L. Duarte's Blog, page 5
September 12, 2013
So, I started reading this interview and was swooni...
So, I started reading this interview and was swooning over the hot boys when I read my name. I almost fell off my seat. What an honor to have an author that I respect and admire mention my work. ***Sigh... Interview with Chelsea Camaron my friend and bestselling author of the Daddys Girls SeriesThe latest release 
Who is your favorite author and is your writing style similar to theirs? Kristen Ashley is my favorite author........I wish I wrote more like her but no I don't. She writes a story that pulls you and holds you there with a strong female and even stronger alpha male. TOTALLY agree I just finished Raid and that is another Alpha Male. She is the epitome of that type of character. Were you always good at writing? No, and although I'd like to think with each book I've improved since practice does make perfect there are times I'm like "that made no sense at all". I agree I have taken years to become the bitch that stands before you today! So you didn't always dream of becoming an author? No. It was something I said I wanted to do as a little girl, but never in my wildest dreams did I think I would ever have the courage to follow through with it.
When naming your characters, do you give any thought to the actual meaning? sometimes hhmmm..like a baby whose middle name is Renee?? Who is your writing geared to? Adult women who like a level of steam to their reads but want a relatable storyline What is the major theme for your work? In the Daddy's Girls Series the recurring theme are the guys being mechanics and the characters facing and overcoming real life circumstances.
What recent book left a big impression and why? Chasing Stars by L. Duarte is one of my most recent reads that I admire. Its different, its not your typical angst filled, over the top drama. Its full of love, faith, change, growth, and friendship.
I agree. I liked the fact that Will had come from a background of neglect and his foster parent gave him values. I think that should be the focal point. He held onto his Dad's faith.
Have you had any personal life experiences in your books? There are parts of my personal life in each one of my works. I think you write best what you know. I was hoping I would get this : "Yes I have! His name is Harrison. He has piercings and that is all I will say" I smile with an evil grin.
What genre of books do you like to read? I love to read erotica and contemporary romance. I will read in any genre and love a good mystery as well Who would you co-write with? I would love to work with Melody Anne she writes amazing series and the way she ties them in together is phenomenal (Amazon) How do you get started with writing a story ? Usually a thought will hit me in chats with my girlfriends and then I begin by outlining a plot. maybe looking at ...my idea of Matt
Any advice for a newbie ? Take a break, don't pressure yourself. I think when writers start forcing their stories it begins to feel rushed. Step away for a day or so and then go back and read what you've done from the beginning and see if inspiration returns. If not, take a longer break, but don't force what's not speaking to you. What's your favorite part of a book? (Harrison and more Harrison) My favorite part of a book........angst or banter between characters (
mine was Jake, Ryder and Harrison, but overall was Harrison. I think I made that clear)
Where do your plots come from? I've always loved to read. I grew up around cars and motorcycles since my dad's a mechanic I've been turning wrenches beside him as far back as I remember. We were at a car show one day last year and I said it would be different to find a steamy read with classic cars in it. And from their little parts of my life added in and the stories evolved into what is now the Daddy's Girls series.SAD for me, I get a
but it is him
What I need to do is call Ryder, Jake anyone who is like this
or even
What story is based on your life more? Restore My Heart is based on my own experience in an abusive relationship. Salvaged is based on my experience in being around someone with a drug addiction. Full Throttle is based on real relationship things that happen in long term relationships married or not. Beyond Repair is dedicated to my dear friend Matt who passed away in 2001 parts of it were really conversations we had and the funeral is his military funeral, minus the drama that's added in the book. Of course parts of the stories are exaggerated and parts completely made up but the foundation and point I'm trying to relay in each book is from my real life. Was it sort of therapeutic to write about Matt? I know that was emotional, almost as bad as Salvaged, for me as a reader.Yes it was more therapeutic then I originally thought to write about Matt. He was my now husbands best friend in high school. We were friends as well. I had gotten out of a bad relationship thanks to support from my now hubs and Matt as well as the real life Maggie who is still my very best friend. I was hardened and quite bitchy like Tiffany. The conversation where Matt tells Tiffany, "Let him love you." were a few of the last words Matt ever spoke to me, as he had to return to his duty station in Florida. Six weeks later we got the call he died. May 3rd was 12 years and I'd be lying if I said it gets easier. The loss cuts deep but you learn to go on without being able to pick up the phone and call your friend. Writing those scenes it took me back to those moments, hard as they were to write, I feel at peace more than ever before. I feel like in some way in writing it all I proved to myself and Matt that I could let my guard down and let him love me. My husband and I have been married eleven and half years now and I couldn't imagine spending my life with anyone else. He loves me completely and I'm one happy girl. I only hope that as readers get to those moments they can feel the emotion come out that my dear Matt just like in the book only wanted to see his friend happy, safe, and loved.
He is my Matt Thanks for dealing my sometimes annoying behavior and always annoying innuendos Stalk her
Facebook
Twitter @chelseacamaron
Goodreads Email chelseacamaron@gmail.com
Renee GiraldyReading Reneehttp://www.readingrenee.comhttp://www.readingreneereviews.com@reneegiraldyFacebook
Who is your favorite author and is your writing style similar to theirs? Kristen Ashley is my favorite author........I wish I wrote more like her but no I don't. She writes a story that pulls you and holds you there with a strong female and even stronger alpha male. TOTALLY agree I just finished Raid and that is another Alpha Male. She is the epitome of that type of character. Were you always good at writing? No, and although I'd like to think with each book I've improved since practice does make perfect there are times I'm like "that made no sense at all". I agree I have taken years to become the bitch that stands before you today! So you didn't always dream of becoming an author? No. It was something I said I wanted to do as a little girl, but never in my wildest dreams did I think I would ever have the courage to follow through with it.When naming your characters, do you give any thought to the actual meaning? sometimes hhmmm..like a baby whose middle name is Renee?? Who is your writing geared to? Adult women who like a level of steam to their reads but want a relatable storyline What is the major theme for your work? In the Daddy's Girls Series the recurring theme are the guys being mechanics and the characters facing and overcoming real life circumstances.
What recent book left a big impression and why? Chasing Stars by L. Duarte is one of my most recent reads that I admire. Its different, its not your typical angst filled, over the top drama. Its full of love, faith, change, growth, and friendship. I agree. I liked the fact that Will had come from a background of neglect and his foster parent gave him values. I think that should be the focal point. He held onto his Dad's faith.
Have you had any personal life experiences in your books? There are parts of my personal life in each one of my works. I think you write best what you know. I was hoping I would get this : "Yes I have! His name is Harrison. He has piercings and that is all I will say" I smile with an evil grin.
What genre of books do you like to read? I love to read erotica and contemporary romance. I will read in any genre and love a good mystery as well Who would you co-write with? I would love to work with Melody Anne she writes amazing series and the way she ties them in together is phenomenal (Amazon) How do you get started with writing a story ? Usually a thought will hit me in chats with my girlfriends and then I begin by outlining a plot. maybe looking at ...my idea of Matt
Any advice for a newbie ? Take a break, don't pressure yourself. I think when writers start forcing their stories it begins to feel rushed. Step away for a day or so and then go back and read what you've done from the beginning and see if inspiration returns. If not, take a longer break, but don't force what's not speaking to you. What's your favorite part of a book? (Harrison and more Harrison) My favorite part of a book........angst or banter between characters (
mine was Jake, Ryder and Harrison, but overall was Harrison. I think I made that clear)
Where do your plots come from? I've always loved to read. I grew up around cars and motorcycles since my dad's a mechanic I've been turning wrenches beside him as far back as I remember. We were at a car show one day last year and I said it would be different to find a steamy read with classic cars in it. And from their little parts of my life added in and the stories evolved into what is now the Daddy's Girls series.SAD for me, I get a
but it is him
What I need to do is call Ryder, Jake anyone who is like this
or even
What story is based on your life more? Restore My Heart is based on my own experience in an abusive relationship. Salvaged is based on my experience in being around someone with a drug addiction. Full Throttle is based on real relationship things that happen in long term relationships married or not. Beyond Repair is dedicated to my dear friend Matt who passed away in 2001 parts of it were really conversations we had and the funeral is his military funeral, minus the drama that's added in the book. Of course parts of the stories are exaggerated and parts completely made up but the foundation and point I'm trying to relay in each book is from my real life. Was it sort of therapeutic to write about Matt? I know that was emotional, almost as bad as Salvaged, for me as a reader.Yes it was more therapeutic then I originally thought to write about Matt. He was my now husbands best friend in high school. We were friends as well. I had gotten out of a bad relationship thanks to support from my now hubs and Matt as well as the real life Maggie who is still my very best friend. I was hardened and quite bitchy like Tiffany. The conversation where Matt tells Tiffany, "Let him love you." were a few of the last words Matt ever spoke to me, as he had to return to his duty station in Florida. Six weeks later we got the call he died. May 3rd was 12 years and I'd be lying if I said it gets easier. The loss cuts deep but you learn to go on without being able to pick up the phone and call your friend. Writing those scenes it took me back to those moments, hard as they were to write, I feel at peace more than ever before. I feel like in some way in writing it all I proved to myself and Matt that I could let my guard down and let him love me. My husband and I have been married eleven and half years now and I couldn't imagine spending my life with anyone else. He loves me completely and I'm one happy girl. I only hope that as readers get to those moments they can feel the emotion come out that my dear Matt just like in the book only wanted to see his friend happy, safe, and loved.
He is my Matt Thanks for dealing my sometimes annoying behavior and always annoying innuendos Stalk her
Facebook
Twitter @chelseacamaron
Goodreads Email chelseacamaron@gmail.comRenee GiraldyReading Reneehttp://www.readingrenee.comhttp://www.readingreneereviews.com@reneegiraldyFacebook
September 6, 2013
Special #debut #author #spotlight #giveaway
September 4, 2013
http://www.amazon.com/Her-Soundtrack-......
http://www.amazon.com/Her-Soundtrack-ebook/dp/B00DMF9KGU/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1378344047&sr=1-1&keywords=her+sou
Publication Date:June 24, 2013
"Fairy tales don’t exist. There are no knights in shining armor and for all I know there is no such thing as real, honest-to-God, Earth-shattering romance. There is only comfort and ease when it comes to real love. I should consider myself lucky to have found someone who I’m comfortable with. There are no waves, there are no bumps in the road… so why do I feel like I want to crawl out of my skin?"
Life for Gabriella had always been straightforward, albeit a bit boring, but a passionate, almost magical, encounter with an enigmatic stranger catapults her into evolving into stronger version of herself. Her evolution does not come without consequence, though. Gabriella learns the hard way that turning on the lights can reveal just as much ugly as it can beauty. She discovers that the comfortable relationship she’d been idling in for too long is, in fact, far more dangerous than she ever imagined and finds herself desperate for the inexplicable comfort she finds in the arms of a stranger.Show more Show less
Publication Date:June 24, 2013
"Fairy tales don’t exist. There are no knights in shining armor and for all I know there is no such thing as real, honest-to-God, Earth-shattering romance. There is only comfort and ease when it comes to real love. I should consider myself lucky to have found someone who I’m comfortable with. There are no waves, there are no bumps in the road… so why do I feel like I want to crawl out of my skin?"
Life for Gabriella had always been straightforward, albeit a bit boring, but a passionate, almost magical, encounter with an enigmatic stranger catapults her into evolving into stronger version of herself. Her evolution does not come without consequence, though. Gabriella learns the hard way that turning on the lights can reveal just as much ugly as it can beauty. She discovers that the comfortable relationship she’d been idling in for too long is, in fact, far more dangerous than she ever imagined and finds herself desperate for the inexplicable comfort she finds in the arms of a stranger.Show more Show less
Searching For Tomorrow by Katie Mac #debut @authorKatieMac #spotlight
What happens when you find the one person who completes you, and then life conspires against you? How do you set your grief and anguish aside? How do you pick up the shattered pieces, put those pieces back together again, and try to move on?
Katie and Tripp met on the playground the first day of third grade when Tripp tried to rescue Katie from Zack, her twin brother. A lifelong friendship that later blossomed into love began that day.
Broken beyond her own ability to repair, Katie boxes her grief up and attempts to raise her three girls the best she can on her own. As time slowly passes, Katie relives her times with Tripp while struggling most days to even get out of bed. She is reminded of him at every turn.
Zack is Katie's twin brother and was Tripp's best friend. Having lost his own love, he dedicates himself to helping Katie put her life back together. Throw in a mother-in-law who torments at every turn and poor Katie can't even find a chance to breathe, much less a desire to somehow search for tomorrow.
http://authorkatiemac.blogspot.com/p/about.html
twitter @authorKatieMac Google
authorkatiemac
Chasing Stars promo #debut @lduarte77
AmazonBook Description
As a pampered Los Angeles teen, Portia McGee once created a bucket list with her best friends Tarry and Niki. Though falling in love topped their list, it was the last thing she could ever imagine doing. Through the rejection of her parents, Portia learned early in life that love is elusive. Now a famous and frivolous A-list actress, Portia has a Hollywood pedigree sealed in gold by a celebrity actress mother and New York mogul father. When Portia’s latest role requires an elaborate temporary tattoo, she meets Will, a gifted tattoo artist with a tortured past. The attraction is electric and immediate, but Will refuses to take the encounter to the next level—a decision Portia associates with the ring he so clearly wears on his wedding finger. Those old, familiar feelings of rejection take hold, and Portia now realizes that she must face the past in order to forge a new future. As their deep bond ignites in Portia an unexpected spirituality, can she finally free herself to once again chase the stars of her early days? Both richly glamorous and rich in meaning, Chasing Stars is a sparkling celebration of how faith and love can conquer even the most challenging of circumstances to uplift the human soul.
Chasing Stars is the debut work of romantic fiction by L. Duarte that charts the improbable, rousing romance between two star-crossed lovers, and the journey both must take to open their hearts to renewed hope and lasting love. At once soulful and playful, it’s certain to transport anyone who still, deep down, has faith in the abiding power of second chances.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Chasing Stars is intended for mature readers, containing sexual content and strong language.
AmazonFacebookGoodreadsGoodreads authorTwitter @lduarte77
5 Star review for Chasing Stars by L Duarte @lduarte77
OK here it is my next BIG thing.
Hope sprouts from the recognition that the person with real flaws and qualities dormant inside me is capable of love.
AmazonFacebookGoodreadsGoodreads authorTwitter @lduarte77
Book Review
I KNOW when I read something within a few pages if I like or love. This BLOWS me away. I have almost 30 quotes. What I loved was the deep story and the ultimate foundation for the entire story was FAITH, God, love, family and hope.
" Though we had all the money most people can only think of, we were the rejects of the plastic city of LA, where artificial is the norm and the normal is outdated"
As very wealthy family begins a life, here is Portia. She is perfect and soon to be a star herself. Her Mom and Dad divorced and she immersed herself with her best friends Tarry and Niki. All three come from wealthy family backgrounds. Portia McGee and her friends created a list "Things to do before we die" yeah I know I wanted to kick Niki myself for naming it that. Anyways they make the list and start checking things off. The base of their childhood is friends. They have Estela who is Portia's nanny. There is a story about how she learns Spanish from going to Guadalajara and saying she is a relative so that the kids will play with her. The only real Motherly love Portia gets is from Estela her Nanny. As the three go on with their lives, they get together often and make it fun whenever they can.
Portia has to get a temporary tattoo for a big role. Enter Will, the artist. He is not a traditional tattoo artist, but a recent grad of the Columbia school. WOW a smart, talented artist who can tattoo.
What I LOVED was the meeting of Will and then his family. His life was so tough and I won't elaborate and spoil that part, it is to be read and savored. When he introduces Portia to Dan, his Pastor Dad and Maritza, his Mom along with the overly outspoken and protective sister Melody (Mel). I loved Mel for the way she protected Wil. She was one of those I hate her characters, but that is the author's beauty of storytelling. When you think you can't stand someone, but you do totally get the dialogue and where they are coming from. Mel is also very forgiving, very pregnant and very loving. The fact that she is on leave from being a police officer is exceptional character placement to me. Her partner Lucas is a sub-plot character, that only adds more depth, showing why she is a fierce protector. Her Husband Tim is in Afghanistan and again the message is family, Dan and Maritza really support her during this trying time. Then there was Rick, the co-owner of the tattoo shop. Now he adds certain messaging to the story, which relates well to Will's growing up.
It doesn't take long for Portia to understand what Dan's valued have done to Will. He has taken this kid, made him into a better person and shown him the Lord. Will has accepted it and leads a life based on faith and giving back.
So as you know, when I believe in something I sell it big. THIS is big. I hope and pray that the message is received and just maybe touches a few people. I want everyone to read this and take a new and different meaning from the many lessons that are here. Don't just know something, but feel it, live it, grow from it, and experience it.
"The point being, no matter how much we try, sometimes it is impossible to like certain things or people"
It is both well written and a wealth of story telling genius. I always say if you read something and it leaves an impression, share it, pass it on, shout the title and get others to read it. I will make sure others read this. I am so thankful the author found me and let me experience her writing. Bravo!!
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Chasing Stars is intended for mature readers, containing sexual content and strong language.
Hope sprouts from the recognition that the person with real flaws and qualities dormant inside me is capable of love.
AmazonFacebookGoodreadsGoodreads authorTwitter @lduarte77
Book Review
I KNOW when I read something within a few pages if I like or love. This BLOWS me away. I have almost 30 quotes. What I loved was the deep story and the ultimate foundation for the entire story was FAITH, God, love, family and hope.
" Though we had all the money most people can only think of, we were the rejects of the plastic city of LA, where artificial is the norm and the normal is outdated"
As very wealthy family begins a life, here is Portia. She is perfect and soon to be a star herself. Her Mom and Dad divorced and she immersed herself with her best friends Tarry and Niki. All three come from wealthy family backgrounds. Portia McGee and her friends created a list "Things to do before we die" yeah I know I wanted to kick Niki myself for naming it that. Anyways they make the list and start checking things off. The base of their childhood is friends. They have Estela who is Portia's nanny. There is a story about how she learns Spanish from going to Guadalajara and saying she is a relative so that the kids will play with her. The only real Motherly love Portia gets is from Estela her Nanny. As the three go on with their lives, they get together often and make it fun whenever they can.
Portia has to get a temporary tattoo for a big role. Enter Will, the artist. He is not a traditional tattoo artist, but a recent grad of the Columbia school. WOW a smart, talented artist who can tattoo.
What I LOVED was the meeting of Will and then his family. His life was so tough and I won't elaborate and spoil that part, it is to be read and savored. When he introduces Portia to Dan, his Pastor Dad and Maritza, his Mom along with the overly outspoken and protective sister Melody (Mel). I loved Mel for the way she protected Wil. She was one of those I hate her characters, but that is the author's beauty of storytelling. When you think you can't stand someone, but you do totally get the dialogue and where they are coming from. Mel is also very forgiving, very pregnant and very loving. The fact that she is on leave from being a police officer is exceptional character placement to me. Her partner Lucas is a sub-plot character, that only adds more depth, showing why she is a fierce protector. Her Husband Tim is in Afghanistan and again the message is family, Dan and Maritza really support her during this trying time. Then there was Rick, the co-owner of the tattoo shop. Now he adds certain messaging to the story, which relates well to Will's growing up.
It doesn't take long for Portia to understand what Dan's valued have done to Will. He has taken this kid, made him into a better person and shown him the Lord. Will has accepted it and leads a life based on faith and giving back.
So as you know, when I believe in something I sell it big. THIS is big. I hope and pray that the message is received and just maybe touches a few people. I want everyone to read this and take a new and different meaning from the many lessons that are here. Don't just know something, but feel it, live it, grow from it, and experience it.
"The point being, no matter how much we try, sometimes it is impossible to like certain things or people"
It is both well written and a wealth of story telling genius. I always say if you read something and it leaves an impression, share it, pass it on, shout the title and get others to read it. I will make sure others read this. I am so thankful the author found me and let me experience her writing. Bravo!!
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Chasing Stars is intended for mature readers, containing sexual content and strong language.
July 16, 2013
Chasing Stars
Hope sprouts from the recognition that the person with real flaws and qualities dormant inside me is capable of love.
Amazon Book DescriptionPublication Date: July 10, 2013
As a pampered Los Angeles teen, Portia McGee once created a bucket list with her best friends Tarry and Niki. Though falling in love topped their list, it was the last thing she could ever imagine doing. Through the rejection of her parents, Portia learned early in life that love is elusive.
Now a famous and frivolous A-list actress, Portia has a Hollywood pedigree sealed in gold by a celebrity actress mother and New York mogul father. When Portia’s latest role requires an elaborate temporary tattoo, she meets Will, a gifted tattoo artist with a tortured past. The attraction is electric and immediate, but Will refuses to take the encounter to the next level—a decision Portia associates with the ring he so clearly wears on his wedding finger. Those old, familiar feelings of rejection take hold, and Portia now realizes that she must face the past in order to forge a new future. As their deep bond ignites in Portia an unexpected spirituality, can she finally free herself to once again chase the stars of her early days? Both richly glamorous and rich in meaning, Chasing Stars is a sparkling celebration of how faith and love can conquer even the most challenging of circumstances to uplift the human soul.
Chasing Stars is the debut work of romantic fiction by L. Duarte that charts the improbable, rousing romance between two star-crossed lovers, and the journey both must take to open their hearts to renewed hope and lasting love. At once soulful and playful, it’s certain to transport anyone who still, deep down, has faith in the abiding power of second chances.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Chasing Stars is intended for mature readers, containing sexual content and strong language.
