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The Evolution of Lily Drake

Tuesday, April 23rd, 2013

Thanks for being here today T. Michelle Nelson!

The Evolution of Lily Drake

When the Lily Drake series began, Lily was a normal, single-mother who worked too hard and played too little.  She was a little bitter from her divorce, a little self-conscious and not terribly confident.

 

Over the course of the first book, Lily became more comfortable with herself.  She begins to make time for herself, lets herself fall in love with not just one but two men and becomes less self-conscious.

 

In the second book, Lily has grown into the person her Aunt Rose saw in the premonitions.  She is confident, in-charge and a force with which to be reckoned.  Lily is turning into that savior and fighter she was always meant to become.  But don’t worry, our vampire mother is still as neurotic and silly as ever.

 

I’ve read Book One – I cannot wait to read Book Two!

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Blog Guest – Karilyn Bentley!!!!!!

Tuesday, April 16th, 2013

 

Hi Sasha! Thank you so much for letting me blog with you today. I always enjoy being over here with you!

 

I’m excited to announce that my newest release, Warrior Lover, is currently available in Kindle only format and will be available everywhere on Friday, April 19th. Woot!! Warrior Lover features Enar and Lily, two secondary characters from Magical Lover, the first book in the series. There is one more book left in this series and I’m busy trying to get it out of my head and onto the page. :)

And how did I come up with the idea for this series, you might ask? Well, I knew I wanted a series as opposed to a single title and I also wanted a common villain in all the books (don’t worry, he gets it in the end!). So then I needed a place and several heroes and heroines. After sitting and thinking a scene popped into my head. And it starred dragon shifters. The story would not work in a modern setting, so it quickly got placed into a different world, one that I like to call fantasy-land. I live there sometimes, so it’s a pretty familiar place to me. :)

As usual for my stories, the beginning changed and morphed into Magical Lover, featuring Thoren and Keara. Enar, though, tried his best to take over the story and I had to write him out of most scenes, since he had a nasty habit of one-upping Thoren. Can’t have that happen, it was Thoren’s book. So I gave him his own story to shut him up. I think it worked out well as his and Lily’s story is my favorite. I hope you enjoy it too!

 

Blurb:

As a Watcher, a guardian warrior of the Draconi, Enar has never fit in with his kind. When he sees Lily–the ideal Watcher’s woman–he instantly claims her, believing she will bring him the acceptance he craves. Falling in love with her was not part of his plan.

As her town’s outcast, Lily wants nothing more than to escape. When Enar locks a necklace around her throat and declares she belongs to him, she jumps at the chance to leave. Her excitement soon becomes trepidation when Enar won’t tell her what to expect in his world. But even her worry can’t overcome her growing attraction to him.

Soon Lily learns what life as a Watcher’s claim entails, and refuses to submit. To keep Lily, Enar must turn his back on everything he thought he wanted. Will he choose his people? Or the other half of his soul?

 

Excerpt:

“You don’t mind leaving?”

All brawn, no brain obviously. Hadn’t she just said that downstairs?

“That’s right. I want to leave. You want to take me. It works out well for both of us. Now, how much can I take?”

“You do not feel a need to take your entire shop do you?” A small wrinkle appeared between his brows.

“As you noticed earlier, there’s not much to take. I have clothes and personal items. A couple of bags, maybe.”

“One bag. Thoren travels light. Insists we do the same.” He glanced to the bed and back to her, grinning. “Besides, the less time you take packing, the more time we’ll have for pleasure.”

Lily’s whole body stiffened, as blood pounded in her ears. Oh, Goddess, not now. She hadn’t left the town. Now she’d never leave. He’d crush her before she could be free.

He took a swaggering step toward her, cupping her face in his hand. “Don’t be frightened. I won’t hurt you.”

Sure you won’t, look at the size of you.

Bending forward, he placed his lips against hers, pressing gently. And just like that, her nervousness vanished.

 

 

www.karilynbentley.com

Warrior Lover: http://www.amazon.com/Warrior-Lover-Draconia-Tales-ebook/dp/B00AU6VKGW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1365462908&sr=8-1&keywords=warrior+lover

Magical Lover: http://www.amazon.com/Magical-Lover-Draconia-Tales-ebook/dp/B005I63WW4/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Karilyn-Bentley/120814741330722?ref=hl

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4051943.Karilyn_Bentley

 

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Posted in Author Interview, Books, Fantasy Romance, Paranormal Romance | 9 Comments »

Tuesday Talent – SHAWNA ROMKEY

Tuesday, April 9th, 2013

Shawna Romkey is in the house… er, the blog. :) I admit, she’s super cool – she’s a mom, and an author, and a world traveler too (she’s been to GREECE!!!). And today I get to talk to her about… her…

Thank you for visiting today, Shawna! Let’s jump in and get to know more about you.

What was the first book you read that grabbed you? What genre? Who is the author?

 S.R: I’ve always loved books. Probably A Wrinkle in Time by Madelein L’Engle when I was in elementary school. I was always crazy about books. The elementary library called me her Greek mythologist because each week I’d come in asking for anything new Greek myth books.

 Is there an author that you get fan-girl crazy over? Have you ever met him/her? Do you want to?

 S.R: I like a lot of classic writers, so I’d say if any of them are still alive, but I don’t think a lot are anymore. George RR Martin is my favorite can’t wait for the next book author at the moment. But I’d probably be excited to see Anne Rice, who I called at her house once when I was vacationing in New Orleans to see if she wanted to go out for dinner or something. She didn’t answer, but yes, her number was listed in the phone book back then. Marion Zimmer Bradley.

What’s your:

  • Favorite color? green
  • Favorite season? fall
  • Favorite Hero – movie or book? Tyrion Lannister in Game of Thrones
  • Snack weakness (food or drink)? Chocolate, sweets, any and every kind
  • What’s your Astrological sign?  scorpio
  • Do you write sweet and cuddly or toe-curling steamy lovin’ stories? Sweet and cuddly.
  • Do you read sweet and cuddly or toe-curling steamy lovin’ stories? I read everything but mainly sweet and cuddly or dark and creepy.

What’s on your desk when you write?

I write in bed with my lap top, so blankets and sometimes a dog.

 Do you write to music or quiet? If you do write with music, can you share one song that’s significantly impacted this story?

I usually write with quiet unless I need inspiration, like I’m writing a party scene and I want the mood of the scene or a violent fight scene then I might listen to something heavy. Generally I do best without distraction.

What’s your favorite line from your most recent release? Why?

“Sometimes the child is the guardian.” It might be a spoiler but I had fun trying to explain the paranormal and the existence of angels, so when I wrote it, it was an Ah ha! Moment for me.

What’s next? You don’t have to get specifics – but feel free to leave a tantalizing snippet or cryptic hook.

I’m working on book two of The Speak of the Devil series. It’s in the final stages where I’m prepping it for submission. It’s the planned middle book in the trilogy, and in this one the demons strike back!

Working Blurb:

Lily is now working with the angels to stifle the last of the demon outbreaks and to figure out how to stop the Silence of God, so life can get back to boring normality. But all hell breaks loose when she’s stolen from school and brought face to face with the devil himself. Lily has to find her way back home and to Luc, crack the prophecy that breaks the curse silencing God, and figure out how she and Luc can ever really be together; but Lucifer has other plans for her that don’t include her ever getting out of Hell in tact.

Who is your favorite character from Greek Mythology OR which Olympian would you want to be? And why?

I’m a huge fan of the Amazons, so I’d have to go with Artemis, the huntress. I love women who kick ass.

 Wanna find more about Shawna? You know you do! here’s where you can find her…

Website  | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads

 Here’s where to find her book: SPEAK OF THE DEVIL

Amazon Print | Amazon eBook

Barnes & Noble Print

Book Trailer- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDSoRBRIiDY

 

 

 

 

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Posted in Author Interview, Books, Fantasy Romance, Paranormal Romance, Young Adult Novels | 6 Comments »

Space Talk with *KAY KEPPLER*

Tuesday, March 26th, 2013

Space: The Frontier Where Anything Goes

I don’t think of myself as a science fiction fan. Those complicated names are just too weird and hard to pronounce, and I hate getting new world-building rules 300 pages in. You know the ones I mean. They’re the lines that go, “But Kinkavinska couldn’t jet off in her Personal Personnel Person Machine, because when it was colder than minus 300 Fooses on the Fooses Scale of Chilly, the gas froze up.” Yeah. Time to close the book.

But I’ve always liked the action/adventure kinds of television and movies that have space settings. I went to all the Star Wars films. My graduate school roommate was a Star Trek fan, and I always came home from the library early so we could make popcorn and watch the afternoon episode on the rerun channel. I freaked out in 2001: A Space Odyssey. I never missed an episode of My Favorite Martian. (Well, okay, that wasn’t really about space. It’s barely about Martians.)Contact, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, E.T., Wall-E, I’ve enjoyed them all. Firefly, I mourn you still.

What I like about space action/adventure is that writers can present new worlds with new rules and present new ideas that aren’t constrained by what we already know about the universe. For our literary interplanetary travels, we can make up anything we want. Hate gravity? It’s gone. Want Alvin and The Chipmunks to rule as an emperor triumvirate? Done. Need to mix your cowboy Western shoot-em-up with your space clunker adventure? Talk to Joss Whedon.

In a space adventure, you can make your characters be and do anything you want. Has there never been a child-bearing male? Ha! You can write that. Or a female football star? You got it. Your characters can work together on any project, solve any problem that you can imagine. They can be eternally optimistic, enthusiastic, smart, kind, and cooperative. Or evil, nasty, dishonest, short-tempered, and mean. They can be so totally over the topthat you need a stepladder to see them.

I once read an analysis of 1950s science fiction (sorry that I can’t remember where!) in which the author theorized that in times of political tension, space aliens are depicted as violent brutes who shoot their way to earth and kill its inhabitants. In calmer periods, space aliens are depicted as benevolent, intelligent beings who interact with humans in interesting and mutually beneficial ways.That’s probably true—as true as that the aliens are the creations of people who want to tell a certain story a certain way.

When I wrote Zero Gravity Outcasts, I didn’t know I had a space adventure in me—until I wrote about an ancient, steam-powered spacecraft and its clever crew who meet the universe’s power brokers and—well, I’m not revealing any spoilers here. But let me just say this: Serenity meets Miracle on Ice meetsGreenfingers. It sounds weird, I know. But in space, you can do anything.

 

Kay Keppler is a writer and editor living in northern California. Zero Gravity Outcasts is her first novella with Carina Press.

 

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Tuesday Talent – JODY A. KESSLER

Tuesday, March 12th, 2013

I have another new author visiting with us today! Jody A. Kessler’s debut novel, Death Lies Between Us, just came out through Crescent Moon Press. Check out the cover and blurb below…

Saving the life of someone you love should not be the worst thing you have ever done, unless you are an Angel of Death.

Disgruntled with his position in the afterlife and conflicted by his feelings toward his new client, Nathaniel Evans forgoes the rules and saves nineteen year old Juliana Crowson from being hopelessly stuck in Forge Creek. This alters Juliana’s destiny and she finds herself in a series of near death accidents.

In the mountains of Colorado, Nathaniel comforts Juliana as she struggles to understand her paranormal abilities while coping with her brother’s drug addiction. When an ill-tempered Native American Shaman teaches her the difference between ghosts and place memories, she decides she wants nothing to do with the supernatural world. Too bad she doesn’t know that Nathaniel is part of it.

Will fate bring these two together, or has Nathaniel made the biggest mistake of his afterlife?

Sounds cool, huh? Jumping into the interview…

Me: What was the first book you read that grabbed you? What genre? Who is the author?

JAK: It has to be Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll. It’s been so long ago that I don’t remember exactly how young I was – early teens? To this day, I still love the book.

 Me: Is there an author that you get fan-girl crazy over? Have you ever met him/her? Do you want to?

JAK: It would be so fun to meet Diana Gabaldon, author of the Outlander series. I’m a huge fan of her writing. She is active on on-line social sites and I follow her posts. I can’t help myself. I’m mildly obsessed with many of her characters.

 What’s your:

  • Favorite color?  Purple – and the darker the better.              
  • Favorite season? Spring – New life after the freezing winter — I love it. The bright green of new leaves and the unpredictable weather! Spring has always been my favorite.  
  • Favorite Hero – movie or book? Eric Draven from the comic book, The Crow. Resurrected and being guided by a crow to avenge his girlfriend’s brutal death. This has been a long time favorite of mine.
  • Snack weakness (food or drink)? I have too many to list, but right now, really good coffee is at the top of the list. And I am very particular about the flavor and how it is prepared.
  • What’s your Astrological sign? Pisces — absolutely a water girl.

Me: What’s on your desk when you write?

JAK: A huge mess, including, notebooks full of my notes and other writings. A pile of pens — we don’t get along well. They’re always drying up, or stop working as soon as I need one, and usually my Ereader and other books. A raven finger puppet also keeps me company as does a picture of the ocean.

 Me: Do you write to music or quiet? If you do write with music, can you share one song that’s significantly impacted this story?

JAK: Music is one thing I have been passionate about for my entire life. Sometimes I listen while I write, but sometimes the music is too distracting. I have a bunch of playlists in my computer, so I can’t narrow down one song. I can tell you that over the last couple of years, I’ve been listening to a lot of The National, The Twilight Sad, and Beach House while I work on my An Angel Falls series. All three bands are indie alternative and atmospheric, and my favorite.

 Me: What’s your favorite line from your most recent release? Why?

JAK: “Since I’ve met her, I feel as if I am spinning on an endless carnival ride going around and around with Juliana as the center hub.” 

I think this line captures my main character, Nathaniel’s, difficulty controlling his actions when Juliana is around. But everything he does centers around his love for her, and her safety.

 Me: What’s next? You don’t have to get specifics – but feel free to leave a tantalizing snippet or cryptic hook.

JAK: Keeping my fingers crossed that I will be offered a contract for book two in the An Angel Falls series. It’s a continuation from where Death Lies Between Us leaves off. My main character’s relationship is still sweet and fresh, but they quickly become entangled in a supernatural mess of possession, demons, and warlocks. My shaman character, Chris, has an awesome roll doing what he does best… I don’t want to give anything away at this point. But I will tell you, the second book is packed with action, heartbreak, and, of course, Angels.

 Me: Who is your favorite character from Greek Mythology OR which Olympian would you want to be? And why?

JAK: Definitely Athena. She is the goddess of wisdom, courage, inspiration, justice, mathematics, strength, the arts (like writing), crafts, and skill. And she has an owl. I relate to Athena well.

 

Bio

Jody A. Kessler enjoys writing paranormal novels and is a member of Pikes Peak Writers.  She is a yoga instructor, Reiki Master, and a graduate from the Colorado Institute of Massage Therapy. When she took an extended leave from her massage practice to stay at home with her newborn she returned to her first true passion —writing. She spends most of her time being a mother, writing, and teaching yoga, but also likes going to concerts, hiking, practicing herbal medicine, and reading anything that catches her interest. Jody lives in the mountains of Colorado with her family.

She welcomes visitors to her website www.jodyakessler.com

Buy a copy on Amazon

Click on her website for a chance to win a mini Kobo ereader March 12-19

Or connect with her here:  Facebook  Goodreads  Twitter  Pinterest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Posted in Author Interview, Books, Fantasy Romance, Romance Novels, SciFi Novel | 5 Comments »

Tuesday Talent – MARK JAY HARRIS

Tuesday, March 5th, 2013

Welcome to fellow my fellow InkSpell author Mark Jay Harris. He celebrated his book birthday February 28th – check out the cover and blurb for his book:

The first time Darren saw Samantha, she was floating above his high school gymnasium during a basketball game, invisible to everyone but him. Next time he sees her, she’s sitting in front of him in class, wowing his friends and causing unexplainable things to happen that only he seems to notice. But things really get strange (and complicated) when his dying grandfather tells him that he is part of an ancient order, the “Pessum Ire,” whose duty is to destroy witches. What does he do now, since he’s almost positive Samantha is a witch…and he’s crushing on her pretty hard?

Me: What was the first book you read that grabbed you? What genre? Who is the author?

 MJH: The first book that I really got excited about that made me want to write similar stories was by Dean Koontz, called WATCHERS. Since then I’ve loved his books. I think of them as either “being-chased by a psycho,” or “science-gone-awry” books. I think his books are usually from the suspense genre. My book is YA, I know, but I would like to think elements of suspense are all throughout BEWITCHED.

 Me: Is there an author that you get fan-girl crazy over? Have you ever met him/her? Do you want to?

MJH: Well, I just mentioned Dean Koontz. I would totally love to meet him! I would get all “fan-girl” crazy too. I’d probably not be able to speak. I also got into a fantasy series many years back called The Wheel of Time. These books were written by Robert Jordan. Unfortunately, he died before he could finish his series. His widow appointed Brandon Sanderson (author of the Mystborn Series) to complete The Wheel of Time. Well, to make a short story even longer, I attended a writer’s conference in Park City, Utah last September. I was on my own and during lunch sat at a table with a lady and her son. I started talking to them and in came a guy who asked if he could join us. It was Brandon Sanderson. He was extremely friendly and easy to talk to. I didn’t get tongue-tied, but I was, nevertheless, very stoked to be chatting away with him like we were old friends. I even wrote about this on my blog… 

 What’s your:

  • Favorite color?
    • Green             
  • Favorite season?
    • Summer
  • Favorite Hero – movie or book?
    • I like guys who get roped into doing things they don’t want to but rise to the occasion. I feel Darren, in Bewitched is this way. However, outside of my book, I’d have to say Jack from an old 60’s movie called, Jack the Giant Killer. He starts out a farmer but ends up saving the kingdom. (Can’t wait to see Jack the Giant Slayer the remake coming out this month).
  • Snack weakness (food or drink)?
    • Peanut M&Ms (though I’m open to many other treats if you’re thinking of sending anything ;) )
  • What’s your Astrological sign?
    • Capricorn
  • Do you write sweet and cuddly or toe-curling steamy lovin’ stories?
    • Being a YA author, I have to go with sweet and cuddly. Steamy is fun and exciting, but sweet and cuddly can be much more emotionally powerful.
  • Do you read sweet and cuddly or toe-curling steamy lovin’ stories?
    • I read a lot of James Patterson (at least lately) and his books are primarily full of action and danger. When there are love scenes, they’re usually a bit more steamy than cuddly.

 Me:What’s on your desk when you write?

MJH: What isn’t? I have to move the clutter to see my monitor. If the phone didn’t actually ring, I could never find the dang thing. :)

Me: Do you write to music or quiet? If you do write with music, can you share one song that’s significantly impacted this story?

 MJH: That’s a good question. I do like to listen to music when I write. I have a playlist that I listen to over and over again. It functions as the soundtrack to my stories. I listen to a lot of 80s music, They Might Be Giants, Cold Play and I really love old crooners, particularly Dean Martin, and (though not old, but a crooner nevertheless) Michael Bublé

 Me: What’s your favorite line from your most recent release? Why?

MJH: Okay, perhaps I’m a bit of a dog myself, Mike thought, but I’m a nice little dog.  Todd’s a creepy slobbering hound.

 Me: What’s next? You don’t have to get specifics – but feel free to leave a tantalizing snippet or cryptic hook.

MJH: I’m about done with a Middle Grade book called Where’s Cherry Soda?

As for the sequel to Bewitched, I have it mapped out. It’s going to be called The Return of the Familiar. That title will mean something to you if you’ve read Bewitched. It refers to Samantha’s mother, who currently, is trapped in a netherworld called the Appensus. Just wait ‘til she gets out!

 Me: Who is your favorite character from Greek Mythology OR which Olympian would you want to be? And why?

MJH: When I was a kid, I always liked Hermes/Mercury. I think it had something to do with the shoes. Now…hmm, I think I’d have to go with Hephaestus. I know he’s kind of dour and all that, but he’s married to Aphrodite. Yowza!

 

 

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Tuesday Talent – RITA ARENS

Tuesday, February 26th, 2013

***Sorry for getting this posted so late!!!***

I’m delighted to have the talented Rita Arens here today – to talk about her writing process, reading, and her new book! Thanks so much for being here, Rita!

What was the first book you read that grabbed you? What genre? Who is the author?

R.A: The first book I remember rocking my entire world was A WRINKLE IN TIME, by Madeline L’Engle. I believe it would be considered YA.

 Is there an author that you get fan-girl crazy over? Have you ever met him/her? Do you want to?

R.A: I love the work of John Green, who I actually only discovered last year. I’ve never met him, though I managed a campaign for THE FAULT IN OUR STARS for BlogHer Book Club.

What’s your:

  • Favorite color? Yellow                      
  • Favorite season? Summer
  • Favorite Hero – movie or book? Yossarian in CATCH-22 (book)
  • Snack weakness (food or drink)? French fries
  • What’s your Astrological sign? Aquarius
  • Do you write sweet and cuddly or toe-curling steamy lovin’ stories? Somewhere in between, I guess.

 What’s on your desk when you write?

R.A: Other people’s books.

 Do you write to music or quiet? If you do write with music, can you share one song that’s significantly impacted this story?

R.A:I have an entire playlist for this book on my website, www.ritaarens.com, under Young Adult Fiction. I write with headphones, always.

What’s your favorite line from your most recent release? Why?

R.A: I don’t have a favorite – if I did, it probably would’ve been cut.

 What’s next? You don’t have to get specifics – but feel free to leave a tantalizing snippet or cryptic hook.

R.A: I’m working on another standalone, contemporary realistic fiction young adult novel called THE BIRTHRIGHT OF PARKER CLEAVES. 

 

“Everyone trusted me back then. Good old, dependable Diana. Which is why most people didn’t notice at first.”

Praise for The Obvious Game:

“Lovely, evocative, painful and joyful all  in one … much like high school.” –Jenny Lawson, author of LET’S PRETEND THIS NEVER HAPPENED 

“I couldn’t put down THE OBVIOUS GAME. Arens perfectly captures the hunger, pain and uncertainty of adolescence.” – Ann Napolitano, author of A GOOD HARD LOOK and WITHIN ARM’S REACH

“THE OBVIOUS GAME is a fearless, honest, and intense look into the psychology of anorexia. The characters—especially Diana–are so natural and emotionally authentic that you’ll find yourself yelling at the page even as you’re compelled to turn it.” – Coert Voorhees, author of LUCKY FOOLS and THE BROTHERS TORRES

“Let’s be clear about one thing: there’s nothing obvious about THE OBVIOUS GAME. Arens has written a moving, sometimes heart-breaking story about one girl’s attempt to control the uncontrollable. You can’t help but relate to Diana and her struggles as you delve into this gem of a novel.” – Risa Green, author of THE SECRET SOCIETY OF THE PINK CRYSTAL BALL

“THE OBVIOUS GAME explores the chasms between conformity and independence, faith and fear, discoveries and secrets, first times and last chances, hunger and satisfaction. The tortured teenage experience is captured triumphantly within the pages of this unflinching, yet utterly relatable, novel. -Erica Rivera, author of INSATIABLE: A YOUNG MOTHER’S STRUGGLE WITH ANOREXIA 

 

Book Information:

Publisher: Inkspell Publishing

Release Date: Feb 7th, 2013

ISBN: 978-0-9856562-7-0 (ebook), 978-0-9856562-8-7 (Paperback)

Paperback Price: $13.99

Kindle: $4.99

Pre-order now at Inkspell Publishing Website at a special discount of 30% on both paperback and ebook!

Website/blog: http://www.surrenderdorothyblog.com orhttp://www.ritaarens.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ritaarens

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rita.arens

BlogHer: http://www.blogher.com/member/rita-arens

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=4048495&trk=tab_pro

Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/ritajarens/

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B002KRLEHE

Goodreads:http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1371209.Rita_Arens

 

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Tuesday Talent – LISA VOISIN

Tuesday, February 19th, 2013

Today I have a wonderful author and fellow InkSpell afficianado – Lisa Voisin! Thanks so much for being with us today and standing in the spotlight!!!!

A Canadian-born author, Lisa Voisin spent her childhood daydreaming and making up stories, but it was her love of reading and writing in her teens that drew her to Young Adult fiction. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her meditating or hiking in the mountains to counter the side effects of drinking too much coffee. She lives in Vancouver, B.C. with her fiance and their two cats.

Lisa can be reached via email at lisa [at] lisavoisin [dot] com or at the following sites:

 

 

Twitter: @lvoisin

Facebook: Lisa Voisin Author

Goodreads: Me / My book

My blog: lisavoisin.wordpress.com

Pinterest: lvoisin

Now, down to the interview…

ME: What was the first book you read that grabbed you? What genre? Who is the author?

 L.V: Though I know I enjoyed many books as a kid, I’d have to say the first novel book that really grabbed me was a Nancy Drew book, The Secret of the Old Clock. It was the first in the series, and my mother got me into reading them, because she’d loved them growing up as well. I collected them when I was young. Loved Nancy Drew.

 ME: Is there an author that you get fan-girl crazy over? Have you ever met him/her? Do you want to?

 L.V: I’m a bit fan-girl over Neil Gaiman. I’ve been a fan since I read his Sandman graphic novels in the 1990s. I’ve seen him speak a few times and I met him briefly after one of the events, when he did a book signing. It was massively crowded.

Most of the time when I’m really fan-girl over someone, I act the way I used to in high school when I had a crush. I’m all gushy about them when they’re not there. But as soon as they come around I’m like all calm and trying to act normal, but really, I’m just awkward.

 What’s your:

  • Favorite color?   Purple or Indigo blue             
  • Favorite season?   Autumn
  • Favorite Hero – movie or book?   Aragorn in the Lord of the Rings. I love reluctant heroes.
  • Snack weakness (food or drink)?   Roasted, salted cashews
  • What’s your Astrological sign?   Taurus
  • Do you write sweet and cuddly or toe-curling steamy lovin’ stories?   A little of both. I write Young Adult fiction, so technically it’s sweet and cuddly compared to adult romances, but I’d you can still be steamy in YA.
  • Do you read sweet and cuddly or toe-curling steamy lovin’ stories?   I read a lot of YA, which is usually sweet, but I do love the steamy bits. I read the occasional steamy romance too.

 ME: What’s on your desk when you write?

L.V: Well, I have to say my desk is a mess as I write this. I have printed chapters for revision, notebooks, pens and bookmarks. Usually one of my cats comes along and makes an appearance too!

 ME: Do you write to music or quiet? If you do write with music, can you share one song that’s significantly impacted this story?

 L.V: Many songs have influenced the feel of THE WATCHER. One is Coldplay’s Viva la Vida, because the tone of it really captures Michael’s regret. It speaks of someone who once had immense power and how much of it has been lost. It’s sort of how he sees himself now that he has been humbled and has regret. 

I have a whole playlist posted on my blog at: http://lisavoisin.wordpress.com/playlists/

 ME: What’s your favorite line from your most recent release? Why?

L.V: I don’t really have one favorite line, but one I’m fond of is this one:

When he spoke, his voice was a chord, and the sound of my name echoed through me like I was an instrument being strummed.

            I like it because it speaks to an ancient connection between Mia and Michael, and it’s at a point in the story where Mia is learning more about herself than she’d ever imagined.

 ME: What’s next? You don’t have to get specifics – but feel free to leave a tantalizing snippet or cryptic hook.

 L.V: After that, Mia is drawn further into Michael’s world, where he must protect her, not only from an ancient nemesis, but also from himself.

ME: Who is your favorite character from Greek Mythology OR which Olympian would you want to be? And why?

 L.V: There are so many great Greek gods and goddesses to choose from! I’d have to say Aphrodite. She seemed to have the most fun!

Millennia ago, he fell from heaven for her. Can he face her without falling again?

Fascinated with ancient civilizations, seventeen-year-old Mia Crawford dreams of becoming an archaeologist. She also dreams of wings–soft and silent like snow–and somebody trying to steal them.

When a horrible creature appears out of thin air and attacks her, she knows Michael Fontaine is involved. Secretive and aloof, Michael evokes feelings in Mia that she doesn’t understand. Images of another time and place haunt her. She recognizes them–but not from any textbook.

In search of the truth, Mia discovers a past life of forbidden love, jealousy and revenge that tore an angel from Heaven and sent her to an early grave. Now that her soul has returned, does she have a chance at loving that angel again? Or will an age-old nemesis destroy them both?

Ancient history is only the beginning.

This romantic thriller for young adults will be available March 4, 2013. In the meantime, add it on Goodreads.

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Tuesday Talent – ANGI MORGAN

Tuesday, January 29th, 2013

Besides loving a good romance and being a super awesome author – Miss Angi Morgan is also a Texas gal, like me. I’m so very glad to have her here today! I hope you’ll leave oodles of comments and show her some love…

Sasha, thank you for hosting me on your blog. I’m a huge fan and so glad to be here. I’m having a very big January contest and encourage everyone to enter. It’s for a basket of some of my favorite goodies, a DVD, and books. Leave a blog comment today and you can receive some extra chances.

**Aw – thank YOU Angi! Believe me – the feeling is mutual! And – yay – for the big giveaway!! I’ll echo your encouragement — Comment to ENTER people!!!**

What was the first book you read that grabbed you? What genre? Who is the author?

The first book I remember reading over and over and over is 101 Dalmatians by Dodie Smith written in 1956.

I own a newer version. In the fourth grade, I got hooked on this story, had parts of it memorized. My school librarian knew I loved it and at the end of the year she gave me a copy. The Disney movie had been released in 1961, but I hadn’t seen it. These were the days before video tape or DVDs or even the commercial release of the animated books. I don’t know why I fell in love with the adventure of two dogs to save their pups. But I did.

Is there an author that you get fan-girl crazy over? Have you ever met him/her? Do you want to?

I have been fan-girl crazy over Nora Roberts. I’ve met her at book signings. She’s such a classy woman.

 What’s your:

  • Favorite color? Purple, the color of an Intrigue cover.        
  • Favorite season? Summer, I’d rather cool down in a pool than warm up by a fire (although a fire’s always good in the winter).
  • Favorite Hero – movie or book?  JOHN McCLANE, Die Hard series

(I’m always rooting that he’ll find the right girl…YIPPEE KI-YAY, I’ve also used a reference to DIE HARD in my first book)

  • Snack weakness (food or drink)? Snacking…craisens and pita chips, but my weakness and reward for finishing a book is Marble Slab Amaretto ice cream with white chocolate chips. It’s always as good as I remember.
  • What’s your Astrological sign? Libra –and I’m a very true one
  • Do you write sweet and cuddly or toe-curling steamy lovin’ stories? One of my readers said the following, “I like reading Angi’s books because I can read them without blushing.”
  • Do you read sweet and cuddly or toe-curling steamy lovin’ stories? I read a great variety of romances, but give me that happily-ever-after. And I’m a traditional sort of gal.

 What’s on your desk when you write?

Well, that varies with who’s home or not home. When someone’s here, I shut the door to my office, put the headphones on, and use my dual monitors on my 8′ desk (husband made it for me when we moved in). He also bought me USB LED Christmas lights that are plugged in year round. I also stare at my daughter’s old lava lamp or get completely distracted with cleaning off that 8′ surface.

When I’m traveling, it would be the view that counts. Alone, I tend to write on the couch so sometimes it’s just a lap desk with my dancing Scooby Doo mouse pad and a couple of black lab paws vying for my attention.

Do you write to music or quiet? If you do write with music, can you share one song that’s significantly impacted this story?

I have three sound tracks that I consistently write to now: Sherlock Holmes, Real Steal and Knight & Day (excellent movies, too). I can usually find the correct tempo and attitude with those. But while I’m gearing up to actually write I listen to a specific playlist for each manuscript. And yep, there’s normally one song that nails the emotional drive of the characters. Once I find that song, I know I’m headed in the right direction. The driving songs recently…

DANGEROUS MEMORIES, Shut Up & Kiss Me by Mary Chapin Carpenter & How Do I Get There by Deana Carter

PROTECTING THEIR CHILD, Let It Hurt by Rascal Flatts

DOUBLE TAKE, Ready To Love Again by Lady Antebellbum

What’s your favorite line from your most recent release? Why?

THE END?  Sorry, I couldn’t resist.  This line is my favorite because it came out of nowhere. It wasn’t planned and all of a sudden, the entire book came together. It completely surprised me and that’s what I love about story-telling.

“Levi, I just told you that my mother’s murderer looks like a Japanese anime cartoon. There’s not much hope of finding him.”  ~~Jolene Atkins, DANGEROUS MEMORIES

 What’s next? You don’t have to get specifics – but feel free to leave a tantalizing snippet or cryptic hook.

Next Up after DANGEROUS MEMORIES is PROTECTING THEIR CHILD. Here’s a snippet:

“Your wife is a dead woman.” Jorje Serna, as he left the courtroom a free man, pointed directly at Cord McCrea.

          The evil words closed Cord’s throat in a moment of fear. Just a moment that pierced him as fast as the bullet that had broken his back. The ache around the scar was real enough. He recognized it. Fought it. Shoved it aside.

          Free on a technicality after three years in prison. Short years for the crimes Serna had committed. Incredibly long years as Cord’s life as a husband and Texas Ranger unraveled.

 

 Who is your favorite character from Greek Mythology OR which Olympian would you want to be? And why?

OH wow, mythology, senior English class. It was our last big test and I loved it! Unfortunately, most of the guys in our class didn’t and ended up coming to my house to study. Those are my legs in the picture someone snapped. But what character would I want to be? Since I’m a girl I’m going with Athena… “goddess of reason, intelligent activity, arts and literature.”

DANGEROUS MEMORIES  (read an excerpt on Amazon or her website)

“From the echoing shots in a cemetery straight through the hair-raising conclusion, this story of missing memories and murders will rattle readers from the opening pages, as they guess and guess again who the real culprit is.”  4 1/2 stars from Romantic Times Magazine

~ ~ ~

Angi Morgan writes “Intrigues where honor and danger collide with love.” She combines actual Texas settings with characters who are in realistic and dangerous situations. Angi has been a finalist in the Bookseller’s Best Award, Romantic Times Best First Series, Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence and the Daphne du Maurier.  

 

 

 

FIND ANGI

Website   Connect on Facebook   FB Fan Page   Twitter @AngiMorganAuthr

A Picture A Day   Goodreads  (separate book give away)

 

ENTER TO WIN Angi’s January monthly contest.  The January Giveaway ends on January 31st, winner announced February 2nd. Registration is through Rafflecopter.

 

 

 

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Posted in Author Interview, Books, Movies, Romance Novels | 5 Comments »

Final Release Party Post!!!! What a Day!!!

Tuesday, January 22nd, 2013

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hugs to you both, Lynn and Jean!!!

I’m making this post super short! I have four screaming monsters waiting to be fed… And by monsters I mean children. ;) But they’re my monsters children and I love them!

Anyway Ten entries EACH:

  • In the comments - Name the original 6 Olympians!!!
  • Please like and tweet For the Love of Hades on Amazon
  • Please like and tweet For the Love of Hades on Barnes and Noble

I sincerely hope you’ll drop by my FB page and like it too (AND for 10 entries, too – why not!) I’m there daily – to stay in touch for upcoming releases, announcements, and events I’ll have coming your way in the near future!

Oh – AND I have a pretty awesome and brand-spanking new Street Team too – so you can check out that info on my FB as well! Or email ssummersauthor@gmail.com for more info!  

Again – THANK YOU for making today such a success!

And Happy Reading!!!

 

Not ready to say Good-bye?

No worries - THE PARTY isn’t over!

Yep – it’s a TWITTER PARTY!!!!

Twitter - 8pm EST Tonight – #RUSHED!

 

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Posted in Author Interview, Greek Myths, Romance Novels | 12 Comments »

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