Margo Bond Collins's Blog, page 144

Cover Reveal: Mistaken, Ancients of Light #4

Enemies by circumstance of Creation

Sworn to their purpose, the Vampire and the Witch

were created to battle over the fate of mankind.

He was the First

Until one Vampire sought a Higher Purpose.

She was the Beginning

And one Witch’s faith brought Darkness into the Light.

Their love would turn the course of the Ancient War…

Before the Prophecy, an Ancient Queen and the Vampire she loved

would forge the path for those that would follow.

Mistaken

Ancients of Light #4

Spring 2014

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Excerpt

Tristan liked that the witch was not composed enough to hide her shiver and the responsive widening of her eyes, but he did not like the apprehension he viewed there. He could not ascertain whether her tremble was due to terror or because somewhere, deep inside, her need rivaled his own. Having witnessed her bravery in their earlier confrontation, he tended to believe it was the latter, even if she was too inexperienced to recognize that truth. Intensely satisfied that he had her under his control – even if it was only for this short period – her closeness eased his raging, predatory instincts.

Leaning down to issue his gentle-toned inquiry, his breath stirred the tendrils of sun-bleached gold near her ear, “Do I scare you, Alia?”

Alia knew it was reasonable to be terrified; one of the darkest warriors within the enemy ranks had abducted her. Drawing back to look at him, she had no doubt that he was the stronger between the two of them. Those tips of teeth peeking from behind his upper lip should have her screaming in fright and begging for her life, but the longer she peered into that brilliant blue gaze, the more she calmed and her senses acclimated to their surroundings.

The sound of cascading water came to her, and almost simultaneous to that she felt an internal pull. Disbelieving, her gaze flit to the mouth of the cave. During her hurried inspection on arrival – her oversight most likely attributable panic – she had failed to identify its most extraordinary feature. Standing deep within the recesses, hundreds of feet from that opening, Alia had been mistaken in thinking that the overcast weather was responsible for the wall of gray visible beyond the entrance. Now, coupling her recognition of the sound with a second look, she realized that it was not a foggy haze but that a waterfall curtained the opening.

Those of her Caste were strongest when surrounded by nature’s bounty, which was why her kin settled within forests. It was also the reason they most often chose to bare their skin in a manner that was just short of improper. The feel of the rays of the sun and even the very wind against their flesh pulled at their magic. Understanding was in her eyes when they narrowed and shot back to him. It was obvious that he had been waiting for her to understand the significance of this location.

Her command over water and lightning was a new facet of Nature magic never before displayed by her kind, but her captor had witnessed her abilities firsthand. The more wild those elements, the more responsive her magic, and yet he had brought her here. His smug expression conveyed that his choice for her temporary prison had been deliberate and Alia was most certain that Tristan realized that her strength would be magnified being near such a powerful manifestation of one of the elements that she controlled.

Clever Vampire… Skatosita … She did not want to like him, but this one was making it rather impossible to relegate him to the pile of degenerate monsters that populated his breed. She had already determined that the Witch leaders were wrong in their assessment of his race. Rather than a rabid beast, Alia had witnessed the intelligence in this Vampire leader. During their first encounter, she had also glimpsed a side that suggested much more was lurking in him. Now he intentionally brought her to a place where she would feel strong, not powerless. A myriad of questions formed, and seeing her bemused expression, Tristan smirked and lifted a brow in invitation to speak her mind.

Her lone question was accusatory, “How did you know?”

Tristan refused to believe she was as upset with him as her tone implied, but he was not going to pretend to be something that he was not for the sake of charming her. Alia was a divine creation while he had been spat from the pits of Hell. He was resolute – between them there would be no skirting what either of them was, or the bloodied history between their breeds. For that reason, he gave her the truth, “I told you that we know much about the Witch. Your breed spills secrets from its lips as rain falls from the sky… and even was your Caste not of the same ilk, your kin reveal their secrets as willingly as all the others with the proper incentive.”

It sunk into her slowly what he meant by incentive, and she whispered confirmation of her understanding, aghast that he would broach the subject with her and have the audacity to gloss over it, “Torture.”

The word lingered between them and held no hint of question; the little witch had already convicted him. Tristan could have comfortably avoided the blatant confirmation, but he gave her a curt nod to make certain she had no room to doubt her conclusion. He did not want her young and fanciful imagination to make him into something more valiant than he was.

She did not move, but her eyes stabbed him, followed by words that were pious and clipped, “I would imagine, as a General in the Darks, that you are particularly adept at such practices.”

Alia was acting as though the Vampire were exclusive in their use of such abusive techniques. Her youthful innocence was endearing, but her illusions about the moral fabric of her leadership required correction. Rolling his eyes over her naiveté, his arms folded across his chest. The response he offered was calmly given, not defensive, “I am no more adept than your own leaders, Alia.”

There were rumors, of course, about the methods used by the Queens to interrogate the Vampire, but she had seen no such practice herself. She remained self-righteous, “I would not know, but I cannot think that our ways would be as twisted as those that the Darks employ and…”

Tristan snapped, leaning in, his sharp words interrupting her defense of her breed, “That is because you are young, Alia. You are foolish to believe that those you follow are so far above what I am and what I am required to do in order to fight this war.”

Starring at him for long moments, Alia realized that while she could allow his impatient interruption to push her into arguing, she was reluctant to fight with him. While she would not take his claim as fact merely because the handsome Dark proclaimed it, she would also neither ignore it. Many of her beliefs – beliefs that had been postulated as truths by her Queens – had been challenged recently, but she needed time and distance from him in order to form her own conclusions. The best choice was to move to another topic.

He had yet to withdrawal after those last words and his close presence was stealing her focus while her magic seemed to be coursing manically through her veins. The combination was leaving her feeling flushed and off balance. When she returned to his very first question, Alia was conscious that her breathy words most likely revealed too much of her attraction, “Should I be afraid?”

Tristan experienced a surge of triumph when she turned the topic rather than answer his harsh words in kind. The grin he gave her was a reflection of his pleasure and an entreaty to trust him, “There are parts of you that already know that answer…”

Leaning in closer still, it required only a small movement on his part to close the small gap that remained between them. The beauty did not retreat. Her nearness had his eyes shifting black while they lowered to observe the delectable pulse dancing beneath the sun-kissed skin of her neck. Still the witch did not move away…instead, her gaze was waiting for his when it lifted, and sparkles of magic blossomed there in response to his entreaty, “Listen to those parts, Alia… something inside you already knows that you belong to me.”

When she did not immediately deny it, Tristan could not help but wonder what it would be like to drink sunshine.

__________________

About the Author

Heather Fleener lives in Indiana with her husband, D.A. and their twins, Thomas and Alexandra. Professionally she has spent her career working in the area of Intellectual Property law.

Reading has been a passion of hers since she was young and she has adored romance novels her entire life. The romantic styles of Judith McNaught and Julie Garwood are her inspiration, though she has read and loved the stories of countless other authors. Her fascination with the paranormal began to form at the young age of six, watching late-night ghost and vampire movies with her Grandpa. Unfortunately, as a result, she also remains afraid of the dark to this day.

Combining her love of epic romances and the supernatural was a natural progression for her overactive imagination. When the idea for the Ancients of Light series began, it was an abstract story line rambling around in her head to help kill a few miles on the treadmill. As the stories and plotlines continued to grow, it finally became necessary to put the words to paper and build the characters that had been living in the Realm and having conversations in her head for months.

The series is a testament to many miles on the treadmill and lots of characters that insist on having their stories told.

Website: http://www.ancientsoflight.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AncientsOfLight

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6486276.Heather_Fleener

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeatherFleener

Blog: http://heatherfleener.blogspot.com/

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/hfleener/boards/

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Chasing Anya, by J. L. Campbell

Review: Chasing Anya by J. L. Campbell

Two years ago, Anya Davies dumped Christophe Mondesir without any explanation. Now he’s back in her life—but she’s not sure that’s where she wants him to be!

J. L. Campbell’s Chasing Anya is part of the Island Adventure series, and it offers romance and mystery with a particularly Jamaican flair! Anya is determined to avoid the kind of serious relationship that Cristophe would prefer, in large part because she has a stalker to avoid—but also because she is determined to protect herself from the kind of pain that she has experienced in the past.

I loved the use of Jamaican phrases and accents in this novel; they added to the setting! And I liked the realistic reactions that Anya had to her past relationship issues; she’s a complicated character with a complicated past that has a measurable effect on her current life. I also liked the suspense that builds throughout the novel. Overall, Chasing Anya is a fun read!

4.5 stars

Genre: Romance, Women’s Fiction
Content/Theme(s): Sexual Content (not graphic), Post Abortion Sydrome, Relationships, Spousal Abuse,
Release Date: January 13, 2014
Publisher: The Writers’ Suite

 

Been there. Done that.

Feisty and independent, Anya Davies lives by her own rules. The one thing she’s hell-bent on avoiding is a conventional relationship. Nor is she interested in romance, thanks to her abusive ex who refuses to stay in the past. The second complication in her life is a secret that condemns her to constant guilt and a solitary life. A series of near misses and escalating threats are a third and worrying factor. Only a special man would understand or live with Anya’s challenges and demands.

Casual sex…so not having that.

Enter Christophe Mondesir. Two years ago, Anya dumped him without explanation. An accidental meeting shoots Anya back on Christophe’s radar. He refuses to be denied and plans to breach the fortress Anya has built around her heart—if she’ll commit to more than a casual liaison. He’s also determined to find out what she’s hiding. That’s if the stalker who’s after Anya doesn’t end her life first.

He stood before her, pressing kisses to her neck. Then his lips covered hers. Soft. Persuasive.

She resisted him at first, but the memory of his lovemaking warmed her blood and she relaxed against him. The unknown word he’d spoken came to mind and she twisted away from him. “I’m not so sure I should let you touch me, ’specially since I don’t know what you said earlier. What was that anyhow?”

“I said you should stop talking like a slut.”

She mashed his toes with her foot. “How dare you talk to me like that?”

“Ouch! If you insist on treating sex as if it is some sort of pill—”

“If you were sensitive to my needs, I wouldn’t have to resort to asking for sex.”

He narrowed his eyes. “You know what? I’m going to give you what you want.”

That said, Christophe pressed his lips to hers, forcing her mouth open. She fought him, but this time he ignored her attempts to escape.

The intensity of his kiss frightened her. His grip on her arms was too tight and she felt suffocated by his strength. “No, Christophe, I—”

His hand glided under her shirt and the words lodged in her throat. She cast aside her objections, swept away by the fire his touch lit on her insides.

They landed on her bed, struggling to free themselves of their clothing. Minutes later, Christophe reduced her to an orgasmic shudder.

Then they started over.

When they were satisfied, she panted against his chest.

Christophe eased away from her and rolled onto his back to stare into a corner of the room.

Now what was wrong with him? She raised herself up on her elbow. “What’s bugging you now?”

It took him a while to look her in the eyes. “D’you realize I just raped you?”

She almost giggled. “Well, it was the best rape I ever had.”

He sighed. “I’m serious. You said no, and I didn’t listen.”

He murmured something she didn’t hear and rolled onto his side, away from her.

Anya stared at a mole on his shoulder, unable to believe what she was seeing and hearing. Was he serious? Wasn’t she supposed to be the basket case?

She scratched at the skin around the cast. It was itching like hell lately.

Christophe got up and went into the bathroom. The toilet flushed and she waited for him to come back to bed. Instead, he got a pair of jeans from the cupboard and pulled them on, along with a tee-shirt.

Anya gaped at him. “Where the hell d’you think you’re going?”

“Home. I need to think.”

“What d’you need to think about, Christophe?”

“Things.”

She yanked her shirt on and stood in front of him. “Every time I get mad and tell you to leave, you refuse to go. Now, we don’t even have a serious quarrel and you’re running away. What’s wrong with you?”

He slipped both hands in his pockets and wouldn’t look at her. “I have to go.”

Using her hand, she tipped his head so she could see his eyes.

He was in pain.

She didn’t understand what the problem was, but something had gone terribly wrong. She grabbed his arms and spoke softly to him. “Don’t walk out on me now. I don’t know what’s going on with you, or what you think you did, but I need you.”

“I’m sorry, Anya.” He stepped out of her grasp and walked away.

She sank on the bed, rubbing the frown line on her forehead. Would he be all right? Her heart rate went up and she pressed a hand to her chest. Christophe had left, but she needed to check whether he’d locked up.

The lock was engaged and she was alone in the house. She leaned against the front door, feeling as if she’d bought a bus ticket and the driver had dropped her off miles away from her destination.

Her eyes smarted, but she would not cry. While she was sure Christophe’s withdrawal was directly related to her, she sensed there were other factors at play.

If he didn’t want to talk, how could she get to the root of what was eating him?

J.L. Campbell is a proud Jamaican, who is always on the hunt for story-making material.

She writes romantic suspense, women’s fiction and young adult novels. She is the author of Anya’s Wish, Chasing Anya, Contraband, Christine’s Odyssey, Dissolution, Distraction, Don’t Get Mad…Get Even, Retribution, Saving Sam and Hardware (written under the pen name Jayda McTyson).

Where to find JL Campbell:

Social Media

Author site: http://www.joylcampbell.com

Goodreads: JL Campbell

Twitter: @JL_Campbell

Facebook: JL Campbell

Amazon: JL Campbell

Fabulosity Reads Book Promotions is a book touring website that promotes authors and their precious works to an extensive audience using blogs, twitter, Facebook and other Social Media, with the aim of introducing them to an appreciative readership.

They offer a diverse range of both complimentary and affordable products to help the reach of your book go that much further.

Spotlight On: Kiss of Fire by Rebecca Ethington

Joclyn Despain has been marred by a brand on her skin. She doesn’t know why the mark appeared on her neck, but she doesn’t want anyone to see it, including her best friend Ryland, who knows everything else about her. The scar is the reason she hides herself behind baggy clothes, and won’t let the idea of kissing Ryland enter her mind, no matter how much she wants to.

The scar is the reason she is being hunted.

If only she knew that she was.

If only she had known that the cursed stone her estranged father sent for her 16th birthday would trigger a change in her. Now, she is being stalked by a tall blonde man, and is miraculously throwing her high school bully ten feet in the air.

Joclyn attempts to find some answers and the courage to follow her heart. When Ryland finds her scar; only he knows what it means, and who will kill her because of it.

You

could win a $25 Gift Card!






Praise

for KISS OF FIRE…

“KISS OF FIRE

reminded me some of THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS series and a few other books mixed

together. It was absolutely great to read and hard to put down.” – I

READ INDIE

“The way the story unfolds is expertly written.

The introduction of the magic and magical characters is written so well that

the story flows without any hiccups.” – Literary R&R

“I just loved this

book! In Kiss of Fire, I immediately fell in love with Ryland and Joclyn, got

completely sucked in the story and loved it till the end. The concept of this

story is amazing. The twists thrilling. And, the romance so perfect and

bittersweet.” – Shortie Says…

Just

copy and paste the pre-made tweet below and share! Make sure to use the hashtag #KISSOFFIRE. Author Rebecca Ethington is giving away a $25 gift card to one lucky tweeter. Good Choice Reading will be picking a winner from the hashtag and sending them a tweet. :) 

This giveaway is open international! 










#YALit 

Character Interview: Anna, from Waking Up His Wife

Welcome today to the character interview of Anna, from Kristal McKerrington’s Waking Up His Wife!

Book Title: Waking Up His Wife

Character Name: Anna

Thank you for coming to chat with us today. Tell us a little about yourself?

I’m the agent for Adam and several of the big wrestlers at Over The Top Rope Wrestling. I work with them endlessly and also still handle my brothers career. He’s married to the CEO of WWIC.

What is your birth date?

15 th of May 1987

Where do you live?

I live in Florida where it’s warm all the time.

What is it about that area that drew you?

The fact it never ever snows. I hate snow.

What’s your favorite music?

Breaking Benjamin, Daughtry and a few others.

Will we be seeing more of you or are you stepping out of the limelight?

Oh you’ll be seeing me in the second book, when Miaha and me have to get Eric to take responsibility for his actions in Waking Up A Father.

What do you do to relax?

Cheesy films, books and watching wrestling. I like to see how it looks from the viewers stand point. I’m not someone who relaxes very often.

What’s your biggest turn on?

Adam’s tattoos and abs; there is something about water dripping off of them which turns me on.

What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?

Mint Chocolate chip, brandy ice cream on Adam’s abs.

Do you feel the cover accurately represents you?

Yes, I just wish that I could remember the picture being taken.

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Book Blurb

Strong, muscled, chiseled, good looks and a gentleman to boot. This is what Anna’s friends thought she married; however, this wasn’t what she had caught. They thought she caught herself a fighter. Instead she caught herself trouble on two legs.

About the Author

Kristal McKerrington has been a professionally published author since 2010. She writes for Reem Vision and is the former writer of Bishop-Lyons Entertainment. She is published worldwide. She has been a commentator for TMZ. She is an award winning marketing and promoting author. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America’s Association.

Joe E Legend will be returning to ITV, which is a UK national TV network in January. This show will be on repeat on ITV’s Player and also be shown in some parts of America. He’s also currently on TV in South Africa. He will be making his first appearance on Israel TV. He has starred in films, TV shows and as the face of many wrestling companies worldwide. He’s venturing into the publishing world with countless independent publishing fictional novels. He wrestles in 44 countries. He has heavyweight championships worldwide and travels globally.

He’s starred in Celebrity Wrestling as the co-host for ITV. He has several films he will be staring in over the next year. He’s represented with Kristal McKerrington by Barone Literary Agency. He’s about to do a tour of India, South Africa this year with sold out Stadiums. He’ll be in Detroit for a film and will be attending a show related project in LA.

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Links

Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/Waking-Up-His-Wife-ebook/dp/B00F56DH2M/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/K_McKerrington

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristalsmckerringtonsfanpage

Website: kristalmckerrington.com

Solstice: http://store.solsticepublishing.com/kristal-mckerrington/

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Kristal-McKerrington/e/B004KRVFTO/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1380981474&sr=8-1

Free Author App: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HJTCKV2

Joe’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoeELegendAuthorPage

Shares My Author Website: kristalmckerrington.com

Solstice: http://store.solsticepublishing.com/joe-e-legend/

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Joe-E.-Legend/e/B00DUBQTG0/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2?qid=1380981690&sr=1-2

Review: Wicked, by Jillian Kleine Der Löwe

Review

Wicked offers a comic take on urban fantasy. Seven Cyn, otherwise known as Sev, is a member of the Kin, a being from the Astral Planes—and she’s also a CIA operative! Along with her best friend Leon, she goes in search of the Spear of Destiny, teaming up with Luc, the novel’s sexy love interest, and with Ace, a pixie with an attitude. Together, they face apocalyptic evil in their race to save the universe. And Sev faces the much more personal issue of being expected to kill off Luc (otherwise known as Lucifer), despite her love for him.

The novel’s vast canvas, spanning eons and the entire universe, allows for delightful character building. And Jillian Kleine Der Löwe’s world-building is fascinating. She draws upon imagery and tropes from a variety of religions and weaves them together into a compelling setting and storyline. Occasionally, the satirical elements seemed a bit heavy-handed; sometimes, this pulled me out of what should have been otherwise completely engrossing scenes. Nonetheless, Wicked is a fun ride, taking the reader from the comfortable world as we know it into a fantastical universe of light and dark, good and evil—a universe that blends the religious and the mundane into a fabulous background for entertaining characters and a plot that moves at breakneck speed.

Score: 4 stars

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Buy Wicked on Amazon:

Amazon.com: Wicked (A Seven Deadly Sins Novel, Book 1) eBook: Jillian Kleine Der Löwe: Kindle Store

Spotlight on: Maureen Gregory, Author of Beware the Seventh Wave

Welcome today to Maureen Gregory, author of Beware the Seventh Wave! You can read about Maureen and her new book below; be sure to check out the excerpt, too!

________________

Hello!

I would like to thank Margo for kindly hosting me on her blog today.

A bit about me

Having previously combined writing short stories with a career in psychiatric and community nursing, I now write full time. Beware The Seventh Wave is my debut novel. When I am not writing I can usually be found riding one of my horses. I live in the Peak District with my husband and a friendly assortment of creatures great and small.

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About Beware the Seventh Wave

In the novel, deceit, obsessive love, betrayal and murder are threaded alongside the fabric of normal life.

Emma is convinced she has found the man of her dreams, until she suspects her lover may have a darker side.

Was he a cold, calculated killer or a victim in someone else’s deadly game?

Emma believes she will uncover the truth, but are some lies better left undiscovered?

_________________

A note about the video.

I had a firm image in my mind of what the books cover should look like. In keeping with the books title I wanted a picture of the sea, and as a missing black stallion plays a pivotal part of a murder plot, the horse on the cover is perfect. When I saw the finished cover, the idea of a video just came to mind.

I was looking out of my window, the weather was wild, windy and stormy. Jazzmin, my horse, came galloping down the field with the wind in her tail, her lovely long mane flowing like waves. I grabbed my camera and ran outside. I wanted a close up of her eye, in contrast to some of the characters in my novel, a horse can not lie.

My friend and I put the footage together and made the 62 second trailer, I hope you like it.

_________________

Contact Maureen

Your comments and feedback are always welcome. I can be contacted via my website: http://www.maureengregorybooks.com

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/MGwriteonow/532082136861989

Twitter: @MaureenMgregory

Beware the Seventh Wave is available on Amazon:

Beware The Seventh Wave

**BOOK SIGNING GIVEAWAY** Hotter in Texas Series by Christie Craig and Cupid, Texas Series by Lori Wilde

Nothing sucks more than being forced to move cross country during senior year. And Dominique Wells doesn’t think things can get any worse until she’s invited to a quirky neighbor’s party. When pressured into playing a magical card game, Dominique’s world goes from sucky to terrifying. She begins having visions of a red desert and an evil presence–a presence who hints at past lives and promises to kill her.

Plagued by fear and suspicion, and unaware of a family secret kept hidden from her, Dominique is determined to live. Together with a mysterious and gorgeous guy who’s moved in while his parents are away, and a hot, popular guy from school, Dominique must seek clues to her past if she’s to survive. That, and keep her emotions in check for the two guys she suddenly can’t stop thinking about because if she doesn’t, she’ll be dead. For real.

Praise for FINAL LIFE

“Rose Garcia will explode your mind with action packed scenes and emotional turmoil.” – Moonlight Book Reviews

“The whole transhuman concept had the whole Sci-Fi/Fantasy element going on, yet Rose Garcia has written it in a way that is both fresh and believable, with the classic good versus evil theme incorporated.” – Always YA at Heart

“Final Life is filled with magical moments, heart aching moments, action, and suspense. I look forward to the next chapter of Dominique’s story.” – WinterHaven Books

SNEAK PEEK

            “No!

You hear ME out! You brought me to this stupid city, and I hate it here!

Everything about this place sucks, and now, because of you, I’m crazy!” Tear

trickled down my face, and I wiped them away fast. “Okay? Fucking crazy! And

it’s all your fault!”

            Dad

paced the room. “You have every right to be upset, Dominique. We never meant

for any of this to happen.”

            My

head began to swoon. My knees buckled. Every time I was near Farrell, a funny

feeling came over me. Sometimes it was a subtle dizziness, other times a tingle

throughout my body, but always the feeling warmed me. Calmed me. And seemed so

natural and familiar.         

Spotlight On: Jennie Sherwin, Author of Intentional Healing

I want to thank the Members of the Board of the Rave Reviews Book Club for this incredible opportunity to be featured as the club’s first “Spotlight” Author. You’ve all done a great deal of work to make this club a reality. To Nonnie Jules, Founder and President, thank you for founding the club and giving authors a place to hang their hats among friends. I am also grateful to my longtime friend Kathy Treat, Membership Director, for inviting me to join. Marketing and promotion are challenges for the first-time author. Being selected as the “Spotlight” Author, who receives marketing and promotion to the social media outlets as well as to print media, is truly a gift from heaven. Last, but not least at all, I send a special thank you to all the bloggers who agreed to host me on their site. I am truly grateful.

I have always loved to read, so it was natural for me to pursue a career where I could share my love of reading with others, which I did as a teacher of English. I liked writing, too, but it took years to hone my craft. I was fortunate to have wonderful mentors. One, in particular, at Random House, the trade publishing company in New York City, literally taught me how to think about writing, always holding the reader in mind and using that focus to sharpen the clarity of my text. My experience at Random House opened the door to a career in public health consulting. Working in a busy editorial office on publications for many clients, each with specific needs, gave me the perfect opportunity to gain experience writing or editing books, papers, and articles targeting different audiences at varying reading levels. As a service to all of the writers and editors who might be reading this blog, I’d like to pass along the names of the manuals that I’ve used throughout my career with links to their Amazon pages. They include the Chicago Manual of Style, Words into Type, New Hart’s Rules, Fowler’s Modern English Usage, and Scientific Style and Format.

Now to my book: In Intentional Healing…I tell the story of my transformation from a Western-educated woman who worked as a writer and editor in the field of public health, to a woman who awakened to a more Eastern-oriented way of thinking that included a de-emphasis on the individual and ego and an emphasis on collective consciousness and the soul. After bizarre symptoms upended my life, I sought help from Western medicine. No one I consulted could explain what was happening to me. No one, that is, until I met diagnostic detective, Dr. Leo Galland, who tied my symptoms to environmental illness and referred me to a pioneer in environmental medicine, Dr. William J. Rea, in Dallas, Texas, founder of the Environmental Health Center-Dallas. While at the EHC-D, I was introduced to the view held by doctors of environmental medicine that many chronic illnesses are triggered by environmental toxins. During treatment, I unmasked (or became aware of a sensitivity I had not recognized before) for sensitivity to electromagnetic fields. Dr. Rea referred me to Deborah Singleton, founder and director of “A Healing Place”, and her energy healing team. Energy balancing helped me respond to the treatment program at Dr. Rea’s clinic. With Deborah’s guidance I began the process of expanding my consciousness and understanding the real roots of illness. My journey, which included initiation into Reiki channeling and healing from Navajo hataali, took me from dark nights of the soul to a new way of thinking about illness.

Jennie Sherwin, author and editor

http://jsherwinblog.wordpress.com/

Buy Intentional Healing from Amazon

Interview: F.M. Sherrill, Author of Ivory

Welcome today to F. M. Sherrill, the author of Ivory, who has graciously offered to stop by and answer a few questions!

1. What do you write about? Tell us a little about your previously published works.

I write dark fantasy. My previous work is called Ivory by F.M. Sherrill. It’s about a warrior Queen battling the dark Lecs. There’s betrayal, passion, the stink of evil and decay, torn flesh and armored hearts. The way it’s versed is fast paced and gut-wrenching. I like my characters flawed and dirty, but beautiful in their brokenness.

2. Tell us a little about your work in progress.

Right now I’m working on two books. The first is a gritty post-apocalypse werewolf novel called Cry Wolf. The second is a joint work with Becca C. Smith featuring tormented vampires and beasts called Black Sunrise. They’ll both be coming out next summer, so be on the look out for a hot read during the dog days of the heat waves.

3. Any advice for aspiring writers?

Write with a schedule. I used to think that you had to wait for inspiration to come. That idea will get you stuck in the mud for ages. Write every morning. Even if it’s just for 15 minutes, you’ll end up with a finished work by the end of the year. Writing every day, keeps the fear of writing away!

4. What inspired you to write your first book?

After college I was tormented by the ghosts of writing. I would feel this strange sort of emptiness, and when I sat down and the keys started clicking I felt a sort of peace. It was then that I had the revelation, “I must be a writer.”

5. If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

No. I’ve heard a lot of feedback about the main character. They call her witchey (we all know what that means). But honestly, I love her. I love that she’s brave, calloused, and doesn’t mush into a pile when she’s shown affections. She’s a leader, all the way through, and new information changes her slowly and slightly. No big, “I’m a girly girl now,” kind of flip that some may have been hoping for. Let her be “witchey.” A woman can be stubborn and strong, and that’s okay. Future woman, don’t be afraid of main characters like this. We can be so much more than what’s thought of us. I believe in you ladies!

6. What do you find particularly challenging about writing?

Everything, lol. There’s this sort of unspoken fear about writing. The only way I can silence that, “oh my god, what’s the point, your work sucks,” voice is to just keep writing. Keep moving forward. Humans aren’t perfect, that can be one of our greatest flaws, but it also leads to our greatest strengths. In imperfection, there’s beauty, significance. Flaws are like a signature, I’d encourage other writers out there to re-fall-in-love with their writer’s voice instead of trying to be someone else, just to earn that “mean green.”

7. If there was one message you could send to everybody who reads your books, what would it be?

As portrayed in the symbolism of Ivory, there’s something to be said about the duality of light and darkness. Male and female. Day and night. I criss-cross and interchange the features of all of these aspects in a hope that readers will understand that they’re not defined by the roles given to them at birth. Society, your parents, religion, authority figures, all can sculpt a young mind into believing in what they are and what they are not. I hope I inspire someone to dig a little deeper. Dream beyond the lines in the box painted for you. I believe in people. Again, I think as a culture we are so much more than what’s been fed to us, so much more than what we even believe.

8. Have you ever used characteristics from someone you know in one of your books?

Yes. I think the most fascinating subjects are all around you. The friend that repeats the same mistakes, blind to her own achilles heels. The man living in the shadow of his father, as his back bends and curves over years of oppression. The young woman callously shrugging off the sales clerk because he is “lower” than her. The young boy jumping into the ocean to save a drowning dog. Each person, each life is rich beyond measure when you look close enough.

9. What inspires you to write?

Dreams. Some of my stories were once dreams I actually lived through. I have a very active night life. lol.

10. Where can readers find you and your work?

My readers can find me on FB as F.M. Sherrill.

My most recent novel Ivory is here on Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00DTLTQFM

I have two dorky blogs, you can follow and contact me there

http://fmsherrill.blogspot.com

http://girlswritingcoffee.blogspot.com

_____________________

Ivory, by F. M. Sherrill

As a child in the desert kingdom of Gryth, Ivory witnessed the brutal murder of her parents at the hands of a sinister race known as the Lecs. Now Queen of her people, a vengeance-fueled Ivory launches a final battle to annihilate the enemy once and for all. But on the eve of war, betrayed by her own kind and left in the hands of the Lecs, she’s forced to learn the shocking truth about their two peoples, and the diabolical curse that’s plagued them for centuries. Armed with newfound knowledge and unexpected allies, Ivory must face the real enemy that’s haunted her all her life, and make a choice that will mean the difference between a new beginning and the end of the world. Ivory is an exercise in duality made reality; an exploration of darkness and light, male and female, sun and moon… seen through the eyes of two cultures ripped apart by an ancient evil whose pain resonates through the ages like the beating of a drum.

Spotlight: Beautifully Twisted by Jennifer Domenico

**This book is intended for ages 18 and up due to explicit sexual content and language.**

Alexa

Drake is at the top of her game. Heading up the London office for

Patrick Collins Media, she’s done what it takes to get to the top and

have the career and independence she’s always wanted. Her life in London

is everything she’s worked hard to achieve, and she revels in her

new found control. If only she could forget the one man who brings her to

her knees. Literally.

Scott Patrick is successful, commanding,

and the kind of man women dream about. He’s also responsible for Alexa’s

career success and her twisted view of love. Scott is a master at

avoiding commitment and emotions and always thought of himself as the

kind of guy who would never settle down. So why can’t he get Alexa out

of his head?

When Scott suddenly turns up in London, Alexa has to

decide if she can open herself up to the same man that broke her heart

or if she’s ready to give someone new a chance.

Beautifully

Twisted is an intense power struggle between two people who have a hard

time being together but an even harder time staying apart.

“Hot, Hotter, Holy burning up the pages is how I would describe this book!”~ Schmexy Girl Book Blog

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Author

 Jennifer Domenico started

writing as a five-year old child in the back of her mother’s bible in

church. It was a way to keep the fidgety child quiet but even then she

took simple stories and twisted them into even more imaginative tales.

As she grew, the stories grew with her and she filled notebook after

notebook with her musings.

As an adult, she knew she wanted to be

a writer but she lacked the attention span and inspiration required to

produce a full length story. Eventually she put away her notebooks and

turned her attention to the business world where she toiled away for

many years.

She stopped reading fiction, stopped entertaining her

outlandish imagination, and stopped dreaming of being a writer. Until

one day, many months ago she went to sleep and a beautiful love story

played out in her dreams.

When she awoke she felt compelled to

write it down. And she wrote and she wrote, for days and days she wrote.

The result is part one of Enzo and Ava’s story. Turn Towards the Sun is

her first, but certainly not her last, novel.

Ms. Domenico lives

in Phoenix, Arizona with her very Italian husband, a dog that adores

her, two cats that tolerate her, and wicked sweet tooth. She is

currently working on part two in the series.

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