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Book Blast – LATE FOR LOVE
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
The senior sleuths love a good laugh, but this conundrum is no laughing matter. A missing journalist, an African Grey parrot, and a possible mob connection sound like the beginning of a bad joke. Unfortunately, there is no punchline and no one, aside from the seniors, who would dare to take the case on.
Will their first chance to handle a case on their own prove to be way too much for them to handle, and more importantly, could this first be their last?
Read an Excerpt
“Cheez and crackers.” He growled the words, knowing good and well this phone could do close-up shots. He had done it before.
“What’s wrong?” a feminine voice asked.
Jake turned slightly and met the inquisitive stare of a twenty-something nursing aide. It would be embarrassing to admit he was trying to take a photo of the group in the courtyard. None of the sleuths would know how to do it either.
Choices. He swallowed hard and held up his phone. “I forgot how to make the phone take a close-up shot. My great-nephew showed me at one time…” He shrugged his shoulders, leaving the obvious unsaid.
“Okay.” The aide glanced past the phone into the courtyard. “Ah, I see.” She giggled before holding out her hand for the phone.
Once situated in her left hand, she put her thumb and forefinger of her right hand together against the screen, then slowly separated them, making the image larger. “You can do this as many times as you need, making the people larger. I’ll warn you the bigger it is the blurrier it gets. I think it’s sweet you’re trying to get a photo of your crush. Which one is she?”
“There’s no crush,” Jake informed her brusquely. Even though he wasn’t familiar with the helpful aide, it didn’t stop her from talking. The last thing he needed was the staff gossiping about him.
“Uh-huh,” The woman grinned at him. “That’s how my grandpa and grandma met.”
“What?” Jake was certain he’d missed part of the conversation.
“Grandma was coming out of the church…” she started conversationally.
Jake cut his eyes to the courtyard window, worried he might lose his chance for a photo, but he couldn’t duck out of a story that was being related for his benefit. His lips turned up slightly in a forced smile, and he nodded for her to continue. “Church, huh?”
“Yes…” The aide nodded, but it did nothing to slow her narrative. She held her hands up as if holding a small object. “Grandpa was on the other side of the street taking a photo of her leaving church. One of her friends pointed out his action to grandma.”
“Why would he be across the street taking a photo of his own wife?” This story made no sense. He only hoped it got better. Surely there could be no comparison of himself and a man crossing streets to photograph his wife. At least, he hoped not.
The aide, whose name tag identified her as Sheila, chuckled. “They hadn’t met yet. Grandma was a widow and grandpa a long-time bachelor who attended the same church. Anyhow, when grandma saw him taking her photo, she marched right across the street and…”
“I know…” Jake interrupted. “She snatched the camera out of his hands.” A similar incident had happened to him in France.
“No.” Sheila shot Jake a confused look. “She invited him to lunch. They got to know each other and married not too long after.”
Well, that hadn’t turned out the way he thought it would. Too bad he didn’t have that kind of luck. At the moment, he’d be fortunate if the helpful Sheila hit the road. “Great story,” he enthused. “I appreciate the help, too. Don’t let me cut into your break, though.”
About the Author: M. K. Scott is the husband and wife writing team behind The Painted Lady Inn Mysteries and The Talking Dog Detective Agency. Morgan K Wyatt is the general wordsmith, while her husband, Scott, is the grammar hammer and physics specialist. He uses his engineering skills to explain how fast a body falls when pushed over a cliff and various other felonious activities. The Internet and experts in the field provide forensic information, while the recipes and B and B details require a more hands-on approach. Morgan’s daughter, who manages a hotel, provides guest horror stories to fuel the plot lines. The couple’s dog, Chance, is the inspiration behind Jasper, Donna’s dog. Overall, both are fun series to create and read.
Social Media
Website: http://www.morgankwyatt.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorMorganKWyatt
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/morgankwyatt
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5826299.Morgan_K_Wyatt
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/morgankwyatt/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/M-K-Scott/e/B01M4JGK1A/
The book will be on sale for $0.99 on the day of the tour.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08FYX8SCL/ref=x_gr_w_bb_glide_sout
M. K. Scott will be awarding a $40 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
VBT – Exit Stage Left
Exit Stage Left
by Catherine Russell
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GENRE: Dark Fantasy/Paranormal Romance
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BLURB:
Megan O’Day seems to be navigating the unpredictable relationship with Geoffrey Drake, her centuries-old vampire guardian angel, rather well. But then his past suddenly rips him from her, forcing her to face the unknown future alone in the gripping sequel to The Stage.
Still bound to Geoffrey through the power of the Link despite his unexplained absence, Megan’s mind is flooded with his haunted memories. While she relives the darkest moments of his previous life, she discovers his attachment to a woman who bears a striking resemblance to her.
As she questions Geoffrey’s love for her, she strikes up a dangerous alliance with Geoffrey’s brother, Alexander, who is also a vampire. She hopes that he will help her find a way to rescue Geoffrey: instead, he seems to be awakening new emotions and desires within her.
As the past and present collide, Megan struggles to fend off Alexander’s dark seduction. Is Geoffrey truly beyond the reach of her love forever? If not, what must be sacrificed to bring them back together again?
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EXCERPT
An image of Dawn’s mangled, bloody body filled my thoughts, and I stopped sorting through my art supplies. It had happened just before Christmas. There was poor Dawn, distraught over her break-up with Ian, wearing my jack, and waiting in Geoffrey’s car in the alley behind The Stage.
They thought Dawn was me.
They- The Inner Circle, Geoffrey’s first coven-wanted him back.
Marco, his sire, was the head honcho there, and I its prime the coven had been quite large with a very strong presence in the community. As the years passed, it prominence had faded, but Marco still clung to his power. Geoffrey said that the older Marco got the more manipulative, abusive, and obsessive he became. It didn’t make sense. Marco had exiled him, and now he wanted his prized son back, even though Geoffrey’s twin, Alexander, was part of the Inner Circle. To top it off, they wanted me dead. Why? Because I came between Marco and Geoffrey? Was it because of the Link?
Shh, my love, said Geoffrey’s sweet, cool voice though the Link.
But I couldn’t keep my thoughts from whirling. Nerdy Chase Montgomery, my neighbor, was Geoffrey’s Guardian- a scholar of immortals, more or less. He was assigned to watch over Geoffrey, but he had trouble staying close to him. So he had followed me instead, filling my apartment with micro-cameras and audio pickups. When Geoffrey finally confronted Chase, I got a look inside his apartment-and at his computer screens. Nearly every inch of my apartment was under surveillance.
How fast everything had happened! Only four months ago, I started working at Ashleigh’s bar, The Stage, which was now the hottest club in Seattle. Geoffrey and his family which made up his band, The Darkness, were the house band there, and he and his family lived what they jokingly called an “alternative lifestyle”- even for vampires. Believing our human lives were too short as it is, they found other sources for their drug of choice, blood.
By the way, did I say reality bites? Yeah it does. I guess that comes with the territory when the one you love is a vampire.
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AUTHOR Bio and Links:
CATHERINE RUSSELL is the author of The Stage Chronicles, a paranormal vampire fantasy tetralogy for Barking Rain Press. Catherine grew up in Puyallup, Washington. After years of reading, her characters could no longer be ignored. Her family indulged her creativity with love and patience while she found her way through her first attempt to bring The Stage, Book 1 in the series. She is hard at work at the second book in the planned quartet, Exit Stage Left. Catherine lives in Tacoma, Washington with her wife, their son, and a view of the Olympic Mountains. You can find out more about The Stage Chronicles at her website or Facebook page. You can also follow her on Twitter.
The book is on sale for $0.99 during the tour only.
The Stage Chronicles site http://www.thestagechronicles.com/
Barking Rain Press site https://barkingrainpress.org/exit-stage-left/
Amazon link for The Stage Chronicles Book 2 Exit Stage Left https://www.amazon.com/Exit-Stage-Left-Chronicles/dp/1935460889/ref=sr_1_2
Amazon link for The Stage Chronicles Book 1 The Stage https://www.amazon.com/Exit-Stage-Left-Chronicles/dp/1935460889/ref=sr_1_2
Twitter for The Stage Chronicles https://twitter.com/CathyMRussell
Facebook for The Stage Chronicles https://www.facebook.com/thestagechronicles/
Instagram for The Stage Chronicles https://www.instagram.com/thestagechronicles_/
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RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY
One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $50 Amazon/BN.com gift card.
Enter to win a $50 Amazon/BN GC – a Rafflecopter giveaway
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VBT – Kings and Queens by Anarie Brady and Jae El Foster
Kings & Queens
by Anarie Brady and Jae El Foster
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GENRE: Romance
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BLURB
As I Follow – Blurb by Anarie Brady
Princess Orla must first learn to follow if she is to lead her homeland once her evil step mother is dethroned. Who better to teach her than Prince Darcy, the leader of the rebellion against Queen Ena and a strict but fair Dominant who would love nothing better than to take the beautiful Orla in hand and return the kingdom of Athas to its former glory.
The Man With the Kind Eyes – Blurb: by Jae El Foster
Bridgette Mahoney just wanted a better life for herself and the people suffering under a corrupt president. What she gets is nominated to be Queen of the country whether she wants the position or not.
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EXCERPT
As I Follow, So Shall I Lead excerpt:
“Princess, might I have a word?” a deep voice startled her out of her thoughts.
“Prince Darcy!” she squeaked, jumping to her feet. “Of course.”
“Shall we take a walk? I understand you have only seen this room of the Chateau. I’d like to give you a tour,” he said, holding his hand out to her.
Hesitantly she reached out her own hand and nodded. Ever since Gala shared some of her experiences in the Chateau’s training rooms, Orla had been curious. Actually, she had been dying to know more. While Gala had not gone into details, she had spoken of the feelings evoked by some of her sessions. Orla longed to experience such feelings of freedom, power, and something indescribable. During the past few weeks, she had witnessed the beauty of a woman kneeling before a man, the protective gentleness in the eyes of a dominant, and the glow of pride when a dominant praised his submissive. Orla felt a tingle deep within her body and had to admit that she longed for such feelings as well.
“Do you understand the dual nature of this facility?” Darcy asked as he led her down an ornate hallway.
“I believe so,” she answered. “The Chateau trains people in the arts of dominance and submission. Submission primarily, because, according to Gala, every good dominant understands what it is like to be a submissive.”
“That’s right.”
“People pay handsomely for the privilege of coming here to learn. The tuition then pays for the training of warriors who are in resistance to Queen Ena. They wish to overthrow her and place me back on the throne,” Orla said quietly.
“Indeed. Orla, it was your father’s last wish that you also be trained,” Darcy stated. “I am more than willing to help you learn how to become an effective ruler, but to become an applicant, you must yourself request it. We do not force anyone here. We abide by the dictums of Safe, Sane, and Consensual.”
Orla stopped walking and turned to face Darcy. “I understand and greatly respect you for following those dictums. Over the past few years, I have had no choice in what I wear, what I eat, when I speak, what I do, not even when I sleep. I’m ready for freedom of choice. My father also taught me that freedom is possible only when everyone agrees to follow certain guidelines. I don’t know if I’m ready to consent to this training yet, but let’s finish the tour and then I’ll decide.”
Darcy smiled and Orla breathed a sigh of relief. Despite Gala’s assurances, she hadn’t been sure that Darcy would respect her decision.
“Princess, I see you are wise as well as cautious. Both excellent characteristics in both a ruler and a submissive. Shall we continue?” he asked before tucking her hand into the crook of his arm.
Orla’s eyes widened and her heart began to beat erratically as Darcy showed her every room of the Chateau. First, there was the Medical Room where applicants were given a thorough medical exam to determine their overall fitness. “No one is excluded because of a physical difficulty,” he explained, “but it is essential that a primary be intimately familiar with any limitations. For example, if an applicant has respiratory difficulties, then the primary knows never to engage in breath play and to be very, very cautious about gags.”
“Good to know you take safety seriously,” Orla commented.
“It’s the first S of our motto – Safe, Sane, and Consensual.”
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AUTHOR Bio and Links
Anarie Brady writes hot, happily ever after love stories filled with strong men and strong women who choose to submit to their own desires. She also loves scratching her chinchilla in all his itchy spots, sipping tea, and savoring whiskey. She absolutely adores hearing from fans, so don’t be shy!
https://anariebrady.blog/
https://www.facebook.com/Anarie-Brady-1419912908242821/
https://twitter.com/anariebrady
Jae El Foster is an author with whom you question going to bed with at night, but you dare to venture beneath the sheets with him anyway. As the venture concludes, you are perhaps romanced by it, or perhaps you are frightened by it. Don’t worry, because you are always satisfied by it. Despite the title or genre of the book, Jae El sets out to please you with climatic and unexpected conclusions that will make you tremble with emotion. Hop aboard the Jae El train and give it a good ride.
https://www.jaeelbooks.com/
https://www.facebook.com/authorjaeelfoster/
https://twitter.com/jaeelbooks
Buy Links:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/kings-and-queens-anarie-brady/1128740431
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RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY
The authors will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
Enter to win a $25 Amazon/BN GC – a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Q&A with…. Anarie Brady
Tell us about you as a person.
I’m afraid of granddaddy long legged spiders. SERIOUSLY afraid!! I KNOW they can’t really hurt humans, but I don’t care. Lifting their entire bodies with those hair like legs – YIKES!!!
If you could hang out with one famous person for one day, who would it be and why?
I’d like to hang with Helen of Troy. I really think she got a bad rap for that whole Trojan War thing. She has always seemed to me to be a victim, but I don’t really know, so I’d like to ask her a few questions, share a glass of wine, and just chat. Did she really WANT to leave with Paris? Which guy did she love? Did she love any of them? So. Many. Questions!
What’s the story behind your latest book?
I’m always been a fan of fairy tales, even as an adult. The basic tales, though are skeletal, so why not flesh them out with interesting, updated, adult details! I took the basic story of Snow White and ran with it, turning the seven dwarves into seven cabins, the huntsman into a strong dominate trainer, and Snow into strong willed woman who will do anything to help her kingdom and find her own happiness.
What is your writing process?
I need quiet and nice scents. When my youngest moved out on his own, my husband converted his room into an office for me. It’s painted using an umbria blue theme so it’s ocean like. I have two walls painted with chalkboard paint to jot down ideas and lots of scented candles. A nice glass of wine or whiskey doesn’t hurt either.
Tell us about your main character.
Orla is the Snow White character. Snow White, though, is often seen as sweet and helpless. If Orla was going to be a leader for her kingdom, she couldn’t be helpless. She needed to be disciplined, kind, and intelligent. Those where the main characteristics I tried to portray
If your book was to be turned into a movie, who would play the lead role and why.
For Orla – Saoirse Ronan with a dark wig. Her skin tone is incredible, love the accent, but mainly because she is an incredible actress. For Prince Darcy – Cillian Murphy. Because – well – Holy gods above he’s sexy!!
What are you working on next?
I’m actually taking a bit of a break, but hopefully not for too long. My mother is in the late stages of Alzheimer’s Disease and so right now, she takes priority over everything else.
What advice do you have for other writers who want to get the word out about their book?
Talk. Talk. Talk. Talk on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and every other social media possible!
What is your favorite book on your shelf right now?
I just finished Before We Were Yours. ABSOLUTELY loved the book!!! As an adopted child, it struck a chord with me. Beautifully written.
Do you have any special/extraordinary talents?
I am a fabulous cook!! I’m a terrible knitter, but I love it anyway. I’m also considering going into storytelling!
You are given the choice of one super power. What super power would you have and why?
I would love to be able to half the calories in chocolate and whiskey. Why? Isn’t it obvious!
List 5 things on your bucket list:
- Visit Scotland
- Hold a grandchild
- Dance with my husband on our 60th wedding anniversary
- Pay off all of my debts
- Have a book on the New York Times bestseller list
Where can readers find you on the web?
I’m on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and I write a blog at https://anariebrady.blog/
Any final thoughts?
The Romance genre takes a bad rap sometimes, and erotica is often given even less respect. I don’t pretend to write the next great American novel. What I write is pure enjoyment and escapism. The world is hard. Why not escape to a place where you know the ending will be happy?
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Q&A with…. Jae El Foster
Tell us about you as a person.
Here are some interesting facts that you might enjoy. I come from a line of storytellers on both sides of my family. My paternal grandfather was an excellent poet, whereas my maternal grandfather could weave the greatest tales imaginable. Even my brother has his hand in the comic book industry with excellent are and scripts. I accredit much of my talent to my genes. Another note is that Jae El Foster has only been my pen name since around 2009 or 2010. The late and great author Eric Arvin – rest in peace – interviewed me about the name change for his blog. Before that, I had been writing under my initials J. L. Foster. During this time, the great digital publishing movement was taking off, and a ton of new writers were being introduced – many of which were using their initials as their author names. I wanted to stand out, and I had been in the game long enough that I knew I could survive it. I chose the name Jae El Foster coyly. Jae El is my initials J. L. spelled out. Sadly, I’m not related to Superman, as I am commonly asked.
If you could hang out with one famous person for one day, who would it be and why?
I would enjoy a day with the Pope. I have so many questions considering the books excluded from the Bible that are kept at the Vatican. Our current Pope also holds so much great wisdom and advice. I could tell him about all of the horrible things that I write, and he can tell me about his early days as a priest and his rise to his current position. The Pope is a man in which people should feel easy speaking with, as by now, he has already heard it all and will not be easily shocked.
What’s the story behind your latest book?
In the Kings & Queens anthology, I had two days to create an entry before the submissions deadline ended. I found out about the anthology late – it was my own fault – but I really wanted to come through for DCL Publications. They’ve been a fantastic family to me for a decade now. So, I sat down, stared at my blank word document, and considered the subject. I needed to write something different; I cannot simply write what was expected, any of the time. I decided to write about a future America and its first Queen, and so my contribution was originally titled ‘The First Queen.’ Yet, as with everything I pen, this was not merely a romance. In fact, to see the romance, one must look at romance with whole new eyes and through the vision of the lead character Bridgette. Bridgette’s romance in this belongs with the trust that she holds in a man that has no name. He is simply the man with the kind eyes. This character, originally intended to be minimally used, grew with Bridgette’s trust in him, and he was so poignant that his role brought a change in name to the story – a renaming to ‘The Man with the Kind Eyes.’ Again, this is not your typical story, and it certainly has elements of horror, suspense and science fiction that wave a thin veil over any romantic aspects. Yet, I feel it is a story that had to be told, and my hope is that it will make the readers think further than what they see or know, and that it will shock them with its unimaginable ending.
What is your writing process?
When I write, I zone everything out. Music can be playing, or not. The television can be off or on. It doesn’t matter, as my brain become one-track and my project becomes my only mission. I do not start anything without a tentative title. I must have a name to begin with – even if that name will change later on as the piece progresses. For instance, I am working on an upcoming story now that I know will have a new name by the end, as I am not happy with its current title. Once I have a title in place, I know what I’m in for when I let go of myself and allow a new voice to take over in my head. This new voice is always unexpected, and it changes from book to book. Some people call it a muse. Either way, I allow it to do the writing. I write at rapid paces since a car accident in 2015 changed the way my brain operates. I am never without a story anymore or the inability to translate thoughts to paper, and thusly I have become greatly more productive with my literary works than I was before my accident. Whereas the accident caused brain injury, it also somehow opened up my mind in creative ways like I’d never known. However, there is a downfall to this swift production of some of the best written books I’ve ever penned. Once I have finished with a story – once the edits are completed and the book is published – a new voice with a new story takes over, and I have trouble recalling what I’ve written prior without reviewing it. For instance, I would be of little help answering questions to most anything that I wrote before my accident.
Tell us about your main character.
Bridgette is your average young lady. She is no more suited to lead an army of rebels than you or I, but she does what she must because – frankly – there is no other choice. She is a survivor, determined to help free her people and avenge them for what has been done. Bridgette does not want power. She wants her people to have the power, but when a crown is placed on her head and she finds that she has no choice but to accept it, she does her best to fulfill her new destiny. Bridgette sounds like a terrific person. I will let the readers be the judge on that.
If your book was to be turned into a movie, who would play the lead role and why.
I wouldn’t care who they cast for any other role, but for Bridgette, I would like to see an unknown actress play the part. Hollywood has so much power that I believe they should use some of it to help the unknown thespians out there that can’t afford to join SAG, agents or managers. There are a lot of talented people out there, and some of them are dirt poor. A lot of them are on YouTube. I think producers and casting directors would do the world a blessing by surfing some of the talent out there and casting more unknown actors and actresses that need and deserve a break.
What are you working on next?
In production, I currently have Beauty Within arriving electronically and in print this September. This highly anticipated book is a dark, edgy retelling of Beauty and the Beast with an iconic twist that even I never saw coming. Beauty Within also incorporates a character from ‘To Adventure,’ another fairy tale of mine out right now in the anthology Enchanted Fairy Tales, available all over the place. That character is Madame Howell, and I believe you will enjoy her. In October, DCL Publications will release Restive, the long awaited sequel to my 2012 paranormal hit Restless. The story will once again follow best-selling romance novelist Nicola on another thrilling adventure. Restive takes place on one of the most magnificent islands imaginable and will reincorporate the use of the vampire genre from the first book. Restive is sure to swoon and delight lovers of romantic fiction and horror alike. Then, in November, DCL will release The Greatest Gift of All, a winter anthology of romance, holidays, family love, and good times. Whereas most of the stories in the anthology will be brand new, my contribution will be a rerelease of my 2008 story ‘Elisabeth’s Holiday Gift,’ which was originally published way back then in DCL’s When the Snow Lay Round About winter anthology. ‘Elisabeth’s Holiday Gift’ has received a full revision and facelift and is even more heartwarming than before. I’m extremely proud to see this story return, and in an anthology with an amazing cast of authors. DCL Publications has some new blood joining me, along with some beloved known names from our castle.
What advice do you have for other writers who want to get the word out about their book?
Work, work, work! Utilize social media. Utilize Twitter – that’s where I am most of the time. You’ll find that word of your book will travel greater distances through Twitter than with other social media networks. All it takes is building up your followers, and all that takes is work. If you have one, two, even three followers – post like you have a thousand. Use commonly visited hashtags like #amwriting or #writerslife and let people know what you have to offer. Another word of advice – don’t spam your new followers. It is bad play to send them a private message promoting yourself immediately after they follow you. Let them know what you offer through your tweets. Lead them to your website or through the buy pages for your books through your tweets. And remember: Twitter is character limited. I use http://www.tinyurl.com to make my links shorter. Also, hit me up on Twitter @jaeelbooks – I retweet often and will be happy to help spread the word.
What is your favorite book on your shelf right now?
Rosemary’s Baby by Ira Levin. It’s a great inspiration to me and my writing. I would not be who I am today without Mr. Levin, Robert Bloch, and Walt Whitman.
Do you have any special/extraordinary talents?
No judging, but I’m one heck of a medium. I’ve been reading tarot cards since I was a child, and I’ve been communicating with the spirit would through séances, board readings, and eye readings for years. I’m also my town’s go-to person for house cleansings.
You are given the choice of one super power. What super power would you have and why?
Hypnotic influence. I would like the power to will individuals into doing the right thing.
List 5 things on your bucket list
- To write more books than humanly possible
- To finally discover the true meaning of energy’s existence
- To live by the ocean with soft sand between my toes as I walk the shoreline
- To visit Italy and pretend like I’m in Under the Tuscan Sun
- To see one of my books turned into a film – I wouldn’t even care if it sucked.
Where can readers find you on the web?
I am all over the internet. The easiest way to find me is to visit www.jaeelbooks.com – there, you will find links to my Twitter, Facebook and Instagram pages, as well as other fun things like contests, free stories, and essays that will take you behind the scenes of my books. Don’t forget to sign up for my monthly newsletter while you’re there so that you can stay on top of everything that’s going on – all in a single monthly compact email. I host contests for my followers on Twitter every now and then too. All the more reason to follow me. As for the contests, you can currently enter to win a chance to be in one of my upcoming novels. I will also be introducing a rather huge contest in September. Details on that will be released in the September newsletter and through a blog posting that will be announced on Twitter.
Any final thoughts?
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for hosting me, for enduring me, and for allowing me to entertain you. Remember to spread love wherever you go, as love is the most contagious thing in the world.
Book Blast – MUSING MEDITERRANEAN
Musing Mediterranean
by Beth Daigle
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GENRE: Memoir
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BLURB
A trip to the Mediterranean—who wouldn’t be thrilled? Beth Daigle should be doing back flips as she prepares to escape her humdrum suburban life, but travel anxiety gets the best of her. This is a trip of a lifetime, something to look forward to, yet Beth is dreading it.
The daughter of an Italian mother and Greek father, Beth has always dreamed of visiting Greece and Italy. Her Type A husband, Tony, revels in planning every detail of their two-week vacation. The plan expands to include not only Beth and Tony’s two tween daughters, but Beth’s parents, sister, brother-in-law, niece and nephew.
As her family’s excitement mounts, so does Beth’s trepidation. She experiences serious anxiety about the flight itself, plus spending two solid weeks with her extended family.
Despite her worries, Beth manages the eight-hour plane ride to Rome, and the adventure begins.
If you’ve never experienced the beauty of the Mediterranean, or even if you have, Musing Mediterranean will take you there through Beth’s eyes, page by page.
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EXCERPT
ROME
Our first tour of Rome took us on a romp through the city on a guided golf cart tour. That’s right, I said golf cart.
At one point along the tour, I was positioned on the back seat of the cart facing oncoming traffic. This didn’t faze me, as I don’t experience motion sickness.
Hanging off the back of our cart, I held on for dear life as we attempted to keep pace with traffic and simultaneously not lose our caravan. It wasn’t until I was faced with one particularly anxious bus driver that I began to worry that we might not end our excursion with the same number of people as we began. As traffic slowed and my cart came to a near stop, the bus pulled up behind me so closely and so quickly I could’ve leaned over and kissed it.
As the bus approached, I didn’t know what else to do other than to squeal in horror and cover my eyes—I was sure I was about to meet my fate. It all happened so quickly that I froze, unable to think of a better way to save myself and others on board.
“What is going on back there—why are you screaming?” Tony shouted.
“I’m about to be flattened by a bus!”
When Tony looked back to see how close the bus really had come, all he could say was, “Holy crap!”
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AUTHOR Bio and Links
Beth Daigle is a lifelong New Englander residing north of Boston with her husband and daughters. Prior to settling into her role as a writer, Beth was a marketing professional whose favorite part of the job was writing. As a freelancer, Beth has enjoyed contributing to numerous lifestyle and home publications, yet she yearned for something more than a magazine article. Then along came Musing Mediterranean. Beth quickly became immersed in chronicling this travel event and articulating her perceptions of the places she visited, the people she met, the foods she enjoyed and the crazy moments she encountered. The idea that someone who may never travel to Greece, Italy or Turkey could appreciate this experience through Beth’s eyes became a driving force behind the story. Revealing her struggle with travel anxiety helped Beth move forward and embrace, once again, how very wonderful it is to travel the world.
“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” St. Augustine.
Beth is a creative soul who finds joy in art, home design, gardening, reading, writing, a good laugh and an even better television show.
Website: BethDaigle.com
Blog: 3OlivesandaTwist.com
Instagram: 3olivesandatwist
Facebook: @3olivesandatwist
Twitter: @3olivesnatwist
Available at Amazon https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1947966073?pf_rd_p=d1f45e03-8b73-4c9a-9beb-4819111bef9a&pf_rd_r=W3MJ4WHBPK1MTJC8KW6Y
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RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY
Beth Daigle will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
VBT – Rescued by the Captain
Rescued by the Captain
by Laura A. Barnes
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GENRE: Historical Romance
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BLURB:
Abandoned at sea
When Ivy Mallory awakens; she finds herself on the ship of the man who rejected her love years earlier. While he was away working for the Crown, she embraced the London Seasons trying to forget him. Caught in the middle of a treason plot; she must help save her brother. To do so she needs to put her trust in the one man who can protect her. But can she protect her heart from loving him again?
Found at sea
Captain Marcus Thornhill never imagined he would find a lady floating unconscious in a lifeboat out in the middle of the open sea. But it wasn’t any lady, it was Ivy. Seven years earlier he rejected her love for a life at sea. As he rescues her he gets involved in a treason plot that will bring the war to their beloved shores of England. As he unravels the plot he is unable to deny his desire for her. Is he too late in saving her and the love he has for her?
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EXCERPT
Thorn stood at the bow of his ship ‘My Hedera’ starring out into the dark night, lost in his deep thoughts. The brigantine dipped and swayed into the huge waves that rocked the sea. Dark storm clouds stretched across the skies blending into the black sea. None of the stars lighted the sky tonight; because the heavens had opened for a fierce storm. As he ran his fingers through his long, dark, wet hair he brought them down to his sides, fisting his hands in anger. The storm was nothing compared to the turmoil of emotions that were running through him.
“Captain, do you think it is her?” Sammy his first mate shouted to be heard above the thunder as he twisted his hat in between his hands.
“I don’t know Sammy, I don’t know.” Thorn whispered into the storm.
Marcus Thornhill, Thorn to his friends continued starring out into the dark night. He knew it was her; he just didn’t want to admit to it. While trying to get control of his anger he tried to figure out who would have done such an awful thing to her. Before he returned to her he needed to be calm. He was angrier with himself than with anyone else. If he would have come home sooner, he could have prevented something like this from happening.
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AUTHOR Bio and Links
I have always dreamed of being an aspiring author. I am making my dreams come true, one word at a time. When I am not writing, I am spending time with my family. I love reading books on lazy afternoons, and late into the night. Anytime really. Married 28 years to the love of my life and we have three wonderful children and two sweet grandbabies. Besides writing, I have always wanted to travel. In the last few years we have gotten our passport stamped in England and Scotland. We are hoping to add Italy to the list soon.
Links
http://www.lauraabarnes.com
Amazon: amazon.com/author/lauraabarnes
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16332844.Laura_A_Barnes
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLauraA.Barnes/
Lulu: http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/lauraabarnes
Twitter: https://twitter.com/labarnesauthor
Book+Main Bites: https://bookandmainbites.com/LauraABarnes
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/laura-a-barnes
Rescued By the Captain – Sale Links
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/Rescued-Captain-Laura-Barnes-ebook/dp/B01NCWCDP7/
Kobo Link: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/rescued-by-the-captain
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/rescued-by-the-captain/id1194175441?mt=11
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rescued-by-the-captain-laura-a-barnes/1125516477?ean=9781365606502
Lulu Link: http://www.lulu.com/shop/laura-a-barnes/rescued-by-the-captain/ebook/product-23023095.html
Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Laura_A_Barnes_Rescued_By_the_Captain?id=XL7oDQAAQBAJ
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RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY
Laura A. Barnes will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
VBT – Labors of an Epic Punk
Labors of an Epic Punk
by Mark and Sheri Dursin
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GENRE: YA Fantasy, Myth Retelling
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BLURB:
Mac is an epic punk. No wonder: after his dad went off to fight in the Trojan War and never came back, Mac spent his childhood evading his mom’s scumbag suitors—all one-hundred-and-eight of them. Of course, he turned out this way—a moody, friendless sixteen-year-old who blows off work, alienates everyone at school, and pulls pranks. But when he trains a flock of birds to defecate on the headmaster, Mac (short for Telemachus) goes too far. The administrators give him an ultimatum: prove that he’s truly the son of Odysseus by doing something heroic—or get out. A school story that just so happens to take place 3,000 years ago, Labors of an Epic Punk is a tale of friendship and transformation, regret and redemption, and a reminder to us all that even heroes need to survive adolescence.
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EXCERPT
No one on the field that morning had any idea that all Hades was about to break loose.
Well, one person did.
The stands were over-crammed with students, all chirping away about their summer travels, each one trying to out-fabulous the other. But Mac wasn’t talking to any of them. (No surprise there.) Instead, he just stared at the empty stage in fist-clenching anticipation. For the entire morning, the entire summer, the entire two years he’d wasted at this gods-forsaken school, he’d been waiting for this moment. His moment of glory, of genius. The moment when he’d finally and irretrievably cross The Line— that hard-to-define boundary between tolerable and intolerable. Between a week of detention and expulsion. All he needed was for Headmaster Gurgus to blow on that shell.
Just when he thought he couldn’t wait any longer without throwing up, Mac heard the band play the opening notes to “Yielding Never,” Pieridian Academy’s absurdly overblown fight song. The Opening Ceremonies were officially underway. From his seat high up in the stands, Mac watched intently as the members of the so-called Grand Procession marched onto Garthymedes Field: the entire faculty and staff, wearing shiny red gowns and smiles full of phony reverence; followed by the honored students, also in ritualistic red, condescendingly waving at the crowd; followed by a grotesque, nine-headed Hydra.
Lastly, waddling ten paces behind the Hydra, in all his roly-poly, four-hundred pound glory, was Headmaster Gurgus.
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AUTHOR Bio and Links:
For many years Mark, a high school English teacher, and Sheri, a freelance writer and blogger, wrote independently. No matter the writing project—newspaper articles, retreat talks, college recommendation letters, fan-fiction, blog posts on spirituality or 80s pop songs—they tended to work alone. Separate rooms, separate computers. But raising their twin sons helped them discover an important truth: All Good Things Come in Twos.
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RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY:
Mark and Sheri Dursin will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
Enter to win a $25 Amazon/BN GC – a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Author’s choice of topic
When Mark and I visit schools to talk to teen readers, the question we’re asked most often is pretty obvious: How did we become authors? I think a love of writing always starts with a love of reading. The kind of reading that results in a pile of “to be read” books that keeps growing and growing. The kind of reading that keeps you up late into the night, because you need to finish “just one more chapter!”
As kids, Mark and I were exactly those kinds of readers. We both had that experience of falling in love with the world of fiction and the amazing realization that authors could create imaginative stories out of thin air that people would read and love and relate to and talk about. I was in 8th grade when I first tried doing this. Having joined a brand new club called The Young Authors Club, I wrote my first book, which I called The Garden Party. The story was pretty short and was inspired (more than a little) by my favorite childhood books, The Secret Garden and The Lion, the Witch, and The Wardrobe. But it was a completed book and it was mine.
When I was young, I had this vision for my life of being a full-time author…maybe not a “famous” author, but definitely someone who wrote books for a living. And then I “grew up” and like what happens with so many childhood dreams, I thought of it less and less as my path took me in other directions.
But I never stopped writing.
I know Mark’s story is almost the same as mine. Lots of short stories and half-finished novels written on notebook paper and stuffed in drawers. When we were young, there was no Internet with fanfiction sites, Wattpad, or blogs. Stories remained hidden because there weren’t a lot of ways to share them. So it was easy for our dreams of becoming authors to remain hidden, too. Until we met and got married, and that’s when things changed. And now here we are…all these years later, finally published authors.
It took a series of leaps for us to get to this point. The first was the lightbulb moment that we had a good idea for a story. And then came the decision to actually start it. Writing takes time and discipline and inspiration all mixed together. The conditions for writing aren’t always ideal and so just getting started is often the first hurdle.
What got Mark and I over this hurdle was our decision to work together. We had both been dragging our feet for so long…having a partner to write with made it fun, exciting, and not so scary or overwhelming.
The second big leap was the decision to publish Labors of an Epic Punk ourselves. It was the most freeing decision we ever made, and it’s how we’re finally able to hold our book in our hands and share it with the world. It took about a year and a small investment of money to go through the indie publishing process. But we can honestly say it was worth it. We’ll have to keep our day jobs. Very few published authors make enough money to write full-time. And now that anyone can publish their own book, there’s tons of competition out there. But there’s also tons of inspiration to be found. We’ve met authors who work as teachers, accountants, landscapers, engineers, office managers, EMTs, and lawyers. The common thread that ties us together is that writing is our passion. It’s something we fit into our lives because we love it.
Book Blast – Scornful Scones
About the Author
Reading the Cozy Corgi series is pretty much all you need to know about Mildred. In real life, she’s obsessed with everything she writes about: Corgis, Books, Cozy Mountain Towns, and Baked Goods. She’s not obsessed with murder, however. At least not at her own hands (nor paid for… no contract killing here). But since childhood, starting with Nancy Drew, trying to figure out who-dun-it has played a formative role in her personality. Having Fred and Watson stroll into her mind was a touch of kismet.
WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS:
WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
About the Book:
Title: SCORNFUL SCONES
Author: Mildred Abbott
Publisher: Wings of Ink Publications, LLC
Pages: 300
Genre: Cozy Mystery
BOOK BLURB:
With summer approaching, Estes Park is abuzz with flowers, baking, tourists, and… murder.
Tourist season is about to begin, and the lovely weather has Winifred Page and her corgi sidekick, Watson, leaving the comfort of the Cozy Corgi Bookshop and Bakery to reluctantly attend a celebration at the Black Bear Roaster coffee shop. But a chill of uncertainty settles over Fred when a choking death doesn’t seem so accidental—despite the dry, hazardous scones.
As Fred and Police Sergeant Branson Wexler rekindle a possible romance, Fred shares her suspicions. But is she seeing murder at every turn? Learning to trust her gut feelings, Fred risks the ire of the coffee shop owner to investigate not one, but two, deaths.
As suspects and motives abound, old resentments are uncovered, and Fred and Watson build new friendships even as they follow the crumbs to find clues to a killer.
ORDER YOUR COPY:
Amazon
Book Excerpt:
A piercing scream shattered the peaceful ambience of the bookshop. We’d closed the store ten minutes before, and I’d stolen a moment to curl up and read on the Victorian divan. At the sound, I let out a yelp and flung the book from me. Luckily it landed a few feet from the fireplace.
A clatter of claws came from the other room.
I looked over to find Watson scrambling to a standing position as quickly as his little corgi legs would allow. He glared at me as if I was the one who’d disrupted his nap in the sunshine.
Before I could make sense of a scream coming from the bookshop—it had to have come from there, as loud and clear as it had been—there was a pounding above my head followed by a squeal.
Katie?
Must be. Though I’d never heard my best friend and business partner make such a sound before.
Leaving the book on the floor of the mystery room, I hurried to the main portion of the bookshop and rushed up the stairs to the bakery two at a time, having to hike my pea-green broomstick skirt slightly to keep from tripping.
Nails still clicking on the hardwood floor, despite his slow start, Watson passed me on the staircase and entered the Cozy Corgi bakery a few strides ahead of me.
I found Katie instantly, standing behind the marble-topped bakery counter, and the mystery of the pounding was solved as she clenched her fists over her chest, performed a little jig, and let out another squeal.
Okay, apparently she wasn’t in danger of dying. Although, perhaps she was possessed.
Katie caught me watching, and though a blush rose to her round cheeks, she didn’t seem able to stop from giving another excited jig. With her brown curly hair bouncing around her face, she was like a little kid walking in on a surprise birthday party.
I cast a quick glance around the bakery. Atypically, the randomly arranged antique tables, rustic chairs, and overstuffed couches were unoccupied in front of the wall of windows overlooking the downtown of Estes Park. Oh, right, not that atypical, I had to remind myself; we’d closed the shop in the middle of the day.
“I’d accuse you of trying to scare away the customers, if we had any. I know we’ve been slammed and it’s nice to have a break, but I’m pretty sure people probably heard you on the street.”
“Good!” Katie squealed a third time. She literally seemed like she might be on the verge of a seizure. “I want them all to hear. And after this, we’ll have a whole new definition to the word slammed. We’re going to be so packed they’ll be lining up all the way down the block.” Another squeal.
“Katie.” I crossed the bakery and took her hand over the counter. “You screamed like you just discovered zombies were real, and now you’ve squealed four times.” I cocked an eyebrow at her but wasn’t quite able to hold back the grin. “Who are you and what have you done to my best friend?”
She whipped her hand free, grasped the laptop, and spun it in my direction. “Check this out!”
Other Books in the Series:
GIVEAWAY!
Mildred Abbott is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card!
Terms & Conditions:
- By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
- One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter
- This giveaway ends midnight July 27.
- Winner will be contacted via email on July 28.
- Winner has 48 hours to reply.
- Good luck everyone!
ENTER TO WIN!
VBT – Unringing the Bell
Unringing the Bell
by Judy Higgins
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GENRE: Mystery
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BLURB:
In the small town of Goose Bend, Pennsylvania, people don’t forget. Especially something as sensational as 12-year-old Jacob Gillis burning down the town. Nineteen years later, Jacob returns, hoping for redemption. Instead, he finds himself entangled in a murder investigation. The prosecutor, taking advantage of Jacob’s involvement with the victim’s beautiful sister-in-law, threatens Jacob with loss of career and reputation if he doesn’t play by his rules. Only by outwitting the prosecutor can Jacob save his future.
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Excerpt
When Jacob Gillis was twelve years old, he burned down the town of Goose Bend, Pennsylvania. The fire didn’t actually consume the entire town – only two blocks of the four-block business section went up in flames – but when the folks in Goose Bend spoke of the incident, they persisted in saying that Jacob Gillis, abetted by his friend Charlie Garrett, burned down the town.
Jacob watched Laskey walk back to the Sequoia, his limp barely detectable, and for the thousandth time he wondered why his friend kept what had happened to his foot a secret. But there were some places Laskey didn’t go – formidable Laskey with his gruff manner and hard-muscled body. He was a private person and sometimes a grizzly bear, but he had a goose-down heart which he tried like heck to hide. But Jacob knew.
Laskey grasped the arms of his chair and pushed his feet hard against the floor to contain himself. For a brief moment, the thought had rushed through his head that a jail term for assaulting a DA would be worth enduring for the pleasure of smashing Inglehook’s head against his desk.
Laskey squared his shoulders, turned around, and looked Jacob in the eyes. “Don’t get yourself in a mess, Jake. Extrication isn’t always possible.” He started for the door.
“Give back the painting,” he called over his shoulder. “And Jake,” he paused and twisted around. “Don’t ever mistake pretty wrappings for the quality of the gift inside.”
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AUTHOR Bio and Links
Judy Higgins was born in South Georgia where she grew up playing baseball, reading, and taking piano lessons. To pay for her lessons, she raised chickens and sold eggs to neighbors. She attended Mercer University for two years, and then Baylor University from which she graduated with a BA in German. She received her MA in German literature from The University of Michigan. After teaching German for several years, Judy decided to become a librarian and earned an MA in Library Science at Kutztown University in Pennsylvania.
Judy’s life took an exciting turn when she left her teaching job in Pennsylvania to be Head of Library at the Learning Center School of Qatar Foundation. She lived in Qatar for eight years, enjoying the experience of living in a different culture and traveling to exotic places during every vacation. Recently, she returned to the United States and lives in Lexington, KY. Judy has two children, Julia and Stephen, two children-in-law, Jim and Erin, and four grandchildren: Kyle, Jon, Karina, and Addy.
Judy’s first book, The Lady, was a finalist in the 2012 Amazon Break-out Novel Award. The first two novels of her Bucks County Mysteries, Unringing the Bell and Bride of the Wind are available March 1, 2018. The series is set in an imaginary small town in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Call me Mara, the story of Ruth and Naomi, is scheduled for publication in March, 2019.
In addition to writing, Judy’s passions include travel, tennis, elephants, and playing the piano.
http://www.Judyhigginsbooks.com
http://www.Buckscountymysteries.com
http://www.Judyhigginslady.com
https://www.facebook.com/judyhigginsauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JudyHBooks
https://www.amazon.com/Unringing-Bell-Bucks-County-Mysteries/dp/0692998853/
Amazon author page URL: https://www.amazon.com/Judy-Higgins/e/B00FZQOZPU
Barnes and Noble Author URL: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/unringing-the-bell-judy-higgins/1128014473
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RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY
One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $50 Amazon/BN.com gift card.
Enter to win a $50 Amazon/BN GC – a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Interview With…
INTERVIEW 5
- Favorite ice-cream flavor
Vanilla. When I was growing up, one of my favorite meals was when we’d have something light for supper (e.g.: grilled cheese sandwiches), and then a churn of homemade ice cream for dessert. I loved that homemade ice cream! We’d take turns churning it, and then when it was done, my father would cover the churn with towels to keep it cold while we wolfed down our supper. I also like almost every flavor of Italian ice – the real kind that you get in Italy. I made a wonderful discovery while spending three weeks in northern Italy a few years ago: if you buy the same flavor in the morning and the same flavor in the afternoon, it only counts as one ice cream instead of two! How nice is that?
- Which mythological creature are you most like?
Most of those mythological creatures seem and look pretty awful. I don’t want to think that I’m at all like any of them, so I’m choosing Pegasus. At least he isn’t so grotesque looking. And he flies around, which I do. Say “go,” and I’m ready. I looooove traveling. And Pegasus didn’t have to endure
- 1st book you remember making an indelible impression on you.
The books that were read to me as a young child, the ones that gave me a love for reading, are the ones that made an indelible impression on me. I loved all the fairy tales. “The Three Billy Goats Gruff” was one of my favorite stories. My mother got so tired of reading it to me that she’d hide it. I always managed to find it, however. One story, that really made an impression was a series done in “Jack and Jill” magazine. It was the story of an Eskimo brother and sister who drifted away from their village on an ice floe. They had been standing near the shore in the spring and the floe broke off and they drifted away to an uninhabited island. They had to survive for the remainder of the spring and the summer alone. Only when the seas began to freeze again, were they able to find a floe and paddle back to their village. This story ignited my imagination and fueled a budding love of adventure!
- How do you develop your plot and characters?
Now, that’s a good question! My best answer: With a great deal of struggle, rewriting, and hair-pulling. Getting in backstory is a major headache. I have begun a historical novel based on Naomi in the Bible. The plot is already there, so it’s just a matter of speculating and then expanding and filling in the details. But the details are fun. In my mind, I’m moving past seeing Biblical women as people who have a long, hard day laid out for them and who operate according to preconceived ideas we have about them. Like modern women, I’m sure they had individual interests, dreams, problems with their children and husbands. They had to deal with jealousy, envy, financial ups and downs, bad weather. At least they probably didn’t have to worry about bad hair days! In my book, Naomi will reach a point that might surprise my readers. (See http://www.callmemara.com)
- Describe your writing space.
I lived in the Middle East (Qatar) for eight years before I moved to Kentucky. Because I worked at Qatar Foundation, the Emir’s educational foundation, I earned a salary that allowed me to come home and design a work space that I love. I turned a bedroom into my writing den, had a carpenter construct built-in shelves, a built-in desk, and a space where my printer is hidden from view. The room is the perfect size and has a window that looks out over my backyard which, in the spring and summer, is a nice view. Along with books on writing, I have all my German books here, plus a few knock-knacks I’ve gathered in my world travels: old brass scales from England, a set of monks from Burma, antique school bells. There are built-in cabinets for me to store paper, old manuscripts, pens, envelopes, and all those other things usually found in a writer’s work space. On the bulletin board above my computer, I have a big sign that says “A Writer is a person for whom writing is hard work.”
C.A. Milson 