Devika Fernando's Blog, page 92

5 things to learn from DOGS

I love animals, which is one of the reasons why I’m a vegetarian. My home is alive with my four-legged family of two dogs and two cats. We also have fish in a tank and are planning on birds in a big walk-in aviary one day. If I could, I’d include rabbits, goats, cows and many other animals. But I’m digressing… It struck me recently that there is so much we people can learn from animals that would make life easier and happier. So, here’s my take on 5 things we can learn from dogs.

Our dog Sandy (photo taken roughly a year ago) 1) Be loyal
If you take good care of a dog—sometimes even if you don’t—it won’t leave your side until it dies and will even remember and mourn for you after you have died. This life-long loyalty is something that is now few and far between in humans. Whether it be friends or partners, people tend to forget that they form connections not for the here and now but to last a long time. If we act like dogs and offer loyalty, we make the person feel appreciated and will often get loyalty in return.

2) Be thankful
It’s enough to show a dog the tiniest bit of love or give it attention, and it will never forget. If you have ever fed a stray dog, petted a stranger’s or a friend’s four-legged companion or adopted a rescue dog, then you will understand what I’m talking about. People, on the other hand, forget to be grateful. They aren’t content with what they have, they don’t stop to thank people for help, and they don’t appreciate the little joys life brings their way. Even when times are rough, we should take a moment to say thanks for something positive that has happened. Don’t take help for granted and don’t believe that everybody is as lucky as you. Be thankful—not only on Thanksgiving Day.

3) Take it easy
Dogs know how to chill. They’re not prone to complaining. If it’s hot, they’ll sleep. If it’s cold, they’ll sleep. They’re eager to get your attention and affection, but they don’t bother with people who are clearly not dog-friendly. Rather than stressing and obsessing about what is out of their reach and control, dogs give themselves a break and find something that cheers them up. In a world where most of the troubles are only in our head or increased by our attitude, that seems perfect inspiration.

4) Live simply
Don’t make your life so complicated that happiness is hard to find. Enjoy what you get, make the most of what you have and don’t be too strict on yourself. Dogs don’t need or want a diamond-studded collar or a thousand-dollar trip to the doggie spa in order to be happy. As a dog is content with a full stomach, some TLC and a warm, soft place to sleep or maybe a toy, we can draw strength and joy from the simple things in life.

5) Be confident
A dog knows when to bark, growl, intimidate or even bite, and when not to. Dogs come with natural confidence and instincts that help them fight their way through life. We, on the other hand, are prone to suffering from inferiority complexes. We are afraid to fully live, to show our worth or to take a firm stand when necessary. Like a dog, it would be much better to be aware of our limits and show other people their limits before it’s too late. If we let others know when they’ve invaded our territory (without tearing their throat off immediately), conflict and suffering can be avoided.

Our dog Tony (who's been with us more than 12 years)

Featured: 'Long Lost' by Michelle Read

I know they say not to judge a book by its cover - but let's face it: If we find a book cover beautiful or it conveys a certain message and touches us in some way, we're far more likely to buy the book.
Speaking of beautiful covers, I just have to share this one with you. I have been following author Michelle Read's journey of writing on Facebook with interest. She's getting really close to her release and revealed her debut novel's look yesterday.
Ladies and gentlemen, let me present "Long Lost".

Long Lost - Michelle Read Blurb
Emily Case is a lonely woman. No family, few friends, a job she hates, and she is single. Life is one long struggle for her.
One morning she wakes up two hundred years in the past. Her whole world is turned upside down, as she is faced with a new era she knows nothing about. However, she soon finds that she is falling for her new lifestyle, the people in it and even a handsome and very wealthy gentleman.
When she realizes this life is all she's ever wanted, she is torn away from it and back to her life two hundred years into the future.  Not willing to accept that the twenty-first-century is where her destiny lies, she endeavours to seek out the truth of the life she led in the nineteenth-century.
What will she discover on her journey? Was it reality or all just a dream?
About the author
Michelle Read has lived in Bournemouth for over twenty years after moving from South Wales where she was born and bred. She works as a full time administrator but still manages to fit writing novels around her busy day.
Having been a fan of Jane Austen and historical romance in general for some time, she decided to embark on writing her first novel, ‘Long Lost’, which to Michelle’s own surprise, has turned into a trilogy. The second book will be called 'Long Last', and the third book will be called 'Long Love'.  Long Lost is to be published at the end of May 2014.
She is a born romantic and loves nothing better than writing adventures full of romance. She enjoys history and can often be found strolling around stately homes and castles in her spare time, along with attending food festivals, reading copious amounts of books and chatting on Facebook and Twitter.
'Long Lost' is to be published at the end of May 2014.

Catch up with Michelle:
Facebook Account
Twitter: @chelle52

Featured: 'The Edge of Hope' by Alina Popescu

I love vampires, so I'm happy and excited to be part of the Blog Tour for the launch of "The Edge of Hope" by my friend Alina Popescu. Read on for a wealth of information about the book and the author.
The Edge of Hope - Alina Popescu Blurb
When tall, dark, and gorgeous shows up on your self-prescribed emotional recovery vacation, some would call it fate smiling down on you. If he also happens to be interested in your work and ready to make all the room you need in his life, it starts to sound too good to be true. Alexa skips the doubts and jumps right in, only to be thrown into the mysterious world of vampires.
The secrets of their origin and their very existence are far more important than her life to some of her new acquaintances. They are ancient, they are powerful, they have unlimited resources, and they are keen on controlling what the world knows of their kind. As Alexa discovers their complicated, blood feud bound world, she tries to better understand herself, heal old wounds and give love chance after chance. Will she survive the journey?
Excerpt
“Hello, I am Hesrah. Nice to meet you.”
Polite and stiff, no facial expression, no smile, no unnecessary movement, only her dark brown eyes showed some life, some slow fire that kept her going.
“Hello, I am Louis and this is Alexa. We will be your hosts during your stay on earth.” Louis smiled and extended his hand, which she shook after a few awkward moments.
“I look forward to it. May I be shown to my room now?” she said with no inflexion in her tone.
It took me a second to react as I was analyzing her outfit…jeans and a plain t-shirt, sport shoes and denim jacket. It seemed completely wrong for her attitude and behavior.
“Sure, I’ll take you to your room,” I eventually said. “It’s right next to mine.”
“Lovely.”
She did not sound like she meant it. She sounded more like cyborgs from a sci-fi movie. She wasn’t as captivating as Anukh or Louis, or even Anthony. She was just formal and…uptight. Oh, brother, I said to myself. This will definitely be tons of fun.
When she entered the room, I finally noticed her backpack. She took some more clothes out of it, all plain and simple. She asked where she could put them and I pointed to the closet.
“What is it?” she asked. “Why are you frowning like that?”
I hadn’t realized I was. I had been warned before that my face and eyes give away what I was struggling to keep from saying but, apparently, I never learned.
“Umm, dunno, you are just not what I expected,” I confessed.
“And what did you expect?” She cocked her head and waited.
“I guess someone similar to Anukh, but more impressive and graceful?”
“Are you asking me?”
“No, just turning it into a question till I figure out how offensive my statement is.” I shrugged.
“You are very blunt, aren’t you?”
It did not sound like a compliment.
“Yeah, maybe. Anyway, I can atone for that by kindly inviting you to use any of my makeup and raid my closet whenever you feel like wearing something less…”
“Less what?” she demanded, raising an eyebrow.
“Less plain.”
“I am on a mission and I have comfortable clothes for it,” she answered, quickly. She was just staring at me and I thought I should put an end to kicking the hornet’s nest.
“I should go now. Catch you later.”
I finally allowed myself to enjoy a refreshing sigh the moment I got on the other side of the door. I also added yet another note to self. Whenever I find myself talking to a deadly creature who can kill me in under five seconds, maybe, just maybe, watching my tongue would be smart.
Featured: Alina Popescu Author Interview
What do you like most about being a writer?
Getting immersed in my stories and seeing how they play out. There’s nothing like creating new characters and having them tell their stories. The other thing I like just as much is seeing someone genuinely like what I write.

Out of all the great books out there, which one do you wish you had written?
Tough question. Maybe the Dune series? Although… I don’t really wish I’d written any of the books I loved. I don’t think I could have ever written anything better than my own stories.

What was the hardest thing about writing your latest book?
Shutting up my inner critic and going ahead with publishing it. I wanted to push back the release more or forget the whole thing, but those were just manifestations of a bit of fear. Releasing a debut novel is scary as hell at times.

Do you have any writing rituals?
Not really. I have things I need, like a working laptop, my music, my coffee, but that’s about it. I don’t have a particular time of day or place to write. My process however is a bit different. I need to visualize the story. Not every detail, but the main story and character interactions, those play in my head until I have a clear picture and that’s when I start to write.

Any hidden talents or crazy facts about you?
Let’s see…  I knit sometimes. I play airsoft. I love action movies and the one to get me hooked on them was a great actor and martial artist, Bruce Lee. You know, that guy who beat Chuck Norris.

Do you prefer eBooks or printed books?
I only read eBooks. My eyes get tired easily and most print books have very small fonts. I am a lot more comfortable reading on my kindle or tablet. But I still love printed books and I buy the printed copy for some of the books I read. The fact that I get an eBook in two seconds while I’d have to wait for weeks to get the paperback also plays a huge part in this.

What is the most important character trait the hero and the heroine should possess?
Hard to say, it depends a lot on the story being told. I think heroes should be relatable, even in paranormal, science fiction, or fantasy. They should give you the impression they could be real people at some point.

Do you have any advice for other authors or aspiring writers?
My only advice would be to never give up on telling stories. It’s a tough road, not one of the easiest, especially in the indie world, but I think it’s worth it. Every time someone will tell you the magic words “I loved your book,” you’ll forget about all the effort.

Write three sentences using each of these words: ignorance, emotions, love.
Ignorance is blissful only because you can’t realize how harmful it really is. Emotions are the wild cards of every human interaction. Love happens, it never waits for you to be happy or in a good place, or for the right circumstances.

What are you currently working on?
I have a few stories that I am working on. The first one is book three of the Bad Blood Trilogy. I’m half way through it. Then there’s a bunch of other WIPs, a sci-fi story, a werewolf novel, and a few romances.
About the Author
Writer, traveler, and coffee addict, Alina Popescu has been in love with books all her life. She started writing when she was ten and even won awards in local competitions. She has always been drawn to sci-fi, fantasy, and the supernatural realm, which explains her deep love for vampires and is also to blame for this trilogy.

Site & Blog: http://alina-popescu.com
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/authoralinapopescu
Twitter: http://twitter.com/alina_popescu
Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/alina-popescu
Google+:  https://plus.google.com/u/0/102637891138733033084
Amazon:  http://amazon.com/author/alinapopescu
Guest Post
Alexa and I, how alike are we?

A lot of people have asked about the inspiration for the Bad Blood series and for Alexa and I tried to give as many details as I could. I have been pretty open about how similar some of her experiences are to my own and how close to how I am and how I react she sometimes is. Putting her through the events and heartbreak I experienced at one point or another was my way to deal with my demons (sneaky bastards) and to point out that we survive a lot more than we think we can, and that sometimes it takes a lot of failed relationships before you find the one.

The similarities, however, go beyond a few character traits and experiences. In "The Edge of Hope", Alexa starts where I was when I started writing this book. The betrayal and heartbreak were very real, although they are toned down in Alexa’s case. We both took a long trip to mend and lick our wounds. She went to Malta, I drove around Europe for a month, seeing cool places and visiting friends. I did however research Malta quite a bit before and after starting to write the book because I wanted to move there for a few years. Just as Alexa, I didn’t take the trip immediately after the breakup, but a while later.

While things go in very different directions after that, Alexa is the character that’s molded after me. She’s not the first I’ve created, certainly not the last, but she is the one that’s closest to me.  It’s in how she reacts and in how she speaks at times. In some ways she’s stronger, in others she’s toned down. Maybe she’s how I would be if I had her experiences.

Writers put pieces of themselves into their characters, their stories, their settings. They do write a lot of what they know. But writing a character that’s basically you comes with a few caveats. The biggest is that if you do and admit to it, parts of your life will be exposed. Having been dumped is hardly breaking news, so I’m pretty much safe, but it is something to consider. The other big thing is that if you start writing at a point in your life and then everything changed tremendously, you might not want to keep writing the story. This is actually what happened to the first Alexa story, which was quite different from the one I wrote. The other thing to consider that I believe is very important is that people will make assumptions about you based on your character. In my case, no biggie, most of them will be true. In Alexa’s, well, it got her into trouble, but it made people underestimate her and it ended up helping.

If you want to write and use it as a way to deal with aspects of your life, by all means, do so. Every caveat can easily be handled. That’s what pen names or the choice not to disclose certain details are there for! So pick up your notebook or your computer and… Happy writing and reading!

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World Book Day - Inspiring Reads

April 23rd is celebrated as World Book Day (with the exception of the UK), and I want to use this opportunity to name 5 books that have had a huge influence on my life. It is actually difficult for me to narrow it down to such a small list because truth be told, every single book I read is in one way or the other a valuable addition to my life. There is always something to learn and to take away from the story, even though I might not realize it right away.
World Book Day Interview with the Vampire – Anne Rice
My first ever book about vampires. I read it about ten years ago, in German, and I was so in love with it that I devoured every single other book by Rice that I could lay my hands on. To date, I prefer her vampires over all the others. "Interview" isn’t even my favourite because I find other "Vampire Chronicles" novels even more fascinating, but this one was the birth of my undying (pardon the pun) love for everything vampire. It also inspired me to read books in English because I wanted to know how the whole magic sounded in Anne’s very own words.

The God of Small Things – Arundhati Roy
My first book by an Asian / Indian author and set in a world close to my Sri Lankan roots. I can safely say that this masterpiece inspired me to read other oriental writers. It also deepened my love for language and was one of the first books that I read many times over, always discovering a new gem to treasure. This novel is one of the few that I dare to call 'perfect'. The way Roy uses languages makes me want to revere her like a writing goddess.

Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen
I had read English classics before, but mainly during schooldays and out of a sense of duty or only a little here and there, because I grew up in Germany. P&P was the first time that I consciously decided to delve deeper into the world of timeless world literature. I read the book roughly a year ago, with high expectations but also worried that I might not enjoy it. This is one of the stories that rekindled my love for romance and that made me search for additional reading / studying material on the internet. And let me conclude with this: Mr. Darcy!

The English Patient – Michael Ondaatje
One of the few occasions where I saw the movie and was moved to read the book. This prize-winning novel ranks high on my list of all-time favourites because I love the way each and every character is portrayed and interwoven into the fabric of the story. The way history is presented and the way Ondaatje uses words to do his bidding still leaves me spellbound.

The Alchemist – Paolo Coelho
Until I discovered "The Alchemist", I had shied away from books that were (marketed as) rather philosophical and more non-fiction than fiction or a mix of both. This book, however, changed my opinion on that genre. Together with many other novels by Coelho, especially "The Devil and Miss Prym" as well as "The Prophet" by Khalil Gibran, it is a read a find wonderfully inspiring. The author himself and his quotes are something to treasure, too.

Now it's your turn! Share what books have left a special impression on you or even influenced your writing.

Ask the Author - Interview with Liz Mills

Here's yet another Q&A with a talented writer friend of mine. Thank you for accepting the interview request, Liz Mills! I loved reading your answers and discovering more things in common.
10 questions with Liz Mills
Do you prefer a specific genre for reading and writing?

Reading-wise, I am open to try almost anything, though my favourite books have fitted neatly into the Historical Romance category. I like Regency, Edwardian and American Western romances particularly.
When it comes to writing, my characters set the scene; so far, they have each chosen a unique setting. The Natalie Tereshchenko novels have given me the greatest challenges, requiring an enormous amount of research into Russia and its history, while ‘A Song For Joey’ and the Tapestry Capricorn books take place during my own lifetime.

Is there anything (drink, food, writing tools etc.) that you can’t write without?

You know, I was going to answer ‘no’ to that, then I realised that, though I could always manage with just a pen and paper, I actually rely on my computer a lot. Almost all my research happens online - I don’t know what I would do without the internet. Then I gather my thoughts in a project-management program called yWriter, which helps me to lay out the story, keep tabs on my characters and write the first draft. And finally I export the rough book into my chosen word-processor, Open Office, for all the revisions and editing that follow. So, yes, I really couldn’t live without a computer.
As for food, drink, etc., I forget all about them when the ideas are flowing. It’s the best diet going.

If you could have been the original author of any book, what would it have been and why?

(Can I skip this one please?) -> Okay, I'll make an exception for you. ;-)

What do you like most about being a writer?

Undoubtedly, it is the chance to be someone else. Through my characters, I live another life, see the world through different eyes. It is this that keeps me writing.

Tell us a little about yourself and any hidden talents that are totally worth mentioning.

Gosh, what can I tell you? I am approaching my seventieth birthday; I live with my author husband in Sussex, England. I like cats, music, sunshine and wildlife. I started writing my first novel when I retired from paid employment at the age of sixty-five, and before that I did everything from farm work to hotel receptionist.
Talents? Well, I make a pretty fantastic Toad-in-the-Hole, I play bass guitar (I was in a rock band for a while), and I used to be quite good at painting and drawing, though I haven’t done that for years. That’s about it, really.

If you were sent away to a deserted island, what 5 things (yes, 5 instead of 3) would you take with you?

Can I take a laptop, please (solar powered, of course) so I can continue to write? And a guitar, Shampoo and conditioner (the salt water plays havoc with your hair, you know), Seeds (so I can grow my favourite vegetables), and an endless supply of Mayonnaise.

Any favourite books and authors? Sorry if choosing is a difficult task… 

It’s not terribly difficult, actually. There are half-a-dozen authors who have influenced my writing, either by inspiring me or by teaching me:

Gabrielle Kimm - The Courtesan’s Lover (my favourite contemporary author - her books are, as far as I am concerned, the epitome of historical fiction);
Jane Austen - Pride and Prejudice (the book that inspired me to start writing);
Douglas Adams - The Hitch-hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (I love his wit and the scope of his imagination);
Nancy Taylor Rosenberg - California Angel (the one book that I read again and again and again and again);
Terry Pratchett - Monstrous Regiment (or any other Discworld novel);
Jeffery Eugenides - Middlesex (I learnt many of my writing skills from this book);

Paperback or eBook?

Both. I love the feel of a printed book in my hands, but eBooks are so convenient.

What inspired you to write your latest book?

I always smile when I remember this. When I finished ‘Natalie Tereshchenko, Lady in Waiting’, I had intended to (literally) ‘close the book’ on Natalie. But no sooner had I published it than I started to think about a new plot! The ideas were pouring out, and I knew I had to continue the story --and so ‘Natalie Tereshchenko, The Other Side’ was born.

Do you have any advice for other authors or aspiring writers?

It feels awfully pretentious for me to give advice; I am still so far from success. But there are three things I can say:
One - Do it! Start writing now, and don’t stop until you are done.
Two - Polish your skills. Be the best you can be. Really understand the language you write in, and learn from the writers you admire.
Three - Be yourself, don’t try to copy others or ride the latest trend (be inspired, of course, but also be unique).

Natalie Tereshchenko, The Other Side - Elizabeth Audrey Mills Tapestry Capricorn, Feline Secret Agent - Elizabeth Audrey Mills
Connect with the Author

http://itsliz.net/index.html
https://www.facebook.com/fameatlast
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6494593.Elizabeth_Audrey_Mills

Book Review: 'Kingdom Come' by Aarti V. Raman

Being an author and avid reader, I don’t give 5-star ratings easily – but there is so much to love about "Kingdom Come" by Aarti V. Raman that I couldn’t resist. While I’m a big fan of some of the famous Indian writers like Arundhati Roy or Jhumpa Lahiri, I have shamefully little experience with the up and coming writers from South Asia. On my quest to get to know the latest fiction from the Indian subcontinent, I couldn’t have picked a better book that KC. This novel pulled me in with its first sentences and tightened its grip chapter by chapter until it had me glued to the computer.
I absolutely love Ziya, the heroine. She’s strong, intelligent and emancipated in the way I hadn’t expected it from an Asian woman in a romance story. Where others would crumble and give up, cry and lament, she keeps her chin up and stays determined. She fights for her love, her happiness and her right to a life that seems destined for her. Oh, did I ever suffer along with her! Ziya is one of the many reasons why I’d love to see KC adapted as a movie. Krivi, the hero, is another. The two of them are made for each other in a way that is sadly rare among romantic fiction. They have met their perfect match in each other… and besides, I’ve never been able to resist dark, confident, brooding heroes. Thank God the author has chosen an uncommon name and fleshed him out just as much as the other main character! He’s irresistible. Just like Ziya, the reader knows that he is danger impersonated, and yet, falling for him—and hard—is inevitable. What’s more, all the other characters in "Kingdom Come" are so real and intriguing, too. Let’s not forget the villain, The Woodpecker. Just remembering Wood and ominous Tom Jones (watch out for that one) sends a chill down my spine. Each and every person that plays a role in the story is credible and will stay with the reader long after putting the book down.
I’m a sucker for settings that catch attention, and Aarti V. Raman didn’t disappoint on that count either. While the events take place in the West and the East, it is unquestionably Ladakh with the 'home' Goonj that shines the brightest and enhances the plot.
There’s so much more that I want to praise. How can I forget the transformations the characters go through, just like a good story warrants it? At the end of the book, Ziya and Krivi—and many others—have changed but are still true to themselves. Perfect!
As for the story, it’s full of details and background information and clever twists that will have you stare and then shout. I certainly didn’t see coming what the author hurled at me more than once, but every surprise was another puzzle piece fitting into the bigger picture. As soon as you relax a little to indulge in some romance or steam, enjoy a description or get spooked by the insights into the villain’s devious mind, the pace will pick up again. Before you can grip the edge of your seat, the book explodes in action that leaves you breathless (pardon the pun).
KC resonates with a lot of themes and motifs, from friendship to finding your soul mate, from fighting for your rights to fighting injustice, from overcoming clichés to giving yourself and others a chance. Sometimes the story made me laugh, at other times I felt like crying. I was totally freaked out by the criminal aspect of it, fascinated by the tit-bits on the world of spying and special ops, and thoughtful because there were so many underlying messages. Everything and everyone portrayed in "Kingdom Come" comes alive.
Make no mistake, this is no typical book by an Indian about Indians. You won’t find arranged marriages, Bollywood glam, exotic food, gorgeous clothes and religious ceremonies. What you will find is lots of steam, action, mystery and an emotional ride that has huge movie potential. There’s more than an ounce of suffering, there’s a love story that stands tall in the end—and there’s a book that is unputdownable.

Kingdom Come - Aarti V. Raman

More recommended reads:

Not the Marrying Kind - Christina Cole
Natalie Tereshchenko, Lady in Waiting - Elizabeth Audrey Mills
The Mason's Mark - M.S. Spencer
Magick & Moonlight - Marie Lavender

Sneak Peek - Excerpt 2 from 'Playing with Fire'

I'm currently about 90 % finished with my work in progress "Playing with Fire", Book 1 of the 4 Elements of Love Series. Here's the second excerpt I want to share, as part of Sneak Peek Sunday.

There was no change in his tone when Joshua said calmly, “I think the kind of control you were encouraged to exercise and the kind of control the book hints at are two ends of a spectrum. One is about burying the undesirable and ignoring the monster. The other is about recognizing, acknowledging and taming or at least shaping what can’t and shouldn’t be ignored. If you repress something, it’s still there. We can’t live like ostriches that stick their head under the earth whenever they sense danger. We have to allow that other part of ourselves to live, but reign it in and keep it on a leash, so it won’t run away and get us into trouble.”
She liked the metaphors he used and especially the way he said ‘we’ and not ‘one’ or ‘you’. And yet, he just didn’t sound like he meant ‘we’. He sounded like he already knew it all and behaved correctly and expected her to follow like a sectarian would follow their leader.
Something inside her, the wild and lonely part, rebelled against him being the teacher and adviser and role model.
“You make it sound so easy,” she scoffed.
“It isn’t,” he answered. “It never was for me and it won’t be for you. But it’s not impossible, either. I’m living proof of that.”
There was evident pride in his voice.
Felicia couldn’t help herself, she had to daunt him.
“What, so you weren’t born a perfect ice god always in control?”
The look he shot her this time was deadly.
In a fluid movement, he got up, bent down, picked up a stone and threw it into the water. With his back to her and his voice icy, he said, “If you refuse to take me seriously, all of this is useless.”
“You mean, if I refuse to accept your authority and patronizing behavior?” she shot back.
He turned around and stalked over to her, cold radiating in waves off him, automatically causing the heat inside her to step up a notch and radiate from her skin, too.
“Clearly I am in a better position of the two of us to have authority and to be listened to, am I not?”
He looked dangerous in his quiet anger. Did he have a power complex?
Stopping herself short before she could back away, Felicia stood up straighter and stuck her pointy chin out.
“Didn’t you talk about me and you revealing ourselves to each other? The only thing I can see happening so far is you revealing your magic and expecting me to listen to you whenever I am about to reveal something about myself.”
A battle between ice and fire was raging in the few inches of air between their bodies, their eyes dueling with each other, his an icy, whitish blue and hers an amber brown glowing with orange sparks.
“And didn’t I tell you to trust me? And that I’d know when the time is right for you?”
She swallowed her hasty, harsh reply back down.
He did. And deep down inside, she could feel that she wasn’t ready yet. He must have read the truth in her eyes because a satisfied smile flickered across his face.
Joshua took a last step closer until there wasn’t more than an inch or two of space between them and she could feel her heat and his coldness warring with each other, testing the boundaries for a chance to leap and attack – or to leap and dance.
When he leaned his face down, Felicia’s breath hitched and her pulse started racing. Inside her belly, the flames shot higher and higher, wanting the kiss that was surely about to happen.
“Don’t,” she whispered despite the almost aching desire to feel that connection again.
Stopping a hair’s breadth before her face, he whispered back, “Why?”
His cool breath that smelled as minty and wintry as the whole man brushed over her trembling lips.
Struggling to put her conflicting feelings into words, she blurted out, “You’ll get burned.”
That purely masculine, dangerous grin tugged at his lips which were so enticingly close that she could almost taste them.
“What if I enjoy playing with fire?” he asked, voice deep and low and full of promise.

Ask the Author - Interview with Marie Lavender

Once again, I'm happy to present an interview with one of my talented writer friends. Thank you, Marie Lavender, for taking the time to answer my questions. It's wonderful to learn more about you.
10 questions with Marie Lavender
What do you like most about being a writer?

I love the freedom in writing, the way I can put pen to paper (or fingertips to keyboard) and just let it flow out of me – the words and feelings until I’ve created a scene.  It just feels so right when I’m in the zone.

Do you have any writing rituals?

I do a lot of my best writing at night, unless I’m too tired to finish.  That’s when all of my good ideas come to me.  I write during the day as well, but the main inspiration comes just before I go to sleep.  This, of course, causes a lot of late nights.

What are you currently working on?

I am on a bit of a self-imposed hiatus after working on the sequel to my historical romance for so long (I just received a contract for that and it should be out soon).  This break isn’t lasting very long, however.  Occasionally, I still work on the third book in the series or whatever else strikes my fancy.  I have a lot of works in progress.

Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?

Tough question.  My most recent book is a paranormal romance called Magick & Moonlight.  I think Rachel Weisz might be a good choice for playing the character of Jessie because of her elegance and those soulful eyes of hers.  As for who would play Ethan?  Maybe Henry Cavill.

If you could have been the original author of any book, what would it have been and why?

I can’t think of any book specifically, but I can think of a poem.  I have always loved Max Ehrmann’s “Desiderata”.  I guess I would like to have been so wise to have written something like that.  It must have taken a lot of life experience to write those profound words.

Paperback or eBook?

Paperback.  I will always prefer the print version of a book to the electronic version.  I guess I am a Luddite that way.  I really like the feel of a book, the exhilaration in flipping through the pages.

Where lies your strength in writing (e.g. descriptions, plot twists, characters, dialog)?

I think maybe characters.  I tend to get into the character’s head a lot.  Dialogue works out fine.  I do struggle with descriptions.  For that, for world building, so to speak, I have to rely on a bit of research to fill in the fine details.  I try to use pictures and write from my impressions for the description of a place.

If you were sent away to a deserted island, what 5 things (yes, 5 instead of 3) would you take with you?

Well, I guess a phone’s out.  No reception.  Just kidding.  I would probably choose a journal (pen included…I need to write stories or I’ll go insane), some lip gloss, a compass (I guess I’d need to know which direction was north), a camera (to document my experience visually).  What did I forget?  Oh, yes!  I am not going to a deserted island alone.  I am dragging my fiancé there to tough it out with me. 

Do you have a strict writing schedule? How do you balance your personal and writing time?

No, I’m pretty casual about it.  If the mood strikes me, I’ll write.  Now, when I really focus on a project, I can get a lot of writing done.  Then I try to work on it every day, even several times a day if possible.  As for balance, I’m not so great at that.  Still trying to figure out how to balance work and a social life.  Sometimes I have to be strict with myself and avoid the computer or anything that would tempt me for a few hours just so I can relax.  I guess you could say I am a bit OCD these days because I have a lot going on as an author.  LOL.

If you could throw a party with any five people (living or dead) who would you pick and why?

I would invite all of my favorite authors, of course:  Nora Roberts, Catherine Coulter, J.R. Ward, P.C. Cast and Chloe Neill.  Because a lot are from different genres, I think that would be a fairly interesting party.  Even if we didn’t talk about writing, I’m sure those women would have a lot to say.

Upon Your Return - Marie Lavender Magick & Moonlight - Marie Lavender Connect with the Author

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My Poem for National Poetry Month

In the USA, April is National Poetry Month. I have taken this as a motivation to finally write a poem again. Here's the result.
Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens, Sri Lanka
Be like nature

Like a tree
That faces the sun and braces the wind, too
Bending and swaying without snapping in two
Be determined but not unrelenting in whatever you do
Like a flower that offers its scent voluntarily to all
Ever so delicate yet colourful and standing tall
Be generous, but don’t sacrifice yourself
Like the rain
That pours from the sky like a blessing in disguise
To cleanse, nurture virtue and wash away vice
Be wise in your dealings with the good and the bad
Like the moon
That lights up the night with a calming glow
To chase away nightmares and make dreams grow
Be self-contained, but contribute to the greater good
Like the lotus
That rises proudly above the filthy mud
And unfolds to glory a pure, sacred bud
Be aware of your surroundings but untainted by them
Like a mountain
That cares not for conquerors of its peak
And rises above the rest without crushing the weak
Be confident, but don’t have confidence in all
Like a bird
That sings with abandon and spreads its wings to explore
Knowing when to glide, to rest, to plummet and to soar
Be mindful of your goals and how to reach them
Like a cloud
That wanders the heavens in all shapes and sizes
To store water and bring shade when the heat rises
Be receptive and flexible to whatever life brings
Like a fish
That knows its rightful place is deep down
To rule evolution soundlessly, without a crown
Be true to your nature, but swim with the current
Like a stone
That some see as precious and some as dirt
Minding its own business and knowing its worth
Be who you are, whatever others may say

Sneak Peek Sunday

For today's Sneak Peek Sunday, I'm offering the first look ever into one of my current works in progress. This is from my upcoming paranormal romance novel 'Playing with Fire'.
Oh yes, she was missing him, and that was probably the strangest thing of all. It wasn’t something physical, although merely thinking about their kisses and fantasizing about the possibilities had her tingling and her inner flames soaring higher. There was some raw need inside her to be with him, not unlike how she felt whenever she was close to fire. She wished she knew why she was falling in love with this man. How much did she know about Joshua? His name, his age, his current address, his signature. Any of these could be faked. She didn’t even have his bloody phone number, and here she was acting all pathetic like a naïve girl in a lovey-dovey relationship. Neither of them had confessed their feelings and she had no idea whether his were anywhere close to hers. Heck, if truth be told, she had no idea what exactly she was feeling either. If you stripped away the top layers of attraction, of finally having somebody show interest in her and knowing her true nature, and of having found a sort of teacher and role model, what was left? When she pondered on it, her eyes seeing but not really processing the people crisscrossing the leisure area with all its benches and food stalls and street artists, she found reason after reason why she felt that magical pull toward him.

The quiet confidence he carried himself with that sometimes hid behind patronizing aloofness and annoyed her, but boiled down to something she wishes she possessed too. The way he’d half-smile and half-grin and look so roguishly handsome, younger and at the same time older than he was. The fact that he liked to read and was obviously cultured and well educated and full of interesting knowledge that he’d share if she showed some interest.

The most important factor? That he was different and special and a true match for her. Where she would have to hide a part of herself, turn things down, live with fear and conform to certain standards with any other man, Joshua would understand and accept and give as much of himself in return.

Exactly that was what had her frown and bite her lip. Was she loving what he stood for and not what or who he was? If somebody who could morph into a werewolf, belonged to vampire lore or was a wizard of some sort turned up tomorrow, would she feel the same and throw herself at the man and into a tempting relationship? Or was she really falling for him? Did she miss having him around and long to get to know him better because he was all she had? And, oh God, what did his view of the picture look like? Were the same motives spurring him along or was he in love with her for other reasons, understandable and good or not? Was he in love with her at all?

I'm participating in Camp NaNoWriMo with this WIP.