Adri Sinclair's Blog, page 21

Chat with Norma Flatman – Author

Well looky here! Mondays are tough days, but when you are me, you have beautiful Authors, chatting about their work… and who can grump at that? Today, I would like to introduce you to Norma Flatman… Well actually, I would like Norma to introduce herself! Now before we move on:Read the Rest...

Only in my house…

Sitting outside early this morning – as we do, because you know… my daughter is vampire and my husband a mushroom, so we avoid the sun – the birds are flying back and forth from a tree in the back garden. Now I have investigated earlier in the week, soRead the Rest...

Poem: To be Me – by Adri Sinclair

  I am nothing but a vessel put on this earth to carry the burden of protecting a soul. I am flawed and fractured under the effort while I try to keep the light whole. To be me is nothing different from you being you, but yet it is notRead the Rest...

S is for Silence - by Adri Sinclair

So it has been a while, but let's see if I can catch up.

S is for silence, that is my choice today. Sometimes I find it hard to keep my trap shut. This month, Mercury [for those who care, it is the planet of communication in the bigger scheme of things] is in retro-grade. I know many do not believe in this, and maybe it is a convenient excuse.... but it sure is having a terrible effect on me.

Where I normally would laugh, I growl at things I know is my own stupid mind interpreting it.
Where I normally would brush it aside and let it slide, I snip at people.
Where I normally would walk away and avoid confrontation, I put my fisty cuffs up.

And so forth and so on. Thankfully, I caught this early on in the month - and most of the communication damage has been avoided by just keeping silent. Unfortunately, some damage was still done *sigh* and some relationships are stressing because of it. I suppose, when you surround yourself with like-minded people - all sensitive to the world energy - casualties are to be expected.

But that being said... I have learned a lot about being silent. It is a huge comfort at times when things just get out of hand.
Silence is a MOTHER of an unspoken expletive when you're angry - there is no better way to say FUCK YOU than keeping quiet.
Silence is a TREMENDOUS comfort in hurtful times - there is nothing better than the silence  that says I GET IT.
Silence is a BRILLIANT support and show of loyalty - how many times have you kept your tongue to defend your bestie? Have you refused to speak ill of someone or blacken their person by simply keeping your mouth shut?
Silence is a SWEET show of love - when you stand and watch that special person doing something, and your heart is rejoycing and your mouth is smiling but you do not want to spoil the moment... so you keep silent.

I think, with so much going on in this world, no matter how hectic my mind is [and I assure you, inside  my head silence is impossible] ,
when my mouth is closed, my eyes open, my heart receptive, my soul interactive - Silence is the most creative word to express a moment, without chaos.

xxx
Adri

S is for Silence

So it has been a while, but let’s see if I can catch up. S is for silence, that is my choice today. Sometimes I find it hard to keep my trap shut. This month, Mercury [for those who care, it is the planet of communication in the bigger schemeRead the Rest...

Chat with Nancee Cain - Author of Saving Evangeline

Romance with a Serrated Edge

Hi folk! Well look what I found!
Nancee Cain is getting ready for a release of her new novel Saving Evengeline on the 26th May 2015!
Romance with a serrated edge.
Saving Evangeline, 2014 Winner of the Linda Howard Award of Excellence, Write Magic

Evangeline is the town pariah. Everyone knows she’s crazy and was responsible for the death of her last boyfriend. Even her mother left her and moved cross-country. Lonely and desperate, Evie decides to end her life.

Rogue angel Remiel longs to return to earth, but there’s just one problem. He tends to invite trouble and hasn’t been allowed back since Woodstock. The Boss sends him to save Evangeline, but there’s a catch: he can’t reveal his angelic nature, and he must complete the task as Father Remiel Blackson.

Forced together on a cross-country trip, a forbidden romance ignites and love unfolds. A host of heavenly messengers tries to intervene, but Remiel and Evangeline are headed on a collision course to disaster. Will his love save her, or will they both be lost forever?

Sounds pretty cool right? Of course it does, so I grabbed Nancee to ask her the usual questions to which she graciously agreed!!
So here it is... Meet, Nancee Cain, Author.

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written/want to write?
I'm a nurse by day in the field of addiction and a writer at night. I've written one paranormal, and I have a series (stand alones with recurring characters) of contemporary romances I hope to get published.

Me: Judging by this one, I am sure you will do great hon, welcome to the crazy-train!

What Genre do you write, and what genre do you enjoy reading?
I write paranormal and contemporary romances. I enjoy reading all kinds and have a special weakness for a good Regency.

Me: I will say, a lot of Authors in this genre has a soft spot for Regency, I wonder why that is?

What is the name of your latest book/s and what inspired it?
My first book, Saving Evangeline will be released 5/26/15 with Omnific Publishing. It was my 2013 Nanowrimo project and stemmed from a dream. I often wonder if I had seen a commercial for It's A Wonderful Life prior to going to bed.

Me: That is really amazing! Nanowrimo truly does great things for aspiring authors!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I'm pretty disciplined and get up at 3 AM every day (unless off work) and attempt to write for at least an hour.

Me: *sigh* Envy from me right there, I am truly the most disorganised writer I know!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh, this is a tough one. So many have influenced me. Neil Gaiman, Debra Anastasia, Kathleen Woodiwiss's books were my first "sneak" reads from my Mom's bookshelf. I read a variety of things and get something from all writing.

Me: Oh did you see! She said my magic words - Neil Gaiman!! YAY!

What are you working on now?
I'm toying with another paranormal that is proving to be quite interesting.

Me: Well, all paranormals are interesting LOL, looking forward to see what you conjure up!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I'm always on social media, it's an addiction, facebook, twitter. I have a website and a blog, too.  I'll post the links all together.

Me: That sounds like a plan! Social media has been good to us.

Do you have any advice for new authors like yourself?
Write. Write every day. Even if it is just one word or a sentence. Even if you know in your heart you will probably delete it later. Write daily. Now, that being said, this doesn't work for everyone. So find what works for you.

Me: Sound advice and something many of us advocate! Thank you!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Learn your craft and connect with others in the field. Not many (if any of us) wake up with the ability to just write a book. My critique partner took me to my first Romance Writer's of America chapter meeting (Shout out to my Southern Magic friends) and they have been helpful and supportive.

Me: This is vital, actually. To go at it alone, is tough and depressing for me. Though Admittedly, I get distracted by my Author friends, wanting to cheer them along at times, instead of writing. 

From beginning to end, how long does/did it take you to write your book?
This book was done in 60 days (first draft) because of Nanowrimo. I tend to overedit/write the beginning. Nanowrimo forces one to push onward with that critical first draft.

Me: Still not bad for a beginning to end project! Nice!

What are you reading now?
An hysterically funny book, Vibrizzio by Nicki Elson

Me: And now it is on my 'To be Read' list hehe

What’s next for you as a writer?
Trying to get my other books out there!

Me: You can do it!!

Tell us something very few people know about you!
I am Sylvain Reynard's biggest fan. I semi-stalk him in a non-scary way on social media. Oh, wait...everyone knows that about me.

Hmmm, I met my hubby at a bar. He wanted to take me home, but even though I was interested, I refused. I told him, "I saw Looking for Mr. Goodbar." However, I wanted to, I fell in love with him the first night I met him.

Me: I think we fangirl over at least one Author. My sweet spot is Guy Bailley's romances! ARGH! Your romance with hubby sounds a bit like mine! 20 years later, and he will tell you "She's still the best one night stand I've ever had!" 

What is your favorite book of all time?
To Kill a Mockingbird. Atticus Finch is my ultimate book hero!

Me: I KNOW RIGHT!! 


So where can we stalk *coughs* I mean, how can we get in touch with you and your work? 

Links to find me:

Website: www.nanceecain.com/

Blog: nanceecain.wordpress.com/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/nancee.cain

Twitter: www.twitter.com/Nancee_Cain

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/nanceecain/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/33774019-nancee-cain

Saving Evangeline Book Trailer: https://studio.stupeflix.com/v/cJDX4GMGQjQc/

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bhFwvD

Simon&Schuster: http://books.simonandschuster.com/Saving-Evangeline/Nancee-Cain/9781623422035

 

I have to thank all of you reading, and of course Nancee too, for taking the time to spend with us. It is always exciting to see how someone progress, and we'll be keeping a keen eye on this lady!!

#Romance #PNR #NewAuthor

A Chat with Nancee Cain – Author

Hi folk! Well look what I found! Nancee Cain is getting ready for a release of her new novel Saving Evengeline on the 26 May 2015! Romance with a serrated edge. Saving Evangeline, 2014 Winner of the Linda Howard Award of Excellence, Write Magic Evangeline is the town pariah. Everyone knows she’sRead the Rest...

Chat with Bes Sturgis - Author of Ghouliana Stories

Sometimes, you meet a person and you can't help but admire their skill and talent for story telling. This, is one of those times. Of course, I nabbed the lady in question in order to share the good feelz!

Tell us about yourself –
Ghouliana Stories (Bess Sturgis) is a professional storyteller and author. She writes and tells original “Not Too Scary Tales” designed to give thrills and delight but not fright for listeners of all ages.

When not in storytelling costume, Mrs. Sturgis is a professional artist and lecturer. She delights in sharing her knowledge of art, science, culture and history with children 12 and under at museums, libraries, art facilities and schools throughout the Human World.
“Ghouliana Stories’ The Shoe Troll” is the first book in her “Ghouliana Stories’ Series”.

An abbreviated version of the original “The Shoe Troll” tale was first told publically at the Wayne County Historical Museum, Richmond Indiana, in October 2010.

Additional tales told at various locations over many years, have been incorporated into “The Shoe Troll”.

The artwork on the cover of this book is a digital reproduction of an original painting entitled “Story Time” , created by the author.

It is an abstract representation of characters which appear in this book and in many other tales Ghouliana Stories tells.

The painting was purchased by a private collector in 2011.

What Genre do you write, and what genre do you enjoy reading?
I write fantasy novels for children.  My books are designed for young advanced readers (age 7+) who are academically equipped to handle reading “tween” and young adult books, but who are not emotionally ready to deal with many of the brutal themes of death and sacrifice found in those upper reading levels.

Also, older readers who are struggling to gain reading proficiency while avoiding the stigma of reading “baby books” find my books quite enjoyable.

Me: I would LOVE to write for children - I think it takes a special kind of person to do that, and the idea of working with people in need to learn to read without stigmas added to an already difficult situation is a profound ability! Hats off Lady! 

 

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
All of the books in my “Ghouliana Stories’ Series” are inspired by the tales I have written and told as a professional storyteller over the last four decades.

The titles for the next few books in this series have not been released yet by my editors, Vivien A. Hammer and Vincent D. Hammer.

Me: What more is there to add to this? I hang on the spoken word... I hope we'll get a video of you in action! That would be just super cool.

 

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Most people think it is very strange that I write huge portions of my initial drafts by hand on recycled paper, instead of composing at my keyboard.

But, I love the freedom that comes with smearing up clean sides of old used paper with fresh thoughts and ideas.

Another thing is that I love to write ridiculously early in the morning. Some of my most beloved characters have appeared after 3:30 am but before 7:00 am. These characters don’t come shuffling in half asleep, wearing night gowns and slippers. They appear fully formed and dressed to play!

Me: I love this so much - while I do not find it strange myself, I can see how some may. I also like the smell of paper and admirable that you use recycled. I'd love to camp in your mind for a while, meeting these characters!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Is this a trick question??? (Insert a large snarky smile here!)

Sorry about that… ☺

Everything I read influences me… The good writers force me to be more critical of my work; the poor writers show me “how not to do it”.

Me: HAHA! I hear ya!! *claps happily*

 

What are you working on now?
Currently I am working on the rest of the “Ghouliana Stories’ Series.”

Books 2-3 are in the re-write stage; to be released in summer and fall of 2015.

Books 4-7 are in rough draft stage with projected release date of 2016.

Books 8-12 are outlined and impatiently waiting their turn with anticipated release date of 2017.

Me: Busy busy busy lady! 

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My publisher, Kids at Heart Publishing, LLC., does a fine job of promoting my work through arranged signings, publicity events, speaking events and tours.

I do some self-promotion through my website, Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads.

 Bes passed on a little bit from her book! Have a read!

Friends 1 : At the far edge of town in a gigantic old house with creaky doors and squeaky floors lived four very good friends: Copernicus, an enormous black cat, Galileo, a small brown bat, Newton, an extremely athletic spider and the house’s owner, Banchilla, a very powerful witch.

Now you might think that a cat, a bat and a spider were a strange combination of housemates for a witch to have, but the four friends had been together for a very long time.

Despite all their differences and the occasional near squishing, they seldom squabbled and although each one of them looked equally tasty to the others, none of them had ever had the slightest inclination to make a snack out of anyone else in the house. This made for a very good friendship!

My work can be purchased at the following locations:

 

http://www.ghoulianastories.com/

https://www.etsy.com/shop/GhoulianaStories

http://www.alibris.com/booksearch.detail?invid=12773863357

http://www.kidsatheartpublishing.com/html/book_catalog.html

https://www.linkedin.com/pub/ghouliana-stories/83/64a/201

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ghouliana-Stories/126991587471265

Thank you to all the readers and supporters of this blog, and thank you so much Bess Sturgis for taking the time to chat with us! Please be sure to follow this lady, and share the wealth of imaginative creations!

#BessSturgis #storyteller #etsy #kidsart

A Chat with Bess Sturgis – Author of Ghouliana Stories

Sometimes, you meet a person and you can’t help but admire their skill and talent for story telling. This, is one of those times. Of course, I nabbed the lady in question in order to share the good feelz! Tell us about yourself – Ghouliana Stories (Bess Sturgis) is aRead the Rest...

Cover Reveal: Falling Angels by Jen Winters

Just... GHAH!! Look at it and tell me you won't want to read about THAT!


Don’t take my word for it though, read the blurb for yourself below:

Falling Angels coverWhat’s worse than losing your job? How about losing your life, your home, and everything familiar? I just wanted to work. What did I get in return? A long fucking fall with a sudden stop.

Stranded on earth with little hope for survival and an eternity of banishment ahead of me, I did the only thing I knew—I worked the jobs I could. Until I realized I’d been replaced. Then I got mad.

Eleven thousand years of fighting for my destiny had me broken, bitter, and ready to just give up. And then my best friend blew up Fort Worth and screwed the entire universe in the process. Now I have to save his ass from everyone including the Guardians.

I hate Guardians—those intrusive vixens replaced me, took over my job, and left me utterly useless. But this one, Lavinia, she’s almost as old as I am and she is starting to get under my skin. I can’t concentrate when she’s around—everything about her mystifies me and why the hell do I remember her from before? She shouldn’t even exist! And certainly not in my memory.


Last but not least: Let us not forget to thank the wonderful artist who made the cover:
Julie Nicholls!
If you would like to commission cover art with Julie, she is VERY affordable and works like a [excuse the pun] demon!
Get all the contact details here!
Mindgrind Website