by Sarah | May 7, 2013 | Books, Hump Day Hook, Masked Hearts, Writing
Another Hump Day Hook!
I’m going back to Masked Hearts today.
Minnie and Roy are talking about her tribe, and he has some very particular questions for her:
“That fur trapper.” He had to force the words out. The cracking in his voice so unusual it drew Minnie’s intense gaze back to him. “Did he and the woman have a child? A son?”
Her brows drew together, a frown creasing her lips down. “Yes.”
“Was he taken away?”
*~*
Hump Day Hook asks authors to post one paragraph of one of their stories, whether a WIP, one contracted, or already published. Please visit and comment on the participants – you might just stumble on the next great read for your library! To see more participants, click on the HDH banner below:
by Sarah | May 6, 2013 | Character Interview, Guest Authors, Writing
I’m happy to say that Jamie Salisbury was able to bring along her character, Ashleigh Thomas of [amazon_link id=”B00CL05MFK” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Rockin’ the Boss[/amazon_link], here today. She’s a spitfire and I already adore her based on this interview…
*~*
1. Tell us a little about yourself. How did you come to your author’s attention? Occupation?
That’s two questions! I came to her (my author) attention because I am a strong willed, don’t take no shit type woman. I may be (in the book) recovering from some personal whammies, but you can’t keep me down for long! I’m not a bitch, but can be when needed. For the most part I’m easy going. Occupation? Entrepreneur, business owner.
2. What or who is the greatest love of your life? Why? What drew you to them?
That would be Max of course! He is the only man who knows what I’m feeling without my having to tell him – constantly. He doesn’t have to have his ego stroked all the time either. He knows I’m in charge when it comes to business, adding his suggestions, observations when appropriate. On the personal side it’s 50-50. He instinctively knows when to take charge. What drew me to him? Probably his masculinity. He’s comfortable in it, not afraid to show his softer side and is without a doubt the only man I’ve met who can please me! *wink* The man is incredible!
3. What’s your greatest fear?
Fear is a weakness
4. What’s your motto in life?
I’ve never had one.
5. How do the other characters in your book view you?
Except for one – they all adore me! I’m the boss you always wish you’d had!
6. What do you prefer? To spread & hear gossip, or be the creator of gossip fodder?
Neither! I detest gossip! Period!
7. What is it about you that is going to draw us readers in?
All of the above, plus they will enjoy the fact that I can get along as equals with anyone, whether it be an employee or a peer.
8. What was your happiest moment?
It hasn’t happened yet! *wink* Stay tuned for book 2!!
9. What trait in others do you find most deplorable?
Users! People who hang on to others and use them, then when they suck that person dry they move on to the next “victim”…
10. The random question: If you were a color, what color would you be and why?
Why purple of course! It’s the color of royalty! *wink*
*~*
| [amazon_link id=”B00CL05MFK” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] | SCP | B&N | ARe |
Blurb
Max Frazier is an international rock music icon. Women throw themselves at his feet, but he has eyes for only one woman…his boss, Ashleigh Thomas.
Ashleigh Thomas is still reeling over the sudden death of her husband, Richard. And all the debt and the trail of destruction he left behind. With Max continuing his contract with ANT Communications, Ashleigh approaches the stunningly handsome entertainer with a business proposition. A deal that will not only bring her agency out of the throws of bankruptcy but will make them both obscene amounts of money. Ashleigh finds herself attracted to this man with his smoldering sensual good looks, a man a much younger than she.
Max is an entertainer’s entertainer. Everything new he tries turns to gold. He is also a man with a past. A past that few are aware of. As he finds himself falling for Ashleigh he realizes his past will catch up with him…sooner or later. His past is what the feds find useful in their pursuit of someone close to Ashleigh.
Excerpt
Then, his voice and demeanor took a more serious tone. “Then there was your marriage to Richard and his sudden death.”
I carefully placed my fork back on the plate and stared at him, shocked that he would bring up Richard. We had been together for close to fifteen years. It had been obvious to everyone except me that he had married me exclusively for the money and connections that my family brought. What he had not expected was Papa insisting on a pre-nuptial agreement.
Richard made the best of the knowledge that he would get nothing if he ever chose to leave. As soon as we married, sex was non-existent between us. He had a steady stream of mistresses and thought little of parading them in front of me. The agency had been his idea, as he had loved the lifestyle and fame it brought. His life had ended as he had lived—hard, fast, and mysterious.
I took a bite of salad and did not react immediately. “I was surprised when you moved to Atlanta.” As I changed the subject, my tone made it clear to Max that Richard was an issue I did not wish to discuss.
“I wanted to be closer to the new team you put together. Manhattan can be so over-rated and expensive. California I love, but it’s even further away. But I do like the climate and the opportunities. Atlanta intrigued me. What made you move here?” The sides of his mouth curled up as though he already knew the answer.
What’s he up to? “Atlanta is special. My mother’s from the area, and I spent a lot of time here growing up.”
“Ah-ha!” he boomed, as he grinned at me. “Now I know why your parent’s named you Ashleigh. It’s so Atlanta, so Southern, so Gone with the Wind.”
“Better than the alternative I suppose.”
“What would that be?”
“My father wanted to name me Coco after Coco Chanel, which might have worked in France, but here I don’t know. At least fun can be had with Ashleigh. You know, the Gone with the Wind melodrama.” I replied as we left the table and headed into the living room. “Would you like coffee, Max, or perhaps something stronger?”
“A brandy sounds great, love,” his accent thicker than earlier.
The change did not go unnoticed as I left to fetch the liquor. I returned with two snifters and handed one to him. He seated himself back on the sofa as I walked around to a chair where I could gaze at him from a safe distance.
“I thought, if you are in agreement, we’d stay at a condo that belongs to a girlfriend of mine. She travels extensively. I’m sure she’d be more than happy to let us use her place.”
“That sounds fine. When do you want to leave?” His deep brown stare roamed over my body, a grin curving his luscious lips.
I shifted in my seat, trying desperately not to notice. “Day after tomorrow suit you?”
*~*
Bio
Jamie Salisbury cannot imagine a time when she did not write. A skill that has served her well throughout her diversified professional career that encompassed public relations in and around the entertainment industry, photography, editing, and special event planning.
An avid reader of history, biographies, and romance it’s only natural that she prefers to write romances with characters said to be “so authentic they spring forth from the page and shake the reader’s hand.” No stranger to life threatening situations Jamie pulls from life experience when she creates her stories. Such as when her family had to escape Chile when she was a teen because of the unstable political climate.
Finding herself unable to walk great distances as a result of several foot surgeries, she started writing once again as a way to pass the time. With the completion of her first novel Perpetual Love she dove head first into the eBook and digital publishing paradigm. She couldn’t be happier with her decision to grab the publishing industry by the shoulders and force it to pay attention to all she has to offer.
Contact Links
Blog: http://www.jamiesalisburyauthor.blogspot.com
Website: http://www.jamiesalisbury.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jamie-Salisbury-Womans-Fiction-Author/202978499741542
Romance Novel Center: http://www.romancenovelcenter.com/jamiesalisbury
Twitter: @JamieRSalisbury
by Sarah | May 5, 2013 | Books, Changing Tracks, Tuesday Tales, Writing
The prompt this week was Laughter.
Oh, sorry. I hope you weren’t coming for another episode of Hybrid. I’m afraid it’s been set aside so I can work with it the way I wanted to. This week’s prompt inspired me to start the prequel to my novel, Changing Tracks. Back before Jane was Jane…she was Clara. A young school teacher in Heber City, Utah (about 1864)…
Remember, this is a meme with many contributing authors, so make sure to click the link at the bottom of the image to take you to see more!
Anyhow, as always this is un-edited mostly, so forgive any errors. :
Clara wound her way through the empty desks. One by one she set clean slates at each seat, and under each she left a note.
The scavenger hunt she had planned would take the whole class down by the creek, to the bottom of the crag hidden in the foothills. There she hoped they would make the same discoveries she had, if they followed her clues properly.
Outside trips like this were the reason she had so many students, not just in her district, but from the surrounding districts. The children learned a lot, and very few parents complained, however the school superintendent did.
She shuddered at the thought of him and the ‘compromise’ he’d agreed to. One she despised more with each and every visit. If Tommy ever got wind of it and what she went through, the superintendent would face a fate worse than death—and she’d be out of a job again, just like in New York.
Thankfully the war, and Tommy’s duty to the President, kept him away most of the time. Having a Pinkerton brother didn’t have many perks, but his near-constant absence was one of them.
Laughter shook her out of her reverie, the children’s rambunctious approach pulled her out of the thought process. She rushed to get the rest of the notes and slates in their places and back to the front of the room before the door opened.
While most of the children played outside until she rang the bell, a few came in early to finish work if they had it, or sometimes just to chat. She hoped none of them ventured a look under their slates before everyone could come in for the surprise.
“Good morning, Miss Young.” Annalee skipped in and set her books under her desk. The peppy little eight year old with a shock of bright red hair set her hands on her hips and scowled. “Christopher says we ain’t going to—”
“Aren’t going to.”
“Aren’t going to do our trips no more. Said the new superintendent don’t want them. Is he right?”
The chalk in Clara’s hands clattered to the floor, shattering into several pieces. She blinked and spun around. “New superintendent?”
“Yuh-huh. Papa says he’s coming today. Something about Mr. Clayton being transferred suddenly.”
Clara clenched her jaw and tilted her head. “Oh, he was, was he? Where to?”
“Somewhere far.” Annalee shrugged. “But is it true?”
“Well, we can certainly hope not. I hope our new Superintendent is just as—forgiving—of my teaching methods as Mr. Clayton was.” Clara swallowed down the bile rising in her throat and forced a smile. “Why don’t you go outside and play? We have a few minutes left before I ring the bell.”
Once Annalee raced outside, Clara sighed and leaned back against the blackboard. The whole thing reeked of Tommy and his manipulations. How had he known? She’d been very careful on his last visit to leave no clues of the ‘arrangement’ or her displeasure with it. That brother of hers could smell a lie from miles away.
If he’d done this, he’d better have found her a far more easy-going Superintendent to deal with her unique teaching style or all of his sneaky, slimy, dirty tricks would have been for naught.
Well, if the new superintendent was visiting today, she’d best get to work. No better way to meet him than teaching the children her way.
For she’d have it no other way.
No matter what she had to do to keep her school how it worked best.
She’d already proven that once, and she was prepared to prove it again if need be.
*~*
Hope you enjoyed it! Click on the Tuesday Tales badge to see more excellent entries!!
*~*
by Sarah | May 5, 2013 | All About Indiana, All of Us, Blogging Life, Indy Geek Girls, Photography, Scavenger Hunt Sunday, The Reluctant Hoosier
It has been far too long since I participated in SHS. I’ve missed it, and I’ve missed using my camera. I’m feeling a little rusty, but overall, I’m glad to be back and loving the photos I captured in the chaos of my week. I have so many more to share in coming days, but I limited myself for SHS. No quotes this week because it’s 2AM and I should be sleeping.
All taken w/ Canon Rebel XS.
1. Background
Trying to be goofy, being photo-bombed by the camera-hog-wanna-be-model
[flickr id=”8709765508″ thumbnail=”medium” overlay=”true” size=”medium” group=”” align=”center”]
She refused to pose WITH the stormtrooper, but let me get her hovering in the background
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2. Spotted/Dots
Gorgeous dress on display at the museum.
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A spotted hedgehog in the wall art at the children’s hospital
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3. Weather
Sun vs….
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Rain
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4. Motion
Pendulum
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Twirl
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5. Sweet
A rare sight, a picture of my fam (ignore the teen sticking his tongue out…the one great pic of them all and he pulls that ~sigh~)
[flickr id=”8708641117″ thumbnail=”medium” overlay=”true” size=”medium” group=”” align=”center”]
‘Nuff Said
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You can find more pictures over at my flickr account.
Scavenger Hunt Sunday is run by the beautiful Ashley. Head on over to see more Hunters.
by Sarah | May 2, 2013 | Author Interview, Guest Authors, Writing
I’m happy to welcome fellow SCP Author, Tamara Monteau by today.
1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I was born and raised in Washington State, joined the Air Force and met my husband of now 31+ years. We now live in Middle Georgia, have four adult children and one delightful granddaughter.
I became interested in the paranormal when I was a child. My sister and I rushed home from the bus every day to get our Dark Shadows fix before doing our homework. We spent hours play-acting our favorite scenes. In 1992, in the aftermath of the ill-fated Dark Shadows revival, I began imagining ways I could help my own vampire find peace. One night, while my husband and I sat in front of the boob tube, I picked up pen and paper, and started to write. I’ve been hooked ever since.
2. Can you tell us about the challenges you faced getting your first book published?
After I finished writing Dark Destiny in 2003, I registered it with the Library of Congress and began searching for a literary agency to handle the work. Most of the ones I contacted were predatory, asking for money up front for questionable services. I lost heart, and played with the text for the next five years, enhancing the story and defining secondary characters.
My best friend contacted Author House for me, and after speaking with a representative for almost an hour, I decided to give self-publishing a try. By then, my chosen title had been snapped up by another paranormal, vampire, author, so I decided on Twilight Destiny after a search for that title revealed no vampire genre conflicts.
I published two other novels through Author House, and was preparing to do the same with my fourth when I came upon Secret Cravings Publishing in April of 2011. I took a chance and emailed the publisher, and was shocked at her acceptance. I then asked her to consider my backlist, and two weeks later, Haven’s Realm was born!
My story is one of patience, I suppose. I never really pursued traditional publishing. It all seemed to just fall into place, with the admitted help of a few valued friends. It did seem strange to me that the very first publishing house I should ever contact accepted my work, when it took Stephen King forty attempts to find a home for Carrie (at least that’s what I’ve come to understand). I never suffered the trauma of a rejection letter, and although I’ve received criticism for my choice of title for book one, so far I’ve received some pretty awesome reviews on the entire series.
3. What was your favorite chapter to write and why?
I would have to say Chapter 15 of Haven’s King. In it, Jason introduces Mirissa to the Council of Elders for the first time. The way the scene unfolded established the ceremony by which all Council mates are greeted, and when it played out, I was so surprised and excited I did a happy dance on the back porch for half an hour. (I’m sure the neighbors thought I was crazy.)
4. Were all of your characters easy to write, or did some of them give you trouble? Any particular character you didn’t like at all?
All of my characters are endearing friends. Oh, I have my villains, but they don’t usually hang around too long.
I think the hardest character I’ve ever written was Devon, the older vampire from medieval England who was slain in the middle of my first book. In book four, I stepped back to the beginning of my timeline, and had to create Devon for my readership. I knew I needed a character who would be perceived as beloved, and it broke my heart when I wrote his last scene before a hunter’s arrow took him down. Readers learn more of his history as the events within Secrets & Promises unfolds and the Council makes Chari aware of the consequences of her actions against them.
5. Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
Never give up your dream. Work at it, read about it, tell your friends about it, and keep it active in your mind and spirit. Never write when writing feels forced. You’ll never be happy with the outcome. Instead, open your heart to the possible and let the voices within you flourish. When you have before you a finished product you couldn’t possibly improve upon, you’ll know you’re ready to take the next step and become an aspiring “published” writer.
6. In researching your book what did you learn that surprised you? Or, alternatively, what thing did you research that you never thought you would (and considered deleting from your browsing history)?
I spent a lot of time researching for Secrets & Promises. I need, for a start, a doctor of genetics, and the bulk of my knowledge stemmed from watching all the crime shows on TV. While I kept my explanations as simple as I could, I learned interesting aspects I was able to modify to cross science with magic. Because I promised readers the history and foundation of the Community and its members, I spent more than half my research time investigating the individual pasts and more fully developing members that have been in existence from the beginning. In addition, the past lives of my primary female character presented me with an even greater historical challenge as I followed Vincent’s tragic existence. I came away with a much greater appreciation for early history and how various events throughout time intertwined to bring us the world we now know.
7. Narrow down your novel. Why must we read it? (besides the obvious, it’s awesome answer…because of course it is!)
Well, sure it is. Secrets & Promises is my most in-depth work yet. Two different romances intertwine amidst suspense and mystery that weaves together at the end with surprising results. This is my most tragic tale, and should keep readers turning pages and hungering for more. In fact, one among the SCP staff left me a comment that, after reading this fifth story, she’ll be setting aside personal time to read my backlist. I can think of no greater praise for a book even my husband, who is my worst critic, declared “well written”.
8. Do you have any unique talents or hobbies? Talents? Uninque?
I am extremely creative, and dabble in many kinds of art, from painting and ceramics to writing and graphic arts. I can also sing and play (modestly) the guitar and piano. My greatest talent is in my imagination, and my greatest work and satisfaction found in the pages of Haven’s Realm.
9. Which character speaks the loudest to you?
I fell most deeply in love with Ronan (Dragon Lord), but I’ve always had sympathy for Vincent. Jason (Haven’s King) was patterned after my own husband’s quirky humor and cockeyed optimism. Joshua and Catherine (Twilight Destiny) reflect the quieter, more thoughtful aspects of myself. I guess they’re all special to me in one way or another. How does one choose a favorite from amongst one’s children?
10. Do you have another book coming out soon?
I have no idea where Haven’s Realm will take me. Book six is now half written, and I have seeds of ideas sprouting now that I’ve succeeded in expanding the scope of the Community (won’t tell you how – read the book). I can only promise it will not end soon.
*~*~*~*
| Amazon | SCP | B&N | ARe |
BLURB
When her best friend is taken by a vampire, Dr. Charlotte Vinetti shifts her genetic research focus in hopes of finding a cure. Five years later, she’s no closer to her goal, and long-troubled by the one vampire she’d killed who was different from the rest. Her worst nightmares become terrifying reality when she’s captured and realizes her captors are intelligent, sentient beings rather than the mindless creatures who continued to invade her home.
Vincent was nearing the end of his strength. Haven’s trials over the past five years had overtaxed his resources, but he knew with dread his problems were only beginning when the hunter the Community had long sought was the reincarnation of his deepest love. Forced by ancient promises to stand against the Bargain, his only hope lies in ending their gypsy curse and winning her love, for only then can he earn the Council’s forgiveness.
*~*
Excerpt:
“This will further relax you.” He motioned her to one of the chairs, and she sat obediently before taking a sip. Apricot brandy–her favorite. She took careful sips of the warming liquid while watching him with nervous apprehension. A thousand questions crowded her mind, none of them coherent enough to vocalize, so she waited for him to break the silence. When he did, his words surprised her.
“This situation is, in a way, my doing, and for that I offer you my most remorseful apology. If I’d had the courage to seek you out the moment I sensed you near, none of this would’ve occurred. Devon might still be alive. For my reluctance, I am to blame.”
She stared at him in open shock. He’d sensed her? Before she killed their friend? But that was almost five years ago! “I don’t understand.”
“I don’t expect you to. Not yet.” He took a sip from his crystal tumbler, the contents thick and red. She closed her eyes for a moment to quell the bile rising in her throat.
“There is much to be said between us, and much to resolve, both with you and me, and between us and the Council. Right now we don’t have time to address even a tenth of the questions I hear in your mind. We meet with them soon. You must help me devise a defense.”
Her thoughts raced to catch up. There was, indeed, much to resolve, but how can she answer for the crimes she committed against them? The reality that he’d cast his lot in with hers struck home. She swallowed dryly and asked, “We meet with the Council?”
He took another swallow from his glass and sat in the other chair. She nervously sipped at her own. “All right. I’ll attempt to explain. Be silent and listen closely.” She nodded her understanding. “The information I’m about to share would not come to you for at least a month or two. I’m afraid I’ll need to break a few rules if I mean to keep us both alive.”
He took a long pull from the tumbler, draining its contents, set it on the table and leveled his gaze at her without expression. “I’m a member of the Council of Elders, a group of seven advisors who serve our king. By standing in your defense, I’ve turned my back on my brethren. I stand to lose not only my position in a Community I helped create, but also my right to the Bargain. You will come to know of these matters in time, but for now understand that such a loss would destroy me.”
He paused to allow her silent nod. “In a few minutes, we’ll stand together before my friends, for in siding with you and accepting the Reckoning, I share your guilt. When Mirissa, my queen, suggested it and the Council agreed, our fates became one. Without it, you’d have stood judgment alone. Now it stands as our only means of survival. I must understand your motives if I’m to justify your actions. If I can’t make them hear us, our lives will end tonight.”
*~*
Where to find Tamara:
Website: http://www.Havens-Realm.com
Blogsite: http://havensrealm.wordpress.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TamaraMonteau
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TamaraMonteauAuthor
Another Hump Day Hook!
