Devika Fernando's Blog, page 77
December 21, 2014
Review of Rescued by Love by Shilpa Suraj
Am I ever glad that I received a copy of "Rescued by Love" by Indian author Shilpa Suraj! It was a wonderful read that I devoured within two days (didn’t have the time to read it in one sitting).
There’s a lot to love about this romantic suspense novel set in India. It starts with a bang, smack in the middle of a kidnapping in Ladakh that makes your heart ache for the heroine Naina. What follows is an adventurous hike through the mountains. It’s a roller-coaster-ride of action, emotion and interesting character development. The hero Arjun – intensely droolworthy, if I may say so – is part of the team that rescues Naina, the daughter of a wealthy, influential Supreme Court Chief Justice (and an outright jerk). Of course the two fall head over heels in love with each other.
It seemed predictable, which the characters themselves acknowledge, and which is one reason why they don’t give in to their powerful feelings – the other reason being that Naina is to marry "Fatty", an ugly and brainless politician from the uppermost of the upper social strata. Of course their status in society stands in the way of love too.
The predictability stopped right there. The author managed to weave a tale with credible developments and unexpected twists, and with nicely fleshed out protagonists that you can’t help rooting for. I loved the way Naina dealt with her selfish tyrant of a father and with her backbone-less puppet of a mother. It was wonderful to see her change and grow.
I was really surprised at the way Suraj made Naina and Arjun meet again. It was simply brilliantly executed. Things got more and more complicated, and I found myself biting my nails at times because I wanted them to have their Happily Ever After so badly. They do get it, and in a wonderful way that once again combines hilarious and tragic moments and makes their strengths (and the author’s) stand out.
What added to the power of the book was the crisp writing style of the author. She stuck to simple but crafty language that fit the theme of the story well and made the novel thoroughly entertaining.
As if that isn’t enough to make a reader happy, we have secondary characters that are just perfect and play a crucial role too. Thanks for giving me Aryan, another hunk to drool over while Arjun is busy with his Naina…
Rating: 5/5
There’s a lot to love about this romantic suspense novel set in India. It starts with a bang, smack in the middle of a kidnapping in Ladakh that makes your heart ache for the heroine Naina. What follows is an adventurous hike through the mountains. It’s a roller-coaster-ride of action, emotion and interesting character development. The hero Arjun – intensely droolworthy, if I may say so – is part of the team that rescues Naina, the daughter of a wealthy, influential Supreme Court Chief Justice (and an outright jerk). Of course the two fall head over heels in love with each other.
It seemed predictable, which the characters themselves acknowledge, and which is one reason why they don’t give in to their powerful feelings – the other reason being that Naina is to marry "Fatty", an ugly and brainless politician from the uppermost of the upper social strata. Of course their status in society stands in the way of love too.
The predictability stopped right there. The author managed to weave a tale with credible developments and unexpected twists, and with nicely fleshed out protagonists that you can’t help rooting for. I loved the way Naina dealt with her selfish tyrant of a father and with her backbone-less puppet of a mother. It was wonderful to see her change and grow.
I was really surprised at the way Suraj made Naina and Arjun meet again. It was simply brilliantly executed. Things got more and more complicated, and I found myself biting my nails at times because I wanted them to have their Happily Ever After so badly. They do get it, and in a wonderful way that once again combines hilarious and tragic moments and makes their strengths (and the author’s) stand out.
What added to the power of the book was the crisp writing style of the author. She stuck to simple but crafty language that fit the theme of the story well and made the novel thoroughly entertaining.
As if that isn’t enough to make a reader happy, we have secondary characters that are just perfect and play a crucial role too. Thanks for giving me Aryan, another hunk to drool over while Arjun is busy with his Naina…
Rating: 5/5
December 19, 2014
Featured - God is a Gamer by Ravi Subramanian
God is a Gamer by Ravi Subramanium
The Blurb Aditya runs a gaming company that is struggling to break even. A banker slips off a highrise building, plunging to her death. The finance minister has made some promises that he is finding hard to keep. The LTTE has unleashed terror in America that sends the FBI on a wild goose chase, bringing them to Mumbai.
Enter Varun, parttime drug dealer and fulltime genius. He turns around the gaming company before disaster strikes. Meanwhile, the investigators plunge headlong into
the shady world of bitcoins and the Dark Net, websites that only exist for illegal transactions—drugs, sex and money. God Is a Gamer culminates in a stunning climax where money means nothing, assassination is taught by the ancient Greeks, and nothing is as it seems.
Buy @
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Meet the Author
Described as the ‘John Grisham of banking’, by the Wall Street Journal, Ravi Subramanian, an alumnus of IIM Bangalore, is the author of five bestselling commercial novels—If God was a Banker (2007), Devil in Pinstripes (2009), The Incredible Banker (2011), The Bankster (2012) and Bankerupt (2013)—based on financial crime. His latest book God is a Gamer, releases on September 12th.
Having been a banker himself, he has a unique insight into the industry he writes about and a flair for spinning intricate plots that keep readers on the edge of their seats
His debut novel, If God was a Banker, won the 2008 Golden Quill Readers’ Choice Award and, more recently, The Incredible Banker won the 2011 Economist-Crossword Book Award in the ‘Popular’ category. He won the Crossword book award for The BANKSTER in 2012.
Ravi lives in Mumbai with his Biotechnologist turned banker wife, Dharini and his fourteen year old daughter Anusha.
You can stalk Ravi Subramanium @
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Featured - Character Interview - Second Nature by Marie Lavender
Today I'm having not one but two protagonists from an amazingly talented author and awesome friend over for an interview. Ladies and gents, let me hear a round of welcoming applause for Desiree and Alec from Second Nature, Marie Lavender's latest paranormal romance!
Desiree and Alec from Second Nature by Marie Lavender Dual Character Interview
Devika: Welcome, Desiree and Alec. I’m so excited to have you over. Please have a seat.
Desiree/Alec: Thank you. It’s a pleasure (They shake hands alternately with Devika before sitting down.)
Devika: As the saying goes, ladies first. Let me start with you, Desiree. You look absolutely stunning, by the way.
Desiree (blushes): Oh, thank you. That’s very kind.
Alec (interrupts): Of course she does. She’s absolutely beautiful every time I look at her. (Alec and Desiree exchange an affectionate glance.)
Devika: Desiree, I’m curious to find out more about you. What do you do for a living?
Desiree: I am an editor for Read Street Publishing in Baltimore. I also do writing on the side.
Devika: Interesting. What about your family background?
Desiree: I come from a pretty close-knit family. Though my mother has passed, I still have my father and my sister.
Devika: And you, Alec? Does a vampire like you have a real family or some sort of social network?
Alec: Yes, of course, I had a family in the past. Desiree is my family now, though. (Puts his arm around her.) She’s my best friend. As for a social network, I have business contacts as an investor. Desiree helps me plan events now and then if I have to entertain them.
Devika: I see. So how did you meet Desiree?
Alec (smiles): I noticed her at the annual Jazz & Blues Festival. After seeing her, I just knew I had to find out more about her. I...(looks at Desiree.) Shall I? (Continues at her nod.) I may have followed her home.
Devika: Wow. That sure makes for an interesting story. How did you know she’s the one?
Alec: I couldn’t get her out of my mind. She was an obsession, to be sure. I didn’t realize just how unique she was until we got closer.
Desiree (chimes in): It really drove me nuts when he started reading my mind. But… (looks at Alec with a small smile) I think it worked out.
Devika: I can see why you two are so drawn to each other. Let’s talk about your dreams and goals in life.
Alec: I will probably keep working as an investor, but more importantly, I’ll keep following this woman around until she gets tired of me.
Desiree (laughs): I think I can handle that. (Their hands link naturally.) I’ve always dreamed of starting a family at some point. But, I’m happy with where I am right now. I’m trying to write books, if I can get a publisher interested in my work.
Devika: Would you say there was a decisive moment in your life that made you who you are today?
Desiree: I think my mother’s death definitely changed me, and, of course, my ex-husband really got me thinking about what I wanted…and what I didn’t want in my life. (Smiles.) I can’t deny that meeting Alec helped me learn more about myself.
Alec: Becoming what I am, becoming a vampire, that was a really defining moment for me. My entire life changed, and suddenly I had to think about all of these limitations I had. Sure, I had powers, but they sort of paled in comparison to a normal life. I had to cater to those limitations, and I think that doing that changed me. I certainly was less willing to get involved with anyone. I…had lost someone too, and that made me wary. When I met Desiree, I had to question all of my pre-conceived notions about life.
Devika: Okay. And what is your greatest fear?
Alec: Losing Desiree would be the worst thing imaginable.
Desiree (nods): For me, too. We’ve already been through similar difficulties before… (The glance they share is very intense.)
Devika: Sorry, I didn’t mean to dampen the mood. Why don’t we finish off on a happy note? Tell me, if you two got married, where would you want to have the ceremony, and how would you like to celebrate?
Desiree: We haven’t discussed that exactly. I don’t know where the road is taking us, but I have no doubt that I want to be by Alec’s side. (Smiles.) I had the dream wedding once, and that turned out bad. If I got married again, I would probably want to do it in a place that meant something to both of us, somewhere special. And I’d want my family to be there, of course.
Alec (returns her smile): I want whatever makes Desiree happy. Although, I’d love to give her some very fine gifts, a few surprises to make the occasion unforgettable.
Desiree (looks at him intently, then kisses his cheek): You’ve already given me the best gift ever.
Devika: I’d love to talk some more, but unfortunately our time is up. Thanks so much for stopping by. You two make a gorgeous couple, and I can’t wait to see what adventures you’ll have in store for us in the future. (Waves.)
About the Book
Blurb
She never expected it…
Desiree Edwards has a problem. She’s been attacked, kidnapped and forced to get along with a vampire of all things. It’s something right out of the story books she reads, or her worst nightmare. But, sometimes he’s not the monster he appears to be. He seems so humanlike that she can’t help it when her emotions betray her, when her body betrays her. To make matters worse, she finds out more about herself than she ever wanted to know.
She was unlike any other…
Alec has a problem. The animal in him wants Desiree. But, so does the man. The more he learns about her, the harder it is to deny what he wants. But, he’s a freak, and she’s just a human. The two species don’t mix that way. Then an old enemy surfaces and Alec is forced to make a choice. His life or hers.
Can Alec’s soul be saved by this unique human? Or will it be far too late?
Purchase Links
Universal Amazon: http://bookgoodies.com/a/B00Q7FWIWA
Publisher: http://solsticepublishing.com/second-nature/
CreateSpace link: https://www.createspace.com/5131233
About the Author
Bestselling author of UPON YOUR RETURN and 19 other books. 2014 BTS Red Carpet Review Nominee. Finalist and Runner-up in the MARSocial's Author of the Year Competition. Honorable mention in the January 2014 Reader's Choice Award. Liebster Blogger Award for 2013 and 2014. Top 50 Authors on AuthorsDB.com. Winner of the Great One Liners Contest on the Directory of Published Authors.
Marie Lavender lives in the Midwest with her family and three cats. She has been writing for over twenty years. She has more works in progress than she can count on two hands. Marie has published twenty books in the genres of historical romance, contemporary romance, romantic suspense, paranormal romance/fantasy, mystery/thriller, literary fiction and poetry. Lavender just released Second Nature, a paranormal romance/urban fantasy, in December of 2014. She released Magick & Moonlight, a romantic fantasy, back in March. Upon Your Honor, released in late April, is her second historical romance. Her current series are The Heiresses in Love Series, The Magick Series and The Blood at First Sight Series. Feel free to visit her website at http://marielavender.com/ for further information about her books and her life. Marie is also on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn.
A list of her books and pen names are as follows:
Marie Lavender: Upon Your Return; Magick & Moonlight; Upon Your Honor; Second Nature
Erica Sutherhome: Hard to Get; Memories; A Hint of Scandal; Without You; Strange Heat; Terror in the Night; Haunted; Pursuit; Perfect Game; A Touch of Dawn; Ransom; Leather and Lace
Kathryn Layne: A Misplaced Life
Heather Crouse: Express Café and Other Ramblings; Ramblings, Musings and Other Things; Soulful Ramblings and Other Worldly Things
Author Links
http://marielavender.com/
http://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/
http://marielavenderbooks.blogspot.com/
http://marielavender.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/marie.lavender.58
https://www.facebook.com/MarieAnnLavender
https://twitter.com/marielavender1
https://plus.google.com/u/0/104926404745289477307/posts
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/marie-lavender/27/187/10a
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6938764.Marie_Lavender
http://authorsdb.com/authors-directory/1578-marie-lavender
http://www.pw.org/content/marie_lavender
http://www.amazon.com/Marie-Lavender/e/B00C10Q94I/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJu8HjRVYCFOqcIoX6ZxdqQ/videos
Desiree and Alec from Second Nature by Marie Lavender Dual Character InterviewDevika: Welcome, Desiree and Alec. I’m so excited to have you over. Please have a seat.
Desiree/Alec: Thank you. It’s a pleasure (They shake hands alternately with Devika before sitting down.)
Devika: As the saying goes, ladies first. Let me start with you, Desiree. You look absolutely stunning, by the way.
Desiree (blushes): Oh, thank you. That’s very kind.
Alec (interrupts): Of course she does. She’s absolutely beautiful every time I look at her. (Alec and Desiree exchange an affectionate glance.)
Devika: Desiree, I’m curious to find out more about you. What do you do for a living?
Desiree: I am an editor for Read Street Publishing in Baltimore. I also do writing on the side.
Devika: Interesting. What about your family background?
Desiree: I come from a pretty close-knit family. Though my mother has passed, I still have my father and my sister.
Devika: And you, Alec? Does a vampire like you have a real family or some sort of social network?
Alec: Yes, of course, I had a family in the past. Desiree is my family now, though. (Puts his arm around her.) She’s my best friend. As for a social network, I have business contacts as an investor. Desiree helps me plan events now and then if I have to entertain them.
Devika: I see. So how did you meet Desiree?
Alec (smiles): I noticed her at the annual Jazz & Blues Festival. After seeing her, I just knew I had to find out more about her. I...(looks at Desiree.) Shall I? (Continues at her nod.) I may have followed her home.
Devika: Wow. That sure makes for an interesting story. How did you know she’s the one?
Alec: I couldn’t get her out of my mind. She was an obsession, to be sure. I didn’t realize just how unique she was until we got closer.
Desiree (chimes in): It really drove me nuts when he started reading my mind. But… (looks at Alec with a small smile) I think it worked out.
Devika: I can see why you two are so drawn to each other. Let’s talk about your dreams and goals in life.
Alec: I will probably keep working as an investor, but more importantly, I’ll keep following this woman around until she gets tired of me.
Desiree (laughs): I think I can handle that. (Their hands link naturally.) I’ve always dreamed of starting a family at some point. But, I’m happy with where I am right now. I’m trying to write books, if I can get a publisher interested in my work.
Devika: Would you say there was a decisive moment in your life that made you who you are today?
Desiree: I think my mother’s death definitely changed me, and, of course, my ex-husband really got me thinking about what I wanted…and what I didn’t want in my life. (Smiles.) I can’t deny that meeting Alec helped me learn more about myself.
Alec: Becoming what I am, becoming a vampire, that was a really defining moment for me. My entire life changed, and suddenly I had to think about all of these limitations I had. Sure, I had powers, but they sort of paled in comparison to a normal life. I had to cater to those limitations, and I think that doing that changed me. I certainly was less willing to get involved with anyone. I…had lost someone too, and that made me wary. When I met Desiree, I had to question all of my pre-conceived notions about life.
Devika: Okay. And what is your greatest fear?
Alec: Losing Desiree would be the worst thing imaginable.
Desiree (nods): For me, too. We’ve already been through similar difficulties before… (The glance they share is very intense.)
Devika: Sorry, I didn’t mean to dampen the mood. Why don’t we finish off on a happy note? Tell me, if you two got married, where would you want to have the ceremony, and how would you like to celebrate?
Desiree: We haven’t discussed that exactly. I don’t know where the road is taking us, but I have no doubt that I want to be by Alec’s side. (Smiles.) I had the dream wedding once, and that turned out bad. If I got married again, I would probably want to do it in a place that meant something to both of us, somewhere special. And I’d want my family to be there, of course.
Alec (returns her smile): I want whatever makes Desiree happy. Although, I’d love to give her some very fine gifts, a few surprises to make the occasion unforgettable.
Desiree (looks at him intently, then kisses his cheek): You’ve already given me the best gift ever.
Devika: I’d love to talk some more, but unfortunately our time is up. Thanks so much for stopping by. You two make a gorgeous couple, and I can’t wait to see what adventures you’ll have in store for us in the future. (Waves.)
About the Book
Blurb
She never expected it…
Desiree Edwards has a problem. She’s been attacked, kidnapped and forced to get along with a vampire of all things. It’s something right out of the story books she reads, or her worst nightmare. But, sometimes he’s not the monster he appears to be. He seems so humanlike that she can’t help it when her emotions betray her, when her body betrays her. To make matters worse, she finds out more about herself than she ever wanted to know.
She was unlike any other…
Alec has a problem. The animal in him wants Desiree. But, so does the man. The more he learns about her, the harder it is to deny what he wants. But, he’s a freak, and she’s just a human. The two species don’t mix that way. Then an old enemy surfaces and Alec is forced to make a choice. His life or hers.
Can Alec’s soul be saved by this unique human? Or will it be far too late?
Purchase Links
Universal Amazon: http://bookgoodies.com/a/B00Q7FWIWA
Publisher: http://solsticepublishing.com/second-nature/
CreateSpace link: https://www.createspace.com/5131233
About the Author
Bestselling author of UPON YOUR RETURN and 19 other books. 2014 BTS Red Carpet Review Nominee. Finalist and Runner-up in the MARSocial's Author of the Year Competition. Honorable mention in the January 2014 Reader's Choice Award. Liebster Blogger Award for 2013 and 2014. Top 50 Authors on AuthorsDB.com. Winner of the Great One Liners Contest on the Directory of Published Authors.
Marie Lavender lives in the Midwest with her family and three cats. She has been writing for over twenty years. She has more works in progress than she can count on two hands. Marie has published twenty books in the genres of historical romance, contemporary romance, romantic suspense, paranormal romance/fantasy, mystery/thriller, literary fiction and poetry. Lavender just released Second Nature, a paranormal romance/urban fantasy, in December of 2014. She released Magick & Moonlight, a romantic fantasy, back in March. Upon Your Honor, released in late April, is her second historical romance. Her current series are The Heiresses in Love Series, The Magick Series and The Blood at First Sight Series. Feel free to visit her website at http://marielavender.com/ for further information about her books and her life. Marie is also on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn.
A list of her books and pen names are as follows:
Marie Lavender: Upon Your Return; Magick & Moonlight; Upon Your Honor; Second Nature
Erica Sutherhome: Hard to Get; Memories; A Hint of Scandal; Without You; Strange Heat; Terror in the Night; Haunted; Pursuit; Perfect Game; A Touch of Dawn; Ransom; Leather and Lace
Kathryn Layne: A Misplaced Life
Heather Crouse: Express Café and Other Ramblings; Ramblings, Musings and Other Things; Soulful Ramblings and Other Worldly Things
Author Links
http://marielavender.com/
http://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/
http://marielavenderbooks.blogspot.com/
http://marielavender.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/marie.lavender.58
https://www.facebook.com/MarieAnnLavender
https://twitter.com/marielavender1
https://plus.google.com/u/0/104926404745289477307/posts
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/marie-lavender/27/187/10a
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6938764.Marie_Lavender
http://authorsdb.com/authors-directory/1578-marie-lavender
http://www.pw.org/content/marie_lavender
http://www.amazon.com/Marie-Lavender/e/B00C10Q94I/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJu8HjRVYCFOqcIoX6ZxdqQ/videos
December 16, 2014
Book Club Cover Reveal - Hidden Passion by Summerita Rhayne
Cover Reveal: Hidden Passion …when the walls of monarchical politics rise high between them, will her passion prevail?
by Summerita Rhayne
A letter from the Author
Hello friends!
I'm very excited to share the cover of my new book which is a historical romance. Hidden Passion is the story of Princess Rukmani and King Deveshwarya, set in the early medieval India. I've always been fascinated by that period of the brave and wise maharajas and beautiful and courageous rajkumaris whose tales I read growing up in Chandamama and Amar Chitra Katha...I wonder how many can relate to those names *smile* But whether you can or not, I feel, no one can remain untouched by the romance and richness of that period. There’s a drama and intrigue in history that simply calls out to imagination. I’ve always wanted to write a historical and the idea for this book came to me in form an image: A princess seeking the sanctuary of a Maharaja whom she thinks she can depend on but that Maharaja being unwilling to help her. I had to think why he wouldn’t and why she had to run to him and slowly the characters took shape: Rukmani, a princess of the Kamboj clan who has been pampered by her family but now is suddenly without support and Deveshwaraya, a Samrat who was not born to a throne but comes to rule by following his convictions.
I had a lot of fun delving into history while charting out the setting and the events of this novella. As my characters were not blind followers of tradition, I was able to let my imagination loose a lot. But I also made use of the customs prevalent in the period in the story. For instance, in those times, the princesses could choose their own husbands by the ritual of swayamvara yet the outcome of these was often tied up with many political consequences. Rukmani also finds such a situation hindering her path to love. Even princesses had to struggle sometimes to get their heart's desire. So even for them life wasn't easy! This is my first historical getting published, so it’s a huge moment for me. Hope you all love the cover!
What the Book is all About ....
Rukmani, the youngest of her family, has always had her way and she thinks she would too when the question of her marriage arises. But when she expresses her wishes, her world comes crumbling down because she has fallen for the wrong man. Who can she run to but the strongest ruler of the region, Deveshwaraya?
Devesh finds himself torn between duty and desire. He is drawn to her yet being with her jeopardizes everything he has worked for.…when the walls of monarchical politics rise high between them, will her passion prevail?
Are you ready 5
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Book Club Blog Tour - Rescued by Love by Shilpa Suraj
Rescued by Love by Shilpa Suraj
The Blurb When Naina Ahuja is kidnapped as hostage days before her father, a Supreme Court Chief Justice, must sentence a terrorist, the stakes are very high. Lt Col Arjun Rathore and his team are the only ones who can be trusted with the mission of saving her.
During their arduous trek back through the hostile terrain of Ladakh, Arjun and Naina spend days in danger of losing their lives - and their hearts. Back in safety, the real world and its very real problems threaten – as do their own perceptions of the differences between them.
They must separate – but will life rescue their love?
Buy @
Amazon.com | Amazon.in | Flipkart |
Watch It
Meet the Author
Shilpa was a year and a half when she was first introduced to the world of books. Her mother would park her with a picture book on the floor of the kitchen while she finished her cooking for the day. While it’s no longer the kitchen floor, you can still find her tucked away in a cosy nook somewhere with her nose buried in a book. While books in all genres interest her, it was romance that captured her heart. While racing through every romantic fiction book she could beg, borrow or buy, her over active imagination started to work overtime and weave its own stories. Years in the corporate world followed by a stint of entrepreneurship crystallised her belief that all she really wanted to do was give life to the stories bubbling inside of her. She briefly managed to tear herself away from the world of fiction to find her own personal happily ever after and now spends her time happily focusing on the two loves of her life – family and writing romances.
You can stalk Shilpa Suraj @
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December 15, 2014
Featured - When You Believe by Mia Epsilon - Guest Post & Spotlight
High time to feature my author friend Mia Epsilon again - especially when she's bringing such a gorgeous cover along. ;-) Read on to find out what inspired her to write her latest novel "When You Believe".
When You Believe by Mia Epsilon Taking Inspiration for Novels from Real Life (Guest Post)
First off, let me say a HUGE THANK YOU to the lovely and talented Devika for allowing me to take up space on her blog. You're the shiniest star in the sky. :-)
Now, about taking inspiration for your story from real life events. It's been said, "Truth is odder than fiction" and it's true. Just watch the evening or morning news sometime and the story you hear will absolutely make your mind whirl. Real life is messy, and not convenient, and the weirdest things happen at the weirdest times. We often scoff at books which have a heroine whose husband/fiancé/boyfriend left her for her best friend/sister/cousin/mother but this happens all the time in real life.
Of course, there are also problems with using a real life event, such as claims of being 'too farfetched' or not making the event your own. I don't in any way advocate for taking a sensational news story and writing it word for word what the media claims in your book. Good lord, NO. Inspiration means (according to definitions.net): 1. an inspiring or animating action or influence; 2. something inspired, as an idea and so on. So put your own spin on it. For example, for my current release, 'When You Believe', two main events inspired this novella.
The first inspirational event began with my fellow author Monica Corwin who decided to have a 'write-a-thon', where authors would write for forty-eight hours. To inspire us more (see, there's that word, or the root of that word, again), Monica upped the stakes: For every one thousand words written, a donation would be made to the Wounded Warrior Project (short note: Never heard of this project? Visit the web site http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org). So not only were authors writing for bragging rights to say, 'Hey, I wrote 10,000 or 5,000 words in a weekend!' authors were writing for a cause, for a charity, and for something bigger than simply the joy of writing and storytelling. Inspiration for a cause is, to me, one of the best reasons to write. The main reason remains, to me, because you have to tell the story in your mind, heart, and soul but I digress.
The second inspirational event was a television show. I was watching the program 'Urban Legends' (okay, truthfully, I was procrastinating because I had writer's block, it was Saturday afternoon and I was stressed over failing the write-a-thon, having to admit I wrote no words, and disappointing my friend Monica—but no pressure, none at all). If you haven't heard of this show, it's a bit of 'reality TV' where 3-4 stories are shown and viewers have to guess which 1 story is real and which are completely legend or made up. There was a story in that episode about a church and how the choir members were all late one night for practice. I had heard this story before, so I immediately knew this wasn't a 'legend' it was the true one. It made me start thinking.
I can't reveal much more since I used this true story as a pivotal scene in 'When You Believe', or as River Song in Doctor Who would say, "Spoilers!". I did not take this story word for word. Nor did I even use the heart of it or any of the people featured. I took the bones of this real life event (people in danger) and made it my own. My characters began, finally, to talk to me and speak, yell, and sob out their stories. Viola! When You Believe was born.
I began to type furiously and wrote the main portion of When You Believe in the rest of that weekend. I earned 'bragging rights' to say I participated in the write-a-thon. I earned money for the Wounded Warrior Project. Best of all, I had a story I loved, believed in, and couldn't wait to submit to my editor (after much rewriting and self editing first). Now when you read When You Believe, you can see the 'real life' event which inspired me. And some slightly mouthy characters.
So when you need inspiration for your novel or short story or novella, try looking at real life. See what speak to you, what jumps out, or what softly whispers in your ear. You might be surprised where that inspiration will take you.
About the Book
Blurb
Dan and Monica's relationship gets a push from a handsome stranger, but will their love survive the test?
Monica has deep roots in the small town of Abbeville and manages the local coffee shop, which serves as the hub of town news. Deeply in love with Daniel, she still can't help but notice the gorgeous stranger, Micheal, who seemingly appears out of nowhere. When Dan begins to pull away from her, what's a girl to do? Tempted to sit home and cry, Monica is determined to push through the uncertainty. Does that mean exploring new options?
Daniel carries secrets he can't share with anyone, even Monica. He's a man with no past and no relatives, so he doesn't believe he deserves a bright future. Pulling away from Monica, his love and the closest thing he has to a family, he believes is the only way she can truly find happiness. But when tragedy strikes Abbeville will the man with no roots become its savior? Or will he discover Michael's true reason for appearing among them?
Buy Link
http://www.breathlesspress.com/index.php?main_page=product_free_shipping_info&cPath=15&products_id=708
Take a Chance on Me by Mia Epsilon About the Author Author Bio
Mia Epsilon lives with her ever patient and tolerant soul mate hubby in the gorgeous Blue Ridge Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina, USA. She's an avid reader of almost anything but particularly romance, with too many favorite authors to name. Mia is a huge Doctor Who fan, and isn't so certain about the writing in the new series but absolutely adores the new Doctor and his Scottish accent. She also happily suffers a chocolate addiction which causes her to visit her favorite chocolate store, The Chocolate Fetish an abnormally high number of times.
Mia can most often be found at her computer spinning new tales or in a quiet padded nook (a nook, she swears, not a padded room) with her e reader happily engrossed in a new story. She's currently hard at work on her series 'Weddings by C & C' and trying to build its reputation from 'just another wedding story' to 'OMG you have GOT to read this book!' She appreciates all reader input and comments on her Face Book, Twitter, Amazon and Good Reads pages. Her released titles include: 'Wedding Belle Blues', 'Take a Chance on Me', 'When You Believe', and 'That Night' along with a short story in The Wonderland Tales 'Leave Your Hat On'.
Connect with Mia - Links
Blog: Authors, Books & Chocolate: The True ABC's of Life miaepsilon.blogspot.com
Face Book: MiaEwrites (Mia Epsilon Author)
Twitter: @MiaEpsilon
Breathless Press home page: www.breathlesspress.com: Mia Epsilon
http://www.breathlesspress.com/index.php?main_page=product_free_shipping_info&cPath=15&products_id=582&zenid=21617d34fb685eb3713c0c23496255b3
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Mia-Epsilon/e/B00DQ61FRM
Good Reads: Mia Epsilon https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/14292463-mia-epsilon
Bookstrand: http://www.bookstrand.com/mia-epsilon
All Romance ebooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html
Shelfari: http://www.shelfari.com (search Mia Epsilon)
When You Believe by Mia Epsilon Taking Inspiration for Novels from Real Life (Guest Post)First off, let me say a HUGE THANK YOU to the lovely and talented Devika for allowing me to take up space on her blog. You're the shiniest star in the sky. :-)
Now, about taking inspiration for your story from real life events. It's been said, "Truth is odder than fiction" and it's true. Just watch the evening or morning news sometime and the story you hear will absolutely make your mind whirl. Real life is messy, and not convenient, and the weirdest things happen at the weirdest times. We often scoff at books which have a heroine whose husband/fiancé/boyfriend left her for her best friend/sister/cousin/mother but this happens all the time in real life.
Of course, there are also problems with using a real life event, such as claims of being 'too farfetched' or not making the event your own. I don't in any way advocate for taking a sensational news story and writing it word for word what the media claims in your book. Good lord, NO. Inspiration means (according to definitions.net): 1. an inspiring or animating action or influence; 2. something inspired, as an idea and so on. So put your own spin on it. For example, for my current release, 'When You Believe', two main events inspired this novella.
The first inspirational event began with my fellow author Monica Corwin who decided to have a 'write-a-thon', where authors would write for forty-eight hours. To inspire us more (see, there's that word, or the root of that word, again), Monica upped the stakes: For every one thousand words written, a donation would be made to the Wounded Warrior Project (short note: Never heard of this project? Visit the web site http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org). So not only were authors writing for bragging rights to say, 'Hey, I wrote 10,000 or 5,000 words in a weekend!' authors were writing for a cause, for a charity, and for something bigger than simply the joy of writing and storytelling. Inspiration for a cause is, to me, one of the best reasons to write. The main reason remains, to me, because you have to tell the story in your mind, heart, and soul but I digress.
The second inspirational event was a television show. I was watching the program 'Urban Legends' (okay, truthfully, I was procrastinating because I had writer's block, it was Saturday afternoon and I was stressed over failing the write-a-thon, having to admit I wrote no words, and disappointing my friend Monica—but no pressure, none at all). If you haven't heard of this show, it's a bit of 'reality TV' where 3-4 stories are shown and viewers have to guess which 1 story is real and which are completely legend or made up. There was a story in that episode about a church and how the choir members were all late one night for practice. I had heard this story before, so I immediately knew this wasn't a 'legend' it was the true one. It made me start thinking.
I can't reveal much more since I used this true story as a pivotal scene in 'When You Believe', or as River Song in Doctor Who would say, "Spoilers!". I did not take this story word for word. Nor did I even use the heart of it or any of the people featured. I took the bones of this real life event (people in danger) and made it my own. My characters began, finally, to talk to me and speak, yell, and sob out their stories. Viola! When You Believe was born.
I began to type furiously and wrote the main portion of When You Believe in the rest of that weekend. I earned 'bragging rights' to say I participated in the write-a-thon. I earned money for the Wounded Warrior Project. Best of all, I had a story I loved, believed in, and couldn't wait to submit to my editor (after much rewriting and self editing first). Now when you read When You Believe, you can see the 'real life' event which inspired me. And some slightly mouthy characters.
So when you need inspiration for your novel or short story or novella, try looking at real life. See what speak to you, what jumps out, or what softly whispers in your ear. You might be surprised where that inspiration will take you.
About the BookBlurb
Dan and Monica's relationship gets a push from a handsome stranger, but will their love survive the test?
Monica has deep roots in the small town of Abbeville and manages the local coffee shop, which serves as the hub of town news. Deeply in love with Daniel, she still can't help but notice the gorgeous stranger, Micheal, who seemingly appears out of nowhere. When Dan begins to pull away from her, what's a girl to do? Tempted to sit home and cry, Monica is determined to push through the uncertainty. Does that mean exploring new options?
Daniel carries secrets he can't share with anyone, even Monica. He's a man with no past and no relatives, so he doesn't believe he deserves a bright future. Pulling away from Monica, his love and the closest thing he has to a family, he believes is the only way she can truly find happiness. But when tragedy strikes Abbeville will the man with no roots become its savior? Or will he discover Michael's true reason for appearing among them?
Buy Link
http://www.breathlesspress.com/index.php?main_page=product_free_shipping_info&cPath=15&products_id=708
Take a Chance on Me by Mia Epsilon About the Author Author BioMia Epsilon lives with her ever patient and tolerant soul mate hubby in the gorgeous Blue Ridge Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina, USA. She's an avid reader of almost anything but particularly romance, with too many favorite authors to name. Mia is a huge Doctor Who fan, and isn't so certain about the writing in the new series but absolutely adores the new Doctor and his Scottish accent. She also happily suffers a chocolate addiction which causes her to visit her favorite chocolate store, The Chocolate Fetish an abnormally high number of times.
Mia can most often be found at her computer spinning new tales or in a quiet padded nook (a nook, she swears, not a padded room) with her e reader happily engrossed in a new story. She's currently hard at work on her series 'Weddings by C & C' and trying to build its reputation from 'just another wedding story' to 'OMG you have GOT to read this book!' She appreciates all reader input and comments on her Face Book, Twitter, Amazon and Good Reads pages. Her released titles include: 'Wedding Belle Blues', 'Take a Chance on Me', 'When You Believe', and 'That Night' along with a short story in The Wonderland Tales 'Leave Your Hat On'.
Connect with Mia - Links
Blog: Authors, Books & Chocolate: The True ABC's of Life miaepsilon.blogspot.com
Face Book: MiaEwrites (Mia Epsilon Author)
Twitter: @MiaEpsilon
Breathless Press home page: www.breathlesspress.com: Mia Epsilon
http://www.breathlesspress.com/index.php?main_page=product_free_shipping_info&cPath=15&products_id=582&zenid=21617d34fb685eb3713c0c23496255b3
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Mia-Epsilon/e/B00DQ61FRM
Good Reads: Mia Epsilon https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/14292463-mia-epsilon
Bookstrand: http://www.bookstrand.com/mia-epsilon
All Romance ebooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html
Shelfari: http://www.shelfari.com (search Mia Epsilon)
December 12, 2014
Cover Reveal - Fight for Dawn by Komali da Silva
*****COVER REVEAL*****
Fight for Dawn by Komali da Silva Release Date: January 8, 2015 Cover Designer: Kellie Dennis of Book Cover By Design Publisher: Crushing Hearts & Black Butterfly Publishing
Blurb:
The Eagerly awaited sequel to
Angels Dawn
She should've known better than to hope her life could be normal after losing her best friend Nate. It’s hard enough to deal with the loss but now she “sees” him everywhere. Add that to meeting Gabe, the new guy who sends her heart racing and Dawn is certainly spinning. It’s almost enough to make her forget the demons that lurk in the shadows.
Unfortunately the many distractions aren’t enough to purge Angelo from her broken heart. Her hopes of ever being with him again have been dashed. He’s moving farther away and there is nothing she can do to stop it. Soon the demons Dawn wanted to forget about will remind her of their presence and she’ll have to abandon everything else. Not only is her life in danger, but the lives of everyone around her as well.
Author Links:
FB: www.facebook.com/Komalis.book.wall Twitter: @KomiDasilva Website: www.komalidasilva.com
Fight for Dawn by Komali da Silva Release Date: January 8, 2015 Cover Designer: Kellie Dennis of Book Cover By Design Publisher: Crushing Hearts & Black Butterfly Publishing
Blurb:
The Eagerly awaited sequel to
Angels Dawn
She should've known better than to hope her life could be normal after losing her best friend Nate. It’s hard enough to deal with the loss but now she “sees” him everywhere. Add that to meeting Gabe, the new guy who sends her heart racing and Dawn is certainly spinning. It’s almost enough to make her forget the demons that lurk in the shadows.
Unfortunately the many distractions aren’t enough to purge Angelo from her broken heart. Her hopes of ever being with him again have been dashed. He’s moving farther away and there is nothing she can do to stop it. Soon the demons Dawn wanted to forget about will remind her of their presence and she’ll have to abandon everything else. Not only is her life in danger, but the lives of everyone around her as well.
Author Links:
FB: www.facebook.com/Komalis.book.wall Twitter: @KomiDasilva Website: www.komalidasilva.com
December 9, 2014
Featured - The Treemakers by Christina L. Rozelle (Interview & Spotlight)
I just love it when I get the chance to feature author friends with their new releases. I'm particularly excited to have Christina L. Rozelle stop over today with her new book "The Treemakers". She graciously agreed to let me bug her with 10 questions, and she's brought lots of great teasers along with her. *inserts round of applause*
10 Questions with Christina L. Rozelle
1) What do you like most about being an author? What least?
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve had a wild imagination. Through years of cultivating my craft, I’ve been able to develop my skills enough to write these imaginings into stories, places, and characters for others to enjoy as well. I love speculative fiction because I can let my imagination run rampant, and as I’m writing, I’m also discovering it, living it. The thing I love most is getting to know my characters as the story unfolds, and living it with them as it happens in each new world I create. I’m a “pantser”—meaning I write by the seat of my pants, without much planning of what the outcome will be. And though it seems to require rewriting later to smooth out plot and things, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I crave the surprises and excitement of not really knowing what’s going to happen next.
What do I like least? One word: Marketing.
2) As your book is titled “The Treemakers”, tell me whether you have a favourite tree or a favourite flower.
Though I’ve never seen them in person, the Redwoods in California, USA. I’m entirely dumbfounded and intrigued by their colossal size. Yes, I am a total tree-hugger, and plan on visiting them one day, just so I can give one a ginormous hug. Second on the list would be Willows. They’re just so dreamy and romantic.
3) What made you decide to write a YA book, and was there any challenge in it?
When my oldest daughter was eleven, “The Hunger Games” had just come out. She was super excited about it and at that point, I had never really read any YA. I wrote a lot of prose and non-fiction, read a lot of spiritual and self-help literature, and never in a million years thought I’d ever be a fiction writer. I have the attention span of a toddler in a candy store, really. But we started discussing plot ideas for a story and in a couple hours we had come up with winged humans (not angels, just humans with wings, yes), reptilian human antagonists, and . . . shadow animal people. Yeah. Needless to say, that idea didn’t stick. BUT! It did get my wheels spinning and I began brainstorming, kind of without meaning to. My mind just naturally began to play with ideas and scenarios, storylines and characters, and so that day I decided “what the heck,” and I began to write my first novel. It took me nine months to finish, was the biggest achievement of my life (because I don’t finish things), and though it was ultimately unpublishable, it set in stone what I knew I was put on this Earth to do. I haven’t looked back.
Sure, there are challenges. I’m a single mom of four children, one of whom is a toddler, so writing means sacrifice for me: sleep, a clean house, etc. I hardly ever wear make-up anymore. I’m a prize, A PRIZE I TELL YOU.
4) One morning, you wake up, look into the mirror and find out you have blue skin and a third eye. Your reaction?
“I’m gonna be rich!”
Second reaction: “I see you.”
(20 points for totally clever AVATAR reference)
5) Is there a question you have always hoped somebody would ask you? (Feel free to answer it, too.)
Yes. Observe.
*Clears throat, adjusts imaginary tie*
“Christina, out of the 33 million books on Amazon, what makes you stand out? Why should people choose your book instead of the next guy’s or girl’s?”
Ah, yes, I’m so glad you asked me that question.
*sips tea, adjusts invisible glasses*
Well you see, coming from a bleak past into the light where I am today has given me a unique viewpoint from which to tell a story. This is why I enjoy writing and reading fiction that shines a light in the dark, is fearless, honest, makes me feel, provokes thought, and pushes the limits. I pull very few punches, because I believe the punches are where the magic’s at. It’s when we are faced with life’s toughest trials that we are given the opportunity to rise above and shine brighter, and brighter, and brighter still. Yes, at times things get dark in my fictional worlds—as in reality—but there is always that inherent hope and light, urging, yearning, pushing onward. This is conveyed in everything I write.
*Curtsies*
6) Do you think there is a hidden message or a lesson in dystopian fiction? Have you included one in your science-fiction novel?
Most certainly. The message isn’t really hidden though, it’s actually rather blatant, IMO. If we don’t change certain things about our world, our children, and our children’s children, ad infinitum, are going to pay for our mistakes. This idea is presented in high-def in “The Treemakers.”
7) Are you a spring, summer, autumn or winter person?
I am a complete Autumn fanatic. My birthday is in October, and I’ve always loved the seasons changing at that time of year. There’s so much intrigue and mystery at that time, plus the trees (of course!) are remarkably beautiful when their leaves change colors.
Second fave is spring, because FLOWERS!
8) Do you have any writing rituals?
Yes, since I am a single mom of four, I keep my laptop in the living room at my desk in the corner. I work—a lot of times, with headphones on listening to inspiring wordless music—amidst the madness. I keep one eye on the screen, one eye on the kids, and try to get as much done between mommy-tasks as possible. I stay up late and get up early. And I never go a day without working on a project.
Also, things I must have at my desk at all times, in order for my brain to operate at optimum capacity: lipgloss, hand lotion, fuzzy slippers, something caffeinated and/or bubbly, and chocolate.
9) If you could have a superpower, what would you choose?
Flying, DUH. I’ve had amazing dreams about flying throughout my entire life and have been obsessed with the idea since childhood, when I tried to make wings from various backyard objects and fly from my fence. Luckily, I wasn’t hurt. But I was rather disappointed.
10) Please tell us more about your latest book(s) and plans for the future.
Speaking of flight, in my current work in progress, an Upper YA Futuristic/Sci-fi/Adventure with Romance elements titled, “South,” (out summer 2015), we will be flying like mad. I won’t tell you how, so as not to spoil anything, but I will say it’s going to be an exciting ride!
I also have an Upper MG Fantasy novelette titled “The Truth about Mud” releasing in a couple weeks, which will be my free holiday gift to the world (the ebook). Very excited about that one!
But for now, “The Treemakers,” an Upper YA Dystopian/Scifi with Biopunk and Romance elements, is on promo from December 9th through the 16th. Stop by Amazon and check it out! It would appeal to older adolescent and adult fans of “The Hunger Games,” “Divergent,” and “The Maze Runner,” which, not coincidentally, are three of my favorite series.
About the Book
Doomed to a life of building mechanical trees for the dying world of Bygonne, sixteen-year-old Joy Montgomery remains the only one left to care for over thirty orphaned children enslaved by the Superiors in the Tree Factory.
But the iron bonds of friendship and family, the discovery of magic in the dark, and love amidst devastation soon fuel her search for a way out. Aided by an unlikely ally who harbors a dangerous secret, Joy and the Treemakers embark on a quest for freedom, and for the truth about the existence of a forbidden paradise.
Link for “The Treemakers” on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Treemakers-Christina-L-Rozelle-ebook/dp/B00P49KVKG/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1418067362&sr=1-1&keywords=the+treemakers
About the Author
Thank you so much, Devika, for letting me hangout here and talk to your friends for a while! And thank you, Devika’s friends, for listening! I hope you will all stop by for tea and chatting at one of my social media homes, listed below. Take care, and happy holidays. :-)
Christina on the Web:
Goodreads- https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8186790.Christina_L_Rozelle
“A Spark in the Dark” (her blog for writers)- https://clrozelle.wordpress.com/
Fansite- http://christinalrozelle.com/
Facebook “Friend” Page- https://www.facebook.com/cl.rozelle
Facebook Author Page- https://www.facebook.com/clrozellesouth
Twitter- @CLRozelle
Pinterest- http://www.pinterest.com/thetreemakers/
Spotify- https://play.spotify.com/user/christinalrozelle/playlist/4rtjP81rms5wJ9bjXf0TGf
Christina L. Rozelle, author of the Upper YA Dystopian/Biopunk/Sci-fi, "The Treemakers," is a mother of four, currently residing in Dallas, Texas. She enjoys fiction that shines a light in the dark, has verve, depth, and truth. She writes what she'd love to see available to read. Though her focus is currently YA speculative fiction, she dabbles in other genres as well, including adult speculative, fantasy, and addiction/recovery fiction. To find out more about her, as well as links to her plethora of social media outposts, please visit her fan-site: http://christinalrozelle.com/
To sign up for her mailing list, warmly referred to as 'The Rozelle Army,' follow this link: http://eepurl.com/68sS9
To read her latest blog post, follow this link: https://clrozelle.wordpress.com/2014/12/08/10-things-that-suck-and-rock-about-being-an-indie-author-part-1/
10 Questions with Christina L. Rozelle1) What do you like most about being an author? What least?
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve had a wild imagination. Through years of cultivating my craft, I’ve been able to develop my skills enough to write these imaginings into stories, places, and characters for others to enjoy as well. I love speculative fiction because I can let my imagination run rampant, and as I’m writing, I’m also discovering it, living it. The thing I love most is getting to know my characters as the story unfolds, and living it with them as it happens in each new world I create. I’m a “pantser”—meaning I write by the seat of my pants, without much planning of what the outcome will be. And though it seems to require rewriting later to smooth out plot and things, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I crave the surprises and excitement of not really knowing what’s going to happen next.
What do I like least? One word: Marketing.
2) As your book is titled “The Treemakers”, tell me whether you have a favourite tree or a favourite flower.
Though I’ve never seen them in person, the Redwoods in California, USA. I’m entirely dumbfounded and intrigued by their colossal size. Yes, I am a total tree-hugger, and plan on visiting them one day, just so I can give one a ginormous hug. Second on the list would be Willows. They’re just so dreamy and romantic.
3) What made you decide to write a YA book, and was there any challenge in it?
When my oldest daughter was eleven, “The Hunger Games” had just come out. She was super excited about it and at that point, I had never really read any YA. I wrote a lot of prose and non-fiction, read a lot of spiritual and self-help literature, and never in a million years thought I’d ever be a fiction writer. I have the attention span of a toddler in a candy store, really. But we started discussing plot ideas for a story and in a couple hours we had come up with winged humans (not angels, just humans with wings, yes), reptilian human antagonists, and . . . shadow animal people. Yeah. Needless to say, that idea didn’t stick. BUT! It did get my wheels spinning and I began brainstorming, kind of without meaning to. My mind just naturally began to play with ideas and scenarios, storylines and characters, and so that day I decided “what the heck,” and I began to write my first novel. It took me nine months to finish, was the biggest achievement of my life (because I don’t finish things), and though it was ultimately unpublishable, it set in stone what I knew I was put on this Earth to do. I haven’t looked back.
Sure, there are challenges. I’m a single mom of four children, one of whom is a toddler, so writing means sacrifice for me: sleep, a clean house, etc. I hardly ever wear make-up anymore. I’m a prize, A PRIZE I TELL YOU.
4) One morning, you wake up, look into the mirror and find out you have blue skin and a third eye. Your reaction?
“I’m gonna be rich!”
Second reaction: “I see you.”
(20 points for totally clever AVATAR reference)
5) Is there a question you have always hoped somebody would ask you? (Feel free to answer it, too.)
Yes. Observe.
*Clears throat, adjusts imaginary tie*
“Christina, out of the 33 million books on Amazon, what makes you stand out? Why should people choose your book instead of the next guy’s or girl’s?”
Ah, yes, I’m so glad you asked me that question.
*sips tea, adjusts invisible glasses*
Well you see, coming from a bleak past into the light where I am today has given me a unique viewpoint from which to tell a story. This is why I enjoy writing and reading fiction that shines a light in the dark, is fearless, honest, makes me feel, provokes thought, and pushes the limits. I pull very few punches, because I believe the punches are where the magic’s at. It’s when we are faced with life’s toughest trials that we are given the opportunity to rise above and shine brighter, and brighter, and brighter still. Yes, at times things get dark in my fictional worlds—as in reality—but there is always that inherent hope and light, urging, yearning, pushing onward. This is conveyed in everything I write.
*Curtsies*
6) Do you think there is a hidden message or a lesson in dystopian fiction? Have you included one in your science-fiction novel?
Most certainly. The message isn’t really hidden though, it’s actually rather blatant, IMO. If we don’t change certain things about our world, our children, and our children’s children, ad infinitum, are going to pay for our mistakes. This idea is presented in high-def in “The Treemakers.”
7) Are you a spring, summer, autumn or winter person?
I am a complete Autumn fanatic. My birthday is in October, and I’ve always loved the seasons changing at that time of year. There’s so much intrigue and mystery at that time, plus the trees (of course!) are remarkably beautiful when their leaves change colors.
Second fave is spring, because FLOWERS!
8) Do you have any writing rituals?
Yes, since I am a single mom of four, I keep my laptop in the living room at my desk in the corner. I work—a lot of times, with headphones on listening to inspiring wordless music—amidst the madness. I keep one eye on the screen, one eye on the kids, and try to get as much done between mommy-tasks as possible. I stay up late and get up early. And I never go a day without working on a project.
Also, things I must have at my desk at all times, in order for my brain to operate at optimum capacity: lipgloss, hand lotion, fuzzy slippers, something caffeinated and/or bubbly, and chocolate.
9) If you could have a superpower, what would you choose?
Flying, DUH. I’ve had amazing dreams about flying throughout my entire life and have been obsessed with the idea since childhood, when I tried to make wings from various backyard objects and fly from my fence. Luckily, I wasn’t hurt. But I was rather disappointed.
10) Please tell us more about your latest book(s) and plans for the future.
Speaking of flight, in my current work in progress, an Upper YA Futuristic/Sci-fi/Adventure with Romance elements titled, “South,” (out summer 2015), we will be flying like mad. I won’t tell you how, so as not to spoil anything, but I will say it’s going to be an exciting ride!
I also have an Upper MG Fantasy novelette titled “The Truth about Mud” releasing in a couple weeks, which will be my free holiday gift to the world (the ebook). Very excited about that one!
But for now, “The Treemakers,” an Upper YA Dystopian/Scifi with Biopunk and Romance elements, is on promo from December 9th through the 16th. Stop by Amazon and check it out! It would appeal to older adolescent and adult fans of “The Hunger Games,” “Divergent,” and “The Maze Runner,” which, not coincidentally, are three of my favorite series.
About the BookDoomed to a life of building mechanical trees for the dying world of Bygonne, sixteen-year-old Joy Montgomery remains the only one left to care for over thirty orphaned children enslaved by the Superiors in the Tree Factory.
But the iron bonds of friendship and family, the discovery of magic in the dark, and love amidst devastation soon fuel her search for a way out. Aided by an unlikely ally who harbors a dangerous secret, Joy and the Treemakers embark on a quest for freedom, and for the truth about the existence of a forbidden paradise.
Link for “The Treemakers” on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Treemakers-Christina-L-Rozelle-ebook/dp/B00P49KVKG/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1418067362&sr=1-1&keywords=the+treemakers
About the AuthorThank you so much, Devika, for letting me hangout here and talk to your friends for a while! And thank you, Devika’s friends, for listening! I hope you will all stop by for tea and chatting at one of my social media homes, listed below. Take care, and happy holidays. :-)
Christina on the Web:
Goodreads- https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8186790.Christina_L_Rozelle
“A Spark in the Dark” (her blog for writers)- https://clrozelle.wordpress.com/
Fansite- http://christinalrozelle.com/
Facebook “Friend” Page- https://www.facebook.com/cl.rozelle
Facebook Author Page- https://www.facebook.com/clrozellesouth
Twitter- @CLRozelle
Pinterest- http://www.pinterest.com/thetreemakers/
Spotify- https://play.spotify.com/user/christinalrozelle/playlist/4rtjP81rms5wJ9bjXf0TGf
Christina L. Rozelle, author of the Upper YA Dystopian/Biopunk/Sci-fi, "The Treemakers," is a mother of four, currently residing in Dallas, Texas. She enjoys fiction that shines a light in the dark, has verve, depth, and truth. She writes what she'd love to see available to read. Though her focus is currently YA speculative fiction, she dabbles in other genres as well, including adult speculative, fantasy, and addiction/recovery fiction. To find out more about her, as well as links to her plethora of social media outposts, please visit her fan-site: http://christinalrozelle.com/
To sign up for her mailing list, warmly referred to as 'The Rozelle Army,' follow this link: http://eepurl.com/68sS9
To read her latest blog post, follow this link: https://clrozelle.wordpress.com/2014/12/08/10-things-that-suck-and-rock-about-being-an-indie-author-part-1/
December 8, 2014
Book Club Cover Reveal for Sundari Venkatraman's New Release
Cover Reveal:
MATCHES MADE IN HEAVEN
Romantic Short Stories by
Sundari Venkatraman
Sneak Peak
Swayamwar on TV reality show; Dating Clubs; Matchmaking websites; parents setting up their children with one another; friends getting married and more – there are many ways that couples get together for hopefully a “Happily Ever After” experience. MATCHES MADE IN HEAVEN explores the various premises in the form of short stories that one can relate to in everyday life. There is even one based on Gods falling in love. Shh! I am not going to say anything further. It’s for you to find out.
And there are thirteen of them. While many insist that “13” is an unlucky number, I am quite fascinated by it. I absolutely believe that it’s a lucky number for me. That’s why I decided to publish this anthology with 13 romantic stories.
About the author
Sundari Venkatraman has authored four novels and a short story anthology till now, Matches Made In Heaven (anthology) being the latest. The Malhotra Bride; Meghna; The Runaway Bridegroom; Flaming Sun Collection 1: Happily Ever Afters From India (Box Set) and Matches Made In Heaven have all been self-published on Amazon under the banner of Flaming Sun. The three novels are regularly seen on Amazon’s Top 100 Bestsellers’ Contemporary Romances list. The Box Set and Anthology are bound to catch up soon.
A great fan of Mills & Boon romances over the past four decades, Sundari has always believed in ‘Happily Ever Afters’ and all her books promise happy endings.
Matches Made In Heaven is a compilation of thirteen short stories – all romantic – based on many situations anyone can come upon in their day-to-day lives. The stories revolve around the different ways a couple can get to meet and tie the knot in a culture rich country like India. Those reading the stories will definitely be able to connect realising that one of the situations has definitely been a part of their lives.
So here you go........
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Book Launch by:
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December 6, 2014
Sneak Peek Sunday - Saved in Sri Lanka
Today I want to share an excerpt from my upcoming contemporary romance novel 'Saved in Sri Lanka'. I wrote it during NaNoWriMo and will release it in January or February 2015. Here's a Sneak Peek Sunday snippet that shines some light on the name I chose for the heroine.
“Follow me over there for a second.”
They walked over, and Sepalika could see him react the way she had expected it. Daniel lifted his head and took a deep breath. She smiled to herself and felt a thrill rush through her.
“Can you smell that?”
He nodded with wide eyes. “It’s such an intoxicating scent, so…I don’t know, intense and sweet, mysterious and confident.”
Now her eyes widened, and a shiver of pleasure ran down her spine.
“This is my namesake,” she said, and her voice was hardly more than a whisper.”
He turned to stare at her then back at the flower-laden tree exuding such potent magic.
“May I introduce you to the redolent sepalika flower, commonly called night jasmine or coral jasmine, and sometimes confused with Queen of the Night. This tree’s flowers bloom only after dark, enchanting throughout the night. Shortly after dawn they’ll start wilting, and by morning you’ll have a patch of earth decked out in fallen, faded flowers.”
Daniel walked over to the tree as if in trance. He plucked one of the small white flowers and inhaled its powerful but not overpowering scent.
“They’re not just beautiful,” she continued. “People believe they’ll help you sleep soundly and dream sweetly. They are dried and stuffed into pillows for that purpose. Experts in native medicine claim it can help children with constipation.”
“Fascinating,” he murmured and walked back to her, stopping right in front of her so she had to crane her neck to peer into his deep, now surprisingly dark eyes.
“You know, this flower isn’t always praised for its beauty. Some people aren’t too fond of it because it looks bare and barren, common and even sort of forlorn during daytime. They dub it the ‘tree of sorrow’, but every night the fragrant flowers cause even the most sorrowful people to smile and appreciate.”
“There’s a whole story and lesson lingering there,” Daniel said, whispering too. “Looks like they’re much more than fragrant…just like you’re much more than what meets the eye.”
He leaned in and lifted his hand as if he wanted to stick the flower into her hair.
“Follow me over there for a second.”They walked over, and Sepalika could see him react the way she had expected it. Daniel lifted his head and took a deep breath. She smiled to herself and felt a thrill rush through her.
“Can you smell that?”
He nodded with wide eyes. “It’s such an intoxicating scent, so…I don’t know, intense and sweet, mysterious and confident.”
Now her eyes widened, and a shiver of pleasure ran down her spine.
“This is my namesake,” she said, and her voice was hardly more than a whisper.”
He turned to stare at her then back at the flower-laden tree exuding such potent magic.
“May I introduce you to the redolent sepalika flower, commonly called night jasmine or coral jasmine, and sometimes confused with Queen of the Night. This tree’s flowers bloom only after dark, enchanting throughout the night. Shortly after dawn they’ll start wilting, and by morning you’ll have a patch of earth decked out in fallen, faded flowers.”
Daniel walked over to the tree as if in trance. He plucked one of the small white flowers and inhaled its powerful but not overpowering scent.
“They’re not just beautiful,” she continued. “People believe they’ll help you sleep soundly and dream sweetly. They are dried and stuffed into pillows for that purpose. Experts in native medicine claim it can help children with constipation.”
“Fascinating,” he murmured and walked back to her, stopping right in front of her so she had to crane her neck to peer into his deep, now surprisingly dark eyes.
“You know, this flower isn’t always praised for its beauty. Some people aren’t too fond of it because it looks bare and barren, common and even sort of forlorn during daytime. They dub it the ‘tree of sorrow’, but every night the fragrant flowers cause even the most sorrowful people to smile and appreciate.”
“There’s a whole story and lesson lingering there,” Daniel said, whispering too. “Looks like they’re much more than fragrant…just like you’re much more than what meets the eye.”
He leaned in and lifted his hand as if he wanted to stick the flower into her hair.
