Michelle M. Pillow's Blog, page 87
April 23, 2012
Animal Instinct: A Ghost Cats Story by Michelle M. Pillow
The wild thing she saved is the man she’ll desire most.
A Ghost Cats story.
Eve Matthews, head veterinarian at Jameson Wildlife Rescue and Preserve, measures success by no one’s rules but her own—much to her rich parents’ distress. A life filled with animals means she’s rarely alone. Still, a little human contact of the male variety would be nice.
The only one in her life right now is Midnight, a black panther she brought back from the brink of death. She doesn’t think twice about bringing him home to keep an eye on him. Changing clothes in front of his golden eyes. Confessing her deepest fantasies to his alert ears. It’s not as if he’ll ever tell anyone her secrets.
Forced to watch her every move, listen to her every word, Viktor is in torment, trapped in panther form while he heals. He aches to fill her nights with the pleasure she craves, but to shift too soon risks death. Until the night she pleasures herself, and he can take no more.
They come together in a cataclysm too fierce to be a dream. But the shifter who left Viktor for dead is drawing near, determined to finish the job he started.
This book has been previously published
Warning: Contains a voyeuristic cat shifter, a heroine who’s an exhibitionist unaware, and explicit sex that may just give you cat scratch fever. Iced catnip tea recommended.
Reviews
I highly recommend this story for those who enjoy a spicy, short and entertaining read. You will not be disappointed. –Just Erotic Romance Reviews
5 HEARTS! –TRS Reviews
“The chemistry between Viktor and Eve is almost palpable, nearly leaping from the pages.” –Romance Reviews Today
“Pick this one up, you won’t be disappointed.” –eCataromance Reviews
“4 ANGELS! Animal Instinct is a highly erotic and fun story.” –Fallen Angel Reviews
April 17, 2012
Frank Joseph, Interview by Michelle M. Pillow
Frank Joseph, Interview
By Michelle M. Pillow, www.michellepillow.com
When people think of US history, they often talk about the Civil War or the Old West, but what about that time before recorded history? The mysterious people and cultures that populated the earth before Columbus sailed the ocean blue? Unearthing Ancient America: The Lost Sagas of Conquerors, Castaways, and Scoundrels explores the lives of these people, and the ancient mysteries that surrounds them.
Unearthing Ancient America: The Lost Sagas of Conquerors, Castaways, and Scoundrels author, Frank Joseph, has published several novels on lost civilizations, including more books about the lost civilization of Atlantis than any other author in history. His twenty-four published titles about ancient history, sacred sites and synchronicity have been released in as many foreign language editions around the world.
*****
Q: You’ve written several books, The Atlantis Encyclopedia, Discovering the Mysteries of Ancient America, Opening the Ark of the Covenant. What inspired you to write about these topics?
Frank:I always wanted to know the truth behind these enigmas, and feel there may be some subconscious past-life energies at work.
Q: Have you always had a fascination with history and unsolved mysteries?
Frank:As long as I can remember.
Q: What myths or legends inspired you?
Frank:All of them, because myth is the higher, metaphysical language of mankind.
Q: Specifically in Unearthing Ancient America you tackle a broad variety of archaeological enigmas. What are some of these enigmas?
Frank:How did an ancient Egyptian statuette find its way into an prehistoric burial mound in Illinois? Is Minnesota’s Norse rune stone an authentic 15th Century artifact? Did the Romans operate ships capable of making transatlantic crossings to America?
Q: How and why are they shunned as too heretical for consideration by conventional scholars?
Frank: Mainstream archaeologists are indoctrinated with the academic commandment, “Tho shalt not have any overseas’ visitors to America before Columbus!”
Q: Is Archaeology a science?
Frank:Archaeology is a “humanity” that its practitioners are supposed to apply scientific methods. Archaeological conclusions are cultural interpretations, not scientific facts.
Q: Why is this important when studying Ancient America?
Frank:It requires us to keep an open mind, as opposed to conventional archaeologists.
Q: In history classes, students are often taught that Columbus was the first European to “discover” America, but I’ve heard evidence has been found that in fact Vikings were the first. Which, if either, is true?
Frank:Both. The Viking discovery of America was lost by Columbus’s time.
Q: What are some of the significant events missing from most school history books?
Frank:Upper Michigan’s 5,000 year-old copper mining industry; the Viking exploration of North America; the Keltic contribution to pre-Columbian America; etc., etc.
Q: How did those pre-Columbian explorers reach the new world?
Frank:In purpose-built ships.
Q: For what purpose?
Frank:Numerous purposes: to escape persecution, for minerals (especially raw copper), on missionary quests, exploration, colonization, etc., etc.
Q: What secrets have the Giants of the California Desert preserved for a thousand years?
Frank: California’s “giants” are colossal line-drawings of anthropomorphic and animal figures created by a sophisticated people some 900 years ago.
Q: Has a Smithsonian photographer discovered an ancient city in the Grand Canyon?
Frank:Yes, Mr. Kincaid.
Q: Moving on to another of you books, Opening the Ark of the Covenant. Now I know many people automatically associate the ark with the Indiana Jones movie. Is this a true representation of the Ark?
Frank:The movie, like all Spielberg films, has as much bearing on the truth as Walt Disney’s “Dumbo” has on zoology.
Q: What exactly was the Ark of the Covenant?
Frank: A vessel containing a large quartz crystal capable of transmuting mechanical energy into electrical energy.
Q: Is it a real object, or just a mythical construct?
Frank: Real.
Q: Does it still exist?
Frank:Several versions still exist in various parts of the world.
Q: When and where was the Ark of the Covenant last seen?
Frank:The most recent sightings were in Germany, 1945, and Tennessee, 1964.
Q: Where is the Ark of the Covenant today?
Frank:Quebec, Japan, Bavaria, Tibet, etc.
Q: What significance does the Ark of the Covenant have for our 21st Century world?
Frank:Presently, it is only a myth, because it (they) is (are) concealed. If made known and its function disclosed, it could alter the entire course of modern history for good or evil, depending upon the intentions of its 21st Century users, not a good prospect, given humanity’s present savagery.
Q: What powers was the Ark of the Covenant supposed to possess?
Frank:Transformational.
Q: Who were the Knights Templars?
Frank:12th and 13th Century followers of St. Bernard.
Q: What was the relationship between the Ark of the Covenant and the Knights Templars?
Frank:They were its discoverers and guardians.
Why do you think readers, and society in general, are fascinated by the paranormal and the unexplained?
Frank:1. Because institutionalized religion has failed (the true meaning behind Nietzsche’s declaration, “God is dead”), and 2. all human beings are born with a spiritual instinct that is still seeking fulfillment.
Q: Do you believe in the supernatural?
Frank:”Supernatural” refers to anything narrow-minded persons are unable to comprehend outside the strict limitations of their immediate, physical existence; things are either natural or un-natural; that is all.
Q: Or are you a skeptic?
Frank:I strive for a genuine scientific approach; namely, always keeping an open kind, refraining from absolute judgments, but endeavoring to make conditional conclusions.
Q: What are your favorite paranormal shows, movies and books?
Frank:The books of Robert E. Howard and Edgar Allan Poe; cable tv’s “Psychic Detectives”.
Q: Do you have any pet projects?
Frank:My life is my pet project.
Q: What does the future hold for your work?
Frank:Oblivion.
Q: Any new books?
Frank:”Gods of the Runes” released in fall.
Thank you for joining us!
Frank Joseph’s titles Unearthing Ancient America and Atlantis and 2012 are available online and in bookstores.Interview by Michelle M. Pillow, www.michellepillow.com
April 16, 2012
Cupid’s Favor (Naughty Cupid) by Michelle M. Pillow
‘Beware of trolls bearing favors’
When Lord Malak saves him from a sandpit, Cupid is honor bound to settle the lifedebt or risk being called upon later–even if the lycan noble insists he doesn’t want any reward for the deed. Simply breeding the man’s goats isn’t enough to repay such a price. No, for this he needs something more. Knowing the perfect gift to be revenge, Cupid delivers the one thing that seems to aggravate Lord Malak the most–Lady Sophia.
After being kidnapped and drugged by the horrid troll, Cupid, Lady Sophia just wants to go home–to a place where magic doesn’t exist and there’s no chance of being eaten by a dragon. But most of all, she wants to be rid of her escort, Lord Malak. The charming lycan swore to protect her and see her safely home, but it seems fate and a little troll have other plans.
Reviews
“Cupid’s Favor is a great little quick read that will bring a smile to the reader’s face; what a way to spend your lunch hour. 4 Angels!” –FAR, Oct 2006
“5 Hearts! s, Michelle M. Pillow gives her readers an adventurous, exotic and sensual read that will surely thrill and entertain…. Got get her books now!!” –Love Romances, 2006
April 10, 2012
Elisabeth Naughton, Interview by Michelle M. Pillow
Elisabeth Naughton, Interview
by Michelle M. Pillow, www.michellepillow.com
Paranormal romance author, Elisabeth Naughton, left teaching Jr High science to write full time. Her debut release, Stolen Fury, heralded by Publisher's Weekly as "A rock-solid debut," was recently nominated for two prestigious RITA awards by Romance Writers of America in the Best First Book category and the Best Romantic Suspense category. She pens novels from her home in western Oregon where she lives with her husband and three children and when she's not writing, she can be found hanging out at the ball park and daydreaming about new and exciting adventures.
Her latest novel, ENTWINED, book 2 in the Eternal Guardians Series, released in print and ebook July 27, 2010 (ISBN: 9780505528230). It can be found everywhere books are sold.
Please join me in welcoming Elisabeth Naughton!
*****
In your book, Entwined, you delve into the world of Greek gods and ancient myths. What inspired you to write about this?
Elisabeth:I have always been a huge fan of Greek mythology and the ancient stories. When I was writing STOLEN FURY, my debut release, I spent a lot of time researching mythology for the plot. IN that book, the characters were searching for three ancient Greek relics that depicted the Three Furies, the goddesses of punishment in crime in Greek mythology. When I got done with that book, I knew I wanted to do something else that centered on the ancient stories, and because I've always loved the possibility of the paranormal world, I decided to combine the two.
When world building, did you base your story off of known myths throughout history?
Elisabeth:My world is heavily rooted in Greek mythology. The warriors in my books are each descended from one of the great heroes from the ancient myths. Zander, the hero in ENTWINED, is a descendant of the famed hero Achilles. He, like Achilles, is a great warrior who seems to be immortal. He's lived longer than any of his warrior kin, has watched kings come and go as well as those he loves. He's been injured just about everywhere a man can be injured, and yet has never taken a mortal wound. But like his forefather Achilles, he has a vulnerability. He just hasn't found it yet.
What myths or legends inspired you?
Elisabeth:I think all myths inspire me in one way or another. I love reading mythology from any culture. The Aztec myths are fascinating. Irish folklore can keep me awake for hours. And I can easily get lost in the gods and goddesses from ancient Egypt. Historians believe Tolkien pulled from many myths when he created The Lord of the Rings. Someday, I'd love to do that with a series myself.
Why do you think readers, and society in general, are fascinated by the paranormal?
Elisabeth: Well, personally, I think people are always fascinated by what they don't understand. Would I really want to meet a vampire or werewolf on the street? I don't think so, but the idea those creatures might exist is what intrigues me and many others as well. Human beings by nature are always trying to wrap their minds around things they don't understand, and the paranormal is one instance where a logical answer just can't be found, no matter how long you look. And no matter what, someone will always claim they have evidence that will probably leave you guessing even more.
What are your favorite paranormal shows, movies and books?
Elisabeth:I was a HUGE fan of the X-Files before it went off the air. I still watch it in reruns. I also enjoy paranormal romances where, even though I might get scared, I know things are going to work out well in the end.
Do you believe in the supernatural? Or are you a skeptic?
Elisabeth:I used to teach science, and I remember talking to my students about the millions and millions of stars in the universe, and the millions and millions of planets circling those stars. The probability that we are the only planet in the solar system that exists in the life zone of a star is pretty slim. That means the chance that life exists elsewhere, beyond our reach, is highly likely. Do I believe in aliens and little green men? I believe there is a lot I don't know, and anything is possible.
As for the supernatural right here on earth? Again, I think anything is possible.
Have you ever had a paranormal experience?
Elisabeth:Nothing exciting like a haunted house or being abducted by aliens. Mostly my interaction with the supernatural occurs in those déjà vu moments many of us experience. Something will happen that I could swear already happened, or it's similar to something I pictured happening. Not entirely sure what that means.
What kind of paranormal creatures do you wish you could meet?
Elisabeth:I would love to meet the characters from my books – descendents rooted in Greek mythology. They look human, act human, are, actually, part human, but have a little something extra as well.
If given the chance, would you become a character from your book?
Elisabeth:No. The hero in ENTWINED has a real issue with being immortal. Looking at the world through his eyes, it wouldn't be fun to live forever while everyone else around you comes and goes. It would be like that movie Groundhog Day, one day blending into the next with no endpoint in sight.
How would you react if you came face to face with a supernatural being?
Elisabeth:I don't think I'd believe it. Which means, hey, maybe I've already come in contact with something from the supernatural and just don't know it!
What does the future hold for the Eternal Guardian Series?
Elisabeth:The second book, ENTWINED, released on July 27, 2010 and will be followed by book three TEMPTED in February 2011. I'm contracted for two more books in the series after TEMPTED (currently untitled), but readers can expect them to hit store shelves about every six months.
Learn more about Elisabeth and her work at www.elisabethnaughton.com.Interview by Michelle M. Pillow, www.michellepillow.com
April 9, 2012
The Barbarian Prince (Dragon Lords) by Michelle M. Pillow
Breaking up was never so hard…
Going undercover at Galaxy Brides as one of the prospective mates to these Viking-like barbarians, Morrigan has no intention of getting chosen to stay. But when Ualan of the Draig picks her to be his wife with the aid of his mystically glowing crystal, it is all she can do to say no.
Waking up from a drug-induced night of torturous and unfulfilling pleasures, Morrigan discovers her spaceship has left without her and Ualan is claiming she is his wife. It's not exactly the story this reporter had in mind. And to make matters worse, Ualan refuses to take no for an answer.
Being cursed by the gods was never so frustrating…
Prince Ualan is like all others of his race on the male dominated planet of Qurilixen. He is raised to trust the mystic powers around him and when it comes time to marry, he is ready to follow those powers to choose his life mate. When the stubborn, yet achingly beautiful, Morrigan refuses to accept their shared fate and his supreme authority over her, it is all he can do not to break her lovely neck.
Reviews
"4 1/2 STARS! Pillow's story is quite a treat. It is all things sexy and passionate, with humor laced throughout and topped off with an ultimately emotional connection." –Leigh Rowling, Romantic Times
"Dragon Lords: The Barbarian Prince seethes with sexual tension, conspiracy and intrigue." –Julie, Romance at Heart
October 2004 RJ Staff Pick! –Romance Junkies
WINNER Feb 2005 Ecataromance SMOOCH Award! –Ecataromance
April 3, 2012
Zombies by Dr. Bob Curran, Interview by Michelle M. Pillow
Zombies by Dr. Bob Curran, Interview
By Michelle M. Pillow, www.michellepillow.com
Have you ever been curious as to how the idea of mindless zombies scouring the neighbourhood in search of human flesh began? From the walking dead of Haiti and the Caribbean that have influenced the ideas of Hollywood horror films, to the less popularized draugr of Scandinavia, Zombies: A Field Guide to the Walking Dead explores the world of the undead and the myths behind them.
Dr. Bob Curran is a writer and broadcaster living in Northern Ireland, and a cultural educator for several governmental organizations. He has approximately 38 books to his name mainly on the subjects of history and culture. His title, Zombies: A Field Guide to the Walking Dead, is currently in bookstores.
*****
Q: First off, are you now or have you ever been a zombie?
Dr. Curran: I don't think that I've ever been a zombie, at least not that I can remember. In some instances I may have worked with zombies but that's another story.
Q: In your book Zombies: A Field Guide to the Walking Dead, you delve into the world of the undead and their impact on cultures throughout history. Tell us a little bit about your book.
Dr. Curran: One of the questions which I'm always asked is – do zombies/ werewolves/ vampires actually exist? That is really not the question that intrigues me – they may or they may not –it is why should people want to believe in them? What need does such a belief answer in society? Why should they continue to fascinate us even down to today? And I suppose that's why I began to write the book. I suppose that the idea of zombies addresses certain fundamental questions about death . The underlying question is – if I die , can I come back in some form? This is, I feel, a question which appears in many cultures and it forms the basis of a number of religions . So I wanted to write a book which looked at zombies in some more depth and in some more detail than simply the slasher/zombie dawn type of way that is common in so many books.
Q: What inspired you to write about the subject?
Dr. Curran: As you may realise if you have read some of my books, I try to do as much research as I can. Any of my books in this field starts with me asking myself a lot of questions and then trying to find the answers. So I guess that the things that inspired me to write the book on zombies was he questions I was asking myself. And the basic question is "Is there something deeper here?" And there usually is.
Q: How have cultural impressions of the zombies changed throughout history?
Dr. Curran: I don't think that cultural impressions have changed throughout history – the questions about death and resurrection still remain the same – nor even have they adapted all that much in the way that, say, werewolf impressions have but the way we look at them has. In a sense in earlier times, the walking dead returned from the grave in places like Ireland to see their loved ones and to enjoy things that they had enjoyed in life. And they often returned under God's dispensation because they were blessed. Amongst the Vikings, the dead returned simply to carry on the things that they had done when alive – there was little distinction between life and death. It was writers like William Seabrook which linked some of the walking dead with the notion of zombies and voudou. Voudou is a kind of umbrella for a number of minor religions such as shango and Mama Watti. Le Gran Zombi does not specifically refer to the walking dead but to a manifestation of Damballah Wedo, one of the gods of the voudou pantheon. However, in his book Magic Island Seabrook seemed to suggest that there were dead men being raised by local houngans and mambos and sold to plantation owners as cheap labour – there seems to have been some sort of basis for this belief as the 1835 Haitian Penal Code seems to make such employment an offence. How widespread this idea was is questionable but it did exist. This has in turn become linked with alleged acts of cannibalism and has given rise to the idea of the flesh-eating zombie with which we are so familiar in the slash and gore zombie films which we see today. In this respect maybe our cultural impressions have changed a little across the years.
Q: Do you have a favorite zombie myth or story?
Dr. Curran: I don't really have a favourite zombie story. I would guess that the most intriguing stories is that of Clairvius Narcisse who in 1980, turned up somewhat dishevelled in a Haitian village and was recognised by his sister who lived there. Nothing unusual about that, except Clairvius was supposed to have died in 1960. His story was a strange one – he had been drugged by his brother using a "poudre" and had been sold to a planter on the other side of the island. He had suddenly "come to" and made his way to the nearest village where his sister had encountered him. The story is engrossing because it suggests some sort of narcotic which might be used to induce a zombie state. The tale inspired Canadian ethnographer Wade Davis to investigate further and see if he could determine the nature of the "poudre" used by the houngans and bokors or Haiti. Although Davis's findings are questionable, his book on the subject The Serpent and the Rainbow became a best seller and later a film. Perhaps it is the idea that some sort of poudre might exist which I find appealing and which probably makes the story my favourite one.
Q: What cultures throughout history have zombie myths? Are they similar or vastly different?
Dr. Curran: As I said earlier, the fundamental questions about life and death are pretty universal ones so it is natural I suppose that they appear in all cultures – though maybe not in the form that we have become used to through the medium of books and films. In Ireland, for example, the marbh bheo or nightwalking dead might be classed as zombies – they return from their graves to the places they knew in life. Some of these are the Blest Dead, who have led good lives and are permitted by God to do so, others are raised by the Devil who travel the roads in order to do harm. Similarly the "living mummies" of areas such as Mount Yodono in Japan are monks who have deliberately "mummified" themselves in order to display their holiness – this practice is now forbidden by the Japanese government. So whilst the fundamental questions remain the same, the way in which it is achieved can be different and not all zombies may take the form that we have been led to expect.
Q: How do you think zombie myths will change in the future?
Q: Do you believe in the supernatural? Or are you a skeptic?
Dr. Curran: Once again, it depends what you mean by "the supernatural". Let me say that I neither believe nor disbelieve. I have met some very rounded and "down to earth" people who have told me some fantastic things and I have no reason to doubt them. Also many things which were once counted as "supernatural" have their base in scientific explanation today and this may be the case in the future. What the "supernatural" may ultimately be is an interpretation of our own environment in a particular way – after all this is the basis of religion . So I keep an open mind.
Q: Why do you think readers, and society in general, are fascinated by the paranormal?
Dr. Curran: I think that the answer lies in relation to the above. People are fascinated by the supernatural because it suggests that there is something more to the world that what we can actually physically see and touch. I think that this is a very fundamental perspective and forms the basis of many religions including Christianity. I think the idea of the supernatural springs from a deep-seated curiosity, a need to explain things around us and a need for reassurance that we have some form of meaning and purpose to our lives. This perspective has taken many forms – from ghosts to werewolves, vampires, zombies but basically it all springs, I think, from the same source.
Q: What are your favorite paranormal shows, movies and books?
Dr. Curran: I get very little time to sit down and watch tv or even read Most of the "supernatural" television or films that I've actually watched, I didn't really like. Everybody thinks that I should rate Buffy the Vampire Slayer but I watched about half an hour of one episode and turned it off. I went and saw The Wolf Man and liked that because it reflected the original movie. I suppose if I read supernatural literature, it's some of the classic stuff, which I enjoy. All the modern-day slash and gore does very little for me. The last film I watched was Shutter Island which I did enjoy as it was extremely well done, even though I'd guessed the ending. But I like the creepiness of the place.
Q: Have you ever had a paranormal experience?
Dr. Curran: No, I haven't had a paranormal experience. All the "uncanny experiences" I've had, I've always been able to explain. I took part in a number of radio/tv programmes on ghost-hunting and didn't see anything. There was a belief in the part of the world where I came from that only one member of a family could see ghosts and so forth and this doesn't seem to have been me. My brother though, is supposed to have seen a ghost – the spectre of an old woman who previously owned a house where he lived in England.
Q: If given the chance, would you become a zombie?
Dr. Curran: I doubt if I would want to become a zombie. I would guess that the lifestyle wouldn't appeal.
Q: How would you react if you came face to face with a zombie?
Dr. Curran: Probably run. Best form of avoidance.
Q: What does the future hold for you? Any new books in the works?
Dr. Curran: There's a lot of work still on. Two new books from Career coming out this year and next – Dark Fairies and Man Made Monsters. Also a series of books for young people coming out in England, new books coming out in both Australia and America – one on the papacy this year and one on bushrangers next Also the development of my community work which is very important to me.
Thank you for joining us, Dr. Curran!
If you're interested in checking out this, or other titles by Dr. Bob Curran, please visit the publisher website, www.newpagebooks.com. Interview by Michelle M. Pillow, www.michellepillow.com
April 2, 2012
Call of the Untamed (Call of the Lycan) by Michelle M. Pillow
Roark O'Connell is a lycan on the prowl. For what, he's not always sure. His job within the clan keeps him moving around and boredom often sets in. It's boredom that causes him to make a bet with his brother James to hire an etiquette coach. Expecting an old schoolmarm type, he's blown away to discover the sexiest woman he's ever laid eyes on. The prim and proper Natasha might be there to tame his untamed ways, but he's just the man to fulfill her wildest, most erotic dreams.
Rating: Contains graphic sexual content, adult language, and violence.
Reviews
"4 1/2 LIPS! Michelle Pillow does a great job of expressing the emotions and feelings of her characters leaving you no choice but to love them… I highly recommend this book to anyone." – Two Lips Reviews, Feb 2007
"4 STARS! The sexual tension between the pair make the whole story feel like foreplay so that the explosive release when they finally come together will hold your full attention….With a couple of single relatives floating around I can only hope that Ms. Pillow decides to revisit the Lycan series in the future." – Erotic Escapades, July 2007
"Overall a sweet read!" -Alternative Reads, March 2008
"Call of the Untamed is part of another wonderful series from Michelle M. Pillow…These two characters completely compliment each other just like soul mates should. With enough excitement and passion, you will love Call of the Untamed. This story is hot!" Joyfully Reviewed, Feb 2007
"4 1/2 Hearts! a great feel good story with heart. I look forward to reading future installments." TRS, Feb 2007
"4 ANGEL! As usual, Ms. Pillow brings to life two sexy, sensual characters" FAR, Feb 2007
March 31, 2012
Raven’s Recession Gift Card Giveaway!
Raven’s Recession Gift Card Giveaway!
We know times are tight. We’re feeling the pinch too. We also know that the first things to be cut from most household budgets are the luxuries like book buying. Often we have contests that features free downloads or paperbacks (yes, we’re including those in this too) but we thought it would be nice to do more—to help ease the pinch as best we could. Our solution, a massive gift card giveaway contest. We’re giving away thousands of dollars worth of prizes! (We’ve given away thousands and are STILL doing it!)
How does it work?
Glad you asked! Once a month we’ll randomly select winners from those who have entered. They’ll be notified via email.
What are you entering to win?
You’re full of awesome questions! We have lots and lots and lots (can’t really stress this enough) of gift cards to nationwide retailers to give away, plus free book downloads, free paperbacks, and pretty much whatever else we can think to toss at folks come winner selection days. Examples of just some of the ones we’ll be giving away—Wal-mart, Meijer food, Gordon Foods, Kroger, Visa pre-paid cards, Borders, Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Outback, Chilis, Red Lobster, Old Navy, Macy’s, Sears, Hot Topic, JcPenny, prepaid gas cards, starbucks, and many, many more. Also, we’ll be tossing in free downloads of our books and paperbacks as they’re available to us to giveaway. UPDATE to prizes: DSI Lites, kindle ereaders, video games, moives, tv box sets and much, much more!
How often are we selecting winners?
Monthly! Again winners will be notified by email and if it’s a gift card (rather than an e-gift card) that you won, we’ll need your snail mail addy to send it to you. Don’t worry, we’ll ask you for it if you’re a winner.
Can I pick which gift cards or prizes I get?
No, sorry. We’re randomly selecting winners and pairing them equally as random with prizes.
How do I enter for a chance to win?
We’ll be drawing out winners from a few different places this time around. From our Raven Books newsletter mailing list members, from Raven Books Twitter Followers and from Raven Books’ owners Michelle Pillow & Mandy Roth’s personal mailing lists, facebook followers and twitter followers. If you’re already on all the mailing lists and follow each twitter/facebook, yay, you’re already entered to win! If not, here are the direct links for each.
The Raven Books Email Newsletter
Mandy M Roth Email Newsletter
Michelle M Pillow Email Newsletter
Michelle M Pillow Twitter
Mandy M Roth Facebook
Why aren’t you posting winners name publicly?
We got dinged for doing this and are taking a small break. Apparently, not all people who enter contests want their name out that they entered and won. (Frankly, I find this odd but that’s me… Ouch, Michelle just slapped me for saying that publicly. I feel someone had to.)
When should I start?
Now! The sooner the better. We’ll repost this contest page in its entirety at the start of each month of the contest as a refresher for any who might have missed it and a reminder to any who might want to enter more than once.
Can I get a bonus entry if I also promote this contest in addition to promoting Raven Books?
You sure can! Just be sure you’re promoting Raven Books first and foremost. Then, if you spread the word about the contest too, you’ll be entered multiple times.
Any stipulations?
Yes, you must be 18yrs old or older to enter. Contest is void where prohibited. No, we will not send you cash equivalent and all the other normal disclaimer stuff inserted here_____. Yadda yada yadda yada….
Raven's Recession Gift Card Giveaway!
Raven's Recession Gift Card Giveaway!
We know times are tight. We're feeling the pinch too. We also know that the first things to be cut from most household budgets are the luxuries like book buying. Often we have contests that features free downloads or paperbacks (yes, we're including those in this too) but we thought it would be nice to do more—to help ease the pinch as best we could. Our solution, a massive gift card giveaway contest. We're giving away thousands of dollars worth of prizes! (We've given away thousands and are STILL doing it!)
How does it work?
Glad you asked! Once a month we'll randomly select winners from those who have entered. They'll be notified via email.
What are you entering to win?
You're full of awesome questions! We have lots and lots and lots (can't really stress this enough) of gift cards to nationwide retailers to give away, plus free book downloads, free paperbacks, and pretty much whatever else we can think to toss at folks come winner selection days. Examples of just some of the ones we'll be giving away—Wal-mart, Meijer food, Gordon Foods, Kroger, Visa pre-paid cards, Borders, Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Outback, Chilis, Red Lobster, Old Navy, Macy's, Sears, Hot Topic, JcPenny, prepaid gas cards, starbucks, and many, many more. Also, we'll be tossing in free downloads of our books and paperbacks as they're available to us to giveaway. UPDATE to prizes: DSI Lites, kindle ereaders, video games, moives, tv box sets and much, much more!
How often are we selecting winners?
Monthly! Again winners will be notified by email and if it's a gift card (rather than an e-gift card) that you won, we'll need your snail mail addy to send it to you. Don't worry, we'll ask you for it if you're a winner.
Can I pick which gift cards or prizes I get?
No, sorry. We're randomly selecting winners and pairing them equally as random with prizes.
How do I enter for a chance to win?
We'll be drawing out winners from a few different places this time around. From our Raven Books newsletter mailing list members, from Raven Books Twitter Followers and from Raven Books' owners Michelle Pillow & Mandy Roth's personal mailing lists, facebook followers and twitter followers. If you're already on all the mailing lists and follow each twitter/facebook, yay, you're already entered to win! If not, here are the direct links for each.
The Raven Books Email Newsletter
Mandy M Roth Email Newsletter
Michelle M Pillow Email Newsletter
Michelle M Pillow Twitter
Mandy M Roth Facebook
Why aren't you posting winners name publicly?
We got dinged for doing this and are taking a small break. Apparently, not all people who enter contests want their name out that they entered and won. (Frankly, I find this odd but that's me… Ouch, Michelle just slapped me for saying that publicly. I feel someone had to.)
When should I start?
Now! The sooner the better. We'll repost this contest page in its entirety at the start of each month of the contest as a refresher for any who might have missed it and a reminder to any who might want to enter more than once.
Can I get a bonus entry if I also promote this contest in addition to promoting Raven Books?
You sure can! Just be sure you're promoting Raven Books first and foremost. Then, if you spread the word about the contest too, you'll be entered multiple times.
Any stipulations?
Yes, you must be 18yrs old or older to enter. Contest is void where prohibited. No, we will not send you cash equivalent and all the other normal disclaimer stuff inserted here_____. Yadda yada yadda yada….
March 27, 2012
Denise A. Agnew, Interview by Michelle M. Pillow
Denise A. Agnew, Interview
By Michelle M. Pillow
Denise A. Agnew, fiction author of over thirty titles, loves to write about a diverse range of subjects, from paranormal to time travel, romantic comedy to romantic suspense, contemporary to historical. She attributes the fact that she has lived in Colorado, Hawaii, Arizona and the United Kingdom to giving her a lifetime of ideas. Her newest idea, an erotic paranormal romance/suspense novella, Meltdown, released in ebook this November from Liquid Silver Books.
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Q: In your book, Meltdown, you delve into the world of psychic abilities. What inspired you to write about this?
Denise:Some of my books, but not all of them, have a grain of psychic truth in them. I'd heard of more than one person who can predict earthquakes because something physical happens to them. In my story, the heroine works in Earth Sciences and seismology, so she's grounded in science. She has headaches that come a couple of minutes before a quake hits. I wanted to explore the conflict that would create. Her colleagues probably wouldn't believe her. She doesn't have enough time to really warn anyone about a quake. She knows it's going to happen but she's helpless. How does she react? How would the hero, who is a firefighter, react to this?
Q: Why do you think readers, and society in general, are fascinated by the paranormal?
Denise:Humans want to explore mysteries or they want answers to strange things they've experienced or read about. Mystery is a part of life.
Q: What are your favorite paranormal shows, movies and books?
Denise:Fringe, old X-Files, old Millennium episodes, loved Journeyman. Movies include The Shining, The Exorcist, and so many others. As for books, there are way too many to list.
Q: Do you believe in the supernatural? Or are you a skeptic?
Denise:I believe in the supernatural. I've had things happen to me and other people I know. I have one foot in the practical world and one in the supernatural. I balance healthy skepticism with that belief.
Q: Have you ever had a paranormal experience?
Denise:My most vivid experience was on New Year's Eve back in the 90's. We were in Edinburgh, Scotland and took a tour of the South Bridge vaults. I'm not claustrophobic but in one room I was instantly terrified. I was sweating, heart going two hundred, and I wanted out of there. I kept my anxiety to myself. When we left the relief was instant. I was compelled to research the experience and discovered that many other people had the same freak out in the same room. To this day I wonder what happened. When I toured other underground/basement type areas in Britain while I lived there, I never felt that way again.
Q: What does the future hold for your paranormal writing?
Denise:I'm writing a werewolf trilogy as well as a historical series that has heavy-duty paranormal elements. While I love to write about a variety of things, the paranormal is always going to be there, lurking in the background, ready to jump out. Maybe, if I do my job, I'll scare the beejeebers out of the reader. It's what I do.
Thanks for joining us, Denise!
You can learn more about Denise and her books at her website, www.deniseagnew.com or at her publisher, www.liquidsilverbooks.com.
Interviewer Michelle M. Pillow is an award winning author of over sixty published books. She writes in many romance fiction genres and can be found at www.michellepillow.com.
