Saturday, December 13, 2014

PORTALS By MAER WILSON BLOG Tour 12/9 - 12/13

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Portals

For supernatural detectives Thulu and La Fi, “normal” is a relative term. La Fi is a medium, Thulu is a finder, and their usual clients are already dead. But when their friend Reo is shot, and a group of stranded angels shows up at their house for help finding a missing child, things are striking too close to home. And the portals that let the magical races return to Earth are opening on their own. With trips off-world, a kidnapped psychic and changes to their own abilities, Thulu and La Fi are hit with a lot more than they usually handle. Of course, their magical friends are there to help, but even they may not be enough to save an increasingly unstable Earth. Portals is the cross genre (Sci Fi/Urban Fantasy) sequel to Relics and is Book 2 in the Modern Magics series.  
Portals can be found at these retailers:

Amazon - Kindle     |     Amazon - Paperback

Barnes & Noble - Nook     |     iTunes


Excerpt from Portals:


It took a while to make our way through the chaos, doing our best to avoid the slashes from swords and daggers. I could barely breathe from fear. A daemon appeared before us, his sword raised to strike down at us. Thulu moved closer to me, doing his best to shield us with his backpack. The blow never came, as the tip of a sword grew from the daemon’s chest. His body crashed to the floor, and we skirted it on our way forward once more. Our heavy backpacks caused some issues as we traveled across the room, but after that episode neither of us was willing to drop them.

The screams of the injured and dying tore at my heart, but we finally saw glimpses of the portal. The portal was still ours. Dhavenbahtek and a few guards were fighting off the other daemons, as they tried to pull people closer and shove them through the portal.

As we made it to the platform, Dhavenbahtek saw us and immediately moved to pull us forward. I took a quick look around the room and saw that most of the fighting was now between daemons. I saw no Light Ones standing and hoped most had gotten through. A few elves were moving toward the portal. I caught sight of wings in their midst and realized they were guarding a Light One child.

More daemons appeared, but whose side they were on, I had no idea. Since the number of people had greatly thinned out as they’d gone through the portal, visibility became much easier.

I heard an unearthly scream again as Satorah saw she had a clear path to Dhavenbahtek. She held a dagger in her hand and flew toward him. He held a sword so big I couldn’t have lifted it. Her hatred blazed through her eyes. Dhavenbahtek spared a moment to sweep Thulu and me through the portal. My last glimpse was Dhavenbahtek blocking the portal, just as Satorah reached him.

Thulu and I tumbled out onto hot sand, our heavy backpacks dragging us off balance. Hands quickly reached to help us up, and we were still sorting ourselves out when the group of elves came through with the Light One child. They fell through the portal, and we scrambled to get out of the way. The heat was incredible, and the light from the sun was weird, but I didn’t have time to do more than note it.

We waited for several long moments. At last, Dhavenbahtek came through, bloody sword in one hand. My relief at his appearance was short-lived.

Two things happened almost simultaneously that cause me to cry out.

I stared in horror as I saw the dagger protruding from his chest, just as the portal behind him flickered several times and disappeared. Yeah, that same portal that supposedly never closed.





Read on for more and to enter the giveaway. Grand Prize is a Kindle...

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Dirty Ties Pam Goodwin Blog Tour


Revenge.
I race to finance it.
I evade to protect it.
I kill to attain it.
I planned everything.

Except her.
The alluring, curvaceous blonde at the finish line.
With sapphire eyes that cheat and lie.
Whose powerful family murdered mine.

I hate her.
I want her.

I know she’s hiding something.
But so am I.

Expected Release Date : January 12th, 2015


ADD PRE-ORDER LINKS HERE

ADD TEASER PICTURE HERE AS WELL!!! 



New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author, Pam Godwin, lives in the Midwest with her husband, their two children, and a foulmouthed parrot. When she ran away, she traveled fourteen countries across five continents, attended three universities, and married the vocalist of her favorite rock band.

Java, tobacco, and dark romance novels are her favorite indulgences, and might be considered more unhealthy than her aversion to sleeping, eating meat, and dolls with blinking eyes.








Amazon US → http://www.amazon.com/Dirty-Ties-Pam-Godwin-ebook/dp/B00PQ3QTT2/ref=sr_1_1_twi_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416251243&sr=8-1&keywords=dirty+ties+pam+godwin Amazon UK → http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dirty-Ties-Pam-Godwin-ebook/dp/B00PQ3QTT2/ref=sr_1_1_twi_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416251633&sr=8-1&keywords=dirty+ties+pam+godwin Amazon CA → http://www.amazon.ca/Dirty-Ties-Pam-Godwin-ebook/dp/B00PQ3QTT2/ref=sr_1_1_twi_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416251707&sr=8-1&keywords=dirty+ties+pam+godwin

Monday, November 10, 2014

Maer Wilson's Relics Blog Tour

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Relics

Most of Thulu and La Fi's clients are dead. Which is perfect since their detective agency caters to the supernatural. But a simple job finding a lost locket leads to a big case tracking relics for an ancient daemon. The daemon needs the relics to keep a dangerous portal closed. His enemy, Gabriel, wants the relics to open the portal and give his people access to a new feeding ground – Earth. Caught on live TV, other portals begin to open and the creatures of magic return to Earth. The people of Earth are not alone, but will soon wish they were. When Gabriel threatens their family, Thulu and La Fi's search becomes personal. The couple will need powerful help in the race to find the relics before Gabriel does. But maybe that's what ghostly friends, magical allies and daemonic clients are for. When the creatures of myth and magic return to Earth, they're nothing like your mother's fairy tales.  
 
 

Excerpt:


When the dead are afraid, there’s a big problem. The fear cut through the abandoned warehouse as sharp as the dagger at my throat. The tall, powerful being easily held me immobile. Breaking promises and lying to ancient creatures who can make you very dead, very fast was not such a good idea.

Humans and non-humans, living and dead, all of us were cautious not to make any sudden moves that would send my captor over the edge.

I tried to take careful breaths. I was terrified, more afraid than I’d ever been in my life and in shock, too. Betrayal and death will do that to you, let me tell you.

Like a car out of control on ice, my thoughts careened all over the place. I could only hope someone in the group was thinking clearer than me. I kept my eyes down to hide the emotions I knew would upset the others. No sense letting Thulu and the rest know just how freaked out I really was.

All I could tell myself was to breathe easy and try not to swallow. There was nothing but silence for long minutes, as both sides continued to wait. No one moved. Even the dead were frozen with fear. Now there’s a scary thought.
 
 
Relics can be found at these retailers:

Amazon - Kindle     |     Amazon - Paperback     |     Barnes & Noble - Nook     |     iTunes

tourabouttheauthora
   

 Maer Wilson

Maer AuthorAfter a successful career being other people, and later teaching others the many tricks of that trade, Maer Wilson has decided to be herself for a while. Turns out she's a writer. She's always loved stories, especially fantasy, mystery and sci fi. Maer was born in the Year of the Dragon and has a dragon-themed room in her home, but sadly no dragons in the back yard. When she's not writing, Maer plays online video games, teaches college and reads. Maer is a partner in Ellysian Press, a small publishing house. She also co-hosts the literary podcast MythBehaving. Maer lives in the high desert of Southern Nevada with her three dogs, a chihuahua and two poodles. Her books include Relics and Portals, Books 1 and 2 in the Modern Magics series. The upcoming third book in the series is Magics. There are also three novelettes in the series - “Ghost Memory,” “Unwanted Ghost” and “Ghost Dancer.” A fourth story, “Wedding Ghost” is also planned. You can find all books and novelettes in the Modern Magics series at Amazon.   You can find Maer at these links:

Maer's Website     |     Amazon     |     Facebook

Twitter     |     Goodreads     |     Pinterest

 

Giveaway

This Giveaway is open internationally
Must be 13+ to enter
PRIZES
2 Winners – ecopy of RELICS
1 Winner – $5 Amazon Gift Card
1 Winner – $10 Amazon Gift Card
2 Winners – ecopies of the Modern Magics Novelettes – “Ghost Memory,” “Unwanted Ghost,” and “Ghost Dancer”
 
This tour is brought to you by
mythtoursbanner
 
Please check out the other hosts on the tour for more chances to enter the Giveaway!
11/10/2014      http://cubicleblindness.com
11/10/2014      http://carolhollandmarch.com/
11/11/2014      http://danielledevor.wordpress.com
11/12/2014      http://www.kirstinpulioff.com
11/12/2014      http://pratr.wordpress.com/
11/12/2014      http://www.weigandchris.com
11/12/2014      http://constancephillips.com/
11/12/2014      http://sheiladeeth.blogspot.com
11/14/2014      http://dennaholm.wordpress.com
11/14/2014      http://cindyyoungturner.com/

Saturday, November 8, 2014

Toby The Pet Therapy Dog Says To be a Buddy Not a Bully By Charmine Hammond and Illustrations by Rose Ann Prevec

Toby the Pet Therapy Dog and His Hospital FriendsToby the Pet Therapy Dog and His Hospital Friends by Charmaine Hammond
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Toby the therapy dog goes to a classroom to teach children about the proper ways to deal with a bully.
This is a wonderful book which teaches children about bullies and the best way of dealing with them. Since they were very little, I have taught my children thee rules of conduct which have stopped many fights before they ever happened. First, ask the person to stop, then walk away from the situation and finally tell a parent what is happening. This book covers these rules with delightful illustrations and easy to fallow narration. I would recommend this to anyone with small children who are attending school or have siblings.


View all my reviews

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

The Wacky World of Wendy White by Barbra Ann Bonilla

The Wacky World of Wendy White! a Whopper of a TaleThe Wacky World of Wendy White! a Whopper of a Tale by Barbara Ann Bonilla
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is first and forthmost about food. Then there is an underling story intertwined in about a lonely girl in search of a friend. On her quest, she finds more then she bargains for.
What are my thoughts on this book? To be honest I am not sure. Frankly my head is still spinning. I highly admire the author for keeping all those brand names straight in her head as she wrote it. I had to read it in short burst just to keep it in perspective. The underling story is wonderful however and I would recommend, if you are brave a person to read this book you should read it twice first to recognize the band names then again to fallow the true intended story. That way the good story is not lost under the weight of familiarity. I would recommend this to anyone who cannot help reading the store names while traveling down the street or the brand names while strolling in the grocery store isle.


View all my reviews

Sunday, November 2, 2014

When I grow up I want to be a Fire Fighter By Wigu Publishing

When I Grow Up I Want To Be...a Firefighter! (When I Grow Up I Want To Be...)When I Grow Up I Want To Be...a Firefighter! by Wigu Publishing
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Will is afraid of Fire Fighters and fire so when his teacher says their next field trip is to a fire station he is devastated. When he gets there however he learns a few things about himself and Firefighters. First of all, it is okay to be afraid of fire it is a dangerous force that can hurt you. Firefighters on the other hand are just people who wear protective clothing and just look scary on the outside but are there to help you.
This book is really about courage and understanding it is a great way to learn about Fire Fighters and how they are here to help you when there is an emergency. Plus the illustrations overlaid on top of real pictures really added to the enjoyment of the story.


View all my reviews

Ziggersnout By Dale Rensing Illustrations by Guy Gilchrist and Laurie Tisdel

ZiggersnoutZiggersnout by Dale Rensing
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Learning a new skill is hard especially for Eric who despite his best efforts can't seem to get the hang of ice-skating. With a little help from Gramps the Zamboni Driver and a little imagination, Eric finds the will to try. A Shadow under the ice turns out to be a wonderful creature which helps the boy not to be scared and learn the skills needed to accomplish his goal by turning it in to a game.
The illustrations were wonderful and the story was delightful. This book would, appeal to any child who is struggling to learn something new because with a little help from their own imaginary Ziggersnout they can accomplish anything.


View all my reviews

T-Bone the Flying Horse by Janice Virant

T-Bone the Flying HorseT-Bone the Flying Horse by Janice Virant
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A lonely washed out race horse sits alone in his stall until a little girl adopts him and he becomes more then they both ever thought possible. This book is all about the powerful force of love and how it can make extraordinary things happen. This story may appeal to any girl who is a dreamer or longs to have a horse of her own. The illustrations are colorful and well drawn and they fit well with the story.


Saturday, October 18, 2014

THE CASTLE QUAKE BLUES Virtual Book Tour!

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The Castle Blues Quake

THE CASTLE BLUES QUAKE by Linda Covella Children's, Young Adult - Sci Fi / Fantasy Tour Dates: October 14 - October 24, 2014 Blog Tour with Giveaway 12-year-old Pepper Connelly leaves her best friend, Chrissie, behind when her family moves from New York City to Santa Cruz, CA. Pepper discovers a boy, Corey, hiding in her backyard shed. Unknown to Pepper, Corey is a ghost trying to contact his grandfather, Boppie, before he crosses over. He tells Pepper he must locate Boppie before Social Services finds him. Pepper agrees to help. While Pepper’s communication with Chrissie dwindles, her friendship with Corey grows. She tells Corey about her passion for writing songs, and throughout the story, she composes a song about Corey. Corey teaches Pepper to play the harmonica. Soon, she’s torn between finding Boppie and knowing when she does, Corey will certainly go back on the road with his traveling-musician grandfather. Other characters help her on her quest: new classmate Ally Cressman, who dresses in an odd-ball, non-mall style; Sawtooth Sam, the mysterious saw-playing street musician; and Madame Mchumba, who performs her psychic readings at the Boardwalk amusement park. Earthquakes, haunted house rides, poltergeists, and crystal ball readings propel Pepper toward the shocking conclusion of her search.
You can buy THE CASTLE BLUES QUAKE at:

Amazon

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 Linda Covella

Profile Picture_Charlie CutLinda Covella’s varied job experience and education (associate degrees in art, business and mechanical drafting & design, a BS degree in Manufacturing Management) have led her down many paths and enriched her life experiences. But one thing she never strayed from is her love of writing. A writer for over 30 years, her first official publication was a restaurant review column in a local newspaper, and as a freelance writer, she continued to publish numerous articles in a variety of publications. But when she published articles for children’s magazines (“Games and Toys in Ancient Rome” and “Traveling the Tokaido in 17th Century Japan,” in Learning Through History magazine, and “Barry’s Very Grown Up Day” in Zootles magazine), she realized she’d found her niche: writing for children. She wants to share with kids and teens her love of books:  the worlds they open, the things they teach, the feelings they express. Yakimali’s Gift, a historical novel for young adults published by Astraea Press, and middle grade paranormal The Castle Blues Quake published by Beau Coup Publishing are her first novels. She’s a member of Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). No matter what new paths she may travel down, she sees her writing as a lifelong joy and commitment.  
You can find Linda at these links:

Linda’s Website     |     Facebook     |     Twitter

Goodreads     |     Pinterest

 

 Giveaway

This Giveaway is open Internationally. You must be 13+ to enter.
PRIZES
2 Winners will each receive a $5 Amazon Gift Card
1 Winner will receive a $10 Amazon Gift Card
This tour is brought to you by
mythtoursbanner
Please check out the other hosts on the tour for chances to enter the Giveaway!

Saturday, September 27, 2014

Virtual Book Tour for Agency Rules by Khalid Muhammad

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Welcome to the Virtual Book Tour for Agency Rules by Khalid Muhammad. This critically acclaimed political thriller is an action-packed page-turner

agency rules
 
 
 
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Agency Rules

Celebrated as a ragtag force that defeated and broke the Soviet Union, no one predicted the Mujahideen would bring with them a plague that would spread like wildfire through Pakistan in the years to follow. When the battle-worn fighters returned with no enemy or war to fight, they turned their sights on the country that had been their creator and benefactor. From the same battlegrounds that birthed the Mujahideen, a young Kamal Khan emerges as a different breed of warrior. Discarding his wealthy family comforts, Kamal becomes a precision sniper, an invincible commando and a clandestine operative bringing intimidation, dominance and death with him to the battlefield. Ending the plague is his prime directive. Shrouded in political expediency, hampered by internal power struggles, international espionage and doublespeak that makes Washington’s spin doctors proud, Kamal’s mission is a nightmare of rampant militant fundamentalism that threatens to choke and take Pakistan hostage. For him, the fight is not just for freedom, but the survival of a nation.


Excerpt from Agency Rules – Never an Easy Day at the Office

 

Standing in the hall of the abandoned warehouse, blood dripped from his body, leaving a trail on the grimy floor. A body was slumped in the chair in the middle of the hall with a singular light hanging above, illuminating a small radius around it. Another lay in the doorway propping the door open. The fight inside had been more than expected from the three days he spent surveying the warehouse. By his count, there should not have been more than five men both inside and out. Instead, he had found almost seven men around the facility.

They had prepared well for his arrival.

On his approach, he saw one man guarding the entrance. There were usually two… where’s the other one? Kamal shook off the thought and sized up his enemy, noting that he was a scrawny soldier that didn’t fill his uniform. He ducked into the shadows where he could use the darkness against the soldier, catching him by surprise. He rushed the guard, knocking him to the ground before he could set himself or draw his weapon. With a quick strike to the head, the first guard was neutralized. Before he could get up, he heard the door to the warehouse open. Jumping to his feet, Kamal saw the second guard emerge, finding Kamal hovering over his partner’s incapacitated body. The guard, surprisingly, dropped his AK-47 and rushed at Kamal, driving him into the concrete wall of the warehouse with a shoulder block. As he pulled back from Kamal, he landed two solid right crosses to his jaw stunning Kamal and giving himself time to set for the fight. Kamal pulled himself up from one knee, gasping for air and taking the time to assess his opponent. The guard didn’t wait for Kamal to position himself and struck again with a swift kick to his midriff, bring the taste of blood to Kamal’s mouth. Oh, that is just unacceptable.

Kamal spat the blood onto the ground and spun around, taking the guard’s legs out with a vicious kick to his knees. As the guard hit the ground, Kamal launched himself onto him, grabbing his neck in a chokehold. The guard threw elbows behind him, and kicked helplessly in the air as Kamal increased the pressure on his throat. Within minutes, his body stopped fighting and he was down.

Kamal stood, spitting a few times to clear the blood that had filled his mouth, finally using the sleeve of his shirt to wipe the remaining away. He smirked, admiring his work. Not as tough as he looked.

Standing over both bodies, his plan rapidly changed. Grabbing the second guard by the legs, he dragged him around the corner and pulled his uniform off. Silently and rapidly, Kamal undressed and pulled on the FC garb. Wow, this fits well. The guard had seemed so much larger than himself. He ripped his own shirt in half, using half to tie the guard’s hands together and the other half to seal his mouth, in case he came to and tried to warn the others. Kamal laughed silently, giving the guard another hard kick to the head. Just for good measure, you son of a bitch.

He entered the warehouse corridor, looking for the other guards. Spotting one about fifty feet down, he straightened his shoulders and called to him, “Did he come through here?”

The guard was surprised by the question. He hadn’t heard or seen anything. He strolled over to Kamal to find out what his colleague was talking about. “What?” Kamal waited till he was close enough, and casually raised his arm, as if to indicate towards the door. Gun in hand, he brought his arm down in a vicious swipe to the guard’s head, knocking him out cold. He fell hard into the wall from the blow and as he slid down, his gun clattered to the ground noisily. The commotion alerted another guard who came rushing around the corner, sidearm in hand. Seeing his compatriot laid out on the ground, with a fellow soldier standing over him, he slowed down.

“What happened to Ayaz?”

“I don’t know! I came in looking for the guy that knocked Sheraz out and found him like this,” Kamal said, quietly pulling his sidearm from the holster. “We should warn Faheem that we have a guest,” the soldier said, turning to warn his superior. Kamal waited for him to get a safe distance away and fired two rounds into his back, dropping him to the ground like a wounded deer. The guard tried to roll himself over to fire back at Kamal, but the round had damaged his spine badly, leaving him face down on the floor. Kamal went over and fired another round into his head, and almost like a second thought, changed his sidearm with the guard’s.

Kamal moved a few yards down the corridor when another soldier jumped from behind a crate hitting him with the butt of his AK-47, stunning him. What the fuck? Kamal thought, reaching up to find blood coming from just above his eye. “What’s your problem soldier? Don’t you recognize your own?” he said, glaring at the attacker. The guard hesitated for a moment but something must have alerted him, because he drew his weapon back again. Kamal used all his body weight to jam the weapon and soldier against the wall; he could feel his eye swelling up already, and he preferred not to expend any more energy than he had to.




You can buy Agency Rules at the link below:

 Amazon

tourabouttheauthora
 

 Khalid Muhammad

Khalid pic
By day, Khalid Muhammad is a mild-mannered business executive keeping himself busy running a marketing and brand management company. He takes someone else’s product and creates concepts, ideas and brand stories—things that make consumers want to buy, invest and save their hard-earned money.
By night, his alter ego emerges; one that has a penchant for sadistic retribution towards those who have wronged him, and that spends its time devising intricate and detailed plans for a nefarious end. If he hopes to continue to have friends and family, though, he has to keep his alter ego under control. So, Khalid chooses to write novellas, novels and short stories to let the wickedness escape; the other option means a great deal of blood, numerous torture implements and…well, infinite ways to dump a body. The writing is better for everyone involved and less dangerous for the guilty… until he writes them into another story.
 You can find Khalid at these links:

Website  | Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads  |  Amazon

 

Giveaway

This Giveaway is open internationally. Must be 16+ to enter.
There will be five winners each of a $10 Amazon Gift Card
 
This tour is brought to you by
mythtoursbanner
 
Please check out the other hosts on the tour for chances to enter the Giveaway!
9/23/2014        http://thecoverbybritt.blogspot.com/
9/23/2014        http://www.mmbearcupoftea.com
9/24/2014        http://danielledevor.wordpress.com
9/24/2014        http://thecoverbybritt.blogspot.com/
9/25/2014        http://thecoverbybritt.blogspot.com/
9/26/2014        http://thecoverbybritt.blogspot.com/
9/26/2014        www.bookpurses.blogspot.com
9/27/2014        http://sallyawolfreads.blogspot.ca/
9/27/2014        http://www.mythicalbooks.blogspot.ro/
9/27/2014        http://thecoverbybritt.blogspot.com/
9/28/2014        http://abookaddictsdelight.tumblr.com
9/28/2014        http://thecoverbybritt.blogspot.com/
9/29/2014        http://thecoverbybritt.blogspot.com/
9/30/2014        http://storeybookreviews.com/
10/2/2014        http://roomwithbooks.com
10/5/2014        http://mythbehaving.com/
10/7/2014        http://fit4amom.blogspot.com

Sunday, September 14, 2014

Meet and Greet with Nancy King and Review of Changing Spaces

Changing SpacesChanging Spaces by Nancy King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When Laura’s husband asks her for a divorce, her heart is cracked. Then it is further shattered when she learns the reason is because he has been with another woman, and she is pregnant with their child. Broken and alone she flees to a conference in Albuquerque, and then takes the first shuttle to Santa Fe. What she finds there is extraordinary.
When we get married, two individuals become one. The trick is to find a balance where the original individuals are not lost completely. This book deals with gaining the power of finding yourself and the understanding it is okay to do so. I would recommend this book to anyone who is has been or is going through a divorce. I would also recommend it to anyone who is still happily married and feels like they may be missing a part of themselves. Read this book if you are lost in someone’s shadow, even if it is your own.


View all my reviews

I would like to welcome Nancy King to my blog today.



1. I’ve written in a lot of genres: essays, plays, nonfiction, poetry, and fiction. The genre I choose comes from what I need/want to say and write. 

2. I’ve been writing since I was a child. My first “official piece of writing: happened when I was in 4th grade. There was a Christmas play but no Chanukah play and when I asked why not, was told there were none. I went to the library and the teacher was right, there were none. So, I took out a play, used the form, wrote a play (a whole lot harder than it looked) and that year there were two plays at Christmas time—The story of Jesus and the story of Chanukah.

3. I’m inspired to write by ideas, events, something that catches my eye . . . writing is something I need to do. If I’m not writing I feel as if something important is missing in my life.

4. It’s hard to say. My first novel, A Woman Walking began in 1983, was published in 2008. My second novel, Morning Light, began in 1990 and was published in 2009 but The Stones speak, began in 2006 was also published in 2009. I began Changing Spaces in 2011 and it was published din 2014. The first two novels were written initially while I was teaching full time, undergoing treatment for a rare form of leukemia, and, when I didn’t understand a lot about my early history.

5. The hardest part of the writing process is finding a publisher and then doing the publicity needed to get the book out into the reading world. The easiest, although I’m not sure I’d use that word, is creating the characters, developing their stories, finding the arc of the novel, then fine tuning it so that it coheres into an interesting and engrossing read.

6. I relate to all my characters, not that all of them are a part of me. When I write, I write from the character’s point of view, which means I have to embrace that character rather than judge. This process helps me acknowledge and explore parts of myself I might otherwise not know or acknowledge. For example, Max, in Morning Light, is a man who needs to be in control. When Anna threatens his sense of being in charge their marriage takes a disastrous turn, but Max isn’t a bad man. He’s a man who is unaware of his inner damage and that lack of knowing wreaks havoc on Anna.

7. Paul, in The Stones Speak, seemed to be a monster when Naomi first hears about him but when she meets him she discovers he is not what she thought him to be, that he had a story as compelling as hers.

8. Least favorite part of writing—finding a publisher. Most favorite part of writing—writing. I also love to revise since each revision, usually prompted by insightful questions by my editor, leads me deeper into the story.

9. I weave. I’m very active outdoors, depending on the season. In winter I ski, snowshoe, cross country ski and hike. When it’s warmer I ride my bike, play tennis, walk, and hike. I enjoy going to the theatre, watching films, reading, visiting with friends, and, of course, reading.

10. I prefer fiction, then autobiography, than biography. If I’m interested in a particular subject I’ll read nonfiction but if there are no stories to make the facts make sense, my brain usually shuts down.

11. There are too many authors to name although two novels reverberate in my mind: The Bone People by Keri Hulme and The Speed of Light by Elizabeth Rosner. I’m interested in how characters choose to change. Not interested in violence, fantasy, detective stories, or sic-fi.

12. My four novels, as well as a nonfiction book about my work with stories here and abroad, Dancing With Wonder: Self-Discovery Through Stories, can be found or ordered by any bookstore. They can be ordered from my website: www.nancykingstories.com, from Amazon, Abebooks, Barnes&Noble, and other online sites. The novels are also available as ebooks.

Stories have saved my life on several occasions and they play an important role in all of my writing—both fiction and nonfiction. I’m interested in the stories we tell ourselves as well as the stories told about us, by others. Often, the stories parents tell their children may be true for the adults, but not necessarily the children. How we change the stories we tell ourselves is a powerful incentive toward living what we might call an authentic life.
 
 
Thank you!

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

The Dancer's Ghost by Jayne-Marie Barker Review and Meet and Greet.

The Dancer's GhostThe Dancer's Ghost by Jayne-Marie Barker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this book a child is stolen, the dancer searchers, a woman dreams, and a flamboyant inspector solves all the mysteries to tie the loose ends together. I would recommend this book to everyone it is filled with romance, rhythm, mystery, action, the lost, the found, and the crazy. At first I was unsure of what was happening but as soon as this book took off I could hardly put it down. I am so glad I read it. I would even like to see more books staring the tall pencil chewing inspector and his pudgy partner.

View all my reviews

I would like to thank Jayne-Marie Barker for joining us today to talk about herself and her books.


1) What genre do you like to write?
Crime fiction. I like seemingly impossible mysteries.

2) How long have you been writing? What prompted you to start writing?
I first started to enjoy creative writing as a child, aged about eight years old. Imagination prompted me to write. There were too many ideas and tales spinning around in my mind.  I wrote my first novel when I was sixteen. I call it a novel but in reality it would be called a novella. At the time though, I didn't know this!  I studied English Literature for A-Level and read Margaret Atwood. This was the turning point in my writing life; when I thought, I want to write, to create the imagines for other people just as she had for me. When I reached my early twenties I began to dedicate time to writing every week.  Now, a decade later, I find myself with three published crime thrillers on the shelves.

3) What inspires you to write?
Other people, things I see, hear, random thoughts, almost everything. Most of all, I'd have to say other writers. In particular Jane Austen, Agatha Christie and Margaret Atwood. I am also inspired by tales told from an unusual angle or viewpoint. I thoroughly enjoyed 'The Time Traveller's Wife' by Audrey Niffenegger and Zadie Smith's 'White Teeth'; both very well written and unique.  The English language inspires me. Every day there are words or phrases that fit together in harmony, and make me smile.

4) When a story idea pops into your head, how long does it typically take to write it (from start to finish)?
About ten months, give or take a week or two.

5) What did you find to be the most difficult part of the writing process? Easiest?
The research is the easiest part. People tend to be very happy to assist with literary research. Plotting and planning I find very enjoyable. The middle section of the first draft is the most difficult. It is like finding your way through fog. By this time, I may have deviated from my plan very slightly (often for the better), and need to find my way back to the path!  Things always come right by the end.

6) Of all your characters whom do you most relate to?
That's a tricky question but I have to say Cathy in 'Distant Shadows'.

7) Is there one of your characters that you did not like when you started writing about them, but found yourself liking by the end of the story?
Yes - Inspector Allen. I planned to have my main character solve the mystery, and didn't initially want to feature the police very much. This all changed once I added Inspector Allen. I knew I would have to have a police character to tie up the loose ends and bring justice forward, but I hadn't planned on him entering the books quite so much as he did. During book 1, 'Beneath The Daisies', he developed in my mind and by book 2, 'Distant Shadows', he was fully formed, persistently entering scenes I hadn't planned for him to be in!  Strangely, I am not sure I would like some of his habits or characteristics in real life, but in my fictional world I can't help smiling about him.

8) What is your least favorite part about writing? The Most?
Promotion is the most tricky for me, simply because I don't have the experties or natural abilities of others in this area. Technically, promotion isn't writing, and maybe that's why. The most exciting bit is writing the final chapter. There is a mixture of relief and excitement when the story is almost told.

9) When you are not writing or editing what do you do for relaxation?
Aside from writing, my other grand passion in life is dance. I have various amateur examination achivements in Ballroom, Latin, Argentine Tango, and Salsa. In former years I learnt Carnival Samba and performed in carnivals across the UK. As we speak, I am in training to take my first dance teachers qualification exam. Dance brings a lovely social side to life, by contrast to writing, which tends to be solitary.

10) What genre of books do you like to read?
Surprise, surprise - I like reading crime fiction. Anything with a mystery to solve wins my attention quickly. Tales with unsolved mysteries dating back in time are a particular favourite of mine. I also enjoy romantic fiction from time to time, and the classics. Shuffling the order of genres to read works well, and retains variety.

11) What author(s) do you enjoy reading? Why?
I like to read a wide variety of authors because variety is the spice of life. I can't really pick an absolute favourite, but the top few would include Elly Griffiths, Adele Parks, RD Wingfield, Linwood Barclay, Lynn Shepherd, Jane Austen, Alison Bruce, Agatha Christie, Margaret Atwood, Audrey Niffenegger... there are lots!!
Every year I read 'Pride and Prejudice' and enjoy it as much as the first time.

12)Tell us about your books. Where can people find them?
My website has lots of information: http://www.jaynemariebarker.com/
Blog http://jaynemariebarker.blogspot.co.uk/?spref=tw
Facebook page http://t.co/V1pP6dqA
Twitter @JayneMarieBarke
I'm also listed on Goodreads.com and LinkedIn.com
UK author page http://www.amazon.co.uk/Jayne-Marie-Barker/e/B007EDJ7SW/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1373976999&sr=8-1
US author page http://www.amazon.com/Jayne-Marie-Barker/e/B007EDJ7SW/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1373977066&sr=8-1

'The Dancer's Ghost' - back cover
Where we come from can change everything.
When a baby is snatched the famous parents keep the tragedy secret, but this doesn't prevent Joyce Capelli from searching, attracting trouble at every turn. An anonymous writer claims to know everything, but it will cost Joyce more than she realises. When a shot is fired all she finds is an open window, and a room of photographs.
In the modern day Rebecca Houseman finds herself widowed, suffering persistent dreams, and threatened. What she doesn't know is why. When the unconventional DCI Allen says her husband's apparent natural causes was in fact murder, she wonders what he was trying to tell her in his final breath.
A stranger is watching the Houseman family, an unsettling familiarity that could change everything. As the attempts grow increasingly deadly, the inspector strives to solve the case, but can he crack the mystery before the assassin finds Rebecca?
Meanwhile, in the 1960s, Joyce's delight at finding her baby is tragically short lived. What could ink Rebecca Houseman and the young dancer's missing baby all those years ago?
HS ISBN 9781849633291

I wrote 'The Dancer's Ghost' very quickly. It flowed naturally onto the page. The dance element was a delight for me to write, and something I had wanted to add into a novel for some years. It is a little sad but ends with new promise and hope. The story is about a lost child and the consequences that has on other people.

'Distant Shadows' - back cover
One shot in the dark and everything changes. When Richard Burkett shoots his victim in 1935, and gets away with it, he doesn't expect to be caught over seventy years later. The death of one man can affect so many lives...
Zoe Peterson is shocked to find two police detectives one being the captivating DC James Clark interviewing her grandparents about an unsolved murder.
Simultaneously Cathy and Stephen endure emotional turmoil in 1957. The revelation of her father's identity frightens Cathy.
Zoe is concerned about her father's health and her ex won't accept her ditching him; until James plants his size twelve's firmly into her life. Will finding the dying gunman and earning her grandparents' gratitude be enough for James to win Zoe's heart?
In 1957 someone is stalking Cathy, the shadows following her, the darkness choking her, until breaking point finds her in Stephen's arms and the awful secret is revealed. Wedded bliss could so easily be snatched away by terminal heartbreak.
A chance comment reminds James that the identity of the victim is more important than that of the murderer...
HS ISBN 9781849631761

When I was much younger I wrote a novel entitled 'The Letter', a purely romantic tale that featured Cathy and Stephen. This came to nothing with publishers at the time but in later years I had the idea of turning it into a thriller by incorporating a stalker. As time went by this idea developed and the title of 'Distant Shadows' sprang to mind. Finally, I sat down to re-work my original text and 'Distant Shadows' as we know it today is the result. It's a special story for me because in some ways, it was my first, although published second.

'Beneath The Daisies' - back cover
Sometimes love can be a shortcut to heaven - literally!
A gift from the dead? Sophie Harris thinks so until her appointed handyman - the delectable Andy - unearths skeletons in the garden of her inherited new home.
Could a secret murderer lurk in her family tree?
Simultaneously the buried victims live on in their own time - 1930's - as their story breaths through Elise's diary. The touching love story twists through intrigue and heartfelt sympathy; but can happiness ever be theirs?
Delving into family secrets, Sophie finds herself at the mercy of a poisonous pen, her life threatened - just how far will they go to keep the truth hidden...?
Police efforts do nothing to dent the poison pen's composure and a plot to murder Sophie begins to take shape. With the truth inches from revelation, Sophie is left clutching at the jaws of death; but will the police arrive in time?
HS ISBN 9871 84963 0733

The digging up of skeletons in the garden has been written by many people many times over but I was keen to have a go at it myself. Having always been fond of the inheritance link to the past, I opted to merge these two fields into one novel. I'm very keen on 'cold cases' and 'ancient unsolved mysteries', so 'Beneath The Daisies' ticked both boxes for me. It's the shortest of my three published novels, and the first to have made it past the slush pile, so I'm understandably pleased with it!

If there's anything else you'd like to know, or want jpegs of the book covers, just let me know.

Thank you again for taking the time to interview me and review my work.
Kind regards,
Jayne-Marie

Monday, September 1, 2014

MythBehaing Blog Tour for Simon by V.A. Dold


 
 
 
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Welcome to the Official Blog Tour for Simon by V.A. Dold! This bestselling author is heating up the Paranormal scene!

simon cover sm

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Simon

NOTE: Complete novel. No cliffhanger. Dual POV. Rated 18+ for language and strong sexual content. Four years of honorably serving his country has left Simon, Cade’s younger brother, damaged and trapped in wolf form. Little did he know the only person with the ability to heal him completely would be found at home. Literally. Now that he’s found her, he is desperate to claim her. Rose is a beautiful, voluptuous woman with limited experience with men. Although she's confident, she still has reservations. Never having a family of her own, her fear of abandonment has her fleeing romantic relationships, and doubting herself. Travis is insane. A deadly loose cannon that a secret organization hired to destroy the Le Beau family by denying them their mates. Permanently. Simon’s dream will be lost forever unless he is able to maintain human form. Rose needs unconditional love and a mate to create the family she’s always wanted. Travis’s all-consuming drive is to take Rose for himself. Will Simon ever be whole again, able to claim his mate, giving Rose the love and family she so desperately craves? Or will Travis destroy them both?   You can buy Simon: Le Beau Brothers: New Orleans Shifters (Le Beau Series Book 2) at Amazon.  

Read on for about V.A. Dold's Paranormal series!

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Caroline Clemmons meet and greet wtih a review of Gabe Kincaid (The Kincaid’s Book 4)

Gabe Kincaid (The Kincaids, #4)Gabe Kincaid by Caroline Clemmons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After seeing her grandpa brutally murdered by his business partner, Katie flees to avoid capture. She finds herself in a small circus where she is able to keep a small amount of anonymity until some local boys in Kincade Springs assault her. Afterwards, all of her past comes back to haunt her, but this time she is not alone. Gabe Kincade, a local lawyer, is there to defend her. But can he do so without falling in love with her? You will just have to read this book to find out.

I enjoyed this book. It had all the classic romance necessities: damsel in distress, a handsome hunk to sweep her off her feet, a dynamic middle where there is a chance they could lose it all, and a super happy ending where all parties find exactly what they are looking for or deserve. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes romances.





I would like to welcome Caroline Clemmons to my blog to discuss herself and her wonderful book series about The Kincaids.
 


1) What genre do you like to write?


 

I love writing romance, especially historical western romance. Except for one, the main portion of each of my titles takes place in Texas. Since I live in Texas, writing about my home state makes research much easier.


2) If you were to branch out from your current genre which one(s) would you like to explore?

 

Perhaps women’s fiction. Writing women’s fiction would take more time, but I have two premises I would like someday to write.

 

3) How long have you been writing? What prompted you to start writing?

 

As long as I can remember, I’ve made up stories but I didn’t write them down. Oddly enough, it was my mother in law who suggested I write romance. She read a lot of romance novels and, judging from the long, anecdotal letters I wrote about my husband and our children, she believed I could write romance.

 I’d had a story in my head and my husband’s encouragement gave me the courage to dive in and write. Of course, the first story was awful because I didn’t know anything about character arc, pacing, plot development, or any of the other craft components necessary for a good story. I joined an RWA chapter and heard great workshops and seminars, and that helped me hone my craft.

I love writing. Some of my family members complained that once I started writing novels, their long letters from me stopped—and that’s true. My first title was published by Kensington in 1998, BE MY GUEST. Now my total is 19 titles and several boxed sets.


4) What inspires you to write?

 

Everything! It might be something I hear in conversation, on television, or read in a magazine or historical journal. I think “but what if?” about whatever it is and go from there. Several of my writer friends and I plot our stories together, and then we’re off—writing as fast as we can.


5) When a story idea pops into your head, how long does it typically take to write it (from start to finish)?


An average of four months once the book is plotted. Some stories move quickly—I wrote HAPPY IS THE BRIDE in three weeks. Others kick and scream until completed. The one I’m writing now is kicking and screaming and clawing, but I’m determined these characters will do as I tell them. So far, I’ve a headache. :D

 

6) What did you find to be the most difficult part of the writing process?  Easiest? 

 

The easiest is the premise and characterization. The most difficult is the first three chapters. I plot the story and know where I’m starting and where I’m ending. Getting the intro perfect is so important to create likeable characters and credible situation and keep readers invested in the story.  


7) Of all your characters whom do you most relate to?

 

Hard question. Probably Pearl Parker in THE MOST UNSUITABLE WIFE or Mary Alice Price in HIGH STAKES BRIDE. Each is an unlikely heroine, but each demonstrates those qualities I admire.

 


8) Is there one of your characters that you did not like when you started writing about them, but found yourself liking by the end of the story?

 

Yes, Eduardo Montoya in BRAZOS BRIDE. He is cousin to Hope, the heroine. At first I thought I might link him to the attempts on her life, but I grew to like him too much. Sometime in the future, I plan a novella with him as the hero.


9) What is your least favorite part about writing? The Most?

 

If I may I’ll do that in reverse order. My favorite part of writing is losing myself in the story. My characters come alive for me and become friends. Also hearing from fans that they loved a particular title or character does wonders for my day/week/month.

 

The least favorite part of writing is marketing my books. I just want to write. On the other hand, I do want people to read my stories, so promotion is necessary to accomplish that end.


10) When you are not writing or editing what do you do for relaxation?

 

Read, spend time with my family, watch Netflix with my husband, lunch with friends, work on family history/genealogy, browse antique malls with my youngest daughter, and travel. An occasional nap doesn’t hurt, either.


11) What genre of books do you like to read?
 

I’m an eclectic reader of anything except true crime or horror.  I prefer light-hearted books with a happily-ever-after ending. If I want to be depressed, I can listen to the evening news.


12) What author(s) do you enjoy reading?  Why?

 

My favorite authors include Jacquie Rogers, Geri Foster, Carra Copelin, Sylvia McDaniel, Kathy Shaw, Joan Reeves, Julie Garwood, Loretta Chase, Amanda Quick/Jayne Ann Krentz, Nora Roberts, Louis L’Amour, Jodi Thomas, Dorothy L Sayers, Marjorie Allingham, and many, many more.

Perhaps I should have listed those in alphabetical order to avoid showing favoritism among those who are my friends. I love reading, can you tell? And when an author is someone I admire as a person, I enjoy their books even more. Conversely, there are a couple of authors whose books I stopped reading once I met the author.


13) Tell us about your books and where can people find them?

 

Happy to! My Amazon author page is http://www.amazon.com/Caroline-Clemmons/e/B001K8CXZ6/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1402172987&sr=1-2-ent and my 19 titles and several boxed sets are listed there.

 

My latest release, GABE KINCAID, is book four in the Kincaid series available in print and ebook at Amazon and Barnes and Noble and as an ebook at Kobo, Google Play, and from Apple.

 

Here’s the blurb for GABE KINCAID:

Gabe Kincaid has reasons to hate lies and those who tell them. He moved from Austin to Kincaid Springs and joined his great uncle’s law firm. Gabe believes he’s happy and pushes aside those moments of loneliness, of wishing for more. He strongly believes in the law, in justice, and obeying rules. Doing what’s right is fulfilling, isn’t it? Then why is he so fascinated with a circus fortuneteller who spins tales faster than a cowboy whirls his lariat?

Katie Worthington poses as Dorothy Duncan in a small-time circus. If she isn’t behind the scenes mending costumes or in the circus kitchen, she’s disguised as the fortuneteller, Maharani Shimza, Mystic of the East. Even so, she worries about being killed by the men pursuing her. She fears a brawl at her fortune telling tent that sends her into the Kincaid’s protective custody will end with her exposure and death. Then, a murder at the circus implicates her. How can she escape when that attorney pops up every time she turns around?   

Will Gabe and Katie let the sparks between them ignite into a passionate romance or will her secrets destroy their chance at a happily ever after?

About Caroline Clemmons:

Caroline Clemmons is an Amazon bestselling author of historical and contemporary western romances whose books have garnered numerous awards. Her latest release is GABE KINCAID, book four of her popular Kincaid series. A frequent speaker at conferences and seminars, she has taught workshops on characterization, point of view, and layering a novel.

Caroline is a member of Romance Writers of America, Yellow Rose Romance Writers, From The Heart Romance Writers, and Hearts Through History Romance Writers. Her latest publications include the acclaimed historical Men of Stone Mountain series: BRAZOS BRIDE, HIGH STAKES BRIDE, and BLUEBONNET BRIDE and the audio books of BRAZOS BRIDE and HIGH STAKES BRIDE.

Caroline and her husband live in the heart of Texas cowboy country with their menagerie of rescued pets. Prior to writing full time, her jobs included stay-at-home mom (her favorite), secretary, newspaper reporter and featured columnist, assistant to the managing editor of a psychology journal, bookkeeper for the local tax assessor and—for a short and fun time—an  antique dealer. When she’s not indulging her passion for writing, Caroline enjoys reading, travel, antiquing, genealogy, painting, and getting together with family and friends. Find her on her blog, website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Google+, WattPad, Shelfari, and Pinterest.

Thanks for hosting me.

Thanks for accepting and allowing me to read this exceptional romance.