Alice Brown's Blog, page 8

JK Publishing Reader Appreciation Blog Hop

Thanks to everyone that participated!  I hope everyone had a great time!  Don’t forget that A Special Gift, Vampires Among Us #2 is scheduled to be released between Dec. 26-28!  Keep a watch on the website and my facebook page (once you are in f/b, go https://www.facebook.com/alicebrownau...) for more details!  You will want to like the page anyways, as Mr. Brown and I have been busy trying to give this page a facelift.  Starting next year we will be holding “fan of the week” contests, I will be posting snippets of current work in progress, and posting monthly newsletters on the site.  You will also have the option of “one-click-buy” straight from the site to Amazon!   Have a very Merry Christmas everyone!

***Also, please check out my good friend Jess Buffet's blog hop at:
 http://jessbuffett.wordpress.com/2013/12/19/jk-publishing-reader-appreciation-blog-hop   
she is on tomorrow's schedule, but being in Australia, her time differs much from ours and it is my understanding that she is starting hers now.....so hurry on over and say hi!




***Currently on question #7 ***

#7.  The most popular toy of 1984 was what doll named after a vegetable?
Amy Bowens got that one correct w/ Cabbage Patch doll...congratulations, Amy and she has chosen the VCTF keychain and whistle

Okay, that leaves just one prize left, and that is a ebook of Vampires Among Us
so, here is the last question of the evening:  In the "Christmas Song" what are folks dressed up like? 




Remaining list of prizes:

1 VCTF keychain with whistle
1 e-book copy of Vampires Among Us


Question #5:   Name the three reindeer whose names begin with "D" ** we have a winner:
Barbara K answered, Donner, Dancer, Dasher and has chosen the mousepad as her prize
Welcome Barbara!  Stick around, we still have a few more questions to go!

#6.  Scrooge feared this Ghost the most?  Amy Bowens got the correct answer with "Ghost of Christmas yet to come"
Amy, I need for you to pick a prize out of the list below.  Next question in five min. everyone!

Remaining list of prizes:

1 VCTF keychain with whistle
1 e-book copy of Vampires Among Us

Okay, Amy picked the notepad and pen as her prize, so removing that off the list, we have two more prizes!  And here is the next question!

#7.  The most popular toy of 1984 was what doll named after a vegetable?






Well, today has been a blast ladies!  I am so glad everyone stopped in to say hi, play some games, and have some fun!  But wait, it’s not over quite yet! So, I thought I’d share with you a personal tidbit.  Every year, after Thanksgiving dinner is over with and the kitchen is cleaned up, we start digging out our Christmas decorations.  With either Christmas music or a movie going in the background, soon the family starts getting into the spirit of things.
Until we go to start decorating the tree.  You see, the little paper and cloth angel ornament photo I have included I made back when I was in kindergarten.  And let me tell you, that was a long, long time ago.  It amazes me every year when I dig through the decorations and come across it.  I fully expect it to crumble in my hands, or to have damage of some sort, but it looks as it always has.  And then, I gently take it out of the box and look up to see my husband and daughter rolling their eyes.  They know what is coming, I just can’t seem to help myself.  “You know, I made this ornament when I was back in kindergarten.” I say to them.  They hear it year after year; and their reply is usually something like, “yes mom, I know, you tell me every year.”  Or “Yes, dear, I know.”  But then I see two big smiles on their faces because they know that something so little, of no dollar worth what-so-ever, is one of my most treasured items.
Okay, enough going down memory lane or I am going to start crying.  Nope, this is a party!  And here is what we are going to do.  I am going to list the prizes I have left.  Then, I am going to start posting Christmas trivia questions.  The questions will be spaced out about 15 minutes or so over the next hour and half.  As you answer them, also state what prize you would like to receive.  As the prizes are called for, I will delete them off the list. First correct answer gets their choice of the gifts listed below.  So here we go:

Prizes List: 

1 Alice Brown notebook and matching pen
1 VCTF keychain with whistle
1 e-book copy of Vampires Among Us
1 mousepad of A Special Gift

Christmas Trivia Questions:  1. What were Frosty's last words?  Okay, this one has been claimed!
Answered by bn100 who is getting the A Special Gift keychain and flashlight

2.   The most popular item to put on top of a Christmas tree is?  Tiffany got this one correct and asked for ebook of The Music Box

***TIffany, your answer came in the exact same time as the other answer, so I missed it.  I apologize, and you still get the free copy of Vampires Among Us!  I am going to leave it on the list, though, since I have questions already picked out.  I'll email you after the blog to see what type of reader you have.  Thanks for playing!

Tiffany, you won both questions 1 &2...we are going to take a small break, about 5 minutes before next quesion is called.  Tiffany, please pick out another gift you would like so I can remove it from the list....thanks and congratulations!

Sorry that took a bit longer than 5 minutes. I had to go make a sandwich for dinner.  Now I'm back, and we are going to continue.

3.   Who yelled "Stop!" to Frosty? Lysette Lam got this one correct and has won the small framed photo of A Special Gift, Vampires Among Us #2...congratulations!
Okay, only 4 more questions to go!

4.  Which reindeer's name is also the name of a kitchen cleanser?   ???  What, no answers?  The answer is Comet!  Let's move on, next question will be below the picture. 
I am also changing font size to larger on the current question and color to red...I am hoping that will keep everyone from getting confused.





Okay, the winner for the last blog contest that we held is:  Sarah M.  Sarah, I loved your story about getting a new Christmas ornament every year.  It reminded me of when my daughter was a baby, we started collecting the holiday bears at Wal-Mart.  As you can well imagine, they soon overran us!  As my daughter is grown now and outgrew them, they had been sitting in the garage for a few years.  Last year my husband's unit was deployed the end of November, and a few wives and myself got together and planned a Christmas party for the families.  I washed up all of those bears and took them to the armory, set them up as props for picture taking and young kids to play with, and then gave them away at the end of the party.  
Sarah if you will email me at:  authoralicebrown@gmail.com with your information, I can make arrangements to get the prize to you when it comes out.

Also want to mention Janka and her lovely tradition of going on a train ride.  I really wish they had something like that around my house.  It sounds like it would be a lot of fun.
And Katherine, it sounds like you have a family full of love, girl!  

Next contest will be up shortly, so don't go anywhere!



**Heads Up!  This is a Special One!**
I want to thank each of you who have stopped by and participated today.  I am so lucky to have such a wonderful group of fans!  I am looking forward to spending more time with each of you next year, as well as continue to write what you love!   For the fourth prize:  Want to be the first to get your hands on the highly anticipated release of A Special Gift, Vampires Among Us #2?  The projected release date is 12/26-28, but if you win this prize, I will make sure you are sent one of the very first copies!  This will be in e-book only.  Along with the book, I’ll include a swag pack.
So, simply leave me a reply telling me about one holiday tradition that you love.  For me and my family, it’s making and decorating gingerbread cookies.  It is hard on my hands, because I always make a double batch of dough.  I cut out the cookies thick, which leaves them soft in the center, just the way my household likes them.  After they are baked and cooled, I make up a batch of royal icing and divide it into tea cups.  Add a different color to each cup, we then take a set of cake decorating paint brushes to ‘paint the cookies’! 
Our daughter didn’t appreciate it when two years ago hubby and I got a bit dog-tired crazy and started decorating the cookies complete with male/female body parts!  We had so much fun that we continued it last year, and already talking about who can ‘decorate’ the best gingerbread angel, or man this year!
So, what is a favorite tradition of yours?  Leave me your reply along with your name and email.  Winner will be picked randomly.
***Next contest will be around 7:00 p.m.  Be sure to join me for a chance to answer some more Christmas trivia and pick your own prize!
 

 

 
     

  
















Congratulations!  Our winners for the last blog hop quiz were:  Janka & bn100.  Janka, I already have your info., so I will include this with your other prizes; bn100, I am emailing you in just a few to get your information.  Thank you to both of you ladies for playing!
Okay, next contest will be starting in just a few! 




Are we having fun yet?  I hope so!  Okay, on to our third blog, and another chance to win some cool prizes!
The third prize today is a holiday stationary gift set.  To win, simply answer the Christmas questions below with the correct answer.  The first two that gets all of the answers correct will win the gift set (Yes, I have two to give away!)  Don’t forget to include your name and email in the comments.   Next drawing after this will be about 4:00 this afternoon!What is Frosty the Snowman’s nose made of?Possible Answers:  A carrot, A potato, A button, A rock
  Who is Ebenezer?Possible Answers:  The Milk Man, The 23rd President, The Scrooge, Mrs. Claus’s secret friend
 What color is the Grinch?Possible Answers:  Green, Blue, White, Black
  Which reindeer’s name starts with a “B”?Possible Answers:  Bart, Burt, Bodog, Blitzen
  Which reindeer does not belong below?Possible Answers:  Dancer, Comet, Roger, Dasher 
 



Time to announce our winners for this morning!  For the first blog, name one of the authors that was participating in the blog hop yesterday, the winner is:  Daina Merritt!

The winner for the second blog contest is Janka Duncan!
Congratulations ladies!  I will be contacting you shortly to make arrangements to get you the gifts!
Now, nobody go away!  We will be having our next contest shortly!
****And, as a special treat, just because I love you guys so much, and I am in the Christmas gift giving spirit; Janka and Cheryl, I have some wonderful runner up prizes for you ladies!  I'll be contacting you shortly with info!
  


JK Blog Hop Fan Appreciation:  Today is all about being thankful for our fans and supporters.  I want to make sure I send out a special thank you to my international fans.  I have been fortunate enough to make friends with a few in the UK, Australia, and Greece.  They have been a huge help in getting word spread around about my books.  Thank you ladies! For the second prize of the day, we are going to play a Christmas trivia game.  Leave your answers along with your name and email.  The first person to answer all of the questions correctly will win a handmade bracelet and earring set.  I'll be announcing the winners for this blog and the first one this morning about noon, so don't go away!What Christmas Ballet is the most famous of all?Possible Answers:  Rudolph’s Surprise, The Nutcracker, Mr and Mrs. Clause, Frosty Goes to New York
 Where was Mommy kissing Santa Claus?
Possible Answers: On the Corner, In the Bedroom, Under the Mistletoe, In a Dark Alley
 Who wrote the song "Here Comes Santa Claus"?Possible Answers:  Michael Jackson, Gene Autry, Persy Douglas, Leroy Jones
  What does Alvin want for Christmas?
Possible Answers:  An iPod, A bottle of Rum, A Hula Hoop, A new car
  What should little children leave out for Santa on Christmas Eve?Possible Answers:  Cookies and Milk, A bottle of Wine, Chewing gum, Cheddar Cheese
 





Fan Appreciation


This week has been deemed reader appreciation week at JK Publishing.  I am pleased to be a part of this wonderful group of authors and editors that make up this unique company.

I clearly remember the first post that I received from a reader shortly after Vampires Among Us was released.  She told me how much she loved the book; that she had written a wonderful review for me, and was looking forward to my next release! As a new writer, I had no idea previous to this as to how well my writing would be received.  It is a gamble that all new writers take.  Reading her post brought an instant smile to my face, and I remember thinking, yes, I can do this! 

Since then I have met so many wonderful people who have been willing to not only read my work, but help me get word out about it as well.  Numerous of you have passed out bookmarks for me, shared posts about my books, and given me a shout-out within your groups.  Thank you!  I know I would not be where I am today without you. 

And since today is my day for the JK Reader Appreciation Blog Hop, I will be giving away multiple prizes throughout the day.  All winners will be picked randomly.  So, keep a close watch for my blog posts today in order to win some really cool prizes!  Be sure to leave your name and email in the comment section below so I have a way of contacting you. 

Two other JK Authors who are both very cool ladies in their own right are also involved in the JK Blog Hop today, so stop by their blogs as well and tell them Alice sent you!  PS…I heard they also have some pretty cool prizes they are giving away! 

Author Lynn Ray Lewis: http://lynnraylewis.blogspot.ca/?zx=47756e228d86c8bb
Author Jessica Anderson Killabrew:  http://jessicaandersonauthor.weebly.com/blog.html

Now, for the first prize.  Free ebook of your choice of Vampires Among Us or The Music Box.  Will also include an 8.5 x 11 photo of cover and a set of character description cards.  All you have to do to win is tell me in the comments section below the name of one of the authors that was involved in the JK blog hop yesterday (12/17).  Don’t forget to leave me your name and email also, because the first ten participants in this event will automatically be eligible to receive an autographed bookmark of my upcoming release, A Special Gift, Vampires Among Us #2.
 

And this is just in case you didn't get enough coffee in you this morning. Hello...anyone want to offer to help this guy dress...I mean, undress?

JK Publishing Reader Appreciation Blog Hop

The authors of JK Publishing want to thank you-their readers- for all of the support and loyalty
throughout 2013!
 
We're holding a one week READER APPRECIATION BLOG HOP!
 
December 16-20th many of your favorite JK Authors and a handful of bloggers will be offering up prizes and goodies all to say THANKS!
 
GRAND PRIZE of a $100 gift card to your choice of Ebook retailers, and dozens of other prizes given on each individual blog!


Dec 16th:

Gracie Meadows- http://graciemeadowsauthor.weebly.com/jk-publishing-readers-appreciation-blog.html

Mary Menage Whispers- http://marymenage.wordpress.com/2013/12/15/dec-16-20-jk-publishing-reader-appreciation-blog-hop/

KD Jones: http://www.authorkdjones.com/apps/blog/

Honor James: http://honor-james.blogspot.com/p/jk-publishing-reader-appreciation-blog.html

Reviewing Vixens: http://reviewingvixens.webs.com/jk-blog-hop


Dec 17th:

Willow Brooke: http://willowbrooke.weebly.com/jk-publishing-reader-appreciation-blog-hop.html#/news/

Avery Gale: http://averygale.com/ 

Sabrina Kent: http://sabrinakent.webs.com/

Pearls InnerGodesses: http://www.innergoddessforum.com

Reviewing Vixens: http://reviewingvixens.webs.com/jk-blog-hop


Dec 18th:

Alice Brown: http://authoralicebrown.com/my-blog-page/blog/JK-Publishing-Reader-Appreciation-Blog-Hop

Lynn Ray Lewis:  http://lynnraylewis.blogspot.ca/?m=1&zx=27afc9b271aac5c3

Jessica Anderson: http://jessicaandersonauthor.weebly.com/1/post/2013/12/reader-appreciation.html

Wicked Readings: http://www.wickedreadingsbytawania.blogspot.com/?zx=869293ee3e682756

Reviewing Vixens: http://reviewingvixens.webs.com/jk-blog-hop



Dec 19th:

Bryce Evans: http://bryceevans.webs.com/jk-readers-appreciation-blog

Jess Buffett: http://jessbuffett.wordpress.com/2013/12/19/jk-publishing-reader-appreciation-blog-hop

Reviewing Vixens: http://reviewingvixens.webs.com/jk-blog-hop

Dec 20th:

Lori King: http://lorikingbooks.wordpress.com/

Jana Leigh: http://janaleigh.webs.com/apps/blog/

Lynn St. James: http://lynnestjames.wordpress.com/

Reviewing Vixens: http://reviewingvixens.webs.com/jk-blog-hop
 

Kitty Corner

We have three cats.  The oldest is a fifteen year old female who is down to only having one fang.  And she is the only one who can catch a mouse in the house.  She gums it to death, quite literally. 

The other two are brothers, and although they look alike, they have totally different personalities.  Harley, currently weighs in at almost 20 lbs.  He likes to eat.  He also thinks he is a movie star.  I probably didn’t help matters when I announced that I put a cat with his likeness in my upcoming release, A Special Gift, Vampires Among Us 2.  And since we decided to do up small photo albums with the characters in the book, someone in my household came up with the brainstorm of putting the cat’s picture in the album also.  Now his head currently won’t fit through a door opening!  The other brother (White Star), is the baby of the group.  He cuddles with you when you are sick.  He is extremely timid and shy; but has a great personality. 

Things were going smoothly until four days ago.  A ten-week old puppy was dumped in front of our house.  I find it ironic that my daughter had just put a post out on facebook two days prior that she needed a dog, she was tired of snuggling with her pillow.   It was pouring rain and freezing cold, and the cute little fur ball came waddling up to our door, whimpering.  He was wet, cold, and hungry.  First things first, he got a warm bath before he was allowed to roam the house. 

So, an hour and half later, he was bathed, dried, and had a full belly.  And that is when it hit the cats that this little fur demon was staying.  For good.  While two chose the route, “leave us alone and we’ll leave you alone”; Harley’s response was a big, “Oh hell NO we aren’t keeping that thing!”

“Oh yes we are darling cat!”

And since then anytime the puppy is loose, it is a free-for-all in my house.  Harley makes it his ultimate goal to swat at the puppy any chance he gets.  And he has already laced the poor little guy’s nose open when the dog got a little too close for his liking!  I have a large dog crate that we are keeping the puppy in when we can’t be right there with him.  Trust me, this is for his own protection as well as my sanity.  The only problem, the cat climbs in it every chance he gets, trying to take it over also.  Jealous much? 

So, the Brown household is currently the new North Carolina zoo.  Believe me, at three cats, one new puppy, one very ornery bearded dragon, and Christmas decorations everywhere, I feel like it is the zoo!

Upcoming Blog Hop

The authors would like to celebrate and thank our wonderful readers and supporters for such a successful year.  So, we decided to get together and hold a blog hop.  Each day, starting Monday, Dec. 16, 2013 through Friday, Dec. 20, 2013 there will be two or three authors featured per day.  Each author will be giving away prizes as they thank their fans.  In order to be eligible for the final drawing at the end of the blog, be sure to stop by each author's blog and enter for at least one contest.  Remember, the more you sign up for, the more chances you have at winning the final drawing!  

I will be featured Wednesday, Dec. 18, so be sure to stop back by and say hi, as I will be giving away multiple prizes and gifts that day!

Recipe Drawing

Fall has arrived, and with it has come cooler temperatures for much of the region.  For me, fall means getting back out into my kitchen and start cooking and baking for the family on a regular basis.  So, I decided since my holiday book, The Music Box, will be released on November 7, to hold a recipe contest.  I am going to include a couple of my favorite recipes here on the blog to get everyone started.  Enter your favorite recipe along with your name and email in the comment section.  I will be posting all recipes to website along with the names of contributors!  Along with that, I will be choosing at random several lucky winners to receive one of these gifts.

-e-book copy of The Music Box
-holiday stationary gift bag
-surprise gifts!
 
Contest will end promptly November 15, 2013 at midnight EST.  Names will be placed in a drawing and winners will be picked randomly. 
 

Okay, so here is a few of my favorite recipes.  Hope you enjoy them and looking forward to trying yours!

Sweet Potato Casserole:
2-3 large sweet potatoes or 4-5 small (cooked)                    ½ tsp. vanilla
¼ cup brown sugar                                                                  ½ tsp. cinnamon
¼ cup white sugar                                                                   ¼ tsp. nutmeg
½ stick butter, melted                                                             ¼ tsp. allspice
Mash sweet potatoes in medium bowl.  Add all other ingredients and blend well.  Transfer to baking dish.  Make topping listed below and put on top.
Topping:
1/3 cup flour                                                                           ¾ cup chopped nuts
½ cup brown sugar                                                                 ¼ cup butter or marg. Melted

Mix all ingredients and add on top of sweet potato mixture.
Bake at 325 for 30 minutes.  Remove from oven and add miniature marshmallows on top.  Put back in oven just long enough to get marshmallows to start turning brown on top.  ***Watch carefully***  Remove from oven.
***Note:  It is a good idea to use a cookie sheet lined with tin foil under the baking dish, especially after adding marshmallows!
 
 
 
All Purpose Bread Dough
This recipe calls for the use of a bread machine, which I would be utterly lost without owning one.  A friend of mine gave me this recipe years ago when bread machines were just becoming popular.  Although I have tried many bread recipes since then, I always come back to this one.  It is my favorite!  It is very versatile and can be used to make numerous items.  Besides bread, the dough can be used to make homemade cinnamon rolls (just brush melted butter on rolled out dough and then put brown sugar and cinnamon on.  Roll and cut.)  I’ve also used this to make dinner rolls and homemade doughnuts!  Just remember, if you take the dough out of bread machine at end of dough cycle, you must let it rise before baking!

Ingredients (In order)
1 cup of milk  (can use half water/half milk)…warm while melting butter
½ stick of butter, melted
1 egg—beaten
1 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. honey
2 ¾ cups of flour (bread flour works best)
2 tsp. yeast
Put all ingredients into the bread machine in above order….
 


Favorite Hot Cocoa Recipe:
1 ½ cups whipping cream                                           2 cups milk chocolate chips
14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk                  6 cups milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker.  Cover and cook on low setting for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.  Ladle into mugs, serve warm.  Serves 8-10.
 

 
Ham and Cheese Soup:
This next recipe I have only made once, and I must warn those that are interested that the recipe makes a huge amount!  It just barely fit in my large crock pot! 
I think the next time I make this I am going to add potatoes to it, and half the recipe.  I still have two more meals of this in the freezer, but I must admit, add some homemade rolls to this rich soup and you’ve got a delicious meal!

***This recipe came from Gooseberry Patches Slow Cooking All Year Round cookbook.

1 red pepper, diced                                                    3 cups pasteurized process cheese spread, diced
1 onion, diced                                                             8 oz. pkg. shredded Cheddar Jack cheese
3-4 cloves garlic, minced                                            4 cups milk
¾ lb. cooked ham, diced                                             1 cup  whipping cream
2 10 ¾ oz. cans Cheddar cheese soup                        1 tsp. salt or to taste
2 10 ¾ oz. cans cream of potato soup                        2 tsp. pepper
                                                                                    1 Tbsp. garlic herb seasoning

Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker, mix well.  Cover and cook on low setting for 4-6 hours or on high setting for 2-3 hours, until bubbly and cheese is melted.
 

 
Yankee-Doodle Sirloin Roast:
½ cup beef broth                                                         Large roast, your choice of cut
½ cup teriyaki or soy sauce
2 tbsp. brown sugar
2 Tbsp. chopped onion
3 cloves, garlic—minced
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

Place roast in crock pot.  Mix remaining ingredients and add to crock pot.  Cook 8-10 hours.
***This recipe also works well with chicken.  Just replace beef broth with chicken broth and roast with chicken breasts or thighs.
 

 
This next recipe is a must have at my house during the holidays.  Although my husband is not a sweet-eater, he devours this cake!

Barcardi Rum Cake:

1 box of yellow cake mix                                                        ½ cup cold water
1 pkg. (3 ¾ oz.) vanilla instant pudding & pie filling              ½ cup Bacardi rum
4 eggs                                                                                      ½ cup vegetable oil

Preheat oven to 325.  Grease and flour a 10 inch tube pan.  Mix all of the above ingredients together with mixer until smooth.  Pour into prepared pan.  Bake 1 hour.  Cool in pan for 25 minutes, then invert onto serving plate.  Price top with fork numerous times.  Spoon and brush Rum Glaze (see below) evenly over cake, allowing the cake to absorb the glaze.  When cake is completely cooled, drizzle with Chocolate Glaze (see below). 
Rum Glaze:
¼ lb. (1 stick) butter                                                                ¼ cup water
1 cup granulated sugar                                                           ½ cup Bacardi rum
Melt butter in saucepan.  Stir in water and sugar.  Boil for 5 minutes.  Remove from heat, stir in rum.
 
Chocolate Glaze Topping:
4 oz. semi-sweet chocolate
1 tsp. butter or shortening

Melt chocolate and butter over very low heat in heavy saucepan.
***Although this recipe calls for Bacardi rum, I have used off brand varieties for years.  I don’t see where it makes any difference.
 
Okay, so how about sharing a favorite recipe with us?  Be sure to leave your name and email, so I can contact you if you win one of the prizes!
 

Opening week for book!

Whew!  I have officially made it through the first week of the release of Vampires Among Us.  Things were a bit crazy for the first few days as my hubby and I learned how to organize all advertising aspects, but other than that, it has been smooth sailing.  
I can see where it will all get easier as time goes by and I continue to get my feet wet in the "advertising a book" industry.  Until then, I just keep plugging along, learning about new avenues every day.
If you haven't bought your copy, you might want to hurry over to: http://www.bookstrand/vampires-among-us.  It is being offered at 15% off

Pre-Order Vampires Among Us Now

 You can pre-order Vampires Among Us now from Siren Bookstrand.

Character Interviews From Vampires Among Us "BK 1"

The O'Rourke Family



As the release of Alice Brown’s new book, Vampires Among Us approaches, (Sept. 3) questions are being raised about a family in our local community being real vampires.  As a reporter, I felt it was my responsibility to our community to go check this family out.  What I learned shocked me, as I am sure it will surprise you also.  To read the interview in its entirety, please go to "The O'Rourke Family". 

 
Interview with Kevin O’Rourke on the VCTF


Ian Brown, local ACE reporter, started digging when he came across rumors that vampires truly existed. It seemed that ever since Alice Brown’s, Vampires Among Us, (release date Sept. 3) has been abuzz, the rumor mill has been going strong about vampires existing in our city. A few days ago I ran the first interview which was with one of society’s prominent families, the O’Rourkes. Today, I am sitting down with Kevin O’Rourke to learn about their police organization, the VCTF. Follow the interview in its entirety at "What is the VCTF".
 

Interview with Jack the Hair Dresser


Ian Brown, ACE reporter here. I was sitting at my desk this morning, wondering what my next interview should be on within the vampire world. My phone rang, and a loud, irate man, claiming to be from the vampire society was on the other end. He introduced himself as Jack the hairdresser. He told me he had information that only he knew about, and would make it worth my time if I would meet with him. Why not? I asked myself. This will give me a chance to get another prospective. Follow the interview in its entirety at "Jack The Hair Dresser".
 

Bachalorhood by Mr. Ian Brown


Your friendly reporter Ian Brown is back. A new rumor seems to be circulating that the community’s most eligible bachelor has fallen in love. Is it true? And if it is, is she vampire or human? If she is human, how will she take to being with a vampire? He wouldn’t rest until he had the answers. So, follow me to find out what Kevin has to say at "Bachalorhood" for the complete interview.

Character Interviews Coming Soon

Ever since Alice Brown’s, Vampires Among Us, due to be released on Sept. 3, was announced; the rumor mill has been abuzz about whether or not there are real vampires.  As a veteran reporter, Ian Brown has taken it upon himself to uncover the truth about these rumors.   He is in the process of setting up an exclusive interview with one of society’s most prominent families.  Keep a close watch for upcoming details as he will be reporting his entire interview right here at http://authoralicebrown.com/fr_home.cfm under Character Interviews. ​Vampires Among Us

Musings Of A New Author: As a newauthor, I have learned just how broad and ...

As a new author, I have learned just how broad and diverse the internet can be.  Just ten days away from publishing my book, Vampires Among Us; I am trying to stay organized while thanking new fans, reading over rules for groups to advertise in, setting up a website (http://AuthorAliceBrown.com), ordering swag material, and going over final edits of book.  That’s just part of the list that seems to be taking up my every waking hour.  It is a bit overwhelming, especially when you are just starting out and not sure how to do all of this.  For instance, I have never advertised in my life!  I have never bragged about myself!  I am usually the one hiding behind my husband during a social event, or find a dark corner to confiscate.
 
So, have all of the headaches been worth it?  YES!  I started writing three years ago, but it took my husband retiring earlier this year to get my rear in gear and submit the books for publishing.  Convinced that they would be rejected, you have no idea the shock I received when I received the email from Siren Publishing arrived stating they wanted to publish my book!
 
And since then, well it has been a roller coaster ride; but I have loved every minute of it.  I have met many new friends that are readers and authors.  I have received a very warm welcome from my fellow authors, and many have given me sound advice on preparing for the release of my book.  Yes, I would and plan to do it all again, since the second book of the series; A Special Gift, Vampires Among Us, #2 is scheduled to be released Oct. 30, 2013.
 
If you haven’t already done so, look me up on facebook under http://www.facebook.com/authoralicebrown1

 
  

Shopping for a bed

When did shopping for a bed become such a big deal? Okay, admittedly, it has been many years since I’ve shopped for a bed. But still, I am in shock.


The last time I bought a bed was when my daughter was about 1 year old. She is almost nineteen now. Yeah, it has been awhile.


The last bed we bought was a soft-side waterbed. I love my waterbed. Numerous years ago when the bladder sprung a leak, my husband promptly picked up the phone and ordered us a new bladder. He likes to keep his wife happy. Smart man.


But, now as time has gone by, the foam and whatever else that sits on top of the bladder to make it a bed have disintegrated into next to nothing. My side of the bed sags horribly from sitting on the edge too many times. And yes, just to post-pone the inevitable, I have tried adding foam and anything else I can come up with to try to get us through. Oh, and get a good night sleep on a bed that probably should have seen the dumpster several years ago.


But alas, the time has come. With hubby having four herniated disks in his back and me with Fibromyalgia; our bed no longer works. And hubby knew he was playing with fire when he suggested we “try” another type of mattress. He knows how I feel about my waterbed. I reminded him that he was talking to the same woman who takes her own foam mattress when we are staying at a hotel; otherwise, I get no sleep. I also reminded him that he was talking to the same woman who for the past eighteen years, has sworn she would NEVER do without her waterbed. He almost put himself in the doghouse for good when he suggested that we needed a mattress that we could actually lift and move. As in to clean under the bed. What? You’re supposed to clean under the bed? Other than leaning down and reaching what I can, ours hasn’t been touched in over nine years. That’s when we moved into our house and set the bed up. God only knows what is under there! And then he almost blew it completely when he stated that both of us are starting to get old…..did he really just say that to me? Yeah, he did! Speak for yourself, OLD man; I plan to stay young for a very long time.


“Just try a few,” he urged me. So, I agreed. Reluctantly. We quickly realized that a regular mattress would never work. So, on a trip to the mall, we stopped in the Sleep Number store. I tried the first one, and turned up my nose immediately. Like Goldilocks said, it was too hard. The second one was a bit better, but not good enough. By the fourth mattress, I was in heaven. I never thought I could/would ever sleep on a regular mattress ever again.


But then we came to the ordering part of the game. OH MY GOD! The sales quote that was placed under our noses was enough to make me gulp, twice. I knew we would be looking at some major dollar signs, but still. That much? And then the sweet sales lady smiled and stated, “Oh, but we have free financing for up to forty-eight months!”


Well, now that makes it so much better. Because it will take me that long to pay the damn thing off! So, I rolled my eyes and gave a nod to my husband in agreement to get the bed. We came home empty handed that evening. The bed had to be ordered and will be delivered. I lay down on the waterbed that evening wondering if we hadn’t made the biggest financial mistake of our lives. Only guess what? That waterbed that I swore was so comfortable that I would never get rid of? Well, I will openly agree now that it is time for it to go. I tossed and turned all night long. And my husband, well, he walked around the house the next day kicking his heels up with glee because I had to admit that the mattress we tried the day before at the mall, was so much better than the bed that I have refused to give up for years.


So there you have it. I’ll be paying for the bed for the next two years, but I can’t wait until tomorrow afternoon when my memory foam Sleep Number bed arrives! Hubby is already making plans to break the bed in right tomorrow night. And me, I just may stay in bed all day the following day. Leave all the curtains closed and pretend it’s a rain day. Yeah, and maybe if I’m lucky hubby will be right beside me.


Does anyone else have a story about “bed shopping” they would like to share? I’d love to hear from you!