Chrys Fey's Blog, page 57

Writing About: Undercover Operations

LAST STOP ON MY BLOG TOUR:
Gwen Gardener - My Favorite Ghosts
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In Seismic Crimes, my sequel to Hurricane Crimes, one of my characters goes undercover. *No spoilers here!* This scene is one of my favorites because of the suspense.



If you ever find yourself writing a mystery or thriller that requires one or more of your characters to go undercover, keep these 5 things in mind:
1. Mission
First, is your character a cop, detective, civilian operative, reporter, or someone trying to solve a mystery solo and taking matters into his/her own hands? After you answer that, make it clear why your character is going undercover. What is his/her mission? This could be anything from getting information they need, finding out who is stealing lawn ornaments from neighbors, or even taking down criminals. Make sure the purpose fits your story line and moves the plot forward.
2. Disguise
When someone goes undercover, they can’t go as him/herself. Your character will need a disguise that’ll fit the situation. If your character is going undercover as a gang member, he/she will have to dress and act the part, even adoring their body with the bandanna or color of the gang. Or maybe your character is going undercover to bust a millionaire. In that case, a bit of glam is required. A person can go undercover as anyone, so let your imagination go wild.


Image from Pixabay
3. Name
A disguise isn’t the only thing your character will need to keep his/her identity safe. Your character will also need a name to complete the disguise. If your character is going undercover in a gang, think of a street name. If your character needs to pretend to be rich, use a last name that exudes wealth like Kennedy.
4. Place
Where does your character go to play his/her role? The mission will dictate where this place should be. It could be a house or business, an alley or a street corner. Wherever it is, describe it to add a bit of suspense.
See: Writing About: An Alley
5. Danger!
Whenever someone goes undercover, danger is always involved. Even if bullets don’t fly, add your character’s thoughts to show his/her fear of being caught or of the situation. Portray the people your character has to trick in a darker light. Make them intense, powerful, and even menacing. Your character could also have a gun/taser/pepper spray in case things go south.


Image from Pixabay
TIP: If your character has to go undercover multiple times, make the danger and stakes higher each time.

QUESTION: Think of the main character in your current WIP...now if this character was going undercover in a gang, what street name would you give him/her?

My Answer: For Beth (Hurricane Crimes), her street name would be Steel (because she’s my heroine of steel). And Donovan’s would be Blood Heart.

Reader Interview with Jonel Boyko

I am happy to introduce Jonel Boyko to Write with Fey for a reader interview. She is a talented blogger and an avid reader/reviewer. Let’s give her a warm welcome!

1. Tell us about Confessions of a Bibliophile (Pure Jonel).
Pure Jonel, a book blog with 1000+ followers, was launched in December of 2012. With monthly hits of 10,000+ and daily posts including reviews, guest posts, author interviews, giveaways and more. I don’t differentiate or discriminate between traditionally published and independently published works. All writing is taken and reviewed based upon its own merits. As the sole reviewer on the blog I endeavor to give my unbiased opinion of each work I read.
2. Who is your favorite author and why?
Just one?  Oh dear.  If I were to pick just one, I’d have to say Susan Mallery.  The fantastic town of Fool’s Gold is an amazingly real town that I won’t ever forget.  These sweet romances are books that I could read & reread again and again.
3. I don't think I've read anything by Susan Mallery. *hangs head* What book can you read over and over again?
The Complete Sherlock Holmes.  Hands down, my favorite story.
4. What kinds of book covers attract you?
I fully admit that I shop based on book covers.  If it catches my eye, I’ll buy it based on little else.  I tend to steer away from ‘cartooney’ covers, looking for something much more realistic.  Cowboys also catch my eyes.
Jonel's puppy and reading nook.5. I'm a sucker for a good cover too. Who is your favorite fictional character?
Doc in Jacqueline Rhoades’ Alpha’s Daughter.  He was the perfect mix of alpha male & sweet & sensitive.  He’s also the type of guy that you just can’t get out of your head.  Oh, and did I mention that he’s a shifter?
6. Gotta love a shifter! Which author do you have a love/hate relationship with?
Veronica Roth.  Loved the first two novels in the Divergent series, but the third book????  Who ends a series like that?  I had to keep reading, but it was like a train wreck for me.
7. I've been interested in reading this series. I'll have to see about that last book. Growing up, what was your favorite children’s book?
The Wind in the Willows.  It was a fantastic escape from reality for me.  I absolutely loved how the animals were so real.
8. What would you like to know about the authors you enjoy reading the most?
Other than release dates?  Lol.  I always enjoy finding out where authors get their ideas from and how they began writing.


Hyper Round:
1. Ebooks or Print books? Print, preferably paperback
2. Movie Adaptations: Yay or Nay? Nay (except Harry Potter)
3. Favorite reading spot? Armchair in my reading nook
4. Favorite reading snack? Sweet chili kettle chips

BIO:
I am an avid reader turned blogger.  I believe that an explanation for everything in life can be found in the Big Bang Theory. If for no other reason, because laughter fixes everything.

 I have a cat & a dog who both love to curl up with me while reading.  Both area also high energy animals who love to play, but are also well suited to the life of a bibliophile.  When not reading I also enjoy spending time at the barn with my horse. 

As someone who thoroughly enjoyed post-secondary education, I have both a BSc (double major in Biology and Classics) and a BA (honours in history with an emphasis medieval religious history). 
Reader Links:Blog / Facebook / Google +Twitter:  @PureJonel

Thank you for putting down a book (a good book, no doubt) long enough to answer my questions, Jonel. You can now get back to reading. ;)
Please leave a comment for Jonel.

I'm a Tree Hugger + Infinity Dreams Award

BLOG TOUR:
Stephanie's Studio - Witch Love

Shanjeniah's Lovely Chaos - Alfredo Pizza Recipe
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I don't really hug trees, but I sure do love them. I've always felt a connection to trees as if they have souls/spirits. Everywhere I go, I see cool trees I want to take pictures of. 
The first 4 pictures (vertical) were taken at Erna Nixon Park and the rest (minus the last one) were taken near the Central Brevard Library in Florida.










QUESTION: Do you love trees?
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Lidy Wilks at Paving My Author’s Roadnominated me for the Infinity Dreams Blog Award. Thank you so much, Lidy!
I don’t really know the meaning behind this award and tried to find out, but I love dreams and the infinity symbol. :)

Here are the rules for the award:1) Thank the blogger who nominated you.2) Tell us 11 facts about yourself.3) Answer the questions that were set for you to answer.4) Nominate 11 bloggers and set questions for them.

For those 11 facts go here: 20 Random Facts About Me

Lidy’s Questions for Me:
1) What was the first book you’ve ever read? 
I can picture few books that I read at an early age but don’t recall the titles, so I’ll go with the book I remember the most from my childhood: Are You MY Mother by P.D. Eastman.
2) If you were to choose, which book would you like to be physically transported into? 
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. This is my favorite HP book.
3) What do you like to do to bring yourself out of a funk/bad mood? 
Listen to music.
4) How do you determine success? 
By meeting a goal.
5) Do you prefer paperback or eBook? Why? 
Both. I like the feel of paperbacks and pick them for novels, but I love eBooks and being able to read short stories on devices.
6) Are you a Star Trek fan or Star Wars? 
Star Wars 
7) What TV show(s) are you currently obsessed with? 
Same shows as always...Revenge and Scandal.
8) Who would you want to play you in your biography movie? 
Emma Watson
9) What is your dream destination? 
Ireland
10) Who is your favorite super hero/heroine? 
Super hero - Superwoman 
Heroine - Hermione Granger
11) Who is your hero?  
My mom. <3

Since I just nominated 10 bloggers last week I sort of cheated on this next part. I picked the first 11 people who commented on my blog on Monday (unless I had nominated them before). But believe me when I saw they are all worthy and that I would've nominated all of them eventually. Besides that, I struggle to think of bloggers on the spot. 

My nominations:Rhonda AlbomTBML. Diane WolfeElizabeth VaradanCarrie-AnneRachel PattinsonBeverly Stowe McClureCherie ReichDixie@DCReliefDonna SmithNilanjana Bose
All of my nominees are women...sorry, guys, but apparently more women read my blog and comment early. Or maybe you have a slow Monday? (Pat and Alex are always one of the first to comment, but I had nominated them for awards before.) I am thankful for all of my male readers though. You guys rock! :D

Questions for my nominees:1. What is something you’d do tomorrow if money wasn’t an object?2. What is your biggest, wildest dream?3. What are you goals for your blog for the next year?
I left it at three questions and stuck to the concept of dreams and blogs. :)

Goodbye for now!

Working with a Cover Artist

BLOG TOUR:
Philip Verghese Ariel's Writings - 13 Reasons Why Writing is Great
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Book covers are extremely important. It’s the first thing a reader sees and it’s true that people judge books by their covers. Most readers are more inclined to pick up a book with a cover they think is attractive. Of course what one reader finds attractive in a book cover can turn other readers off.
When you consider your book cover, first think about the genre. You wouldn’t want a bare-chested stud on the cover of your sci-fi novel. Or would you?
But don’t feel restricted by your book’s genre and the cookie-cutter covers you see. If you write erotica, but don’t like the nude bodies twisted into suggestive positions on the covers of nearly every erotica book, you don’t have to do that. Think about 50 Shades of Grey for a moment. Those books were widely successful and yet a tie is pictured on the first book, a masquerade mask is on the second, and handcuffs are on the third. Your cover could also be a picture of a prop.

TIP #1:Take a trip to a bookstore and examine the covers in your niche. Find a bunch that catch your eye and write down what you like about them. Is it the colors? The font? The images?

Try answering these questions to figure out what you like and dislike:
1. Do you like covers with people or faces on it?
2. Do you like covers with scenery?
3. Do you like objects/props?

TIP #2:While writing/editing your book, think about the most important scenes and how they could be translated into a cover.

TIP #3: If a scene doesn’t work, figure out what elements are present throughout your story. For example: If your book is heavy on crime, maybe you’d want a crime scene depicted on the cover.

When it’s time for you to work with a cover artist tell him or her everything you possibly can, as most probably won’t read your book. Giving him/her the blurb to read to get a feel for your story is often a good idea.

A list of things to tell your cover artist: 

1. Time and Setting (Especially important for historical genres or books set in foreign places.)

2. Tone and Mood. (Example: dark, romantic.) 

3.Important Elements (If your book is heavy with magic, your cover should reflect that.)

4.What does your hero and heroine look like? (Include age, ethnicity, hair/eye color, and their physique.)

5. Do you have ideas about what the cover could look like? (This is where you can give great detail about a scene or scenery as well as font color and type.)

Not every writer has the chance to work closely with their cover artist. With my small press, I never get the chance to talk one on one with the cover artist. I only have one chance to convey what I want for my covers by filling out a form. If you have the opportunity to give input and see samples throughout the process then you are lucky!
One more thing...not everyone has the same experience working with their cover artist. You may end up with a cover you love or one you hate. The good thing is, you usually get the chance to decline a cover.

Personal Story: For my novella, 30 Seconds, the head of marketing sent me an email to tell me the cover artist went in a different direction with my cover and I was allowed to see it to approve or reject it. Well, it was all wrong. The cover would’ve been great for a crime novel, but not a romantic-suspense. The only thing that the cover artist did that I suggested was the title designed to look like a countdown. When I rejected it, I hand-picked the picture of a police car and a red-headed woman, which are now featured on my cover. See above.


SHARE: Do you have a horror cover art story?



QUESTIONS:What kinds of book covers do you like the best? Do you fantasize about the covers for your WIPs? Do you have a go-to cover artist?

Scene Spotlight for Defying Reason by Elizabeth Seckman

I am co-hosting Unicorn Bell today: DearAspiring Author

BLOG TOUR:
Yolanda Renee - Favorite SupernaturalBeings
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Today I am happy to host Elizabeth Seckman for a scene spotlight of her latest, Defying Reason. I hope you enjoy it!
Genre: Women’s Lit/RomancePublisher: World Castle PublishingRelease Date: February 2015
Books Links:Amazon / World Castle Publishing
Scene Spotlight:
Taking my hand, he led me through a thicket of dense woods that smelled so sweet and warm, I couldn't breathe in deeply enough to capture the smell. It was fresh and clean, heavy with the sweet scent of flowers.
At the end of the path, it opened up to the quiet ocean. White sand covered the little cove, not the usual brown like on the upper island. Stripping off my sandals, I let my toes sink into the warm, soft sand. It was so soft, it felt fake. I couldn't stop my toes from curling into it.
Tanner sat under one of the bigger trees, which was hardly what I'd have called a tree. It was more like an overgrown bush with a trunk. Once settled, he took my hand and pulled me down, settling me between his legs with my back against his chest and his arms wrapped around my waist. Resting his chin on my shoulder, he said, “Some say this was Blackbeard's cove. You never know, we could be sitting on a pot of gold.”

Questions:
1. Where does this scene take place?
Springer’s Cove, Ocracoke Island, North Carolina
2. What inspired this scene?
A visit to the area. The Outer Banks has so much history, beauty, and serenity, it’s impossible not to ignite the imagination.
3. Did you have to do something unique to get yourself in the frame of mind to tackle this scene?
No, I just pretend I’m there!
Ocracoke Cove
Image from Elizabeth
4. Was this scene difficult or easy to write?
It was pretty easy. I outlined the story while on vacation at the beach, so as I visited places, I imagined Tanner and Jo were there.
5. Can you tell us a secret about this scene?
At the end of the scene, Tanner and Jo were interrupted by an elderly couple celebrating their anniversary. They ask Tanner to take their picture. When my family was visiting the spot, a couple who were on a second honeymoon did stop and ask us to take their picture, so I wrote them into the scene.



BIO:
Elizabeth is a multi-published author of books for people who are believers in happily-ever- after, true love, and stories with a bit of fun and twists with their plots. The mother of four young men, she tackles laundry daily and is the keeper of the kitchen. She lives along the shores of the Ohio River in West Virginia, but dreams daily of the beach.
Author Links: Website / Blog / Facebook


Thank you, Elizabeth, for being a great guest. I’d welcome you back anytime. J
Please leave a comment for Elizabeth.

Swans by Chrys Fey (Flash Fiction)

I am co-hosting Unicorn Bell today: Dear Young Writer

BLOG TOUR:
Rachel Pattinson - Top 10 Ghost Entertainment
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SWANS is a flash fiction story I wrote last year for a contest. It is based on the myth of swan maidens. When I lost the contest, I submitted it to magazines and ezines. The bit of feedback I got back with my rejections is that it wasn't unique enough. Since I wasn't trying to do something new with the myth, I decided to publish it here for everyone's entertainment. I hope you like it!


SwansByChrys Fey
            Nehe, a beautiful swan, glided over the ebony waters of a pond in Cork, Ireland. Her webbed feet swished gently beneath her body. Ripples spread leisurely across the water as she bobbed her head, extending the curve of her long neck.

            Her form passed over the reflection of the full moon and she lifted her head to look at the real thing. Way up in the night sky, with stars like sugar crystals, the moon’s eyes stared at her expectantly. It knew her intentions, her desires to experience a new life.            Closing her eyes she continued to swim across the pond and thought, I want to be human. Upon opening her eyes, she saw a sparkling haze surround her, like a puff of glittery exhaust. Magic swirled within those sparkles and flowed along her feathers. She felt her webbed toes separate, her legs elongate. Her wings transformed into arms, and a lean torso sprouted out of the water. Her feet touched the bottom of the pond and she walked with human legs.            No more was she a swan, but a young woman with alabaster skin, black eyes, and pure-white hair that reached her hips. She wore a white silk dress and carried a coat of feathers in her arms.            Emerging from the cloud of glitter, she stepped out of the pond onto grass. Knowing her swanskin was the only way she’d be able to return to her rightful form, she hid it beneath a rose bush.            Free from her bonds, she danced among the woods with a gracefulness she never possessed when she had wings. She swung around tree trunks and skipped along dirt paths. The moon guided her wherever she went.            She spent the whole night romping, enjoying her newfound independence. Each breath that filled her human lungs was intoxicating. She wanted to continue her fun, to explore the rest of the world, but the dark hours started to turn to light. She hurried back to her pond. While wadding back into the cold water, she donned her feathers and morphed back into a swan.            With a heavy heart, she swam to the far end of the pond where her family crowded together in their slumber.            The next night she slipped away again and shed her swanskin to delight in the life she craved. She hid her feathers beneath the same bush as before, and ventured further into a world she didn’t know but secretly coveted. She did this every night for several moon phases.            Coming home one dawn, she encountered a black swan waiting for her in the center of the pond. “Welcome back, Nehe,” the black swan greeted her.            “Zhay, what are you doing here?”            “Following you.” She stretched her black neck in authority. “I know what you’ve been doing.”            Nehe lowered her head in shame.             “I don’t blame you, sister. I’ve done the same thing, and countless other swans have too, but it is dangerous. You have to be more cautious. It would be wise if you never turned human again.”            “But my heart yearns for it.”            “You must desist! Swear to me you will.”            Trying to hide her sorrow, Nehe promised Zhay a promise she would soon break.

            Once more, she snuck out of the pond, out of her feathers, and went on an adventure. All of her wild running and play quickly exhausted her though, so she returned to her pond to retrieve her coat, but it wasn’t where she had left it. She checked the other bushes nearby and came up empty. Frantic, she scurried along the edge of the woods, searching for a single feather to point her in the direction of her coat.            Tears blurred her eyes. Without her coat, she would never be a swan again, she would never be able to go home, and she would never see her family. She couldn’t believe how foolish she had been.            I should’ve listened to Zhay. She turned her back to the woods and looked out over the pond. Would she come if I called to her for help? Or would she leave me to my new fate?            Right when she was about to call out to Zhay, a large hand clamped over her mouth, and an arm circled her waist. She flapped her arms, kicked her feet and bucked in an attempt to break free. The strength of her captor was great, but she didn’t give up. She shook her head until the hand slipped from her mouth, and she bit it.             “Ah! Damn it,” a man’s voice growled in her ear. His arms tightened around her as he yanked her through the woods. “Stop fighting! You’re mine now.”            She fought harder. “You can’t have me,” she said with a deep, human voice. “I am one of the Fay. I am a swan!”            “But not anymore,” he taunted. “You shed your swanskin.”            Fear washed through her like algae. “You have my coat, don’t you?”            “I do, my swan maiden. Now you’re stuck in human form forever.”            He wrestled her to a nearby house where he locked her into the basement. She paced the concrete floor with her bare feet and shouted at the top of her lungs, demanding him to set her free.            The sun rose, sending spears of light through the high, barred window. She watched the angle of the beams shift over the floor as every hour passed. Mid-day, the door above creaked open. She ran across the floor, hoping to make it up the stairs before the door could close. A hunk of bread came bumping down the wooden steps and landed on the floor. Near the foot of the stairs, she saw a handful of raw spinach leaves fluttering in the air. When she reached the bottom, the door was already shut.             At night, the man returned. The moment he was insight, with his two feet on the concrete, Nehe launched herself at him, but he shoved her to the floor as if she weighed less than a feather pillow. She glared up at him, brimming with hate. For the first time since he pushed her into the basement, she could see him clearly. He had a ponytail of black hair, loose strands fell around his face. His eyes were a frozen blue. He was massive in width and height—a giant in her eyes.

            “I’m not meant to live as a human,” she told him.            “Funny. You should’ve realized that sooner, before you became one night after night.”            “How do you know I’ve shed my skin night after night?”            “Because I saw you come out of the water that first night, saw where you hid your coat, watched you dance. And when you continued to do it, I decided I’d take you as my bride.”            “I’m not to be taken!” She pulled a silver whistle from beneath her silk bodice and blew it with all her might, sending out a high-pitched cry.            He jumped forward and ripped the delicate chain from her neck. “What is this?”             “You’ll see.”            He tossed the whistle across the basement. “I found a priest who will wed us tonight. Come on!” He grabbed her arm and yanked her several steps.            The sound of the front door breaking stopped their tug-of-war.            “What was that?” he demanded.            Nehe only smiled.            The beat of dozens of wings and a chorus of angry honks became deafening. The basement door flew open, letting in a flock of swans. They attacked the man, biting him and ramming into his body, so that he released his hold on her.            She dashed up the stairs where more swans waited for her. They flapped their wings and wobbled on their short legs as they led her down a hall, up two flights of stairs, and into the attic.            A massive swan hopped onto a trunk and belted loudly.            “Thank you, brother,” she said.            The swan hopped down.            She threw the lid open with a bang. Inside was her swanskin.  She pulled it out and hugged it to her chest. With it cradled protectively in her arms, she hurried out of her captor’s house.             All the swans that came to her rescue surrounded her in the woods, escorting her to safety. When she reached the pond, she slowed her gait from a run to a slow walk, for standing at the shore of the pond was a tall, regal woman with dark skin and a sheet of onyx hair. She wore a black dress of silk that pooled at her feet.            “Zhay.” Nehe bowed her head.            “Are you ready to come home, my sister?”            Nehe nodded as drops of liquid salt coated her eyes. “I never should’ve left. A swan is what I am meant to be, and I will proudly be a swan forever.” Taking Zhay’s hand, Nehe stepped into the water. A mist swooped around them as they walked deeper, and when it dissolved into the night air, all that remained were two swans—one black and one white.


THE END
QUESTIONS: What did you think of my story? Have you heard about the myth of swan maidens? Do you like swans?

Writing About: A Police Station + Creative Blogger Award

I am co-hosting Unicorn Bell today: Dear Degree-less Writer
Blog Tour:
DC Relief - Why I Love Short Stories
SK Anthony - Top 10 Detective Entertainment 

Spunk on a Stick's Tips - 10 Things Witches Do For Fun
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In quite a few of my books and WIPs, police stations are common settings. I may not vividly describe them and you don’t have to either. But if your characters go to a police station or if you’re writing a thriller/mystery with cops/detectives, this post will tell you about a few places in a police station you can write about. 

*Some stations in smaller areas may not have all of this and may need to rely on bigger stations elsewhere for aid.
1. Dispatch Room
This is where dispatchers work with computers and radio consoles to radio police officers. Calls for emergencies and non-emergencies come into this room and dispatchers relay information to officers about situations they need to respond to.
2. Records and Property Room
A records/property room is a secure storage area where old, new, and unsolved case files are kept as well as evidence. A technician is in charge of managing all the submitted property (evidence) by packaging, cataloging, and storing them.
3. Jail Cell
Every police station is equipped with jail cells (holding cells) to house prisoners for a short time before they are sent to larger jails or are bonded out. The jail portion of the station is made up of several barred cells. Typically there’s a bunk bed with a thin mattress, a blanket and pillow, as well as a toilet and sink in the other corner.
Image from Wikipedia
4. Crime Lab
Crime labs have a few different parts to them. There’s the biology/trace evidence section that analyzes samplings and swabs such as body fluid (semen, saliva, blood). The drug/chemistry section tests controlled substances, and the firearms section examines bullets and firearms to see if they were involved in specific crimes. The identification/latent print section collects fingerprints, and the photography/imaging section processes photos.
*Crime labs can do more than what I listed here.
5. Interrogation Room
The interrogation room is where persons of interest are questioned. There’s usually a single table and two chairs inside an interrogation room. Most have one-way windows/mirrors with police officers/detectives on the other side who watch the interrogation and the suspect. See: Writing About: Interrogations
6. Bullpen/Office
A bullpen is a large space of offices or cubicles where detectives and cops work on cases and do paperwork.
7. Waiting Area
This is a big space near the front entrance with chairs were civilians wait to speak to police officers, like hospital waiting rooms.
Image from Pixabay
8. Information Desk
A front/information desk is the first thing you see when you enter a police station. A police officer or other employee will be here to assist anyone with questions.
9. Locker Room
In a locker room you’ll find lockers assigned to police officers where they store their clothing, shoes, and personal hygiene products. There are also showers.
10. Conference Room
This is where all the police officers on shift go if the police commissioner or Chief of Police need to debrief them about something.

FYI: On top of these places, there’s also a garage, a gun range where police officers practice shooting, and booking rooms where prisoners are searched, photographed, and are read their rights before being led to a cell.

For a visual map of a police station go HERE. http://visual.merriam-webster.com/society/safety/crime-prevention/police-station.php#locker-room32072

QUESTION: Have you ever been in a police station?

And...

The rules for accepting the award are:
1. Thank and post the link of the person who nominated you.2. Share 5 facts about yourself to your readers.3. Nominate 10-20 blogs and notify them.4. Pass on the rules.
Thank you so much, Lori L. MacLaughlin, for nominating me for this award. I think being known as a creative blogger is so far the best title out of all the awards I've received.
I recently shared 20 random facts about myself and I don't want to repeat myself, so how about 5 lies instead?
1. I never sucked my thumb as a child.2. My shoe size is 9.3. I love heights.4. Lizards are awesome!5. And I am standing right behind you. BOO!

My Nominations:
1. J.H. Moncrieff - Her posts are always spooky and awesome.
2. Pat Hatt - You can't get anymore creative than with his rhymes. Although I don't think he accepted awards. Oh well, he's nominated anyway.
3. Patricia Lynne - The titles of her posts are creative just by themselves!
4. Michael G D'Agostino - His blog is full of shenanigans and fun.
5. Susan Flett Swiderski - She blogs just about anything and includes a thought for the day.
6. Sage at Sage Covered Hills - He shares his paddling adventures with us.
7. Yvonne Lewis - She shares details about her life in the form of poetry.
8. Jeffrey A Scott - Do you like to rant? Than Jeffrey's blog is what you're looking for.
9. Annalisa Crawford - She often shares smart and intriguing flash fiction.
10. Jay Noel - His posts always interest me. Whether he's talking about writing or mythology.

To be fair, I picked people I've never picked before (which was hard because there were a couple of bloggers I thought of for this award who received another from me) and made sure to do half men/half women.
Bye for now! :)

Happy Birthday, Anne Frank!

BLOG TOUR:
Diane Burton - Detective Reid Sander's Interview
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Today is Anne Frank's birthday. She would've been 86 years old. 

"It's an odd idea for someone like me to keep a diary, not only because I have never done so before, but because it seems to me that neither I—nor for that matter anyone else—will be interested in the unbosomings of a thirteen-year-old schoolgirl." - Anne Frank

Anne Frank
Image from WikipediaEver since I was a little girl I've felt a fierce connection to Anne Frank as if I knew her in a past life. When I was ten, I had a framed picture of her next to my bed and pretended she was real, alive, sitting on my bed across from me, talking about everything girls talk about. I had wished she was my best friend, my sister. I got The Diary of a Young Girl when I was twelve and worshiped it.
In seventh grade, my class read a play based after The Diary of a Young Girl, and I had to compete with another girl for the role of Anne. We had to read the same passage and convince not only the teacher but the class that we deserved the part. Deep down, I knew the part was for me and I gave it my all. 

NOTE: At that time I was painfully shy.

Well, I won the part and felt I did it justice. On top of playing Anne Frank, I also read the part of Mrs. Van Daan. I remember having to make a comment from Mrs. Van Daan's POV about having nice legs when I was a young gal. And shy little me dove right into that; I lifted my right leg and ran my hand up it while reading that line. The class cracked up. They loved it! My face probably turned several shades of red but I was thrilled.

NOTE: I also read the part of Abigail Williams from The Crucible, another story and time I feel a connection to.

Image from WikipediaI've dreamed of going to the office/museum where the Franks and Van Daans hid in for 25 months and seeing the "Secret Annexe" with my own eyes. Last month, I watched the movie "The Fault in Our Stars" and teared up when Hazel (a girl with thyroid cancer that spread to her lungs) had to climb the steep steps to get to the top. I can only imagine how intense it would be to follow Anne's steps and stand where she once stood.
Every time I read The Diary of a Young Girl and get to the end, I ball my eyes out when I read that Anne died days apart from her sister, Margot...a couple of months before the war ended.
Otto Frank was the only survivor and if it weren't for him, we wouldn't have Anne's story. He privately passed copies of her diary as a memorial to his family. Two years after the war ended, her diary was published in Amsterdam by Contact Publishers. Anne would've been eighteen.
Image from Wikipedia

". . . and finally I twist my heart round again, so that the bad is on the outside and the good is on the inside and keep on trying to find a way of becoming what I would so like to be, and what I could be if . . . there weren't any other people living in the world." - Anne Frank

Happy Birthday, dear Anne!

QUESTIONS: Have you read The Diary of a Young Girl? Do you feel a connection to Anne Frank?

Jophiel Character Interview / Patricia Josephine's Path of Angels Series

BLOG TOUR:
Cherdo On The Flipside - Witches - True or False
Liz Blocker - The Moon
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I had the pleasure of interviewing Jophiel aka Joe from the third book in Patricia Josephine's Path of Angels series. The three of us hope you enjoy it!

Hi, Joe! What is Jophiel, Path of Angels about?
Joe: I am SO glad you asked. *opens mouth, but freezes when Gabriel folds his arms and glares. Snaps mouth shut.*

Here’s the blurb:
They must fight to stay on the path.
Joe embraces his duty without fear or hesitation, always ready for the next battle. But the path has never been easy. With Michael’s return, they uncover a truth more dangerous than they ever imagined. Their enemy plans to unleash the devil himself, Lucifer. Help comes in the form of an unlikely alley: a member of the fallen.
Mariangela is trying to make amends by protecting the child she is carrying. After blindly following Lucifer in the rebellion, her misguided allegiance came with a price: banishment from heaven. Now, as she strives for forgiveness in the human world, she must fight to prevent Uriel, a fallen archangel, from using her child to free evil from Hell.
The path becomes a battleground, one which may already be lost.
Title: JophielAuthor: Patricia JosephineSeries: Path of Angels (#3)Length: 56 pages
Books Links:Amazon / Goodreads

1. What is your job?
Joe: *Plants hands on hips* I fight evil that lurks in the dark! Or, ya know, *shrugs* Fallen angels.
2. That must be thrilling and dangerous. What do you do for fun?
Joe: Annoy Gabriel. Honestly, we don’t have much down time, so hobbies have fallen by the wayside.
3. What is your biggest pet peeve?
Joe: Hmm, good question. I’m a pretty easy going guy. Not a lot gets to me. Now, Gabe on the other hand… *evil grin*
4. Gabriel sounds like he needs a few shots of something strong. *winks* How did you meet Mariangela?
Joe: Some punks were messing with her. Who picks on a pregnant lady? Really, I should have kicked their asses.
5. You should have! What was your first impression of her? (Other than her being pregnant.)
Joe: That she is an angel. I mean, she really is, but at the time I didn’t know, so… *shrugs*
6. What kind of trouble do the two of you get into?
Joe: I take offense to that question. Mary and I are angels. A.N.G.L.E.S. Do you not see my halo? *circles finger over head*
7. Haha! I guess we’ll skip that one. What moment of Jophiel, Path of Angels was your favorite?
Joe: That’s kind of tough to answer because I don’t want to give away any spoilers. Hmmm. There is a great bonding moment between me and another character. *wipes eye* It’s just heartwarming.
8. Is there anything you did in Jophiel, Path of Angels that you would change if you could?
Joe: Given my ability is being able to see events from the past, I’ve learned to not worry about what’s happened. You can’t change it, so why worry?

Hyper Round:
Food:DonutsDrink:Miller LiteMovie:Iron ManBand:MetallicaBook:Ugh, please. Mikey’s the one that likes to read.Animal:TIGER!Color:Black. Oh wait, that’s the absence of color, isn’t it? I still pick it.



About the Author:
Patricia Josephine never set out to become a writer. In fact, she never considered it an option during high school and college. She was all about art. On a whim, she wrote down a story bouncing in her head. That was the start of it and she hasn't regretted a moment. She writes young adult under the name Patricia Lynne.
Patricia lives with her husband in Michigan, hopes one day to have what will resemble a small petting zoo, has a fondness for dying her hair the colors of the rainbow, and an obsession with Doctor Who.

Author Links:Twitter / Website / Google + / Wattpad / Goodreads

Thank you Joe and Patricia! I’d love to have you, Patricia, back anytime with any of your other characters from Path of Angels.
Please leave a comment for them! :)

Dedications and Acknowledgements + Nick Wilford's Blog Tour

MY BLOG TOUR:
TB Markinson - Fictional Fog
Quanie Talks Writing - My Top 10 Favorite Witches
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Aspiring writers always dream about being able to dedicate their book to loved ones, or at least I did when I was kid. I also fantasized about having a book dedicated to me by famous authors like Nora Roberts. Am I alone in this? I don’t think so.
Not many readers pay attention to dedications though and often skip right past them on their way to the first page of the story. I think the only readers who really pay attention to dedications are those who want to be writers themselves. Or who are naturally curious.
Just because readers don’t read them doesn’t mean they are pointless. A dedication page is the authors chance to dedicate their book to supportive loved ones. Many married authors dedicate their books to their spouses or children. Others dedicate their books to people who inspired them, helped them, and encouraged them. If you want to honor someone by dedicating a story to them then go right on ahead!
Tom Sawyer
Image from Wikimedia
You can skip the dedication page entirely if you want to.
Maybe instead of dedicating your book to one person (or a few) you want an acknowledgement page to thank a laundry list of people for the specific duties they helped you with. An acknowledgement page is a nice opportunity to thank everyone who had a hand in bringing your book to life such as an agent, editor, cover artist, beta readers, as well as family and friends who kept you sane.

TIP: If you want to do an acknowledgement page, start a list early and keep adding to it when someone helps you with your book. Include the people who offer you information you gathered during research and everyone who takes a turn reading your manuscript.

QUESTIONS: If you’re published, who have you dedicated your books to? If you’re an aspiring author, who do you want to dedicate your books to? And finally...which famous author(s) do you wish would dedicate a book to you?


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Title: A Change of Mind and Other StoriesAuthor: Nick WilfordGenre: Speculative fictionFormat: Ebook onlyPage/word count: 107 pages, approx. 32,000 wordsRelease date: 25th May 2015Publisher: Superstar Peanut Publishing
Blurb:
A Change of Mind and Other Stories consists of a novella, four short stories and one flash fiction piece. This collection puts the extremes of human behaviour under the microscope with the help of lashings of dark humour, and includes four pieces previously published in Writer’s Muse magazine. 
In A Change of Mind, Reuben is an office worker so meek and mild he puts up with daily bullying from his boorish male colleagues as if it’s just a normal part of his day. But when a stranger points him in the direction of a surgeon offering a revolutionary new procedure, he can’t pass up the chance to turn his life around.

But this isn’t your average surgeon. For a start, he operates alone in a small room above a mechanic’s. And he promises to alter his patients’ personality so they can be anything they want to be…

In Marissa, a man who is determined to find evidence of his girlfriend’s infidelity ends up wondering if he should have left well alone.

The Dog God finds a chink in the armour of a man with a megalomaniacal desire to take over the world.

In The Insomniac, a man who leads an obsessively regimented lifestyle on one hour’s sleep a night finds a disruption to his routine doesn’t work for him.

Hole In One sees a dedicated golfer achieving a lifelong ambition.

The Loner ends the collection on a note of hope as two family members try to rebuild their lives after they are torn apart by jealousy.

Purchase Links:Amazon US / Amazon UK / Smashwords  B&N / Kobo Add it on Goodreads
Excerpt:
“Not seen you in here before,” said the barman, while dispensing the frothy liquid into a glass. Fascinated by the collection of grubby beer mats on the ceiling, I was jolted by the fact another person was apparently trying to start a friendly conversation with me.
   “Errm... I don’t get out much.”
   Well, there it was. I’d revealed himself as a loser already, as if this guy didn’t already know.
   “Why’s that, pal?” The barman put the dripping glass onto a stained towel covering the bar. I gazed into the bubbly liquid as if it held all the answers to life’s dilemmas. The urge to simply walk out was overwhelming, but I steeled myself and took a deep draught of the beer. It settled in my stomach and then seemed to radiate outwards, imbuing a sense of calm.
   “Well, I don’t have any friends.”
   I expected the barman to walk away and find something else to do, although there were no other customers at the bar, but the man remained where he was, absentmindedly running a cloth over the discoloured bar top.
   “Seems to me, if you got out more, you might make some friends. Seems to me you’re in a bit of a vicious circle at the moment. What’s your name?”
   “Reuben.”
   “Reuben. I’m Dave. Now let me give you a bit of advice. When you came in just now like a drowned rat – I know, it’s not your fault it’s raining – you stood there like you owed the world an apology. Like you were sorry for using up air. And you looked like you were terrified of everyone. If you stood up straight, acted a bit more confident, you might get on better.”
   I had to stop myself from rolling my eyes and telling the guy he sounded like my dad. Somehow, I didn’t think that would help. 
Meet the author:  
Nick Wilford is a writer and stay-at-home dad. Once a journalist, he now makes use of those rare times when the house is quiet to explore the realms of fiction, with a little freelance editing and formatting thrown in. When not working he can usually be found spending time with his family or cleaning something. He has four short stories published in Writer’s Muse magazine. Nick is also the editor of Overcoming Adversity: An Anthology for Andrew.
Visit him at his blog or connect with him on Twitter or Goodreads.

Please leave a kind word for Nick. :)