C.E. Paul's Blog, page 2
April 10, 2014
[COVER REVEAL REDUX] Phasms: Infinite Potential, by Barbara Garren
So, Barb has been undergoing a bit of an adventure with this book, but despite any trials and tribulations - I think this is the best thing to happen. This new cover is frickin' sweet. In my opinion, it's the cover this book was born to have. It really captures the essence of the story and it makes me feel all squishy and excited.
Without further ado... *whips back curtain and toots trumpets*
BUH-BLAM.
Title: Infinite Potential, Volume 1 of the Phasms Series Author: Barbara Garren Genre: Paranormal Romance, Contemporary (Adult) Release Date: April 22, 2014 (originally published February 24, 2014) Goodreads Book Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18801706-infinite-potential Pre-order Book Link : http://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/Search?Query=Infinite+Potential%2C+Barbara+Garren
Synopsis:
For Kelsi Thomas, losing her husband seems like the worst thing that could happen. It's not.
Twenty-three year old Kelsi always knows when bad things are coming, but even she never thought she'd lose Jamie after three years of marriage. Since he died, she's been living her worst nightmare.
Her nights are filled with dreams of a Dark-Haired Man, and her days are full of guilt. The Man fills her with longing and confusion, promising to giver her all she needs, all she wants, all she feared she'd never have again.
If only the dreams would stay in her head, where they belong.
Kelsi starts seeing the Dark-Haired Man in her waking life, shadowing her wherever she goes. And when her mysterious new neighbor, Aiden Hardt, knows about the Man in her dreams, Kelsi worries she can't trust her own mind.
"He's not what he seems."
Aiden's cryptic words don't frighten Kelsi as much as the way she feels around him. Kelsi must sort through her emotions and figure out what's real, before she can ever hope to have a normal life again.
Author Info:
I'm a writer, a reader and a frequenter of the more charming sites in town, namely pubs.
Born and raised in Southern California, I left to explore the world courtesy of the U.S. Navy. I've lived in San Francisco, New York and Norfolk, Virginia, but prefer to call San Diego home these days, with my husband, Henry (the inspiration for all the romance).When not working on my next novel or reading a good book, I can be found running after my grandchildren, my dog and my sanity.I believe a well-rounded diet consists of coffee, scotch, chocolate, popcorn and Luna Bars - in that order - and have been accused of violating grammar and etiquette rules in at least seven countries. My Muse is a Valkyrie named Prue, so look out.You can find me at:Website: www.bgarrenwrites.comEmail: bgarrenwrites@gmail.comBlog: http://www.nofilterinstalled.blogspot.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/bgarrenwritesPinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/bgarrenwrites/Twitter: @bak229
Without further ado... *whips back curtain and toots trumpets*

BUH-BLAM.
Title: Infinite Potential, Volume 1 of the Phasms Series Author: Barbara Garren Genre: Paranormal Romance, Contemporary (Adult) Release Date: April 22, 2014 (originally published February 24, 2014) Goodreads Book Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18801706-infinite-potential Pre-order Book Link : http://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/Search?Query=Infinite+Potential%2C+Barbara+Garren
Synopsis:
For Kelsi Thomas, losing her husband seems like the worst thing that could happen. It's not.
Twenty-three year old Kelsi always knows when bad things are coming, but even she never thought she'd lose Jamie after three years of marriage. Since he died, she's been living her worst nightmare.
Her nights are filled with dreams of a Dark-Haired Man, and her days are full of guilt. The Man fills her with longing and confusion, promising to giver her all she needs, all she wants, all she feared she'd never have again.
If only the dreams would stay in her head, where they belong.
Kelsi starts seeing the Dark-Haired Man in her waking life, shadowing her wherever she goes. And when her mysterious new neighbor, Aiden Hardt, knows about the Man in her dreams, Kelsi worries she can't trust her own mind.
"He's not what he seems."
Aiden's cryptic words don't frighten Kelsi as much as the way she feels around him. Kelsi must sort through her emotions and figure out what's real, before she can ever hope to have a normal life again.
Author Info:

Born and raised in Southern California, I left to explore the world courtesy of the U.S. Navy. I've lived in San Francisco, New York and Norfolk, Virginia, but prefer to call San Diego home these days, with my husband, Henry (the inspiration for all the romance).When not working on my next novel or reading a good book, I can be found running after my grandchildren, my dog and my sanity.I believe a well-rounded diet consists of coffee, scotch, chocolate, popcorn and Luna Bars - in that order - and have been accused of violating grammar and etiquette rules in at least seven countries. My Muse is a Valkyrie named Prue, so look out.You can find me at:Website: www.bgarrenwrites.comEmail: bgarrenwrites@gmail.comBlog: http://www.nofilterinstalled.blogspot.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/bgarrenwritesPinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/bgarrenwrites/Twitter: @bak229
Published on April 10, 2014 06:00
April 4, 2014
[BOOK BLITZ & GIVEAWAY!] The Only Boy, by Jordan Locke

Synopsis
Mary is stuck in Section One, living with three hundred women in a crumbling hospital. She wonders what life was like two centuries ago, before the Cleansing wiped out all the men. But the rules—the Matriarch's senseless rules—prevent her from exploring the vacant city to find out.
Taylor's got a dangerous secret: he's a boy. His compound's been destroyed, and he's been relocated to Section One. Living under the Matriarch means giving up possessions, eating canned food and avoiding all physical contact. Baggy clothes hide his flat chest and skinny legs, but if anyone discovers what lies beneath, he'll be exiled. Maybe even executed.
Mary's never seen a boy—the Matriarch cut the pictures of men from the textbooks—and she doesn't suspect Taylor's secret. If she knew, she might understand the need to stop the girls from teasing him. If she knew, she might realize why she breaks the rules, just to be near him. Then again, she might be frightened to death of him.
Taylor should go. The Matriarch is watching his every move. But running means leaving Mary—and braving the land beyond the compound's boundaries.

About the Author

Author links: Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1494415593Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20339413-the-only-boyB&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-only-boy-jordan-locke/1117893836Website: http://www.jordanlocke.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jordan1Locke
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Published on April 04, 2014 03:00
April 3, 2014
[BOOK TOUR & GIVEAWAY] Baltic Mist - A Timeless Saga, by Jennifer Lohr


Genre: Cultural Heritage, Legends, Mythology
Publisher: An Ancient Approach
ISBN: 978-0-61593-442-6ASIN: 0615934420
Number of pages: 113Word Count: 27,452
Cover Artist: Jennifer Lohr
Sellfly Kindle Nook
Book Description:
Baltic Mist - A Timeless Saga is Jen Lohr's next big creation.
It all began when she came across Egil’s Saga, written in the mid11th century, chronicling the life of Egil Skallagrimsson. The history surrounding the Viking awakened within Jen an unquenchable thirst for knowledge of the Norse culture. A story was soon born, seen through the eyes of a young woman named Helga, originating from a character in Egil's Saga.
Baltic Mist begins on a farm Norway, and takes the reader through the epic adventures of Helga's enchanting life. Beginning in Book One, her tale falls against the backdrop of Scandinavia's conversion to Christianity. The saga continues in Books two and three to a finale that no one, even Helga herself, could have ever imagined!
A must read!
About the Author:

http://balticmist.anancientapproach.com
www.anancientapproach.com
www.norsemyth.org
www.facebook.com/baltic.mist
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Published on April 03, 2014 05:00
March 25, 2014
[INTERVIEW] Anstractor: Vestalia, by Greg Dragon


Born an outcast, raised a soldier, and chosen as a savior. Rafian VCA is humanity's only hope against a vicious new race of predators aimed at taking over the galaxy of Anstractor. In Anstractor: Vestalia, the first book by author Greg Dragon, the planet of Vestalia has been completely taken over by the Geralos. After losing their home and being forced into space, the revengeful Marines of Vestalia decide to take the fight back to the Geralos and win their planet back.
--Awwww, yeah. Now that's what I'm talking about. An awesome-looking military sci-fi! I can't wait to read this one. Also a fist-bump to Greg, who is a fellow Floridian.
Read on for the interview and excerpt!
Stop. Who would cross the Bridge of Death must answer me these questions three, ere the other side he see.
- What is your name? Greg Dragon
- What is your quest? To add my voice to the life-stream of fictional literature.
- What is your favorite color? Garnet Red
Just kidding, there are more than 3 questions.
Which orifice did you pull this story from (from whence did the inspiration come)?
My Imaginative arse?
What was the most difficult thing about writing Anstractor?
I am writing to represent a multiverse of several galaxies, Anstractor is but one galaxy. Each galaxy has its planets, each planet has its continents and each continent has its people. There are hundreds of races, species, looks and customs. There are political differences, exotic technology, languages, all of which I need to keep track of and reference accurately throughout the various stories. Had I written a book about earth, or something we all know about historically then it would have been a bit easier since all I would have had to focus on was the characters and the situations.
What was something you learned while writing Anstractor?
People don’t take you seriously until you’ve actually put the book in print. While there may be people who feel a certain way about Indie Authors, the general populace still look at books as huge undertakings that only a select few mad men and women create. This seems even more evident when it is a story of your own creation versus a self-help book, or an extension of your blog. During my writing only 2-3 people cared to ask about my project but once it was available in paperback I was given a lot of support. It is still strange to me how many people are even more excited for my book than I am.
What do you love the most about Anstractor?
The characters. I love my main guy, I love his team, and I love the brain-eating aliens that stole his planet. Giving people individual personalities and having them interact is a beautiful thing. People who read Anstractor will probably talk more about the characters than any of the cool fights (which I am really proud of) or technology.
What do you hate the most about Anstractor?
It is the marketing part of the beast that breaks a book and it is such a monstrous beast that it takes away from your writing. I have to be pushing Anstractor constantly so that it gets read by a multitude of people and unfortunately that takes up time that could be spent building worlds.
What are your future plans as an author?
To grow my readership and continue to write. I am a huge fan of history, particularly gangland America so I may work on a historical fiction piece eventually but only after the full story of Anstractor has been told.
Give us your favorite blurb (paragraph/scene) from the story.
Val had come over to where Rafian sat in deep thought and plopped down across from him to begin talking.
“Let me guess Marine, you’re probably thinking of that pretty girlfriend of yours.”
Rafian had to smile at the accusation.
“Is it that obvious?” he asked, but Val didn’t return the smile like Rafian assumed he would.
“Well, I know you haven’t been thinking of her while fighting these things, but check your thoughts when you do. The lizards have consumed enough pureblood Vestalian women to where some have been gifted with the ability to read us and put thoughts into our heads. I had it happen to me once when I sat on my gun thinking of Chelle, and some recon spucha bastard gave me visions of her being tortured and killed. I wondered where the hell that level of thought came from, and thought it was the war y’know screwing with me.”
Rafian was intrigued and horrified at the same time.
“So these guys have us outmanned, outgunned, and can put thoughts into our heads now?” he asked Val, but not in a way that Val could answer. “How exactly are we even winning on this moon with those odds?” Rafian mused.
Val gave a mocking laugh, injected a ration bar into his mask, and sat back chewing for a while, as if the question was worth considering.
“Who knows Raf, maybe they’re letting us win for some greater strategy. But remember what I told you, in case you’re ever alone with one of them. You should keep Vani and her memory off of the battlefield where she’s safe.”
Rafian nodded and thanked his friend. Val then went on to make fun of him for having a thing for bad girls, a joke that apparently had made its rounds to Missio-tral from all the friends who knew him.
“Vani’s not a bad girl Val. What has she done to anyone besides being annoying?”
Val looked genuinely surprised.
“What!? Do you not know why they made her a button-pushing navigator instead of the admiral path that she was pursuing?”
Rafian shook his head, sadly awaiting what he assumed would be disappointing news.
“Well, your woman punched out the Cadet Commander after they had words one night and the woman was carted out to receive multiple zaps to her face to keep her pretty. I’m surprised you didn’t hear about this. Look at you, thinking that you had a gentle wildflower all this time. It got bad man, you must’ve been on a mission or something, but princess had to call mommy and daddy to bail her out, as the Commander was a step away from shooting her out of an airlock for assaulting an officer. Her parents are powerful people so she got away with it, but you need to watch your back with Vani Narcila, that girl has a temper on her!”
Rafian chuckled.
“She didn’t tell me about any of this when I got back with Aurora.”
“See…you and bad girls man! First with Kim the Terrible, and now with Violent Vani. Hell if you and Vani don’t work out, you can holler at Rueche SYN, the girl who tried to blow up the ship after she failed out of Special Operations.”
“Ha!” Rafian looked at Val and smiled.
“What about Vestalia? Is she a bad girl?” he asked, still thinking of her beautiful face grimacing from the stasis. Val got serious and made to get to his feet as he answered.
“You’re not her type Raf. Trust me, Vani would get her before you would. Either way I’m gonna go take advantage of this chance to sleep buddy. If I were you, I would do the same.”
--
About the Author:

Website: http://anstractor.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anstractorTwitter: https://twitter.com/hobdragonBlog: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7751239.Greg_Dragon/blog
BUY LINKhttp://www.amazon.com/dp/1494438941
Published on March 25, 2014 05:00
March 21, 2014
[BOOK BLITZ!] The Cowboy and the Vampire, by Clark Hays and Kathleen McFall

The phrase “you can’t judge a book by its cover” is a lie. It’s a damn lie. People do it all the time. Art is truth.
To mark the upcoming May 2014 release of the third book in The Cowboy and the Vampire Collection, the series was treated to a gothic western makeover, with artwork commissioned exclusively for the series.
“We wanted to give readers something special and the new covers get right to the heart of the series,” said co-author Hays. “Go on and judge the books by these covers! They bring together the paranormal and the western elements perfectly, setting a dark tone with just a hint of the humor.”
“Each time you look at the images, you see something a bit different, even more of the opposites-attract romantic theme pops, and the overtones of simmering passion,” said co-author McFall.
Get caught up on the love between Tucker and Lizzie now before the release of book three.

“Deliciously dark.” – Booklist
Welcome to LonePine, Wyoming, where the best of the American west faces off against the rise of the undead. It’s a love story for the ages.
Worlds collide when a broke cowboy and a glamorous big city reporter fall lipstick over boot heels in love. But she carries a 2,000-year-old secret in her veins that will test their unusual romance.
Saddle up for a hilarious, existential gallop through the dying west with an army of ancient bloodsuckers in hot pursuit.

Blood and Whiskey The Cowboy and the VampireBook 2Clark Hays and Kathleen McFall
“Strong writing, funny characters … riveting.” – Kirkus Reviews
Welcome back to LonePine, Wyoming. It’s like any other slowly dying town in the modern American West. Except it’s suddenly lousy with vampires.
Cultures clash as the vampire illuminati ride into town to settle ancient scores, test loyalties and thrash out a new world order. Can the fragile relationship between a cowboy and a vampire survive lust, betrayal and country music?
Grab the reins and hold on tight as Tucker and Lizzie stampede through rural America and across the vampire afterlife, desperate to protect their unlikely love.
A Tangled Publishing History
The first book of this series, A Very Unusual Romance, was published in 1999, long before the vampire craze. With comparisons to Anne Rice and Zane Grey, the book gained a devoted following with initial sales of more than 10,000 print units. Fast forward a decade, and the publisher (Llewellyn) brought out the book as a second edition in 2010, aiming to capitalize on the Twilightmega-hit. Meanwhile, the authors wrote the second book in the series — Blood and Whiskey — bringing it out under their own imprint (Pumpjack Press, 2012). In 2013, they gained the rights back for the original book, and now, with book three poised for publication in May 2014, the restored Cowboy and Vampireseries has been redesigned with exclusive art and is coming out for the first time in 15 years as a complete collection. Yippi-ki-yay!
About the Authors:

Connect with the authors: www.cowboyandvampire.comwww.facebook.com/cowboyandvampire@cowboyvamp(twitter)@cowboyvampire(instagram)
About the artist
When asked about his biggest artistic influences, Aaron Perkins says there are too many to name, but when pressed mentions Gustav Klimt, Modigliani and the full-on art deco and nouveau movements, abstraction expressionism and surrealism. Aaron is also a big fan of concert poster art. That heady and diverse collection of inspiration shows up in The Cowboy and Vampire Collection covers. Connect with the artist:
An interview with the artist here
His website: www.aaronperkins.com

Published on March 21, 2014 07:59
March 6, 2014
[BOOK BLITZ!] My Dog Understands English, by Cherise Kelley


My Dog Understands English - Week Blitz By Cherise Kelley Non-Fiction / Memoir / Dog StoriesDate Published: 11/30/2013

Dogs are smarter than we think.
Has your dog ever surprised you by doing something you said the first time? You are not alone! Here are 50 stories about amazing dogs who understood what their humans said. Some even saved lives in the process!
Chloe the golden Beagle braved a hurricane to obey the new command, "I need Dad, Girl."
Ellie the Coonhound helped her human family escape from an angry bear by obeying the new command, "Get it!"
When her human brother said jokingly, "Maybe Cocoa could dig again and find it," Cocoa did just that!
Our Queensland Heeler mix, Raffle, gave me the idea for this book when he finally but unexpectedly ate some green beans off the kitchen floor after I said, "Oh, so you'll eat grass but you won't eat green beans, eh?"
EXCERPT
By the time my eyes fluttered open, Hurricane Elvis was already underway.
The entire house was shaking by the time I woke up. The wind angrily pounded at the window with such force that I was sure it was going to break. I sat up and tried to flip the light on, but the power was out. Terrified, I climbed off the bed and hid between it and the wall. I was still disoriented from just waking up, but I remember vividly not being able to hear anything except the storm. As I sat there though, I heard a noise from outside the room.
Mustering up the courage to pull myself up on my knees, I opened the door just in time to see the living room window shatter as a tree flew through it.
As I watched the storm raging inside the house, I grew worried for my sisters. I called for them, but they didn't answer. I could feel the panic swelling up inside me, taking over. I looked over my shoulder. My dog Chloe was close behind me, and I told her to stay. Then, I began my journey across the living room. The plan was to crawl underneath the tree. I could reach the bedroom that way. As I crossed the living room, the wind pushed up.
Before I knew it, the entertainment center was on top of me, pinning my legs down.
Try as I might, I couldn't move. I now realized the predicament I was in. Thankfully, Chloe hadn't listened when I gave her the command to stay. As soon as I was trapped, Chloe was on her stomach, crawling to me. I looked at her with tears in my eyes, and with a whimper, she nudged me.
I whispered, too scared to speak in my normal tone. "I need Dad, Girl."
That was all I said. I never expected anything to come of it. After all, I had never taught her a command that was anywhere close to this. I was only telling her because it made me feel more comfortable. I was so scared, and hugging and talking to my animal made me feel better. But before I could pull her into my arms, she pulled herself out of my grip and ran back in the direction we had come from.
I closed my eyes, trying to ignore the cold that pressed against my unprotected body. I was rapidly growing numb. I could hear Chloe barking, but faintly so. I didn't realize what she was doing. My dog was getting my dad's attention. Within seconds, he was alerted to the situation and was fighting the storm to get to me. It didn't take much for him to get the window blocked off and the entertainment center off of me. The rest of the storm was waited out quietly.
That was how Chloe became so much more than just the family pet. She saved my life, and all because she understood English so much more than we expected her to.

Author Links
Website | Facebook
Buy Links
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iTunes |Kobo
This Blitz is brought to you by Reading Addiction Book Tours

Published on March 06, 2014 05:00
March 4, 2014
[INTERVIEW & GIVEAWAY] The City of the Mirage, by Jerome Brooke
I think I might kick off a new "Tour Tuesday" tradition. Unless I get assigned on another day of course, but I think I'll pick Tuesdays from now on. Er...Thursday could work as well :P
Today's guest is the author of The City of the Mirage ! Read on for the interview.
paperback
Kindle
Stop. Who would cross the Bridge of Death must answer me these questions three, ere the other side he see.
- What is your name? I write as Jerome Brooke.
- What is your quest? I want to write pulp fiction - F & SF - I write ebooks - ebooks should be short or be a collection of short stories. Long novels do not work well online.
- What is your favorite color?Ultraviolet
Just kidding, there are more than 3 questions.
Which orifice did you pull this story from (from whence did the inspiration come)?
My Sahasrara chakra. I like to think that we live in a multiverse, and we see or create a reality that lives as another plane of reality.
What was the most difficult thing about writing The City of the Mirage?
My writing, fiction and poetry, is very fast - revision and editing is harder.
What was something you learned while writing The City of the Mirage?
It was an effort to write short stories that could be read as complete short stories but if read together would form a coherent narrative. They resemble the Conan stories or the Sherlock Holmes tales (in a modest way).
What do you love the most about The City of the Mirage?
I believe the stories have the potential of good F & SF pulp fiction.
What do you hate the most about The City of the Mirage?
The book is short, which works as an ebook. However, it may be too short to be a good paperback.
Give us your favorite blurb (paragraph/scene) from the story.
As our warriors secured the field, I turned to the Queen.
"Your enemy is no more. Hail, my Queen."
The face of the Lady was covered with tears. She averted her gaze from the sight of the gory trophy head, raised on the pike. I glanced at the head of the fallen Demon Lord. His eyes seemed to move, and fix me in a stare. His lips seemed to be forming words.
I shuddered.
What are your future plans as an author?
I have been writing paranormals, which may do better than F & SF.
--
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jerome Brooke resides in the Kingdom of Siam. He is the consort of Jira, a princess of the lost Kingdom of Nan. She was born in Nan, Thailand. He is the father of two children. He has written The Myth of the Eternal Return and many other books.
Social Media Linkshttps://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
--
Jerome has some goodies for us as well! Please partake in the giveaway below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Today's guest is the author of The City of the Mirage ! Read on for the interview.


Stop. Who would cross the Bridge of Death must answer me these questions three, ere the other side he see.
- What is your name? I write as Jerome Brooke.
- What is your quest? I want to write pulp fiction - F & SF - I write ebooks - ebooks should be short or be a collection of short stories. Long novels do not work well online.
- What is your favorite color?Ultraviolet
Just kidding, there are more than 3 questions.
Which orifice did you pull this story from (from whence did the inspiration come)?
My Sahasrara chakra. I like to think that we live in a multiverse, and we see or create a reality that lives as another plane of reality.
What was the most difficult thing about writing The City of the Mirage?
My writing, fiction and poetry, is very fast - revision and editing is harder.
What was something you learned while writing The City of the Mirage?
It was an effort to write short stories that could be read as complete short stories but if read together would form a coherent narrative. They resemble the Conan stories or the Sherlock Holmes tales (in a modest way).
What do you love the most about The City of the Mirage?
I believe the stories have the potential of good F & SF pulp fiction.
What do you hate the most about The City of the Mirage?
The book is short, which works as an ebook. However, it may be too short to be a good paperback.
Give us your favorite blurb (paragraph/scene) from the story.
As our warriors secured the field, I turned to the Queen.
"Your enemy is no more. Hail, my Queen."
The face of the Lady was covered with tears. She averted her gaze from the sight of the gory trophy head, raised on the pike. I glanced at the head of the fallen Demon Lord. His eyes seemed to move, and fix me in a stare. His lips seemed to be forming words.
I shuddered.
What are your future plans as an author?
I have been writing paranormals, which may do better than F & SF.
--
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jerome Brooke resides in the Kingdom of Siam. He is the consort of Jira, a princess of the lost Kingdom of Nan. She was born in Nan, Thailand. He is the father of two children. He has written The Myth of the Eternal Return and many other books.
Social Media Linkshttps://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
--
Jerome has some goodies for us as well! Please partake in the giveaway below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Published on March 04, 2014 05:00
February 26, 2014
[INTERVIEW & GIVEAWAY] Phasms: Infinite Potential, by Barbara Garren
DUN DUN DUN...it has come!!
I'm extra-excited about this. Barb is not only my critique buddy, but also my drinking buddy, workout buddy, coffee buddy, lunch buddy, gossip buddy...okay, she's a friend of mine! And she writes some damn sexy characters. So, of course, I was eager to sign up for the blog tour and throw some questions at her. Read on for the interview!
Stop. Who would cross the Bridge of Death must answer me these questions three, ere the other side he see.
- What is your name? Barbara
- What is your quest? I seek the golden fleece
- What is your favorite color? Uh, gold?
Just kidding, there are more than 3 questions.
Ha ha ha!
What was the famous #pitmad tweet that got you snagged?
You expect me to remember? Okay, here you go: #pitmad At 22 Kelsi lost her husband & maybe her mind. Is the dark haired man frm her dreams real? Y dz he look like her new neighbor?
Which orifice did you pull this story from (from whence did the inspiration come)?
Not the one you think. The basic premise was one I’ve spent a good deal of my life contemplating – (Warning: I am a physics nerd) – a universal law of physics is that energy is constant. With that thought in mind, what happens when we die? A certain amount of energy is expended in the natural decay of the body, but how can something as full of energy (and potential energy) exhaust itself in that way?
The second part of the premise is a bit more personal: I believe we never truly die. I believe our “soul,” for lack of a better term, transits to either another place, another form or another time. Thus, the notion that our “soul” is made of that small bit of energy unaccounted for by the laws of matter, and that energy is represented as emotion. Emotion in use and action, like energy, begets an equal and opposite force, and so Phasms were created.
What was the most difficult thing about writing Phasms?
The most difficult thing about writing Phasms was delving into my own life experiences and exposing the pain of losing a loved one, while making sure that element of the story was true to the character I had created. There were many, many times my editor had to remind me my character is NOT me.
What was something you learned while writing Phasms?
Wow – I learned so MUCH! I think, the biggest thing I learned was to trust my voice. We writers tend to be an insecure, needy bunch. We sort of shrivel up into our shells and second guess everything we've written, especially when waiting for a reply from an agent, editor or publisher. We have to remember that the story is OURS, the words and the rhythm and the pacing are all ours – and if we do that, then the words we hear in response will be reaffirming and encouraging.
What do you love the most about Phasms?
I love the symbolism I was able to incorporate: the beach and the waves, the beast and the stag. I loved the tension between Kelsi and Aiden, and the slow awakening Kelsi experienced as she overcame her grief. And I love that I got to include my dog, Charlie, as one of the characters!
What do you hate the most about Phasms?
Wow – that’s hard. I can’t say I hate any of it, but I worry (constantly) the reader won’t have those absolutely heart-stopping, nail biting moments I tried so hard to create. Building that depth of emotion; terror, sorrow, passion, exhilaration – I find it incredibly hard at times to find the words and I have to hope I managed at least a fraction of the “feels” I was shooting for.
Give us your favorite blurb from the story.
It would have to be Kelsi’s description of the first time she saw Jamie:
He stood on the pitcher’s mound, hat tucked under one arm and wiped the sweat off his face with the other. The sun caught his profile, outlined his body where the uniform hugged it and made a halo of his hair. I caught my breath. He was the most beautiful boy I’d ever seen.
He looked up, our eyes locked and time stood still. The umpire yelled at him twice to get him back in the game. He grinned, his little lopsided grin, stuck his hat back on his head and winked.
Later that night, after burgers and fries, he told me he was going to marry me. I told him he was right. Because he was.
What are your future plans as an author?
To finish books 2 and 3 of this series, obviously. I have two contemporary romance novels I’m polishing that I’d like to submit soon and a few other brands in the fire. I’m constantly jotting down notes for the next story – we’ll have to see which gets finished first!
--
Infinite Potential by Barbara Garren Entranced Publishing February 24, 2014
BUY PAPERBACK
BUY KINDLE EDITION
Kelsi always Knows when bad things are coming, but even she never thought she’d lose her husband at only twenty-three. Since he died, she’s been living her worst nightmare.
Her nights are filled with dreams of a Dark Haired Man, but her days are full of guilt, because the Man fills her with longing and confusion, promising to give her all she needs, all she wants, all she feared she’d never have again.
If only the dreams would stay in her head where they belong.
Kelsi starts seeing the Dark Haired Man in her waking life, shadowing her wherever she goes. And when her mysterious new neighbor, Aiden Hardt, knows about the Man in her dreams, Kelsi worries she can’t trust her own mind.
"He’s not what he seems."
But even Aiden’s cryptic words don’t frighten her as much as the way she feels around him. Kelsi must sort through her emotions and figure out what’s real before she can ever hope to have a normal life again.
--
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Barbara was born and raised in Southern California, but left to explore the world courtesy of the U.S. Navy. After traveling the world, she forced herself to live a humble life in in San Francisco, New York and Norfolk,Virginia. She now calls San Diego home and you won’t pry her out with a crowbar.
She would be the first to tell you her husband, Henry, is the inspiration for all the romance, and the real Charlie - who is as cute as he sounds in her books - is a terrorist. When not working for the U.S. Navy, she can be found running, reading or writing. She firmly believes a well-rounded diet consists of coffee, scotch, chocolate, popcorn and Luna Bars. In that order.
She's a graduate of CUNY and Penn State - and manages to write a decent line here and there despite those burdens.
Social Media Links https://twitter.com/bak229 http://nofilterinstalled.blogspot.com https://www.facebook.com/NoFilterBetw...
--
And, last but not least, Barb is giving us a chance to win some goodies! Hurray for goodies!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

I'm extra-excited about this. Barb is not only my critique buddy, but also my drinking buddy, workout buddy, coffee buddy, lunch buddy, gossip buddy...okay, she's a friend of mine! And she writes some damn sexy characters. So, of course, I was eager to sign up for the blog tour and throw some questions at her. Read on for the interview!
Stop. Who would cross the Bridge of Death must answer me these questions three, ere the other side he see.
- What is your name? Barbara
- What is your quest? I seek the golden fleece
- What is your favorite color? Uh, gold?
Just kidding, there are more than 3 questions.
Ha ha ha!
What was the famous #pitmad tweet that got you snagged?
You expect me to remember? Okay, here you go: #pitmad At 22 Kelsi lost her husband & maybe her mind. Is the dark haired man frm her dreams real? Y dz he look like her new neighbor?
Which orifice did you pull this story from (from whence did the inspiration come)?
Not the one you think. The basic premise was one I’ve spent a good deal of my life contemplating – (Warning: I am a physics nerd) – a universal law of physics is that energy is constant. With that thought in mind, what happens when we die? A certain amount of energy is expended in the natural decay of the body, but how can something as full of energy (and potential energy) exhaust itself in that way?
The second part of the premise is a bit more personal: I believe we never truly die. I believe our “soul,” for lack of a better term, transits to either another place, another form or another time. Thus, the notion that our “soul” is made of that small bit of energy unaccounted for by the laws of matter, and that energy is represented as emotion. Emotion in use and action, like energy, begets an equal and opposite force, and so Phasms were created.
What was the most difficult thing about writing Phasms?
The most difficult thing about writing Phasms was delving into my own life experiences and exposing the pain of losing a loved one, while making sure that element of the story was true to the character I had created. There were many, many times my editor had to remind me my character is NOT me.
What was something you learned while writing Phasms?
Wow – I learned so MUCH! I think, the biggest thing I learned was to trust my voice. We writers tend to be an insecure, needy bunch. We sort of shrivel up into our shells and second guess everything we've written, especially when waiting for a reply from an agent, editor or publisher. We have to remember that the story is OURS, the words and the rhythm and the pacing are all ours – and if we do that, then the words we hear in response will be reaffirming and encouraging.
What do you love the most about Phasms?
I love the symbolism I was able to incorporate: the beach and the waves, the beast and the stag. I loved the tension between Kelsi and Aiden, and the slow awakening Kelsi experienced as she overcame her grief. And I love that I got to include my dog, Charlie, as one of the characters!
What do you hate the most about Phasms?
Wow – that’s hard. I can’t say I hate any of it, but I worry (constantly) the reader won’t have those absolutely heart-stopping, nail biting moments I tried so hard to create. Building that depth of emotion; terror, sorrow, passion, exhilaration – I find it incredibly hard at times to find the words and I have to hope I managed at least a fraction of the “feels” I was shooting for.
Give us your favorite blurb from the story.
It would have to be Kelsi’s description of the first time she saw Jamie:
He stood on the pitcher’s mound, hat tucked under one arm and wiped the sweat off his face with the other. The sun caught his profile, outlined his body where the uniform hugged it and made a halo of his hair. I caught my breath. He was the most beautiful boy I’d ever seen.
He looked up, our eyes locked and time stood still. The umpire yelled at him twice to get him back in the game. He grinned, his little lopsided grin, stuck his hat back on his head and winked.
Later that night, after burgers and fries, he told me he was going to marry me. I told him he was right. Because he was.
What are your future plans as an author?
To finish books 2 and 3 of this series, obviously. I have two contemporary romance novels I’m polishing that I’d like to submit soon and a few other brands in the fire. I’m constantly jotting down notes for the next story – we’ll have to see which gets finished first!
--
Infinite Potential by Barbara Garren Entranced Publishing February 24, 2014

Kelsi always Knows when bad things are coming, but even she never thought she’d lose her husband at only twenty-three. Since he died, she’s been living her worst nightmare.
Her nights are filled with dreams of a Dark Haired Man, but her days are full of guilt, because the Man fills her with longing and confusion, promising to give her all she needs, all she wants, all she feared she’d never have again.
If only the dreams would stay in her head where they belong.
Kelsi starts seeing the Dark Haired Man in her waking life, shadowing her wherever she goes. And when her mysterious new neighbor, Aiden Hardt, knows about the Man in her dreams, Kelsi worries she can’t trust her own mind.
"He’s not what he seems."
But even Aiden’s cryptic words don’t frighten her as much as the way she feels around him. Kelsi must sort through her emotions and figure out what’s real before she can ever hope to have a normal life again.
--
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Barbara was born and raised in Southern California, but left to explore the world courtesy of the U.S. Navy. After traveling the world, she forced herself to live a humble life in in San Francisco, New York and Norfolk,Virginia. She now calls San Diego home and you won’t pry her out with a crowbar.
She would be the first to tell you her husband, Henry, is the inspiration for all the romance, and the real Charlie - who is as cute as he sounds in her books - is a terrorist. When not working for the U.S. Navy, she can be found running, reading or writing. She firmly believes a well-rounded diet consists of coffee, scotch, chocolate, popcorn and Luna Bars. In that order.
She's a graduate of CUNY and Penn State - and manages to write a decent line here and there despite those burdens.
Social Media Links https://twitter.com/bak229 http://nofilterinstalled.blogspot.com https://www.facebook.com/NoFilterBetw...
--
And, last but not least, Barb is giving us a chance to win some goodies! Hurray for goodies!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Published on February 26, 2014 05:00
February 17, 2014
SCWC: World-Building
My notes from the Southern California Writers' Conference.
• Applies to memoirs and nonfiction, too!
• The more abstract the idea is, the more world building you have to do
• Difficult to go against known laws of physics unless you come up with a damn good reason
• Top-down (big picture, create world around larger concept) or bottom-up world building (world built around a specific character)
• Non-fiction—build the world for people that have never been to the locale. Show what is different and new.
• If you’re not familiar with it, be general unless you want to do the research.
• Manipulate the world into pushing the character where you want
• History doesn't have to be a large component, but helps establish the world
• Real-world influence helps
• Even in fantasy, it still needs to be consistent (rules/laws)
• Applies to memoirs and nonfiction, too!
• The more abstract the idea is, the more world building you have to do
• Difficult to go against known laws of physics unless you come up with a damn good reason
• Top-down (big picture, create world around larger concept) or bottom-up world building (world built around a specific character)
• Non-fiction—build the world for people that have never been to the locale. Show what is different and new.
• If you’re not familiar with it, be general unless you want to do the research.
• Manipulate the world into pushing the character where you want
• History doesn't have to be a large component, but helps establish the world
• Real-world influence helps
• Even in fantasy, it still needs to be consistent (rules/laws)
Published on February 17, 2014 13:49
SCWC: What to Expect from Your Agent—And What She Expects from You!
My notes from the Southern California Writers' Conference.
• Main thing—look for authenticity (on the part of both author and agent)
• Passion—important for agent to be passionate about your work. Crucial for their pitching.
• Honesty in author/agent relationship. Editorial feedback, valuable critiques
• Ethics—agent should be following AAR guidelines. How do they earn their profits? You shouldn’t have to pay to get your work evaluated! Follow your instinct, avoid red flags.
• Communication—sometimes writers are afraid to ask questions about their work. Ask your agents questions, you have a right to know! Follow-up with agent and make sure they follow-up with you.
• Agent should have a plan (proposal package), should know editors/people that would be interested in your work.
• Agents can secure advance for you, negotiate contracts, review royalties, make sure publisher sticks to their deadlines. Handles foreign rights. Works as a middle man to resolve issues between writer/publisher
• Agent should be open-minded, creative, and flexible. Be open to new possibilities/change and grow with the times since the publishing industry is always changing.
• Is agent committed to your work? How persistent and dedicated are they? Do they know when to cut their losses and move to Plan B?
• Make query letter short/brief. Give an idea of command of language.
• What is author’s plan? Do you want to have a career? Do book tours?
• Contract red flag—excessive bias/favor towards publisher, publisher tries to take all the rights
• Ask agent for references, check to see who they have published, what books they represent
• 10%-15% commission for agents
• Main thing—look for authenticity (on the part of both author and agent)
• Passion—important for agent to be passionate about your work. Crucial for their pitching.
• Honesty in author/agent relationship. Editorial feedback, valuable critiques
• Ethics—agent should be following AAR guidelines. How do they earn their profits? You shouldn’t have to pay to get your work evaluated! Follow your instinct, avoid red flags.
• Communication—sometimes writers are afraid to ask questions about their work. Ask your agents questions, you have a right to know! Follow-up with agent and make sure they follow-up with you.
• Agent should have a plan (proposal package), should know editors/people that would be interested in your work.
• Agents can secure advance for you, negotiate contracts, review royalties, make sure publisher sticks to their deadlines. Handles foreign rights. Works as a middle man to resolve issues between writer/publisher
• Agent should be open-minded, creative, and flexible. Be open to new possibilities/change and grow with the times since the publishing industry is always changing.
• Is agent committed to your work? How persistent and dedicated are they? Do they know when to cut their losses and move to Plan B?
• Make query letter short/brief. Give an idea of command of language.
• What is author’s plan? Do you want to have a career? Do book tours?
• Contract red flag—excessive bias/favor towards publisher, publisher tries to take all the rights
• Ask agent for references, check to see who they have published, what books they represent
• 10%-15% commission for agents
Published on February 17, 2014 13:44