by Sarah | Apr 26, 2013 | Blog Hops, Books, Contests, Giveaway, Masked Hearts, Writing
Welcome to the Beastly Birthday Blog Hop! Kerrianne Coombes is celebrating the 1st birthday of her demon tales, and a whole lot of us are joining in the fun! There’s more info at the bottom of my post on how to win, and where to go.
For me, true beauty has never been about physical appearance. I mean, sure, we all like to look at the pretty package. The attractive hero with the rock hard abs (say hello to Cole…my hero from [amazon_link id=”B00BEMN5SC” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Changing Tracks[/amazon_link]…he’s the one with those abs…~sigh~), the heroine with the flaxen hair, fair eyes.
I like to always go beyond looks. Often in my books you’ll find descriptions of characters sparse. You get Cole and Jane’s hair and eye color (I have a weakness for eyes), you’re told that Jane has a tiny waist, Cole has good musculature and is super tall – but I let most of the rest to your imagination.
I do the same in Masked Hearts – with a small twist.
My heroine is deeply scarred. Physically as well as emotionally.
Right on the cover you see the scars lining her back, set into her flesh in her youth.
When you first meet her, she comes across as harsh, cold. Soon after we get a glimpse to what’s hiding underneath those scars.
Despite her physical appearance, I think Minnie is one of the most beautiful characters I’ve written. Years of pain and protecting herself have built up walls to hide a sense of humor, a deep soul, and a warm heart.
Characters and people often speak for themselves.
Jackson Krenshaw in my Dominion Falls Series ([amazon_link id=”B00BEMN5SC” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Changing Tracks[/amazon_link], mostly), is handsome and wealthy, and one of the ugliest souls you’ll ever meet. One of the only characters that actually sent a shiver of disgust down my spine as I wrote him – and I’ve written some dark stuff.
I like to write all kinds. My characters all have flaws, some of them are deeply flawed and have to grow a lot to win your hearts. Others start out wonderful and reveal darkness within that turn them ugly. I don’t like safe, and I don’t like two dimensional cookie cutter characters. Everyone has layers, even the worst villain, and I hope that I bring you all of those layers.
*~*
Now…I suppose you want to know how to WIN? There are lots of prizes to enter, but first I’ll tell you what mine is!!
Here at Sarah’s Storylines I’m going to give away a copy of Masked Hearts in your chosen format and a $5 GC to your choice of Amazon or B&N!
To win, all you have to do is leave a comment and answer the question: Has a character ever surprised you by not being what they appeared? Which character?
*~*
What about the grand prize? And all of those other prizes at other blogs? Well, that’s simple.
Head on over to Kerrianne Coombes blog. It’s her hop and she is the host. You can learn more about her fabulous prizes, and find links to everyone else.
But WAIT!! Before you go…remember that image over there…——–>
Write it down. Because you”ll need to know it, and the image at every participants blog for a chance to win the grand prize!!
So go on over to Kerrianne‘s and get a move on. There are so many awesome prizes to win!
by Sarah | Apr 26, 2013 | A to Z Challenge, All About Me, I'm A Writer, Random
They are lands of make believe.
Characters that I have created.
Flawed.
Wounded.
Imperfect.
Characters.
Terrible things happen to them, just as terrible things happen in real life. In writing it’s often worse, although you know what is said…
Truth is always strange, stranger than fiction.
The difference is.
In those worlds.
Where chaos reigns.
Where characters are deeply flawed.
I am in control.
Without question, I know there will be resolution.
A happy ever after in my lighter works.
An eerie end in my horrors.
I know the resolution.
Real life – it’s messy and I don’t have all the answers.
So I write to create worlds where I do.
*~*~*
The A-Z Challenge has over 1900 participants, all blogging from A to Z this month. Check them out and see if you can’t find a few new favorites!!
by Sarah | Apr 25, 2013 | Character Interview, Guest Authors, Writing
I’m pleased to introduce you to Kalista Bristow from Finding Love Under a Rock by Allee Mae (i.e. Davee Jones). A sweet New Adult story of love amidst some crazy adventures.
*~*
1. Tell us a little about yourself. How did you come to your author’s attention? Occupation?
I wanted to know more about the latest reality show crazes involving swamps, alligators, catfish noodling, Bigfoot, well…you name it. I’m a city girl trying to learn all I can about my new adopted home state of Oklahoma. I knew if anyone would enlighten me and put me in these hair-raising situations, it would be Allee Mae. J I’m a college student in the nursing program at East Central University, studying science and nature just comes naturally—pardon the pun.
2. What or who is the greatest love of your life? Why? What drew you to them?
Up to now, the greatest love of my life has been platonic—my best friend, Leandra Lehigh. She and I have grown up together and are close enough to be sisters. We are two peas in a pod, but, she is a little more adventurous than I am. I tend to be cautious, so, we balance each other out to avoid any major catastrophes. So far…But, as Leandra told me just recently, “…Life is sometimes one great big creepy forest, and as much as I love you, we are both getting to the age where each other just isn’t enough.” I think this is where Caleb comes in. (starts to blush)
3. What’s your greatest fear?
The evil in our world.
4. What’s your motto in life?
You’ll never know until you try.
5. How do the other characters in your book view you?
I think they want to protect me, but, they do encourage me to stretch out of my comfort zone. It’s awesome to have such supporting and loving friends. With their help, I just might get there.
6. What do you prefer? To spread & hear gossip, or be the creator of gossip fodder?
It’s my strict policy to stay away from gossip. I create an exciting life based on positive experiences, not like these cowards on the sideline who only hope to destroy someone to get their kicks.
7. What is it about you that is going to draw us readers in?
My joy in life and all the new experiences Leandra and I are having in Oklahoma with two of the best adventure guides in the world- Caleb and Owen.
8. What was your happiest moment?
It’s coming up in the next book, wink. (But, Caleb finally kisses me, I just couldn’t keep it a secret!)
9. What trait in others do you find most deplorable?
Bitterness, because most of the time it’s the person’s own fault they feel angry, yet, they want to blame everyone else.
10. The random question: If you were a color, what color would you be and why?
I would be orange, because although overlooked very often for something like blue or purple, it normally turns out to be the brightest, most exciting color in the world.
*~*
| [amazon_link id=”B00CH9FO80″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] | SCP | B&N | ARe | Goodreads | Smashwords |
Blurb:
Kalista Bristow and Leandra Lehigh moved to Oklahoma not just to attend nursing school, but, to find some adventure. When Leandra reads about the sport of “noodling”, she is literally “hooked’, and reserves top-notch guides, Caleb Chandler and Owen Guthrie, to give them a true southern experience.
Wading through the murky river, Kalista finds herself drawn to the handsome Caleb and his red-dirt good looks. He manages a few shy glances in her direction, intrigued by her tenacity. Could this cute city girl bring him out of his awkward insecurity when it comes to dating? However, thoughts of blossoming love move to the wayside as the girls find more than they bargained for under the surface of that shadowy river. They must rely on Caleb and Owen to keep them safe, all the while beginning to believe the mysterious legends the guys have been telling them are probably all true.
Excerpt:
Kalista’s stomach churned nervously as her eyes darted around. Sunlight danced off the ripples in the water that their movements created. Is that us making those waves, or something just below the surface? “Crap, should I watch where I step?”
“That’s sort of a problem. You can’t watch anywhere you move. So, you just better hope you make the right step.” Caleb said solemnly.
“How far out do we have to go? The water is getting colder the further out we get. Besides, how can we get to the bank to get out if we do get into trouble?” Panic teemed in Kalista’s voice. “I don’t like water I can’t see into.”
“Hey, roomie, calm down. Good grief, we haven’t even started yet.” Leandra finally sounded exasperated with Kalista’s irrational fear. “Would you just enjoy yourself and get over being a baby already? Not everything has to be a swimming pool with pristine water to be safe.”
“Girls, girls, focus. You are both right in your own way. This is more than a simple excursion—it’s time we start paying attention to our surroundings.”
“Okay, so, we need to be one with the fish?” Leandra asked seriously as she peered down toward the water.
Kalista rolled her eyes. “Sheesh Lea, as if you could see anything through this brown tinged river water.” She looked more closely, realizing how intent Leandra appeared. “You really are getting in tune with your aquatic side, aren’t you?”
“We paid for this expedition so you’re darn right I’m getting in touch with my inner Ictalurus punctatus.”
Owen furrowed his brow toward Leandra. “What the heck is an ictaluruhhh…icta…icta-walruses or whatever you just said?”
“Owen, let me apologize for Leandra, leave it to the bookworm to use the scientific name for a channel catfish.” Kalista replied with amusement in her tone.
“You knew what I meant when I said it. What’s that say about you?” Leandra shot back triumphantly.
Caleb interjected into the banter. “Girls, we are actually not looking for Ictalurus punctatus. We are searching for Pylodictis olivari, a flathead catfish.”
*~*
About the Author:
For her sweet side as Allee Mae- with my 13 y/o daughter, we combine to create fictional worlds with something for everyone. Whether exploring urban legends, the eerie paranormal, first loves, sweet romance, scary dreams, we take you away from the everyday.
She has more adult content available as: Davee Jones began a career in the counseling field with her M.Ed. She then diversified and began work for the federal government. The dryness of the day to day assignments fostered the desire for her to do something more creative. Because writing was always a passion, she used every opportunity to journal and create fictional worlds with her words. She began writing short fiction and books, inspired by the events around her.
Now avidly writing, in the little spare time she has, she has several other books in progress. She has books that draw from eroticism, romance, suspense, drama, and sometimes comedy. A few of her books garner only one flame, but, others will secure all five flames in the heat index.
She lives with her husband and children, who inspire her every day to live life to the fullest, with no regrets. She thanks her mother and grandmother for such strong, independent, loving examples of the kind of woman she wants to be. Her favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
by Sarah | Apr 25, 2013 | A to Z Challenge, All About Me, Personal, Random
I have never been a vain person.
But as I get older, I find myself wishing I had been at least a little.
Pregnancy changed my skin – I know have spots and bumps on my face I never had before. I don’t like them, because they feel like a foreign object, not a part of the me I know.
Menopause (thanks to an emergency hysterectomy 6 years ago) has taken its toll on my body. I am now no longer the high-metabolism girl with skinny jeans…and I’ve had no luck breaking old habits from those days.
The circles under my eyes, a permanent genetic mark I’ve always had (and Kennedy carries now), have darkened into deep crevices of dark color that require makeup and camera/photo-editing magic to hide.
Still…
In many ways I feel the best I have in my life. Not about my outward signs, but about me.
I posted last year on my birthday about feeling like I was in the prime of my life.
It still holds true, although it wavered a bit over the long and very cold winter because in winter I tend to hermit myself inside and never, ever, go out.
But now the whether is turning. Events are planned, some lifelong dreams have been met, and I’m ready to set some new goals.
And try some new crazy things to push myself again.
*~*~*
The A-Z Challenge has over 1900 participants, all blogging from A to Z this month. Check them out and see if you can’t find a few new favorites!!
by Sarah | Apr 24, 2013 | Book Spotlight, Guest Authors, Writing
| Muse It Up Publishing – Pre-Order (Release 4/26/13) | Mike Arsuaga on Amazon |
Jess Moore’s life careens toward mortal danger—can a beautiful lycan, a beloved mentor, and a piece of paper save her?
BLURB:
A CLOSE-KNIT FAMILY
Jess Moore grew up in a time of decline, the result of poor economic, fiscal, and environmental choices, topped off by a worldwide pandemic. The collapse of society as she knew it left intrusive government in the name of security as the price of maintaining a threadbare prosperity. Despite a lost love and a failed marriage, Jess counts herself lucky to have the strength and support of a loving family. To escape the oppression, her mother and grandmother move to Greece, leaving her behind to settle matters and follow. When the emigration laws change, Jess finds herself trapped stateside.
A LOVER RETURNS
With the help of Patti Redman, her mentor, Jess starts a career with Homeland Security. On an undercover background investigation for Patti, Jess discovers written evidence of a black ops group at the highest levels of the department. When Tom Redman, Jess’ lost love, returns, he lands in the middle of a growing web of conspiracy and danger as the evidence she uncovered nears public disclosure.
One by one, witnesses are systematically eliminated. The next bullet is aimed at Jess. The only solution is flight to the safety of her loving family in Greece, but have the lovers waited too long to plan their escape?
*~*
Excerpt:
Tom repossessed my hand and we all walked through the gate. I told Roger to go on ahead while I spoke with Tom.
“Roger seems like a decent fellow.”
I looked up at him trying to get a read on how he’d changed in ten years. His flirtation with longer hair styles hadn’t lasted. The tow-headed Marine regulation haircut returned. The wide-shouldered, athletic build had added substance. The sharp angles of his face weren’t so boyishly cut anymore. The glow of youth may not have radiated from him as in years past, but when he looked at me I realized time and life had made the frosty blue eyes wiser in some subtle way.
“Tom, I have to tell you something. Patti loves you very much and needs you now more than ever. Even if you don’t love her, try to put your feelings aside for her sake.”
I waited for a reaction. Tom shifted the weight of the sea bag to another part of his shoulder and continued processing what I’d said.
I gave him a minute more and launched into my pitch. Walking next to him in the motionless chill of the gathering night, I told him all I knew there was to tell on the subject of the diminutive woman with the soulful eyes and pleasant V-shaped smile. “Your mom dedicated herself to excellence and took the time to give me my life back.” Remembering what Dante said about making amends, forgiveness and reconciliation, I spoke from my heart. “No matter what happened in the past between the both of you, the future offers a chance to make things right.”
After a long silence, he said, “I believe you’re correct, Jess. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have come back.”
We didn’t speak anymore. In the darkness, I walked beside Tom toward my house, the winter air, cold and dry all around us, listening to the sound of our breathing and footsteps in the silence.
*~*
Bio:
Born and raised raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, Mike completed careers in the United States Navy Submarine Force and the Transportation Security Administration. Although his careers have taken him all over the world, he now lives in Orlando, Florida with wife and Editor in Chief Cynthia, daughter Jennifer, granddaughter Larrna and partner in crime Thumper, a Yorkshire terrier.
Mike’s extensive travels took him throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, the Caribbean, and the Middle East which provide accurate and vivid settings for all his stories. Although Mars figures prominently in at least one installment of The Progeny of Evolution series, he hasn’t been there yet. The trip is prominent on his “bucket” list.
The Progeny of Evolution series, presently seven books published by Muse It Up Publishing, tell of the deep love between two special beings as they shepherd lycans and vampires, The Others, in their ascent from Creation’s vilest expression toward becoming the noblest. A pilot script for a TV series based on the books is under consideration by Amazon studios. A paranormal romantic thriller short story, from Boroughs Publishing Group, titled Of Jasmine and Pomegranate has been well received.
Mike and Cynthia have co-written two books published by Secret Cravings Publishing. Top Dog and Love and Death in the Big Easy chronicle the story of a special shape shifter. Instead of transforming into a large fierce animal, he becomes an eight pound Yorkshire terrier. While not much good in a scrap, he can go places the big guys can’t and he’s irresistible to women. Currently, they are in the process of adapting the first book into a screenplay for motion pictures or a television series.
Mike’s website is http://mikearsuaga.weebly.com. Other social media sites are Twitter.com/Leondegranz, www.facebook.com/mike.arsuaga1 .
My heroine is deeply scarred. Physically as well as emotionally.
