Cathrina Constantine's Blog, page 70
September 29, 2013
Debbie Christiana - Author
I'm am honored to host on my blog today the talented and gifted writer Debbie Christiana. A fellow Black Opal Books author, Debbie has penned the remarkable novel, Twin Flames and her newest release Solstice!
Hi Cathy. Thank you for having me as your guest today.
The late, great Ray Bradbury was quoted as saying “Young
writers shouldn’t kid themselves about learning to write. The best way to do
that is train yourself in the short story.”
Mr. Bradbury is one of my favorite writers as is his novel Fahrenheit
451 one of my favorites. He himself wrote over four hundred short stories.
I’ve been fortunate to have two dark fiction short stories
published and now I’m taking a course on how to write a short story to promote
your novel. It’s been a wonderful class and I hope to have my short story, Choose Wisely, up on my website as a
free read in October. Wish me luck!
My recently released paranormal romantic suspense, SOSLTICE,
is set in the New York Metro area, and is a story of magic, murder, mayhem and of
course, love.
My short story, Choose
Wisely, doesn’t have the same characters from SOLSTICE, but it does revolves
around Mia Leone, a Strega who owns an unusual antique store, named CURIOSITIES
in lower Manhattan, a strange man and the very real, but shrouded in myth, Liquore
Strega.
Liquore Strega is an Italian liqueur that has been made in
only Benevento, Italy since 600 AD. It’s known for it’s bright yellow hue and
is sipped after a meal. However it has an important role in the ritual magic of
the Strega.
While my short story is dark fiction, it was fun to write
and will be perfect for the upcoming spooky Halloween season. If you’d like to
know more about the magical Liquore Strega and the craft of Stregheria, check
out the blurb and small excerpt from SOLSTICE below.
BLURB:
Time is running out
for Armend Zogu. The 250-year-old curse on his head will claim his life on his
30th birthday, the winter solstice.
Sofia Palmalosi is
just the Strega who can save him. A descendant of a long line of powerful
Italian witches; her family’s magic was a gift from the Goddess Diana.
Together Sofia and
Armend embark on a journey from New York to Sicily and the ancient ruins of
Diana’s Temple, back to New York all the while fighting a battle of magic and
wits with a psychopath who wants them both dead and the curse intact.
If the curse doesn’t
kill Armend, breaking it just might.
EXCERPT:
“Sofia, are you all right?” Armend asked.
She was pale and her breathing labored. “This particular ritual
drains me of my strength. That’s why we eat afterwards. How do you feel?”
“Better than you. But I’m glad to be sitting down.”
Ersilia poured them each a glass of the yellow liquid. “This is
Liquore Strega. Bevanda. Drink.”
He was curious about the foreign drink and sniffed its slightly sweet
aroma. He took a sip and let the semi-thick liquor settle on his tongue. He
savored the bold combination of mint, fennel and a taste he couldn’t place.
“That’s good.” He smacked his lips. “What makes it yellow?”
“Saffron.” Sofia took her own sip and closed her eyes. As she
swallowed, she let out a happy groan.
Silvio handed Sofia and Armend a plate of food and sat a warm bowl of
olive oil between them. “Mangia. Eat. It’ll make you strong again.”
Armend dug into the small, but wonderful feast. The sweet and salty
pairing of the melon and prosciutto, the bread, and the sting of heated
garlic-flavored oil on his tongue warmed his weary soul.
Buy Links:
Black Opal Books: http://www.blackopalbooks.com
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Solstice-ebook/dp/B00CMJA3SQ/ref=sr_1_1_title_1_kin?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1379521052&sr=1-1&keywords=solstice+by+debbie+christiana
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Solstice-by-debbie-christiana?store=allproducts&keyword=Solstice+by+debbie+christiana
Smashwords : http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/312116
Debbie Christiana loves to read and write about things that
go bump in the night, mysteries and unusual love stories. She’s been fortunate
to publish two novels, Twin Flames
and the recently released romantic suspense, Solstice, by Black Opal Books. In 2012 she had two dark fiction
short stories published in The Ten Tales anthology series edited by Rayne Hall.
Debbie is a member of RWA, her local RWA chapter and the International
Thrillers Writers, Inc. She lives in Connecticut with her husband and three
children.
Website: www.debbiechristiana.com
Blog: www.debbiechristiana.com/blog
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Debbie-Christiana-Author/152091691536121
Twitter: @DebChristiana
Thank you Debbie for sharing with us today.
Hi Cathy. Thank you for having me as your guest today.
The late, great Ray Bradbury was quoted as saying “Young
writers shouldn’t kid themselves about learning to write. The best way to do
that is train yourself in the short story.”
Mr. Bradbury is one of my favorite writers as is his novel Fahrenheit
451 one of my favorites. He himself wrote over four hundred short stories.
I’ve been fortunate to have two dark fiction short stories
published and now I’m taking a course on how to write a short story to promote
your novel. It’s been a wonderful class and I hope to have my short story, Choose Wisely, up on my website as a
free read in October. Wish me luck!
My recently released paranormal romantic suspense, SOSLTICE,
is set in the New York Metro area, and is a story of magic, murder, mayhem and of
course, love.
.jpeg)
My short story, ChooseWisely, doesn’t have the same characters from SOLSTICE, but it does revolves
around Mia Leone, a Strega who owns an unusual antique store, named CURIOSITIES
in lower Manhattan, a strange man and the very real, but shrouded in myth, Liquore
Strega.
Liquore Strega is an Italian liqueur that has been made in
only Benevento, Italy since 600 AD. It’s known for it’s bright yellow hue and
is sipped after a meal. However it has an important role in the ritual magic of
the Strega.
While my short story is dark fiction, it was fun to write
and will be perfect for the upcoming spooky Halloween season. If you’d like to
know more about the magical Liquore Strega and the craft of Stregheria, check
out the blurb and small excerpt from SOLSTICE below.
BLURB:
Time is running out
for Armend Zogu. The 250-year-old curse on his head will claim his life on his
30th birthday, the winter solstice.
Sofia Palmalosi is
just the Strega who can save him. A descendant of a long line of powerful
Italian witches; her family’s magic was a gift from the Goddess Diana.
Together Sofia and
Armend embark on a journey from New York to Sicily and the ancient ruins of
Diana’s Temple, back to New York all the while fighting a battle of magic and
wits with a psychopath who wants them both dead and the curse intact.
If the curse doesn’t
kill Armend, breaking it just might.
EXCERPT:
“Sofia, are you all right?” Armend asked.
She was pale and her breathing labored. “This particular ritual
drains me of my strength. That’s why we eat afterwards. How do you feel?”
“Better than you. But I’m glad to be sitting down.”
Ersilia poured them each a glass of the yellow liquid. “This is
Liquore Strega. Bevanda. Drink.”
He was curious about the foreign drink and sniffed its slightly sweet
aroma. He took a sip and let the semi-thick liquor settle on his tongue. He
savored the bold combination of mint, fennel and a taste he couldn’t place.
“That’s good.” He smacked his lips. “What makes it yellow?”
“Saffron.” Sofia took her own sip and closed her eyes. As she
swallowed, she let out a happy groan.
Silvio handed Sofia and Armend a plate of food and sat a warm bowl of
olive oil between them. “Mangia. Eat. It’ll make you strong again.”
Armend dug into the small, but wonderful feast. The sweet and salty
pairing of the melon and prosciutto, the bread, and the sting of heated
garlic-flavored oil on his tongue warmed his weary soul.
Buy Links:
Black Opal Books: http://www.blackopalbooks.com
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Solstice-ebook/dp/B00CMJA3SQ/ref=sr_1_1_title_1_kin?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1379521052&sr=1-1&keywords=solstice+by+debbie+christiana
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Solstice-by-debbie-christiana?store=allproducts&keyword=Solstice+by+debbie+christiana
Smashwords : http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/312116
Debbie Christiana loves to read and write about things that
go bump in the night, mysteries and unusual love stories. She’s been fortunate
to publish two novels, Twin Flames
and the recently released romantic suspense, Solstice, by Black Opal Books. In 2012 she had two dark fiction
short stories published in The Ten Tales anthology series edited by Rayne Hall.
Debbie is a member of RWA, her local RWA chapter and the International
Thrillers Writers, Inc. She lives in Connecticut with her husband and three
children.
Website: www.debbiechristiana.com
Blog: www.debbiechristiana.com/blog
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Debbie-Christiana-Author/152091691536121
Twitter: @DebChristiana
Thank you Debbie for sharing with us today.
September 25, 2013
Follow Fest & Celebrate the Small Thing
Go to Scribblings of an Inspiring Author to join in the weekly Small Celebrations!
This week I'm Celebrating Melissa Maygrove for organizing Follow Fest (below) And meeting wonderful, new writers!
Also, Last night was my very first Book Signing at Dog Ears Bookstore & Cafe. It was great!
What are you celebrating??
Purpose: A platform building opportunity for writers of all kinds.
(Think, ‘cyber meet-and-greet with social media links for business cards.’)
When: September 23rd thru 27th.
Follow Fest
Melissa Maygrove was nice enough to inform me I wasn't too late for Follow Fest, and here I am. Thank you Melissa for encouraging me to join this wonderful connection for writers and readers! Press on Melissa Maygrove's name to learn more!
Name: Cathrina Constantine
Fiction or nonfiction? Fiction
What genres do you write? Young Adult/Adult - Paranormal - Contemporary - Mystery - Romance
Are you published? Yes. My debut novel, Wickedly They Come was released on August 24th. My second novel, Tallas will be released by Black Opal Books.
I am represented by The Belcastro Literary Agency, and happy to be working with Sharon Belcastro and Ella Marie Mohan Shupe.
Do you do anything in addition to writing? I work part-time for The University of Buffalo
Where can people connect with you?
Blog
Goodreads
Google+
Author Sights
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Smashwords
Black Opal Books
Thank you Melissa Maygrove for organizing this unique Follow Fest!
Follow Fest
Purpose: A platform building opportunity for writers of all kinds.
(Think, ‘cyber meet-and-greet with social media links for business cards.’)
When: September 23rd thru 27th.
Follow Fest
Melissa Maygrove was nice enough to inform me I wasn't too late for Follow Fest, and here I am. Thank you Melissa for encouraging me to join this wonderful connection for writers and readers!
Name: Cathrina Constantine
Fiction or nonfiction? Fiction
What genres do you write? Young Adult/Adult - Paranormal - Contemporary - Mystery - Romance
Are you published? Yes. My debut novel, Wickedly They Come was released on August 24th. My second novel, Tallas will be released by Black Opal Books.
I am represented by The Belcastro Literary Agency, and happy to be working with Sharon Belcastro and Ella Marie Mohan Shupe.
Do you do anything in addition to writing? I work part-time for The University of Buffalo
Where can people connect with you?
Blog
Goodreads
Google+
Author Sights
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Smashwords
Black Opal Books
Thank you Melissa Maygrove for organizing this unique Follow Fest!
September 22, 2013
***Last Chance Giveaway***
***One Last Chance***
Enter to win a $5.00 Amazon Gift Card
or a copy of Wickedly They Come
a Rafflecopter giveaway
September 20, 2013
Celebrate the Small Things
It's that time to Celebrate the Small Things. Come and join this fun blog hop each week. Press on Vikki, Scribblings of an Inspiring Author to sign up. And Thank You Vikki for starting this hop!
It's been a week of good and bad.
The bad: It's been 3 months of nail biting on a full manuscript request only to receive the ax, a rejection.
The good: Another request for a full in one day after the submission.
The bad: Needed a medical infusion which caused horrible sickness for 3 days the last time.
The good: Tolerated the infusion without getting sick.
The good: Hit 30k on my new wip!
The good: I like it.
The good: Great weather.
The good: Hiked in the woods with my dogs!
It's always better to dwell on the good!
I love to read what your Celebrating this week!
September 18, 2013
Fall into Fantasy Giveaway
Calling readers and writers
of fantasy and paranormal stories!
This October we'll be holding the FALL INTO FANTASY giveaway.
READERS:
Authors of fantasy and paranormal stories are eager to get their books into your hands. We'll be giving away books and swags to lucky readers so don't miss your chance to win!
AUTHORS:
If you are the author of a fantasy or paranormal book, and would like to reach new readers, you can sign up for this giveaway by filling out THIS FORM. Sign ups will run until end of September and the giveaway will run the last two weeks of October.
BLOGS:
We'd love your support! If you host a book review blog and would like a chance to offer your readers a chance at winning one of over 50 prizes, we'd love to feature your followable sites on the entry form as well.
For more information, email me at ashkrafton at Gmail dot com and be sure to put "Fall into Fantasy Giveaway" in the subject.
of fantasy and paranormal stories!
This October we'll be holding the FALL INTO FANTASY giveaway.
READERS:
Authors of fantasy and paranormal stories are eager to get their books into your hands. We'll be giving away books and swags to lucky readers so don't miss your chance to win!
AUTHORS:
If you are the author of a fantasy or paranormal book, and would like to reach new readers, you can sign up for this giveaway by filling out THIS FORM. Sign ups will run until end of September and the giveaway will run the last two weeks of October.
BLOGS:
We'd love your support! If you host a book review blog and would like a chance to offer your readers a chance at winning one of over 50 prizes, we'd love to feature your followable sites on the entry form as well.
For more information, email me at ashkrafton at Gmail dot com and be sure to put "Fall into Fantasy Giveaway" in the subject.
September 16, 2013
CassaStorm by Alex J. Cavanaugh
Comment on Alex’s blog this week for a chance to win a Cassa mug, mousepad, magnet, and swag!
Happy Release Day, Alex!!
CassaStorm
By Alex J Cavanaugh
From the Amazon Best Selling Series!
A storm gathers across the galaxy…
Commanding the Cassan base on Tgren, Byron thought he’d put the days of battle behind him. As a galaxy-wide war encroaches upon the desert planet, Byron’s ideal life is threatened and he’s caught between the Tgrens and the Cassans.
After enemy ships attack the desert planet, Byron discovers another battle within his own family. The declaration of war between all ten races triggers nightmares in his son, threatening to destroy the boy’s mind.
Meanwhile the ancient alien ship is transmitting a code that might signal the end of all life in the galaxy. And the mysterious probe that almost destroyed Tgren twenty years ago could return. As his world begins to crumble, Byron suspects a connection. The storm is about to break, and Byron is caught in the middle…
“With a talent for worldbuilding and a compelling cast of characters, Alex J. Cavanaugh combines high powered space battles and the challenges of family dynamics to provide readers a space opera with heart.”
- Elizabeth S. Craig, author of the Southern Quilting and Myrtle Clover mysteries
“I thought the revelation was going to be one thing and I was completely wrong … CassaStorm pushes the limits…”
- Tyson Mauermann, Speculative Reviews
“…mesmerizing story of survival, personal sacrifice, tolerance, and compassion. It’s a rare jewel that successfully utilizes both character and plot to tell a story of such immense scope and intimate passion…” - Nancy S. Thompson, author of The Mistaken
$16.95 USA, 6x9 Trade paperback, 268 pages, Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.
Science fiction/adventure and science fiction/space opera
Print ISBN 9781939844002 eBook ISBN 9781939844019
$4.99 EBook available in all formats
Find CassaStorm:
Barnes and Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1116848619?ean=9781939844002
Amazon -
http://www.amazon.com/CassaStorm-Alex-J-Cavanaugh/dp/1939844002/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1378484337&sr=1-1&keywords=cassastorm
Amazon Kindle - http://www.amazon.com/CassaStorm-ebook/dp/B00F2O9QMC/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1378811366&sr=1-1&keywords=cassastorm
Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17670532-cassastorm
Book trailer - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Umm2l0XdHc&feature=youtu.be
Alex J. Cavanaugh has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and works in web design and graphics. He is experienced in technical editing and worked with an adult literacy program for several years. A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games. Online he is the Ninja Captain and founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. The author of the Amazon bestsellers, CassaStar and CassaFire, he lives in the Carolinas with his wife.
Website – http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/
Twitter – http://twitter.com/AlexJCavanaugh
Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4287922.Alex_J_
Cavanaugh
Happy Release Day, Alex!!
CassaStorm
By Alex J Cavanaugh
From the Amazon Best Selling Series!
A storm gathers across the galaxy…
Commanding the Cassan base on Tgren, Byron thought he’d put the days of battle behind him. As a galaxy-wide war encroaches upon the desert planet, Byron’s ideal life is threatened and he’s caught between the Tgrens and the Cassans.
After enemy ships attack the desert planet, Byron discovers another battle within his own family. The declaration of war between all ten races triggers nightmares in his son, threatening to destroy the boy’s mind.
Meanwhile the ancient alien ship is transmitting a code that might signal the end of all life in the galaxy. And the mysterious probe that almost destroyed Tgren twenty years ago could return. As his world begins to crumble, Byron suspects a connection. The storm is about to break, and Byron is caught in the middle…
“With a talent for worldbuilding and a compelling cast of characters, Alex J. Cavanaugh combines high powered space battles and the challenges of family dynamics to provide readers a space opera with heart.”
- Elizabeth S. Craig, author of the Southern Quilting and Myrtle Clover mysteries
“I thought the revelation was going to be one thing and I was completely wrong … CassaStorm pushes the limits…”
- Tyson Mauermann, Speculative Reviews
“…mesmerizing story of survival, personal sacrifice, tolerance, and compassion. It’s a rare jewel that successfully utilizes both character and plot to tell a story of such immense scope and intimate passion…” - Nancy S. Thompson, author of The Mistaken
$16.95 USA, 6x9 Trade paperback, 268 pages, Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.
Science fiction/adventure and science fiction/space opera
Print ISBN 9781939844002 eBook ISBN 9781939844019
$4.99 EBook available in all formats
Find CassaStorm:
Barnes and Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1116848619?ean=9781939844002
Amazon -
http://www.amazon.com/CassaStorm-Alex-J-Cavanaugh/dp/1939844002/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1378484337&sr=1-1&keywords=cassastorm
Amazon Kindle - http://www.amazon.com/CassaStorm-ebook/dp/B00F2O9QMC/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1378811366&sr=1-1&keywords=cassastorm
Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17670532-cassastorm
Book trailer - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Umm2l0XdHc&feature=youtu.be
Alex J. Cavanaugh has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and works in web design and graphics. He is experienced in technical editing and worked with an adult literacy program for several years. A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games. Online he is the Ninja Captain and founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. The author of the Amazon bestsellers, CassaStar and CassaFire, he lives in the Carolinas with his wife.
Website – http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/
Twitter – http://twitter.com/AlexJCavanaugh
Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4287922.Alex_J_
Cavanaugh
September 14, 2013
Guest Author: Aneta Cruz
Happy Release Day! I'm thrilled to have on my blog today a gifted, and fellow author Aneta Cruz! Her anticipated novel, Heartbreak Hotel has arrived.
Let's get to know Aneta:
What is the best thing, for you, about being a writer?
There are so
many, starting with characters popping into my head out of nowhere, demanding
to be in the story; writing the last sentence; holding the book fresh off the
press in my hands; hearing from the readers…no, no, wait, the best one is
creating a world out of nothingness. Kinda makes me feel like a Goddess.
[chuckles] I just wish I had the body for it. And a beautiful flowing white dress.
What is the
hardest thing, for you, about being a writer?
It would definitely have to be writing itself. I’m the
world’s biggest procrastinator. Don’t get me wrong—there’s not a time I don’t
have a story in my head. The hardest part is to get rid of all the distractions
(like social media), opening Word, and starting on that glittering white, blank
page.
What genre/s do
you write and what genre is your latest release?
I can write pretty much everything, except
post-apocalyptic novels because I don’t like them. I also don’t do vampires and
zombies. But, I do love monsters. My latest release is a women’s fiction/chick
lit, Heartbreak Hotel, published by
Black Opal Books with whom I’ve also signed a contract for my historical
mystery w/ supernatural elements novel, The
Guardian. I wrote a children’s chapter book, The Mysterious Mandolin, this summer, which is being illustrated by
a very talented artist and will be available soon. And my WIP is a MG/YA
project about a girl named Story. So when it comes to writing I’m quite
versatile, I would say.
What essential
things have you learned about writing in the last year?
I’ve learned to tie the loose ends. Bring the story full
circle. And allow my husband into my brainstorming sessions, but only if he
promises to make dinner. He’s a great cook. J
Who is your
favorite heroine from your books and why?
Nurse Agnes—hands down—from The Guardian, even though she’s not the main character. She’s
someone I’d like to be when I get to be her age. She is smart, strong, knows
her place in the world, and stands up for her beliefs. She is a guardian, to
some extent, because she protects those who aren’t able to protect themselves.
What advice can
you offer to aspiring authors?
Read. Read a lot.
Read every day. And read closely. What better way to learn the craft of creative
writing than to study its elements from books you love, books that inspire you?
Write. Write all the
time. Write for as long as the words flow spontaneously, but never empty the
well. Stop while you know what you will write tomorrow. This is a perfect way
to prevent writer’s block, though I’m not sure there’s such a thing.
Believe.
Believe in yourself. Believe in your characters. Believe in your story.
BLURB:
Always falling head over heels for men who have nothing to offer her,
and running from those who do, Kara realizes that her quest to find Mr. Right
is harder than expected. As if her “mostly ludicrous” dating escapades weren’t
enough to deal with, her unusual combination of friends—one gay, one a virgin,
one dating a married man, and one always telling her to “give it up on the first date in order to
start a flourishing relationship”—isn’t of much help in matters of the heart
either. Perhaps a kiss in the middle of the Charles Bridge could finally bring
her happiness. But wait! That’s just an old myth, isn’t it?
Buy
Links:
Black Opal Books:
http://blackopalbooks.com/shop-our-store/blackopalstore/product/109-heartbreak-hotel
Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Heartbreak-Hotel-Aneta-Cruz/dp/1626940606/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1379117264&sr=8-3&keywords=aneta+cruz
You
can find Aneta on:
Website:
http://www.anetacruz.com/
Blog: http://conundrumcorner.blogspot.com/
Twitter: @AnetaCruz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Aneta-Cruz/377093035716929?fref=ts
GIVEAWAY!
Those readers who “like” my Facebook
Author Page will be entered into a random drawing to win a-Muse-me[a]nt. Aneta is giving away 3 signed paperback copies.
September 12, 2013
Celebrate the Small Things
Come and join the fun with Vikki at Scribblings of an Aspiring Author in this blog hop. Each Friday we write a short post on what we've Celebrated during the week.
At the end of last week, I wasn't thrilled with my wip, and my agent said I was on the right track, but.... Needless to say, I began fresh. And now, I'm very pleased with the results thus far.
My new goal is to strive for the half-way point, or farther if I stay on track by October 1st. And with an outline progressively forming in my mind, I'm feeling confident.
I'm celebrating New Beginnings!
What Small Things are You Celebrating this Week?
I love to read your comments!
Also I'd like to give a shout out to two authors with releases coming up.
Dave Jackson's Tattoo Rampage: Release Date: September 15th!
Alex J. Cavanaugh's CassaStorm: Release Date: September 17th:
September 10, 2013
Author: Jodi Linton
It is my great pleasure to host an aspiring author, Jodi Linton!
Her first book, Pretty Reckless will be released March 2014 by Ignite Books an Entangled Imprint! She also has a crossover novella coming from an Entangled new line!
First many thanks to Cathy for this opportunity to
do a guest post!
CC: How long have you been
writing?
JL: I have been seriously writing
for five years, but I’ve always had a love for storytelling since I was child.
CC: What have you learned about your writing experience?
JL: Patience.
CC: Tell us about your writing journey.
JL: When I started
writing I set out to write a book for me, although it quickly turned out to be
more. After three weeks of typing up a rough draft, I handed my first
manuscript off to my husband. He read and read and read before giving me the
thumbs up. Then for about eight months
‘we’ picked it apart while I rewrote and polished it. Once I couldn’t stare at
the manuscript without my eyes bleeding I knew it was time to send it off to
agents. It took me six months of querying before receiving an offer of
representation. I signed with The Belcastro Agency in February, and by May had
a two book deal with Entangled Suspense.
CC: What are your near future goals?
JL: At the moment, I’m
working on a new manuscript for my agent and editing my books for Entangled.
CC: Where do you get your inspiration?
JL: For me the idea
actually came for my husband. I’d been trying to finish a work in progress, and
after having no such luck my husband gave me the best piece of advice ever, to
write what you know. That’s when the
light bulb went off, I grew up in small town Texas, I knew the quirky town’s
folks, the language, and within a day I knew my protagonist. And in the end, I
had myself a spunky character whose sharp tongue could outwit any man.
CC: Where is your favorite writing spot?
JL: I write at an
antique, mint green desk shoved into the living room corner.
CC: What advice can you give to aspiring writers?
JL: Do
your homework.
CC: What do you find the most difficult in the writing
process?
JL: I’ll shamelessly admit that I loathe editing. Although, I know polishing a manuscript is
what makes it shine.
CC: Where do you see yourself in two years?
JL: It would be
great to say a NYT Bestsellers, but mostly I hope to have at least two books
published and another on its way.
CC: What type of genres do you like to write?
JL: For the
most part, I enjoy writing mysteries with a little dash of romance and humor.
Jodi Linton's Bio:
Jodi
Linton grew up across the street from a cow pasture, where she was more likely
to been seen selling Kool-Aid in a Dixie cup at ten cents a pop, or inviting
neighbors over to watch one of her plays staged on her father’s Bass boat. Even though she never owned one of the
bovines, she’ll admit that the smell of cow manure had a lasting effect, making
it easy to spot a cow a mile away.
In
2001, she traded in the rednecks, cowboys, and mesquite trees of her hometown
to chase destiny out west. After a few years of mucking it around with the
roughnecks, dust storms, and droughts, she decided to dust off her boots and
head home. With a History degree in one hand and a marriage license in the
other, she followed her husband in 2006 to the Texas heartland, fabulous
Austin.
Somewhere
down the line, she started writing. Maybe it was the boring job search, or
maybe it was the crazy characters dancing inside her head that help put pen to
paper. Whatever the case, writing sure beat the heck out of working for a temp
agency. The first story was about a boy lookalike Indian Jones who chased after vampires in small town Texas. The
second story was a YA contemporary about the Grim Reaper, and well half-way
through she decided to shuck them both, partly due to the birth of her son, and
mostly because she wasn’t awe struck with the premises.
Taking
a break from writing to raise her son, she filled the time by reading, and
insistently fell in love with mysteries, especially ones with witty, spunky
heroines. Four months later, she had a manuscript about a smart-mouthed deputy
and her rotten ex-boyfriend dueling it out in small town Texas.
After
settling into the Texas Hill Country with her husband and two kids, she joined
the Writer’s League of Texas, and signed with The Belcastro Agency. Today she
can be found cozied up to the computer escaping into a quirky world of tall
tales, sexy, tight jean wearing cowboys, and a protagonist with a sharp-tongue
quick enough to hang any man out to dry.
There’s
a good chance she’s brushed paths with a few of her characters, but she’ll
never tell, those lips are sealed.
Jodi and I would love to read your comments!
Her first book, Pretty Reckless will be released March 2014 by Ignite Books an Entangled Imprint! She also has a crossover novella coming from an Entangled new line!
First many thanks to Cathy for this opportunity to
do a guest post!
CC: How long have you been
writing?
JL: I have been seriously writing
for five years, but I’ve always had a love for storytelling since I was child.
CC: What have you learned about your writing experience?
JL: Patience.
CC: Tell us about your writing journey.
JL: When I started
writing I set out to write a book for me, although it quickly turned out to be
more. After three weeks of typing up a rough draft, I handed my first
manuscript off to my husband. He read and read and read before giving me the
thumbs up. Then for about eight months
‘we’ picked it apart while I rewrote and polished it. Once I couldn’t stare at
the manuscript without my eyes bleeding I knew it was time to send it off to
agents. It took me six months of querying before receiving an offer of
representation. I signed with The Belcastro Agency in February, and by May had
a two book deal with Entangled Suspense.
CC: What are your near future goals?
JL: At the moment, I’m
working on a new manuscript for my agent and editing my books for Entangled.
CC: Where do you get your inspiration?
JL: For me the idea
actually came for my husband. I’d been trying to finish a work in progress, and
after having no such luck my husband gave me the best piece of advice ever, to
write what you know. That’s when the
light bulb went off, I grew up in small town Texas, I knew the quirky town’s
folks, the language, and within a day I knew my protagonist. And in the end, I
had myself a spunky character whose sharp tongue could outwit any man.
CC: Where is your favorite writing spot?
JL: I write at an
antique, mint green desk shoved into the living room corner.
CC: What advice can you give to aspiring writers?
JL: Do
your homework.
CC: What do you find the most difficult in the writing
process?
JL: I’ll shamelessly admit that I loathe editing. Although, I know polishing a manuscript is
what makes it shine.
CC: Where do you see yourself in two years?
JL: It would be
great to say a NYT Bestsellers, but mostly I hope to have at least two books
published and another on its way.
CC: What type of genres do you like to write?
JL: For the
most part, I enjoy writing mysteries with a little dash of romance and humor.
Jodi Linton's Bio:
Jodi
Linton grew up across the street from a cow pasture, where she was more likely
to been seen selling Kool-Aid in a Dixie cup at ten cents a pop, or inviting
neighbors over to watch one of her plays staged on her father’s Bass boat. Even though she never owned one of the
bovines, she’ll admit that the smell of cow manure had a lasting effect, making
it easy to spot a cow a mile away.
In
2001, she traded in the rednecks, cowboys, and mesquite trees of her hometown
to chase destiny out west. After a few years of mucking it around with the
roughnecks, dust storms, and droughts, she decided to dust off her boots and
head home. With a History degree in one hand and a marriage license in the
other, she followed her husband in 2006 to the Texas heartland, fabulous
Austin.
Somewhere
down the line, she started writing. Maybe it was the boring job search, or
maybe it was the crazy characters dancing inside her head that help put pen to
paper. Whatever the case, writing sure beat the heck out of working for a temp
agency. The first story was about a boy lookalike Indian Jones who chased after vampires in small town Texas. The
second story was a YA contemporary about the Grim Reaper, and well half-way
through she decided to shuck them both, partly due to the birth of her son, and
mostly because she wasn’t awe struck with the premises.
Taking
a break from writing to raise her son, she filled the time by reading, and
insistently fell in love with mysteries, especially ones with witty, spunky
heroines. Four months later, she had a manuscript about a smart-mouthed deputy
and her rotten ex-boyfriend dueling it out in small town Texas.
After
settling into the Texas Hill Country with her husband and two kids, she joined
the Writer’s League of Texas, and signed with The Belcastro Agency. Today she
can be found cozied up to the computer escaping into a quirky world of tall
tales, sexy, tight jean wearing cowboys, and a protagonist with a sharp-tongue
quick enough to hang any man out to dry.
There’s
a good chance she’s brushed paths with a few of her characters, but she’ll
never tell, those lips are sealed.
Jodi and I would love to read your comments!
