re right of course.  Let’s go join your guest then.”

Red wrapped an arm around Gran’s shoulder and kissed her temple, “Sorry Gran. I don’t like fighting with you. Let’s just try to have a good afternoon. Find out what it is Solange wants so that I can take that head in and collect the bounty.”

“No more ogres for a while, please.  I’m running low on supplies. Protecting all of those bags and cleaning your clothes ate most of them up.” The twinkle returned to Gran’s blue eyes, “Much as I know you like a challenge. Sometimes a challenge can be found right at home.”

 

Beauty is not Skin Deep #Giveaway #BlogHop

Welcome to the Beastly Birthday Blog Hop!  Kerrianne Coombes is celebrating the 1st birthday of her demon tales, and a whole lot of us are joining in the fun!  There’s more info at the bottom of my post on how to win, and where to go. 

For me, true beauty has never been about physical appearance. I mean, sure, we all like to look at the pretty package. The attractive hero with the rock hard abs (say hello to Cole…my hero from Changing Tracks…he’s the one with those abs…~sigh~), the heroine with the flaxen hair, fair eyes.

I like to always go beyond looks.  Often in my books you’ll find descriptions of characters sparse. You get Cole and Jane’s hair and eye color (I have a weakness for eyes), you’re told that Jane has a tiny waist, Cole has good musculature and is super tall – but I let most of the rest to your imagination.

I do the same in Masked Hearts – with a small twist.

My heroine is deeply scarred.  Physically as well as emotionally.

Right on the cover you see the scars lining her back, set into her flesh in her youth.

When you first meet her, she comes across as harsh, cold.  Soon after we get a glimpse to what’s hiding underneath those scars.

Despite her physical appearance, I think Minnie is one of the most beautiful characters I’ve written.  Years of pain and protecting herself have built up walls to hide a sense of humor, a deep soul, and a warm heart.

Characters and people often speak for themselves.

Jackson Krenshaw in my Dominion Falls Series (Changing Tracks, mostly), is handsome and wealthy, and one of the ugliest souls you’ll ever meet.  One of the only characters that actually sent a shiver of disgust down my spine as I wrote him – and I’ve written some dark stuff.

I like to write all kinds.  My characters all have flaws, some of them are deeply flawed and have to grow a lot to win your hearts.  Others start out wonderful and reveal darkness within that turn them ugly.  I don’t like safe, and I don’t like two dimensional cookie cutter characters.  Everyone has layers, even the worst villain, and I hope that I bring you all of those layers.

*~*

Now…I suppose you want to know how to WIN? There are lots of prizes to enter, but first I’ll tell you what mine is!!

Here at Sarah’s Storylines I’m going to give away a copy of Masked Hearts in your chosen format and a $5 GC to your choice of Amazon or B&N!

To win, all you have to do is leave a comment and answer the question: Has a character ever surprised you by not being what they appeared?  Which character?

*~*

What about the grand prize? And all of those other prizes at other blogs?  Well, that’s simple.

Head on over to Kerrianne Coombes blog. It’s her hop and she is the host.  You can learn more about her fabulous prizes, and find links to everyone else.

But WAIT!!  Before you go…remember that image over there…——–>

Write it down. Because you”ll need to know it, and the image at every participants blog for a chance to win the grand prize!!

So go on over to Kerrianne‘s and get a move on.  There are so many awesome prizes to win!