C.D. Hersh's Blog, page 142
August 9, 2016
Wednesday Special Spotlight Dark Heart of the Sun
Shines on
Dark Heart of the Sun
Blurb:
She is determined to live life on her own terms. Destiny has other plans.
Rookie journalist Cassidy Chandler wakes to an ugly bruise on her neck, a hole in her memory, and a fiancé who seems to know more about what happened than he’s telling. It’s enough to make Cassidy call off the engagement and move out, even if that means trading a posh South Florida mansion for a dilapidated beach house. Unfortunately, she also trades one devious man for another questionable character in her unexpected new roommate: the darkly enigmatic and exasperatingly French Dominic Marchant.
For Dominic Marchant secrecy is a matter of survival. As a newborn vampire with dangerous enemies, he’s sure the headstrong young woman invading his lair with an unknown vampire’s mark on her throat is about to get him killed. But the charming Cassidy resists his every effort to make her leave and even embroils him in her own tumultuous life. Before he knows it, she has stolen his heart and helps him rediscover his lost humanity. Now he’s fighting to protect her not only from the ancient vampires hunting him, but also from his own deadly desire for her.
But her secretive ex isn’t done with her yet, and neither is the dark prophecy Cassidy and Dominic’s unlikely relationship has set in motion. Together they are swept up in a battle where nothing is as it seems, love and deception are the weapons of choice, and the only way to survive is to risk everything—for each other.
Excerpt:
She sniffed at the sauce coating the steaming end of a cooking spoon he extended to her. The delightful seasoning made her mouth water and ignited irresistible wickedness. Two could play this game.
Very deliberately she put her lips around the tip and sucked. She closed her eyes, savoring the flavor, then moaned a little when the spoon slid out of her mouth. The taste was exquisite, both bold and delicate, and her senses writhed in culinary ecstasy. But she forced her face to remain at least somewhat neutral and made a huge show of tasting, licking her lips, frowning in thought, and sampling the spoon for seconds and thirds as though undecided. When she stole a peek at the chef, she was pleased to see the dark scowl and slack jaw. He looked like he had forgotten how to breathe.
“Mmmm. I guess it’s all right.”
“Liar.” He leaned across the counter. But instead of moving away, she froze, breathless with anticipation of she-knew-not-what. He came even closer.
“It is a sweet, sighing orgasm on a spoon and you know it,” he whispered against her ear, his accent as thick as the sauce. The words curled down her spine in a tingling helix of sensation, engulfing her in liquid heat. When she shivered, he drew back. His face left no doubt that he knew precisely what effect he had on her. Maybe two could play, but only one could win.
Buy Link:
Amazon: http://amzn.com/B01JGNEWQY
S.K. Ryder Contact Information:
Web: http://authorskryder.com/
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bZvLzf
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/author.sk.ryder/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorSKRyder
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/authorskryder
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/skryder
August 8, 2016
Tell Again Tuesday The Most Important Thing
A blog series where we shamelessly share posts from others that we have enjoyed.
Just so you know we all have troubles with this as writers.
The Most Important Thing
The most important thing a writer can do is write the next book. No amount of social media activity, advertising, or shameless self promotion will draw readers to your work as effectively as The Next Book.
I am happy to report that . . .
For the rest of the blog go to:
http://www.carolinewarfield.com/2016/06/the-most-important-thing/
August 4, 2016
Friday Features Nerds Unite D.R. Grady
Author
D.R. Grady
Talking about
Stalker Research
D.R. Grady, author of Nerds Unite, has stopped by today to talk about the research she did for her book. This research is about a subject that few of us think about but is a serious issue in the world today. So here is D.R.
The heroine in Nerds Unite, Katy Greene, has to contend with a stalker, so some research was necessary. There are some interesting and helpful facts about stalkers online. The numbers of people who endure a stalker are staggering. While there is a reason for the stalker behavior and it is resolved in Nerds Unite, many people live in this miserable circumstance for years with no explanation or relief.
According to the Stalking Resource Center, 7.5 million people are stalked every year—that number differed on various sites, but all sites agreed upon millions of people who suffer at the hands of a stalker. Both men and women are targets, although women are more likely to be stalked. Up to 85% of stalker victims know their stalker; some are people they have dated.
Stalkers are dubbed as such because they force an unwanted relationship upon their intended victim; their reasons for doing so is due to resentment, social awkwardness, hatred, the desire for intimacy, or the need to control. Their means of communication may include emails, texts, phone calls, sending gifts, trying to meet with the victim in person, and can escalate to damaging the victim’s property, threatening to or actually harming the victim, their pets, and/or family members.
The stalker who is tech savvy might go so far as to monitor their victim’s phone calls and computer activity, track their every move, and/or monitor them via hidden cameras. Stalkers seek information about their victim with online research, hiring a private investigator, going through the victim’s trash, even breaking into their home.
Many victims of stalkers have lost time at work, been forced to move, and experience higher levels of anxiety, insomnia, social dysfunction, and severe depression as a direct result of being stalked. Most believe they will never be free of their stalker.
Stalking is a crime in all 50 states, and if you believe you are being stalked, immediately contact the police. They are trained to deal with stalkers and many do so on a routine basis. Law enforcement are also aware of various agencies in place to assist victims. There are procedures a victim can follow to assist law enforcement and government agencies and to maintain distance from a person who has become a stalker.
Another terrible aspect of being stalked–what is portrayed in the media is not consistent with what victims experience at the hands of a real life stalker. The media does not accurately reveal the physical, social, economic, and mental harm associated with dealing with a stalker. Many victims report to suffering from PTSD and recovery is nearly impossible because the problem is ongoing, often with no end in sight.
If you believe you are being stalked, please immediately speak with someone you trust. There are accurate and safe resources available. Do not ignore this threat. Do contact the police.
There is plenty of information available for a victim to learn about how to deal with the various impacts of a stalker. In Nerds Unite, Katy fears she is being stalked, but is afraid to admit this. Her reaction is common, but denial doesn’t prevent her from suffering at the hands of a man who is eager to pursue an unwanted relationship with her. By admitting her fears and expressing them to someone she trusts, she begins the process of taking back her life.
The steps she takes are available to everyone. Please be aware there is help out there for all who are victimized.
Please stay safe!
D.R. thanks for the information and good advice. Now let’s learn more about Nerds Unite.
BLURB:
Life is full of promise for Katy Greene. New town. New job. New BFF. Everything is great…except for the creepy feeling that someone is watching her.
After they confirm Katy’s stalker is real, she has some explaining to do to BFF Leo de Vosse. Not to mention some explaining to herself. When did her feelings for Leo turn into something more than friendship? The stakes are high as she fights for her life with the stalker, and for her heart with Leo.
Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IVX5UP2 
EXCERPT:
“I wish this would all go away.” Katy plopped onto the bed again. She burst into tears a moment later.
With a silent groan and a definite internal roar, he leaped to her side to fold her close. Her tears wet his shirt. His fists tightened as he quelled the intense need to pummel the walls. But he kept his arms gentle around Katy. Soothing her, rocking her, because she was his everything.
It didn’t take her long to shove out the tears. She sniffed and he bent, with her still in his arms, to pluck some tissues out of the box on his side of the bed. As though made to do so, Katy flowed with him. The movement so natural he barely noticed it.
“Thanks.” Although watery, her gratitude was genuine. “I’m sorry for falling apart on you.”
Why does her thanks irritate me? “Who else are you going to fall apart on?” That wasn’t jealousy, right?
He was mollified when she nestled closer. Her head tucked perfectly under his chin and he sat quietly with her now, rocking her. Her arm moved so he surmised she must be wiping away the tear damage. Then both her arms clutched him. A warm gust of air fanned across his neck and he wanted more.
How much more he couldn’t say. Just more. Why? It was irritating to have this—whatever it was—sneak into their platonic relationship. This wasn’t the first time it happened but it needed to be the last.
One thing he knew, this wasn’t a platonic need. The desire to kiss her kept growing.
“You’re tensing up. What’s wrong?”
He blinked as she pulled back to peer at him. Her expression was wary, and a little fearful. Leo swallowed, but in order to alleviate her fears, he needed to say something.
“I just had the overwhelming urge to kiss you. Where did that come from, Katy?”
She didn’t look shocked. Her knowing nod rocked him back on his heels. “I’ve experienced that same urge a few times lately.”
He blinked. She had the same thoughts?
Her eyes were red rimmed, nose pink, and watery trails crossed her face.
“When did you become the most beautiful woman in the world?” Aggression leaked.
Before she could answer, her phone rang.
Leaning forward, she scooped it up. “It’s Trixi.” Katy answered the call, putting her on speakerphone. “Hello, Trix.”
Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IVX5UP2
D.R. Grady lives wi
th her husband near Hershey, PA. She adores chocolate, laughing, collecting bags, books, and shoes, and writing stories that resonate with others.
Website: http://www.drgradybooks.com/
Twitter: @drgradybooks https://twitter.com/drgradybooks
Amazon Author page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B007HR0ULS
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/drgradybooks
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/114138197846185543554/posts
August 2, 2016
Wednesday Special Spotlight A Face in the Crowd by Christina Kirby
Focuses on
A Face in the Crowd
By
Christina Kirby
Blurb – Alexis Hightower considers trust a four letter word, and she has no intention of getting serious with anyone. After all, her day job as a nurse is plenty serious enough. On one of her nights off, she attends a concert for her favorite band and ends up on stage. She never expected to meet the legendary singer in person or that he would be the one to make her question her way of life. But how do you learn to trust again when the one you want is desired by thousands?
Oliver Honeycutt has it all, success, fame, admirers, but when his family is faced with the unthinkable, none of it matters. Stranded in Atlanta, he meets Alexis who’s unlike any woman he’s known before. As his attraction grows, plans for the future change which leaves someone desperate to keep them apart. But Oliver won’t be easily discouraged. To have a future with Alexis he’ll do whatever it takes to make her see the man behind the image.
Buy Link: https://amzn.com/B01G7FENTA
Excerpt:
Oliver made his way back to the mike and shouted, “Do you want some more, Atlanta?”
Lexie’s scream mixed with the other fan’s and echoed throughout the room as Oliver sang the band’s first number one. As he moved from one side of the stage to the other, Lexie danced, arms over her head, as she let go. In the chaos of the noise, the heat of the bodies moving as one, and the music, she didn’t have to think or feel. She could just be.
A hand reached out for her and Simone hit her arm, mouth open in shock. Lexie blinked once and raised her eyes to meet those of Oliver. Up close, he was even better looking than in the magazines. Her heart stopped or maybe it leaped from her chest. She wasn’t sure. As if controlled by a stranger she reached for his hand and allowed him, with the help of two security guards, to pull her up onto the stage.
With her stomach in her throat, she stood awkwardly while Oliver sang to her. This wasn’t happening. It couldn’t be. Survival never pulled people up onto the stage. At least, they never had. But, there he was, positioned behind her, with his stomach pressed to her back. The heat of his skin and hers, melded together, so hot she feared their clothes would ignite.
Her eyes found Simone’s, who peeked out from behind her cell phone where she was recording what promised to be the best moment of Lexie’s life.
She dared a glance over her shoulder and feared she would faint when Oliver offered her a grin from behind the mike. Dear God he was hot. He pressed into her closer and placed a hand on her hip. Red, hot heat surged into her face. The move was definitely one she wouldn’t want her dad to see, but she was glad it was happening. As the song wound down, Oliver moved to stand beside her. Over his shoulder she saw his brother, Bailey, wailing on his blue Fender. The entire experience was surreal. His brother looked up and smiled, but something was wrong with his face.
She narrowed her eyes to get a better look, sure the lights were playing tricks on her. At the same time, he swiped a hand over his face and when he pulled it away, blood was smeared across his upper lip. He went back to playing, but his nose continued to bleed.
Her gaze refocused on Oliver. “Your brother,” she tried to explain over the music.
When he didn’t register what she was trying to say, she pointed.
Oliver’s head whipped around. For a brief moment, his eyes widened and then, as quickly as she’d seen it, the look was gone. Oliver finished the song and led her back to the edge of the stage where she was lowered back into the crowd. When she looked up, he met her gaze. The moment was brief, but she felt it. A moment of recognition between them. One that said he was sad it had to end. She wanted to reach for him, but she couldn’t. Instead, she stood frozen as fans around her pushed in and slapped her on the back. Oliver waved to his admirers and rushed off toward his brother.
Buy Link: https://amzn.com/B01G7FENTA
Bio – Christina Kirby holds a degree in Public Relations from Auburn University. She
worked in banking for four and a half years before deciding to become a stay at home mom to her two sons. Moving every couple of years because of her husband’s job, Christina has had the opportunity to meet all kinds of people and live in many different states, and fortunately writing is something she can take with her no matter where she lives. Christina is an avid reader of romance, young adult and anything having to do with pop culture. She also knows a copy of Entertainment Weekly and a chocolate chip cookie can cure anything.
Where to find Christina:
Twitter – https://twitter.com/CKirbyWriter
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/christina.kirby.395?fref=ts
Website – http://christinakirbybooks.com/
Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/authorchris0192/
Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9791223.Christina_Kirby
Amazon Author Central Page – http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00OYJ337U
Books: The Warm Springs Trilogy: Safe at Home, Running Home, and Protecting Home Novella – Frozen in Time – part of A Winter Romance Anthology A Face in the Crowd
August 1, 2016
Tell Again Tuesday Pistols for the Uninformed
A blog series where we shamelessly share posts from others that we have enjoyed.
For writers or history buffs. Maybe for both an interesting post.
Pistols for the Uninformed
June 10, 2016 by Caroline Warfield
One of the challenges a writer of historical fiction faces is, of course, describing appropriate items in usage during the time in which the story is set, particularly the kind with which he or she is unfamiliar. Sometimes that extends to weaponry, which . . .
For the rest of the blog go to:
https://historyimagined.wordpress.com/2016/06/10/pistols-for-the-uninformed/#like-5237
July 28, 2016
Friday Feature One More Time is Not Enough Belle Ami
Insights into
RWA Conference
Today we welcome One More Time is Not Enough author Belle Ami. She is sharing with us a few insights she gained attending the national RWA Conference. There’s also some information about her newest book One More Time is Not Enough. Over to you Belle.
Having just returned from RWA I thought I’d share a few insights. All I can say is wow! It was fabulous, and every romance writer, regardless of your genre, should make an effort to attend the conference and immerse yourself in craft, dynamic author energy, and the feeling of being part of something that builds pride and confidence. I met new and amazing authors, got to actually meet face-to-face and enjoy the company of fellow Soul Mate Publishing authors (thank you Char & Cheryl for the hilarious and relaxing pizza & wine party), practiced pitching to agents (really scary but necessary), and attended so many brilliant presentations on the business of writing, and the craft of writing. I filled notebooks with information, which I haven’t even begun to type out and permanently archive in my writing tips folder.
A sampling of the lecture presentations I attended were:
Create a Motivational Business Plan for Your Writing Career by Stephanie Bond. Great information on creating “Brand” and targeting your audience.
The incomparable Michael Hague, who has coached authors and screenwriters into highly successful careers. This guy is like a guru and literally worshipped by authors.
An unforgettable presentation by #1 bestselling author Karen Rose (2 time Rita winner); M.A. Taylor, 20 years in law enforcement, Special Agent for the DOJ, and ten years in Narcotics (she was amazing); Sara Lunsford, an author, is a former segregation officer at an all-male maximum security facility. This young woman has lived a life of hell, an amazing story; Martin Hafer licensed social worker, criminal psychologist (he’s animated and informative); and Christy Jeffries, a lawyer and criminologist. Their presentation was entitled Villains, Deviants, and Killers: Inside the Criminal Mind (my personal favorite). This was a spellbinding presentation that was highly emotional and revealing. Take my word for it, when I say most pedophiles and killers are not redeemable.
Not to labor the point, I suggest treating yourself to a wonderful amazing experience. Next year Orlando, FL, see you there.
One More Time is Not Enough
Book Blurb
Adelia Lindstrom Bremen seems to have it all: Wealth, beauty, perfect twin children, two men in love with her, and a career she loves. But, beneath the veneer of success and prosperity lies disappointment, tragedy, and unending lies. Her parents were murdered, her marriage ended in a custody battle, and she is swept up in a love triangle. Now she has discovered the existence of a half-sister who wants nothing to do with her.
The only thing that could make matters worse is if she were to become the target of a serial killer—that’s about to happen.
One More Time is Not Enough Excerpt
When they returned to the cliff house, it was late. Adelia suggested they take a Jacuzzi and have a nightcap. While David changed into his swimsuit, she ordered a bottle of champagne and fresh strawberries. By the time he finished in the bathroom, she was in the hot tub, immersed in a cloud of steam, sipping champagne and nibbling on fruit.
“Come on, slowpoke, the water feels like heaven.” She eyed David’s muscled body. “The FBI Academy seems to have agreed with you. You’re a treat for the eyes, Agent Weiss.”
David sighed. “What am I going to do with you?” He slipped into the water.
“I don’t know. What are you going to do with me?” she goaded, handing him a glass of champagne.
Enjoying their playful repartee, she placed her feet in his lap. “This is bliss.” The intimacy of the hot tub was having its desired effect, she could feel the sexual tension mounting.
“You know I’m not going to make love to you.”
“Really. She furrowed her brows annoyed. “Why not?”
“Because, Adelia, even all of this”—he spread his arms wide— “can’t make the reality of our lives go away. You have an ex-husband who wants you back, children who’d be better off with both their parents. I can’t compete with that.”
She could sense his goading her into a confrontation. “You’re not going to spoil this perfect evening. I won’t let you.”
“Do you know what it’s going to be like for me, when this is over? Poor David, too bad his girlfriend went back to her husband.”
“It’s not true, you could stop it if you wanted to.”
“We’re fighting destiny, Adelia.”
Doubt plagued her, but it wasn’t within her power to stop what she was feeling. She stood and placed her glass on the side table. With determination, she reached out and took the champagne glass from him. Then, grabbing a strawberry, she sat on his lap, facing him.
He started to protest. “Adelia, stop . . .”
Without a thought, she placed the strawberry seductively between her teeth and brought her lips close to his.
He stared into her eyes. “Please, don’t do this.”
“Why? Don’t you like strawberries?” She could feel his erection beneath her bikini bottom. “Or, is it just me you don’t care for?”
He growled, then bit half of the strawberry off, his lips brushing hers. He tried to pull away, but her arms encircled his neck, and she deepened the kiss.
“If you keep this up . . . you might get more than you bargained for.”
“Is that a threat or a promise?” she whispered, her lips inches from his.
“You’re killing me.”
“Funny, am I the only one here who knows what they want?”
“What I want isn’t in question.”
“Oh, but I think it is. If you were honest with yourself, you wouldn’t pull away. It’s been such a perfect evening. What’s wrong with two people who care for each other, exploring their feelings? I dare you to tell me you don’t want this. That you don’t want me.”
“I’m trying to protect you . . . me . . . both of us . . . from making a mistake.” He smiled. “But you’re not cooperating. I don’t know how much more I can take.”
“Then surrender and let me win. I’m a big girl. If this is a mistake, it’s my mistake.” She pressed her lips on his, her tongue darting against his.
He rose with her in his arms. “I won’t blame you for what’s about to happen. You know how much I want you. I just hope we don’t live to regret it.”
He kissed her with a lust that turned her blood to fire.
“No regrets. I want this. Let’s take a shower,” she teased, kicking her legs playfully in the air.
Amazon buy links:
One More Time is Not Enough: https://www.amazon.com/One-More-Time-Not-Enough-ebook/dp/B01HSDJLLA#navbar
The One (The Only One) #1: http://bookshow.me/TheOne
The One & More #2: http://bookshow.me/TheOneAndMore
One Line Tweets to share
Adelia has it all, two men in love with her. The only problem is she’s about to become the target of a serial killer. @belleami5 #romance #suspense #sex
One woman, two men in love with her, and a serial killer. What could possibly go wrong? @belleami5 #romance #suspense #sex
Belle Ami Bio
Tema Merback, writing as Belle Ami, couldn’t be more excited to be given the opportunity to be published by Soul Mate Publishing: “Dreams do come true”. As a mother and wife, she dedicated herself to her family and loved every minute of it. One day, like Sleeping Beauty, she awoke to find gourmet cooking and being a classical pianist wasn’t enough, she needed to reinvent herself. So, she brushed away the cobwebs and locked herself in a room and spent a year writing a historical novel which, low and behold, was a Finalist for a national book award. Her first author incarnation was born.
When she read Fifty Shades of Grey, her world tilted. Like a laser beam focusing on a target, she had found her passion: Sexy, steamy, romantic suspense. Hence came a second incarnation and a fitting nom de plume, Belle Ami. A quote that Belle considers her mantra is by Wilferd Peterson, “Success is focusing the full power of all you are on what you have a burning desire to achieve.”
She is a Kathryn McBride scholar of Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania. She lives in California with her husband, two children, three dogs, and horse.
She is the author of The Only One series, The One (#1), and The One & More (#2). Her third in the series titled One More Time is Not Enough, was published July 13th, 2016
Where to find Belle on Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/belle.ami.96?fref=ts
Twitter: @BelleAmi5
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/belleami96/
Website: http://belleami.us/
July 26, 2016
Wednesday Special Spotlight C.T. Collier Planted
Shines on
Planted
Blurb:
It’s Monday of spring break when Professor Lyssa Pennington’s backyard garden project unearths a loaded revolver. With no record of violence at their address and no related cold case, the Tompkins Falls police have no interest. But the Penningtons and a friend with the State Police believe there’s a body somewhere. Whose? Where? And who pulled the trigger?
The Penningtons’ canvass of their quiet neighborhood leads them to disturbing secrets about the family who lived in their house for decades and another ill-fated family a few doors away. No one seems to know how to contact the only sons of either family. The few facts they have about them don’t add up and, since the gun was buried about the time both young men disappeared from Tompkins Falls, the Penningtons feel compelled to find them and make sure all is well.
Lyssa follows the money story and finds twenty million dollars, a neighbor who’s not what he seems, and a long-buried rivalry. Kyle goes after homicide data in six states and finds a body. Their next surprise is a murderer who will go to any length to conceal the crime. Even kill again.
Excerpt:
Lyssa sobbed and punched her pillow and finally fell deeply asleep.
Sometime after midnight, a hand rose from the hole in the center of the garden, found her in the guest room, and grabbed her by the throat.
She bolted upright and sucked air with noisy gasps. Stroking her throat, she scanned every corner of the room. She was alone.
White window curtains fluttered as the heat came on. She studied the lacy pattern traced on the linen panels by the streetlamp as it shone through the branches of a tree.
Her breathing eased, and her hand slid instinctively lower, to her breastbone, where she massaged with soothing pressure. Her newfound calm brought awareness. She wasn’t alone.
Death was in the room with her.
Buy Links:
Amazon Kindle (free July 29-31!)
Amazon Paperback
CreateSpace paperback
Barnes & Noble paperback
More links for author C. T. Collier:
Website: https://drkatecollier.wordpress.com/
Facebook: kate.collier.315
Twitter: @TompkinsFalls
July 25, 2016
Tell Again Tuesday 10 Ways to Make It to the Fourth Act
A blog series where we shamelessly share posts from others that we have enjoyed.
Here is a special post from a special blog series we enjoy.
10 Ways to Make It to the Fourth Act
Posted on June 8, 2016 by Joanne Guidoccio
I’m thrilled to welcome author D. J. Adamson to the Power of 10 series. Today, D.J. shares advice and insights gleaned from her life journey.
Here’s D.J.!
I have passed my second act, and I am on to my fourth. The first act was merely an introduction to get to the twist. I graduated college and taught high school level English for five years. The second act offered momentum, building . . .
For the rest of the blog go to:
http://joanneguidoccio.com/2016/06/08/10-ways-to-make-it-to-the-fourth-act/
July 21, 2016
Friday Features Gail Ingis Remember Radio?
Guest blogger
Gail Ingis
Asks
Remember Radio?
First a brief note – be sure to read all the way down as there is a chance for a treat. Now over to Gail.
Hats off to C.D. Hersh, who’s invitation to this blog spot came along at a perfect time, when my print book and audiobook are practically on my doorstep. Now, with the changing and the rapid growth of the book business, authors like myself, are looking for fresh ways to capture a new audience.
Readers and listeners have been lured to audiobooks, but then so have narrators. It’s a, pardon the pun, novel opportunity for actors to perform. Audible.com, an audio company owned by Amazon, has a large pool of professional actors as narrators, and producers who are signing on more and more celebrities. Very often listeners buy based on who is performing. They follow a narrator, like readers follow an author. My actor, Jane Oppenheimer, has brought my book, Indigo Sky, to another level. I like her style and how she interacts with my characters. Here’s her website for your perusal and for contact: Janeoppenheimervoice.com
AM radio is 1968 transistor portable. We bought it to take to the beach. It still works.
Do you remember the old radio programs and the dramatizations, the stories, the mysteries, the comedies? We all sat around and listened. Dagwood and Blondie (the Bumsteads). The Shadow Knows, Great Gildersleeve, Fibber McGee and Molly, the Lone Ranger and Tonto, and more. I even listened to tap dancing on the Children’s Hour on Sundays. Storytelling is older than Moses, you remember him, right? People were telling stories long before writing stories.
You can discuss finances with your narrator. You will need to discuss the time frame as well. The narrator provides a sample. It’s quite workable.
So how do you hire an actor to produce an audiobook? Audible.com has a great website with information and narrators. If you would like to work or interview Jane Oppenheimer, you can request her on Audible, or you can touch base with me, and I will give you her contact information.
Here’s the direct link to the author page at acx.com.
Writing . . . learning to write . . . for me, took a village, you know, like raising a child takes a village. I had to interface with a village (lots of professionals) to write Indigo Sky; mentors, editors, judges, critics, instructors, workshops, lectures, meetings, discussions, research, trial and error. It’s like getting born, going to school, and growing up. Then graduating, instead of a degree, I got published. First an eBook, now a print book, and simultaneously an audiobook. My publisher has not given me a release day for the print book, the audiobook is expected at the end of the month. I expect the book to be in my hands soon, says my publisher. I’m not sure what that means, but I am having a signing on Thursday, September 8, 2016, 5:30-7:30pm at my Coney Island art exhibition at Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, 295 West Avenue, Norwalk, CT. Call 203-838-9799 for more info and RSVP.
Here’s the scoop, a one-liner, a brief excerpt and how to follow me.
One-liner: A dream marriage becomes a trap of addiction, lies and women.
Excerpt:
Rork raised his glass in response. He took another long drink. “I wouldn’t call myself a hero. Just doing what any man would. Once she revived, the poor girl was so distraught she bolted.”
“What made her so captivating?”
Rork shrugged. He kept her state of undress to himself, as well as his aspiration, and forced a grin. “She was a beauty, a vision, like new leaves in spring. I couldn’t take my eyes off her.”
Hank’s laughter sent whiskey cascading from his glass. “Too bad the encounter was brief, but you’re in trouble. Never let a woman captivate your mind, least of all a beauty. It only leads to heartache.” His mouth twisted.
Rork cocked one eyebrow. “And you know this firsthand?”
“Yes. I’ve had my fair share of trouble with beautiful women. More than I want to admit. Ended up marrying one, to my eternal regret.”
Hank was a successful syndicated writer who had a flair for the theatrical as he related entertaining, grandiose stories.
Hank lifted his glass to Rork. “Friend, let us toast to our meeting and upcoming journey. May we have pleasant weather and safe travels.” He drained the contents of the glass.
Rork grimaced and downed his drink. “I fail to see how you can regret marrying a beautiful woman.” Perhaps it isn’t a happy marriage, Rork mused. Hank swayed in his chair, waving his arms as he engaged other guests. What woman would be happy with a drunkard?
Hank poured another whiskey and stared at the amber liquid. “Humph.” He looked up at Rork, rolled his eyes, and said, “All women are beautiful in their own way. My wife’s beauty comes from her wealth and important family connections. They’re impressive.”
The flippant answer amused Rork. “How does your wife’s beauty, in whatever form it comes, cause you trouble?”
“What wife doesn’t cause her husband trouble? My wife has been nothing but grief since the day we married. She is always irksome about one thing or another. It’s because of her considerable assets that I tolerate her crap.”
“So, clearly, her physical beauty isn’t the problem.”
Hank chuckled. “You’ve got me there, my friend. Maybe not all beautiful women are trouble . . .
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July 19, 2016
Wednesday Special Spotlight Highland Yearning Dawn Ireland
Shines on
Highland Yearning
Caden Mackay would never bed a Sutherland, let alone marry one. Bloody hell, what had possessed his twin brother to propose to one of the she-devils? And what is Caden to do with the Sutherland beauty who appears, as if by magic, in his library? The defiant intruder is the enemy, but she is unlike any woman Caden’s ever known, and her tantalizing curves and wide green eyes could tempt a monk. He must devise a way to stop the wedding. But can he stop the desire that makes him long to make Ariel Sutherland his own?
Ariel’s life had never gone the way she’d hoped, but ending up in eighteenth century Scotland was a stretch, even for her. If not for her dog, Scruffy, she might have thought she’d walked into a romantic daydream. Especially since the object of her desire appears to be entirely too virile. But can she find her way back to her time, before her too-handsome Highlander makes her believe that love can conquer in any century?
Book Link: https://amzn.com/B01FMX5KXG
Highland Yearning-Excerpt
Caden turned to his cousin. “We’ll search the windows above. By now the coward has fled, but we may yet find something to unmask our would-be assassin. Then we’ll attend to your urgent matter.”
He drew Ariel aside far enough that Ian couldn’t hear them. His expression screamed, I’d rather fight a dozen well-armed warriors than be in debt to a Sutherland. “Thank you for . . .” He simply stared at her.
“Saving your life?” She waited. Nothing. “Kissing you?” She raised her eyebrows. “Just trying to fill in the blank here.”
He blanched, but then heat filled his eyes. “Aye.”
“Well, one of us had to take the bull by the horns.” Okay, best not to dwell on that image. “I mean, I was curious. I wanted to kiss you. No big deal. It was just a kiss.”
“Aye.”
“Will you stop agreeing with me.”
His smile was genuine and she felt it to the tips of her toes. Good heavens, the man had charisma.
“I’ve nae had a woman who wanted me to disagree with her.”
“Well, I’m not like most women.” That was true enough. She’d never done the ‘let’s talk about boys, clothes and makeup thing’ with a group of girls. Somehow, she’d never fit in.
He smiled down at her. “Aye.”
“There you go, agreeing again.”
“Perhaps it’s because you make yourself so agreeable.”
She couldn’t contain the laughter that burst from her lips. “Really?” The word came out between gasps. “Oh, I wish you could have been there to tell my teachers. Not that they’d believe you. They thought I questioned everything.”
“Then they didn’t ken you.” His brows drew together. “I believe the stone was meant for me, but just in case, I want you to take care.
Her laughter died. “Why would anyone want to kill me?”
“Have you offended anyone aside from Ranald, the Countess or Robertson since I met you?”
“I don’t-So, I speak my mind. Is there a law against that in this century?”
“No. And I prefer plain speaking, but I’m nae most men.”
“No, you’re not.”
Bio – Dawn Ireland (Stories about love through the ages.)
“Once Upon a Time” are four of Dawn’s favorite words, because she never knows where they will lead. She writes stories to remind herself that even though things may seem bleak, there is always the possibility of a “Happily Ever After.” If along the way she makes readers smile, cry or see the magic in their everyday lives, then she’s done her job.
Dawn’s written several award-winning novels set in Georgian England and the Highlands – an era filled with rules and intrigue. Her characters often defy “Society” as they pursue love, run away, pursue, run away – well, you get the idea.
Then again, she might write romance in order to do the research. What other profession encourages you to sit in the audience at Harlequin’s Male Model search, and take notes, or just sigh?
When she’s not writing, Dawn may be found singing, gardening, learning to play the harp or wood carving. She lives in a Victorian home in Upstate New York with her husband and very independent cats.
Dawn hopes you’ll read her books, and together you’ll bring to life characters that aren’t perfect, but have a story to tell.
Contact info:
Visit Dawn’s website at: http://www.dawn-ireland.com/
http://www.authordawnireland.wordpress.com/
http://www.smpauthors.wordpress.com/
Facebook.com/DawnIrelandAuthor
Book Link: https://amzn.com/B01FMX5KXG
