Rebekah Jonesy's Blog, page 8
November 16, 2017
Adam Dreece
Hello, how are you today? Tell us about yourself.
Thanks for having me on your blog! Before I head out to finish fixing up my booth at another comic-convention, I figured I’d steal some time and answer your thoughtful questions. As a former software-architect, now prolific author and full time dad, there’s nothing I enjoy more than writing and getting out there to tell people about it (as much as it terrifies me). Since launching my indie career in 2014, I’ve got 9 titles out, been in several boxsets, and am hoping to get my next title out for January (The Wizard Killer - Season 3).
What is the current book you are promoting?
While I came out with two books in April (The Day the Sky Fell and Season 2 of The Wizard Killer), I’m giving some extra attention to The Day the Sky Fell as it completes my steampunk meets fairy tale series, The Yellow Hoods.
Tell us about your world in your book.
The Yellow Hoods is a world of invention, adventure, and fairy tales made real. Set in what feels like the equivalent of the 1800s, with a few alternate history elements, I’ve deconstructed classic fairy tales and nursery rhymes and brought them to life. In the same way that Ring-Around-the-Rosie connects to the black plague for our world, I take apart Rub-a-Dub-Dub and other tales.
It’s an uplifting and fun world, with dangerous and poignant moments, but in the end, there’s that steampunk optimism.
What is your next project?
My next big project is launching a new universe called Tilruna. It’s a fantasy space-opera universe, and I’ve decided to ground part of its history and legacy in Shakespeare. The first book, Fall of House Andes, will release in September 2018. I took apart Hamlet, and leveraging my muscles I built up with The Yellow Hoods and taking apart fairy tales, I brought it to life in a way that’s fresh and new. I’ve had a LOT of fun writing it and I’m excited to bring my fourth universe to my readers.
How do you write your books?
How do you catch a tornado in a jar? You’re never really sure until it’s done. I think my writing is just like that. There’s a lot of paper all over the place, a lot of cursing and flailing about, a few moments that feel like genius, and then everything goes quiet. You’re standing there, sweat dripping from your forehead, a few sheets slowly swooning back and forth in the air, and your eyes are locked on the jar in your hands. Behind the glass, somehow, is the unbelievable.
What is one life lesson you have learned as an author?
You have to be fearless. No matter what you write, some people will hate it. If you’re unlucky, you’ll see reviews by a few of those people earlier rather than later, but you can’t let it eclipse the voice of your fans. If you put your best into it, if you make sure it is quality inside and out, then you’ve done your part and you should let yourself accept the supportive words of your fans, and not solely listen to the voices of the occasional detractor.
What do you love about being an author?
There’s nothing like taking something that started out as a moment of wonder, teasing it out into a story, and then bringing it to life as a whole new universe. Then when you compress all of that down into words, and someone else is able to bring it to life in their mind because of those words? It’s incredible.
What do you listen to when you write?
I actually build playlists for specific books I’m writing to focus my mind and emotions. For The Wizard Killer - Season 3, I’ve got some AWOLNation, some Sleepwave, and Flyleaf. When writing The Yellow Hoods’ last book, The Day the Sky Fell, I had some Lindsey Stirling in there.
Is there anything you want to say to your fans?
I can’t believe they are out there and they have no idea how much their support voices mean to me. Thank you, all of you.
Social Media:
Twitter - @AdamDreece
Instagram - @AdamDreece
Facebook /AdamDreeceAuthor
Web: AdamDreece.com
November 14, 2017
Scammers make the best penpals
Joseph Lee
You're friends on Facebook (always good to start off a relationship as friends!)
Lives in Delta
THU 4:08PM
You are now connected on Messenger.(This is how you know it was a true love story)
Joseph: Thanks for accepting my friend request. i will love to have a chat with you so we would be very Good friends hope you don,t mind?
Rebekah: Not at all. I'm just sitting here working now.
Joseph: You are very much welcome dear, Note that am new here on face book, I will like us to start by introducing about each other, You are very beautiful if i must Confess,
Rebekah: Thanks, where are you from?
Joseph: i'm from Carolina in united state of american,i'm the only son of my parents i lost my father and my mother i also lost my lovely wife left alone my son name Sterling,
Rebekah: Which Carolina? There are two (I should have asked if it was East or West Carolina)
Joseph: South Carolina,
So tell me sweetie are you married single or have kids?
(How easy is this?! I live in NC.)
Rebekah: Single again
Joseph: I have been single for many years now since i lost my late wife, now am looking for a soulmate, Note that am a very honest caring and God fearing man,
Rebekah: Oh, i suppose that's nice.
Joseph: So tell me Sweetie what you do for a living?
Rebekah: I'm not much of a believer in soul mates. People come and go. Most I wouldn't want to stay.
I'm an erotica author. (should have been a warning)
Joseph: I live in the states but I work offshore as a Production/Chemical Engineer. I am in an Oil rig 400 nautical miles into the Atlantic ocean off the coast of England. I am working with SHELL an oil exploration company in the Uk,
Rebekah: I know what Shell Oil is.
Joseph: I will be back in the States/home in three weeks time that's when my off starts I have been in this job for about 6yrs now and am quitting this time cos I want to get settle down again,
Rebekah: You're quitting your job in three weeks?
Are you going to take a stateside job with the same company?
Joseph: Yes am going to quite my Job, i have work here for over 6 years now, and we are well paid, So after i quite my job i will invest into oil and Gas, (quite! quite!)
Rebekah: Ok, well good luck with that.
Joseph: So dear can we both go into a relationship? (One for each of us!)
I am looking for and am interest in a relationship on a long term basis with one woman. I am by nature kind, romantic, very affectionate, understanding and very passionate and in intimacy I enjoy giving and receiving affection, and am very open-minded and adventurous as well.
Rebekah: Putting the future of yourself and your only child on the hope of gas and oil prices doesn't seem very safe. Not with so many pipeline leaks.
A relationship? What kind of relationship?
Joseph: I need a woman that we will both live together as husband and wife, woman that we love each other and get married, ("woman that we love", it sounds so romantic when he says it like that)
Rebekah: I've only barely gotten to know you and you're proposing all ready?
Joseph: Yes i know i am telling you the reason why am here and what am looking for? you the one who ask me what kind of relationship i want and i told you,
Rebekah: Good luck on finding such a relationship. Like I said, I don't believe in happily ever afters. That's why I write erotica. Not romance.
And erotica pays better too.
I already got rid of one husband. I see no reason to put myself in back in that situation.
Joseph: okay no problem, but note that i am a very honest caring man. (Noted! Everyone following along that he is an honest scammer. Ok?
Rebekah: Ok. I'm just not interested in tying myself down to just one man. Life has so much more to offer.
Joseph: I believe that God brought us together, at the right time, i promise you that with me you are going to fine so much joy an happiness (I'm going to fine him if he doesn't stop butchering English.)
Rebekah: could be. And I do enjoy joy and happiness.
Joseph: I'm adventurous, romantic, sweet, caring, honest, loyal and some would say sexy. I suppose it depends on your definition of sexy however. I love a good conversation and a great debate.
Rebekah: I'm adventurous, caring, strict, honest, sexy and a workaholic.
What kind of adventure do you like? (Anyone else see this warning sign? I thought it was fairly obvious. If you knew English at least.)
Joseph: I work hard with my mind and my hands and I am more "in tune" with life than most people. well educated professional man ,am a Cool ,respectful, and comprehensive person.Who really wants to experience love in its full sense.
Rebekah: hmmm maybe when you get back state side I can head down to meet you and show you one of the ways I like to experience loving. (And another sign. Rebekah is about to do what she does best.)
You'll have to sign an NDA and a waiver with your safe word clearly noted however. (I warned you!)
Joseph: Honey if really you ready then we must be in relationship now so before 3 weeks time that i will be back home we must have fall in love with each other, and also i can introduce to my son and you both get know each other more better, ("more better" made me flinch so hard I almost called it quits here.)
Rebekah: There's no way I could fall in love in only three weeks without bedding you at least once first.
And how will I know if I want to keep you if I haven't put you through your paces first?
You haven't even told me what your kinks are.
Joseph: Tell me what is your favorite color?
Rebekah: Tell me your favorite kink first.
Are you a top or bottom?
Joseph: I love to play football and i love to play with kids, and i like helping the poor, (football and play with kids. That means he's a bottom boy, right?)
Rebekah: That doesn't sound very adventurous.
Joseph: I am a loving,compassionate,understanding and very trust worthy and most of all honest.I love romance and all the good things that come with it.I also can fill your heart with alot of love and gift that you seek. I might not be the one for you but we will always be friends.This is what makes me different.
Rebekah: I'm more into a man that I can dress up like a pony. One I can whip until he runs like a proper show pony should. I need a man that will address me as Mistress when I take the bit out of his mouth. And will quietly go back to his stable on my ranch with all the other stallions at the end of the night. And one that knows his limits already. I'm not looking for a pony boy I have to train. I want one already broken to the saddle.
Joseph: In the world there are givers and takers, but unfortunately many of us have experienced the people who take more than they give. (And this right here is when I start to think he can't even read English. He's just copy pasting from a script. I can use that to my advantage if I insert the right words to trigger a response.)
Rebekah: My work tends to leave me with a lot of built up aggression and I need someone that is willing and able to help me work it out.
Joseph: Oh that do you mean? what do you said you need some one to help you work out? tell me and i will help you my dear, (Yup, just like I thought.)
Rebekah: I write a lot of erotica. Pony play mostly now because that's what my current kink is. That gets my juices flowing. Once I am done writing and my work is off to my publisher I need a physical diversion. A bad little ponyboy to put through his paces. One that deserves to be whipped, bent over, and ridden hard.
Joseph: Okay that is nice, i can help you do that dear,
I i will also help you publish it and it will be sold all over the world,
Rebekah: Or they are already being published around the world. That's how I can afford to have a horse ranch.
Joseph: Okay lovely so tell me do you live alone? or with your family?
Rebekah: Alone, except for the stallions I keep in my stable.
my little pleasure ponies as I like to call them.
Joseph: Okay all i just need from you is give me your heart and listen to me i will show you so much love joy and happiness,
Rebekah: You've already asked for my heart. I already denied it. You can have a saddle, a bit, and a spot in my stable. After the paperwork is filled out, and if you show well as I put you through your paces, you will also get a stipend and a local apartment for your days off. Nero did it right back in the day and I tend to follow his example.
Joseph: my dear since you do not want me there is no problem,
Rebekah: Now you're saying you don't want to be my ponyboy? (oops, I broke the script by using the word deny. Lemme fix this...)
Joseph: I want to be your ponyboy
God in heaven knows my heart i care about you,
Rebekah: Well if you don't want to join my herd that's fine
I thought you were looking for adventure
Joseph: I said i want join, are you not reading my message?
please try and ready my message, so tell me how can i join so i do that now sweetie,
Rebekah: Well herd members don't get the heart of the owner. As if a human could give her heart to her ponies. (I can't help myself! It's just too fun!)
Joseph: Okay so tell me how i can join the procedure
Rebekah: Pass medical, dental, and psychological tests. Then pass the physical. Sign the nda. The waiver. And then we'll put you through your paces to see if you qualify to join my other ponies
Joseph: Oh that is lovely i like it so when do you want me to start it, (This is a man really enthused about his ensuing anal probe and shots.)
Rebekah: It would all have to be done in person. So when do you get back to the states?
Joseph: I will be in the state in 2 weeks time by God grace,
Rebekah: What town?
Joseph: Carolina
Rebekah: Town, not state
Joseph: Note that am ready to relocate and live any where, any where that you like dear, (Nice dodge)
Rebekah: Yes, I just need to know where the lawyers and medical personnel should meet you. i assume you want to join me as soon as possible. So I will send them to meet you. Once you have passed those tests you can come to my stable to audition.
How old is your boy?
Joseph: He is 15 year old
Rebekah: Lovely!
Does he have any special interests in school?
Joseph: I promise you that am going to love you forever and show you so much love that no man can ever showed you, (You're not a man. You're a wannabe ponyboy.)
Rebekah: I could look around to find a good schooling situation for him.
Joseph: Oh yes dear he said that he want to be Doctor when he grow
Rebekah: A doctor? Perfect. I'll look for a good magnet school he can attend.
Oh, but I'm sure since you make so much money he's already in a good boarding school in Carolina
Joseph: Oh yes dear
He is in west Africa in school there now, so when am done with my work i will go there and pick him so we both come back to the state. (Note, Carolina is not in Africa.)
Rebekah: Oh, he'll be with you? 15 is a bit young to have around while I'm putting you through your paces.
I'm not sure a young man like that will appreciate seeing his father wearing a bridle, hooves, and pony ears. (Trying to be a little nice. And hoping he doesn't pretend to be a boy. Cause. Eww.)
Joseph: Baby that is not going to be a problem okay, leave that to me,
Rebekah: Ok, you're to father. You know what's best.
Makes me look forward to when he is old enough to introduce him to medical play.
Joseph: Honey will you love to be talking to him so you both get to know each other better?
Rebekah: Once he's done with his schooling and is an adult.
My line of work, and especially my line of pleasure, isn't suitable for kids to be around. Gotta keep the kids safe and protected after all.
Joseph: I said should i give you his email
Rebekah: Oh no. That wouldn't be proper at all. You and I need to meet first. At the very least and make sure things will work between us. You don't know how strict I plan to be with your paces yet.
And whether or not you will be able to endure what I plan to do to you.
Most men can't handle me. Which is why I go through so many of them.
Joseph: okay (okay!)
And this, dear readers, is apparently where his supervisor came over and realized what I was saying. It's been 5 long days since I lost my love. My first potential ponyboy. But I hope by "God grace" he will come trotting back to me one day. So that I can give him the whipping he truly deserves.
You're friends on Facebook (always good to start off a relationship as friends!)
Lives in Delta
THU 4:08PM
You are now connected on Messenger.(This is how you know it was a true love story)
Joseph: Thanks for accepting my friend request. i will love to have a chat with you so we would be very Good friends hope you don,t mind?
Rebekah: Not at all. I'm just sitting here working now.
Joseph: You are very much welcome dear, Note that am new here on face book, I will like us to start by introducing about each other, You are very beautiful if i must Confess,
Rebekah: Thanks, where are you from?
Joseph: i'm from Carolina in united state of american,i'm the only son of my parents i lost my father and my mother i also lost my lovely wife left alone my son name Sterling,
Rebekah: Which Carolina? There are two (I should have asked if it was East or West Carolina)
Joseph: South Carolina,
So tell me sweetie are you married single or have kids?
(How easy is this?! I live in NC.)
Rebekah: Single again
Joseph: I have been single for many years now since i lost my late wife, now am looking for a soulmate, Note that am a very honest caring and God fearing man,
Rebekah: Oh, i suppose that's nice.
Joseph: So tell me Sweetie what you do for a living?
Rebekah: I'm not much of a believer in soul mates. People come and go. Most I wouldn't want to stay.
I'm an erotica author. (should have been a warning)
Joseph: I live in the states but I work offshore as a Production/Chemical Engineer. I am in an Oil rig 400 nautical miles into the Atlantic ocean off the coast of England. I am working with SHELL an oil exploration company in the Uk,
Rebekah: I know what Shell Oil is.
Joseph: I will be back in the States/home in three weeks time that's when my off starts I have been in this job for about 6yrs now and am quitting this time cos I want to get settle down again,
Rebekah: You're quitting your job in three weeks?
Are you going to take a stateside job with the same company?
Joseph: Yes am going to quite my Job, i have work here for over 6 years now, and we are well paid, So after i quite my job i will invest into oil and Gas, (quite! quite!)
Rebekah: Ok, well good luck with that.
Joseph: So dear can we both go into a relationship? (One for each of us!)
I am looking for and am interest in a relationship on a long term basis with one woman. I am by nature kind, romantic, very affectionate, understanding and very passionate and in intimacy I enjoy giving and receiving affection, and am very open-minded and adventurous as well.
Rebekah: Putting the future of yourself and your only child on the hope of gas and oil prices doesn't seem very safe. Not with so many pipeline leaks.
A relationship? What kind of relationship?
Joseph: I need a woman that we will both live together as husband and wife, woman that we love each other and get married, ("woman that we love", it sounds so romantic when he says it like that)
Rebekah: I've only barely gotten to know you and you're proposing all ready?
Joseph: Yes i know i am telling you the reason why am here and what am looking for? you the one who ask me what kind of relationship i want and i told you,
Rebekah: Good luck on finding such a relationship. Like I said, I don't believe in happily ever afters. That's why I write erotica. Not romance.
And erotica pays better too.
I already got rid of one husband. I see no reason to put myself in back in that situation.
Joseph: okay no problem, but note that i am a very honest caring man. (Noted! Everyone following along that he is an honest scammer. Ok?
Rebekah: Ok. I'm just not interested in tying myself down to just one man. Life has so much more to offer.
Joseph: I believe that God brought us together, at the right time, i promise you that with me you are going to fine so much joy an happiness (I'm going to fine him if he doesn't stop butchering English.)
Rebekah: could be. And I do enjoy joy and happiness.
Joseph: I'm adventurous, romantic, sweet, caring, honest, loyal and some would say sexy. I suppose it depends on your definition of sexy however. I love a good conversation and a great debate.
Rebekah: I'm adventurous, caring, strict, honest, sexy and a workaholic.
What kind of adventure do you like? (Anyone else see this warning sign? I thought it was fairly obvious. If you knew English at least.)
Joseph: I work hard with my mind and my hands and I am more "in tune" with life than most people. well educated professional man ,am a Cool ,respectful, and comprehensive person.Who really wants to experience love in its full sense.
Rebekah: hmmm maybe when you get back state side I can head down to meet you and show you one of the ways I like to experience loving. (And another sign. Rebekah is about to do what she does best.)
You'll have to sign an NDA and a waiver with your safe word clearly noted however. (I warned you!)
Joseph: Honey if really you ready then we must be in relationship now so before 3 weeks time that i will be back home we must have fall in love with each other, and also i can introduce to my son and you both get know each other more better, ("more better" made me flinch so hard I almost called it quits here.)
Rebekah: There's no way I could fall in love in only three weeks without bedding you at least once first.
And how will I know if I want to keep you if I haven't put you through your paces first?
You haven't even told me what your kinks are.
Joseph: Tell me what is your favorite color?
Rebekah: Tell me your favorite kink first.
Are you a top or bottom?
Joseph: I love to play football and i love to play with kids, and i like helping the poor, (football and play with kids. That means he's a bottom boy, right?)
Rebekah: That doesn't sound very adventurous.
Joseph: I am a loving,compassionate,understanding and very trust worthy and most of all honest.I love romance and all the good things that come with it.I also can fill your heart with alot of love and gift that you seek. I might not be the one for you but we will always be friends.This is what makes me different.
Rebekah: I'm more into a man that I can dress up like a pony. One I can whip until he runs like a proper show pony should. I need a man that will address me as Mistress when I take the bit out of his mouth. And will quietly go back to his stable on my ranch with all the other stallions at the end of the night. And one that knows his limits already. I'm not looking for a pony boy I have to train. I want one already broken to the saddle.
Joseph: In the world there are givers and takers, but unfortunately many of us have experienced the people who take more than they give. (And this right here is when I start to think he can't even read English. He's just copy pasting from a script. I can use that to my advantage if I insert the right words to trigger a response.)
Rebekah: My work tends to leave me with a lot of built up aggression and I need someone that is willing and able to help me work it out.
Joseph: Oh that do you mean? what do you said you need some one to help you work out? tell me and i will help you my dear, (Yup, just like I thought.)
Rebekah: I write a lot of erotica. Pony play mostly now because that's what my current kink is. That gets my juices flowing. Once I am done writing and my work is off to my publisher I need a physical diversion. A bad little ponyboy to put through his paces. One that deserves to be whipped, bent over, and ridden hard.
Joseph: Okay that is nice, i can help you do that dear,
I i will also help you publish it and it will be sold all over the world,
Rebekah: Or they are already being published around the world. That's how I can afford to have a horse ranch.
Joseph: Okay lovely so tell me do you live alone? or with your family?
Rebekah: Alone, except for the stallions I keep in my stable.
my little pleasure ponies as I like to call them.
Joseph: Okay all i just need from you is give me your heart and listen to me i will show you so much love joy and happiness,
Rebekah: You've already asked for my heart. I already denied it. You can have a saddle, a bit, and a spot in my stable. After the paperwork is filled out, and if you show well as I put you through your paces, you will also get a stipend and a local apartment for your days off. Nero did it right back in the day and I tend to follow his example.
Joseph: my dear since you do not want me there is no problem,
Rebekah: Now you're saying you don't want to be my ponyboy? (oops, I broke the script by using the word deny. Lemme fix this...)
Joseph: I want to be your ponyboy
God in heaven knows my heart i care about you,
Rebekah: Well if you don't want to join my herd that's fine
I thought you were looking for adventure
Joseph: I said i want join, are you not reading my message?
please try and ready my message, so tell me how can i join so i do that now sweetie,
Rebekah: Well herd members don't get the heart of the owner. As if a human could give her heart to her ponies. (I can't help myself! It's just too fun!)
Joseph: Okay so tell me how i can join the procedure
Rebekah: Pass medical, dental, and psychological tests. Then pass the physical. Sign the nda. The waiver. And then we'll put you through your paces to see if you qualify to join my other ponies
Joseph: Oh that is lovely i like it so when do you want me to start it, (This is a man really enthused about his ensuing anal probe and shots.)
Rebekah: It would all have to be done in person. So when do you get back to the states?
Joseph: I will be in the state in 2 weeks time by God grace,
Rebekah: What town?
Joseph: Carolina
Rebekah: Town, not state
Joseph: Note that am ready to relocate and live any where, any where that you like dear, (Nice dodge)
Rebekah: Yes, I just need to know where the lawyers and medical personnel should meet you. i assume you want to join me as soon as possible. So I will send them to meet you. Once you have passed those tests you can come to my stable to audition.
How old is your boy?
Joseph: He is 15 year old
Rebekah: Lovely!
Does he have any special interests in school?
Joseph: I promise you that am going to love you forever and show you so much love that no man can ever showed you, (You're not a man. You're a wannabe ponyboy.)
Rebekah: I could look around to find a good schooling situation for him.
Joseph: Oh yes dear he said that he want to be Doctor when he grow
Rebekah: A doctor? Perfect. I'll look for a good magnet school he can attend.
Oh, but I'm sure since you make so much money he's already in a good boarding school in Carolina
Joseph: Oh yes dear
He is in west Africa in school there now, so when am done with my work i will go there and pick him so we both come back to the state. (Note, Carolina is not in Africa.)
Rebekah: Oh, he'll be with you? 15 is a bit young to have around while I'm putting you through your paces.
I'm not sure a young man like that will appreciate seeing his father wearing a bridle, hooves, and pony ears. (Trying to be a little nice. And hoping he doesn't pretend to be a boy. Cause. Eww.)
Joseph: Baby that is not going to be a problem okay, leave that to me,
Rebekah: Ok, you're to father. You know what's best.
Makes me look forward to when he is old enough to introduce him to medical play.
Joseph: Honey will you love to be talking to him so you both get to know each other better?
Rebekah: Once he's done with his schooling and is an adult.
My line of work, and especially my line of pleasure, isn't suitable for kids to be around. Gotta keep the kids safe and protected after all.
Joseph: I said should i give you his email
Rebekah: Oh no. That wouldn't be proper at all. You and I need to meet first. At the very least and make sure things will work between us. You don't know how strict I plan to be with your paces yet.
And whether or not you will be able to endure what I plan to do to you.
Most men can't handle me. Which is why I go through so many of them.
Joseph: okay (okay!)
And this, dear readers, is apparently where his supervisor came over and realized what I was saying. It's been 5 long days since I lost my love. My first potential ponyboy. But I hope by "God grace" he will come trotting back to me one day. So that I can give him the whipping he truly deserves.
November 9, 2017
The Yellow Hoods- Along Came a Wolf
You guys notice those nice shiny awards that are on this cover? They are well deserved. Adam Dreece deserves those awards. This book, Along Came a Wolf, is the first book about The Yellow Hoods. I have no clue how it is going to end but I loved every minute of the start.
Lemme start off by explaining, this isn't a story. It's a ride. A hilarious, spin the top, mile a minute, laugh riot. I loved it. I will be reading all of his books. (Fair warning since I am going to post reviews for all of those as well.) I love goofy. I love smart, wily characters. I love adventure. I love mystery. I love stony faced bad looking guys that are actually the good guys. I like sneaky, snarky villains that are bested by quick thinking, compassionate good guys.
That's actually the main reason this post is going up late. I loved this book so much I queued up the next book and just kept reading. Then I had to go back and remember only what was in this book so I could write about it without giving the story away. Oops.
Now lemme tell you about the conductors of this ride. You have three awesome kids. Tee, who makes great puns and loves to invent and build things. Elly, who is loyal to the point of risking her life and helps Tee build and test her inventions. And Richy, who isn't as brave as his friends but also won't let them down and sometimes even teaches them a thing or two. And their tree house. A tree house that was built, and stocked, perfectly for them. By who? They don't know. But it keeps getting better. Maybe it's magic? Maybe you learn in the books to follow? Only one way to find out!
And the adults. Oh these poor adults. Tee's parents have a crossbow they keep on hand with a bolt that has a rope attached. So they can catch their daughter before she goes flying over the cliff in one of her inventions. Again. Nikolas is the mother's father. And he is so soft hearted. So kind and caring and loving. He can't help but help everyone that needs it. And with his brilliant mind and wondrous inventions he can help a lot of people. Or his kind heart might lead to his inventions being used by evil men.
Which is where the story takes us. A wolf has come prowling. Looking for an invention he thinks Nikolas has. He will do anything, and gladly hurt anyone, in order to get it. His name and reputation are on the line and that is all that he cares about. He may not be as smart as Tee and Nikolas, but he is a wily, sneaky one. And he has no scruples to slow him down.
This is definitely a series you will want to read. If you love steam punk, sci-fan, or just good silly fun for all ages, read this book. But have the next one ready to read too. One just isn't enough.
November 8, 2017
Jim Beam recipes in honor of Mila Kunis
As requested here is my list of different recipes where you can use Jim Beam bourbon to say "thank you" to Mila Kunis. For extra fun you can make these and share them with Pence supporters you might know. It's not like they are likely to question anything, after all.
First up is the very basic, but delicious meal:
Bourbon Chicken
2 cup raw chicken
1 cup bourbon
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1 cup ketchup
2 tsp worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp white vinegar
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp garlic
1/2 tsp dry mustard
Whisk together bourbon, ketchup, brown sugar, worcestershire sauce, vinegar, lemon juice, garlic and mustard. Cut chicken into small chunks and put into medium bowl. Pour sauce over top and refridgerate for at least an hour. Cook in an uncovered sauce pan over medium heat until it starts to boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer till the sauce has thickened, about 30 minutes.
This is especially great served with mashed potatoes and green beans.
And who doesn't love ribs?
Ribs
8tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp sea salt
1 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp old bay
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp black pepper
2 cups bourbon
3 tbsp honey
Rub 2 racks of rib with this mixture on both sides. Wrap each in aluminium foil and set it fridge at least 1 hour. Mix bourbon and honey and mix well. Pour half of this solution into each of the packets and reseal. Bake in oven set to 250 for 2 1/2 hours. Pour liquid from packets into a medium pot. Transfer to a hot grill or switch to broil to crisp the outside.
Simmer the liquid over medium heat. Once it has reduced down it makes a tasty glaze or dipping sauce. Keep your face away from it.
But if you want something that's super easy, delicious, and easy to swallow try this one!
Apple Pie-Infused Bourbon
1 Golden Delicious apple, chopped
2 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 (750-milliliter) bottle bourbon
1/4 cup Simple Syrup
Jam first three ingredients into fourth ingredient. If the bourbon starts to overflow you'll have to drink some. That's the price you pay to be a good cook and friend. Replace cap. Let bourbon stand at room temperature 4 days shaking daily.
Shake bottle to distribute flavors. Pour bourbon mixture through a fine wire-mesh strainer into a pitcher, discarding solids. Stir in Simple Syrup, and pour into a clean 1-qt. canning jar or 3 to 4 small bottles. Cover and store in refrigerator up to 2 months.
If you wanna be extra crafty you can let the solids dry out completely and use them as potpourri.
Want something that smells great and saves you money year round? Make your own vanilla extract!
Cut 4 Grade B vanilla beans into thirds. Slice them open. Drop all the bits and pieces, and scrape off the black seeds, into a 750 milliliter bottle of bourbon. Put the cap back on. Shake daily for two months. the longer you leave the beans in the stronger it gets. I'm on year 2 of my first bottle that I top off randomly with more alcohol. Everyone in the house can tell when I open the bottle.
If you like coffee with your apple pie check out this recipe for coffee liqueur.
5 cups french roast, or other dark roast, fresh, brewed strong. The stronger the better.
3 cups sugar
1 750 milliliter bourbon, or rum
Pour sugar and coffee into a pot and bring to a boil. Let cool uncovered. Mix with bourbon in an airtight container. Store container in cool dark place. Shake daily for two weeks before drinking.
This recipe is perfect for White(or black because we aren't racist) Russians.
If you want something super easy peasy you gotta go with:
Sweet Bourbon Bacon
1 pack of regular bacon
bourbon
brown sugar
If you're feeling fancy you can add chocolate chips too.
Cut your bacon in half and place in a quart sized ziplock baggie, or any airtight container. Pour just enough bourbon in to cover the bottom third. Marinate in the fridge at least 4 hours.
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Heat over to 350.
Place the strips of bacon on the cookie sheet. Reserve any liquid left in container. Bake for about 10 minutes or until bacon is nearly cooked. Sprinkle brown sugar along each piece of bacon until it is thickly coated. Drizzle remaining liquid on top. Bake another 10 minutes or until crisp and bubbly.
Add chocolate while hot. Let cool. Consume too much and learn about bacon hangovers.
I think that's enough for this list for now. If you want more let me know in the comments.
First up is the very basic, but delicious meal:
Bourbon Chicken
2 cup raw chicken
1 cup bourbon
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1 cup ketchup
2 tsp worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp white vinegar
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp garlic
1/2 tsp dry mustard
Whisk together bourbon, ketchup, brown sugar, worcestershire sauce, vinegar, lemon juice, garlic and mustard. Cut chicken into small chunks and put into medium bowl. Pour sauce over top and refridgerate for at least an hour. Cook in an uncovered sauce pan over medium heat until it starts to boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer till the sauce has thickened, about 30 minutes.
This is especially great served with mashed potatoes and green beans.
And who doesn't love ribs?
Ribs
8tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp sea salt
1 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp old bay
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp black pepper
2 cups bourbon
3 tbsp honey
Rub 2 racks of rib with this mixture on both sides. Wrap each in aluminium foil and set it fridge at least 1 hour. Mix bourbon and honey and mix well. Pour half of this solution into each of the packets and reseal. Bake in oven set to 250 for 2 1/2 hours. Pour liquid from packets into a medium pot. Transfer to a hot grill or switch to broil to crisp the outside.
Simmer the liquid over medium heat. Once it has reduced down it makes a tasty glaze or dipping sauce. Keep your face away from it.
But if you want something that's super easy, delicious, and easy to swallow try this one!
Apple Pie-Infused Bourbon
1 Golden Delicious apple, chopped
2 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 (750-milliliter) bottle bourbon
1/4 cup Simple Syrup
Jam first three ingredients into fourth ingredient. If the bourbon starts to overflow you'll have to drink some. That's the price you pay to be a good cook and friend. Replace cap. Let bourbon stand at room temperature 4 days shaking daily.
Shake bottle to distribute flavors. Pour bourbon mixture through a fine wire-mesh strainer into a pitcher, discarding solids. Stir in Simple Syrup, and pour into a clean 1-qt. canning jar or 3 to 4 small bottles. Cover and store in refrigerator up to 2 months.
If you wanna be extra crafty you can let the solids dry out completely and use them as potpourri.
Want something that smells great and saves you money year round? Make your own vanilla extract!
Cut 4 Grade B vanilla beans into thirds. Slice them open. Drop all the bits and pieces, and scrape off the black seeds, into a 750 milliliter bottle of bourbon. Put the cap back on. Shake daily for two months. the longer you leave the beans in the stronger it gets. I'm on year 2 of my first bottle that I top off randomly with more alcohol. Everyone in the house can tell when I open the bottle.
If you like coffee with your apple pie check out this recipe for coffee liqueur.
5 cups french roast, or other dark roast, fresh, brewed strong. The stronger the better.
3 cups sugar
1 750 milliliter bourbon, or rum
Pour sugar and coffee into a pot and bring to a boil. Let cool uncovered. Mix with bourbon in an airtight container. Store container in cool dark place. Shake daily for two weeks before drinking.
This recipe is perfect for White(or black because we aren't racist) Russians.
If you want something super easy peasy you gotta go with:
Sweet Bourbon Bacon
1 pack of regular bacon
bourbon
brown sugar
If you're feeling fancy you can add chocolate chips too.
Cut your bacon in half and place in a quart sized ziplock baggie, or any airtight container. Pour just enough bourbon in to cover the bottom third. Marinate in the fridge at least 4 hours.
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Heat over to 350.
Place the strips of bacon on the cookie sheet. Reserve any liquid left in container. Bake for about 10 minutes or until bacon is nearly cooked. Sprinkle brown sugar along each piece of bacon until it is thickly coated. Drizzle remaining liquid on top. Bake another 10 minutes or until crisp and bubbly.
Add chocolate while hot. Let cool. Consume too much and learn about bacon hangovers.
I think that's enough for this list for now. If you want more let me know in the comments.
October 19, 2017
Writing a hook
Saw this great blog post I wanted to share with everyone. You should hop over and check out her blog too.
http://annerallen.com/2017/10/brainst...
http://annerallen.com/2017/10/brainst...
October 13, 2017
Bianca Rowena
Hello, Bianca! Welcome to my blog. How are you doing today? Could you introduce yourself a little?
Hello,
I am author Bianca Rowena and I love to write Young Adult Fiction. Even when I'm not writing Young Adult fiction all my stories end up reading like a YA novel anyway, or so I’ve been told! I was born in Romania, Transylvania, a place that my friends in grade-school said didn't really exist, only in Halloween movies. This was before computers and internet, by the way. I have since discovered that Transylvania is in fact a real place and I was truly born there.
I am currently living in Canada with my husband and daughter. When I’m not writing (or editing) I spend way too much time watching Netflix, a considerable amount of time reading YA books and not nearly enough time playing the piano or guitar.
My latest book The Gift Stone is now available, after 2 years of rewrites. So far those who have read it are as excited about it as I am! (Which is very excited). It’s part of a series and book two is already written, but there’s still all that editing to do.
What is the current book you are promoting?
The Gift Stone, Book One of The Gifted Series.
Who is your favorite character in your book and why?
Beeps. She’s a social robot that doesn’t always get social cues, so it allowed me a fun way to have comic relief in the story when things got too intense. Also, Beeps becomes a true friend to Rita, something she’s never had before because she’s never opened herself up to it. I also would love to have a little Beeps BFF that followed me everywhere!
What inspired this book?
This story was actually written originally as a Star Wars Fan Fiction to appease the fans of The The Force Awakens who wanted a romance between Rey and Kylo Ren. I got so many encouraging comments on my Fan Fiction that I decided to rewrite it as its own story and change the characters! The first half of the book is actually taken from a different story I wrote called “Temple Girl” and then merged into my Fan Fiction story. So there are elements of both in this final version.
What is your next project?
Book Two of The Gifted Series! It’s entitled Takano Rynn and is from Takano’s point of view (the main male character in the series), rather than Rita’s point of view as in Book One. It’s already written and in the editing stages. I’m so excited about publishing it!
How do you write your books?
Fast and furious. Notepads stuck under my pillow at night and near the shower and in my purse. Sticky notes everywhere. A Sticky note dispenser in the car. I write on napkins, on my hand, and any surface I can find. I know better than to let good dialogue or story description slip through my fingers. The ideas come at the most inopportune times. I always have a pen with me everywhere I go. And sometimes I do actually sit down and write at my desk or at the kitchen table. I also attend a bi-weekly writer's group where I get an hour of uninterrupted writing time accomplished.
Who/what inspires your writing?
Music, people I meet, Family (especially my daughter), Friends, Movies, vacations, eagles, C-trains, long drives, the rain, the beach, the moon, dreams and my fan fiction fans.
What is one life lesson you have learned as an author?
You have to teach yourself to write in non-ideal places and in imperfect writing conditions, or else you’ll never get your writing done.
What is your favorite genre to read?
Young Adult books! Dystopian, Contemporary and Romance.
What do you listen to when you write?
I like silence but if I’m in a noisy place and have to drown out conversations around me I listen to Nightcore or Epic Trance on Digitally Imported radio, di.fm
Nightcore? That's new to me. I will have to check that out. Is there anything you want to say to your fans?
As long as you're reading my work and enjoying it, I’ll keep writing!
And if you are looking for something a bit older you can check out her contemporary romance The Virgin Diaries.
www.biancarowena.com (website)
www.facebook.com/biancarowena (facebook)
https://biancarowena.wordpress.com/ (wordpress)
https://twitter.com/biancarowena (twitter) @biancarowena
https://www.instagram.com/biancarowena/ (instagram)
http://biancarowena.tumblr.com/ (tumblr)
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14199529.Bianca_Rowena?from_search=true (goodreads)
https://www.amazon.com/Bianca-Rowena/e/B0161S8DI0/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2?qid=1502849981&sr=1-2 (Amazon Author Central)
https://www.wattpad.com/user/BiancaWatson (Wattpad)
The Gift Stone for Amazon.com : https://www.amazon.com/Gift-Stone-Gifted-1/dp/0994851332/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1503972628&sr=8-1&keywords=bianca+rowena
The Gift Stone for Amazon.ca: https://www.amazon.ca/Gift-Stone-Bianca-Rowena/dp/0994851332/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1503972468&sr=8-1&keywords=bianca+rowena
The Virgin Diaries for Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/Virgin-Diaries-Bianca-Rowena/dp/0994851308/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1503972628&sr=8-2&keywords=bianca+rowena
The Virgin Diaries for Amazon.ca: https://www.amazon.ca/Virgin-Diaries-Bianca-Rowena-ebook/dp/B012JIQIA6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1503972468&sr=8-3&keywords=bianca+rowena
The Virgin Diaries for Chapters.ca : https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/the-virgin-diaries/9780994851307-item.html?ikwid=Bianca+Rowena&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0
Hello,
I am author Bianca Rowena and I love to write Young Adult Fiction. Even when I'm not writing Young Adult fiction all my stories end up reading like a YA novel anyway, or so I’ve been told! I was born in Romania, Transylvania, a place that my friends in grade-school said didn't really exist, only in Halloween movies. This was before computers and internet, by the way. I have since discovered that Transylvania is in fact a real place and I was truly born there.
I am currently living in Canada with my husband and daughter. When I’m not writing (or editing) I spend way too much time watching Netflix, a considerable amount of time reading YA books and not nearly enough time playing the piano or guitar.
My latest book The Gift Stone is now available, after 2 years of rewrites. So far those who have read it are as excited about it as I am! (Which is very excited). It’s part of a series and book two is already written, but there’s still all that editing to do.
What is the current book you are promoting?
The Gift Stone, Book One of The Gifted Series.
Who is your favorite character in your book and why?
Beeps. She’s a social robot that doesn’t always get social cues, so it allowed me a fun way to have comic relief in the story when things got too intense. Also, Beeps becomes a true friend to Rita, something she’s never had before because she’s never opened herself up to it. I also would love to have a little Beeps BFF that followed me everywhere!
What inspired this book?
This story was actually written originally as a Star Wars Fan Fiction to appease the fans of The The Force Awakens who wanted a romance between Rey and Kylo Ren. I got so many encouraging comments on my Fan Fiction that I decided to rewrite it as its own story and change the characters! The first half of the book is actually taken from a different story I wrote called “Temple Girl” and then merged into my Fan Fiction story. So there are elements of both in this final version.
What is your next project?
Book Two of The Gifted Series! It’s entitled Takano Rynn and is from Takano’s point of view (the main male character in the series), rather than Rita’s point of view as in Book One. It’s already written and in the editing stages. I’m so excited about publishing it!
How do you write your books?
Fast and furious. Notepads stuck under my pillow at night and near the shower and in my purse. Sticky notes everywhere. A Sticky note dispenser in the car. I write on napkins, on my hand, and any surface I can find. I know better than to let good dialogue or story description slip through my fingers. The ideas come at the most inopportune times. I always have a pen with me everywhere I go. And sometimes I do actually sit down and write at my desk or at the kitchen table. I also attend a bi-weekly writer's group where I get an hour of uninterrupted writing time accomplished.
Who/what inspires your writing?
Music, people I meet, Family (especially my daughter), Friends, Movies, vacations, eagles, C-trains, long drives, the rain, the beach, the moon, dreams and my fan fiction fans.
What is one life lesson you have learned as an author?
You have to teach yourself to write in non-ideal places and in imperfect writing conditions, or else you’ll never get your writing done.
What is your favorite genre to read?
Young Adult books! Dystopian, Contemporary and Romance.
What do you listen to when you write?
I like silence but if I’m in a noisy place and have to drown out conversations around me I listen to Nightcore or Epic Trance on Digitally Imported radio, di.fm
Nightcore? That's new to me. I will have to check that out. Is there anything you want to say to your fans?
As long as you're reading my work and enjoying it, I’ll keep writing!
And if you are looking for something a bit older you can check out her contemporary romance The Virgin Diaries.
www.biancarowena.com (website)
www.facebook.com/biancarowena (facebook)
https://biancarowena.wordpress.com/ (wordpress)
https://twitter.com/biancarowena (twitter) @biancarowena
https://www.instagram.com/biancarowena/ (instagram)
http://biancarowena.tumblr.com/ (tumblr)
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14199529.Bianca_Rowena?from_search=true (goodreads)
https://www.amazon.com/Bianca-Rowena/e/B0161S8DI0/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2?qid=1502849981&sr=1-2 (Amazon Author Central)
https://www.wattpad.com/user/BiancaWatson (Wattpad)
The Gift Stone for Amazon.com : https://www.amazon.com/Gift-Stone-Gifted-1/dp/0994851332/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1503972628&sr=8-1&keywords=bianca+rowena
The Gift Stone for Amazon.ca: https://www.amazon.ca/Gift-Stone-Bianca-Rowena/dp/0994851332/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1503972468&sr=8-1&keywords=bianca+rowena
The Virgin Diaries for Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/Virgin-Diaries-Bianca-Rowena/dp/0994851308/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1503972628&sr=8-2&keywords=bianca+rowena
The Virgin Diaries for Amazon.ca: https://www.amazon.ca/Virgin-Diaries-Bianca-Rowena-ebook/dp/B012JIQIA6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1503972468&sr=8-3&keywords=bianca+rowena
The Virgin Diaries for Chapters.ca : https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/the-virgin-diaries/9780994851307-item.html?ikwid=Bianca+Rowena&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0
September 28, 2017
Suzy Vadori
Ok, this is embarrassing. I was so excited to read The West Woods and then talk about it with Heidi Angell on our new podcast that I never noticed that the interview I did with Suzy didn't post. So feel free to laugh at me and here is the interview, finally.
Hello, how are you today? Tell us about yourself.
I’m a Young Adult romance author. My current series is The Fountain Series, published by Evil Alter Ego Press, which includes The Fountain (Aurora Award Finalist – 2016), and The West Woods, releasing September 22, 2017. Book three in the series is also well underway.
I’m a mom of three and live a busy life. I love writing, and I love interacting with readers!
What is the current book you are promoting?
The West Woods is coming out September 22, 2017. It’s a prequel to the first book in the series, The Fountain. The West Woods was really fun to write. In The Fountain, Ava is the main character, and she inadvertently wishes a girl named Courtney away. When her wish comes true, the whole world turns upside down and she finds herself facing some tough choices to try to make it right.
The West Woods is a prequel to The Fountain, and takes place the year before. It’s written from Courtney’s point of view. It was amazing to be able to explore the world through Courtney’s eyes, and redeem her behavior a little from how she appears in The Fountain. I like Courtney a lot more after writing this book.
Who is your least favorite character and why?
Readers often ask about the founder of St. Augustus, Isaac Young. I’ve been asked to write his story as a short story more than once. And I’ve written lots on him. But his story refuses to be told. But I’ve never felt comfortable revealing too much to the readers about Isaac Young. So I haven’t.
Ack! Heidi and I said the same thing. We wanted to know more about Isaac and his family. What inspired this book?
The West Woods was inspired by the curiosity of The Fountain’s readers. This book lets some of the secrets out.
Tell us about your world in your book.
The Fountain takes place at a fictional boarding school in New England, called St. Augustus. The school isn’t for wizards or creatures, it’s just a normal school - except that it’s steeped in magic. The magic is designed to help the students, but they aren’t always equipped to handle the power they’ve been handed and have to find out about the magic of the school and sometimes the history of their own families to piece it all together.
What is your next project?
Book 3 of The Fountain Series is well underway and is planned to release late 2018. I’m also crafting a new fantasy series for upper YA that I can’t wait to share more details about.
This makes me very happy. Are you a pantser or a plotter or both?
I’m definitely a hybrid. I plot to begin with, but then I “pants” my way through the completion of the words. By that, I mean that I don’t always write the scenes in order. It creates a bit of a mess to piece together, and more rewrite than I’d care to admit, but it’s my creative process and I love every minute of it. The end result is totally worth it.
How do you write your books?
I carry the stories around with me while I go about my day-to-day. When I do get the chance to sit down to write, it’s all right there at my fingertips, ready to spill out onto the page.
What is one life lesson you have learned as an author?
I’ve had to learn to get thicker skin. The Fountain Series had its share of rejections before finding its home with Evil Alter Ego Press, but that’s part of being an author, and I’m glad I didn’t give up.
What do you love about being an author?
It’s an exciting time to be an author. The publishing world is changing faster than any of us can keep up with. Figuring out the changing tides and consulting with the author community has kept me busy, and I love every minute of it.
What is your favorite genre to read?
I love historical fiction, as well as anything geared at teens. Unfortunately, I don’t enjoy researching, so writing historical fiction isn’t in the cards, at least not at this time.
What do you listen to when you write?
I almost never listen to music while I write. I have to admit I sometimes watch TV. I watched an awful lot of Gilmore Girls while drafting The West Woods. All the seasons!
Hello, how are you today? Tell us about yourself.
I’m a Young Adult romance author. My current series is The Fountain Series, published by Evil Alter Ego Press, which includes The Fountain (Aurora Award Finalist – 2016), and The West Woods, releasing September 22, 2017. Book three in the series is also well underway.
I’m a mom of three and live a busy life. I love writing, and I love interacting with readers!
What is the current book you are promoting?
The West Woods is coming out September 22, 2017. It’s a prequel to the first book in the series, The Fountain. The West Woods was really fun to write. In The Fountain, Ava is the main character, and she inadvertently wishes a girl named Courtney away. When her wish comes true, the whole world turns upside down and she finds herself facing some tough choices to try to make it right.
The West Woods is a prequel to The Fountain, and takes place the year before. It’s written from Courtney’s point of view. It was amazing to be able to explore the world through Courtney’s eyes, and redeem her behavior a little from how she appears in The Fountain. I like Courtney a lot more after writing this book.
Who is your least favorite character and why?
Readers often ask about the founder of St. Augustus, Isaac Young. I’ve been asked to write his story as a short story more than once. And I’ve written lots on him. But his story refuses to be told. But I’ve never felt comfortable revealing too much to the readers about Isaac Young. So I haven’t.
Ack! Heidi and I said the same thing. We wanted to know more about Isaac and his family. What inspired this book?
The West Woods was inspired by the curiosity of The Fountain’s readers. This book lets some of the secrets out.
Tell us about your world in your book.
The Fountain takes place at a fictional boarding school in New England, called St. Augustus. The school isn’t for wizards or creatures, it’s just a normal school - except that it’s steeped in magic. The magic is designed to help the students, but they aren’t always equipped to handle the power they’ve been handed and have to find out about the magic of the school and sometimes the history of their own families to piece it all together.
What is your next project?
Book 3 of The Fountain Series is well underway and is planned to release late 2018. I’m also crafting a new fantasy series for upper YA that I can’t wait to share more details about.
This makes me very happy. Are you a pantser or a plotter or both?
I’m definitely a hybrid. I plot to begin with, but then I “pants” my way through the completion of the words. By that, I mean that I don’t always write the scenes in order. It creates a bit of a mess to piece together, and more rewrite than I’d care to admit, but it’s my creative process and I love every minute of it. The end result is totally worth it.
How do you write your books?
I carry the stories around with me while I go about my day-to-day. When I do get the chance to sit down to write, it’s all right there at my fingertips, ready to spill out onto the page.
What is one life lesson you have learned as an author?
I’ve had to learn to get thicker skin. The Fountain Series had its share of rejections before finding its home with Evil Alter Ego Press, but that’s part of being an author, and I’m glad I didn’t give up.
What do you love about being an author?
It’s an exciting time to be an author. The publishing world is changing faster than any of us can keep up with. Figuring out the changing tides and consulting with the author community has kept me busy, and I love every minute of it.
What is your favorite genre to read?
I love historical fiction, as well as anything geared at teens. Unfortunately, I don’t enjoy researching, so writing historical fiction isn’t in the cards, at least not at this time.
What do you listen to when you write?
I almost never listen to music while I write. I have to admit I sometimes watch TV. I watched an awful lot of Gilmore Girls while drafting The West Woods. All the seasons!
September 23, 2017
Hurricane Maria and Puerto Rico
Please, pass this on. A lot of people can only get info in short bursts online. So if you can follow JD and share his posts it is more likely that the people on the island can get this needed information.
September 21, 2017
Harmless
HarmlessHarmless, yeah not so much. Amazing. Captivating. Terrifying, maybe. Thought provoking. Keeps you on the edge of your seat. But not Harmless.
Harmless is the story of Rachael, a young woman that is about to graduate from high school. From the first page you know she has dealt with a lot of pain in her young life. And she is trying to deal with it, or maybe she's only looking for a way to learn to deal with it. At the beginning of the book all she has learned to do so far is label the way she feels in a very unique way.
Outlook for the days ahead: cloudy with a chance of rain.After experiencing the loss of her brother this is how she has learned to at least identify her feelings, by stating them to herself as a weather forecast. And her weather forecast makes Seattle look balmy. Practically tropical. But she is trying. Or trying to try depending on her weather. But poor Rachael is rootless. She has no real support. Shortly after her brother died and her mother fell into depression her parents separated. Living with her mother she still wasn't able to put down any roots. Her mother's way of dealing with the loss of her child was to constantly move and look for new things. Which left young Rachael desperately holding onto the past trying to keep that connection to the brother she loved and looked up to.
Another loss sends her packing again when her grandfather dies and her mother moves them back to her old hometown to live with her mother, Rachael's grandmother. Here she is assured repeatedly that they are going to stay. But Rachael doesn't trust it, and she holds onto her past, and all the memories she has packed away and kept hidden.
But she does try, at least a little, to fit in. She makes friends and even has them over for cards and drinks one night. And that is when things start to go wrong. Trying to help the first thing her friend Julie unpacks in a decorative box her grandmother had given her. A spirit box. A box that even her grandmother doesn't understand or know the history of. And like silly kids tend to do when they are trying to prove that they aren't scared they all take turns making wishes. I'm not going to ruin it by describing this scene, but I would love to see it on the big screen one day. Given how well this story plays out, and the scares and sudden changes that happen, I can see it getting made into a movie if Hollywood is smart enough to do so.
Their wishes cast, and the spirits willing, things begin to change around town. And Rachael is the only one that finds it strange at first. But the changes all can't be explained away by circumstance or blind luck. Powerful forces are at work. Rachael is the only one willing to looking into them and find out what is really happening. Because one other person knows what is happening, and why. He even knows how to stop it. But he's not telling. Not when he has so much to gain.
If you still aren't sure and want a bit of a teaser you can get a free copy of the start of her book HERE.
I will admit I was a bit annoyed with Rachael at first. It seemed that for every step forward she took, or was pushed, she would jump two steps back. She wasn't stuck in her past. She gladly went back to it over and over again, pulling her pain around her like a coat to hide what was going on inside.
But then chapter 10 happened. Admittedly, I was warned. I was warned by the author even. She told me I would get sucked in from that point on and she was right. Silly me, I thought, "Oh hey, then I guess that would be a good time to hop on my bike and getting some riding in." I should have checked the book progress first. Folks, there are 21 chapters. And she was too right. I got a cramp in my left calf that I didn't notice for I don't even know how long. I kept biking and reading. New record for me at 19 miles. I'll be walking funny for a while. My calf is still screaming at me. And I don't even regret it. I might regret it tomorrow when I have to walk somewhere. But the ending of the book, everything coming together, made me forget it all again.
Like good books do, this story did NOT go the way I thought it would. It took its own path. Every time it looked like it would point one way or the other, have this or that ending, it changed. And changed again. Then got into a fight with a bear, because it was so far off the beaten path, and kept going. A truly amazing book. 6//5
And we can take a moment to really look at that cover? Do you see that thing?! It's amazing the depth of detail that went into it. The artist is extraordinary! I loved it so much I reached out to the author for the name of her cover artist. Brianna Schretlen is the woman that did not just the cover but also the video. I think we can all agree that she did awe inspiring work on both.
If you want to find Katherine and her wondrous book you can find her at any of these links.
Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/katherine.de...
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/katherine.dell
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B071WKKCRM
Twitter: https://twitter.com/katherine_dell
Website: http://www.katherinedell.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katherine.d...
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/harm...
Amazon (Harmless): https://www.amazon.com/Harmless-Kathe...
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ejray...
Chapters/Indigo: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/...
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/review...
