Heidi Ruby Miller's Blog, page 19
November 17, 2015
CAST YOUR CHARACTERS: Sour Candy by Kealan Patrick Burke
CAST YOUR CHARACTERS
SOUR CANDY
AUTHOR: Kealan Patrick Burke
DESCRIPTION: At first glance, Phil Pendelton and his son Adam are just an ordinary father and son, no different from any other. They take walks in the park together, visit county fairs, museums, and zoos, and eat together overlooking the lake. Some might say the father is a little too accommodating given the lack of discipline when the child loses his temper in public. Some might say he spoils his son by allowing him to eat candy whenever he wants and set his own bedtimes. Some might say that such leniency is starting to take its toll on the father, given how his health has declined.
What no one knows is that Phil is a prisoner, and that up until a few weeks ago and a chance encounter at a grocery store, he had never seen the child before in his life.
A new novella from the Bram Stoker Award-winning author of THE TURTLE BOY and KIN.
CHARACTERS:
Phil is an average guy, average looks, average job, and he's perfectly fine with the status quo. An unwillingness to be a father cost him his first marriage. His refusal to accept the strange child who appears from nowhere claiming to be his son might cost him everything else.
Although Phil sees this "cuckoo child" as an invasive force in his life, there is little that's outwardly sinister about the young boy. He simply wants to be treated like any other child, even if behind it all, he isn't one.
Cortez is a good cop with a lousy homelife and it has given him a harder edge when dealing with people than is necessary, though sometimes the light breaks through and he feels empathy, especially when dealing with a man who claims his son is an imposter. Cortez's instincts are so fine-tuned that he knows all is not what it appears to be.
If her partner Cortez is hard-edged, then Detective Marsh is a guillotine and one can only hazard a guess at the life she has endured that has made her so outwardly hostile to pretty much everyone. There exists in her a certain emotional cavity that makes her open to influence, and not of the good kind.
Lori is everything to Phil that his ex-wife wasn't, the typical adventurous free spirit lonely men seek out after a turbulent divorce. She is young, successful, ambitious, playful...which makes it all the more tragic when their lives together are altered by inexplicable forces.
Born and raised in Dungarvan, Ireland, Kealan Patrick Burke is the Bram Stoker Award-winning author of five novels, over a hundred short stories, six collections, and editor of four acclaimed anthologies.
Kealan has worked as a waiter, a drama teacher, a mapmaker, a security guard, an assembly-line worker at Apple Computers, a salesman (for a day), a bartender, landscape gardener, vocalist in a grunge band, and, most recently, a fraud investigator.
When not writing, Kealan designs covers for print and digital books through his company Elderlemon Design. To date he has designed covers for books by Richard Laymon, Brian Keene, Scott Nicholson, Bentley Little, William Schoell, and Hugh Howey, to name a few.
In what little free time remains, Kealan is a voracious reader, movie buff, videogamer (Xbox 360, PS4, and PC), and road-trip enthusiast.
A movie based on his short story "Peekers" is currently in development through Lionsgate Entertainment.
SOUR CANDY
AUTHOR: Kealan Patrick Burke
DESCRIPTION: At first glance, Phil Pendelton and his son Adam are just an ordinary father and son, no different from any other. They take walks in the park together, visit county fairs, museums, and zoos, and eat together overlooking the lake. Some might say the father is a little too accommodating given the lack of discipline when the child loses his temper in public. Some might say he spoils his son by allowing him to eat candy whenever he wants and set his own bedtimes. Some might say that such leniency is starting to take its toll on the father, given how his health has declined.
What no one knows is that Phil is a prisoner, and that up until a few weeks ago and a chance encounter at a grocery store, he had never seen the child before in his life.
A new novella from the Bram Stoker Award-winning author of THE TURTLE BOY and KIN.
CHARACTERS:
Phil is an average guy, average looks, average job, and he's perfectly fine with the status quo. An unwillingness to be a father cost him his first marriage. His refusal to accept the strange child who appears from nowhere claiming to be his son might cost him everything else.
Although Phil sees this "cuckoo child" as an invasive force in his life, there is little that's outwardly sinister about the young boy. He simply wants to be treated like any other child, even if behind it all, he isn't one.
Cortez is a good cop with a lousy homelife and it has given him a harder edge when dealing with people than is necessary, though sometimes the light breaks through and he feels empathy, especially when dealing with a man who claims his son is an imposter. Cortez's instincts are so fine-tuned that he knows all is not what it appears to be.
If her partner Cortez is hard-edged, then Detective Marsh is a guillotine and one can only hazard a guess at the life she has endured that has made her so outwardly hostile to pretty much everyone. There exists in her a certain emotional cavity that makes her open to influence, and not of the good kind.
Lori is everything to Phil that his ex-wife wasn't, the typical adventurous free spirit lonely men seek out after a turbulent divorce. She is young, successful, ambitious, playful...which makes it all the more tragic when their lives together are altered by inexplicable forces.
Born and raised in Dungarvan, Ireland, Kealan Patrick Burke is the Bram Stoker Award-winning author of five novels, over a hundred short stories, six collections, and editor of four acclaimed anthologies.Kealan has worked as a waiter, a drama teacher, a mapmaker, a security guard, an assembly-line worker at Apple Computers, a salesman (for a day), a bartender, landscape gardener, vocalist in a grunge band, and, most recently, a fraud investigator.
When not writing, Kealan designs covers for print and digital books through his company Elderlemon Design. To date he has designed covers for books by Richard Laymon, Brian Keene, Scott Nicholson, Bentley Little, William Schoell, and Hugh Howey, to name a few.
In what little free time remains, Kealan is a voracious reader, movie buff, videogamer (Xbox 360, PS4, and PC), and road-trip enthusiast.
A movie based on his short story "Peekers" is currently in development through Lionsgate Entertainment.
November 9, 2015
INTERVIEW: Tomahawk Talk Where Are They Now: Heidi Ruby MIller
INTERVIEWS
I am the featured alum for Uniontown Area High School 's newspaper in the Where Are They Now column. It's a nice look back at who I was then and who I am in 2015. Much thanks to The Tomahawk Talk and Christina Hebda!
Here's a sneak peek:
TT: How would you describe yourself in five words or less?
HRM: “Living well on my terms”
TT: Do you have any advice for seniors here at UHS, or any of the underclassman?
HRM: “I believe that an optimistic person is a magnet for pleasurable experiences. So work on developing a positive attitude now to save you from bitterness later.”
I am the featured alum for Uniontown Area High School 's newspaper in the Where Are They Now column. It's a nice look back at who I was then and who I am in 2015. Much thanks to The Tomahawk Talk and Christina Hebda!
Here's a sneak peek:TT: How would you describe yourself in five words or less?
HRM: “Living well on my terms”
TT: Do you have any advice for seniors here at UHS, or any of the underclassman?
HRM: “I believe that an optimistic person is a magnet for pleasurable experiences. So work on developing a positive attitude now to save you from bitterness later.”
November 5, 2015
BOOK: Firefly (Ice Born: Book One) by P. M. Pevato
BOOKS
FIREFLY (Ice Born: Book One)
Most residents of the quiet alpine town of Snow Valley would scoff at the idea of witches in their midst, yet a deadly war rages beneath the surface as witch hunters stalk the local coven.
The hunted—a coven of teen witches just emerging into their full talents. The hunters—a family of immortal witch hunters assigned to assimilate, infiltrate, and eliminate the coven.
Teenage witch Emeranne Goode, or Ems, has a recurring dream in which she follows her beloved fireflies as they shimmer and dance toward the forest. She finds a boy, lying on the ground but sees only his gray eyes glowing a silvery sheen at night.
Witch hunter Bennett Bassett remembers nothing of his mortal life. Torn between his human values, buried deep within, and his heartless duties as a witch hunter, Bennett and his family hold the fate of the Snow Valley Coven in their hands.
Ems and Bennett’s growing affection for one another is doomed from the start: she is the hunted and he is the hunter. Can they survive impossible odds and opposing forces, forces determined to keep them apart?
In the tiny alpine Village of Snow Valley, the dark forest holds many secrets, secrets of unsolved murders and shocking betrayals.
The first book in an exciting series, Secrets of Snow Valley, Firefly peels away the layers of secrets hidden within the sleepy little alpine valley to reveal the dark histories and solve the even darker mysteries that lie beneath the surface and pit the coven and their protectors against the witch hunters.
~~
A flâneur at heart, P. M. Pevato constantly seeks new experiences whilst strolling down the boulevards of life. Along this journey, the author earned degrees from Dalhousie Law School and the London School of Economics.
FIREFLY (Ice Born: Book One)
Most residents of the quiet alpine town of Snow Valley would scoff at the idea of witches in their midst, yet a deadly war rages beneath the surface as witch hunters stalk the local coven.
The hunted—a coven of teen witches just emerging into their full talents. The hunters—a family of immortal witch hunters assigned to assimilate, infiltrate, and eliminate the coven.
Teenage witch Emeranne Goode, or Ems, has a recurring dream in which she follows her beloved fireflies as they shimmer and dance toward the forest. She finds a boy, lying on the ground but sees only his gray eyes glowing a silvery sheen at night.
Witch hunter Bennett Bassett remembers nothing of his mortal life. Torn between his human values, buried deep within, and his heartless duties as a witch hunter, Bennett and his family hold the fate of the Snow Valley Coven in their hands.
Ems and Bennett’s growing affection for one another is doomed from the start: she is the hunted and he is the hunter. Can they survive impossible odds and opposing forces, forces determined to keep them apart?
In the tiny alpine Village of Snow Valley, the dark forest holds many secrets, secrets of unsolved murders and shocking betrayals.
The first book in an exciting series, Secrets of Snow Valley, Firefly peels away the layers of secrets hidden within the sleepy little alpine valley to reveal the dark histories and solve the even darker mysteries that lie beneath the surface and pit the coven and their protectors against the witch hunters.
~~
A flâneur at heart, P. M. Pevato constantly seeks new experiences whilst strolling down the boulevards of life. Along this journey, the author earned degrees from Dalhousie Law School and the London School of Economics.
November 4, 2015
CAST YOUR CHARACTERS: Finish Him (The Games of Love) by Deanna Dee
CAST YOUR CHARACTERS
FINISH HIM (The Games of Love)
AUTHOR: DEANNA DEE
DESCRIPTION:Round One, FLIRT
Sonya Black never expected a petty sibling quarrel could lead to her sister being drugged. Overcome with guilt, Sonya vows to bring the jerk to justice. When she dives into her own investigation, she lands belly up in the company of Jaxon Nyles, the security guard who may have all the answers.
But being a detective isn’t as easy as Sonya thinks. On top of that, Jaxon always seems to be in the right place at the right time. Is he a suspect, or is he falling for her? More important, is she falling for him?
The round has begun. Who will flirt? Who will win? Will hearts break in the process?
CHARACTERS:
Sonya is the leading lady of Finish Him. She doesn’t trust easily and starts out making snap judgments. She gets better, though, and if you ever wanted someone in your corner, Sonya’s your girl.
Jaxon is the leading man. He’s strong (both physically and otherwise), dependable, and kind. He’s got a thing for helping people, and he’s cute, too. Where Sonya’s all sharp edges, Jaxon’s more pliable. It works for them.
Bethany is Sonya’s party-happy older sister who has three kids and more skimpy clothes than anyone could ever need. She’s actually not very nice to Sonya at all, but read on. Things may not be as they seem, after all.
Parker is Sonya’s closest male friend. He’s the oddball among oddballs. He’s the geek the geeks are a little embarrassed of. But they keep him around because, under all the weird, there’s a heart of gold and a guy who’d do anything for his friends. He’s kind of Sonya’s partner in anti-crime in Finish Him, and the two make a great team in a completely platonic manner.
Dawn is the combat boot-wearing, motorcycle-riding, black belt-wearing girl. She’s the one you send in when you need an ass kicked. Despite her tough exterior, Dawn, like Parker, has a bit of a mushy center (though, don’t tell her I said that).
~~
Deanna Dee is strictly human and does not, to her knowledge, own a hyena. She lives by the sea, which she takes full advantage of in the summer time. Nerd culture and pop culture make up the shameless downtime of her life. The rest of it is writing, and she’s okay with that. She writes The Games of Love series, which includes her debut novel, Critical Hit-On, One Fling to Rule Them All, and Finish Him.
FINISH HIM (The Games of Love)
AUTHOR: DEANNA DEE
DESCRIPTION:Round One, FLIRT
Sonya Black never expected a petty sibling quarrel could lead to her sister being drugged. Overcome with guilt, Sonya vows to bring the jerk to justice. When she dives into her own investigation, she lands belly up in the company of Jaxon Nyles, the security guard who may have all the answers.
But being a detective isn’t as easy as Sonya thinks. On top of that, Jaxon always seems to be in the right place at the right time. Is he a suspect, or is he falling for her? More important, is she falling for him?
The round has begun. Who will flirt? Who will win? Will hearts break in the process?
CHARACTERS:
Sonya is the leading lady of Finish Him. She doesn’t trust easily and starts out making snap judgments. She gets better, though, and if you ever wanted someone in your corner, Sonya’s your girl.
Jaxon is the leading man. He’s strong (both physically and otherwise), dependable, and kind. He’s got a thing for helping people, and he’s cute, too. Where Sonya’s all sharp edges, Jaxon’s more pliable. It works for them.
Bethany is Sonya’s party-happy older sister who has three kids and more skimpy clothes than anyone could ever need. She’s actually not very nice to Sonya at all, but read on. Things may not be as they seem, after all.
Parker is Sonya’s closest male friend. He’s the oddball among oddballs. He’s the geek the geeks are a little embarrassed of. But they keep him around because, under all the weird, there’s a heart of gold and a guy who’d do anything for his friends. He’s kind of Sonya’s partner in anti-crime in Finish Him, and the two make a great team in a completely platonic manner.
Dawn is the combat boot-wearing, motorcycle-riding, black belt-wearing girl. She’s the one you send in when you need an ass kicked. Despite her tough exterior, Dawn, like Parker, has a bit of a mushy center (though, don’t tell her I said that).
~~
Deanna Dee is strictly human and does not, to her knowledge, own a hyena. She lives by the sea, which she takes full advantage of in the summer time. Nerd culture and pop culture make up the shameless downtime of her life. The rest of it is writing, and she’s okay with that. She writes The Games of Love series, which includes her debut novel, Critical Hit-On, One Fling to Rule Them All, and Finish Him.
October 29, 2015
EVENT: 9th Annual Western Maryland Independent Lit Fest (Photos)
EVENTS
Had a great time at the 9th Annual Western Maryland Independent Lit Fest , hosted by Frostburg State University's English Department and Center for Literary Arts . Among the guests were Scott Edelman , Timons Esaias , Wayne Lockwood , Andy Duncan , and of course, Jason Jack Miller and myself. Here are just a few photos from the event, which we've nicknamed mini-AWP.
Had a great time at the 9th Annual Western Maryland Independent Lit Fest , hosted by Frostburg State University's English Department and Center for Literary Arts . Among the guests were Scott Edelman , Timons Esaias , Wayne Lockwood , Andy Duncan , and of course, Jason Jack Miller and myself. Here are just a few photos from the event, which we've nicknamed mini-AWP.
October 27, 2015
HEIDI'S PICK SIX: Linda Ciletti
HEIDI'S PICK SIX
LINDA CILETTI
1. Which of your characters is your favorite?
I love all my characters, but if I had to pick a favorite, it would be Draegon in “Draegon’s Lair”. His external struggle is life-threatening. His internal struggle is palpable. Throughout the story, his lady ward teaches him to see himself as he truly is and not what he thinks he is. My heart actually hurt for him, but I knew it would all turn out okay. (smiles)
2. Tell me about your travels.
3. Coffee, tea, or milk?
Tea. Especially in colder weather. I love to sit down with a good book, a cup of hot tea, and a piece of fudge, lady lock, or cookie (none of which I need.) and read. I do recommend not holding your teacup in bed while reading. After nodding off and dumping an entire cup of tea on my white down comforter, I have since learned to sip, then sit the cup on the nightstand before turning the page.
4. What else can you do besides write?
So many things and so little. I was an educational program coordinator for many years until budget cuts did away with my position. I used to oil paint, sketch, and play guitar. I like to sing, though not professionally, and will do so for a small audience on very rare occasions. I’m happy when I’m being creative. Writing is one creative outlet for me. Another is being a merchant in a virtual world. My store is called Chez Fayre (my avatar is named Fayre), and through her I create virtual clothing for medi-fantasy role players (Victorian, medieval, gypsy, elven, fairy, hobbit, and some beach wear). I also create peasant and highborn medieval furnishings, beach house furnishings, Victorian furnishing, fantasy dwellings, and the occasional avatar. It’s fun, it’s time consuming, and it’s very addictive.
5. Who are you reading right now?
I’ve just finished reading “For My Lady’s Heart” by Laura Kinsale. This is an older book of hers that I’m re-reading because I love the characters, the torn hero, and the strong medieval prose and dialog. Writing and reading is all about the characters for me.
6. Pop culture or academia?
7. What is the toughest scene you ever wrote?
Sex scenes are the scenes I struggle with most because I want them to fall naturally in the story, I want them real and not mechanical, and I want them full of emotion, which is more important to me than the actual coupling. How much is too much? How much is too little? I know I can’t please everyone, so I write them to please myself and hope I’ve found just the right balance. I absolutely will not insert one just to up the sex scene count. The characters tell me when it’s time.
8. Where do you find your inspirations to write?
Inspiration can come from anywhere. The inspiration for two of my books came from music. “Dream of the Archer” was inspired by a song of the same name by Abba. Funny how one can take a minute and a half song and turn it into a full length novel. My current WIP was inspired by the music of Cast in Bronze. He plays the carillon (a medieval bell instrument) at Renaissance Faires, as well as other places. One year I was enjoying faire food for lunch (my favorite soup in a bread bowl) and listening to him play. Suddenly I was struck. I quickly pulled a small note pad from my purse and frantically began jotting down tiny indecipherable notes. I found (and still find) his music fantastical, and so “Faerie Dust” was born. I hope to have it out soon. The first of a faerie fantasy series.
9. Food you could eat everyday.
10. Are you into sports or other physical activities?
11. What kind of music speaks to you?
12. Do you outline your stories or do they just take you along for the ride?
13. Celebrity crush.
14. Who are the biggest influences on your work?
The biggest influence on my work has been my own heart and all the romantic fairytales I’d read as a child. I’m still a knight in shining armor and damsel in distress kind of person, though sometimes the damsel saves the knight.
15. Do you still watch cartoons?
Linda Ciletti grew up in the wonderful city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where weekly visits to the public library taught her the value of the written word and filled her with a love of fiction and fairytales. Linda now lives in a quaint cottage in the beautiful Western Pennsylvania suburbs. She writes in the genres of romantic historical (medieval), contemporary, time travel, and fantasy. Her medieval, Draegon’s Lair, won an Epic Award for best historical romance. Other novels by Linda include Knight Stalker (contemporary time travel) and Dream of the Archer (historical time travel). Her poems and photographs have been featured in The Loyalhanna Review literary magazine and her sole foray into horror, “The Hunger”, has been both podcasted and published in the anthology, The Wickeds. All books are available on Amazon. When not serving the writing muse, Linda immerses herself in illustration, creation of virtual world content, and book cover design. You can visit Linda at lindaciletti.net .
Alys de Monceux, betrothed to a cruel and ruthless lord, runs to save herself from further abuse and to protect the secret that she carries. But when she finds herself wounded and without memory in the keep of a man who dares not show his face, will she find the peace and love her heart desires? Or will this strange and foreboding lord return her to the man she fears?
Draegon of Greystone stays hid beneath hood and helm, concealing a face he is sure others will fear. Content to live in a world of shadows, his secure existence is suddenly threatened when he rescues and hides Alys from her pursuer, the evil Knighthawk, Bastion of Worthingshire. But can Draegon save Alys without endangering his people when Bastion’s powerful army tracks her to the small demesne of Greystone? And can a love he never dreamt possible give Draegon the strength to fight against a foe determined to destroy them both?
Rachael’s son, Timmy, wakes from nightmares about a killer knight--dark dreams made all too real when a knight appears in a flash of light and finds his way to Rachael’s doorstep.
Michel of Banesford loses all that he knows when he stalks a ruthless killer into the future, but its not until he meets Rachael and her young son that he understands the true potential for loss.
Damian’s loyalty to King Richard and Robyn Hode marks him an outlaw. A label he cares naught about. All he wants is the return of his lands and revenge on the brother of Nottingham’s Sheriff for the horrific death of his betrothed. He will not risk another such loss. Damian has vowed to love none but the angel in his dreams. She, he can love. She was not real.
Cast back in time to 1192 Sherwood Forest, Lenore wants only to find her friend, Jack, and get back home to the future where she can ponder how to raise enough money to pay the taxes on the ranch she’d inherited from her grandfather.
However, when Damian's dream becomes reality, even the best laid plans can fall asunder. Both know a union between them will only lead to heartache and death. But the attraction is too great to resist.
Some things are worth dying for.
LINDA CILETTI
1. Which of your characters is your favorite?
I love all my characters, but if I had to pick a favorite, it would be Draegon in “Draegon’s Lair”. His external struggle is life-threatening. His internal struggle is palpable. Throughout the story, his lady ward teaches him to see himself as he truly is and not what he thinks he is. My heart actually hurt for him, but I knew it would all turn out okay. (smiles)
2. Tell me about your travels.
3. Coffee, tea, or milk?
Tea. Especially in colder weather. I love to sit down with a good book, a cup of hot tea, and a piece of fudge, lady lock, or cookie (none of which I need.) and read. I do recommend not holding your teacup in bed while reading. After nodding off and dumping an entire cup of tea on my white down comforter, I have since learned to sip, then sit the cup on the nightstand before turning the page.
4. What else can you do besides write?
So many things and so little. I was an educational program coordinator for many years until budget cuts did away with my position. I used to oil paint, sketch, and play guitar. I like to sing, though not professionally, and will do so for a small audience on very rare occasions. I’m happy when I’m being creative. Writing is one creative outlet for me. Another is being a merchant in a virtual world. My store is called Chez Fayre (my avatar is named Fayre), and through her I create virtual clothing for medi-fantasy role players (Victorian, medieval, gypsy, elven, fairy, hobbit, and some beach wear). I also create peasant and highborn medieval furnishings, beach house furnishings, Victorian furnishing, fantasy dwellings, and the occasional avatar. It’s fun, it’s time consuming, and it’s very addictive.
5. Who are you reading right now?
I’ve just finished reading “For My Lady’s Heart” by Laura Kinsale. This is an older book of hers that I’m re-reading because I love the characters, the torn hero, and the strong medieval prose and dialog. Writing and reading is all about the characters for me.
6. Pop culture or academia?
7. What is the toughest scene you ever wrote?
Sex scenes are the scenes I struggle with most because I want them to fall naturally in the story, I want them real and not mechanical, and I want them full of emotion, which is more important to me than the actual coupling. How much is too much? How much is too little? I know I can’t please everyone, so I write them to please myself and hope I’ve found just the right balance. I absolutely will not insert one just to up the sex scene count. The characters tell me when it’s time.
8. Where do you find your inspirations to write?
Inspiration can come from anywhere. The inspiration for two of my books came from music. “Dream of the Archer” was inspired by a song of the same name by Abba. Funny how one can take a minute and a half song and turn it into a full length novel. My current WIP was inspired by the music of Cast in Bronze. He plays the carillon (a medieval bell instrument) at Renaissance Faires, as well as other places. One year I was enjoying faire food for lunch (my favorite soup in a bread bowl) and listening to him play. Suddenly I was struck. I quickly pulled a small note pad from my purse and frantically began jotting down tiny indecipherable notes. I found (and still find) his music fantastical, and so “Faerie Dust” was born. I hope to have it out soon. The first of a faerie fantasy series.
9. Food you could eat everyday.
10. Are you into sports or other physical activities?
11. What kind of music speaks to you?
12. Do you outline your stories or do they just take you along for the ride?
13. Celebrity crush.
14. Who are the biggest influences on your work?
The biggest influence on my work has been my own heart and all the romantic fairytales I’d read as a child. I’m still a knight in shining armor and damsel in distress kind of person, though sometimes the damsel saves the knight.
15. Do you still watch cartoons?
Linda Ciletti grew up in the wonderful city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where weekly visits to the public library taught her the value of the written word and filled her with a love of fiction and fairytales. Linda now lives in a quaint cottage in the beautiful Western Pennsylvania suburbs. She writes in the genres of romantic historical (medieval), contemporary, time travel, and fantasy. Her medieval, Draegon’s Lair, won an Epic Award for best historical romance. Other novels by Linda include Knight Stalker (contemporary time travel) and Dream of the Archer (historical time travel). Her poems and photographs have been featured in The Loyalhanna Review literary magazine and her sole foray into horror, “The Hunger”, has been both podcasted and published in the anthology, The Wickeds. All books are available on Amazon. When not serving the writing muse, Linda immerses herself in illustration, creation of virtual world content, and book cover design. You can visit Linda at lindaciletti.net .
Alys de Monceux, betrothed to a cruel and ruthless lord, runs to save herself from further abuse and to protect the secret that she carries. But when she finds herself wounded and without memory in the keep of a man who dares not show his face, will she find the peace and love her heart desires? Or will this strange and foreboding lord return her to the man she fears?Draegon of Greystone stays hid beneath hood and helm, concealing a face he is sure others will fear. Content to live in a world of shadows, his secure existence is suddenly threatened when he rescues and hides Alys from her pursuer, the evil Knighthawk, Bastion of Worthingshire. But can Draegon save Alys without endangering his people when Bastion’s powerful army tracks her to the small demesne of Greystone? And can a love he never dreamt possible give Draegon the strength to fight against a foe determined to destroy them both?
Rachael’s son, Timmy, wakes from nightmares about a killer knight--dark dreams made all too real when a knight appears in a flash of light and finds his way to Rachael’s doorstep.Michel of Banesford loses all that he knows when he stalks a ruthless killer into the future, but its not until he meets Rachael and her young son that he understands the true potential for loss.
Damian’s loyalty to King Richard and Robyn Hode marks him an outlaw. A label he cares naught about. All he wants is the return of his lands and revenge on the brother of Nottingham’s Sheriff for the horrific death of his betrothed. He will not risk another such loss. Damian has vowed to love none but the angel in his dreams. She, he can love. She was not real.Cast back in time to 1192 Sherwood Forest, Lenore wants only to find her friend, Jack, and get back home to the future where she can ponder how to raise enough money to pay the taxes on the ranch she’d inherited from her grandfather.
However, when Damian's dream becomes reality, even the best laid plans can fall asunder. Both know a union between them will only lead to heartache and death. But the attraction is too great to resist.
Some things are worth dying for.
October 23, 2015
TWEET LOVE from @MikeArnzen for Field Notes
TWEET LOVE
Sign up for SF Romance queen, MGOC coeditor and thriller writer @heidirubymiller's "Field Notes": https://t.co/XmjjK7FhG5 @MikeArnzen
— Michael Arnzen (@MikeArnzen) October 21, 2015
October 22, 2015
MENTION: JC Cassels Talks About Greenshift at Gotta Name My Blog
MENTIONS
JC Cassels , author of the wonderful Black Wing Chronicles ( Sovran's Pawn , Hero's End , Baron's Last Stand), talks about the worldbuilding and characters in my science fiction space opera novel Greenshift , part of the expansive Ambasadora-verse , at Gotta Name My Blog .
To check out Greenshift (From the World of Ambasadora) and some more reviews, visit Amazon.
JC Cassels , author of the wonderful Black Wing Chronicles ( Sovran's Pawn , Hero's End , Baron's Last Stand), talks about the worldbuilding and characters in my science fiction space opera novel Greenshift , part of the expansive Ambasadora-verse , at Gotta Name My Blog .
To check out Greenshift (From the World of Ambasadora) and some more reviews, visit Amazon.
October 20, 2015
BOOK: Old Flames and Heroes by Mord McGhee
BOOKS
OLD FLAMES AND HEROES
A swashbuckling tale of luck and love and lake monsters.
Mord's first fantasy novel. Pirates? Lake monsters? Bigfoot? Volcanoes? A world of magic, mystery, luck, and love that is very much like our own, if we simply stop and look around ourselves! Hold onto your peg legs and eye patches for this delightful romp.
Mord McGhee is about to redefine the meaning of FANTASY for our generation.
Includes original Foreword by world famous cryptozoologist and Director of the International Museum of Cryptozoology, LOREN COLEMAN, who says, "A uniquely intellectual American fantasy."
Mord McGhee
is known for writing razor sharp science fiction, fantasy, and horror. He is known as a cryptozoology, serial killer, and Muppet matter expert. He is a Global eBook Award winner and his writing can be found in competitive markets around the globe.
Mord loves books. He loves to write.
He's from Western Pennsylvania (Allegheny County) and has been doing it professionally since March of 2014. As a kid, he loved Chiller Theatre and classic monster horror movies. His later taste in Science Fiction movies leaned towards Total Recall, Predator, Alien, Star Wars, Jaws, and Jurassic Park.
He was a musician for more than 20 years and was fortunate enough to have been involved in almost a dozen records (in various forms). His voice, guitar, drums, bass, and piano are all ASCAP registered and some of the bands have been heard on hard rock and college radio stations around the country (and in Canada) over the years. An injury forced him to retire.
He considers himself one of the luckiest men alive for having the coolest fans in fiction.
He's regarded as a matter expert on the JFK Assassination, the Jack the Ripper murders in Victorian London, and cryptozoology (lake monsters in particular).
Contact him if you need commentary for your project. His latest book is Old Flames and Heroes.
OLD FLAMES AND HEROES
A swashbuckling tale of luck and love and lake monsters.
Mord's first fantasy novel. Pirates? Lake monsters? Bigfoot? Volcanoes? A world of magic, mystery, luck, and love that is very much like our own, if we simply stop and look around ourselves! Hold onto your peg legs and eye patches for this delightful romp.
Mord McGhee is about to redefine the meaning of FANTASY for our generation.
Includes original Foreword by world famous cryptozoologist and Director of the International Museum of Cryptozoology, LOREN COLEMAN, who says, "A uniquely intellectual American fantasy."
Mord McGhee
is known for writing razor sharp science fiction, fantasy, and horror. He is known as a cryptozoology, serial killer, and Muppet matter expert. He is a Global eBook Award winner and his writing can be found in competitive markets around the globe.Mord loves books. He loves to write.
He's from Western Pennsylvania (Allegheny County) and has been doing it professionally since March of 2014. As a kid, he loved Chiller Theatre and classic monster horror movies. His later taste in Science Fiction movies leaned towards Total Recall, Predator, Alien, Star Wars, Jaws, and Jurassic Park.
He was a musician for more than 20 years and was fortunate enough to have been involved in almost a dozen records (in various forms). His voice, guitar, drums, bass, and piano are all ASCAP registered and some of the bands have been heard on hard rock and college radio stations around the country (and in Canada) over the years. An injury forced him to retire.
He considers himself one of the luckiest men alive for having the coolest fans in fiction.
He's regarded as a matter expert on the JFK Assassination, the Jack the Ripper murders in Victorian London, and cryptozoology (lake monsters in particular).
Contact him if you need commentary for your project. His latest book is Old Flames and Heroes.
October 19, 2015
EVENT: 9th Annual Western Maryland Independent Lit Fest
EVENTS
9th Annual Western Maryland
Independent Lit FestivalDowntown Frostburg, Maryland
October 24, 2015
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
The Frostburg State University Center for Creative Writing, in partnership with the Allegany County Library System, is excited to announce that the ninth annual Western Maryland Indie Lit Festival is scheduled for Oct. 24, from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., at Main Street, Frostburg. The event brings together editors and publishers with writers and educators of the local community. Panel discussions and roundtable sessions include topics on various creative genres, DIY publishing, self-publishing, promotion and marketing, writing local, and reading and writing online.
In the days leading up to the Indie Lit Fest, we've scheduled several kickoff events:
Thursday, October 22:
Poetry Slam at Dante's Bar (14 W. Main Street). Writers of any experience level are invited to bring self-written poems verbally duke it out for cash prizes. $2 to attend and/or participate. Registration begins at 7:00 PM, and we will be slamming at 7:30. For poetry slam guidelines, check out out Poetry Slam page.
Friday, October 23:
Indie Lit Kickoff Reading at Main Street Books (2 E. Main Street). Four editors introduce an author their press has published to give a reading. This year's featured authors are Michael Ratcliffe (Free State Review), Mark Brazaitis (Autumn House Press), Margaret Bashaar (Sundress Publications), and Michael Gerhard Martin (Braddock Avenue Books). Reading begins at 5:30 PM.
Indie Lit Kickoff Reception at the Center for Creative Writing (22 E. Main Street). Meet and greet writers, editors, and other Indie Lit participants over snacks and refreshments immediately following the Kickoff Reading.
Indie Lit Kickoff Panel Discussion at the Frostburg Public Library (65 E. Main Street). Featured authors/editors from the Kickoff Reading sit on a panel and discuss the author/editor/publisher relationship.
All Friday events are free of charge. The public is welcome to attend all of these events.
Leading up to the Indie Festival, we will feature interviews and information about participating presses and journalists at the Center’s blog.
Says Gerry LaFemina about the event: "This is a literary arts festival. We're celebrating the writers, the teachers, the libraries, the readers and the publishers, but most of all we're celebrating that fire inside of us that wants to make up stories, that wants to be heard."
Registration for presses is $20. For more information, contact the Washington Street Library at (301)777-1200 or the Frostburg Center for Creative Writing at (301) 687-4340.
To reserve a table for the Indie Lit Festival, download this year's registration form here and email to cla@frostburg.edu
Click here to view this year's panel and roundtable schedule!
JASON AND I WILL BE THERE ON SATURDAY!
9th Annual Western Maryland
Independent Lit FestivalDowntown Frostburg, Maryland
October 24, 2015
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
The Frostburg State University Center for Creative Writing, in partnership with the Allegany County Library System, is excited to announce that the ninth annual Western Maryland Indie Lit Festival is scheduled for Oct. 24, from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., at Main Street, Frostburg. The event brings together editors and publishers with writers and educators of the local community. Panel discussions and roundtable sessions include topics on various creative genres, DIY publishing, self-publishing, promotion and marketing, writing local, and reading and writing online.
In the days leading up to the Indie Lit Fest, we've scheduled several kickoff events:
Thursday, October 22:
Poetry Slam at Dante's Bar (14 W. Main Street). Writers of any experience level are invited to bring self-written poems verbally duke it out for cash prizes. $2 to attend and/or participate. Registration begins at 7:00 PM, and we will be slamming at 7:30. For poetry slam guidelines, check out out Poetry Slam page.
Friday, October 23:
Indie Lit Kickoff Reading at Main Street Books (2 E. Main Street). Four editors introduce an author their press has published to give a reading. This year's featured authors are Michael Ratcliffe (Free State Review), Mark Brazaitis (Autumn House Press), Margaret Bashaar (Sundress Publications), and Michael Gerhard Martin (Braddock Avenue Books). Reading begins at 5:30 PM.
Indie Lit Kickoff Reception at the Center for Creative Writing (22 E. Main Street). Meet and greet writers, editors, and other Indie Lit participants over snacks and refreshments immediately following the Kickoff Reading.
Indie Lit Kickoff Panel Discussion at the Frostburg Public Library (65 E. Main Street). Featured authors/editors from the Kickoff Reading sit on a panel and discuss the author/editor/publisher relationship.
All Friday events are free of charge. The public is welcome to attend all of these events.
Leading up to the Indie Festival, we will feature interviews and information about participating presses and journalists at the Center’s blog.
Says Gerry LaFemina about the event: "This is a literary arts festival. We're celebrating the writers, the teachers, the libraries, the readers and the publishers, but most of all we're celebrating that fire inside of us that wants to make up stories, that wants to be heard."
Registration for presses is $20. For more information, contact the Washington Street Library at (301)777-1200 or the Frostburg Center for Creative Writing at (301) 687-4340.
To reserve a table for the Indie Lit Festival, download this year's registration form here and email to cla@frostburg.edu
Click here to view this year's panel and roundtable schedule!
JASON AND I WILL BE THERE ON SATURDAY!
Heidi Ruby Miller's Blog
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