Crystal Collier's Blog, page 18

Bella's Taliban Crashes into Supernatural: Aka A to Z Challenge for Y

QUICKLY: My amazing Pal, Elizabeth Seckman is unveiling her newest book cover. Check out this beauty!

Did you know? Bella is given a Cherokee rose in the story. The pretty little white flower grows wild in North Carolina. Legend has it that the tears from Cherokee moms who lost their children while on the forced march from their home to a reservation in the west, The Trail of Tears. 

Isabella Troy Stanley is a divorced, slave freeing pariah surviving in the shattered post Civil War south the only way a fallen debutante knows how. She heads to a Yankee prison and buys herself a husband. 
Jack Byron is the former Troy plantation stable boy and object of young Bella's affection. He rejected her then, and he's still not sold on the idea of marrying her now.  
 It’s complicated.
 Though to Bella, it’s simple: make Jack love her, marry her, and live happily ever after. The plan seems to work...at least until her secret is revealed.

Elizabeth is a wife, a mom, and a writer. She has four wonderful boys, one dusty house, and three published books to her credit. Feel free to check them out and buy them HERE! Erm, the books, not the kids or the house...though all things in life are negotiable ;)
You can find her here - Blog // Facebook // Twitter
Cover art by Sprinkles on Top Studios.


True heroes are all around us, in our every day lives, but some people stand out. During this A-Z Challenge I hope to share several of my real life heroes, and invite you to share yours in the comments.

ousafzia, Malala: Pakastani woman and hero. Malala has always been outspoken, especially on the topic of women's rights, and specifically in relation to education. Because of this, she was shot in the head at close range by a member of the Taliban.

She wrote an anonymous blog about living and seeking an education under the threat of the Taliban. This threat was very real, and as the militant group banned music, television, women from shopping and placed limits on women's education, the tension grew. People who disobeyed were killed.

Malala knew she was being targeted because of her outspokenness, but she didn't stop. Things came to a head when she was identified as the writer of the blog and interviewed in New York. Afterwards a masked man entered her school and threatened to hurt everyone unless they identified her. She was shot in the head.

Everyone thought she would die. She was in critical condition and transferred to a hospital in the UK. Miraculously, she survived.

Her survival led to petitions and change in education and forward leaps for women's rights. Malala continues to be a voice and symbol for the continued campaign.

Malala inspires me to hold my ground and moral issues the world or society may call trivial or old fashioned. She's an inspiration and proof that one voice really can make a difference.


Two more days to get MOONLESS at $1.99.

Jane Eyre meets Supernatural
How would you like to meet another hero? Although he's a bit tight lipped, meet Kiren. (Interview originally hosted on Mary Waibel's blog.): 
Ginger hair frames Kiren’s clean-shaven face, straight nose and piercing blue eyes as he takes a seat. A jagged white scar cuts from below one eye down his cheek. 

Where do you live?
*shifty eyes* Primarily on the road.

How long have you been living without a proper home?
I never said I lack a proper home, only that I rarely occupy one.

Why?
*jaw clenches as he leans forward* Do you know what happens on moonless nights?

No. What happens on moonless nights?
*shakes his head* If you’re ignorant, you are safer. 

That sounds slightly freaky.
*nods* 

That scar on your cheek, where did it come from?
The person who taught me what really matters in life.

And who was that?
*crosses his arms and stares*

What’s the best/worst gift you’ve ever received?
*slides a hand over his chest, revealing the outline of a chain through the material* The best and worst gift is the weight my father placed around my neck. 

What do you miss most about being a kid?
My family. 

What happened to them?
*eyes close*

Are they gone?
*looks away*

How old were you when you lost them?
Six.

Do you think you’ve turned out the way your parents expected?
No. But I dare believe they would be pleased with what I’ve become. 

Do you have any living heroes? Have you ever taken a stand for something you truly believe? What do you think of Elizabeth's book cover? Does Kiren's tight-lip-edness make you curious, or is it frustrating?

True Heroes A to Z: X Factor

True heroes are all around us, in our every day lives, but some people stand out. During this A-Z Challenge I hope to share several of my real life heroes, and invite you to share yours in the comments.

-factor: this is my eXtra cheaty post, because let's face it, no one's name starts with X. (Okay, maybe there are a few people, but admirable ones?) So, as long as I'm cheating, I'm going to rant about Leonardo Da Vinci.

Everyone knows this guy for his art: The Mona Lisa, etc. I've heard it said that if his images could be restored in full detail, we'd be blown away by the colors and detail, and I believe it.

He was so much more than a painter: an inventor, a mathematician, a sculptor, a musician, engineer, botanist, writer, teacher and more... He was a creative factory of awesomeness. An innovator.

He imagined up flying machines, a tank, solar power, an adding machine, and even theorized about plate tectonics. He had something, a raw creativity that I admire in anyone, and he pursued it. It's that kind of creativity I hope to cultivate in my own children through allowing them to pursue their interests educationally, a huge reason we home school.


Two more days to get MOONLESS at $1.99.

Jane Eyre meets Supernatural
So while we're talking about the X factor, let me introduce a character who has it (originally interviewed by Kerri Cuevas HERE): 
Bellezza takes a seat, honeydew ringlets spilling loosely over thin shoulders. No more than thirteen, she glares through chocolate eyes that bear as much gravity as a black-hole.
If you had a free day with no responsibilities and your only mission was to enjoy yourself, what would you do?*blinks in horror* Die. Maybe I’d have to start plotting my own death from boredom.
What are you most proud of about your life?No man or cage can hold me. I am free. Like the wind.
Do you think you’ve turned out the way your parents expected?My parents had no expectations, weak things that they were.
You’re saying they’re dead?Killed old pappy myself.
Can I ask why?*grin fades* Depends. Do you like horror stories? *brows lower* Keep on this line of questioning and your life will be one.
What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done to someone?*cocks her head grinning* I sent a woman as strong as myself to the Soulless. And may she suffer for eternity.
Why did you do that?*grimaces* She stabbed me with gold. Do you know what that feels like? Imagine acid—liquid acid beneath your skin. Now times that by one hundred.
What are you most afraid of?If you tell anyone this, I will dangle your innards from the nearest flagpole. Understood? *squints, pointing with a threatening finger* I am irredeemable. In the end I will be alone. But I must continue in my mission, for myself, for those who have suffered. I am a product of my circumstances, a tool no loving or respectable person can be. I am needed. 

Who is your favorite inventor? Who is your favorite artist? Do you allow your creativity to come out to play? Met any characters who really have the X factor?

True Heroes A to Z: W stands for Friends

True heroes are all around us, in our every day lives, but some people stand out. During this A-Z Challenge I hope to share several of my real life heroes, and invite you to share yours in the comments.

addell, Jodi. Every so often you meet someone who opens your eyes about what really matters in life. I met Jodi on church assignment. As part of that assignment, I would meet with her once a month (or more) and just talk, or I'd spend time running errands she couldn't because of health complications.

Jodi was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 7. When I met her, we were both in our twenties. She had married, but realized she would never have the opportunity to bring a child into the world, too many health complications. That didn't stop her from making gifts for my son, or many other people's. Her health kept her from doing things most of us enjoy--hiking, biking, running, sports, etc, and she often laughed off the doctor's strict advice about not cleaning under her own bed or shopping. Sometimes when I went to visit she was restricted to the couch with oxygen--at age 27.

The last time I saw Jodi was when we helped her and her husband clean up and load a moving van for the transition to their new house--the first one they'd purchased. We kept in touch, but when I moved to the east coast, I lost track of her. Thanks to facebook I was able to reconnect a few years ago, and last July, Jodi finally passed out of this world.

Story after story, she left a legacy of love. I look back at those visits with fondness and miss Jodi, but I'll never forget the time together. She was my friend.

What was it that really got me about Jodi? Her smile. Her laugh. She was always positive, even in when feeling her worst. Every visit was a joy, every opportunity to help, a blessing. 

Four more days to get MOONLESS at $1.99.

Jane Eyre meets Supernatural
An excerpt (about best friends): 
“Lexy!” Sarah leapt down the stairs four at a time, sliding to a halt before her near-sister and straightening up formally. She cleared her throat. “Welcome to my home.”“You are older.” Alexia didn’t mean to be blunt.“I am older? Look at you!” She scowled, nose crinkling. “You are not my baby sister. I cannot go to court with you for fear of being outshone!”Some things about Sarah would never change. Alexia stuck out her tongue. Sarah mimicked her. They burst into laughter and embraced.“Oh, Lexy, you have become a woman and I a widow. Is it not a strange world we live in?”Alexia let her go. “Father sends his regards. He will arrive shortly.”Sarah’s face straightened matter-of-factly. “So long as he does not miss his brother-in-law’s funeral, good riddance!”Where had this sardonic Sarah come from?“But you must be weary! We shall have so much time for reacquainting that I shan’t keep you from your bed. Come, enjoy all the hospitality my home may offer.” She hugged her near-sister again, shivering with delight. “No, I changed my mind. Come eat, talk to me—tell me everything! We will sleep tomorrow.” \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\*************************///////////////////
We interrupt your regularly scheduled blog reading to bring you a message from your local hacker…well technically it’s not hacking, because Crystal and I share just about everything including passwords and every so often a nasty flu bug.
I am doing this because I do not have a blog. Mostly because unlike my sweet wife, I am not a very good writer, unless you count writing code. But I’m sure that is not something you would find fascinating to read.
So I need to hijack her blog to share my True Hero.
is for, you guessed it Wife. Or at least my Wife!
You have to understand Crystal is probably the best, coolest, most beautiful (inside and out),amazing, perfect person I know. Her only questionable quality is her judgment, still not sure why she decided to marry me…but hey I’m not complaining.
I won’t bother you with all of her amazing attributes and things she does from music to writing to schooling my kids. I’m sure if you have read her blog at all you have gleaned most of that stuff anyway.
I will however tell you about one thing. Her ability to make me a better person. Honestly I do not know where I would be without her.  Just being around her makes me want to try harder, love more, and just generally do what is right. Something I am eternally grateful for.
So here is a shout out to you Crystal my love. I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!More than you may ever know.
Okay I am done with my interruption. But Crystal’s Mom wanted me to post this below as well.
From Crystal’s Mom: 
"Ok. Here’s a hero of mine. Her name is Crystal Hicken Collier.  She is my daughter. From what she wrote on Day H and Day K of her True Heros A-Z, clearly she is someone who honors her mother and father. Crystal has always been a delight to me and her father as well as to her 7 brothers and sisters. She is the 5th child and the first girl so her name was chosen and saved until she came to the family. She is, as her name implies, a gem of rare find, a crystal. Because of her special gifts and talents, she has always added to our family an extra dimension which is needed. We, as a whole, are better because of her.Crystal is very social and always has friends. On camping trips when she was young, we would be somewhere overnight and she would have a hard time leaving in the morning because she didn’t want to leave her new friends. 
It was fun to be the mother as Crystal grew up. She was involved in many activities. She is very creative and liked organizing parties. In addition to the parties she helped her siblings organized for the family, we hosted many high school club parties at our house. She performed in plays and choral groups. She has a very beautiful voice. I love to hear her sing but my favorite is when she sings to her 3 children as she puts them to bed. When she was in elementary school, she discovered that she really like to write stories. She is now the newly published author of “Moonless”.
Crystal is the queen of multitasking – homeschooling her 3 children, pursuing her writing career, maintaining her house and home, balanced with serving well in her church in a very responsible position, and is a supportive wife at the same time. She adores her husband and he adores her.  She is content to live on a dime which is something that many women cannot do. And, she is the best guide to Disney and surrounding theme parks in Florida. 
I have learned many great lessons from Crystal. One was when she was in high school. She had so many things going. She would have an assignment to sing. There was just no time to ask someone to accompany her. I would be worrying that she would run out of time and there would be no one in place. She was always calm about it and assured me that it would all work out. And it always did. That taught me to trust a little more. Another – She is a fierce defender of truth and right. In this day and age, that quality is much needed in our society. Yet another – she (as well as each of her brothers and sisters) has a very tender feeling toward people with special needs. This, because of her brother, Randy. In her adult life, she has found joy in serving other children with special needs. 
Someone recently told me she wished she had known while she was raising her children, that they would become her best friends. This is how it is for this mother. My Crystal is one of my very best friends. I love you Crystal. You are the best!
Love,Mom”
I know it was a bit long, thank you for reading. Now if you have not done it go buy Crystals book. Do it, do it now!!!
We now resume your regularly scheduled blog reading…\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\*************************/////////////////////Have you known anyone with health complications that inspired you? What would you most miss if you were limited physically by your health? Have you had a friend you lost track of and were able to reconnect with? 

True Heroes: V for Violins and...

True heroes are all around us, in our every day lives, but some people stand out. During this A-Z Challenge I hope to share several of my real life heroes, and invite you to share yours in the comments.

ivalidi, Antonio Lucio. Perhaps you've heard me talk a little about my love affair with orchestral music composition. Yeah.

So we all have those who inspire us, right? --Those people whose work is so incredible, it lights or fuels our own fire? Antonio Vivialdi was that for me.

He was a child musician who suffered from asthma. At fifteen he decided he was going to be a priest and obtained that aspiration at 25. But, his true calling was music, and he spent the next thirty years, while working at an orphanage, composing vocal and orchestral works for the children he taught.

I suppose part of what inspires me about him is that his works were written to help orphans whose chances of survival were minimal outside the orphanage unless they could find employment based on their skills.

Vivaldi did eventually rise in popularity with royalty and nobility, but at the end of his life he was buried a pauper. I suppose this is a sign of how fleeting the fame can be.

The first time I heard Vivaldi's four seasons, I couldn't get it out of my head. I was in love. I'd always adored violins, but this cemented my love. I knew I'd never be that talented in composing for strings, but he made me want to try.





Five more days to get MOONLESS at $1.99.

Jane Eyre meets Supernatural
An excerpt: 
The study door stood closed. Alexia neared, shaking. Pressing cautiously against it, she expected the mahogany to burn her.Father’s voice boomed through the wood. “No! And that is final!”The barrier lurched. She leapt back as it swung open.He halted before her. Boots, not stylish, but entirely practical and worn; breeches, a sturdy gray, modestly hugging a trim form; waist coat concealed by a subtly weathered coat; shirt, fitted and simple . . . Her jaw fell.Ginger locks framed his clean-shaven face with a straight nose, high cheekbones, expressive brows and enigmatic blue eyes. He was a perfect paramour of twenty years, except for a jagged white scar cutting from below one eye down his cheek. A sheen of beauty hung over his whole being. He verily glowed.Like Bellezza. Like herself!She gasped. Sweet pollen and rustic oak tickled her nose, transporting her to a grove of wooded mystery so deep mankind would never comprehend the fullness. Those consuming eyes met hers and flickers of heat burst in her cheeks, spreading across the back of her neck. His pupils widened, nearly eclipsing the night sky. She wanted to reach out and touch him, to fall into the blackness of his gaze.A grunt from the den brought her back to the hall.He bowed, movements excruciatingly slow, eyes never leaving her face. His lips parted as if he might speak, but with a dark glance toward the room he’d abandoned, his mouth sealed in a grim line. The corners of his eyes crinkled, pain glinting in his hypnotic stare. He nodded and stepped around her.A breath of fresh-cut tinder and summer blooms pulled her eyelids closed, like the farewell kiss of a faerie nightmare.

Is there any composer or music that really motivates you creatively? Who is your favorite composer/artist? What's you favorite instrument? Do you play?

True Heroes A to Z: U=Zero

True heroes are all around us, in our every day lives, but some people stand out. During this A-Z Challenge I hope to share several of my real life heroes, and invite you to share yours in the comments.

huru Gonja Houston: A man who sought a better life.

This is a general tribute to all of the 71 police officers and 343 NYC Fire Department workers lost in the 2001 Trade Center collapse, each and everyone of them a true hero. Officer Houston was one.

Having lived in NYC, I adore anyone who really strives for a better future, something Uhuru worked toward. He grew up in Brooklyn (which is kind of a rough area), and through obtaining a great education and law enforcement job, was able to move his family to the nicer neighborhoods of New Jersey. Uhuru was assigned to work at the World Trade Centers, and was 32 years old when the they came down. He left behind a wife, a 5 year old son and 20 month old daughter.

SourceThere were a number of people lost that day, but I can't think about the tragedy without remembering the outpouring of love. Heroes came out of the woodwork. Men and women rushed into danger rather than away. An entire country mourned with the families for their loss, and the grounds that used to support two business buildings became a sacred memorial to the value of life, freedom and compassion.


Six more days to get MOONLESS at $1.99.

Jane Eyre meets Supernatural
An excerpt: 
“You know I worry about you, Alexia.” Yes, she knew it. He feared he’d raised a child too intelligent to settle on some dim-witted and wealthy noble.“When Sarah was your age—”“You had her promised to a fifty-one year old man.” Crossing her arms, she scowled.“That is right.” He blinked back at her and cleared this throat.She didn’t do him the justice of disbanding her anger. This was the one day she might actually get away with being willful.He shifted in his seat. “Someone approached me near your last birthday with a proposal of marriage.” Alexia blinked. “For me? Was he mistaken?”“He is a wealthy countryman from the North, older, intellectual, a good match.”“How much older?” Smoothing the folds of her napkin, she held her breath.He shrugged. “Enough. I was sorely tempted to accept his offer, and I would have if . . .”She shuddered. If she hadn’t changed.His head shook. “You have your pick of suitors, but I do expect you to make a choice before your next birthday.”Her jaw tumbled.He grinned, bumping her chin up with a knuckle. “Some young man will be very lucky to acquire you.”She moaned.“Do not start,” he purred. “You shall be happy—or I’ll not let you go.” His boyish dimple had surfaced. He meant it.“I know.” She smiled back.“One year, or I will accept that generous proposal on your behalf.”“But—”“One year.”

Where were you on 9-11? Were there any stories you heard of heroes that day that touched your life? Have you been to see ground zero? What are your feelings about forced marriages?

Writerly Wednesday (AKA win a book) and True Heroes: T

True heroes are all around us, in our every day lives, but some people stand out. During this A-Z Challenge I hope to share several of my real life heroes, and invite you to share yours in the comments.

yndale, William. Many of my heroes throughout history stood against the powers that be, and several gave their life for a cause. Tyndale is one of those.

After Wycliffe's Bible got out, the "church" (AKA world wide government) basically put a death sentence on any "unauthorized" translations of the bible to English. In other words, they wanted to keep the people ignorant. Inspired by Martin Luther, Tyndale studied both Greek and Hebrew, and against church mandate, translated the Bible into English. One book he wrote, The Obedience of a Christian Man, ended up in King Henry VIII's hands, and became another stick on the bonfire that ended in King Henry declaring independence from the Roman Catholic church.

Because of his actions, Tyndale became a hunted man. After hiding for a time, he was betrayed, captured, and imprisoned. He spent a year in prison, then was sentence to be strangled to death and burned at the stake. His last words were: "Lord! Open the King of England's eyes."

Four different English versions of the Bible were translated in following years, at King Henry's mandate.

I can only imagine William Tyndale's constant fear of being caught, but I'm inspired by his courage. If he could give his life for such a worthy cause, surely I can live mine to support those same principals of freedom and truth.


Are you ready to meet a new author and enter to win an awesome book? 

Last week, Jay Noel shared Dragonfly Warrior with us, along with two truths and one lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win one of these two AWESOME Steampunk bookmarks:



Jay's game:

1. In 2002, Jay had a near death experience. His heart stopped while in the hospital, and that's why he never takes anything for granted.
2. Jay's a big time extrovert, and spent a lot of time on stage. He participated in musicals, plays, speech and debate. He even got to the National Championships in humorous interpretation.3. Jay had a strange encounter with a ghost when he was 13 years old and it radically changed him forever. He's been infatuated with the paranormal ever since.
And the lie is: 

#2. Jay really is a huge extrovert, but he never did do drama or speech and debate. He was too busy playing sports and chasing girls. BUT, when he was a high school English teacher, he did coach speech & debate.

Way to guess those of you who got it right! You are officially human lie detectors. And the winner is:

...DRUM ROLL...

Michael Di Gesu!
Congrats Michael!
And now to today's feature, a book that fits right in with Tindale's time period:

Notorious pirate Barren Reed has one thing on his mind: Revenge against the man who killed his father. So kidnapping his enemy's fiancé seems a perfect plan…until he actually does it.

Larkin Lee is more than a pretty face and fiancé to a powerful man. Her fierce personality is enough to make any pirate want to push her overboard.

But when the King of the Orient comes to Barren with a task—to find the Bloodstone, a powerful gem thought only to exist in legend, Barren sees another opportunity to destroy his enemy. Together, Barren, Larkin and a crew of pirates set off to find the stone, only to discover it caused the death of Barren’s own mother and Larkin’s, too. As his strongest allies turn into his greatest enemies, and the life of the girl he kidnapped becomes more important than he ever dreamed, Barren’s quest for revenge becomes a fight to save the Orient.
Pick up your copy HERE.
Let me introduce you to the amazing author: 
Ashley Nixon was born and raised in Oklahoma, where the wind really does sweep down the plains, and horses and carriages aren't used as much as she'd like. When she's not writing, she's hard at work on her Master's degree in Library Science and Information Technology, working out, or pretending she's Sherlock Holmes. Her obsession with writing began after reading the Lord of the Rings in the eighth grade. Since then, she's loved everything Fantasy--resulting in an unhealthy obsession with the 'geek' tab on Pinterest, where all things awesome go.

Ashley can be found eating mozzarella balls while sitting at her desk, working on her books.
Ashley gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for a chance to win your choice of an eBook of Cutlass. You have until Tuesday, April 29, at 1 p.m. EDT to guess--and be sure to come back for the answer on April 30.
TRUTH OR LIE
1. Ashley memorized all the lines to The Two Towers after watching the movie for about 30 days straight.
2. She has a really weird scar on her neck that looks like she was stabbed by a fork...or bitten by a vampire.3. When she was little, she had an imaginary friend monster named Petie.

And you have a second chance to win today:


a Rafflecopter giveaway d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js">


Seven more days to get MOONLESS at $1.99: Jane Eyre meets Supernatural


Is Ashley vampire bate--or which is the lie? How do you feel about freedom of speech? Is there a cause you feel strong enough about you'd be willing to give your life? Do you have any heroes from this religiously revolutionary era?

True Heroes A to Z: S, a Martyr

True heroes are all around us, in our every day lives, but some people stand out. During this A-Z Challenge I hope to share several of my real life heroes, and invite you to share yours in the comments.

mith, Joseph. There has been good and evil spoken of this single individual throughout the world, a man who died at the age of 38, a man who should have proven so insignificant that no one bothered noticing him.

What is it that made Joseph stand out in history? The claim of having seen a vision? That wasn't uncommon. It should have been ignored. He was encouraged to deny it and people went out of their way to tease or mock him--a 14 year old boy who said he had seen God.

But Joseph didn't deny it. Ever.

When he was led by revelation to an ancient book written on metal pages (gold actually) and hidden in a hillside, people mocked him more, but made several attempts to steal the book. A professor in New York refused to verify the authenticity of reformed Egyptian script copied from the book, and the translation Joseph had produced, because he said angels did not appear to men. Other experts did verify both the characters and translation.
Source
From a young man who had never obtained more than a 3rd grade education.

He started a church that has become one of the greatest charitable organizations in the world, and he was martyred at the age of 38 while being held on false accusations in a prison, in the "land of the free," for his beliefs. A mayor and church leader, murdered by a mob.

Joseph sealed his life's mission and testimony with his death.

And yet the church he started lives on. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, known as the Mormons (after the author of the ancient book Joseph translated), has thrived and become the fastest growing religion in American history. So I put this before you: Joseph was either one of the smartest men to ever walk the earth, or there's something more to the church for which he, and countless others, gave everything.

Learn more HERE.


Eight more days to get MOONLESS at $1.99.

Jane Eyre meets Supernatural
An excerpt: 
A body dangled from the rafters, several inches above the dirt floor.Alexia’s scream froze in her throat.Soft honeydew tresses spilled loosely over thin shoulders, the child’s eyes heavily-lashed and downturned. Her cheeks were blotched, wide, and white, contrasting with vibrant crimson lips. Scarlet skirts hung about the girl, like the bleeding petals of a rose, still as death.Alexia swallowed. A child. She couldn’t be more than thirteen. Great wide irons looped her wrists, cutting wicked lines in the little one’s skin.It wasn’t right. Disgust bubbled through her chest. She covered her mouth and hurried down the steps, anxious to rescue the body, or at least lay it to rest.The girl’s eyes turned up. Brown, chocolate, swirling.Alexia tumbled back. She thunked into the stairs and landed on her rump. Hard. She sucked in a breath. The little face watched her, expressionless, innocent, beautiful. Her stomach twisted. No one should be that perfect—not even in death.

What are your feelings on religion? Do you believe in God, in prophets, in revelation? Do you think it's possible to receive personal "revelation" or guidance from a higher power?

True Heroes: R for Radical Red...

True heroes are all around us, in our every day lives, but some people stand out. During this A-Z Challenge I hope to share several of my real life heroes, and invite you to share yours in the comments.

andy Hicken, AKA, Radical Red Randal. I cringe when people are awkward around special needs kids. I've had the privilege to work with a number of them, and yes, it can be difficult to interpret their behavior initially, but these are the most loving, precious people you will meet.

One of them was my brother.

People ask me occasionally why I have such a love for CHEESE. Well, it's not all about food. Cheese is family culture primarily because of my older brother, whose grin was so huge it could only be described as the true definition of cheese. Oh, and cheese was his favorite food. We'd often catch him in the kitchen slicing a 1/2 lb wedge of cheese off the block to munch on.


Yes, Randy had special needs. He drooled most his growing up--like he should have worn a "beware of slobber" sign--and he was occasionally forceful, but the thing that set him apart was how much he loved everyone.

You were Randy's friend. You couldn't not be. He'd ask your name, shake your hand, and forever thereafter he'd introduce you like this: "This is Crystal, my friend."

Randy's natural optimism never got old--like Olaf the snowman. He was a ray of sunshine.

He passed away at the age of 30, and I can't go a single day without thinking of him, without wanting to be like him. The cheese is Randy's legacy, his reminder to me to be myself, to love everyone, and to see the good in life.

If you'd like to read a brief, and touching tribute to my brother with a few laughs and odd stories, you can read more HERE.


Nine more days to get MOONLESS at $1.99.

Jane Eyre meets Supernatural
An excerpt: 
Alexia lowered her eyelids to keep him from witnessing the forming tears.Kiren stepped nearer, tucked a hand up under her jaw, and pressed his lips to her brow. Warmth radiated from the connection. She accepted it, trying to be grateful for the simple reassurance that—despite his reluctance toward romance—he did care for and would protect her, even from himself.He sucked in a breath through his nose, and forced her chin upward. His lips crashed down over hers.Shockwaves rolled through her, her knees going limp. His arm slipped around her back, pressing her to him. His fingers tugged through her hair. She surrendered entirely to the cataclysmic torrent tearing through her body.The only things that existed were he, she, and the storm ripping through them. She clung to him. The only reality was this—this incredible connection. She wanted him, and nothing else. She wanted this, and nothing more. She wanted him, and he wanted her!He pushed her back, holding her arms against her sides.Panting.Eyes closed.She reached for him.He grimaced, released her, and stepped into the shadows, vanishing.

Have you been inspired by any special needs individuals? Who is the most optimistic person you know? Is there anyone in your life who has influenced you whole way of life?

True Heroes A to Z: Yes, I do have a Q!

True heroes are all around us, in our every day lives, but some people stand out. During this A-Z Challenge I hope to share several of my real life heroes, and invite you to share yours in the comments.

uin Collier. Yes, we share a last name, because this is actually my son. Is it crazy that I could look up to my 13 year old? Well, I do.

My father was a doctor, and when he saw Quin's early development, he promised this kid was going to be very bored in school. It shouldn't have been any surprise that he came to me when he was 3 and said, "I want to learn how to read."

My response, "Uh, okay. We'll work on that."

And we did. In fact, we began homeschooling right then and never stopped. He burned through first and second grade in a matter of 4 months. He read the entire Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price by the age of 8. He has always had a way with words, and astonished people with his way premature wisdom.

Despite all this, I don't look up to my son because he's a quick learner. I adore him because he sees something good or worthy and goes after it. He weighs every decision against what he should do, what he wants to do, and what would be best for those around him. How can a 13 year old be that mature?

I look up to my Quin Monster because he wants to be good. He wants to do what's right. He wants others to know they're important and loved, even to self sacrifice. His desires motivate me to be a better person.


The end is nigh. MOONLESS will only be on sale at $1.99 a few more days. There is one character somewhat similar to my son in the book.

EXCERPT:


Miles sighed. A long silence stretched, light glinting off the peg in his hand. “I remember the butterfly, golden wings, black spots. That’s how I know it was summer in Wilhamshire.” He stilled, focusing on the bauble turning over in his fingers. “We were passing through, not staying, just passing, traveling late on foot.” The bolt twisted back and forth in his grasp, gaining momentum. “Dark overtook us. They cornered us on the outskirts, moments away from safety. We ran, but in the end . . .” He released the fastener and it twirled to a halt. “My parents didn’t make it. They fended them off while I escaped.”
Alexia hugged herself.
“But they left a scar.” He scowled. “And I’ve been running ever since.”

Do you know any young people who inspire you? Do you have any heroes who are children or teens? What have you learned from kids around you?

Oh, and Happy Easter!

True Heroes A to Z: Paul

True heroes are all around us, in our every day lives, but some people stand out. During this A-Z Challenge I hope to share several of my real life heroes, and invite you to share yours in the comments.

aul, as in break out your bible. One of the better chronicled members of the church established under Christ in the New Testament, Paul was a missionary to the end. When I think of his account, I see a fiery-eyed man who believes in his cause with all his heart and fights like a hornet.

You have to keep in mind, before he joined the cause of the Christians, he was their greatest opponent, seeking their total annihilation among the Jews. He moved political powers to obtain relocation and extermination orders, and was hugely successful...until he had a vision on the road wherein he saw the Christ and was struck immobile for three days after.

La conversion de Saint Paul by Luca Giordano
(1690), Museum of Fine Arts of Nancy.From that point on, Paul went to war for the opposite cause. He defended the faith and spread the gospel until cost his very life. His final words get me every time. "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith (2 Timothy, 4:7)."

My mom used to call me stubborn when I was young, I always insisted I was determined. I want to be like Paul--in whatever I do. I want to fight the good fight, stay my course, and leave a legacy of determination to those who follow after me.


I love it when characters battle their native circumstances, looking for something better. Alexia is a little bit like me.

EXCERPT:


“Why not send an invitation for your father’s ball?”
Alexia blanched. Ask him here?
Maurine lifted an elegant invitation, not yet addressed. “I can scribe your father’s hand. Even he can’t tell the difference.”
Alexia dropped her book and stepped to the bureau. She slid his card from the drawer, her fingers caressing the faded ink. She must either surrender to Father’s match and accept that she would be the wife of a stranger, commit herself to a loveless marriage with a friend, or open herself to the truth and fight for an alternative.
She wanted to fight. She would not be forced into a match like Sarah’s or steal away what future happiness Rupert might know. But mostly, she needed to see him again.
Disgusted with herself, she offered the card to Maurine. “Make it a good counterfeit.”
MOONLESS is on sale now for $1.99, but only for another couple days.

Quick heads up, if you'd like to know what a completely unbiased third party thought of the book, check out Bruce Gargoyle's review, posted today.

Do you have any heroes you love for their determination? Have you read the New Testament? Do you have any heroes from scripture?