Chrys Fey's Blog, page 44

O - Officer Burnett + Quotes

Officer Burnett is a good guy who only wants to do good. He knows that officers aren’t always popular among the people, especially with Donovan whose brother (an Internal Affairs Investigator) was murdered by corrupt cops, but that doesn’t stop him from doing whatever he needs to do to serve and protect. Including becoming an ally to Donovan. He’s one of the few cops Donovan learns to trust in Seismic Crimes.
Officer Burnett is kind, easy going, and has a big heart. Here’s a few snippets of conversations featuring Burnett.
Quote #1:
“I’m Officer Burnett and I’m just trying to get the facts. Two of our men called in a murder of an Internal Affairs investigator and cited you as the suspect they saw at the murder scene. Then you fled from them. Now you’re here, and you’re telling us you and the woman out there killed one of our men in self-defense. You’re lucky we didn’t stun you on sight. Why don’t you tell us everything from the beginning? You said your brother called you. Why don’t you start from there?”
Quote #2:
Burnett held the door open for her. Donovan stood and she went to him, needing contact with him. He hooked his arms around her and pulled her into his body. She closed her eyes, thinking about how close he had come to being charged with murder.
They may not know each other well, but already, she couldn’t imagine her life without him.
After a moment, a throat cleared. “Seems like the two of you are pretty close.”
Beth peeked up at Donovan’s grin. “Natural disasters can bring people together,” he told Burnett.
“They sure can.”

To read more from Seismic Crimes, go to Amazon.

Domestic Violence Awareness + A Love That Disturbs

I'm at the IWSG blog with 
Insecurity Buster: Book Signing Fear


Domestic abuse can result in an extensive amount of physical, mental, and emotional abuse. If you're a writer, it’s important to tackle all 3 if your story deals with domestic violence.



Writing About Domestic Violence by Chrys Fey

1. Physical Abuse
Victims are pushed, slapped, hit, punched, and kicked. Objects are often used as weapons against them, or they are threatened with a gun or knife. They can have bruises that they cover up with long sleeves even in warm weather or offer weak explanations after a moment’s silence. They also get random injuries that can’t be explained.
2. Mental Abuse
The victim is stalked, intimidated, blackmailed, given ultimatums, and gas lighted (made to believe everything is her fault, and that she’s crazy because the abuser is playing tricks on her, lying, and manipulating her.) Abusers can also check in constantly, record her car’s mileage, read her text messages, and listen to her phone conversations. This could lead the victim to not go anywhere or talk to anyone.
3. Emotional Abuse
Abuser can tell her she’s ugly, stupid, fat, a bad parent, etc. Crude words could also be used against her. He can say these things so often that the victim believes them.

Victims have to deal with being put down all the time in public and in private. She is scared, jumpy, depressed, lonely, and obviously unhappy.
Image from Wikimedia
Other Forms of Abuse:

Social Abuse – the victim can’t see certain friends or family members.Financial Abuse – the victim doesn’t have control over her money.Sexual Abuse – the victim is forced to do sexual acts against her will.
Warning Signs:

- Abuser constantly criticizes her.- Bruises and injuries.- Abuser blames victim for everything.- Victim is threatened all the time.- Abuser accuses victim of flirting or cheating.- Victim is on edge or becomes quiet when partner comes into the room.- Victim can’t go to school/work.- Victim can’t see family/friends.- The abuser controls everything (phone, car, money).

NOTE: Men can be the victim in domestic abuse, too.
Image from Wikimedia
Aside from abuse between partners there are these types, too:
1. Child Abuse
As shocking as it can be to think about, there are monsters out there who abuse children physically, mentally, and sexually. Abused children will run and hide when their abuser is around, cry, or become quiet. Some are so emotionally damaged that they may become voluntarily mute. They will have odd bruises on their bodies and may be frail from a lack of food. They may not sleep well and could have dark circles around their eyes and fall asleep in class. Their grades could also slip.
2. Relative/Sibling Abuse
This is one that I’ve experienced…a close relative or sibling could become abusive such as a child to their mother, a brother to a sister, an uncle to a niece or nephew, etc. And many of the things mentioned earlier can qualify here, too. 
3. Animal Abuse 
Any abuse toward an animal including beating, starving, and leaving them outside without water (or inside a locked car with the windows up).

QUESTION: Do you have a personal story? If you’d like to share your experience with domestic abuse, you can. I’ll listen.
Chrys'Story: My half-bother verbally abused me and threatened me all the time with words and objects. He also caused my mom physical harm. I’ve also seen my sister abused by her ex-husband.

*Share this post to pass on domestic violence awareness.


***
BOOK BLAST FOR MEDEIA

A LOVE THAT DISTURBS by Medeia Sharif
Evernight Teen , June 17, 2016
Purchase from Amazon (merchant sites will be updated on the author's site)

Maysa Mazari is alarmed by her mother’s talk about arranged marriage. As a hijab-wearing Pakistani-American, she wants to find love on her own. Her judgmental Muslim clique has protected her from racist taunts, although the leader is turning on her as Maysa strays from the group because of her attraction to Haydee.

Haydee Gomez is a former gang member and juvenile detention student. Now living with a clean-cut aunt, she wants to turn her life around, even though one person will never let her forget her roots—Rafe, her abusive pimp. Haydee attempts to pull away from a life of prostitution when she develops feelings for Maysa, although Rafe isn’t willing to give her up too easily.

Finding themselves in danger from Maysa’s friends and Haydee’s pimp, it’s apparent their love disturbs everyone around them as they fight to stay together.

Find Medeia – YA and MG Author
Blog   |   Twitter   |   Goodreads   |   Instagram   |   Amazon

Scene Spotlight for A Witch's Journey by Tena Stetler

Today I have Tena Stetler, The Wild Rose Press author, as my guest. She is telling us about her newest release A Witch’s Journey. Check out those muscles on that cover! ;) 
Welcome, Tena!

Title: A Witch's JourneyAuthor: Tena StetlerGenre: Paranormal RomancePublisher: The Wild Rose PressRelease Date: June 15, 2016

BOOK LINKS:Amazon US / Amazon UKAmazon AU / Amazon CAThe Wild Rose Press / KoboNOOK / All Romance Books / iTunes



SCENE SPOTLIGHT:
Leaning over, Lathen’s arms enveloped Pepper calming her angry energy. “You okay?”
She nodded. A faint orange glow emanated from her palms slowly spreading to her fingers. A tiny spark snapped at the tip of her pinky.  His large hands eased over hers to stop the progression of sparks. A vibration of feet pounding the ground had them both glancing up as a uniformed police officer sprinted toward them.
Lathen listened while Pepper gave her statement. He added what he saw and they were released. On the drive to the cabin, Pepper rested her head on his shoulder, his arm wrapped around her. Nostrils flared as he inhaled her citrus and wildflower scent mixed with the adrenaline that fueled her flight or fight response, now diminishing as she relaxed against him.
For the first time since that terrible day his SEAL team’s mission had gone horribly wrong, the sensation of phasing had thrummed through his body as he shoved his way through the crowd to get to Pepper. He actually had to restrain the response. Could I have phased? Was the overwhelming desire to protect Pepper so ingrained, his wolf’s physical ability to shift kicked in? He didn’t have the answers tonight, but… Restless in the seat, he flexed his torso and leg muscles. A coiled ready-to-spring sensation felt familiar. A slight smile crossed his lips.
Pepper tilted her head up to peer at him. “Uncomfortable?” She tried to slide over giving him more room, but his arm tightened around her pulling her closer.
“Never felt better in my life,” he said confidently. The predator awareness was back, and he reveled in it.
Her eyebrow arched in question as he felt her eyes linger on him and shot her a quick glance.
“So has trouble always followed you around?” he wanted to know.
“…Nooo, well, not exactly. At least not to this level. You’re aware of the final incident in Salem, but the ten years prior was calm, except for deadbeat boyfriends.”
“Which, I am guessing, is why you learned to defend yourself so well. Magic didn’t do it for you?”
“Magic is hard to use in the presence of mortals. Besides, it’s forbidden. You know that.”
Lathen raised an eyebrow. “Someone forgot to tell Mr. Green or Mr. Bonchard. And what about those flying feathers the night Tom showed up at your place?”
She shook her head. “I still have no idea what happened that night. Must have been the cabin or land, some kind of protection enchantment that triggered it. Glad no one else saw. Need to talk to Ashling. Seemed the feathers took on a life of their own.”
“Oh—Green saw, all right. He was babbling about all kinds of things as they took him away.”
She shrugged. “Strange, if he’s any type of magical creature, he’d know better than to say such things.” Pepper looked up at him, her forehead creased. “Things just don’t add up.”
The truck slowed to a stop in front of the cabin. “We’ll remember this Fourthof July for years to come,” Lathen commented with a frown.

QUESTIONS:
1.    Where does this scene take place?
     The attack took place when they were watching the town fireworks, now she is answering questions; a picture of Lathen’s Truck; and the McKay Cabin he pulls up in front of. 
Lobster Cove Fireworks
1.    Which actors/actresses would play the characters present in this scene?
Lathen played by Chris Helmsworth, Pepper played by Molly C. Quinn.
2.    What inspired this scene?
The desire to show the character’s strong side while being there for each other. After an attack on Pepper, I wanted to show Lathen and Pepper handling the stress of the situation in a supportive manner. I thought up the scene while day dreaming about the story in the sunroom watching my parrot, then bounced the ideas off my husband.  

Lathen's Truck3.    What do you love the most about this scene?
     Lathen’s ability to calm Pepper and be there for her, at the same time discovering that his life is changing again. His abilities and emotional state are healing. And the magic. I love scenes with magic, guess that why I write paranormal romance.
4.    Was this scene difficult or easy to write?
     It was easy, the scene before it was difficult. Pepper is a strong woman and she can take care of herself, but you have to balance that with her caring nature. Lathen has so many things going on mentally and physically that he is trying to overcome, yet he feels he has to be strong for Pepper.
McKay Cabin
BLURB:
Pepper McKay comes from a long line of powerful witches. Unfortunately, magic brings her nothing but trouble. She learned the love of wildlife rescue and rehab from her Aunt Ashling. After graduating from college, Pepper works for Salem Wildlife Sanctuary and lives from paycheck to paycheck until she inherits the McKay property in Lobster Cove. With the family land and resources, she dares to dream of starting her own wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center.
Lathen Quartz, a former Navy SEAL turned handyman maintains the enchanted McKay property for the McKay estate. But someone is trying to steal the McKay magic. Lathen offers to help Pepper achieve her life-long dream of building a wildlife center. During the long hours spent together on the project, their mutual attraction can’t be denied. But each harbors a deep, dark secret. Will they overcome their demons and give love a chance?

AUTHOR BIO:
Tena Stetler is a paranormal romance and cozy mystery author with an over-active imagination.  She wrote her first vampire romance as a tween, to the chagrin of her mother and the delight of her friends. With the Rocky Mountains outside her window, Tena sits at her computer surrounded by a wide array of paranormal creatures telling her their tales. Colorado is her home; shared with her husband of many moons, a brilliant Chow Chow, a spoiled parrot and a forty-year-old box turtle.  Any winter evening, you can find her curled up in front of a crackling fire with a good book, a mug of hot chocolate and a big bowl of popcorn.  During the summer you can find her cozied up around a campfire with a good book. 
AUTHOR LINKS: Website / Blog / Facebook / TwitterGoodreads / The Wild Rose Press / AmazonNewsletter SIgn-Up / Pinterest


Thank you for telling us about this witch’s journey, Tena. ;)
Please leave a comment for Tena!

Night #1LineWed

If you’re on Twitter you might have heard about #1LineWed, a Twitter Chat that happens every Wednesday. Each week there’s a new theme. Kiss of Death @RWAKISSOFDEATH announces the theme a few days before. You search your current WIP for the theme and share a line (or up to 140 characters). This post was inspired by #1LineWed with the theme of Night.

Check out the Night lines from Seismic Crimes:
-       He found himself dreaming of avenging his brother during the dark of the night and in the silence of morning.
-       The halo of light it created didn’t help to lessen the darkness of the night; it punctuated the gloom.
-       He smiled sinisterly. “Meaning I know what hotel he sleeps in at night.”
-       Buildings rose up around them, magical and romantic in the night with squares of light like stars spotting the tall structures.
-       The elevator whisked them up and broke into the night sky, granting them a bird’s eye view of the cityscape.
-       “They better be found by nightfall. I don’t want a dead detective’s little brother and some b**** bringing down everything I’ve created.”
-       She had stayed stitched to his side the entire night, and she had more of an effect on him than the pain medication the nurses had given him.
-       Then she unwound the wrap holding his ribs, revealing a pattern of bruises like red and purple fireworks in the night sky.
-       The nightmare that started with Hurricane Sabrina’s arrival was finally over.

QUESTIONS: Have you ever participated in #1LineWed?Which is your favorite line above?


To read more from Seismic Crimes, go to Amazon.

Flaws, Fears, and Weaknesses / Character ER

The winning genre for the next IWSG Anthology is...FANTASY!


Flaws, fear, and weaknesses add depth to characters because people have all three of these things. A character without them is bland…generic…unreal. A character with them is fascinating, relatable, and real. So let’s take a look at all three:
1. Flaws
There are a couple of different flaws that people have. One is physical flaws and the second is personality flaws.
Physical flaws – No one has a perfect body. Not even models. I have big feet and hands, plus a foot-long scar and a bad back. One of your characters could have a crooked tooth, a bump on his/her nose, or a facial mole she hates. We all have something we consider a flaw or (at least) don’t like about ourselves.
Personality flaws – Now this one will require you to get into your characters' heads and get to know them more. A personality flaw could be stubbornness, impatience, narcissism, or quick-temperedness. Your character can have any of these or any other personality flaw.
I apologize to anyone afraid of spiders, but I thought this guy was cute.
Image from Flickr2. Fears
We all have a fear or two or ten. A fear can be of anything such as a fear of spiders, heights, clowns, or fires. Then there are inner fears and fears that relate to real life. Like the fear of losing a loved one, dying because of cancer, unemployment or homelessness, or opening yourself up to love.
A fear can literally be anything, so figure out your characters’ fears and exploit them. Also highlight a small fear. Ex: Have a spider crawl on your MC. And use a bigger fear in the plot as something your MC has to overcome.
3. Weaknesses
A weakness isn’t just chocolate. It can be a physical or mental weakness. One of your character’s fears can be a weakness. I have a physical weakness due to spine surgery. Your character can have a physical weakness because of a health problem (diabetes, asthma, etc.). You character can also have a mental weakness such as a psychological disorder. A weakness can even be a person or a weapon if you’re writing a paranormal/sci-fi story.

TIP: Use your character’s weakness to create conflict and character depth.

QUESTION: What are your flaws, fears, and weaknesses?

What Would You Do...? (Part 4)

Every once in a while I’m doing something a little different. This is a "What Would You Do?" feature. I’m asking a question related to one of my books. You can give me realistic answers or silly answers.

UPDATE: Months ago I had made images out of some answers and shared a few on Twitter and Instagram. That took too long, though, so I created a fun page on my website with my favorite responses. Check it out: What Would You Do?

First question click: What Would You Do...? (Part 1)Second Question click: What Would You Do...? (Part 2)Third Question click: What Would You Do...? (Part 3)
The fourth question relates to Hurricane Crimes.


Amazon US / NOOK / KOBOAll Romance eBooks / BookStrandAmazon UK / Goodreads


Blurb:
After her car breaks down, Beth Kennedy is forced to stay in Florida, the target of Hurricane Sabrina. She stocks up supplies, boards up windows, and hunkers down to wait out the storm, but her plan unravels when she witnesses a car accident. Risking her life, she braves the winds to save the driver. Just when she believes they are safe, she finds out the man she saved could possibly be more dangerous than the severe weather.
Donovan Goldwyn only wanted to hide from the police, but the hurricane shoved his car into a tree. Now he's trapped with a beautiful woman while the evidence that can prove his innocence to a brutal crime is out there for anyone to find.
As Hurricane Sabrina wreaks havoc, Beth has no other choice but to trust Donovan to stay alive. But will she survive, or will she become another hurricane crime?

QUESTION: Imagine you’re trapped with a suspected murderer during a hurricane, like Beth in Hurricane Crimes. 
What would you do?

A few more questions to help you:-       Would you try to escape?-       How would you attempt to escape?-       Would you try to take on the suspected murderer? -       How would you do it?


Leave your answer and invite others to leave their answer. :)

Praise from My Editor / IWSG

VOTE for the genre for the next IWSG Anthology! 
Voting ends Friday. Click VOTE



The Insecure Writer's Support Group is a safe place for insecure writers.Sign up here:  Insecure Writer’s Support Group


NOTE: I'll be late returning visits because I am training this morning to be a hospital volunteer. :)


JULY QUESTION: What's the best thing someone has ever said about your writing? 
When I published Hurricane Crimes with The Wild Rose Press, I had never received praise for my writing. To promote Hurricane Crimes, I created my first character interview for a blog. After the post went live, I got an email from the host telling me it was the best character interview she ever had, and she was emailing my editor to tell her about it. 
I didn't think my editor would go to it because I know how busy she is, but she did. And she left this comment: "I know I may be her editor, but I loved Hurricane Crimes and really enjoyed the journey." 
My editor is very to-the-point and doesn't really give praise, so when I got that comment from her, it made my day. I haven't forgotten it. :)


AUGUST 3RD QUESTION: What was your very first piece of writing as an aspiring writer? Where is it now? Collecting dust or has it been published?

***

PROMO EFFORTS:
Facebook Ad: I paid for my first Facebook ad. My budget was $11 daily for two days. My target audience was readers in Florida.

RESULTS:Ad Reach: 2,093Likes: 47
Sales: 1
Paid Tweet:  Right after my FB ad ended, I attempted a $10 paid tweet. Afterward I found out you pay per link clicks. So at $5 per click, my ad ended when two people clicked the link!

RESULTS: Impressions: 1,928Retweets: 5Sales: 1-2

Giveaway: My giveaway for a $25 gift card ended. 

NUMBERS GAINED: 
Twitter Followers - 94
Facebook Likes - 47Newsletter Subscribers - 34


OVERALL: I will definitely do different giveaways in the future, and I'll also try different FB ads. But I won't be doing a paid tweet!

That's all for now! :)

Writing About: 4th of July + Question of the Month

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!!

The Fourth of July in the United States is a time for us to celebrate our independence as a nation. There are barbecues, outdoor festivals, and firework shows. Music, beer, hot dogs, and sparklers are staples for this holiday. It’s a good deal of fun in real life and can also be in fiction.
1. Fireworks
The Good: Fireworks are magnificent to look at with their vibrant colors and pretty displays. It’s always nice to go to a firework show, and it can be a nice event for a single mom, her kids, and new boyfriend to attend. On the other hand, it could be a fun, passionate evening for a new couple.
The Bad: Fireworks are nightmares for veterans. If you’re writing a book about a veteran who returns home, show the severity of his/her PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) on July 4th. When fireworks go off, have him/her jump, see flashbacks of war, and even hide in a corner or closet. Pets also hate fireworks. My cats do.
Image from Flickr
2. BBQ
A BBQ can be great fun on July 4th. Get your characters together. Give them some watermelon, corn on the cob, hot dogs and hamburgers, beer and coke, and let them chill. This would be a good time to bring a moment of peace to a thriller. Or you can escalate the suspense with a foot chase or murder while fireworks are exploding.
3. Family Reunion
Relatives like to come in and have a big party on this day. This would be a good moment to introduce your MC’s parents, siblings, and other important relatives. Maybe if you’re writing a romance, this 4th of July family reunion could be the time for a new boyfriend/girlfriend to meet the family. And, of course, when family gets together there is usually some drama. This could be in the form of arguments…or murder.

QUESTION: What do you like/dislike about 4th of July?

To join this monthly blog hop visit Michael G D'Agostino's blog


QUESTION: What was the first book (or series) you really fell in love with?
So I cheated with this one because I once blogged about it. Sorry, Michael! Underrated Treasures Blogfest
The Young Wizard series by Diane Duane is like a dark, more urban version of Harry Potter. It’s for young/YA readers, but it’s written in such a way that adults can enjoy it. The science in these books, as well as the magic, is so amazing it blows my mind.
I found the first book in the same manner that Nita found her Wizard’s Manual. I was trailing my hand along a library’s bookshelf when I felt a little zap! I looked and saw So You Want to be A Wizard. From then on, I was a fan. And to this day I'm still a fan. I bought the newest book that came out at the beginning of this year and added it to my collection.

Before that my favorite book was Are You My Mother by P.D. Eastman. I didn't have too many books I enjoyed as a kid because I struggled with reading, but I also loved Dr. Seuss, the Little House books, and Goosebumps. :)


NEW IWSG Day Feature!

Every month we'll announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG Day post. The first IWSG Day question is for July 6th.

JULY 6TH QUESTION: What's the best thing someone has ever said about your writing?

Add this question and your answer to your July 6th IWSG Day post. And please visit other members to read their answers. If you’re not signed up, please join HERE. 

IWSG ANNOUNCEMENTS!

ATTENTION IWSGERS!



VOTE for the genre for our next Anthology!
There are 10 genres to choose from. Please vote only once. Voting starts today and ends on July 8th. VOTE HERE The theme will be revealed after the genre is chosen. Then you'll be able to write a story for the contest. :) 

NOTE: The first anthology was sci-fi, so you'll notice that is not an option. 

VOTE FOR A GENRE NOW

NEW IWSG Day Feature!
We’re revving up IWSG Day to make it more fun and interactive.
Every month we'll announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG Day post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. The first IWSG Day question is for July 6th.
JULY 6TH QUESTION: What's the best thing someone has ever said about your writing?

Add this question and your answer to your July 6th IWSG Day post. And please visit other members to read their answers. 

If you’re not signed up, please join HERE.
See you on July 6th!

Instagram for Writers - 20 Instagram Ideas

My gift card giveaway winner is...M.J. FIFIELD! 
Congratulations!!!

The one social media site not many authors consider having a presence on is Instagram. One reason for this is because we deal with words, not images. Another is that people think only YA authors will benefit from it, but a huge portion of people on Instagram like to read and many writers are there. Even Stephen King was once active on Instagram.
If you already are on Instagram or are considering it, here are some ideas you can try.

Twenty Instagram Ideas for Authors:
1. Book covers (obviously)
2. Cover teasers (Reveal distorted images or small pieces at a time.)
A teaser I did for Seismic Crimes' cover.

3. Book quotes as images.
4. Writing quotes as images.
5. Pictures of what you’re writing or editing.
A picture from my Instagram page for my edits.

6. Pictures of books you’re reading.
7. Share “The End’ pictures whenever you finish a book or short story.
8. Proof/galley pictures
9. Pictures of your desk/office/bookshelf
An image of one of my book shelves.
10. Selfies of you with your books.
11. Your book in different places. (Book Tour)
12. Fan art
13. Pictures of your blog (screenshots).
A screenshot from my blog.

14. Book signing pictures.
15. Pictures from conferences, festivals, book fairs, and other events.
16. Book release party pictures.
17. Sale announcement pictures.
A sale image I shared.
18. Screenshots of good reviews.
19. Pictures of your kids reading.
20. Selfies/pictures of yourself (obviously).

Of course you can share anything else that's not writing related, such as pictures from your travels, nature, art, animals (your pets), food, whatever you like! I do a lot of everything on my Instagram page.

TIP: Add hashtags to your captions. 
Here's a list of book/writing hashtags I use:
BOOK Hashtags: #Booknerdigans#Bookstagram#BooksofInstagream#BookNerd#BookLove #BookLover#Bibliophile#Bookaholic#BookAddict#Bookporn#Books #Books#ebook #ebooks#Kindle #Amazon#BookCommunity#BookWorm#Bookish#ilovebooks#BookstagramFeature#bookwithme#lovebooks
Author Hashtags:#AuthorsofInstagram#WritersofInstragram#WritersCommunity#AmWriting#WritingLife#WritersLife#AmEditing#AmRevising#Author #Authors#Writer #Writers#Editing #Publishing

QUESTIONS: Are you on Instagram? Would you consider joining Instagram now?