Sasha Hibbs's Blog, page 14
September 9, 2013
Author Interview of Sasha Hibbs & Extended Excerpt of...
Author Interview of Sasha Hibbs & Extended Excerpt of Black AmaranthBy maw25 · Leave a Comment i Rate This
Eighteen-year-old Ally Watson arrives home from high school graduation, more than a little annoyed that her Uncle Argyle—Ally’s legal guardian and only surviving relative—didn’t even bother showing up. But instead of berating him for his forgetfulness, Ally finds him in a life-or-death battle with a monster. Argyle manages to kill the creature, and gives Ally a parcel containing a destiny she never knew existed.
Ally, along with her best friends Michael, Jessica, and David, hurry to Georgia to uncover the truth of Uncle Argyle’s secrets, and the meaning of the mysterious marks that Ally bears. Are the marks related to the blacksmith mythology of her ancestors? Who are these heavenly warriors who show up in the oddest of places? And will an ancient gypsy curse destroy the very things Ally fights to save?
Black Amaranth: a simple flower, a symbol with an ancient legacy, a conduit for prophecy…while faith and hope are essential to the journey, Ally soon discovers that love is the most powerful force of all.
Top ten things you don’t know about me:
1. Cotton or Silk?
A: I wear cotton but dream of silk.
2. Champagne/beer/wine?
A: Beer! Samuel Smiths oatmeal stout is the best. I’m a sucker for Shiner and Guiness. I like my beer dark. J
3. Plotter/pantser
A: Both. In each novel I have an exact beginning, middle, and end. The in between is what the characters choose to make up.
4. Describe your workspace
A: Take your pick: a booth at McDonald’s, my kitchen table, the seat of my car. I don’t have any one particular place I write. I keep my laptop with me at all times because you never know when and where the next sentence is coming from.
5. Sports fan or just tolerate it?
A: My living room looks like a Steeler’s gift shop. Here we go Steeler’s, here we go! Insert the Terrible Towel. Our house looks like the Texans gift shop with a sprinkling of Dallas Stars, Houston Astros and Texas Rangers. Yes, we love our sports. No Cowboys, please.
6. Who is your biggest influence on writing?
A: Cassandra Clare. Her world is astounding! Shadowhunters rock!
7. Favorite food –
A: Stuffing. Weird, I know. But it’s so good! Good stuffing is the best. J
8. When did you start writing?
A: Always in my head, but formally, 5 years ago.
9. If money were no object, where would you like to live?
A: Fictional places: Rivendell or Idris.
A: Actual places: A toss-up between New Zealand or the Annamede mansion in Walkersville, WV. As a child, the Annamede mansion was my Tara.
10. What’s next for you?
A: Finishing the Vulcan Legacies trilogy. Title reveal: I’m currently working on book two, Black Abaddon.
Extended Excerpt:
“LOU’S HOUSE OF BLUES?” Dave read the large neon sign in disbelief. “You’re taking us to a…bar?”
“To the Gypsies, and the one I am seeking out in particular,” Parthenia looked straight ahead, “happens to spend most of her time in this bar.”
“Mom thinks we’re going to church camp.” Dave’s face spread into a big smile. “I wonder what she would say if she knew we were going to a bar.”
“We’re eighteen,” Jessica said, reminding him. “Just once, Dave, please be cool.” Jessica winced.
“Cheer up, Jessica.” Brandi patted her mockingly. “There’s a first time for everything.”
“Whatever. I’m sure this beats your lame keg party,” Jessica said.
Nothing surprised Ally anymore, not even the rough-cut lumber bar staring back at her. Motorcycles and beat up trucks lined the gravel parking lot. A wraparound porch with live oaks bordered the outside. Looking determined, Parthenia motioned for them to follow her up there. As Ally ascended onto the creaky porch, her eye caught a slumbering black dog. She sidestepped to miss treading on the dog. Instinctively, Ally bent down and brushed her hand along the thick black coat.
“Good Lord, Miss,” a voice said. Ally looked up into an old pair of friendly brown eyes. “You must be somebody special,” he said, swaying back and forth in a dilapidated rocking chair, the ripened wood groaning with each sway, paint chipping up the back spindles. “Miss Elma doesn’t like anybody,” he said. His deep Southern accent drew out each syllable slowly.
“Sorry,” Ally apologized.
“No need to be sorry, Miss.” Ally could see a warm smile through the grey stubble wrapped around his aged features. “That there dog showed up one day and she’s been laying here ever since like she’s been waiting on someone.” He turned his head out to the horizon, pulling out a battered harmonica and bringing it up to his lips, he paused and said, “You have a good day, Miss.”
Ally looked down at the dog. Lids slowly peeled back revealing deep-set hazel eyes. The dog stretched out her tired limbs, stood to her full height, and nudged Ally’s knees, placing her head under one of Ally’s open palms. Her long silky hair fell between Ally’s fingers.
“Looks like you’ve got a friend—a very large black German Shepherd friend,” Michael said, his eyes smiling.
“Ally,” Parthenia interrupted, “please tell her to sit. I’ve got a feeling this one’s going to follow you.” Parthenia met Brandi’s gaze, their intense eyes implying something they weren’t saying. “Eli, perhaps it would be best if Solomon and Jeb waited out here with Lucy.”
Eli turned, instructing them to wait and watch over his little sister.
“There are three Ravenscraft women: Denaulda, Griselda, and Irini.” Parthenia looked deeply into Ally’s eyes and then shot a look of caution to Michael and the twins. “Denaulda is the eldest sister, and by right, the acting leader of the Gypsies. She is the most powerful next to their holy woman, Belle Crow. Let me caution you now. Do not cross them. They prove to be useful and good allies, but can also prove to be fearful enemies if you’re not on the same side as them. Remember, the curse of the elder Gypsies coupled with Vulcan crossing them is what caused all of this to ensue in the first place. Their magic runs deep, it’s old, and just as the blaxxmiths have a particular affinity for a single element, Gypsies have a strong affinity for magic.”
“Ooo, this should be fun,” Brandi purred mischievously.
“Try to curb your enthusiasm, will you?” Parthenia glared back at Brandi.
“I’ll not say a word.” Brandi winked and said, “Promise.”
“Are they witches?” Jessica asked, a noticeable trace of anxiety in her voice.
“They’re worse than witches,” Eli barked out.
“What is your problem? Considering how you treated me last night, I doubt that your dislike is exclusive to Gypsies. I’m guessing that you hate everyone and everything.” Jessica’s face flushed with anger. Eli fumed, but said nothing.
“No, they are not witches,” Parthenia said, interrupting the awkward silence. “They are Gypsies, and if you want to get on their bad side quick, call one of them a witch.” She turned and looked down her nose at Dave.
“Gotcha,” Dave said, seeming to understand she worried most about what might come out of his mouth.
“Stay behind me and try not to stare at anyone,” Parthenia said.
“Stay, girl.” Ally pointed her finger down at the porch. Miss Elma was obedient, sliding her long muscled legs down, crossing them over top each other and resting her head on her large paws. “Good girl.”
Ally stepped in behind of Parthenia, leaving the rest to trail in after her. Ally looked around in awe. She had never been in a bar before, and wasn’t too disappointed by the one she was standing in now. Red booths lined the unevenly cut board and batten walls, and a few were occupied by men and women who stared directly at them. Round tables just big enough for two were scattered throughout, leading up to a large empty dance floor. Strings of colored bulbs hung down low from the walls, casting dim shadows that mixed in with smoky air. Bar stools surrounded the long slab bar, while behind it a large, intimidating man eyed them up as he casually wiped his hands off on a white towel.
“Hello, Lou,” Parthenia said. “Denaulda around?”
He jerked his head in the direction of the stage, Parthenia following the line of his gaze, sighed softly and said, “Great.”
“Remember me just saying that Gypsies were gifted with a particular talent? Strong magic?” Parthenia whispered close to Ally’s ear.
“Uh-huh,” Ally said, looking straight ahead to the empty stage.
“Well, you’re about to find out what Denaulda’s is,” Parthenia said, sitting on a barstool and turning to face the stage. “Might as well have a seat and try to stay there.”
Michael and Dave eased down into an empty booth, leaving the opposite side open for the girls. Eli and Brandi opted to sit with Parthenia on barstools.
At the corner of the wooden stage, men were pulling out and tuning guitars and harmonicas. As a slow sultry rhythm played out of their instruments, a petite, dark-haired woman emerged from behind beaded curtains onto the stage. She slinked her way up to the microphone stand like a snake closing in on its prey. She curled her slender fingers around the mic as she cocked her head to the side, looking at her audience with thoughtful, heavy-lidded eyes. Ally’s arms erupted in goose bumps, a surefire warning that something otherworldly was about to happen.
She began to sing, sound floating dreamingly out of her mouth, weaving in and around the crowd like an invisible serpent, creeping up around their heels, sliding up and into their souls.
Michael and Dave twisted around, their heads following the direction of the eerie tune as Jessica mechanically stood up from the bench.
“What are you doing?” Ally whispered between her teeth while tugging on Jessica’s sleeve.
“Just one…dance.” Jessica didn’t look down at Ally; she walked slowly onto the dance floor as though the melody willed her to do so. Problem was, Jessica was a wallflower, or at least when they went to the prom Ally couldn’t peel her away from the wall if her life depended on it.
Ally looked around wondering if Denaulda’s music was having the same effect on everyone else. Brandi smiled naughtily which told Ally there must have been some part of her that expected this. Beside her, Eli watched Jessica through burning eyes. A few patrons joined Jessica on the dance floor, swaying back and forth to the beat, their bodies sweeping in and out in circular motions.
From the wall, a steely gaze followed Jessica. A boy with a shock of blond hair materialized from the shadows and inched his way towards the dance floor. He didn’t look much older than they did but he carried himself like a prowling marauder. His arms encircled Jessica’s waist as he closed the distance between them. To Ally’s surprise, Jessica welcomed him.
Denaulda’s lips curled up into a wicked smile. The tune hung in the air, like a poisonous gas. Ally couldn’t ignore the soothing, rich words.
When we were young and full of life
you reached in deep, and pierced my heart with a knife.
The night cries out, sweet and high,
weeping for her children with a gentle sigh.
Young nights, young nights, where did you go?
I can smell the night air, and how the moonlight glowed.
Young nights, young nights, come back to the home we both know.
“Where’s Lucy?” Dave kept his eyes fixed on Denaulda. “I think I should…” Dave’s words drifted off into the chorus.
Jessica reached her hands up and tangled her fingers into the thick blond hair of the boy she’d glued herself to. They appeared to only have eyes for each other as though no one else existed in the room. Ally was ready to get up and separate the two when another wave of lyrics poured out from Denaulda, nailing Ally to her seat.
I have loved you tender and loved you long,
but you were caught in the crossfire, we got it all wrong.
Can we ever go back to the way it used to be?
Young nights under the Spanish moss, just you and me.
I can smell the night air, and how the moonlight glowed.
Young nights, young nights, come back to the home we both know.
Ally couldn’t budge. “Michael?” She looked up, knowing he would fix this, but when she met his eyes, her breath caught in the back of her throat. Heat spread up through her face as his blue eyes bored into hers. The Michael staring at her now wasn’t looking at her as friends look at one another, but as something much different: as a man who looks, really looks, at a woman. Without Denaulda’s enchanting music, Ally wondered if his penetrating gaze would have bothered her or not.
Eli crossed the floor in long strides, catching Ally’s attention. She sat there unable to move, nervous, knowing that the direction Eli was currently going in wasn’t a good one. Eli’d had a chip on his shoulder since they all met, but more so towards Jessica than the rest of them. Ally just didn’t know why, though.
“Enough.” Ally could barely hear what Eli was saying to Jessica over the music. Denaulda looked entertained by what was transpiring on the dance floor. Jessica paid no attention to him, moving in closer to her partner, so close you couldn’t wedge a piece of paper between them.
Eli’s lips twisted into a snarl as he grabbed Jessica’s wrist. The next few moments happened before Ally could fully register what she was seeing. The blond boy swung at Eli, whose hand cupped the boy’s fist, holding him there effortlessly. He jerked Jessica to the side, causing her to rock on her heels, attempting to balance herself. He flung the boy’s fist down in disgust. “You’re done here,” Eli said to the boy through clenched teeth.
“Oh, no we’re not,” Jessica said, seething and stepping away from Eli, going back into the arms of her dance partner.
Eli growled as he grabbed her arm. Jessica spun around and slapped Eli across the face, sending an echo throughout the bar.
“Do not ever touch me again!” Jessica’s face reddened, almost matching the color of her hair. “Do you understand me?”
Eli stood there blinking in disbelief, raising a hand up to where hers had just been.
“Okay, boys.” Denaulda motioned for the band behind her to stop. “I think it’s time for a break.”
As soon as Denaulda quit singing, her spell dissolved. All those affected shook their heads, clearing up the lingering fog, all except Eli. He stood still, tracing the outline of where Jessica’s fingers touched him.
“Um…” Jessica looked back and forth between Eli and the blond boy staring at her and said, “Hmm, this is awkward. Excuse me.” Jessica quickly brushed past them and darted back to sit down. “What was I doing?”
“Let’s just say that you gave Brandi a run for her money,” Ally said, sugar-coating the truth as Jessica slouched down further in the booth.
“Parthenia,” the words were rich, alluring, “what brings you to my neck of the woods?” Denaulda’s eyes slid past Parthenia and landed directly on Ally.
Denaulda tilted her head, studying Ally through suspicious eyes. “I read the stars last night. Do you know what they told me?” Her eyes, the color of ash, rounded as she studied Ally.
Ally couldn’t speak, her voice was jammed. Looking at this sorceress was unnerving. Ally just shook her head no.
“They told me Death would be coming to visit me today.”
Author Bio:
By age 5, Sasha Hibbs’ favorite movie was Gone With the Wind. By age 12, she completed her 7th grade book report on the sequel, Scarlett. By 18, she met and married her very own Mr. Rhett Butler and as it turns out, she never had to worry about going back to Tara to win the love of her life back. Fortunately, he stuck with her.
With a love of all things paranormal, the ambiance of the South with its gigantic antebellum mansions and canopies of Spanish moss, and a love for her husband’s rich storytelling of blacksmiths and the mythology surrounding their origins, it wasn’t long until the world of her debut novel, Black Amaranth, was born.
When not working her day job as a nurse, you can find Sasha dreaming of her next beach trip, reading the latest YA novel, and drinking more white chocolate mocha than she should.
Sasha lives in mountainous West Virginia with her husband, Tim, and their two daughters, Aeliza and Ava. She is currently hard at work on book two in The Vulcan Legacies series.
Eighteen-year-old Ally Watson arrives home from high school graduation, more than a little annoyed that her Uncle Argyle—Ally’s legal guardian and only surviving relative—didn’t even bother showing up. But instead of berating him for his forgetfulness, Ally finds him in a life-or-death battle with a monster. Argyle manages to kill the creature, and gives Ally a parcel containing a destiny she never knew existed.
Ally, along with her best friends Michael, Jessica, and David, hurry to Georgia to uncover the truth of Uncle Argyle’s secrets, and the meaning of the mysterious marks that Ally bears. Are the marks related to the blacksmith mythology of her ancestors? Who are these heavenly warriors who show up in the oddest of places? And will an ancient gypsy curse destroy the very things Ally fights to save?
Black Amaranth: a simple flower, a symbol with an ancient legacy, a conduit for prophecy…while faith and hope are essential to the journey, Ally soon discovers that love is the most powerful force of all.
Top ten things you don’t know about me:
1. Cotton or Silk?
A: I wear cotton but dream of silk.
2. Champagne/beer/wine?
A: Beer! Samuel Smiths oatmeal stout is the best. I’m a sucker for Shiner and Guiness. I like my beer dark. J
3. Plotter/pantser
A: Both. In each novel I have an exact beginning, middle, and end. The in between is what the characters choose to make up.
4. Describe your workspace
A: Take your pick: a booth at McDonald’s, my kitchen table, the seat of my car. I don’t have any one particular place I write. I keep my laptop with me at all times because you never know when and where the next sentence is coming from.
5. Sports fan or just tolerate it?
A: My living room looks like a Steeler’s gift shop. Here we go Steeler’s, here we go! Insert the Terrible Towel. Our house looks like the Texans gift shop with a sprinkling of Dallas Stars, Houston Astros and Texas Rangers. Yes, we love our sports. No Cowboys, please.
6. Who is your biggest influence on writing?
A: Cassandra Clare. Her world is astounding! Shadowhunters rock!
7. Favorite food –
A: Stuffing. Weird, I know. But it’s so good! Good stuffing is the best. J
8. When did you start writing?
A: Always in my head, but formally, 5 years ago.
9. If money were no object, where would you like to live?
A: Fictional places: Rivendell or Idris.
A: Actual places: A toss-up between New Zealand or the Annamede mansion in Walkersville, WV. As a child, the Annamede mansion was my Tara.
10. What’s next for you?
A: Finishing the Vulcan Legacies trilogy. Title reveal: I’m currently working on book two, Black Abaddon.
Extended Excerpt:
“LOU’S HOUSE OF BLUES?” Dave read the large neon sign in disbelief. “You’re taking us to a…bar?”
“To the Gypsies, and the one I am seeking out in particular,” Parthenia looked straight ahead, “happens to spend most of her time in this bar.”
“Mom thinks we’re going to church camp.” Dave’s face spread into a big smile. “I wonder what she would say if she knew we were going to a bar.”
“We’re eighteen,” Jessica said, reminding him. “Just once, Dave, please be cool.” Jessica winced.
“Cheer up, Jessica.” Brandi patted her mockingly. “There’s a first time for everything.”
“Whatever. I’m sure this beats your lame keg party,” Jessica said.
Nothing surprised Ally anymore, not even the rough-cut lumber bar staring back at her. Motorcycles and beat up trucks lined the gravel parking lot. A wraparound porch with live oaks bordered the outside. Looking determined, Parthenia motioned for them to follow her up there. As Ally ascended onto the creaky porch, her eye caught a slumbering black dog. She sidestepped to miss treading on the dog. Instinctively, Ally bent down and brushed her hand along the thick black coat.
“Good Lord, Miss,” a voice said. Ally looked up into an old pair of friendly brown eyes. “You must be somebody special,” he said, swaying back and forth in a dilapidated rocking chair, the ripened wood groaning with each sway, paint chipping up the back spindles. “Miss Elma doesn’t like anybody,” he said. His deep Southern accent drew out each syllable slowly.
“Sorry,” Ally apologized.
“No need to be sorry, Miss.” Ally could see a warm smile through the grey stubble wrapped around his aged features. “That there dog showed up one day and she’s been laying here ever since like she’s been waiting on someone.” He turned his head out to the horizon, pulling out a battered harmonica and bringing it up to his lips, he paused and said, “You have a good day, Miss.”
Ally looked down at the dog. Lids slowly peeled back revealing deep-set hazel eyes. The dog stretched out her tired limbs, stood to her full height, and nudged Ally’s knees, placing her head under one of Ally’s open palms. Her long silky hair fell between Ally’s fingers.
“Looks like you’ve got a friend—a very large black German Shepherd friend,” Michael said, his eyes smiling.
“Ally,” Parthenia interrupted, “please tell her to sit. I’ve got a feeling this one’s going to follow you.” Parthenia met Brandi’s gaze, their intense eyes implying something they weren’t saying. “Eli, perhaps it would be best if Solomon and Jeb waited out here with Lucy.”
Eli turned, instructing them to wait and watch over his little sister.
“There are three Ravenscraft women: Denaulda, Griselda, and Irini.” Parthenia looked deeply into Ally’s eyes and then shot a look of caution to Michael and the twins. “Denaulda is the eldest sister, and by right, the acting leader of the Gypsies. She is the most powerful next to their holy woman, Belle Crow. Let me caution you now. Do not cross them. They prove to be useful and good allies, but can also prove to be fearful enemies if you’re not on the same side as them. Remember, the curse of the elder Gypsies coupled with Vulcan crossing them is what caused all of this to ensue in the first place. Their magic runs deep, it’s old, and just as the blaxxmiths have a particular affinity for a single element, Gypsies have a strong affinity for magic.”
“Ooo, this should be fun,” Brandi purred mischievously.
“Try to curb your enthusiasm, will you?” Parthenia glared back at Brandi.
“I’ll not say a word.” Brandi winked and said, “Promise.”
“Are they witches?” Jessica asked, a noticeable trace of anxiety in her voice.
“They’re worse than witches,” Eli barked out.
“What is your problem? Considering how you treated me last night, I doubt that your dislike is exclusive to Gypsies. I’m guessing that you hate everyone and everything.” Jessica’s face flushed with anger. Eli fumed, but said nothing.
“No, they are not witches,” Parthenia said, interrupting the awkward silence. “They are Gypsies, and if you want to get on their bad side quick, call one of them a witch.” She turned and looked down her nose at Dave.
“Gotcha,” Dave said, seeming to understand she worried most about what might come out of his mouth.
“Stay behind me and try not to stare at anyone,” Parthenia said.
“Stay, girl.” Ally pointed her finger down at the porch. Miss Elma was obedient, sliding her long muscled legs down, crossing them over top each other and resting her head on her large paws. “Good girl.”
Ally stepped in behind of Parthenia, leaving the rest to trail in after her. Ally looked around in awe. She had never been in a bar before, and wasn’t too disappointed by the one she was standing in now. Red booths lined the unevenly cut board and batten walls, and a few were occupied by men and women who stared directly at them. Round tables just big enough for two were scattered throughout, leading up to a large empty dance floor. Strings of colored bulbs hung down low from the walls, casting dim shadows that mixed in with smoky air. Bar stools surrounded the long slab bar, while behind it a large, intimidating man eyed them up as he casually wiped his hands off on a white towel.
“Hello, Lou,” Parthenia said. “Denaulda around?”
He jerked his head in the direction of the stage, Parthenia following the line of his gaze, sighed softly and said, “Great.”
“Remember me just saying that Gypsies were gifted with a particular talent? Strong magic?” Parthenia whispered close to Ally’s ear.
“Uh-huh,” Ally said, looking straight ahead to the empty stage.
“Well, you’re about to find out what Denaulda’s is,” Parthenia said, sitting on a barstool and turning to face the stage. “Might as well have a seat and try to stay there.”
Michael and Dave eased down into an empty booth, leaving the opposite side open for the girls. Eli and Brandi opted to sit with Parthenia on barstools.
At the corner of the wooden stage, men were pulling out and tuning guitars and harmonicas. As a slow sultry rhythm played out of their instruments, a petite, dark-haired woman emerged from behind beaded curtains onto the stage. She slinked her way up to the microphone stand like a snake closing in on its prey. She curled her slender fingers around the mic as she cocked her head to the side, looking at her audience with thoughtful, heavy-lidded eyes. Ally’s arms erupted in goose bumps, a surefire warning that something otherworldly was about to happen.
She began to sing, sound floating dreamingly out of her mouth, weaving in and around the crowd like an invisible serpent, creeping up around their heels, sliding up and into their souls.
Michael and Dave twisted around, their heads following the direction of the eerie tune as Jessica mechanically stood up from the bench.
“What are you doing?” Ally whispered between her teeth while tugging on Jessica’s sleeve.
“Just one…dance.” Jessica didn’t look down at Ally; she walked slowly onto the dance floor as though the melody willed her to do so. Problem was, Jessica was a wallflower, or at least when they went to the prom Ally couldn’t peel her away from the wall if her life depended on it.
Ally looked around wondering if Denaulda’s music was having the same effect on everyone else. Brandi smiled naughtily which told Ally there must have been some part of her that expected this. Beside her, Eli watched Jessica through burning eyes. A few patrons joined Jessica on the dance floor, swaying back and forth to the beat, their bodies sweeping in and out in circular motions.
From the wall, a steely gaze followed Jessica. A boy with a shock of blond hair materialized from the shadows and inched his way towards the dance floor. He didn’t look much older than they did but he carried himself like a prowling marauder. His arms encircled Jessica’s waist as he closed the distance between them. To Ally’s surprise, Jessica welcomed him.
Denaulda’s lips curled up into a wicked smile. The tune hung in the air, like a poisonous gas. Ally couldn’t ignore the soothing, rich words.
When we were young and full of life
you reached in deep, and pierced my heart with a knife.
The night cries out, sweet and high,
weeping for her children with a gentle sigh.
Young nights, young nights, where did you go?
I can smell the night air, and how the moonlight glowed.
Young nights, young nights, come back to the home we both know.
“Where’s Lucy?” Dave kept his eyes fixed on Denaulda. “I think I should…” Dave’s words drifted off into the chorus.
Jessica reached her hands up and tangled her fingers into the thick blond hair of the boy she’d glued herself to. They appeared to only have eyes for each other as though no one else existed in the room. Ally was ready to get up and separate the two when another wave of lyrics poured out from Denaulda, nailing Ally to her seat.
I have loved you tender and loved you long,
but you were caught in the crossfire, we got it all wrong.
Can we ever go back to the way it used to be?
Young nights under the Spanish moss, just you and me.
I can smell the night air, and how the moonlight glowed.
Young nights, young nights, come back to the home we both know.
Ally couldn’t budge. “Michael?” She looked up, knowing he would fix this, but when she met his eyes, her breath caught in the back of her throat. Heat spread up through her face as his blue eyes bored into hers. The Michael staring at her now wasn’t looking at her as friends look at one another, but as something much different: as a man who looks, really looks, at a woman. Without Denaulda’s enchanting music, Ally wondered if his penetrating gaze would have bothered her or not.
Eli crossed the floor in long strides, catching Ally’s attention. She sat there unable to move, nervous, knowing that the direction Eli was currently going in wasn’t a good one. Eli’d had a chip on his shoulder since they all met, but more so towards Jessica than the rest of them. Ally just didn’t know why, though.
“Enough.” Ally could barely hear what Eli was saying to Jessica over the music. Denaulda looked entertained by what was transpiring on the dance floor. Jessica paid no attention to him, moving in closer to her partner, so close you couldn’t wedge a piece of paper between them.
Eli’s lips twisted into a snarl as he grabbed Jessica’s wrist. The next few moments happened before Ally could fully register what she was seeing. The blond boy swung at Eli, whose hand cupped the boy’s fist, holding him there effortlessly. He jerked Jessica to the side, causing her to rock on her heels, attempting to balance herself. He flung the boy’s fist down in disgust. “You’re done here,” Eli said to the boy through clenched teeth.
“Oh, no we’re not,” Jessica said, seething and stepping away from Eli, going back into the arms of her dance partner.
Eli growled as he grabbed her arm. Jessica spun around and slapped Eli across the face, sending an echo throughout the bar.
“Do not ever touch me again!” Jessica’s face reddened, almost matching the color of her hair. “Do you understand me?”
Eli stood there blinking in disbelief, raising a hand up to where hers had just been.
“Okay, boys.” Denaulda motioned for the band behind her to stop. “I think it’s time for a break.”
As soon as Denaulda quit singing, her spell dissolved. All those affected shook their heads, clearing up the lingering fog, all except Eli. He stood still, tracing the outline of where Jessica’s fingers touched him.
“Um…” Jessica looked back and forth between Eli and the blond boy staring at her and said, “Hmm, this is awkward. Excuse me.” Jessica quickly brushed past them and darted back to sit down. “What was I doing?”
“Let’s just say that you gave Brandi a run for her money,” Ally said, sugar-coating the truth as Jessica slouched down further in the booth.
“Parthenia,” the words were rich, alluring, “what brings you to my neck of the woods?” Denaulda’s eyes slid past Parthenia and landed directly on Ally.
Denaulda tilted her head, studying Ally through suspicious eyes. “I read the stars last night. Do you know what they told me?” Her eyes, the color of ash, rounded as she studied Ally.
Ally couldn’t speak, her voice was jammed. Looking at this sorceress was unnerving. Ally just shook her head no.
“They told me Death would be coming to visit me today.”
Author Bio:
By age 5, Sasha Hibbs’ favorite movie was Gone With the Wind. By age 12, she completed her 7th grade book report on the sequel, Scarlett. By 18, she met and married her very own Mr. Rhett Butler and as it turns out, she never had to worry about going back to Tara to win the love of her life back. Fortunately, he stuck with her.
With a love of all things paranormal, the ambiance of the South with its gigantic antebellum mansions and canopies of Spanish moss, and a love for her husband’s rich storytelling of blacksmiths and the mythology surrounding their origins, it wasn’t long until the world of her debut novel, Black Amaranth, was born.
When not working her day job as a nurse, you can find Sasha dreaming of her next beach trip, reading the latest YA novel, and drinking more white chocolate mocha than she should.
Sasha lives in mountainous West Virginia with her husband, Tim, and their two daughters, Aeliza and Ava. She is currently hard at work on book two in The Vulcan Legacies series.
September 8, 2013
Evernight Teen: BLACK AMARANTH tour starts Monday, September 9th!
Evernight Teen: BLACK AMARANTH tour starts Monday, September 9th!: http://sizzlingpr.com/tour-black-amar... SEPTEMBER 9 th – Interview @ Love, Laughter and Friendship 10 th ...
August 20, 2013
Black Amaranth: My dark world filled with color. Bla...
Black Amaranth: My dark world filled with color. Black Amaranth was released August 16, 2013. My debut novel...my baby. This was a day at times I feared would never come. Now, it's here and gone. The thrill and glitter still remain but now it's more like a glow.
With the release, a litany of questions cropped up.
Am I as far ahead in the sequel as I should be at this point in the game?
Will Black Amaranth live up to certain expectations? Will the sequel?
What will it feel like to read the reviews? Good or bad?
How are the sales performing?
Was it enough?
I had a moment, a special moment that came under strange circumstances. With the release, I had to take an author picture. You'll never see me blow up any media sites with glamour shots of myself. 14 years of blissful marriage and 2 beautiful girls later, I am not, um, quite the girl I used to look like.
I refused to get a professional picture taken. I'm painfully shy in front of the camera. Having my husband take it was bad enough. He has the patience of a saint. After two hours of "posing" for pictures, I deemed them all to be evil works of the Devil.
Each one seemed to accentuate my chin in a bad way, or I looked bloated, old...simply not as I once was.
I sat down, frustrated. I picked up a book, began reading while sipping on piping hot coffee. My husband quickly snapped a shot. He said, "This is it. This one's you."
Feeling overwhelmed, all the above mentioned questions surfaced in my head. It was like they were taking turns having a fist fight in my brain. I just wanted to read a book and drink coffee. At this point, I was DONE with pictures. He insisted I look. Closing my book, setting my coffee down, I let out a long sigh and looked at the camera.
The picture forced me to chew on a lot of things. One by one, the above mentioned questions were replaced with answers.
Black Amaranth lived up to my expectations. After all, it was the world I created. I gave it life. I should have faith in what I breathed life into.
The sequel will find its way too.
I've been published. Reviews will come. Good and bad. Sometimes it's not what happens to you, but how you react. Good reviews will certainly put a smile on my face. Bad reviews are simply the opinion of another. There might actually be something worth taking away. I don't know. It's a bridge I'll cross when I get there.
Sales: It's a bottomless pit that's unpredictable. I'm not going to let myself get swallowed up by the unknown. I will simply...continue. I'm a writer. That's what I'll stick to. Percentages give me a headache.
And then the picture. That's me. Before and after Black Amaranth I was and still am a reader. I love books. I love coffee. I wear black. My hair is usually in a bun of sorts. On the rare occasions I wear mascara, I usually forget that I have it on and rub my eyes resulting in smudges or burning eyes. Sometimes both.
Jane Eyre is undeniably one of my favorite novels. There's much to learn from her character. I relate with her. My picture helped put things back in perspective. I am Sasha Hibbs. I am a plain Jane. It's not the clothes I wear, but the person wearing them. I will never be revered a great beauty. There's a million of those creatures out there. I want to stand out. With my words. My laptop is my makeup. I want my fingertips to write beauty into things, places, times.
This is ME. The girl behind the book, reading about another world, words churning in her head, idea's surfacing. That's who I am. That's who I will remain.
Tomorrow I have an interview with the Clarksburg Exponent. I am thrilled. I'm not nervous about pictures. Not anymore. After all, it's not about what I look like. It's not about the girl wearing black. It's about Black Amaranth. It's about the journey. It's about reading and writing.
I'll show up tomorrow wearing my trademark black, hair pulled back into a bun. Maybe I'll spice it up a bit and wear some mascara. I'll try to remember I'm wearing it. But I'll show up for my interview with something else. The most important thing: my words. I have a kaleidoscope of words that are bursting with color and brightness. I have a story to tell that's full of life, and energy, and vividness.
My words...that's what I want to be beautiful.
With the release, a litany of questions cropped up.
Am I as far ahead in the sequel as I should be at this point in the game?
Will Black Amaranth live up to certain expectations? Will the sequel?
What will it feel like to read the reviews? Good or bad?
How are the sales performing?
Was it enough?
I had a moment, a special moment that came under strange circumstances. With the release, I had to take an author picture. You'll never see me blow up any media sites with glamour shots of myself. 14 years of blissful marriage and 2 beautiful girls later, I am not, um, quite the girl I used to look like.
I refused to get a professional picture taken. I'm painfully shy in front of the camera. Having my husband take it was bad enough. He has the patience of a saint. After two hours of "posing" for pictures, I deemed them all to be evil works of the Devil.
Each one seemed to accentuate my chin in a bad way, or I looked bloated, old...simply not as I once was.
I sat down, frustrated. I picked up a book, began reading while sipping on piping hot coffee. My husband quickly snapped a shot. He said, "This is it. This one's you."
Feeling overwhelmed, all the above mentioned questions surfaced in my head. It was like they were taking turns having a fist fight in my brain. I just wanted to read a book and drink coffee. At this point, I was DONE with pictures. He insisted I look. Closing my book, setting my coffee down, I let out a long sigh and looked at the camera.
The picture forced me to chew on a lot of things. One by one, the above mentioned questions were replaced with answers.
Black Amaranth lived up to my expectations. After all, it was the world I created. I gave it life. I should have faith in what I breathed life into.
The sequel will find its way too.
I've been published. Reviews will come. Good and bad. Sometimes it's not what happens to you, but how you react. Good reviews will certainly put a smile on my face. Bad reviews are simply the opinion of another. There might actually be something worth taking away. I don't know. It's a bridge I'll cross when I get there.
Sales: It's a bottomless pit that's unpredictable. I'm not going to let myself get swallowed up by the unknown. I will simply...continue. I'm a writer. That's what I'll stick to. Percentages give me a headache.
And then the picture. That's me. Before and after Black Amaranth I was and still am a reader. I love books. I love coffee. I wear black. My hair is usually in a bun of sorts. On the rare occasions I wear mascara, I usually forget that I have it on and rub my eyes resulting in smudges or burning eyes. Sometimes both.
Jane Eyre is undeniably one of my favorite novels. There's much to learn from her character. I relate with her. My picture helped put things back in perspective. I am Sasha Hibbs. I am a plain Jane. It's not the clothes I wear, but the person wearing them. I will never be revered a great beauty. There's a million of those creatures out there. I want to stand out. With my words. My laptop is my makeup. I want my fingertips to write beauty into things, places, times.
This is ME. The girl behind the book, reading about another world, words churning in her head, idea's surfacing. That's who I am. That's who I will remain.
Tomorrow I have an interview with the Clarksburg Exponent. I am thrilled. I'm not nervous about pictures. Not anymore. After all, it's not about what I look like. It's not about the girl wearing black. It's about Black Amaranth. It's about the journey. It's about reading and writing.
I'll show up tomorrow wearing my trademark black, hair pulled back into a bun. Maybe I'll spice it up a bit and wear some mascara. I'll try to remember I'm wearing it. But I'll show up for my interview with something else. The most important thing: my words. I have a kaleidoscope of words that are bursting with color and brightness. I have a story to tell that's full of life, and energy, and vividness.
My words...that's what I want to be beautiful.
August 5, 2013
Black Amaranth Cover Reveal and BlurbEighteen-year-old Al...
Black Amaranth Cover Reveal and Blurb
Eighteen-year-old Ally Watson arrives home from high school graduation, more than a little annoyed that her Uncle Argyle—Ally’s legal guardian and only surviving relative—didn’t even bother showing up. But instead of berating him for his forgetfulness, Ally finds him in a life-or-death battle with a monster. Argyle manages to kill the creature, and gives Ally a parcel containing a destiny she never knew existed.
Ally, along with her best friends Michael, Jessica, and David, hurry to Georgia to uncover the truth of Uncle Argyle’s secrets, and the meaning of the mysterious marks that Ally bears. Are the marks related to the blacksmith mythology of her ancestors? Who are these heavenly warriors who show up in the oddest of places? And will an ancient gypsy curse destroy the very things Ally fights to save?
Black Amaranth: a simple flower, a symbol with an ancient legacy, a conduit for prophecy…while faith and hope are essential to the journey, Ally soon discovers that love is the most powerful force of all.
Black Amaranth is a YA Paranormal Romance and the first in a trilogy! Release date scheduled for August 16, 2013.
Available in paperback for order through Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Black Amaranth will also be available in e-book format at the following distributors:
Amazon Kindle
All Romance e-Books
Barnes & Noble
BookStrand
Sony
Apple
Chapters-Indigo/KOBO
Coffee Time Romance
Rainbow Ebooks
Evernight Teen
Eighteen-year-old Ally Watson arrives home from high school graduation, more than a little annoyed that her Uncle Argyle—Ally’s legal guardian and only surviving relative—didn’t even bother showing up. But instead of berating him for his forgetfulness, Ally finds him in a life-or-death battle with a monster. Argyle manages to kill the creature, and gives Ally a parcel containing a destiny she never knew existed.
Ally, along with her best friends Michael, Jessica, and David, hurry to Georgia to uncover the truth of Uncle Argyle’s secrets, and the meaning of the mysterious marks that Ally bears. Are the marks related to the blacksmith mythology of her ancestors? Who are these heavenly warriors who show up in the oddest of places? And will an ancient gypsy curse destroy the very things Ally fights to save?
Black Amaranth: a simple flower, a symbol with an ancient legacy, a conduit for prophecy…while faith and hope are essential to the journey, Ally soon discovers that love is the most powerful force of all.
Black Amaranth is a YA Paranormal Romance and the first in a trilogy! Release date scheduled for August 16, 2013.
Available in paperback for order through Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Black Amaranth will also be available in e-book format at the following distributors:
Amazon Kindle
All Romance e-Books
Barnes & Noble
BookStrand
Sony
Apple
Chapters-Indigo/KOBO
Coffee Time Romance
Rainbow Ebooks
Evernight Teen
August 1, 2013
The Animals of Black AmaranthWhile I appreciate the anima...
The Animals of Black AmaranthWhile I appreciate the animal kingdom, dogs in particular, are my favorite. I have a beautiful black German Shepherd that loves her family! In appreciation of her, I naturally chose that breed of dog to appear in Black Amaranth. The rest of the animal kingdom I admire from a distance. Every single attempt at horseback riding as resulted in a calamity of sorts. I've been to Texas once. While there, it seemed only fitting to go horseback riding. I mean all the experience I had tucked away rested on all the Westerns I had watched up to that point in my life. John Wayne made it look pretty easy. Right? Wrong! I was thrown off, ran away crying, and swore I'd never try again. The next time, I was newly married and I thought it would be romantic (how many freakin' movies have we watched with a couple riding along the beach and off into the sunset?) to try horseback riding again. I had this picture in my mind of me sitting prettily perched atop some magnificent horse (I don't know, it worked for Lady Godiva) with my husband watching me, completely captivated while my blonde locks flowed around me like a heavenly halo. That didn't work either. Instead, my husband had the pleasure of watching his graceful wife dig her nails into the neck of the crazy horse I road because I was hanging on for dear life. My horse got spooked, I puked all over myself, was sure I was going to die, and had mascara running down my face as I cried yet again. Round number three of horseback riding occurred a few years later when my sister purchased a "pretty pony" for her kids, who turned out to be rather ugly, his name was Bill, and he tried to chew on my sisters hair mistaking it for hay (she dyed her hair an awful color and had well water: it turned out to be a deadly combination). Bill was older than dirt and as a pony, he was much smaller and seemed docile enough for me to handle should history repeat itself. I explained to my brother-in-law my horrid past with these "beautiful creatures" and he assured me all would turn out well. Bill even tried to cajole me, smiling and exposing rotted teeth while saying, "Sasha, I'm 200 years old. I don't have it in me anymore to run let alone exert enough energy to actually kick you off. Trust me, swing yourself up over on my back and allow me to show you how horseback riding should have been for you all these years. Let me erase all the bad memories and pain!" I looked Bill-the-pony in the eye and said, "Let's do this!" I placed my foot securely in the foot-thingy part of the saddle and used my other foot to push off. I remember as I was going up, up, and up, I thought, "Yes! This is going to the one!" Problem was, I continued to go full circle landing not on ancient Bill's back, but hanging upside down briefly from his stomach, until I fell on my back with his ***** for a view. My brother-in-law forgot to actually strap the saddle onto Bill's back-he merely laid it there. At this point, I had mud (I chose to believe that's what the thick brown stuff was) caked all over myself. I think this startled poor old Bill, because as he said earlier, he was simply too old to move. Instead his 200-year-old bladder emptied all over me. At 32, I have never tried riding any type of animal again.
Without further ado, let me introduce you to the lovely, loyal creatures of Black Amaranth.
First up: Miss Elma
Second up: Camille
Lastly: Silva
With only two weeks left until Black Amaranth is released, I will be running some contests including matching these beautiful animals to their owners in the very near future. Stay tuned....
Without further ado, let me introduce you to the lovely, loyal creatures of Black Amaranth.
First up: Miss Elma
Second up: Camille 
Lastly: Silva 
With only two weeks left until Black Amaranth is released, I will be running some contests including matching these beautiful animals to their owners in the very near future. Stay tuned....
July 27, 2013
Announcing Release Date For Black Amaranth: August 16, 20...
Announcing Release Date For Black Amaranth: August 16, 2013.I'll have to postpone my next installment of Awesome YA Female Characters for a while in anticipation of my own YA Fiction novel, Black Amaranth, book one in The Vulcan Legacies series. I'm excited to begin gushing about my own work which will be very soon. I cannot wait to share some teasers with my audience and a cover reveal. I do have to pause and give a shout out to my editor, JS Cook of Evernight Teen, for all the wonderful compliments, editorial suggestions, and the inflated head I'm now sporting these days. This has been a dream for such a long time, it's hard to believe that in a few short days, it will actually be realized. I think of yesterday and the moment I knew I wanted to be an author. I think of today and the excitement that my dream has been fulfilled. And I think of tomorrow and the future installments of a story that started so long ago with only an idea, a supportive husband and an HP Laptop that my sister bought for me. Stay tuned for details, in the very near future I will be giving away some cool prizes in celebration of my release!
July 14, 2013
Evernight Teen: Evernight Teen Spotlight: PHOENIX: THE RISING by B...
Evernight Teen: Evernight Teen Spotlight: PHOENIX: THE RISING by B...: PHOENIX: THE RISING Blurb: Every 300 years, the immortal Phoenix returns to Mono Lake to be reborn—but this time it didn't ret...
July 11, 2013
Part II: Awesome YA Female CharactersI should have blogge...
Part II: Awesome YA Female CharactersI should have blogged about my awesome YA female characters first, but I'm still in Black-Amaranth-hasn't-been-released-yet mode. As the release date approaches I'll be blogging more about my characters. Tonight, I'll start with a lineup of the leading females.
1.) Ally Watson: Ally has a pretty big secret, one that threatens to destroy the world or save it. I was emotionally charged to relay the struggles of being a teenager, meeting and overcoming adversity at such a crucial age, and the joys and sorrows of young love through Ally's voice. It was a roller coaster journey telling Ally's story. Living a life of obscurity, harboring secrets, striving for normalcy, wanting to taste life outside the cage you were raised in and discovering love for the first time were all joyous and painful elements to write through Ally's eyes. Of course my leading lady would be my favorite gal. Black Amaranth is written from Ally's POV, and so through her, I discovered all the above mentioned things. I'm excited to introduce her to the world of YA fiction, but for me, Ally Watson is real and she is one awesome YA female character!
2.) Jessica Howels: Jessica is Ally's best friend. They've been pretty tight since kindergarten. Jessica has several fabulous traits that make her a leading lady. Normally on the shy side, Jessica doesn't back down when Ally is up against some troubled waters. It's always refreshing to watch someone come out of their shell and to read the circumstances leading up to it. We get to see that with Jessica and a bit of a love/hate relationship in the most unexpected way. I loved writing about Jessica's struggles to understand herself and how one would adapt to some seriously uncomfortable situations.
3.) Brandi Fraiser: Brandi is not just a bitch. She is the bitch. Rich, beautiful, popular, and oozing superb bitchiness, Brandi is unstoppable and the sole source of Ally's nonexistent social life. Brandi ruled Mitchell High with an iron fist, or more directly, ruled with a legion of cheerleader minions. After graduation, Brandi is thrust into a world where she and Ally are tied together by more than their mutual hate of each other. Sometimes you can't judge a book by its cover. Even the most outwardly confident girls can be insecure on the inside.
Stay tuned for Part III: Awesome YA Female Characters!
1.) Ally Watson: Ally has a pretty big secret, one that threatens to destroy the world or save it. I was emotionally charged to relay the struggles of being a teenager, meeting and overcoming adversity at such a crucial age, and the joys and sorrows of young love through Ally's voice. It was a roller coaster journey telling Ally's story. Living a life of obscurity, harboring secrets, striving for normalcy, wanting to taste life outside the cage you were raised in and discovering love for the first time were all joyous and painful elements to write through Ally's eyes. Of course my leading lady would be my favorite gal. Black Amaranth is written from Ally's POV, and so through her, I discovered all the above mentioned things. I'm excited to introduce her to the world of YA fiction, but for me, Ally Watson is real and she is one awesome YA female character!
2.) Jessica Howels: Jessica is Ally's best friend. They've been pretty tight since kindergarten. Jessica has several fabulous traits that make her a leading lady. Normally on the shy side, Jessica doesn't back down when Ally is up against some troubled waters. It's always refreshing to watch someone come out of their shell and to read the circumstances leading up to it. We get to see that with Jessica and a bit of a love/hate relationship in the most unexpected way. I loved writing about Jessica's struggles to understand herself and how one would adapt to some seriously uncomfortable situations. 
3.) Brandi Fraiser: Brandi is not just a bitch. She is the bitch. Rich, beautiful, popular, and oozing superb bitchiness, Brandi is unstoppable and the sole source of Ally's nonexistent social life. Brandi ruled Mitchell High with an iron fist, or more directly, ruled with a legion of cheerleader minions. After graduation, Brandi is thrust into a world where she and Ally are tied together by more than their mutual hate of each other. Sometimes you can't judge a book by its cover. Even the most outwardly confident girls can be insecure on the inside. 
Stay tuned for Part III: Awesome YA Female Characters!
June 30, 2013
Part I: Awesome YA Female CharactersIf you've been readin...
Part I: Awesome YA Female CharactersIf you've been reading my blog then you've probably figured out Jane Eyre is not only my favorite book of all time, but Jane Eyre herself is my favorite character of all time. While Jane Eyre is a literary classic, it certainly is not labeled as YA Fiction. But Jane Eyre herself was a YA. So I have to at least dedicate a few lines to her before starting my list of awesome YA Female Characters. Before the age of 20, this chick survived the death of her parents, temporarily living with a pack of snobby brats/bitchy aunt only to move into an orphanage ran by an evil religious fanatic where her only friend ends up dying, and then onto Thornfield Hall where she's bizarrely courted by a wannabe polygamist. Oh, and she could speak French. Jane Eyre is as tough as they come!
1.) Lena Duchannes: This dark, Gothic YA female rocks! Not only does she have the worst family reunions (I can relate with that on so many levels) but she has the perfect set of eyes. Oh, and her main squeeze has all the cute charm of a good southern raised boy, accent included! Throughout the Caster Chronicles, Lena's faced with family sacrifices, choosing between good and evil, and never giving up on true love-even when her true love is cold and without a beating heart.
2.) Ridley Duchannes: Ridley doesn't get enough credit. There is something more special about dark turning light vs being naturally good. Throughout the series, I watched Ridley go from selling out her own family to save her dark Caster skin to fighting against darkness that she had no real control over and turning out to be good. I mean, it's kind of like having a congenital disease. Ridley couldn't help how the dark claimed her but somehow she persevered and overcame it with a cure all of her own. And finally she gave Link the time of day, which added several points in my book!
3.) Olivia "Liv" Durand: We meet Liv in Beautiful Darkness, the sequel to Beautiful Creatures. As much as I enjoyed the entire series, I actually sat outside in a cheap blue lawn chair for an entire day reading this one. I couldn't budge I was so hooked. Liv is the girl next door who picked up Ethan's broken heart and pieced it back together. Liv was also the Hermione of the Caster Chronicles. Liv is smart, pretty, humble and she's a Led Zeppelin fan. Liv has all the defining characteristics to make her an awesome YA female character.
Stay tuned for Part II!
1.) Lena Duchannes: This dark, Gothic YA female rocks! Not only does she have the worst family reunions (I can relate with that on so many levels) but she has the perfect set of eyes. Oh, and her main squeeze has all the cute charm of a good southern raised boy, accent included! Throughout the Caster Chronicles, Lena's faced with family sacrifices, choosing between good and evil, and never giving up on true love-even when her true love is cold and without a beating heart.
2.) Ridley Duchannes: Ridley doesn't get enough credit. There is something more special about dark turning light vs being naturally good. Throughout the series, I watched Ridley go from selling out her own family to save her dark Caster skin to fighting against darkness that she had no real control over and turning out to be good. I mean, it's kind of like having a congenital disease. Ridley couldn't help how the dark claimed her but somehow she persevered and overcame it with a cure all of her own. And finally she gave Link the time of day, which added several points in my book!
3.) Olivia "Liv" Durand: We meet Liv in Beautiful Darkness, the sequel to Beautiful Creatures. As much as I enjoyed the entire series, I actually sat outside in a cheap blue lawn chair for an entire day reading this one. I couldn't budge I was so hooked. Liv is the girl next door who picked up Ethan's broken heart and pieced it back together. Liv was also the Hermione of the Caster Chronicles. Liv is smart, pretty, humble and she's a Led Zeppelin fan. Liv has all the defining characteristics to make her an awesome YA female character. 
Stay tuned for Part II!
June 19, 2013
The New YA Fiction Writer On The BlockBriefly, I thought ...
The New YA Fiction Writer On The BlockBriefly, I thought of New Kids On The Block and had horrific flashbacks of stirrup pants, fanny packs and neon-green biker pants. My sisters would laugh, because they wore them too while rehearsing embarrassing dance routines to "The Right Stuff." Now that's done and over, let's flash forward to 2013.
As the title implies, I am the new kid on the block. Around 6 weeks ago, I was still checking my email in the hopes of hearing back from one of my submissions. Now that I've signed the long awaited contract, things have been a whirlwind. I've been introduced to many awesome authors and have been embraced by the writing community-a community I had no idea was so large. I've figured out how to blog, create author pages, a twitter account that actually has followers...it's been crazy to say the least! It's been humbling to have established authors take me under their wing and help guide me into a social media world I always assumed you had to be a cast member of the Matrix to be part of.
Evernight Teen's summer blog hop begins this Friday, June 21st. While I was invited to participate (and that would be super cool) I've opted to wait until Black Amaranth is actually released to the public before joining in an Evernight Teen blogging experience. Black Amaranth is still undergoing edits and I want readers to get the finished product instead of something that may still require some tweaking.
In the meantime, I am posting my author interview and hoping that you will tune in to the Evernight Teen Summer Blog Hop. Check it out for a chance to win a Kindle! How cool is that?
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
1.) I’m a registered nurse, mother of two daughters and wife to one awesome husband. I love Starbucks, paranormal YA and Adult fiction, indie music and am addicted to HBO.
What inspired you to write this book?
2.) My husband, the blacksmith. The mythology and superstition surrounding the early blacksmith’s was a piece of forgotten history just begging for a story to be told.
How did you come up with the title?
3.) Black Amaranth. Amaranth is a flower, Greek in origin and is undying thus symbolizing immortality. Titling my novel, Black Amaranth, was to stay true to the Greek meaning while adding the “Black” to evoke a dark, Gothic feel to it.
Give us a ridiculously simplified synopsis of your book in one sentence.4.) Paranormal epic romance between one girl, two boys and a destiny forged in the heavens that entangle all three forever.
As the title implies, I am the new kid on the block. Around 6 weeks ago, I was still checking my email in the hopes of hearing back from one of my submissions. Now that I've signed the long awaited contract, things have been a whirlwind. I've been introduced to many awesome authors and have been embraced by the writing community-a community I had no idea was so large. I've figured out how to blog, create author pages, a twitter account that actually has followers...it's been crazy to say the least! It's been humbling to have established authors take me under their wing and help guide me into a social media world I always assumed you had to be a cast member of the Matrix to be part of.
Evernight Teen's summer blog hop begins this Friday, June 21st. While I was invited to participate (and that would be super cool) I've opted to wait until Black Amaranth is actually released to the public before joining in an Evernight Teen blogging experience. Black Amaranth is still undergoing edits and I want readers to get the finished product instead of something that may still require some tweaking.
In the meantime, I am posting my author interview and hoping that you will tune in to the Evernight Teen Summer Blog Hop. Check it out for a chance to win a Kindle! How cool is that?
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
1.) I’m a registered nurse, mother of two daughters and wife to one awesome husband. I love Starbucks, paranormal YA and Adult fiction, indie music and am addicted to HBO.
What inspired you to write this book?
2.) My husband, the blacksmith. The mythology and superstition surrounding the early blacksmith’s was a piece of forgotten history just begging for a story to be told.
How did you come up with the title?
3.) Black Amaranth. Amaranth is a flower, Greek in origin and is undying thus symbolizing immortality. Titling my novel, Black Amaranth, was to stay true to the Greek meaning while adding the “Black” to evoke a dark, Gothic feel to it.
Give us a ridiculously simplified synopsis of your book in one sentence.4.) Paranormal epic romance between one girl, two boys and a destiny forged in the heavens that entangle all three forever.
