by Sarah | Apr 19, 2013 | Cover Reveal, Guest Authors, Writing
Coming June 1st from Escape Publishing – Harlequin Enterprises, Australia Pty Ltd, is Plotting to Win, a new reality TV show romance by Tara Chevrestt.
In New York City, seven writers compete for a hundred thousand dollars, a publishing contract with Bright House, and the title of the next bestseller. One is Felicity James. One is Victor Guzman.
Drama, plagiarism, and trash talk play out to enthralled audiences across the country as all seven contestants compete against each other in a range of heated challenges, with tensions reaching breaking point. As Felicity and Victor start up a show‐mance, their relationship burns up the ratings.
Will this sizzling fling escalate into a vicious battle for money and fame, or will these two authors manage to write their own happy ending?
Mark Plotting to Win to read on Goodreads.
What writing challenges do you think they will face?
Tara Chevrestt is a deaf woman, former aviation mechanic, writer, and an editor. She is most passionate about planes, motorcycles, dogs, and above all, reading. That led to her love of writing. Between her writing and her editing, which allows her to be home with her little canine kids, she believes she has the greatest job in the world. She is very happily married.
Her theme is Strong is Sexy. She shares a blog with her naughty pen name http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/ and they have a Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tara-Chevrestt-Sonia-Hightower/218383211513877.
by Sarah | Apr 18, 2013 | Book Spotlight, Guest Authors, Writing
First, thanks Sarah for allowing me to showcase my latest release, Because You Are Mine, which is essentially a story about broken bonds and betrayal…
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BLURB:
Betrayal cuts deep, especially when it comes from someone you trust. And no one understands this better than Cara Sinclair’s old love, now new boss, Drake Ross. Growing up, these two shared an undeniable bond until they found themselves in a fight for their lives. Twelve years later, fate conspires to bring them back together. Yet, while Cara is torn between chasing a lost love, or pursuing another, Drake is left more uncertain of the truth and his feelings for the girl he believed betrayed him. But the love that binds them proves impenetrable. And when light is finally shed on the secrets that haunt them, Cara and Drake will soon discover that danger still lurks… and betrayal cuts deeper than they could have ever imagined.
I’m excited about Cara and Drake’s story and I hope you are too! Below is a sneak peak so enjoy! J
~~~
EXCERPT:
Drake was in a bad mood.
The monthly alignment meeting had proved to be a complete waste of time. He had more important things to do then sit around and re-discuss irrelevant material. He didn’t care who they selected to redesign the company’s website. He wanted to know how they planned to improve their network security and inefficient infrastructure.
He strode back to his office, irritated by the lost time.
As soon as he entered his office, he froze.
Resting on his sofa was Cara’s small feminine figure. For a moment he just stood there, transfixed. Then, without thinking, he quietly closed the office door and walk up to where she slept.
Her curly hair was pushed back but a few dark tendrils managed to escape and sprawled across her face. Her head rested on the sofa arm and the position exposed the tiny mole on her slender neck. A flaw he always found endearing.
He couldn’t take his eyes away. The peacefulness of that moment left him mesmerized. In that short moment, his mood shifted. His irritation melted away and was replaced by a pleasant calm.
He crouched down in front of her, fighting the urge to lean down and kiss her smooth, graceful neck. She was a natural beauty, and in sleep she was achingly so.
But the peaceful moment came to an abrupt end.
With a loud gasp, she jolted awake and stared right at him. Her eyes widened and she stifled another gasp when she found him hovering only inches away. He could practically feel the panic building inside her.
He was fascinated at how she could be sound asleep one minute then wide awake the next. She ran her hands through her mane of curls and he was drawn in by the feminine gesture. The uncomfortable strain forming in his pants was his cue to move away.
He ignored it.
“Hello there,” he greeted, his tone devoid of emotion. “How was your nap?”
~~~
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Lena Hart is an author of sensual, interracial romances. Her second novella, BECAUSE YOU ARE MINE, was recently released by Secret Cravings Publishing and is currently available wherever e-books are sold. To learn more about Lena and her work, visit www.LenaHartSite.com or find her rambling at scatblogging.blogspot.com
by Sarah | Apr 18, 2013 | A to Z Challenge, All About Family
Most everyone knows that April is Autism awareness month. You can’t go anywhere in social media without reading the articles, blog posts, and seeing the imagery. I wholeheartedly support the Autism support, as our Molly has a mild form.
But did you know that April is also Parkinson’s Awareness Month?
Don’t know what Parkinson’s is? Well, in pop culture reference, it’s the disease Michael J. Fox has.
Because I excel at layman’s terms, here is what Parkinson’s is…
It’s a progressive disease that involves the malfunction and death of vital nerves (neurons) in the brain. It affects the brains ability to produce dopamine…and dopamine is vital to controlling movement and coordination.
Primary signs of PD are:
- Tremors – in the hands, face, and legs
- Postural Instability – imbalance, lack of coordination
- Rigidity
- Slowness of movement (Bradykinesia)
Right now there is no cure. The treatments and medicine can be as difficult to bear as the disease.
My father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s eight years ago.
It went from being “that illness Michael J. Fox has” to a very real and prominent part of my world.
I hate the disease.
I hate how little we know about the brain.
I hate that they still aren’t 100% sure what causes it. If it’s genetic, or the cause is external.
I don’t like living in a world without answers.
Answers are my life-blood.
Not knowing sucks.
So please, take a moment and head over to the PDF website. Learn about Parkinson’s. If you can spare a few dollars, donate to support research and help them find the answers that are still so lacking.
*~*~*
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 17, 2013 | Author Interview, Guest Authors, Writing
I’m happy to have Lindsay Downs by today to talk about his upcoming release, Ice Queen. He was good enough to sit down and answer a few questions for me, and talk a little about his books.
*~*
1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I think the best way for me to answer this question is to let you read my bio-
What does it take to be a bestselling author? Determination, skill, talent, luck or taking a risk with a venture into a totally new genre. For me it was a little of some and a lot of the others.
In 2008 when I got 2 books published I thought it was due to skill; little did I know it was more luck than anything. Over the next three years I wrote, submitted, got rejected. I then did what I tell everyone who asks; I wrote some more. I didn’t give up.
More on a dare than anything I tried my hand at a regency, one of the most difficult genres because of the rule, which I might add I broke almost every one. Within two days of its release the book was on a best seller list and stayed there for two months.
Turns out it is all of the aforementioned.
After two failed marriages, one from divorce while with the other she dies unexpectedly I decided upon retirement to move. That opportunity came in September 2012 when I migrated to Texas.
For me, as a multipublished author it was one of the best things I’ve done to date. Now, every day I can write, creating stories to take my readers to places they can only dream about.
2. Are you a pantser or a plotter?
I’m a panster but with a new series I’m thinking about I might have to be a plotter, we’ll see.
3. Can you tell us about the challenges you faced getting your first book published?
First, trying to learn to write a compelling book which a publisher wanted. After that searching out the right one for the book. The whole thing is never to give up. If one rejects you learn, if needed correct then find the perfect publisher to go with.
4. What was your favorite chapter to write and why?
It’s really hard to point out one chapter out of them all to single out as my favorite. Each one, in their own way, was a favorite.
5. 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?
The only character I really didn’t like was Brandie Endicott. To find out why you’ll have to wait until June when the book releases and read it. Even the main bad guy I liked writing.
6. Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
Never give up on your dream. Develop your voice and stay true to it. Don’t be afraid to be different. Write. Write. Then write some more while taking workshops to learn the craft.
7. Narrow down your novel. Why must we read it? (besides the obvious, it’s awesome answer…because of course it is!)
Not only in my A Jessica Sales Novel series but also in all my regency books the one thing you’ll find which stands out above all the the leading character. The best way I can answer the question is to go back to 1972 and the Helen Reddy song “I Am Woman”. In short I empower my heroines.
8. Which character speaks the loudest to you?
The one I’m writing at the time, even the villain.
9. Do you have another book coming out soon?
In July I have my debut, with SCP, regency Spy Catcher releasing. This is romantic suspense. To put it simple between June and December of this year I’ve got a book releasing every month, except for November.
10. (For series authors) How many books can we expect to see in your series? Is the number tentative or set?
Right now I have 6 books in The Jessica Sales series scheduled for release between June 2013 through September 2014. I do have ideas for four more books in the Jessica Sales series.
*~*~*~*
Blurb for Ice Queen–
Betrayed by her lover, Jessica Sale has to decide who to trust. Not sure, she goes with her intuition. The problem, is her instinct correct or leading her down the proverbial garden path. Only time will tell, except she doesn’t have the luxury. Lives lie in the balance and depend on her split second decisions.
As the truth slowly unfolds, Jessica wonders if she’s made the right decision. No thanks to her Control who withholds crucial facts about a separate but equally important mission which parallels hers everything could be put in jeopardy. Time is the one thing Jessica doesn’t have, if she’s to prevent military grade weapons from being made available to terrorists.
Will she finally get all the information to stop Justin Grey or will she end up like so many of his supposed friends, partners and family-dead?
Will she finally get all the information to stop Justin Grey from selling weapons to terrorists or will she end up like so many of his supposed friends, partners and family-dead.
*~*
I’m so glad that Lindsay stopped by, I can’t go without pimping at least one of his books. So, of course, I’m going with Love and War.
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BLURB:
Rescued – Injured Ensign Steve Henry awakens from severe wounds to the tender care of Lieutenant Suzanne Cunningham. Attraction explodes between them but will war tear them apart in the end?
Simone – Returning to Occupied France in advance of the allied invasion leaves no time for love between Sergeant Brian Deveneau and Simone. War tears apart lives and love. Will they survive?
Angel in Green – Never expecting to find love, 1st Lieutenant Elena Roberts must put aside her feelings for 2nd Lieutenant Steve Johnson. When her hospital is overrun by North Vietnamese soldier’s, she must guard not only her heart from the handsome solider, but keep him alive as well.
by Sarah | Apr 17, 2013 | A to Z Challenge, All About Me, Random
I’m not sure how it started.
It’s not like I ever paid it any mind before.
Then a few years ago I latched onto orange.
It became my new favorite color.
My purse.
Clothes (some, I’m not obnoxious).
Pens and pencils.
The accent color in my living room.
Even my phone cover.
It’s all orange.
Suddenly Orange became my favorite color.
(Just don’t tell purple, k? we’re still carrying on an affair)
*~*~*
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!!
Tara Chevrestt is a deaf woman, former aviation mechanic, writer, and an editor. She is most passionate about planes, motorcycles, dogs, and above all, reading. That led to her love of writing. Between her writing and her editing, which allows her to be home with her little canine kids, she believes she has the greatest job in the world. She is very happily married.
