Cathrina Constantine's Blog, page 59
May 25, 2014
Meet Author Megan Cyrulewski
Author Megan Cyrulewski
How My Daughter Taught Me to Let Go and Live AgainBook Title: Who Am I?
Release Date for Megan's book is August 2, 2014
Tell us about Megan Cyrulewski
Like most authors, I really don't like talking about myself! Here is my bio from my website: Megan Cyrulewski has been writing short stories ever since she was ten-years-old. After attending Grand Valley State University, Megan eventually settled into a career in the non-profit sector for eight years. She decided to chang ecareers and went back to school to get her law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. While in school, she documented her divorce, child custody battle and postpartum depression struggles in her memoir, Who Am I? Megan lives in Michigan with her 3-year-old daughter who loves to dance, run, read, and snuggle with Mommy. Megan also enjoys her volunteer work with various organizations in and around metro-Detroit.
Can you tell us about your debut novel?
My book is about my journey into post-partum depression, anxiety disorder, panic attcks, stays in the psych ward, divorce, domestic violence, law school, how I managed to graduate from law school and a beautiful little girl who emerged from all the chaos.
What is your writing journey so far?
It's been amazing. I've met so many people on social media. I've interviewed over 100 authors on my blog. I feel like I finally found my niche - it just took 35 years. ;)
Do you find difficulties in your writing process?
Right now, it's balancing marketing and writing. I'm trying to work on my second book (crime fiction) but there just doesn't seeme to be enough time in the day.
What do you enjoy most about writing?
Losing myself in the story. I love it because if I'm having a rough day, I know I can always lose myself for a while in my book.
Do you thrive during the editing process or is it a struggle?
I always tell everyone that an Editor is a gift from God for Authors. So I am happy to hand my work to the professionals to clean up.
Where is your favorite writing spot?
Probably on my bed. I light a candle and start typing.
Can you share with us your next project?
It's a crime fiction based on things that I learned in law school. It's got some twists and turns. Hopefully it will be released in 2015.
Can you give any advice to aspiring writers?
You have to have thick skin for this industry. People are going to judge, criticize and tear your work apart. Most people have good intentions and they just want to help. Just remember, though, that you can't make everyone happy. Some people are going to like your book cover and some people won't. If you try to please everyone, you will go crazy. Take people's advice, but, in the end, follow your instinct.
Megan has given some great advice. Advice I plan to implement for myself. Thank You, Megan for visiting with us today!
Megan's Website: www.megancyrulewski.com
Book Excerpt: Who Am I?
Chapter One: Ahhh…Young Love
Envy. There is a reason why it’s one of the seven deadly sins. It can kill you. It almost killed me.
The summer of 2004, I was 26 and just got out of a long-term relationship. Good man, he just wasn’t the right man for me.
I had just found out that my old college roommate had recently gotten engaged. The two of us were always “competing” during college: who was skinnier, who can pick up the most guys at the bar. Stupid girl stuff. Other friends of mine were either married or having babies. I think the last straw was finding out my high school sweetheart had gotten engaged. Somewhere in fantasyland, I always thought it was possible we might get back together. Needless to say, I was definitely envious.
That summer, my roommate, Jessica, bought a house. At the time we were sharing an apartment, but she asked if I wanted to move into her house. Jessica and I had known each other since high school and she was the best roommate, and one of the best friends, I have ever had. Without hesitation, I agreed. A month after moving in, we had a house warming party. That’s when I met Tyler*.
May 22, 2014
Celebrate the Small Things
Another Celebrate the Small Things thanks to Vikki at Scribblings of an Aspiring Author. Press Here to join in the Fun.
My daughter is on the mend and feeling much better. Thanks to all the well wishers and your prayers.
With all that's been going on in my life I've put my walking on the back burner, but I have started exercising. And hope to get back to walking 1 to 3 miles a day.
Even though not one word has been added to my wip, I have returned to my completed manuscript which I believe has potential. **The never ending Edit**
Hope y'all have a wonderful weekend!
My daughter is on the mend and feeling much better. Thanks to all the well wishers and your prayers.With all that's been going on in my life I've put my walking on the back burner, but I have started exercising. And hope to get back to walking 1 to 3 miles a day.
Even though not one word has been added to my wip, I have returned to my completed manuscript which I believe has potential. **The never ending Edit**
Hope y'all have a wonderful weekend!
May 18, 2014
Meet Author Julia Joseph
Meet Author
First, tell us about Julia.
Are you sure? I’m not really all that interesting, but I’ll give it a shot anyway…
I graduated from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas, with a B.A. in English Literature and Language and a focus in Drama (but not the icky kind—the Theatre kind). I went one to teach both Theatre and English for nine years all over Texas. I’m now a full-time writer, mother, and wife. And, like the characters in my novels, I come from a tightly knit Irish-Lebanese Texan family that provides me with endless fodder for my writing. (Just kidding, relatives! Okay, maybe not. But I love y’all lots!)
What do you enjoy most about writing?
I love writing because it’s something like creating life. You know that sense of fulfillment when you give birth to a child after a long nine months or when a difficult student finally gets what you’ve been trying to teach him or her? It’s like that for me—the idea that I’ve made something from nothing and it is beautiful.
Where do you get your inspirations for your books?
All the inspiration for my books comes from my own life. Without interweaving my own experiences with my characters’ personalities, I think my stories would be less powerful. Chance meetings, memories, and injustice all inform what I choose to write about. I want my stuff to be real and relevant, even if it’s technically fantasy.
Can you tell us a little bit about your writing process?
My writing process always begins with a vague idea. Somehow, over weeks or months, that idea begins to coalesce into a whole and images form in my head. At that point, I write whichever scene from the story that comes to me first – usually something from near the end. Once the near-end is done, I go back to the beginning and write until my muse gives out. I’ll skip around from there to whatever is begging loudest to be written. When all is created and done, I go back and weave all the disjointed scenes together.
What do you find most difficult about writing?
I am a perfectionist and a grammar fascist. Things like a single verb or comma tend to wrap me up like a pretzel. It’s very difficult for me to let go and just write, but I am very slowly learning how to do that. Maybe in another few years…lol.
What genre do you write, and what is your current wip?
I write Young Adult fiction. My first novel—the initial installment of a trilogy—is Contemporary Paranormal with Romantic elements. The upcoming sequel also contains a healthy does of alternative history. My current WIP is a contemporary YA novel dealing with Teen Dating Violence, and it’s been really interesting to live in “the real world” for a while.
What are your future goals?
I only hope that I can change a life or two for the better with what I have to say. My entire purpose when I started writing was to help young people and—hopefully—save them from some of the pain that gained me what little wisdom I’m able to impart.
Can you give any advice to aspiring authors?
Keep writing. Write as much as you can. Don’t be afraid. Rejection is painful but necessary.
And join a critique group. They’re the best weapon in your arsenal and your biggest cheerleaders.
BLURB:
Born into a family of Guardians—extraordinarily gifted humans who protect mortal souls—seventeen-year-old Rose Kazin shows no signs of being blessed with the supernatural talents her family has used for generations to fight demons. When she and her father figure, an age old celestial Warrior, are horribly wounded in a demonic ambush, Rose awakens to find a younger Warrior, Ouriel, has volunteered to stand in as her protector. She rails against his presence—and her own heart—but Ouriel seems interested in only one thing: teaching Rose how to protect herself from the demons she was never supposed to fight.
Excerpt:
I didn’t notice the demons until one had his arm clamped around my throat.
Choking, I looked around and saw we were surrounded. I didn’t have to think before I reached for the knife at my back. Instinct and training took over, and I slammed my gift from Ouriel into the abdomen of the demon holding me. He dropped to the ground. I turned to stab him a few more times, to keep him out of the fight a bit longer, and then ran for Miriam and Ouriel. My sister was firing off arrow after arrow, sinking as many as left her quiver into demon flesh. But more kept popping in all around us.
I can’t say how many demons I cut and sliced with my knife and nails to get to my sister and my Warrior, but I got through enough to guard their backs. Finally, the three of us stood together, facing down the enemy. Ouriel slipped me his knife, and both of my hands became deadly. Behind me and out of breath, he shouted, “Miriam, get Rose out of here! Run for Ishmael’s house. I will cover you!”
“No way!” I yelled back. “I’m not leaving you!”
Ouriel decapitated two more of the demons rushing him. “You have to!”
“No!” I screamed and took down one of my own, kicking and jabbing her into a bloody pulp.
“We can’t hold them all off,” Miriam panted. “And I must save you at all costs.”
Ouriel spun and, in one fluid move, gored a demon and pushed me through the opening toward Ishmael’s house.
Buy links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Broken-Julia-Joseph/dp/1626941041B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/the-broken-julia-joseph?store=allproducts&keyword=the+broken+julia+joseph
First, tell us about Julia.
Are you sure? I’m not really all that interesting, but I’ll give it a shot anyway…
I graduated from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas, with a B.A. in English Literature and Language and a focus in Drama (but not the icky kind—the Theatre kind). I went one to teach both Theatre and English for nine years all over Texas. I’m now a full-time writer, mother, and wife. And, like the characters in my novels, I come from a tightly knit Irish-Lebanese Texan family that provides me with endless fodder for my writing. (Just kidding, relatives! Okay, maybe not. But I love y’all lots!)
What do you enjoy most about writing?
I love writing because it’s something like creating life. You know that sense of fulfillment when you give birth to a child after a long nine months or when a difficult student finally gets what you’ve been trying to teach him or her? It’s like that for me—the idea that I’ve made something from nothing and it is beautiful.
Where do you get your inspirations for your books?
All the inspiration for my books comes from my own life. Without interweaving my own experiences with my characters’ personalities, I think my stories would be less powerful. Chance meetings, memories, and injustice all inform what I choose to write about. I want my stuff to be real and relevant, even if it’s technically fantasy.
Can you tell us a little bit about your writing process?
My writing process always begins with a vague idea. Somehow, over weeks or months, that idea begins to coalesce into a whole and images form in my head. At that point, I write whichever scene from the story that comes to me first – usually something from near the end. Once the near-end is done, I go back to the beginning and write until my muse gives out. I’ll skip around from there to whatever is begging loudest to be written. When all is created and done, I go back and weave all the disjointed scenes together.
What do you find most difficult about writing?
I am a perfectionist and a grammar fascist. Things like a single verb or comma tend to wrap me up like a pretzel. It’s very difficult for me to let go and just write, but I am very slowly learning how to do that. Maybe in another few years…lol.
What genre do you write, and what is your current wip?
I write Young Adult fiction. My first novel—the initial installment of a trilogy—is Contemporary Paranormal with Romantic elements. The upcoming sequel also contains a healthy does of alternative history. My current WIP is a contemporary YA novel dealing with Teen Dating Violence, and it’s been really interesting to live in “the real world” for a while.
What are your future goals?
I only hope that I can change a life or two for the better with what I have to say. My entire purpose when I started writing was to help young people and—hopefully—save them from some of the pain that gained me what little wisdom I’m able to impart.
Can you give any advice to aspiring authors?
Keep writing. Write as much as you can. Don’t be afraid. Rejection is painful but necessary.
And join a critique group. They’re the best weapon in your arsenal and your biggest cheerleaders.
BLURB:
Born into a family of Guardians—extraordinarily gifted humans who protect mortal souls—seventeen-year-old Rose Kazin shows no signs of being blessed with the supernatural talents her family has used for generations to fight demons. When she and her father figure, an age old celestial Warrior, are horribly wounded in a demonic ambush, Rose awakens to find a younger Warrior, Ouriel, has volunteered to stand in as her protector. She rails against his presence—and her own heart—but Ouriel seems interested in only one thing: teaching Rose how to protect herself from the demons she was never supposed to fight.Excerpt:
I didn’t notice the demons until one had his arm clamped around my throat.
Choking, I looked around and saw we were surrounded. I didn’t have to think before I reached for the knife at my back. Instinct and training took over, and I slammed my gift from Ouriel into the abdomen of the demon holding me. He dropped to the ground. I turned to stab him a few more times, to keep him out of the fight a bit longer, and then ran for Miriam and Ouriel. My sister was firing off arrow after arrow, sinking as many as left her quiver into demon flesh. But more kept popping in all around us.
I can’t say how many demons I cut and sliced with my knife and nails to get to my sister and my Warrior, but I got through enough to guard their backs. Finally, the three of us stood together, facing down the enemy. Ouriel slipped me his knife, and both of my hands became deadly. Behind me and out of breath, he shouted, “Miriam, get Rose out of here! Run for Ishmael’s house. I will cover you!”
“No way!” I yelled back. “I’m not leaving you!”
Ouriel decapitated two more of the demons rushing him. “You have to!”
“No!” I screamed and took down one of my own, kicking and jabbing her into a bloody pulp.
“We can’t hold them all off,” Miriam panted. “And I must save you at all costs.”
Ouriel spun and, in one fluid move, gored a demon and pushed me through the opening toward Ishmael’s house.
Buy links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Broken-Julia-Joseph/dp/1626941041B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/the-broken-julia-joseph?store=allproducts&keyword=the+broken+julia+joseph
May 16, 2014
Celebrate the Small Things
Thank you to Vikki at Scribblings of an Aspiring Author for starting this weekly Celebration!! Press Here to join in the fun.
Even though I haven't written one word on my WIP for 2 weeks--I'm ecstatic! I'm Celebrating my first Grandbaby.
When my daughter should be enjoying this precious time, she has gotten very ill, and I've been with her every day. I absolutely love that little boy and it's a joy made in heaven!!!
Perhaps my blogger friends might send my daughter some good will prayers and by next Friday she'll be doing great!!!
God Bless!!
*Have a Wonderful Weekend*
Even though I haven't written one word on my WIP for 2 weeks--I'm ecstatic! I'm Celebrating my first Grandbaby.
When my daughter should be enjoying this precious time, she has gotten very ill, and I've been with her every day. I absolutely love that little boy and it's a joy made in heaven!!!
Perhaps my blogger friends might send my daughter some good will prayers and by next Friday she'll be doing great!!!
God Bless!!
*Have a Wonderful Weekend*
May 13, 2014
Release Days and Cover Reveal's: Melissa Maygrove, PK Hrezo, Tyrean Martinson
Release Day for Melissa Maygrove was May 12th!!
Sometimes a single choice alters a persons life forever....Left behind by everyone she loves...Rebecca Garvey had the promise of a California future dreams are made of, until the wagon train her family was traveling with left her behind. Now she’s slowly dying in the wilderness, abandoned and stripped of her self-worth. Once the shock of her desertion turns to embittered despair, she doesn’t want to be found. Then a handsome stranger challenges her convictions and changes her mind.
Headed for Texas, chased by the demons of his past...Seth Emerson knows exactly what he wants. Working to save for a cattle ranch of his own keeps him busy and keeps his pain buried. Rescuing a stubborn woman from the hills of New Mexico Territory isn’t part of his plan—but she’s exactly what he needs.
Making greater sacrifices than either of them could foresee...Seth and Rebecca set off on a risky journey and a quest for truth, each healing the other’s love-starved soul along the way. Will they give in to their growing attraction? Or will they honor their commitments when Seth returns Rebecca to civilization... and her betrothed? Buy Link: Amazon
PK Hrezo Cover Reveal
The year 2069 is coming to a close, and eighteen-year-old Bianca Butterman's pilot license is finally official. She's ready for the Induction Day she’s waited for since she was a kid—the one that will secure her name on the Butterman family tree of time travelers. But ever since the media discovered Bianca is pop superstar Tristan Helms’ latest new honey, everything Bianca does or says becomes a target of criticism. Having her professional credibility topping the gossip sites across social media is an open invitation for the government to step in and regulate Bianca’s Induction. Now she will have to ask herself if saving 1500 people from drowning is worth losing everything she’s ever worked for, including the Butterman family biz.
Tyrean Martinson's Cover RevealComing Out June 2, 2014
May 11, 2014
AUTHOR: Zrinka Jelic
Welcome ZRINKA JELIC
Ms. Jelic lives in Ontario, Canada. A member of the Romance Writers of America and its chapter Fantasy Futuristic &Paranormal, as well as Savvy Authors. She writes contemporary fiction--which leans toward the paranormal--and adds a pinch of history. Her characters come from all walks of life, and although she prefers red, romance comes in many colors. Given Jelic's love for her native Croatia and the Adriatic Sea, her characters usually find themselves dealing with a fair amount of sunshine, but that's about the only break they get.
Zrinka, do you have a favorite writing spot?
Not really, I like my couch and I need to be close to the wireless signal booster. Even then I lose Internet connections up to 29 times or more per day. As long as I have my music, I can write anywhere. Except Starbucks! I don't know how some people can write in Starbucks. Just looking at the treats behind that glass makes my mouth water. Then there's a constant sound of beverages being prepared and barista yelling orders, it's just a chaos.
What are some of your pet peeves when it comes to your writing process?
I don't think I have any. With full time job, family and other stuff, my writing time has shrunk and I can't waste a single second on pet peeves. Once I'm settled in for an hours or so of writing, I keep going without stopping. Often I forget about time and when I glance at the clock, I gasp at the time. And kids are still up too. On a school night. So I have to save what I've done and then it's a mad rush to get through the bed routine and off to sleep.
What do you enjoy most about becoming an author?
I can't say fame and fortune. Maybe someday. I like that my work is out there for everyone to see. I'd like to think that perhaps my books inspire someone to write, or to become a better person or to do good while on this planet. I read a quite on the Facebook that sums it all up. "Someday you'll be nothing but a memory to someone. Make it a good one." So how would you like to be remembered? I can say that I cross paths with a few individuals who didn't make a good impression on me, but I rather remember persons who inspired, encouraged and acknowledged me.
What genres do you write?
I write romance. I'm published in paranormal and historical romance. Paranormal aspect is fairly mild. I don't like books that are bogged down with too many things like vamps, wares, angels, other types of immortals either from other legends, cultures or made up. It's hard to keep the score. As in life, a bit of mystery is all we need.
Can you tell us what you're working on at the present time?
I'm working on "Rose of Crimson", a prequel to "Bonded by Crimson", my debut novel. Both books are stand alone, so no you don't need to read them both to know how things end, but it would be nice. Rose will end with HFN with Bonded ends with HEA. I'm about two chapters away from writing in THE END and can feel excitement building. But I must curb it down. This is the stage I usually tend to rush to get to the last sentence. And we all know what rushing does to our writing. Those who are critiquing and beta reading this book love it, I can only hope this love will carry onto the readers.
What are your future writing goals?
New story ideas pop in my head all the time, but I'm torn between starting a suspense romance or another paranormal. I can't concentrate on both books at once though I tried that while I was working on Treasured Chest and eventually Treasured Chest won over the Rose and I put Rose on the back burner and in the meantime wrote and published "Love Remains". Funny how that worked out.
Can you give any advice to aspiring author's?
Many new authors say they read works of big names authors. And yes, imitation is the highest level of flattery but writing styles cannot be imitated, or duplicated. Each of us has to find our own voice. One thing to keep in mind, many of the authors wrote decades ago. Fiction writing changes all the time. Let's take Tolkien for example. In his works you'll find what's by today's standards beginner's mistakes. Head hopping from paragraph to paragraph, telling, very little showing if any. If he was to submit his works to the publisher today as a beginner writer, he'd receive many rejection letters. So what's my advice? Lean the craft. Writing is a solitary work, but you don't have to do this alone. There are countless writing groups you can join, critique loops, workshops and literature (books, blogs, magazines) on the subject. Use them.
ZRINKA JELIC'S BOOKS:
BLURB Love isn’t in the cards for her…
After her short failed marriage, Kate tries to rebuild her life and takes a position as a nanny to three small boys. She quickly grows to love them, but their father, terrifies her, while igniting a passion she didn’t know she possessed. Disturbed by his distant manner with his sons, Kate struggles to make him more involved in the boys’ daily lives. Her efforts are mysteriously supported by an entity that cannot really exist. Or can she? And if she does exist, is she really trying to help Kate, or just take over her body?
But when he deals the hand, all bets are off…
Six years after his beloved wife passed away, Matthias is still trying to become the father she wanted him to be. Not an easy task for a three-centuries-old immortal. His search for the ultimate nanny ends when Kate Rokov stumbles to his home and into his arms. The immediate attraction he feels for her seems like a betrayal of his dead wife, a love he’s harboured for over three hundred years. But when Kate is stalked by a deadly stranger, life he clung to in the past begins to crumble and break down. Can Matthias learn to trust and to love again in time to save his family from disaster, or will his stubborn pride destroy everything worth living for? Black Opal Books, Amazon.
BLURB
The last thing Captain Sirena expected to find on a desolate island was...him!
When Carmen Ventura takes up her post as commander of the Strega, she becomes the new Captain Sirena, the legendary pirate most people think is just a myth created to scare children. Her first quest is to search for the “treasured chest” hidden by her predecessor. But before she can even begin the hunt, she runs into Marko Lucin, captain of the Levant and Carmen’s most insane adventure yet.
How can the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen be a bloody pirate?
Never one to pass up an adventure, especially where pretty women are concerned, Marko finds his ultimate challenge in Carmen. Not only does he fall for her courage, spunk, and intelligence, but the lady pirate can also help him get what he wants—the famous treasure everyone whispers about. His only problem—how long can he play the charming captain before she discovers his true intentions?Black Opal Books, Amazon
Blurb : Olivia Owen, a busy, single, high-functioning, corporate executive officer, is not afraid to die a spinster for the sake of her career. But in an alternate reality world, bridged by the angel of her Down’s syndrome sister, she meets Tom Medar, a dedicated, Croatian defense attorney who dreams of the right woman, but never has time to find her. Together they foil an adulterous murder plot while discovering there’s room for love and family in their busy lives—but not before they are separated again. When they awaken from their alternate world, will they be able to cross countries to find each other again?Amazon
Blurb: It isn’t the string of crappy jobs, or people’s irrational urge to spend their money, or even his inability to ask Julie out on a date that Zach can’t get excited about Christmas. It is the fact that today is his last day he gets to spend in his preferred human form.
When jealous Tia, a wicked sorceress disguised as the pack’s alpha female, tries to force his wolf out a day early, all-consuming anger sends him into a rage against her. She punishes shape shifter Zach, by changing him to a dog. He has 48 hours to save his family and trade his life for someone else’s in order to break the spell—the only problem, Julie’s cat Miss Molly knows who he is and won’t let him near her owner. But Julie’s safety is the greatest importance and he sticks by her side.
Julie can’t resist falling in love with the stray dog she rescues. She prolongs putting a found dog ad in the local newspaper just to keep him for another day. Strange thing is, the animal reminds her of Zach.
Confronted with the woman who stole the man she secretly loves, Julie discovers the truth about Zach. When his dog form proves useless against the powerful alpha werewolf, the help comes from unforeseen allies. Amazon
Ms. Jelic lives in Ontario, Canada. A member of the Romance Writers of America and its chapter Fantasy Futuristic &Paranormal, as well as Savvy Authors. She writes contemporary fiction--which leans toward the paranormal--and adds a pinch of history. Her characters come from all walks of life, and although she prefers red, romance comes in many colors. Given Jelic's love for her native Croatia and the Adriatic Sea, her characters usually find themselves dealing with a fair amount of sunshine, but that's about the only break they get.
Zrinka, do you have a favorite writing spot?
Not really, I like my couch and I need to be close to the wireless signal booster. Even then I lose Internet connections up to 29 times or more per day. As long as I have my music, I can write anywhere. Except Starbucks! I don't know how some people can write in Starbucks. Just looking at the treats behind that glass makes my mouth water. Then there's a constant sound of beverages being prepared and barista yelling orders, it's just a chaos.
What are some of your pet peeves when it comes to your writing process?
I don't think I have any. With full time job, family and other stuff, my writing time has shrunk and I can't waste a single second on pet peeves. Once I'm settled in for an hours or so of writing, I keep going without stopping. Often I forget about time and when I glance at the clock, I gasp at the time. And kids are still up too. On a school night. So I have to save what I've done and then it's a mad rush to get through the bed routine and off to sleep.
What do you enjoy most about becoming an author?
I can't say fame and fortune. Maybe someday. I like that my work is out there for everyone to see. I'd like to think that perhaps my books inspire someone to write, or to become a better person or to do good while on this planet. I read a quite on the Facebook that sums it all up. "Someday you'll be nothing but a memory to someone. Make it a good one." So how would you like to be remembered? I can say that I cross paths with a few individuals who didn't make a good impression on me, but I rather remember persons who inspired, encouraged and acknowledged me.
What genres do you write?
I write romance. I'm published in paranormal and historical romance. Paranormal aspect is fairly mild. I don't like books that are bogged down with too many things like vamps, wares, angels, other types of immortals either from other legends, cultures or made up. It's hard to keep the score. As in life, a bit of mystery is all we need.
Can you tell us what you're working on at the present time?
I'm working on "Rose of Crimson", a prequel to "Bonded by Crimson", my debut novel. Both books are stand alone, so no you don't need to read them both to know how things end, but it would be nice. Rose will end with HFN with Bonded ends with HEA. I'm about two chapters away from writing in THE END and can feel excitement building. But I must curb it down. This is the stage I usually tend to rush to get to the last sentence. And we all know what rushing does to our writing. Those who are critiquing and beta reading this book love it, I can only hope this love will carry onto the readers.
What are your future writing goals?
New story ideas pop in my head all the time, but I'm torn between starting a suspense romance or another paranormal. I can't concentrate on both books at once though I tried that while I was working on Treasured Chest and eventually Treasured Chest won over the Rose and I put Rose on the back burner and in the meantime wrote and published "Love Remains". Funny how that worked out.
Can you give any advice to aspiring author's?
Many new authors say they read works of big names authors. And yes, imitation is the highest level of flattery but writing styles cannot be imitated, or duplicated. Each of us has to find our own voice. One thing to keep in mind, many of the authors wrote decades ago. Fiction writing changes all the time. Let's take Tolkien for example. In his works you'll find what's by today's standards beginner's mistakes. Head hopping from paragraph to paragraph, telling, very little showing if any. If he was to submit his works to the publisher today as a beginner writer, he'd receive many rejection letters. So what's my advice? Lean the craft. Writing is a solitary work, but you don't have to do this alone. There are countless writing groups you can join, critique loops, workshops and literature (books, blogs, magazines) on the subject. Use them.
ZRINKA JELIC'S BOOKS:
BLURB Love isn’t in the cards for her…
After her short failed marriage, Kate tries to rebuild her life and takes a position as a nanny to three small boys. She quickly grows to love them, but their father, terrifies her, while igniting a passion she didn’t know she possessed. Disturbed by his distant manner with his sons, Kate struggles to make him more involved in the boys’ daily lives. Her efforts are mysteriously supported by an entity that cannot really exist. Or can she? And if she does exist, is she really trying to help Kate, or just take over her body?
But when he deals the hand, all bets are off…
Six years after his beloved wife passed away, Matthias is still trying to become the father she wanted him to be. Not an easy task for a three-centuries-old immortal. His search for the ultimate nanny ends when Kate Rokov stumbles to his home and into his arms. The immediate attraction he feels for her seems like a betrayal of his dead wife, a love he’s harboured for over three hundred years. But when Kate is stalked by a deadly stranger, life he clung to in the past begins to crumble and break down. Can Matthias learn to trust and to love again in time to save his family from disaster, or will his stubborn pride destroy everything worth living for? Black Opal Books, Amazon.
BLURB
The last thing Captain Sirena expected to find on a desolate island was...him!
When Carmen Ventura takes up her post as commander of the Strega, she becomes the new Captain Sirena, the legendary pirate most people think is just a myth created to scare children. Her first quest is to search for the “treasured chest” hidden by her predecessor. But before she can even begin the hunt, she runs into Marko Lucin, captain of the Levant and Carmen’s most insane adventure yet.
How can the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen be a bloody pirate?
Never one to pass up an adventure, especially where pretty women are concerned, Marko finds his ultimate challenge in Carmen. Not only does he fall for her courage, spunk, and intelligence, but the lady pirate can also help him get what he wants—the famous treasure everyone whispers about. His only problem—how long can he play the charming captain before she discovers his true intentions?Black Opal Books, Amazon
Blurb : Olivia Owen, a busy, single, high-functioning, corporate executive officer, is not afraid to die a spinster for the sake of her career. But in an alternate reality world, bridged by the angel of her Down’s syndrome sister, she meets Tom Medar, a dedicated, Croatian defense attorney who dreams of the right woman, but never has time to find her. Together they foil an adulterous murder plot while discovering there’s room for love and family in their busy lives—but not before they are separated again. When they awaken from their alternate world, will they be able to cross countries to find each other again?Amazon
Blurb: It isn’t the string of crappy jobs, or people’s irrational urge to spend their money, or even his inability to ask Julie out on a date that Zach can’t get excited about Christmas. It is the fact that today is his last day he gets to spend in his preferred human form.
When jealous Tia, a wicked sorceress disguised as the pack’s alpha female, tries to force his wolf out a day early, all-consuming anger sends him into a rage against her. She punishes shape shifter Zach, by changing him to a dog. He has 48 hours to save his family and trade his life for someone else’s in order to break the spell—the only problem, Julie’s cat Miss Molly knows who he is and won’t let him near her owner. But Julie’s safety is the greatest importance and he sticks by her side.
Julie can’t resist falling in love with the stray dog she rescues. She prolongs putting a found dog ad in the local newspaper just to keep him for another day. Strange thing is, the animal reminds her of Zach.
Confronted with the woman who stole the man she secretly loves, Julie discovers the truth about Zach. When his dog form proves useless against the powerful alpha werewolf, the help comes from unforeseen allies. Amazon
May 9, 2014
CELEBRATE & BOOK COVER REVEALS
Thanks to Vikki at Scribblings of an Aspiring Author for starting this weekly Small Celebration. Press Here to add your name to the list.Last week my post stated I was Celebrating New Life. After 25 hours of labor, and late Friday night, the Doctor made the decision for a C-Section and look what popped out!
[image error]
**SAM HENRY**My first GrandBaby!!
A Cover Reveal By Stephanie Faris. Isn't it Sweet!!
Here's a blurb about the book:
Valentine's Day means one thing at Stanton Middle School: students will send each other chocolate roses. Each year, Mia Hartley watches while the same group of students gets roses and everyone else is left out. This year, she decides things will be different. As the student assigned to write names on the cards, Mia purchases 25 roses and writes her own cards, designating them to 25 people she's personally chosen. But she soon learns that playing matchmaker is much more complicated than she thought it would be.
A Cover Reveal by Tara Tyler. Another Awesome Cover!!BROKEN BRANCH FALLS (MG Fantasy)
by Tara Tyler
Release Date: June 24, 2014
Publisher: Curiosity Quills
Gabe is an average fifteen-year-old goblin. He’s in the marching band, breezes through calculus, and gets picked on daily by the other kids at school, especially the ogres. Gabe’s closest friends are goblins like him, but Gabe is tired of being a goblin – he’d like to try other things. And he has his eye on the new ogress at school. It’s against all beastly rules, but there’s just something about her.
When a prank goes wrong, Gabe is forced to join the football team as punishment – but finds a way to make it work. Soon the whole school is getting in on the rule-breaking fad of mingling with other species. Too bad the adults have to step in and ruin things by threatening to destroy the school and split up Broken Branch Falls. And Gabe is their scapegoat. With help from friends, old and new, Gabe sets out on a quest for a relic of their mysterious past, which hopefully holds the key to saving Broken Branch Falls. After all that trouble, it better work.
HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND! And to
all mother's----HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
May 8, 2014
Melissa Maygrove: COME BACK
Melissa Maygrove's debut novel!
Sometimes a single choice alters the course of a person's life forever.
Come Backby Melissa Maygrove Western Historical RomanceAdult / New Adult Available May 12th from Truelove Press
Where to find Melissa...
Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter
Where to find her book...
Amazon / Kindle / B&N / Nook / Kobo
Don't forget to add it to your Goodreads.
Cover designed by Carrie Butler,Forward Authority Design Services
Contest starts May 5th and ends at midnight on May 19th.Winners will be announced May 21st.
The two prizes are:A $50 gift card to your choice of Amazon or Barnes & Noble (Book Depository for international entrants)
A signed paperback copy of Come Back for winner living in the cont. U.S. or Authorgraph + e-book copy (international entrant)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Sometimes a single choice alters the course of a person's life forever.
Come Backby Melissa Maygrove Western Historical RomanceAdult / New Adult Available May 12th from Truelove Press
Where to find Melissa...
Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter
Where to find her book...
Amazon / Kindle / B&N / Nook / Kobo
Don't forget to add it to your Goodreads.
Cover designed by Carrie Butler,Forward Authority Design Services Contest starts May 5th and ends at midnight on May 19th.Winners will be announced May 21st.
The two prizes are:A $50 gift card to your choice of Amazon or Barnes & Noble (Book Depository for international entrants)
A signed paperback copy of Come Back for winner living in the cont. U.S. or Authorgraph + e-book copy (international entrant)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
May 7, 2014
INSECURE WRITER'S SUPPORT GROUP
Alex J. Cavanaugh's awesome co-hosts for this month are Mark Koopmans, Joylene Nowell Butler, Elsie, and Lisa Buie-Collard.My personal life this month is truly blessed with the birth of my first grandson!
However, this month my life as a writer really sucks. I'm depressed and want to throw in the towel so to say. I somehow feel that God is slamming the door in my face telling me it's time to move on.
Writing is hard work as we all know. Lonely work. Writing between you and your computer. And if you're like me, I'm a slow writer and need time to concentrate in quiet. This leaves out communication with family and friends.
I feel like I'm whining, and hope the next IWSG post will be better. Everyone have a good month!!
May 5, 2014
Flash Fiction Horror Revisited
I’m literally going out of my mind. After a romp in the woods with the dogs, the irritating itch began. I’d definitely trespassed into a toxic bush or plant of some sort.
Soon oppressive, prickly pain.
At first my flesh tingled like a million skittering spiders were beneath the surface. I started to scratch, and scratch, and scratch. My incessant fingernails raked my skin raw. I looked like a victim of abuse and felt like one.
Since I resembled a bloated red leper, work was out of the question. I called in sick. Slathering anti-itch lotions and soaking in the tub only magnified the condition. Then I detected the proliferating mounds erupting like minuscule volcanoes. I made a doctor’s appointment for that afternoon. Suddenly, the obnoxious sting became unbearable. The trembling was uncontrollably. My ballooning body felt like it was going to explode. A quivering lunatic, I clutched my cell phone and keyed in 911. One of the minuscule mounds gaped open on my arm and out crawled what looked like a bug. A bug with wings.
My stomach lurched, swatting at the thing while I ran into the bathroom. A scream lodged in my throat as the intense pain shattered my brain. Hunched over the commode, an army of arcane insects ripped my skin apart and flit about the tiny room. The ubiquitous throb somewhat subsided. My flesh was a pin-pricked cushion of bloody holes. I dragged in a choppy, whimpering breath. Ominous buzzing fed my ears. The walls were no longer peach colored, they were black and undulating. The room vibrated like an immense beehive with swarms of bizarre winged insects. Like ravenous cannibals, they began to devour one another, expanding in size.
Horrified! Run— I hysterically thought—Run!
I jerked, ready to bolt. The buzzing melted to a low hum. My eyes cut around the room, the insects suddenly noticed my presence.
I froze.
The last thing I heard--the bombardment of whirring winged insects.
And my screams.
I somewhat edited my first version. What do you think?
Soon oppressive, prickly pain.
At first my flesh tingled like a million skittering spiders were beneath the surface. I started to scratch, and scratch, and scratch. My incessant fingernails raked my skin raw. I looked like a victim of abuse and felt like one.
Since I resembled a bloated red leper, work was out of the question. I called in sick. Slathering anti-itch lotions and soaking in the tub only magnified the condition. Then I detected the proliferating mounds erupting like minuscule volcanoes. I made a doctor’s appointment for that afternoon. Suddenly, the obnoxious sting became unbearable. The trembling was uncontrollably. My ballooning body felt like it was going to explode. A quivering lunatic, I clutched my cell phone and keyed in 911. One of the minuscule mounds gaped open on my arm and out crawled what looked like a bug. A bug with wings.
My stomach lurched, swatting at the thing while I ran into the bathroom. A scream lodged in my throat as the intense pain shattered my brain. Hunched over the commode, an army of arcane insects ripped my skin apart and flit about the tiny room. The ubiquitous throb somewhat subsided. My flesh was a pin-pricked cushion of bloody holes. I dragged in a choppy, whimpering breath. Ominous buzzing fed my ears. The walls were no longer peach colored, they were black and undulating. The room vibrated like an immense beehive with swarms of bizarre winged insects. Like ravenous cannibals, they began to devour one another, expanding in size.
Horrified! Run— I hysterically thought—Run!
I jerked, ready to bolt. The buzzing melted to a low hum. My eyes cut around the room, the insects suddenly noticed my presence.
I froze.
The last thing I heard--the bombardment of whirring winged insects.
And my screams.
I somewhat edited my first version. What do you think?
