Chrystal Vaughan's Blog, page 4
July 1, 2014
Meet Crackerberries Anderson: Author Interview
Happy birthday to my fellow author, Crackerberries Anderson! Check out my interview with the author about her debut novel, Blackhorse 2015. Follow the links for more information and to watch the book trailer!
[image error]
Synopsis: All the things you thought you wanted to know about Crackerberries:
What in the world is a Crackerberries and why did your mother name you that?
Crackerberries are dwarf dog wood bearing dense clusters of bright red berries. Also known as bunch berries that crunch when you bite into them. My mother didn’t name me that. Crackerberries came to me about ten years ago and was going to be the name of my first novel (the juicy experiences throughout my life). Then I came to realize my experiences aren’t anymore juicy than anyone else’s so I didn’t want to waste the name on one thing. Hence Crackerberries became my pseudonym and I like people to get a full bodied juicy crunch when they bite into what I writeBlackhorse 2015 originally was penned Time Ticks & Terror Licks. It came about because two friends of mine, Chip and Jody suggested I write a story about an electro-magnetic pulse. Sometimes when you start writing a subject, it takes on a mind of its own. What can we expect from you in the future?
More of the same, I love writing about controversial topics. How do we find out about you and your books?
Visit my website or any of my social media links: Twitter: https://twitter.com/Crackerberries Blog: http://crackerberries.wordpress.com/ Blog: http://crackerberries.blogspot.com/ Blog: http://yell-o-dot.blogspot.com/ Web: http://www.crackerberries.com/ Why did you decide to write controversial novels?
It’s something I’ve dealt with, and lived with all my life and writing is like a therapy for me. If I don’t write I get in weird moods and people don’t want to be around me. Writing is like a drug for me. I have to take it or I get the DT’s (Delirium tremens). How much of your personality and life experiences are in your writing?
Way more than people who think they know me realize, and way more than my family would like to know (if they only read what I wrote….bwaaaaaaaaahaaaaaaaaa!) When did you first think about writing and what prompted you to submit your first manuscript?
I have been writing ever since I can remember. The first manuscript I submitted was a short story called “Prom Prince” to several different magazines. It was never accepted or purchased. I submitted several short stories and articles for a period of time after that, but then life got in the way of my writing. Generally, how long does it take you to write a book?
Generally I’ve never finished a book. But this one took me about two years with all the research that went into it. Not to mention there were things I did in between writing. Do you have a set schedule for writing or do you just go with the flow?
Usually I write best in the morning. Early morning, but I’ve been known to wake up in the middle of the night and frantically search for a pen and my note pad to scribble down notes and ideas that have come to me in my sleep. I write a lot in my sleep. What is your writing routine once you start a book?
I try to work on it a couple of hours every morning. My normal goal is about 1500 words, but if four hours comes first, then I wait until the next day. Good things come to those who wait. What about your family, do they know not to bother you when you are writing - or are there constant interruptions?
Most of my family has nothing to do with me and probably don’t even know I am published. The ones who do know live far away and the only correspondence we have is on social media or email so I can control those interruptions. My mother and my daughter call every day, but I know when those calls are coming so I plan for them. My cats on the other hand, now they are a constant interruption. What do you do to relax and recharge your batteries?
Tall Cool ☺ne and I walk three miles every other day or so. We also have a morning work-out routine that we do when we don’t walk. (Never can stay too healthy). Then we also do a lot of yard work and gardening. There are other things we do too, but that would probably be TMI. What truly motivates you in general? In your writing?
People who irritate the piss out of me and things in general that are just plain wrong. A good fight I guess you would say. Where do your ideas come from?
A lot of my ideas come to me in dreams. Sometimes I wake up in the morning and I’m in such a pissy mood. The only thing that makes me feel better is when I write about it. There is a story in every situation. It’s up to the writer to use her imagination to create something more than what it is. Do you feel humor is important in any genre and why?
I think humor is important in every aspect of life. Laughing generates brain cells and I think if you aren’t laughing you aren’t living. There is a story in every situation and in every situation if you use your imagination enough you can find the humor in it.
What are your thoughts on love scenes in romance novels, do you find them difficult to write?
Hmph? Well, I haven’t actually ever written a “love” scene. Mine are just purely sex and sex is not love.
What kind of research do you do?
Depends on what I’m writing. I think that even if you are writing fiction you need to be educated in the topics you are writing about. For example in Blackhorse 2015 I spent a good many weeks researching military training, fraternities, and electromagnetic pulse situations. It is important to know your shit even in fiction. Would you like to write a different genre than you do now, or sub-genre?
I actually have the makings of a love story set in the Civil War era of a young rich white girl who falls in love with one of her daddy’s black slaves. I put it aside because it was kind of boring. What does your husband/wife/boyfriend/girlfriend think of your writing
My husband knows I’m a looney tune, and he thinks it is better therapy for me to write the controversial shit that I write rather than spend my days in a rubber room. My wife thinks I should get a real job. My boyfriend thinks I spend too much time on the computer and not enough time with him. My girlfriend is jealous because she wants to be a writer too, but she can’t sign her name, let alone write a story.
Do you ever ask him/her for advice?
Not unless I really want to hear the truth, which is pretty often. Then sometimes I end up bawling because I didn’t think he was going to tell me that. Please tell us about yourself (family, hobbies, education, etc.) I think I’ve pretty much covered all that. I have no education as far as college goes. I think you learn more in life experience than you can learn in a class room. I’ve been a sandwich and pizza maker, dog groomer, a cashier in a store, a radio sales woman, a used car sales woman, a secretary, a receptionist, a customer service representative, a senior account executive, co-owner of a small business, a cook, a mother and a wife. I think my experience in all that has more value to my writing than a degree hanging on the wall.
Fill in the blank favorites –
Dessert: Peanut-buster Parfait from Dairy Queen
City: Haven’t been there yet
Season: Fall in Maine
Type of hero: Sergeant Jon Hunter
Type of heroine: Suzy-Q Taylor
What are some of your favorite things to do?
Drink and have sex with my husband.
Do you have a favorite author? Favorite book?
Stephen King — The Stand Who are some of your other favorite authors to read?John McCarthur, Mitch Albom, Thomas Harris, Jerry B. Jenkins, Tim LaHaye What do you think of critique groups in general?I don’t know what a critique group is but if it’s a group of people that sit around criticize what others are doing, I think they should take a good look at themselves and get a life.
Where do you see yourself in five years? I always hated this question…I always wanted to answer by saying sitting where you are asking the questions.
How long have you been writing - have you always wanted to be a writer?Ever since I can remember. I typed a story about two dogs that were best friends and loved each other (Taffy and Little Bear) when I was eight years old. It was on my grandmother’s old typewriter and ‘e’ key was missing. Yes I have always wanted to write. At first I wanted to be a newspaper reporter, but then I decided I wanted to write stories. Fiction is way more fun than non-fiction.
How many books have you written, how many have been published? Four in the works, 1 published.
After you've written your book and it's been published, do you ever buy it and/or read it?
I plan to.
Among your own books, have you a favorite book? Favorite hero or heroine?
Through the Eyes of Bear and Bear is my favorite hero. (It’s not published yet)
What book for you has been the easiest to write? The hardest? The most fun?
Through the Eyes of Bear was the easiest, but then it turned into the hardest (he had to be put to sleep) and it’s not quite finished. The most fun so far has been Blackhorse 2015 because I have learned so much in all of the research that went along with writing it. Which comes first, the story, the characters or the setting?It’s different all the time. Sometimes I write a character and then plug that character into different stories until I find the right one for him or her. Other times it’s a setting. Depends on my mood.
What are the elements of a great romance for you?Several glasses of wine and nakedness.
What is the hardest part of writing/the easiest for you?Hardest: Worrying about what someone is going to think if they figure out the character is them. Easiest: Writing about the people who annoy me.
Have you experienced writer's block---> If so, how did you work through it?
I don’t believe in writer’s block. I think it is just an excuse for lazy people.
What is the most rewarding thing about being a writer?
It is great therapy for me. Without it I would be looney tunes. If you weren't writing, what would you be doing?
Politics Are there any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?Do not listen to the naysayers. Expect your family and friends to say one thing and do completely the opposite.
Five things you may not know about Crackerberries:She loves coffee in the morning and red wine in the afternoon and beer on a hot summer day as long as it’s in a bottle not a can. She surrounds herself with piles of things, like books, writing pads, magazines, and has a terrible pen fetish.She has a ‘wicked’ Maine accent.She loves to cook and can and preserve things almost as much as she loves to write.She always dreamed being a published writer and living in a double-wide with eight dogs. (Part 1-accomplished)
Key book points:
Fort Wyatt Military FoundationΩHome of the Blackhorse Strategic RegimentΩOrganized conspiracy, racketeering, and treasonΩ Stimulated by the United States MilitaryΩ
See the Book Trailer at : http://youtu.be/IEVHgWLWG0s
[image error]
https://www.amazon.com/author/crackerberriesCrackerberries has been writing since she could hold a crayon. She loves red wine, dogs, cooking, gardening, and writing controversial topics. This is her first published novel and hopes to have many more follow. Find out more about her at https://www.crackerberries.com
Buy the books at: https://www.solsticepublishing.com http://www.amazon.com/Blackhorse-2015-Crackerberries-ebook/dp/B00KVJ34RG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1403987980&sr=8-1&keywords=Blackhorse+2015
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/blackhorse-2015-crackerberries/1119701857?ean=2940149243501
[image error]
Synopsis: All the things you thought you wanted to know about Crackerberries:
What in the world is a Crackerberries and why did your mother name you that?
Crackerberries are dwarf dog wood bearing dense clusters of bright red berries. Also known as bunch berries that crunch when you bite into them. My mother didn’t name me that. Crackerberries came to me about ten years ago and was going to be the name of my first novel (the juicy experiences throughout my life). Then I came to realize my experiences aren’t anymore juicy than anyone else’s so I didn’t want to waste the name on one thing. Hence Crackerberries became my pseudonym and I like people to get a full bodied juicy crunch when they bite into what I writeBlackhorse 2015 originally was penned Time Ticks & Terror Licks. It came about because two friends of mine, Chip and Jody suggested I write a story about an electro-magnetic pulse. Sometimes when you start writing a subject, it takes on a mind of its own. What can we expect from you in the future?
More of the same, I love writing about controversial topics. How do we find out about you and your books?
Visit my website or any of my social media links: Twitter: https://twitter.com/Crackerberries Blog: http://crackerberries.wordpress.com/ Blog: http://crackerberries.blogspot.com/ Blog: http://yell-o-dot.blogspot.com/ Web: http://www.crackerberries.com/ Why did you decide to write controversial novels?
It’s something I’ve dealt with, and lived with all my life and writing is like a therapy for me. If I don’t write I get in weird moods and people don’t want to be around me. Writing is like a drug for me. I have to take it or I get the DT’s (Delirium tremens). How much of your personality and life experiences are in your writing?
Way more than people who think they know me realize, and way more than my family would like to know (if they only read what I wrote….bwaaaaaaaaahaaaaaaaaa!) When did you first think about writing and what prompted you to submit your first manuscript?
I have been writing ever since I can remember. The first manuscript I submitted was a short story called “Prom Prince” to several different magazines. It was never accepted or purchased. I submitted several short stories and articles for a period of time after that, but then life got in the way of my writing. Generally, how long does it take you to write a book?
Generally I’ve never finished a book. But this one took me about two years with all the research that went into it. Not to mention there were things I did in between writing. Do you have a set schedule for writing or do you just go with the flow?
Usually I write best in the morning. Early morning, but I’ve been known to wake up in the middle of the night and frantically search for a pen and my note pad to scribble down notes and ideas that have come to me in my sleep. I write a lot in my sleep. What is your writing routine once you start a book?
I try to work on it a couple of hours every morning. My normal goal is about 1500 words, but if four hours comes first, then I wait until the next day. Good things come to those who wait. What about your family, do they know not to bother you when you are writing - or are there constant interruptions?
Most of my family has nothing to do with me and probably don’t even know I am published. The ones who do know live far away and the only correspondence we have is on social media or email so I can control those interruptions. My mother and my daughter call every day, but I know when those calls are coming so I plan for them. My cats on the other hand, now they are a constant interruption. What do you do to relax and recharge your batteries?
Tall Cool ☺ne and I walk three miles every other day or so. We also have a morning work-out routine that we do when we don’t walk. (Never can stay too healthy). Then we also do a lot of yard work and gardening. There are other things we do too, but that would probably be TMI. What truly motivates you in general? In your writing?
People who irritate the piss out of me and things in general that are just plain wrong. A good fight I guess you would say. Where do your ideas come from?
A lot of my ideas come to me in dreams. Sometimes I wake up in the morning and I’m in such a pissy mood. The only thing that makes me feel better is when I write about it. There is a story in every situation. It’s up to the writer to use her imagination to create something more than what it is. Do you feel humor is important in any genre and why?
I think humor is important in every aspect of life. Laughing generates brain cells and I think if you aren’t laughing you aren’t living. There is a story in every situation and in every situation if you use your imagination enough you can find the humor in it.
What are your thoughts on love scenes in romance novels, do you find them difficult to write?
Hmph? Well, I haven’t actually ever written a “love” scene. Mine are just purely sex and sex is not love.
What kind of research do you do?
Depends on what I’m writing. I think that even if you are writing fiction you need to be educated in the topics you are writing about. For example in Blackhorse 2015 I spent a good many weeks researching military training, fraternities, and electromagnetic pulse situations. It is important to know your shit even in fiction. Would you like to write a different genre than you do now, or sub-genre?
I actually have the makings of a love story set in the Civil War era of a young rich white girl who falls in love with one of her daddy’s black slaves. I put it aside because it was kind of boring. What does your husband/wife/boyfriend/girlfriend think of your writing
My husband knows I’m a looney tune, and he thinks it is better therapy for me to write the controversial shit that I write rather than spend my days in a rubber room. My wife thinks I should get a real job. My boyfriend thinks I spend too much time on the computer and not enough time with him. My girlfriend is jealous because she wants to be a writer too, but she can’t sign her name, let alone write a story.
Do you ever ask him/her for advice?
Not unless I really want to hear the truth, which is pretty often. Then sometimes I end up bawling because I didn’t think he was going to tell me that. Please tell us about yourself (family, hobbies, education, etc.) I think I’ve pretty much covered all that. I have no education as far as college goes. I think you learn more in life experience than you can learn in a class room. I’ve been a sandwich and pizza maker, dog groomer, a cashier in a store, a radio sales woman, a used car sales woman, a secretary, a receptionist, a customer service representative, a senior account executive, co-owner of a small business, a cook, a mother and a wife. I think my experience in all that has more value to my writing than a degree hanging on the wall.
Fill in the blank favorites –
Dessert: Peanut-buster Parfait from Dairy Queen
City: Haven’t been there yet
Season: Fall in Maine
Type of hero: Sergeant Jon Hunter
Type of heroine: Suzy-Q Taylor
What are some of your favorite things to do?
Drink and have sex with my husband.
Do you have a favorite author? Favorite book?
Stephen King — The Stand Who are some of your other favorite authors to read?John McCarthur, Mitch Albom, Thomas Harris, Jerry B. Jenkins, Tim LaHaye What do you think of critique groups in general?I don’t know what a critique group is but if it’s a group of people that sit around criticize what others are doing, I think they should take a good look at themselves and get a life.
Where do you see yourself in five years? I always hated this question…I always wanted to answer by saying sitting where you are asking the questions.
How long have you been writing - have you always wanted to be a writer?Ever since I can remember. I typed a story about two dogs that were best friends and loved each other (Taffy and Little Bear) when I was eight years old. It was on my grandmother’s old typewriter and ‘e’ key was missing. Yes I have always wanted to write. At first I wanted to be a newspaper reporter, but then I decided I wanted to write stories. Fiction is way more fun than non-fiction.
How many books have you written, how many have been published? Four in the works, 1 published.
After you've written your book and it's been published, do you ever buy it and/or read it?
I plan to.
Among your own books, have you a favorite book? Favorite hero or heroine?
Through the Eyes of Bear and Bear is my favorite hero. (It’s not published yet)
What book for you has been the easiest to write? The hardest? The most fun?
Through the Eyes of Bear was the easiest, but then it turned into the hardest (he had to be put to sleep) and it’s not quite finished. The most fun so far has been Blackhorse 2015 because I have learned so much in all of the research that went along with writing it. Which comes first, the story, the characters or the setting?It’s different all the time. Sometimes I write a character and then plug that character into different stories until I find the right one for him or her. Other times it’s a setting. Depends on my mood.
What are the elements of a great romance for you?Several glasses of wine and nakedness.
What is the hardest part of writing/the easiest for you?Hardest: Worrying about what someone is going to think if they figure out the character is them. Easiest: Writing about the people who annoy me.
Have you experienced writer's block---> If so, how did you work through it?
I don’t believe in writer’s block. I think it is just an excuse for lazy people.
What is the most rewarding thing about being a writer?
It is great therapy for me. Without it I would be looney tunes. If you weren't writing, what would you be doing?
Politics Are there any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?Do not listen to the naysayers. Expect your family and friends to say one thing and do completely the opposite.
Five things you may not know about Crackerberries:She loves coffee in the morning and red wine in the afternoon and beer on a hot summer day as long as it’s in a bottle not a can. She surrounds herself with piles of things, like books, writing pads, magazines, and has a terrible pen fetish.She has a ‘wicked’ Maine accent.She loves to cook and can and preserve things almost as much as she loves to write.She always dreamed being a published writer and living in a double-wide with eight dogs. (Part 1-accomplished)
Key book points:
Fort Wyatt Military FoundationΩHome of the Blackhorse Strategic RegimentΩOrganized conspiracy, racketeering, and treasonΩ Stimulated by the United States MilitaryΩ
See the Book Trailer at : http://youtu.be/IEVHgWLWG0s
[image error]
https://www.amazon.com/author/crackerberriesCrackerberries has been writing since she could hold a crayon. She loves red wine, dogs, cooking, gardening, and writing controversial topics. This is her first published novel and hopes to have many more follow. Find out more about her at https://www.crackerberries.com
Buy the books at: https://www.solsticepublishing.com http://www.amazon.com/Blackhorse-2015-Crackerberries-ebook/dp/B00KVJ34RG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1403987980&sr=8-1&keywords=Blackhorse+2015
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/blackhorse-2015-crackerberries/1119701857?ean=2940149243501
June 28, 2014
Sock-a-Pella
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I love to knit socks. It's true. I'm sort of addicted. Of all the things a person could possibly knit, socks are my all time favorite. A lot of people, when this subject comes up, give me an incredulous look, usually accompanied by, "Really?! Socks?"
Yes and here's why. Over the past couple of years, I have exhaustively researched the best methods. Cuff down or toe up. Figure eight cast on, or the almighty Zimmerman. You knitters who have suffered through socks will understand this statement: how to avoid the dreaded gusset hole. And I have finally compiled and stitched together (pun oh so intended) a fool proof sock recipe. It combines several techniques of other knitters and some of my own twisted logic. I hope you enjoy!
The Pattern: Sock-a-Pella
I call this my Sock-a-Pella pattern or recipe because once you figure out how to do these steps in order to knit toe up socks, you'll be singing with or without accompanying music. I've been making socks this way for a while now and I'll never go back.
This recipe is a mixture of many different pieces I've borrowed from other knitters, and I'll give them each credit here. Everywhere there's a blue underlined word, you can hold the control button on your computer and click on the word to open a video or link to the referenced material.
For the closed toe cast on, see this video from Kerrie James. For the gusset, I have to credit Fleegle at Fleegle's blog. I also cannot stress enough the importance of using YouTube as a resource for learning how to knit stitches or techniques you are unfamiliar with. Very Pink Knits is one of my favorite YouTube channels and the reason I can knit entrelac like a pro.
The rest of this mess is mine and the pattern is simple, but you can certainly change it to make it your own. For instance, try doing a pattern instead of just basic toe-up socks with some ribbing at the top. And try doing two at once instead of one at a time. Be flexible, be adaptable, be sock-tackular!
So here is how I make socks. First, this pattern is for one sock (try doing two at once, I have, it's great!) on magic loop, and the size is for a woman's large, so adjust accordingly.
Typically, I begin by casting on (CO) 8 stitches. Using Kerrie's closed toe cast on method, I double the needle back upon itself and pick up 7 stitches in between the gaps of the original 8 I just made, adding a yarn over (YO) to make the 8th stitch on that side (this isn't shown in the video as far as I remember, that's my little addition). Then, I work one round. After that, I increase each side of each row. That's two increases per side. My method is the knit one, make one (k1m1) method for both sides. If you need a tutorial on how to m1 left or right, try this videoby the Knit PurlHunter.
I continue increasing on each side every other round. So there's a knit round, and then an increase round. Keep going until your total number of stitches is 48, or 24 on each needle. That is not exact, however. The sock should only be increased until it fits snugly but comfortably over your third toe (pinky toes don't count for much). That number of stitches might be more or less than 48, depending on your feet. Then you can begin your pattern or simply knit in the round until your foot portion is the correct size. I have no specific formula for how large this should be; it depends on your foot. I simply urge you to try your sock on, particularly if you have feet of differing sizes. Don't laugh. It could happen.
After you have made your sock long enough to fit your foot comfortably (I typically will stop when the sock reaches my enormous tendon at the front/top of my foot where it stretches up my leg. Gross, I know but we all have them). Then you have to decide which needle is the gusset needle. Here's where it gets interesting.
You will increase like we did for the toe, but only on one side. The other side (usually called the instep needle at this point in the sock-struction) will be knit like always. Let me repeat that. You will keep knitting on the instep needle. It will not hang limply and forlorn while you busily work away at the heel and gusset. It will be a participant in the sock-citement. You will continue to increase on the gusset needle until that side has two less than your original total of stitches. So, if like me you have large feet, you originally started out with 48 stitches. On your gusset needle, at this point in time, you will increase until your gusset needle holds 46 stitches. If you had 40 stitches total after the toe was finished, then you will now increase your gusset needle until you have 38 on that one needle. You follow me? If not, there's a chart at Fleegle's blog. Thank you Fleegle for doing math which I hate!
Now at this point, you will be forced to tell your instep needle that it must take a short nap. It might whine and cry but don't let it. You'll be right back. You'll place a stitch marker at the halfway point on the gusset needle. That would mean 23 stitches on either side if you have 46.
Now you get to make the heel. Knit until you are two stitches past the marker, knit two together (k2tog), knit one (k1), and turn the work. On the reverse, you will purl until you are two stitches past the marker, purl two together (p2tog), purl one (p1), then turn. At this point, you will likely not need the stitch marker any longer because you will be able to see the gap between the last worked stitch and the next un-worked stitch. You'll knit or purl those two together, knit or purl one, and then turn; repeat until there is two stitches left on each side. Go ahead and knit through to your instep needle. You'll see why.
THEN, you will have two extra stitches on each side and your instep needle is happy that it is no longer languishing away. What I like to do, to avoid gusset holes, is knit the two gap stitches together and then the last stitch and corner stitch together. THAT sounds very confusing, I know. Plus, that means you have two LESS stitches on your instep needle than you need, right?! Doesn't matter. Just make two more on your next pass. No one has to know. Fleegle has another method that works well too, if mine is too confusing. Check out the Fleegle way here.
I promise I've never seen a gusset hole again since I started using my weird making and decreasing and then making again method. After that is all said and done, you just knit like a crazy person until the sock is as long as you want it up your leg. You can even throw in a bunch of increases if you want knee socks, and then add the two by two ribbing, or whatever ribbing or finishing method you like. Use whatever bind off you like, too. I'm not here to tell you what to do. I use a few different ones, depending on my mood. There's the sewn bind off from Elizabeth Zimmerman, Jenny's super stretchy cast off, or the fancy shmancy picot edge bind off. By the way, that last one is another YouTube favorite, Liat Gat. Her videos are also extremely helpful; watch them for yourself here.
And, well...that's it. That's my Sock-a-Pella mash up recipe. Thanks to all the pioneering knitty ladies who have come before me and cursed like sailors to find the tried and true methods that I have combined here to make socks a painless and tuneworthy journey. If you want to see the sweet socks I've made using this method, check me out on Ravelry and take a look at my Tardis socks. And the baby socks. All the socks! Way more socks have been made with this recipe than are shown on Ravelry. Nevermind. Or go ahead and look but just know, there are a plethora of knitted socks running around, made in this fashion. Sock on!
I love to knit socks. It's true. I'm sort of addicted. Of all the things a person could possibly knit, socks are my all time favorite. A lot of people, when this subject comes up, give me an incredulous look, usually accompanied by, "Really?! Socks?"
Yes and here's why. Over the past couple of years, I have exhaustively researched the best methods. Cuff down or toe up. Figure eight cast on, or the almighty Zimmerman. You knitters who have suffered through socks will understand this statement: how to avoid the dreaded gusset hole. And I have finally compiled and stitched together (pun oh so intended) a fool proof sock recipe. It combines several techniques of other knitters and some of my own twisted logic. I hope you enjoy!
The Pattern: Sock-a-Pella
I call this my Sock-a-Pella pattern or recipe because once you figure out how to do these steps in order to knit toe up socks, you'll be singing with or without accompanying music. I've been making socks this way for a while now and I'll never go back.
This recipe is a mixture of many different pieces I've borrowed from other knitters, and I'll give them each credit here. Everywhere there's a blue underlined word, you can hold the control button on your computer and click on the word to open a video or link to the referenced material.
For the closed toe cast on, see this video from Kerrie James. For the gusset, I have to credit Fleegle at Fleegle's blog. I also cannot stress enough the importance of using YouTube as a resource for learning how to knit stitches or techniques you are unfamiliar with. Very Pink Knits is one of my favorite YouTube channels and the reason I can knit entrelac like a pro.
The rest of this mess is mine and the pattern is simple, but you can certainly change it to make it your own. For instance, try doing a pattern instead of just basic toe-up socks with some ribbing at the top. And try doing two at once instead of one at a time. Be flexible, be adaptable, be sock-tackular!
So here is how I make socks. First, this pattern is for one sock (try doing two at once, I have, it's great!) on magic loop, and the size is for a woman's large, so adjust accordingly.
Typically, I begin by casting on (CO) 8 stitches. Using Kerrie's closed toe cast on method, I double the needle back upon itself and pick up 7 stitches in between the gaps of the original 8 I just made, adding a yarn over (YO) to make the 8th stitch on that side (this isn't shown in the video as far as I remember, that's my little addition). Then, I work one round. After that, I increase each side of each row. That's two increases per side. My method is the knit one, make one (k1m1) method for both sides. If you need a tutorial on how to m1 left or right, try this videoby the Knit PurlHunter.
I continue increasing on each side every other round. So there's a knit round, and then an increase round. Keep going until your total number of stitches is 48, or 24 on each needle. That is not exact, however. The sock should only be increased until it fits snugly but comfortably over your third toe (pinky toes don't count for much). That number of stitches might be more or less than 48, depending on your feet. Then you can begin your pattern or simply knit in the round until your foot portion is the correct size. I have no specific formula for how large this should be; it depends on your foot. I simply urge you to try your sock on, particularly if you have feet of differing sizes. Don't laugh. It could happen.
After you have made your sock long enough to fit your foot comfortably (I typically will stop when the sock reaches my enormous tendon at the front/top of my foot where it stretches up my leg. Gross, I know but we all have them). Then you have to decide which needle is the gusset needle. Here's where it gets interesting.
You will increase like we did for the toe, but only on one side. The other side (usually called the instep needle at this point in the sock-struction) will be knit like always. Let me repeat that. You will keep knitting on the instep needle. It will not hang limply and forlorn while you busily work away at the heel and gusset. It will be a participant in the sock-citement. You will continue to increase on the gusset needle until that side has two less than your original total of stitches. So, if like me you have large feet, you originally started out with 48 stitches. On your gusset needle, at this point in time, you will increase until your gusset needle holds 46 stitches. If you had 40 stitches total after the toe was finished, then you will now increase your gusset needle until you have 38 on that one needle. You follow me? If not, there's a chart at Fleegle's blog. Thank you Fleegle for doing math which I hate!
Now at this point, you will be forced to tell your instep needle that it must take a short nap. It might whine and cry but don't let it. You'll be right back. You'll place a stitch marker at the halfway point on the gusset needle. That would mean 23 stitches on either side if you have 46.
Now you get to make the heel. Knit until you are two stitches past the marker, knit two together (k2tog), knit one (k1), and turn the work. On the reverse, you will purl until you are two stitches past the marker, purl two together (p2tog), purl one (p1), then turn. At this point, you will likely not need the stitch marker any longer because you will be able to see the gap between the last worked stitch and the next un-worked stitch. You'll knit or purl those two together, knit or purl one, and then turn; repeat until there is two stitches left on each side. Go ahead and knit through to your instep needle. You'll see why.
THEN, you will have two extra stitches on each side and your instep needle is happy that it is no longer languishing away. What I like to do, to avoid gusset holes, is knit the two gap stitches together and then the last stitch and corner stitch together. THAT sounds very confusing, I know. Plus, that means you have two LESS stitches on your instep needle than you need, right?! Doesn't matter. Just make two more on your next pass. No one has to know. Fleegle has another method that works well too, if mine is too confusing. Check out the Fleegle way here.
I promise I've never seen a gusset hole again since I started using my weird making and decreasing and then making again method. After that is all said and done, you just knit like a crazy person until the sock is as long as you want it up your leg. You can even throw in a bunch of increases if you want knee socks, and then add the two by two ribbing, or whatever ribbing or finishing method you like. Use whatever bind off you like, too. I'm not here to tell you what to do. I use a few different ones, depending on my mood. There's the sewn bind off from Elizabeth Zimmerman, Jenny's super stretchy cast off, or the fancy shmancy picot edge bind off. By the way, that last one is another YouTube favorite, Liat Gat. Her videos are also extremely helpful; watch them for yourself here.
And, well...that's it. That's my Sock-a-Pella mash up recipe. Thanks to all the pioneering knitty ladies who have come before me and cursed like sailors to find the tried and true methods that I have combined here to make socks a painless and tuneworthy journey. If you want to see the sweet socks I've made using this method, check me out on Ravelry and take a look at my Tardis socks. And the baby socks. All the socks! Way more socks have been made with this recipe than are shown on Ravelry. Nevermind. Or go ahead and look but just know, there are a plethora of knitted socks running around, made in this fashion. Sock on!
June 27, 2014
Book Cover Reveal: Conspiracy of Ravens
Here it is! This is the cover art developed by Emily Valentine for my soon to be released book titled "Conspiracy of Ravens" which is being published by Solstice Publishing. My thanks to Emily for her hard work on this awesome cover!
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June 25, 2014
Author Mel Massey Stops By
I had the chance to talk books and writing with author Mel Massey; take a peek at our interview, excerpts from her books, and what's coming soon from Mel's world!
Chrystal: You have written in a couple of different genres, horror and fantasy. Which is your favorite genre to write in and why? Mel: I think fantasy is my first love. I enjoy writing horror, and I use elements of horror in the fantasy series, but I love creating the fantasy elements. In Urban Fantasy settings, I’m able to weave both horror and fantasy together because, to the innocent, wouldn’t fantasy come to life be a horror? I think in some respects, yes. Chrystal: Your latest book, Decker, is a companion to your Earth's Magick/Book 1: Earth novel, correct? Why did you choose to write about that particular character? Mel: Yes, Decker is the first of the four companion novels to the series. Originally, the series was simply going to be the five books. However, Decker, Theo, and Vasha all became reader favorites and I was struck with the idea that I could tell each of their stories in turn. Decker and his brothers are over 2,000 years old, so they have rich and interesting tales to tell. Boy are they interesting! Chrystal: Would you say that your books are plot driven, or character driven? Mel: Oooh….that’s tough to answer. The main character’s; Mela, Wyatt, Decker, Theo, and Sammuele – All are what makes this a story. Without them, this would have been a sad, short tale. With such a mix of characters, you never now who’s going to do what. So – character driven. Chrystal: Tell us a bit about your writing process. I know that sounds cliché, but...do you have a specific process or do you write as the mood takes you? Is there a requirement for your writing, such as a quiet location, a certain area of your home or office...? Do you follow an established writing routine? Mel: I try to write everyday. I have no real set time, just whenever the mood hits me. But my process before I begin is pretty exact. I never start a book without outlining it on paper first. I outline every chapter and spend a lot of time scribbling in the notebook, rearranging plot points, long before I ever open a new document on the computer. I can write just about anywhere as long as I have music playing. I prefer the Pandora station, Classical Music for Studying. Chrystal: People are always asking authors this question also, but I have to know: where do you get your ideas? Do you do any prewriting, note taking, or extensive research before beginning a new book or story? Mel: Like I said, I outline the story before I start to write. After I do that, I look over the outline and go over any magick spells, rituals, or whatevers that happen and create those. As a practicing Pagan myself, I have loads of resources go through in order to create the magick in the series. Chrystal: How long would you say it typically takes you to write a book? Mel: First draft…maybe a month. After that, I set it aside and read a book. Sounds funny but I try to leave my imaginary world for a bit and visit another before revisiting it. It helps with the objectivity when rereading it for the first round of edits. After that maybe another month or two. Chrystal: How much of your own knowledge and experience is infused into your characters? Mel: Lots of my Pagan practices are infused into the story. The characters all have a little of me in them. Isn’t that the way for all of us who write? It’s a cathartic process. Chrystal: Talk a bit about your family and friends. What do they think about your writing? Do you ever use them as models for characters, and if so, do they recognize themselves? Mel: Everyone in my family is really supportive. My husband is always the first to read my book, before editors or anyone else. He’s a pretty big fan. Although, he did threaten me with divorce if anything happens to Wyatt. I need to make sure he stays safe, eh? My eldest thinks it’s very cool and my youngest could care less. I have amazing friends who do get characters named after them on occasion but for the most part, it’s my Street Team who get the really cool parts. They help all of that behind the scenes. So, the Street Team (named the Elementai Secret Society) all know who they are named for in the books and get a say in minor aspects of that character. Total ESS member perk. Chrystal: If you could choose one famous author to learn from (living or dead), to pick their brain and get great writing advice from, who would that be? Would you let them read your books and give you feedback? Mel: Anne Rice. Hands down, that is one classy lady. I admire her on so many levels, I wouldn’t know where to begin to explain her awesomeness. Of course I would let her read my writing, but I’d chain smoke the entire time. Chrystal: What will be next for you? What are you working on now? Mel: I’m currently writing the next book in the Earth’s Magick series, Earth’s Magick Book 2 ~Water~. I’m hoping for that to be ready for readers by winter. [image error] A Little About the Author: Mel Massey is a native Texan but has called California, Florida and Missouri home. Mel went to college in California and studied Cultural Anthropology where her field of study had a huge impact on the creation of the Earth's Magick series. Mel is also politically active and a (sometimes loud) supporter for equal rights, non-GMO products, animal rights and against the generally obnoxious politician. Mel can be found tweeting nonsense or having hilarious discussions with readers on Facebook. Occasionally, she leaves those particular vices and writes about magick, witches, monsters and all the lovely dark things lurking in the shadows.
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Excerpt from Earth’s Magick Book 1 ~Earth~
Mela heard a raspy, deep voice speaking a language she couldn’t understand. The echoes of it carried in the darkness. She tried to decide if what she heard was real or a part of a dream. She knew it was in the middle of the night because she could feel the stillness of the world as her mind fought to join it. As she became more aware of the world around her, she also noticed a heaviness on the foot of her bed.
Slowly, she opened her eyes. The dim light of the moon cast an eerie glow through the window onto her bed. Her heart pounded in her chest and her breath came fast as her eyes tried to see. Squatting on the foot of her bed was the Old Woman. In the dim light, Mela saw the tangled hair that framed her hunched form.
As Mela became fully awake, the woman tilted her head to the side, considering her. Her rhythmic speech stopped and they briefly shared a moment of silence. The realization that she was completely awake and the scary woman was crouched on her bed filled her with panic. She took a deep breath so she could release the scream that had been building up inside, but caught the familiar fragrance of the freshly cut herbs lying next to her bed.
The smell calmed her a little. That one moment of calm allowed another emotion to take hold. Anger. What was this creature doing in her room? Why was she here tormenting her night after night? Her rage bubbled to the surface and battled the fear until she felt numb. As the seconds passed, Mela stayed still, desperate for a way to save herself.
The woman’s voice broke the pregnant silence. Mela still couldn’t understand her, but the words the woman spoke sounded suspiciously like a question. The frightful head tilted slowly to the side again. Mela reached out, grasped the herbs in her hand, and held them close.
She sat up and leaned as far away from the woman as possible with her back to her headboard.
“Go away…” Mela’s voice came out hoarse and broken. She was angry but her voice betrayed her fear.
Again, the woman rasped her guttural question and crawled toward her. Mela caught the scent of the woman and she gagged. She smelled of rotting flesh and dirt. Even though she was fully awake, and for the first time able to move, she didn’t know what to do.
Bear. Where was Bear? He normally slept in her room but she knew he roamed the house at night.
As if on cue, Mela heard a deep growl from the doorway. She could just make out Bear’s massive form in the shadows as he crept toward the woman. The old woman turned toward him and returned his growl with one of her own. Mela’s eyes worked hard to see in the dark and her grip on the bundle of herbs threatened to crush them. Her eyes scanned for anything near to her she could use as a weapon in case the woman reached her, or worse, might hurt Bear.
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Excerpt from Decker:
Decker watched Mela as she went inside for the night. It was another late night of training and she’d done well. He smiled and thought he made a wonderful teacher if he could have her fighting like that in such a short time. He worried for her though. He watched Mela through the windows, still innocent in the eyes of a warrior, as she made her way through the house. She hadn’t taken a life yet, and until she did, she would be at a disadvantage from the part of her that mourns and feels guilt. He worried she wouldn’t be willing to and that was the thought that kept him up at night. She needed to be a killer.
She would hesitate--he could feel it. She wasn’t ready to face a real life or death fight, not yet. Until she was truly ready, he’d keep watch at night. Until he knew, without a doubt, that she would use her sword as if it were a part of her, and with no thought of the outcome, he would worry. He wondered if Wyatt would come now that the day’s training was done. Telling him stories from the past brought up many memories, and a deep longing he hadn’t known was there began to bother him.
Decker sat in his chair. It was his because he told everyone it was, and for now he rested his feet on the porch railing. Despite what he previously thought, he felt comfortable here at Mela’s home, and with his brothers. His affection for the girl was deepening every day, much to his surprise. When she moved with graceful purpose, he was so proud of her accomplishments. When she couldn’t manage to do something quick enough to suit her, he wanted to help her more. Yes, he knew he had become very fond of Mela. She was kind, but mouthy too. He liked that. She didn’t scold him often for being uncouth and she laughed at his jokes.
Fans of Mel Massey can find her books at the following links:
Earth's Magick Book 1 on Amazon : http://www.amazon.com/Earths-Magick-Mel-Massey-ebook/dp/B00HQP90AS/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1399144135&sr=1-1&keywords=Earth%27s+Magick
Decker on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Decker-Mel-Massey-ebook/dp/B00KLMEP8U/ref=pd_sim_b_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1TK5F4P6C016WXNF944Z
Learn more about upcoming titles and other exciting book news, plus a chance to interact with the author, on her website at www.melmassey.com
June 24, 2014
True Blood: Where Did It All Go Wrong?
I am a die hard fan of Charlaine Harris. So when I heard, oh so many moons ago, that there was a television show coming out on HBO based on her books, I jumped on the True Blood bandwagon like so many other fans of Fangtasia have since the show's inception. For those of you who are not familiar, let me break it down:
Sookie Stackhouse (blond, perky, kinda dumb) is a telepath who has always been a little out of place with the other humans in her world. Now the books are a bit different in some ways than the show, and for a long time, that was ok. The show needed to be different than the books for people to want to watch it, but there were elements from the books that made it into the movies. But I digress. So, in Sookie's world, there are vampires who are trying to mainstream; that is, fit in with human society and not feed off of them like cattle anymore. The invention of a synthetic blood drink called "True Blood" is born (that is just one of the brand names of this synthetic blood, according to the books).
The show began with fun and irreverent parts but also that dogged intrepidness of Sookie that readers of Harris's books have known and loved. The show was great for the first several seasons and everyone I talked to loved it.
But now...well, things sorta went south (readers of the books and fans of the show: pun not intended). The show bears absolutely zero relation to the books whatsoever and I find myself watching this final season out of a sense of duty rather than real excitement to see what happens next in Sookie's life and the lives (and undead lives) of those around her. Where did it all go wrong?
For me, the last great season of True Blood was way back when we met the maenad; you fellow watchers remember that one? Where at the end of the season on the last show, Sam ended up naked in front of a bull? That was Season Two and it was great! I loved it. I guess I was still pretty interested clear up through Season Three. Then Season Four came around, the one with the witches, and then Season Five was just weird with that whole Terry Bellefleur/ifrit thing. None of those things were in the books. I firmly believe that once the series stopped loosely basing its seasons on the books, it lost a lot of its luster for me.
So that leads me to the following question: how much deviation is allowed for a movie or series when based on books? I hear from Game of Thrones fans that they couldn't be happier with their show. And I've really been tempted to see it, but then again...I read all the books. Will I be disappointed?
On the other hand, too much closeness to the book is not desirable either. It interferes with whatever mental images I developed in my head while I was reading. The first three seasons of True Blood were perfect in that regard: they were enough alike to be interesting but not too much alike to ruin my enjoyment.
The fact that the show is filled to the brim with beautiful women and drool inspiring men should be enough...but it's not. Granted, I will never read those books again without picturing a certain tall, blond actor as Eric Northman. And that's ok, because he was how I pictured him anyway. The same with several other characters as well; in fact, kudos to the casting department on True Blood. You nailed it.
Will I continue to watch this, the last season? You bet your ass I will. But not because I want to...because at this point, I have too much invested in it to turn away now. Who knows? Maybe it will redeem itself in this, its final hour.
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True Blood is on HBO, Sundays at 9 PM. Only nine episodes left!
Sookie Stackhouse (blond, perky, kinda dumb) is a telepath who has always been a little out of place with the other humans in her world. Now the books are a bit different in some ways than the show, and for a long time, that was ok. The show needed to be different than the books for people to want to watch it, but there were elements from the books that made it into the movies. But I digress. So, in Sookie's world, there are vampires who are trying to mainstream; that is, fit in with human society and not feed off of them like cattle anymore. The invention of a synthetic blood drink called "True Blood" is born (that is just one of the brand names of this synthetic blood, according to the books).
The show began with fun and irreverent parts but also that dogged intrepidness of Sookie that readers of Harris's books have known and loved. The show was great for the first several seasons and everyone I talked to loved it.
But now...well, things sorta went south (readers of the books and fans of the show: pun not intended). The show bears absolutely zero relation to the books whatsoever and I find myself watching this final season out of a sense of duty rather than real excitement to see what happens next in Sookie's life and the lives (and undead lives) of those around her. Where did it all go wrong?
For me, the last great season of True Blood was way back when we met the maenad; you fellow watchers remember that one? Where at the end of the season on the last show, Sam ended up naked in front of a bull? That was Season Two and it was great! I loved it. I guess I was still pretty interested clear up through Season Three. Then Season Four came around, the one with the witches, and then Season Five was just weird with that whole Terry Bellefleur/ifrit thing. None of those things were in the books. I firmly believe that once the series stopped loosely basing its seasons on the books, it lost a lot of its luster for me.
So that leads me to the following question: how much deviation is allowed for a movie or series when based on books? I hear from Game of Thrones fans that they couldn't be happier with their show. And I've really been tempted to see it, but then again...I read all the books. Will I be disappointed?
On the other hand, too much closeness to the book is not desirable either. It interferes with whatever mental images I developed in my head while I was reading. The first three seasons of True Blood were perfect in that regard: they were enough alike to be interesting but not too much alike to ruin my enjoyment.
The fact that the show is filled to the brim with beautiful women and drool inspiring men should be enough...but it's not. Granted, I will never read those books again without picturing a certain tall, blond actor as Eric Northman. And that's ok, because he was how I pictured him anyway. The same with several other characters as well; in fact, kudos to the casting department on True Blood. You nailed it.
Will I continue to watch this, the last season? You bet your ass I will. But not because I want to...because at this point, I have too much invested in it to turn away now. Who knows? Maybe it will redeem itself in this, its final hour.
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True Blood is on HBO, Sundays at 9 PM. Only nine episodes left!
June 20, 2014
Celebrate Summer Solstice!
Celebrate the Summer Solstice!
Summer Solstice Publishing celebrates the Summer Solstice, June 21, 2014, with a giveaway of books. 24 authors – 38 books! And bling with some of those books. We all love that beautiful bling.
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First, we would love to offer you a free download of our cookbook here:
http://solsticepublishing.com/celebrate-summer-solstice/
Just who are these authors? We’ll let you know in groups, and give you breaks with another video, some music, and a Rafflecopter link to get in to the drawing.
Our first group of authors:
Jessica Tornese E.B. Sullivan
Linked Through Time Christmas Guardian Angel
Lost Through Time
K.C. Sprayberry P.A. Estelle
Softly Say Goodbye Her Cracked Heart
Where U @ At What Price
Who Am I? Hike Up Devil’s Mountain
Michael Thal Marie Lavender
The Abduction of Joshua Bloom Upon Your Return
The Legend of Koolura
Koolura and the Mystery at Camp Saddleback
Geraldine Solon Rebecca Frencl
Love Letters Ribbons of Moonlight
Chocolicious
Marelee Lowder Crackerberries
The Gold Bluff Deception Blackhorse 2015
Mary H. Collins W.H. Matlack
Nadia’s House Waiting to Run
Noir Town
Reagan Werner Peter N. Bernfeld
Red Wing Eliezer’s Journey
Elle Marlow Angela Burke
Pour Me Lucidity
One Hundred Horses Beneath the Mayan Moon
Mysty McPartland Olivia Gracey
Plundering the Treasure The Allow Factor
Her Faithless Prince
Chrystal Vaughan Janice Clark
Dead in the Water Hall of Doors 1
Kiss Carson Mary Filmer
Come the Blue Moon Mary Sumeridge Beginnings
Fairview Mary Sumeridge and The Golden Locket
Vic Nikitin Rebecca Stevenson
Hijack Another Summer
What a fabulous collection of books, and they can be all yours. All you have to do is click on the Rafflecopter link below. Each entry you complete gives you 5 points. This drawing is only for 24 hours – so enter now. The winner will be contacted as soon as we get the info.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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June 19, 2014
Author Host: Dianne Hartsock
I'm pleased to host Dianne Hartsock, author of "The Shed."
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Check out this interview with the character Alex from Dianne's book:
Don't worry! I know its been rumored that I'm psychic, but I don't read minds or anything like that. I mostly see impressions given off from extreme emotion, feeling and seeing what that person is experiencing.
This is how I was able to help the police track down a serial killer last summer. I'm also hoping to help them with this new crime, God willing. At the moment I have no control over these visions or how I react to them. But my counselor Dr. Reid is helping me to tell when a vision is coming and then control how I act on it. Right now I'm more like a puppet going wherever the images take me.
I'm sorry, would you like some coffee or tea? I tend to babble when I'm nervous. I've been a little worried I might get a vision while you're here. Hopefully Jane will finish her painting in the studio soon and will join us, you know, to keep an eye on me.
My visions lately have been terrible. I see a boy trapped down a well, unable to climb out, and I don't know where he is. There's also another boy missing in the forest. And there's this shed close to the well. I haven't seen inside it yet, but the image of it terrifies me. Something terrible is in there, I just know it. Scott Reid is working with me to help me focus my thoughts, try to see more in my next vision that might help us find the boys before it's too late for them.
On that note, here's a little snippet from The Shed that might explain things a little better to you. Thanks for stopping by!
EXCERPT:
“Hey Alex…” Justin’s voice trailed off, and he put the coffee pot on the warmer and went over to him when the man didn’t respond. Scott joined them, leaving his computer on the table as he passed. Alex’s eyes were wide, unfocused as he stared out the window. His breath came quickly and sweat beaded his forehead.
“What do you see?” Scott asked, voice mild, placid.
“It’s hot here. Grass is dry.” Alex’s whispered words sent a shiver through Scott. He sounded…detached. “The forest is dark across the way. Crows circle above the trees.”
“Alex, where are you right now?” Scott made the question a demand.
A shudder ran Alex’s lean frame. “I’m in your office, Dr. Reid. I see the garden through the window. But I’m also here, in this empty field. Talk to me! I want to come away from here.”
Scott touched his hand. “Come home, Alex.”
“It’s hard. Something’s drawing me to the forest. God! I don’t want to go in there.”
“Jane would want you to come home,” Scott said firmly, using the ace up his sleeve. For a second he didn’t think even the deep love Alex had for his wife could draw
him back, but then he blinked his eyes into focus, and gave Scott a slight smile.
“Thank you. That’s a terrible place.”
“Is it a real place, do you think?”
Alex’s expression turned bleak. “Yes,” he whispered. “The crows were the ones from my dream this morning, and they had this.” He pulled the soft cloth holding the silver watch from a pocket and showed it to Scott. “It came in the mail a few days ago. No note. And now it shows up in my dreams. There’s a connection…somehow.”
He turned the watch over and showed Scott the engraving on the back. “There’s a picture of a man and woman inside as well, but no way to identify them.” Alex made a discouraged sound. “Who would send this to me? God, Scott, I don’t want go through this again. Can you make it stop?”
Scott drew a quick breath, feeling panicked, out of his depth. Was Art Peters right? Could he help this special man or would he cause even more emotional damage? He swallowed a sigh. There was no one else and Alex desperately needed hope to keep him sane during the madness of his visions.
He exchanged a look with Justin, who poured them all coffee while Scott pulled a chair from the table for Alex. Alex sat and tangled a hand in his hair, dragging the bangs down to cover his eyes. He snorted when Scott brushed them to the side as he sat beside him.
“Janie doesn’t let me hide, either. I suppose you want details.”
“If you feel up to it.”
“Hell with that.” Justin took the chair opposite Alex and leaned toward him, saying firmly,
“Spill.”
Alex nodded. “The dreams are different but I’m sure it’s the same place. In this one I was standing in that field looking at the forest. The one this morning, I was in the forest.”
“And?” Justin prompted when Alex stopped and they watched a shiver run through him.
“And the crows led me along a dark path. I smelled something rotten, found a child’s grave. And something else. An old shed that terrified me for some reason.”
Justin’s eyes narrowed. “What are you leaving out?”
“Hell, Justin! Let me tell this my own way.”
Scott watched the two friends. Alex glared, clearly furious, but Justin gave him a cool look in return, unruffled. Slowly the flush left Alex’s face, leaving it pale, his blue eyes enormous. “Bastard,” he muttered, but his voice lacked heat. “The child tugs at me. The grave would suggest he’s dead, but I don’t think so. Oh fuck, Justin. I thought it was over! I thought I could give Jane a normal life, be a good husband to her. If the visions are coming back…”
Alex covered his trembling lips and looked away from them. Scott’s heart squeezed with pity but before he could say anything Justin slammed his hand on the table, making them jump.
“We’re not playing it this way, Alex,” Justin informed him. “You tried to push us away two months ago. You’re trying again. Pre-emptive strike. But I’m not going for it. I know Jane won’t either. Now man up and we’ll see what the good doctor here suggests we do next.”
Scott blinked as two sets of eyes turned to him, hope in one, caution in Justin’s. What did they expect him to do? He wasn’t a detective. He couldn’t solve a crime, if any had been committed. The pain when he bit too hard on his bottom lip recalled him from the edge of panic.
“First things, Alex,” he said gently. “Just now at the window, did anything warn you that a vision was coming on?”
The strain left Alex’s face and he tilted his head, thoughtful. “I think so. These last few times I’ve noticed that everything becomes clearer, more focused, sometimes almost painfully bright.”
“Any scents involved? A certain odor?”
Alex looked startled, then shook his head. “I don’t think so, though I can smell as well as touch the things in the vision, as if I’m really there.”
“Maybe you are,” Justin put in.
It was Scott’s turn to be surprised by an idea, but Alex scoffed. “Hardly, Justin! Let’s not add astral projection to my weirdness.”
“You’re not weird,” Scott and Justin said in unison, then the three of them burst out laughing, easing the tension that had been building in the room.
THE SHED: Where to Buy! Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Shed-Dianne-Hartsock-ebook/dp/B00KXH186K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1402609466&sr=8-1&keywords=dianne+hartsock Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-shed-dianne-hartsock/1119716446?ean=2940149418244 Solstice Publishing: http://solsticepublishing.com/the-shed/
Overview:As a Certified Mental Health Therapist, Scott Reid has his share of interesting experiences, though nothing compares with the time he spends with the psychic, Alex Elson. Plagued by terrifying images and dreams, Alex turns to Doctor Reid in the hopes of learning to control his visions. Instead, Scott is pulled into Alex’s world, where dreams and reality mix and nightmares are real. Two young men, brothers, have been abducted from the lake outside of Oakton without a trace of who took them. That is, until Alex receives a silver pocket watch in the mail belonging to the elder brother, a taunt from the kidnapper for Alex to come find them. Alex’s visions turn at once into nightmares. Images flash in his mind of an abandoned well and a terrified, lonely boy slowly dying at the bottom. The shed looms close by, holding a horrifying secret, a dark place Alex’s frightened mind refuses to go. With the help of Scott Reid, Alex endeavors to control his visions and find the brutalized victims before death claims them. But the watch is ticking away and time’s running out.
About the Author: After growing up in California and spending the first ten years of marriage in Colorado, Dianne now lives in the beautiful Willamette Valley of Oregon with her incredibly patient husband, who puts up with the endless hours she spends hunched over the keyboard letting her characters play. Dianne is the author of m/m erotic romances, both contemporary and fantasy, the psychological thriller, and anything else that comes to mind. Oh, and a floral designer. Which is the perfect job for her. When not writing, she can express herself through the rich colors and textures of flowers and foliage.Blog: http://diannehartsock.wordpress.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/diannehartsock Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/diannehartsock Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4707011-dianne-hartsock Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Dianne-Hartsock/e/B005106SYQ/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1361897239&sr=8-1
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Check out this interview with the character Alex from Dianne's book:
Don't worry! I know its been rumored that I'm psychic, but I don't read minds or anything like that. I mostly see impressions given off from extreme emotion, feeling and seeing what that person is experiencing.
This is how I was able to help the police track down a serial killer last summer. I'm also hoping to help them with this new crime, God willing. At the moment I have no control over these visions or how I react to them. But my counselor Dr. Reid is helping me to tell when a vision is coming and then control how I act on it. Right now I'm more like a puppet going wherever the images take me.
I'm sorry, would you like some coffee or tea? I tend to babble when I'm nervous. I've been a little worried I might get a vision while you're here. Hopefully Jane will finish her painting in the studio soon and will join us, you know, to keep an eye on me.
My visions lately have been terrible. I see a boy trapped down a well, unable to climb out, and I don't know where he is. There's also another boy missing in the forest. And there's this shed close to the well. I haven't seen inside it yet, but the image of it terrifies me. Something terrible is in there, I just know it. Scott Reid is working with me to help me focus my thoughts, try to see more in my next vision that might help us find the boys before it's too late for them.
On that note, here's a little snippet from The Shed that might explain things a little better to you. Thanks for stopping by!
EXCERPT:
“Hey Alex…” Justin’s voice trailed off, and he put the coffee pot on the warmer and went over to him when the man didn’t respond. Scott joined them, leaving his computer on the table as he passed. Alex’s eyes were wide, unfocused as he stared out the window. His breath came quickly and sweat beaded his forehead.
“What do you see?” Scott asked, voice mild, placid.
“It’s hot here. Grass is dry.” Alex’s whispered words sent a shiver through Scott. He sounded…detached. “The forest is dark across the way. Crows circle above the trees.”
“Alex, where are you right now?” Scott made the question a demand.
A shudder ran Alex’s lean frame. “I’m in your office, Dr. Reid. I see the garden through the window. But I’m also here, in this empty field. Talk to me! I want to come away from here.”
Scott touched his hand. “Come home, Alex.”
“It’s hard. Something’s drawing me to the forest. God! I don’t want to go in there.”
“Jane would want you to come home,” Scott said firmly, using the ace up his sleeve. For a second he didn’t think even the deep love Alex had for his wife could draw
him back, but then he blinked his eyes into focus, and gave Scott a slight smile.
“Thank you. That’s a terrible place.”
“Is it a real place, do you think?”
Alex’s expression turned bleak. “Yes,” he whispered. “The crows were the ones from my dream this morning, and they had this.” He pulled the soft cloth holding the silver watch from a pocket and showed it to Scott. “It came in the mail a few days ago. No note. And now it shows up in my dreams. There’s a connection…somehow.”
He turned the watch over and showed Scott the engraving on the back. “There’s a picture of a man and woman inside as well, but no way to identify them.” Alex made a discouraged sound. “Who would send this to me? God, Scott, I don’t want go through this again. Can you make it stop?”
Scott drew a quick breath, feeling panicked, out of his depth. Was Art Peters right? Could he help this special man or would he cause even more emotional damage? He swallowed a sigh. There was no one else and Alex desperately needed hope to keep him sane during the madness of his visions.
He exchanged a look with Justin, who poured them all coffee while Scott pulled a chair from the table for Alex. Alex sat and tangled a hand in his hair, dragging the bangs down to cover his eyes. He snorted when Scott brushed them to the side as he sat beside him.
“Janie doesn’t let me hide, either. I suppose you want details.”
“If you feel up to it.”
“Hell with that.” Justin took the chair opposite Alex and leaned toward him, saying firmly,
“Spill.”
Alex nodded. “The dreams are different but I’m sure it’s the same place. In this one I was standing in that field looking at the forest. The one this morning, I was in the forest.”
“And?” Justin prompted when Alex stopped and they watched a shiver run through him.
“And the crows led me along a dark path. I smelled something rotten, found a child’s grave. And something else. An old shed that terrified me for some reason.”
Justin’s eyes narrowed. “What are you leaving out?”
“Hell, Justin! Let me tell this my own way.”
Scott watched the two friends. Alex glared, clearly furious, but Justin gave him a cool look in return, unruffled. Slowly the flush left Alex’s face, leaving it pale, his blue eyes enormous. “Bastard,” he muttered, but his voice lacked heat. “The child tugs at me. The grave would suggest he’s dead, but I don’t think so. Oh fuck, Justin. I thought it was over! I thought I could give Jane a normal life, be a good husband to her. If the visions are coming back…”
Alex covered his trembling lips and looked away from them. Scott’s heart squeezed with pity but before he could say anything Justin slammed his hand on the table, making them jump.
“We’re not playing it this way, Alex,” Justin informed him. “You tried to push us away two months ago. You’re trying again. Pre-emptive strike. But I’m not going for it. I know Jane won’t either. Now man up and we’ll see what the good doctor here suggests we do next.”
Scott blinked as two sets of eyes turned to him, hope in one, caution in Justin’s. What did they expect him to do? He wasn’t a detective. He couldn’t solve a crime, if any had been committed. The pain when he bit too hard on his bottom lip recalled him from the edge of panic.
“First things, Alex,” he said gently. “Just now at the window, did anything warn you that a vision was coming on?”
The strain left Alex’s face and he tilted his head, thoughtful. “I think so. These last few times I’ve noticed that everything becomes clearer, more focused, sometimes almost painfully bright.”
“Any scents involved? A certain odor?”
Alex looked startled, then shook his head. “I don’t think so, though I can smell as well as touch the things in the vision, as if I’m really there.”
“Maybe you are,” Justin put in.
It was Scott’s turn to be surprised by an idea, but Alex scoffed. “Hardly, Justin! Let’s not add astral projection to my weirdness.”
“You’re not weird,” Scott and Justin said in unison, then the three of them burst out laughing, easing the tension that had been building in the room.
THE SHED: Where to Buy! Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Shed-Dianne-Hartsock-ebook/dp/B00KXH186K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1402609466&sr=8-1&keywords=dianne+hartsock Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-shed-dianne-hartsock/1119716446?ean=2940149418244 Solstice Publishing: http://solsticepublishing.com/the-shed/
Overview:As a Certified Mental Health Therapist, Scott Reid has his share of interesting experiences, though nothing compares with the time he spends with the psychic, Alex Elson. Plagued by terrifying images and dreams, Alex turns to Doctor Reid in the hopes of learning to control his visions. Instead, Scott is pulled into Alex’s world, where dreams and reality mix and nightmares are real. Two young men, brothers, have been abducted from the lake outside of Oakton without a trace of who took them. That is, until Alex receives a silver pocket watch in the mail belonging to the elder brother, a taunt from the kidnapper for Alex to come find them. Alex’s visions turn at once into nightmares. Images flash in his mind of an abandoned well and a terrified, lonely boy slowly dying at the bottom. The shed looms close by, holding a horrifying secret, a dark place Alex’s frightened mind refuses to go. With the help of Scott Reid, Alex endeavors to control his visions and find the brutalized victims before death claims them. But the watch is ticking away and time’s running out.
About the Author: After growing up in California and spending the first ten years of marriage in Colorado, Dianne now lives in the beautiful Willamette Valley of Oregon with her incredibly patient husband, who puts up with the endless hours she spends hunched over the keyboard letting her characters play. Dianne is the author of m/m erotic romances, both contemporary and fantasy, the psychological thriller, and anything else that comes to mind. Oh, and a floral designer. Which is the perfect job for her. When not writing, she can express herself through the rich colors and textures of flowers and foliage.Blog: http://diannehartsock.wordpress.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/diannehartsock Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/diannehartsock Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4707011-dianne-hartsock Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Dianne-Hartsock/e/B005106SYQ/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1361897239&sr=8-1
June 16, 2014
Reflections
I was looking through my blog to find a recipe for my publisher to use in an upcoming promotion for the imprint name (Summer Solstice) and went back to the very beginning of my blog when I called it a hobby. It's true that it started out that way. I love reading through it, though some of it is embarrassing. So amateur. Still is. But what I really love is seeing how the writer in me that was always there finally came back.
I'd stifled the writer for so long, with excuses of work, family, responsibilities, etc. But when I read through these blog posts I can see that all it took was that one creative writing class to let that poor writer back out of the cage I'd put her in.
When I was a young girl, in high school, I'd written all the time. Mostly poetry (come one, I was a high school girl, after all) but some stories and even a children's story. Even then I'd been fascinated with crows and ravens, evidently. I went back through some of my old writing, trying to see the giant leap from young, angst-y teen girl writer to older, hopefully wiser, woman writer. There's a huge gap, all those lost years, but I think I'm mending that tear in my fabric.
I've posted one of my very early pieces, a poem for children, on my Facebook page (www.facebook.com/chrystalwrites). I've added both that piece (The Ballad of Harbor Town) and one of my pieces that won first place in a contest at my high school (Knight's Song). These pieces are in the page called The Songs of Sundays in the Stories, Poems, and Musings section of the blog (top right hand corner).
I've come a long way since I wrote those two poems but I have to say that I still love them as much as I did way back when I wrote them. Will I ever revise them? No. They are perfect with all of their flaws intact.
I'm very lucky that my desire to write returned to me; many people say if you don't use it, you lose it. I'm not sure I had it to begin with but I'd like to think I did, and still do. And I feel like I'm only getting better. Maybe it's a little cocky to say so, but King and Koontz won't be around forever. Here's hoping I'm the next rising star. Or swiftly falling feather.
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I'd stifled the writer for so long, with excuses of work, family, responsibilities, etc. But when I read through these blog posts I can see that all it took was that one creative writing class to let that poor writer back out of the cage I'd put her in.
When I was a young girl, in high school, I'd written all the time. Mostly poetry (come one, I was a high school girl, after all) but some stories and even a children's story. Even then I'd been fascinated with crows and ravens, evidently. I went back through some of my old writing, trying to see the giant leap from young, angst-y teen girl writer to older, hopefully wiser, woman writer. There's a huge gap, all those lost years, but I think I'm mending that tear in my fabric.
I've posted one of my very early pieces, a poem for children, on my Facebook page (www.facebook.com/chrystalwrites). I've added both that piece (The Ballad of Harbor Town) and one of my pieces that won first place in a contest at my high school (Knight's Song). These pieces are in the page called The Songs of Sundays in the Stories, Poems, and Musings section of the blog (top right hand corner).
I've come a long way since I wrote those two poems but I have to say that I still love them as much as I did way back when I wrote them. Will I ever revise them? No. They are perfect with all of their flaws intact.
I'm very lucky that my desire to write returned to me; many people say if you don't use it, you lose it. I'm not sure I had it to begin with but I'd like to think I did, and still do. And I feel like I'm only getting better. Maybe it's a little cocky to say so, but King and Koontz won't be around forever. Here's hoping I'm the next rising star. Or swiftly falling feather.
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June 15, 2014
Author Blog Host: Jessica Tornese
The Linked Through Time series
By Jessica Tornese
[image error]Linked Through Time- the first of the Linked trilogy
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Lost Through Time- the second in the series
Amazon and Barnes and Noble Bestseller!
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Third and final in the series….
Join Kate Christenson as she
battles a past that was never
meant to be her own.
Linked Through Time-
Fifteen year old Kate Christenson is pretty sure she’s about to experience the worst possible summer at her grandparent’s farm in rural Baudette, Minnesota. Without cable, cell phones, or computers, Kate is headed for total isolation and six tedious weeks of boredom. Until the storm.
A freak lightning accident has Kate waking up in 1960. But she is not herself. She is the aunt she never met, but has eerily resembled her entire life. Thrust into living a dirt poor, rural farm life, Kate struggles to make sense of her situation- a boyfriend with a dark side, a “townie” who steals her heart, and the knowledge that 1960 is the very summer her aunt drowns in the local river.
Even with every precaution, Kate cannot stop fate, and an unexpected twist adds to her dilemma. To her horror, Kate finds out firsthand her aunt’s death was not an accident or a suicide, but something much, much worse.
Lost Through Time-
“There never was a body, you know.”
Such is the bizarre statement from Gran only weeks after Kate has returned from an accidental time traveling incident, surviving certain death…twice. Capturing Sarah’s killer seemed to be the reason for Kate’s disappearance, but Gran believes otherwise.
Learning of Kate’s power to time travel loosens memories and desires Gran has long since buried. Gran is set on finding Sarah, who she believes never died the night Dave Slater threw her in the river, but instead, went back in time through the Rapid River portal. With rudimentary research and analysis, Gran thinks she has unlocked the secrets to controlling the time traveling link that she and Kate share with their ancestors and she plans to use Kate to bring Sarah back.
When Kate agrees, she is shocked to find out that in the more aggressive form of time travel, she doesn’t become Sarah, but trades places with her, sending Kate to Baudette, Minnesota in the year of 1910, and Sarah ahead to the year 2000.
Baudette’s catastrophic 1910 fire and typhoid epidemic are the least of Kate’s worries once she discovers what has happened. Her chances of a return trip are thwarted with the struggle just to survive, and Sarah, reliving her lost childhood in the ease of current day life, decides to never return to the past, leaving Kate to suffer the life she has left behind.
Gran is torn- get rid of the daughter she has dreamed of finding for four decades, or rescue the precious granddaughter who risked everything for her selfish dream? And to what lengths will Sarah go to destroy any chances of Kate coming back? Will Sarah succeed in severing the link?
Destroyed Through Time
After a decade of her life wasted in a futile search, Kate Christenson returns to Baudette, Minnesota to face more than just her failure. Broken relationships, broken hearts, and a slew of unanswered questions plagues her every move. Guilt and fear have turned her cynical and distrusting, and most of all, have left her alone.
When she encounters a stranger with the same hourglass birthmark, the past she has desperately tried to suppress comes roaring back with a vengeance. Hungry for answers, Kate pursues the stranger, eager to find another like herself.
But the answers she gets are beyond any she can imagine, derailing every idea she’s ever had about time travel. Who is really alive? And who is really dead? What can be changed? And what is forever broken?
When Mary disappears, Kate is thrust into a race against time itself. But this time, it’s more than just one life on the line.
EXCERPT FROM -LINKED THROUGH TIME
Steering carefully into the gravel drive of the Rapid River parking lot, I swore under my breath as the bike’s rear wheel slid on loose gravel. Trying to right the bike too quickly, I ended up swerving sharply to the left and crashing into the brush at the side of the gravel lot. Flying over the handlebars, I landed in a patch of overgrown weeds, my knee striking a rock hidden in the ground. Pain radiated from my knee, paralyzing me for a moment. I lay sprawled face first in the grass, breathing in the smell of earth and dry grass, cursing myself and everything on the planet.
Emotions overwhelmed my frazzled, fragile mind and I let loose with a string of profanities that would have definitely earned me a whipping. Rubbing my throbbing knee, I groaned.
Lightning flashed and the breeze picked up as if on cue, sending the cattails above my head into an agitated dance.
With great effort, I stood and flexed my leg. I could feel the slightest trickle of blood dripping a warm path down my shin. Perfect, I grimaced. Can anything else possibly go wrong tonight?
My vision had adjusted slightly to the moonless night, but I still had to partly feel my way to the place Travis and I spent the evening. Pushing through the brush, I couldn’t help but sense that uneasy, creepy feeling that comes from wandering in the dark, as though eyes watched you and monster hands waited to grab at your feet. My heart pounded loudly in my ears, the tingling creep of fear working its way from my head down through my limbs. I forced myself to keep my eyes forward, ignoring the nagging feeling that someone or something watched me from the shadows of the rocky shore.
Limbs of the interlocking pines poked and prodded my bare arms as I threaded my way through the trees. The pounding of the rapids had increased with the coming of the storm; the wind tossed the water upon the rocks, sending spray high into the air.
When I broke through the tree line, I stood mesmerized by the awesome power of the roaring water. It looked as if the rapids were fighting to break free of their rocky channel, its watery fingers washing over the rocks, reaching far down the wall, only to withdraw and try again.
Above the churning waters, a simple two-lane bridge hung defiantly in the air, its thick concrete arches planted firmly around the dangerous rocks. Suddenly, a semi loaded with logs thundered across the bridge overhead; its headlights lighting up the darkness for a matter of seconds. I used the momentary help to break my gaze from the water and search the outer banks for my sweater.
A flicker of movement amidst the trees caught my line of sight, and I focused in on a ring of pines to my right; the very place Travis and I had been a few hours earlier.
“Travis?” I called out hopefully, thinking he had remembered to retrieve my sweater.
EXCERPT FROM- LOST THROUGH TIME
I felt the exact moment my heart stopped beating in my chest.
“Where’s Mary?” I said, trying to keep the alarm from rising in my voice. The group looked around, stunned.
Vivie handed Gracie to James. “She was just here. I swear it.”
Frantic, we strained to see across the wagon bridge into Spooner. The brilliant blond tresses of Mary’s head were nowhere to be seen.
Ruth spoke up. “That man took her to the depot.”
I stared hard at Ruth, trying to process the words, but not understanding. “What man?” I said, confused. There were dozens of people crossing the bridge rushing in all directions. Like ants on a collapsing anthill, the twin towns were alive with chaos, the people coming and going with what looked like little purpose. “What man?” I said again, the panic seizing my voice and pushing it another octave higher. I grasped Ruth’s arms in a painful, panicked grip.
Ruth shrank away, afraid I might lash out. “I don’t know. I was watching John. Aunt Vivie told me to watch John.” Her eyes welled with tears. “I had John,” she insisted again, afraid of taking the blame.
“What did the man look like? What was he doing?” I demanded.
“He was that man from the backyard. The big man who touched Mary’s hair. I heard him say he could help her run faster. For her to take his hand.”
Sickness heaved inside and I clenched my jaw.
“You were getting sick over the bridge,” Ruth accused. “You weren’t helping at all! Mary couldn’t keep up and she was crying!”
Vivie reached out and gripped my shoulders. Without saying a word, we stared hard into each other’s eyes, the truth of the situation passing between us as though we were speaking aloud. McGraw had bided his time, watched us from afar and waited for a weak moment.He
couldn’t possibly know the danger he faced. Was it a ploy? Would he really take Mary? Or was he just trying to get me alone to give chase and play his twisted game of revenge?
“I’ll go,” Vivie said, the sacrifice evident in the firm line of her mouth. “You can’t fall for his trap, Kate. He won’t do anything to me.”
“No,” I argued. “Too dangerous. If something happens to you, then Gran will never be born, and then, neither will I.”
Excerpt from Destroyed Through Time
It was just past noon and the bar already had a smoky haze clinging to the ceiling. I pushed open the glass door and ducked beneath a trio of dangling bells hanging just slightly above my head. Squinting through the dim interior I made my way to the bar, taking the first available stool beneath a poster advertising the blond, voluptuous St. Pauli girl holding overflowing steins of beer. Beer wasn’t what I needed. I wanted something that would instantaneously numb the body from the neck down, including the realms of my heart.
It had been years since I had set foot in this town and I couldn’t imagine facing the lot of them completely sober. College abroad had been a great excuse, a scapegoat for a plethora of reasons not to return. It was the only way I had managed to navigate the years of guilt, the constant reminder of my failure to myself, to Mary, to Gran…to my mother.
The list was endless.
It was hard to believe a decade had passed. A fruitless, pointless waste of a decade. Ten years of my life gone in a search that had yielded nothing. No news, no information, and certainly no sign of Sarah. And now I was back where it all began.
Q&A with Jessica Tornese
1. The question that is always asked—what inspired you to write Linked Through Time, and Lost Through Time?
I grew up with a large family. My Dad was one of eleven children, so I have endless tales of cousins and extended family. My Dad’s stories always stuck with me because he grew up with nothing. Absolutely nothing! He did not have indoor plumbing until high school- in Northern Minnesota! I admire him and wanted to keep his stories alive. A lot of what happens to Kate in “Linked” are true events from my dad’s childhood. Lost Through Time mentions a disaster that actually occurred in my home town in 1910. I guess I just really like to keep the stories of our ancestors from dying out. They were true, hard core Americans fighting just to make a living.
2. Your take on time travel is unique did you do any research to help you form the idea?
I love the idea of using something that had to do with the region. Of course, northern lights are not often seen as brilliantly as in Alaska or Canada, but they are amazing and kind of mysterious, so I thought they could be a believable reason!
3. What challenges have you overcome in having such a unique take on time travel?
As with any book, I had to keep going back and forth to remember my rules and events to make things happen. Since I change the rules in the second book, I had to really sketch out why and how Kate could travel differently than other characters.
4. You create a very realistic picture of farm life in the 1960’s—did you do research? If not, how did you create such a realistic picture without research?
I actually lived on the farm I am describing. For a few short months, I had to live with my grandparents in the very house my Dad grew up in . They were still doing the same chores and living the same kind of lifestyle- except with indoor plumbing of course! The chores were endless and I absolutely hate haying!
5. Who is your favorite character and why?
I love Kate. She reminds me of myself. I was the snotty city girl that was taken out of the city and moved to a small northern MN town when I was fifteen. I thought my life was over! I learned a lot about myself as a person and learned how to work outside. I appreciate my Dad more, and am so glad to have been raised closer to his family. I love Kate’s growth and life lessons about boys. There are good boyfriends out there and bad…definitely something we have to learn!
6. In book one you create sympathy for the character of Sarah, but in book two she’s quite evil. Was making a character that was originally likeable into a bad character hard?
Yes. It was actually my husband’s idea to make a villain. He basically said that the story will go nowhere without a villain, so we decided Sarah had the most to be angry and vengeful for! Once I started, it was really fun to write the villain part because I never get to act that way. It was a peek into the dark side
7. Kate matures a lot through book one, did you always plan this, or did she mature as you wrote the novel?
Kate was really a mirror of myself. I think I wanted to show that from day one- how she can go from a judgmental teenager focusing on her own needs, to learning about serving others. I think everyone makes this same transition at some point in their lives; it’s just a question of when.
8. In Linked Through Time keeping track of so many brothers and sisters was hard for Sarah, how did you do it as an author?
I literally took my Dad’s family and just changed the names! He had 6 brothers and 5 sisters, and I just kept picturing them in my mind.
9. In Linked Through Time who was your favorite brother or sister?
Probably a tie between Dean and Rodney. I identify with both of their personalities. My Dad had a little of each, so I brought out his tough military side in Rodney and his protective side in Dean.
10. How did you evolve the story of Linked Through Time into Lost Through Time?
I didn’t want Kate’s story to be over. I knew I wanted to write about Baudette’s historic fire, so once I decided to bring Sarah back into the picture it all fell into place. I love history and am trying to decide how to connect with the final chapter in Kate’s and Sarah’s life in book three.
11. We saw a very little bit of Travis’ son—will we see more of him?
T.J. will make an appearance in book three. I think we will see a bit more develop with him. I want Kate’s story to have something good in it for her. Though it is a little Jerry Springer, I think Kate deserves a good man and some closure in all the chaos she lives in.
12. What is the name of the next book in the trilogy?
As of right now, Destroyed In Time, recommended to me by another Solstice author, Michael Thal.
13. Is there a release date set?
Not yet. I am still in the early stages of defining the book. I have to be really careful on how I end this book.
14. When did you start writing?
I didn’t really start writing books until a few years ago, but I have always loved writing and reading. They go hand in hand, I think.
15. As an author, what is your biggest challenge and how do you overcome it?
Finding time to write. I have three kids and it is a constant tornado in the house. I try to take some time once a week to nail down some outline ideas.
16. You are with an independent publisher, Solstice Publishing, how did you find them?
I submitted my work based on a newsletter I received called Children’s Writer. They give contact names and emails and it just happened to work out that Nik Morton liked the manuscript.
17. What do you like best about being with a smaller press?
I like the camaraderie with the other authors. We have a daily interaction on line. Mostly we use it for questions or support, but it’s nice to have others in the same boat as yourself.
18. What is the biggest challenge of being with a smaller press?
Marketing. There just isn’t enough time or money to get the word out. It has to be done over time, mostly own your own doing. But Solstice is trying hard to work with everyone and do what they can with their resources. I was just voted Solstice’s Author of the Year, so that was very exciting and proof that I do have fans out there that love the books.
19. For budding authors out there, how much say do you think you have in the final product, from cover to the insides, to the marketing?
Depending on the publisher, you can have a lot of say in your product. I wouldn’t let someone change my work completely, especially if it was something I didn’t believe in. Stay true to your style and someone will come along that likes it!
20. Other than writing, what are some things that you love to do?
I love volleyball and camping, and outdoor things in general. I love, love, love to read! A good book on the beach is my heaven!
Reviews from Readers:
5 *- Hannah- “This book was recommended to me by a friend, and I am very glad I bought it! As someone who grew up in Minnesota, I enjoyed the Midwestern nuances included in the author's style. The story line has the perfect amount of complexity to allow for an easy read with a plot that keeps you guessing and looking forward to reading. I will be referring my friends and family to this book, and am excited to read more by this author in the future.”
5*- Author Jennifer Comeaux-“ I haven't read many time travel stories, but I thoroughly enjoyed this one from Jessica Tornese. What I loved most about it were the rich details that put me back in the 1960's rural setting and the relationship between Kate and her father in the past. It was such a neat way to strengthen the bond between father and daughter - a bond that was very shaky in present day. The story kept me in suspense throughout as I wondered if Kate would be able to change the past, and the ending was definitely a surprise! I'll be looking out for more from Jessica Tornese in the future.”
5*-Author Nancy Wood-“ LINKED THROUGH TIME by Jessica Tornese tells the story of Kate Christenson, a self-absorbed 15-year-old who's forced to spend the summer at her grandparents' farm in rural Minnesota. There's no internet or cell service. No cable. And before Kate even makes it into the farmhouse, she accidentally smashes her iPod: a clean separation from the life she knew. Kate has issues with everyone, from her dad to grandparents to her mother. Nothing is made easier by the fact that Kate's a dead ringer for her Aunt Sarah, who committed suicide at age 15.
But when Kate is transported back to 1960, resurrected as Sarah, her once-burning issues begin to seem trivial in light of what she's facing. Life is so different than what Kate is used to, it's like a movie. Every member of the family works long, hard hours on the farm. There's Sarah's questionable relationship with intimidating boyfriend Dave Slator. There's a new love interest, Travis Kochevar, a townie. There's Sarah's siblings, Kate's dad, and other aunts and uncles. And there the secrets Sarah keeps, secrets that she doesn't even share with her closest sibling, Kate's dad. With Sarah's death looming, Kate has to figure out why she's there. Kate grows up during her stay in 1960. When she pops back into the year 2000, she's matured, much more compassionate, and much more aware of love, loyalty, and family.
This book drew me in and moved along flawlessly. There's something for every reader: the paranormal, romance, suspense, and a mystery with a twist. Jessica Tornese's deft writing will keep you turning the pages. I'm hoping for a sequel!”
5*- Jboy- “Jessica definitely delivers on her sequel to Linked Through Time. It takes a crazy twist at the beginning and it keeps your attention to the very end. I'm hoping there will be a third book since I really enjoy Jessica's writing style and story telling.”
5*-MN girl- “I think I liked this book even more than the first! I was surprised at the development of Sarah's character, and felt the suspense building throughout the book as well. Knowing what was supposed to happen, and waiting to see what WOULD happen just made the story fly by. The developments at the end of the book leave me feeling excited to see what this author has in store for the third installment of Kate's story!”
Author Bio, Links, and Contact
Jessica Tornese is an amazon bestselling author and was voted Solstice Publishing’s 2012 Author of the Year! She has finally finished the final novel in the Linked series; check out Destroyed Through Time this summer!
Jessica Tornese’s debut novel, Linked Through Time, was inspired by her home town Baudette, MN. She graduated from high school there and continued her education at Minnesota State University – Moorhead where she earned a degree in education. She spent several years coaching in the Junior Olympic volleyball program in Minnesota as well as the junior varsity team for Lake of the Woods High School in 2010.
Her favorite hobbies include reading, scrapbooking, playing volleyball, and extreme outdoor sports like caving, ziplining, and white water rafting. Jessica is also active in her church and has run several Vacation Bible School programs and Sunday school programs. She enjoys working with kids of all ages!
She hopes to continue writing and venture into new genres and age groups. Recently, she self-published her first juvenile fiction book for kids online. (see M&M Twins)
Jessica is married and has three children. Her family recently relocated to a small town in south Florida.
Links:
http://www.amazon.com/Lost-Through-Time-ebook/dp/B009ZUKKR4/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1365111338&sr=1-1&keywords=lost+through+time
http://www.amazon.com/Linked-Through-Time-Jessica-Tornese/dp/1477570799/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1365111662&sr=1-1&keywords=linked+through+time
http://store.solsticepublishing.com/
Website:
http://www.jessicatornese.com
Amazon author central page:
http://www.amazon.com/Jessica-Tornese...
Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Linked...
Twitter:
@jltornese
Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/jessicatornese
LinkedIn:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicator...
June 13, 2014
Birds on the Brain
I have a problem: too many project vying for attention. Zombies? Werewolves? True Love? Circus??? What to do next is troubling but I think it has to be circus. I have an October 31st deadline and I'm only about halfway done with it. Plus...I really miss my friends!
I want to do one more run through on "Ravens" and keep your eyes peeled for my book trailer and cover reveal in the next few days.
I'm also looking for reviewers to go on Amazon and Goodreads and post reviews for "Ravens". There's a signed proof copy in it for the first three people who hustle on over to both places and review it on release day!
I'm gathering data for a few future books, but here is a piece of research I've carried around for many months now. I always find other authors' research and methods interesting so I thought I'd share:
Last but not least, check back for some more author interviews coming up in the next few weeks. There are great books out there deserving of readers!
I want to do one more run through on "Ravens" and keep your eyes peeled for my book trailer and cover reveal in the next few days.
I'm also looking for reviewers to go on Amazon and Goodreads and post reviews for "Ravens". There's a signed proof copy in it for the first three people who hustle on over to both places and review it on release day!
I'm gathering data for a few future books, but here is a piece of research I've carried around for many months now. I always find other authors' research and methods interesting so I thought I'd share:
Last but not least, check back for some more author interviews coming up in the next few weeks. There are great books out there deserving of readers!
