by Sarah | Oct 3, 2013 | Author Interview, Friday Dialogues, Guest Authors, Writing
- Can you tell us a little about yourself?
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 two 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 rules, 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 died 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.
I’m also a member of the Published Authors Network (PAN) by the Romance Writers of America (RWA).
- What’s the best thing you’ve done in your life?
Move to Texas for the weather and here I’ve gotten a lot more writing done than back in Connecticut
- Describe yourself in 5 words.
Different, unique, determined, committed, obsessed. Oh and a little crazy.
- Do you have a saying or motto for your life and/or as a writer?
Darkness is the absence of love
Where you can find me
Links to my books
Your Novel
- What about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
The heroine, Lady Sophia Gardner The Countess of Modbury, won’t stop until she learns who killed her first husband. How she goes about ferreting out the villains will shock and amaze you.
- What inspired you to write this particular story?
I’m not sure where the inspiration came from for this book but it ended up being the first in a series.
- Are the names of the characters in your novel important?
I’ve never been one to choose character names based on something about them. If I find a name I love and it fits then I’ll use it.
Writing
- Are you a pantser or a plotter?
Died in the wool panster. I’ve tried plotting but never stayed with the story line.
- How (or when) do you decide that you are finished writing a story?
When the main characters tell me to stop. I’ve learned that’s the best way to keep them happy so they’ll make an appearance in a sequel.
- What are you working on now?
I’m working on several different books, yes at the same time; Lady Jean and The Messenger, Book 3 in the Countess for the Crown series, The Duke’s Bride, the first in The Radcliffe series and finally, The Viscount and The Governess. What’s so interesting about this one is, besides being free you get a new episode every Wednesday.
- Have you written any other books?
I also write A Jessica Sales Novel series which is contemporary romantic suspense.
Quick Questions
- Sing in the rain or dance in the streets? Sing in the rain
- Pen or pencil? Fountain pen
- Summer or Winter? Yes
- Movies or TV? TV
- Theater or DVD? DVD
- Rural or Urban? Rural
- Facial hair or clean shaven? Clean shaven
- Marvel or DC? Marvel
- Cowboy or Bad Boy? Yes
- Sunrise or Sunset? Sunset
- Fall leaves or Spring flowers? Leaves
- Peanut butter or jelly? Yes
- Spender or Saver? Trying to be a saver
*~*~*~*
Blurb-
When someone tries to murder Lady Sophia Gardner, Countess of Modbury, James becomes her appointed protector. Little does she realize he’s not who he says he is.
After finding a cryptic message they depart for London where Lady Sophia learns James is the Marquess of Sussex. Angered, at first, with his deceit she falls in love with him wondering if the feelings are returned.
As they search for the clues to reveal who was selling secrets to the French which could have turned the tide at Waterloo James is confronted by his parents. Turning away from them so he to support the woman he loves another attempt is made on her life.
To ferret out the traitors they slip away to a tiny cottage where James learns there’s more to Lady Sophia than meets the eye. Sneaking into London they learn who the traitors are and bring them to justice.
by Sarah | Oct 2, 2013 | Character Interview, Guest Authors, Thursday Tell All, Writing
- What is your story?
Gwyn: My story is one of a dedicated scientist who trusted the wrong people and ended the world as we know it. Yes—I (inadvertently) caused the zombie apocalypse.
Sorry about that.
If it helps, I’m working to fix it, and I’ve made good progress on solving the problem.
- Who are you?
Goodness. That’s a difficult question. If you had asked Rafe, he would have tossed something flippant your way and moved on. But I find myself unable to do that, although I envy him the ability.
Who am I? Well, I am more than the person I was when my story began in Hero for Hire. Then, I was a scientist. That encompassed the important pieces of who I was. Now? I’m a foster mother to a pack of boys. I am a lover to the most amazing man I’ve had the privilege to know. I’m a terrible cook, with a family who eats my unappetizing offerings and pretends that they like them. I’m the destroyer of the world as we knew it. I’m trying to become restorer of the world, one infected at a time.
I’m Gwyn.
- Do you embrace conflict?
I do not. Before everything went badly, I used to avoid conflict at all costs. It’s part of what led the events that caused the end of our world. Now? I don’t like conflict, and I certainly don’t seek it out, but I do not run from it, and when necessary, I can fight as hard as Rafe and our boys. Some things are worth the battle. I’ve learned that.
4. How do you see yourself?
I’m strong. I never knew that about myself before the world ended. Now I do. I’m strong, and I am capable of so much more than I ever thought possible.
- What, if anything, haunts you?
As you can probably guess, I really regret having trusted Miriam. I really regret not acknowledging her jealousy, and protecting against what she might do. My failure to stand up to her back at the beginning caused the deaths of so many. There are people that I will never have the chance to cure, and it could all have been prevented. I try not to think about it too much, because that much guilt can paralyze, and I still have a job to do. I still have a world to restore.
- Has anyone ever betrayed you?
Miriam didn’t do me any favors. But the people in my life now? I’d trust them with my life. I do actually, every day.
- Have you ever failed anyone?
I failed everyone. The apocalypse was my fault—at least in part. I’m trying to mitigate the damage now, but I will never make that right.
- Who was your first love?
Is it pathetic to say Rafe? I dated off an on before him, but he was the first person to really see me. And he was the first person who really touched me, who reached that secret place inside that we all have but never intentionally let people into.
- Was there ever a defining moment of your life?
When I left Rafe to go back to the lab, that moment was a defining one for me. I knew what I was choosing, and I did it anyway, because the reward was worth what I was giving up.
- What one word best describes you?
Determined.
- What don’t you like about yourself?
I’m awkward. My family adores me, and they don’t mind, but I know that socially I am awkward. I wish I were warm, and open and easy to know like Rafe is. But I’m not, and I suppose that is okay. Because I do like who I’ve become.
- What is more important – sex or intimacy? Why?
Intimacy. What is the point of sex without it? Just two people satisfying a base urge? For me, to let someone have that sort of access to me and who I am requires intimacy. Otherwise I just can’t do it.
- Do you think redemption is possible? If so, can anyone be redeemed, or are there only certain circumstances that can be? If not, why do you think nothing can redeem itself?
I certainly hope so. I’m working on that redemption every day.
*~*
| [amazon_link id=”B00FF7IFFK” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] | B&N | Kobo | iTunes | Indigo |
One day her prince would come…disguised as a zombie-killer. Having been disgraced and tossed out by her own scientific community, Gwyn is convinced she can develop a cure for a SuperVirus that has turned the Infected into zombies. By pure luck and determination, she has survived on her own for years, but while out scavenging, a clash with the local zombies leaves her potentially infected. Now, running out of time, she needs help and takes a chance on a hero for hire.
Rafe loves the apocalypse. Since the world went to hell, everything’s come up roses for him. Having procured a mansion in the Hollywood hills, adopted a slew of homeless boys and one cantankerous but useful Doc, Mr. Charming is benefiting from the nasty zombie infestation. His job? Killing the bastards, which he considers fun anyway. Gwyn Snow needs Rafe Charming to help retrieve her research from the Paragon Pharmaceuticals lab, also known as Zombie Central. Believing she can yet save the world, Gwyn makes Rafe question what’s right and what’s worth the fight.
CONTENT WARNING: Prince Charming, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves as you’ve never seen them before. Tales From Beyond the End, #1 A Lyrical Press Fantasy Romance – Once Upon”
*~*
Excerpt:
“I was on the vaccine team,” she said. “The team leader was a woman named Miriam Armstrong. She’s a brilliant woman, but her aspirations clouded her vision, so when I came up with a workable vaccine, she stole my formula. She re-engineered it, thinking she could make improvements. I complained, but no one was interested. Because she was the team leader, she took credit for the vaccine. When the vaccine was distributed and administered, my best guess is that it reacted with the live virus to cause mutation.”
“That’s just shitty.”
“It appears there are a couple of levels of mutation, producing a higher level of functioning in the infected individual, much like what you described–strong, fast, cunning, violent and with some heightened senses.”
“Right. But there are also some who are just lumbering meat sacks. I think the smarter ones eat those when they can’t find anything fresher, so to speak.”
She shuddered. “The point is, I can fix them. I can still cure them. That’s what I’ve been working on for the last eighteen months, but I need my journals at the lab to reconstruct my original work.”
I cocked a brow at her, displaying my best you’ve-got-to-be-shitting-me expression.
“You really think you can cure those things out there?”
“I know I can.”
She pushed the hair out of her face again, looking me in the eyes. The conviction shining there and echoed in her voice, almost made me believe her. But, I had no faith those animals would ever be human again. The point was she believed they could be cured. Now I had a much better grasp of the guilt and pain that ate at her conscience.
Not only was she gorgeous, she was smart, she was vulnerable and she had an adorable awkwardness that did crazy things to me. I’d never met a woman like her. Ever. I tried not to, but I fell for her, just like that. This was probably not the reaction she was looking for–it sure as hell surprised me–but being the go-with-your-gut kinda guy I was, I did the only thing I could in the circumstances.
“What the hell,” I said, and leaned in to kiss her. The shock when our lips met sent a jolt down my spine, settling somewhere just south of my belt buckle. I couldn’t stop the growl in my throat as I took her deeper. My hands reached up, fingers tangling in the hair at her nape. I gave into the need and pulled her body into mine. She kissed like she didn’t know how, tentative, almost dainty. I smiled against her lips at her sharp intake of breath when I introduced my tongue into her mouth.
God, she tasted so sweet it made me dizzy. She mewed a little sound, returning my kiss, convincing me she had actually done this before. When I placed my other hand at her lower back and pulled her against the enthusiastic bulge in my jeans, she broke the kiss. She took a step away, a shocked look on her face.
“What’s the matter, Princess, too much for you?”
About Merissa
I love to read, write, drink strong coffee and eat dark chocolate–not necessarily in that order and sometimes all at once. I live in the deep South, with my very own superhero, and my three minions. Together, we attempt to take over the world.
When not otherwise occupied with planning world domination, I’m a voracious reader and adore happy endings. I write what I love to read, so I write romance and stories with romantic elements to them.
My novella Hero for Hire, written jointly with the fabulous Margaret Bail is due for release on October 1, 2013. It’s a Paranormal Romance featuring a campy post apocalyptic take on the Snow White tale, and is the first in our Tales from Beyond the End series.
I love feedback and messages, so please feel free to contact me at www.facebook.com/MerissaMcCain,
twitter.com/MerissaMcCain/
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7199113.Merissa_McCain,
http://triberr.com/MerissaMcCain
or via email at merissa.mccain@gmail.com
*~*
About Margaret
Hi. I’m Margaret Madigan. Or M.K.D. Bail, depending on what literary genre we’re talking about!
I live in the vast Northern Plains where it’s quiet and mostly empty, and very conducive to letting my imagination run wild. As a result, I have difficulty focusing on just one genre of storytelling. Of course, I love romance, so I write a lot of that, but I also write science fiction, and dabble in other genres just for the fun of it.
When I’m not writing you’ll find me in a college classroom teaching English, or working as a literary agent for an amazing agency…and of course enjoying time with my family.
Thanks for visiting my page. Like Merissa, I’d love to hear from you, so feel free to contact me with comments, requests, feedback, or messages at
Twitter.com/mmadiganauthor/
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7242698.Margaret_Madigan
https://www.facebook.com/mmadiganauthor
by Sarah | Sep 27, 2013 | Guest Authors, Saturday Spotlight, Writing
At this very moment I am sitting in a session at DragonCon, a sci-fi, fantasy, horror, paranormal fan conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Thousands of fans fill five hotels and over flow into the streets. Many of them look like their favorite movie, television, or comic book characters. I will spend my day in the Writer’s Track where I can soak in more information about writing and selling.
I started writing seriously in 1991 after I left teaching. Since I am a storyteller who loves reading, I decided to make my stories available to the reading public. Well, telling stories and writing them are 2 different things. New York publishers did not beg to buy my books. No agents insisted they represent me. Not one small press pleaded with me for my book.
Being a stubborn person, I decided to do it myself. I have self-published 2 novellas and 3 novels. As of October I became an editor for a small publisher where I can say yes to books I love that other publishers didn’t feel were ready. I can help authors polish those books and get them ready for the public to enjoy.
AND I finally contracted my first novel Protective Instincts. That story has been through so many edits and incarnations, I barely recognize it myself. After years I managed to cut out the VERY purple prose and modernize it.
| [amazon_link id=”B00EGE93CC” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] |
Blurb:
They met because he had premonitions and she was in peril. But you will never believe why they fell in love. Paranormal romance at its best.
After mourning the loss of her husband, Brit Roberts manages to pick up her life as a teacher for a rural Georgia High school. Things are fine until anonymous phone calls turn creepy and her life is endangered. It’s not until Sam Samuels, shows up to check on her that she finds a little peace, if not a slight attraction to the handsome yet meddling security specialist.
Sam Samuels isn’t just the father of one of Ms. Robert’s students, he’s a man with premonitions so strong, they make him ill. So when he meets his son’s teacher and pain kicks in, he knows something’s awry but can’t put his finger on it until he interrupts an attempt to rape and kill the teacher.
Excerpt:
Sam rubbed his five o’clock stubble, then started on his second page of meticulous notes. His cramped handwriting made his eyes hurt. He shouldn’t have left his reading glasses in the truck.
Clicking heels on wood distracted him. The wearer sounded small but business-like, in a hurry. He glanced in the direction of the feminine sound. The lady wore navy hose and a navy skirt. He smiled and nodded at Ms. Roberts as she passed him on her way to the parking lot. “Good evening,” he said to her back as she barely slowed her exit, leaving a light floral scent to wrap around him.
Her impersonal nod toward him could have been meant for anyone. “And a good evening to you, too,” he muttered to the closing door. Typical for her. She wasn’t the friendliest woman he’d ever met. Most women at least gave him a smile when he spoke to them.
Gut pain bent him almost double. He glanced around the deserted hall. Familiar pressure built in his head. A premonition attack was coming on. Why now? Why when his son’s teacher had passed by? He didn’t need an attack now. He hurried to the school parking lot to catch up with the cause of his discomfort. He’d finish his figures later.
Sam had figured he’d probably see Ms. Roberts here sometime before he left, but he hadn’t planned to do more than nod to her as he always did. She was attractive but standoffish. Sean had mentioned she was a widow. Maybe that was why she seldom smiled.
His mama’s training in the ways of a gentleman prodded him toward her and the old Mustang. He’d follow her tonight. He had no choice. Maybe this premonitions was about car trouble. Probably. It wouldn’t be the first time he’d rescued someone from being stranded.
She whirled around to face him, annoyance in her expression. “Are you following me?” Sounded like an accusation.
“I’m Sean Samuels’ father.”
“I know, but why are you here at my car? Isn’t that your truck, over there?” She tilted her head toward his truck.
“Sean’s always talking about your Mustang, ’65?”
“’64 1/2.”
I had a ‘66 way back when.” He ran his hand along the back fender. “Restoring it?” He pointed to sanded areas.
Her raised eyebrow made him feel like he was intruding. Too damned bad, it couldn’t be helped. The hairs on the back of his neck were still at alert. “Does it run well?”
“Two-eighty-nine, high performance engine, four-barrel carburetor, automatic. I never drive above 85 mph.” Despite the way she seemed to parrot the response, a smile played on her lips.
Sam’s hands gravitated to his pockets as he resisted the urge to reach for her keys and unlock her door. Standing close enough to share body heat and inhale her subtle wild flower fragrance, he noticed she barely came up to his shoulder, even with her heels.
Pain lanced through Sam’s head. His physical manifestations were stronger. If only he could get an idea about the source of the danger. But then he’d have to work on using the pesky gift he hadn’t wanted, one he couldn’t ignore.
He couldn’t let her leave alone to face the unnamed threat. She’d think he’d lost his freakin’ mind if he told her he sensed she was in danger.
*~*
www.MaryMarvella.com
www.pinkfuzzyslipperwriters.blogspot.com
https://www.facebook.com/mmbarfield or Mary Marvella, Author
by Sarah | Sep 25, 2013 | Friday Dialogues, Guest Authors, Writing
Personal
- Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I’m a native of Pittsburgh, PA who now lives in Orange County, California with my husband. I’ve always love books and have been a librarian most of my adult life, except for about six years as a travel agent.
- What do you like to read? What’s your favorite genre?
I read a little bit of everything but horror, but anything historical is my favorite. But I’ll read anything, even the back of the proverbial cereal box, if nothing else is available.
- What’s your favorite place, real or fictional? Why?
I love the Monterey Peninsula south of San Francisco. It’s such a beautiful spot and it just has a nice feel to it. I’d live there if I could afford to, but it’s very expensive.
- Do you have a saying or motto for your life and/or as a writer?
Yes. In the journey of life, love is the sweetest reward.
- Where can people find you on the web? Where can they read more about your books?
My website is http://www.lyndilamont.com and there’s a link to my blog on the website menu. I also hang out at Facebook, occasionally at Goodreads, and I tweet @LyndiLamont.
Your Novel
- What is your book about?
It’s a historical fantasy that matches a sexy pirate captain with wayward witch.
- What inspired you to write this particular story?
It was originally part of a collection of stories and each one had to have a mysterious island. Since a mystical element was required, it seemed appropriate to have a character who is a witch.
- What was your favorite part or chapter, and why?
My favorite part is Heather’s rhyming spells. I thought they would be hard to write, but they came really easily and were quite fun to do. They should come with a warning, though: Do not try this at home. Results in unexpected consequences.
Fun (Crazy, odd questions just for fun)
- Have you ever gone out in public in mis-matched shoes, or with your shirt on backward, and when you realized it just said ‘eh, screw it’?
LOL, I have gone out in public wearing different colored socks, usually one black, one blue. That’s what comes of being visually challenged. By the time I notice, it’s usually too late, so “screw it”.
- Are you skilled with fake accents?
Don’t know about skilled, but I love to do accents! I spent a year in Austin and learned how to Talk Texas. We used to sit around the student lounge and see who could lay on the thickest Southern drawl. A guy from East Texas had the rest of us beat all hollow.
Quick Questions
- Summer or Winter? Winter, but to be fair I live in So. Calif. where it never gets really cold.
- Movies or TV? TV
- Theater or DVD? DVD
- Rural or Urban? Urban. I’ve always been a city kid.
- Cowboy or Bad Boy? I have to choose?
- Sunrise or Sunset? Sunset
- Fall leaves or Spring flowers? Fall leaves, in part because we rarely see them here and I still miss the autumn foliage I grew up loving.
- Peanut butter or jelly? Peanut butter, though both would be nice.
- Spender or Saver? Saver.
*~*~*~*
| [amazon_link id=”B00ES2GJ9W” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] | B&N | Smashwords | Kobo | Apple |
Heather Parnell is traveling from England to her home in Jamaica with her new husband, Roger, a man she detests. She performs a banishing spell with unintended consequences. When their ship is attacked by pirates, Roger is killed. Heather, disguised as a boy, joins the pirate crew.
Pirate captain Adam Langworth suspects there is something odd about the new lad. When he discovers she is a woman, she begs him to keep her secret, a violation of the ships’ articles. When her identity is discovered, Adam and Heather find themselves marooned on a deserted island with nothing to do for the rest of their lives but make love.
Disclaimer: This is a 12,000 word steamy romantic short story, not a full-length novel. Previously published by Amber Quill Press. Contains a sexy pirate, a naughty witch, spellcasting and lovemaking.
Excerpt:
Adam stood, walked around the desk and reached for her hands. “What an extraordinary tale.”
She laughed, a little hysterically. “It is, is it not? And now even more so since I have been captured by pirates.”
“Most well-bred ladies would have fainted by now. I applaud your courage and resourcefulness.”
Heather stood to face him, her hand still in his. “I am made of sterner stuff than most ladies.”
“I see that. There is, perhaps, one solution to this dilemma. I could claim you as my share-and-a-half from the Sea Rover.” He let go of her hands and pulled her to him, one arm around her waist. His other hand grabbed hold of her hair and tugged her head back. She looked up into his face and saw that his eyes were green flecked with gold. They glittered with desire.
Her hands were pressed to his warm chest and her stomach against his groin. She felt his hard shaft and a strange warmth crept over her body. It spoke of anticipation and need. What was wrong with her? She should be repelled and disgusted by his touch. But she was not. Giving her head a quick shake, she forced herself to think logically.
“Your share-and-a-half? What does that mean?”
“When a ship is captured, the quartermaster catalogs the goods on board, then it is divided evenly among the crew. The captain receives a share-and-a-half. You would be mine.”
He is the one. The words rang through her mind.
“What would you do with me?” she asked, her voice suddenly husky.
“I know what I’d like to do,” he said, as his mouth descended.
*~*
Author bio:
Lyndi Lamont is the racy alter ego of romance author Linda McLaughlin. Writing sexy stories gives her a license to be naughty, at least between the pages of her books! She has written several full-length novels plus numerous short stories and novellas, ranging from historical to futuristic. She believes that love is unending and universal, and enjoys transporting her readers into a different world where her characters learn that, in the journey of life, love is the sweetest reward.
You can find her online at http://www.lyndilamont.com
Blog: Lyndi’s Love Notes: http://www.lyndilamont.com/blog
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LyndiLamont
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LyndiLamont
GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/LyndiLamont
by Sarah | Sep 19, 2013 | Friday Dialogues, Guest Authors, Writing
Personal
- Can you tell us a little about yourself? I live in Michigan with my husband and teenage son. I have two older sons and a daughter-in-law who live nearby. I like fishing, camping, and going for long walks. I love books, so I have a collection of old books and paperbacks. But I mostly read books on my Nook now. I leave reviews on books I read.
- Do you have a day job? Sort of. My husband and I love to buy things at auctions. We resell those items at the flea market, and online auction sites such as ebay, webstore, and ebids.
- What was the greatest thing you learned at school? My school days were a long time ago. But since I have been out of school I have learned you never stop learning. I’m not a big fan of research, but I believe it helps my writing and I always learn something new.
- Do you laugh at your own jokes? Sometimes.
- Have you ever found true love? Yes. I’ve been married for 29 years. And we are still in love. If that isn’t true love, I don’t know what is.
- What is something you never leave home without (apart from keys, phone, money, and ID)? My Nook and notebook. I used to carry a book in my purse, but now it’s my Nook. I always like to read, and you never know when an idea will hit you.
- Where can people find you on the web? Where can they read more about your books?
www.kaylalone.weebly.com (website) www.kaylalone.blogspot.com (blog)
Your Novel
- What is your book about? Sarah Kay gets help from her dead grandma to find her father who she thought was dead.
- What inspired you to write this particular story? My grandma. I was about Sarah Kay’s age, main character in Ghostly Clues, when my grandmother died. I remember one night seeing a ghostly hand creep up on my bed. It scared me at the time, but it is a memory that has haunted me. I do include that ghost hand in Ghostly Clues.
- Are the names of the characters in your novel important? I think so. Sarah Kay is a name I always liked. If I had a daughter, that would have been her name.
- How much of yourself is hidden in the characters in the book? Sarah Kay is a lot like me.
Writing
- How many stories are swirling around in your head? Do you keep a mental list, a computer file, or a spiral notebook filled with the ideas? There are a lot of ideas swirling around my head. That’s why I carry a notebook with me. I always try to write down my ideas in a notebook.
- Who gave you the best writing advice you ever received and what was it? I don’t remember who gave me the advice, but the best writing advice I received is write, write, write, and read, read, read.
- Where do you get the names for your characters? They just pop into my head.
- What are you working on now? I have several project in different stages that I am working on.
- Have you written any other books? I have one manuscript, Family Secret, which I have sent to my publisher.
Fun (Crazy, odd questions just for fun)
- Have you ever gone out in public in mis-matched shoes, or with your shirt on backward, and when you realized it just said ‘eh, screw it’? Yes, I’ve gone out in public with my shirt on backwards. No one noticed and I didn’t tell them.
- Are you a neat freak? Or clutter-bound? My house is a clutter zone because of all the things my family collects and things we buy to resell.
Quick Questions
- Sing in the rain or dance in the streets? Dance in the streets
- Pen or pencil? pencil
- Summer or Winter? summer
- Movies or TV? movies
- Theater or DVD? DVD
- Rural or Urban? Rural
- Facial hair or clean shaven? Facial hair
- Marvel or DC? Marvel
- Cowboy or Bad Boy? Bad boy
- Sunrise or Sunsent? Sunset
- Fall leaves or Spring flowers? Fall leaves (fall is beautiful in Michigan)
- Peanut butter or jelly? Peanutbutter
- Spender or Saver? saver
*~*
| [amazon_link id=”B00AFGJRLM” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] | BN | Smashwords | MuseItUp |
Blurb
The sweet scent of lilacs permeates the air around Grandma’s gravesite. Only Sarah Kay can smell Grandma’s favorite flower, and they’re not even in bloom.
Sarah Kay and her best friend, Mary Jane, believe the lilacs are a sign from Grandma’s ghost. The girls follow one ghostly clue after another, uncovering a secret that Mom never wanted Sarah Kay to know.
Grandma makes sure Sarah Kay gets the message even from the grave. As the evidence piles up, Mom still refuses to accept the possibility Sarah Kay’s father is alive.
Sarah Kay finds Dad’s parents. A set of grandparents she didn’t realize existed. They make it clear her father is alive but days and miles separate the father and daughter reunion because Dad is a truck driver on a long haul.
Sarah Kay waits. The news reports a fatal car accident involving a semi and Sarah Kay fears the worse. She runs away which leads to Dad and the truth, Mom wanted Dad to remain dead.
Dad had faked his death so why not just stay dead. The ghostly clues of Grandma wouldn’t allow Dad to remain dead to Sarah Kay.
*~*
Excerpt
The house was blanketed in a quiet slumber. I snuggled under the sleeping bag with Allison, trying not to think about ghosts, as I drifted to sleep.
Random pictures floated in my mind like ghostly images.
I tiptoed among tombstones and my heart ached as if I had lost something or someone. He had to be here, somewhere. The gravestones rose like stone walls. No names engraved on them. No dates. No R.I.P. Nothing. Just smooth, flat stones. Ghosts—grayish, smoky forms with black eyes—floated over the tombstones. I shivered, suddenly cold, freezing. My breath visible like a little ghost. I didn’t want to look at the ghost anymore so I looked down at my feet. A tombstone with Grandma’s name appeared out of nowhere. The earth moved. The dirt around the headstone broke away and gnarled fingers clawed their way into the air, searching, grasping. Shriveled fingers clutched my leg.
Something grabbed at my leg—the hand, I screamed and frantically wiggled out of my sleeping bag, bumping MJ as I tried to get away from the hand I thought I felt grab at my leg.
*~*
Bio
I’m Kay LaLone. Ghostly Clues is my first middle grade novel published by MuseItUp. I live in Michigan with my husband and teenage son (two older sons and a daughter-in-law live near by) and two dogs and a cat. I love to get up every morning and write about ghosts, the paranormal, and anything that goes bump in the night. Or anything that interest my characters. Making my characters come to life for readers is important to a good story. I’m an avid reader of just about any type of book. I do reviews on the books I read and post them on my website and blog.
My website www.kaylalone.weebly.com
My blog www.kaylalone.blogspot.com
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ghostlyclues
Twitter https://twitter.com/kaylalone
by Sarah | Sep 16, 2013 | Guest Authors, Top Ten Tuesday, Writing
One of the most difficult things about being an author is taking criticism. It’s one thing to get a critical review, because as authors we expect those. However, it’s quite something else to get critiqued and edited by your editor.
Your editor is an extension of yourself. What I mean is that he is the extra pair of eyes that will pick up on any errors you have missed. He or she will tell you exactly what is wrong with the story regarding, flow, plot, characterization and other technical parts of writing. Now unless you write a perfectly balanced piece every time, chances are you are going to need an editor to correct and help you polish your story for publishing.
I don’t know about you, but I’m not perfect. With each new book, I’ve gotten better thanks to the awesome editing skills of my Sensei.(the nickname I gave my editor.)
However the secret to getting that book polished up and ready for my readers is my ability to take the advice and constructive criticism my favorite editor gives me.
However, sometimes that advice comes with some very witty quotes, I have made a list of my most favorite quotes that my editor has given me while working on my manuscript.
Here are ten of them.
- You are a writer not a painter. –in response to a scene where I described the man’s male part in as “a turgid work of art.” Ew….WTF was I thinking.
- Cock hole IS NOT SEXY.—in response to a term I used for a certain part of the female anatomy during a love scene.
- F___ing Really?—in response to my writing a toilet scene into one of my stories.
- You gotta change this! Hahahaha—in response to my description of a “pearl necklace” given to my heroine… (heheheh)
- Meat? LOL! No.—in response to me trying to sneak in that “male” term into one of my sex scenes.
- I KNEW I wasn’t drunk. This is a POV switch without making it obvious.—in response to something I’ve been trying to perfect and finally did!
- Petals? Really? Females do not have petals, Flowers have petals.—one of the many responses to horrible prose I used to use.
- ???—in response to a piece of dialogue that made no sense what so ever.
- WTF oh God no.—remember the “cock hole” term, this was in response to me trying to change it to Cock pocket. He also told me to burn that edit and never used it again. Heh…
- Bwaaahaaahaaaaahaaaaa….Oh wait this is a serious scene?—he really thought it was a comedic scene, then realized I was trying to be dramatic and sort of over did it. There is such a thing as over use of adjectives in one sentence…Who knew?
My Editor has a way with words at times but to me that’s what makes working on his edits more fun. After all if we can’t laugh at ourselves and accept our own mistakes, how can we ever become better writers?
*~*
| [amazon_link id=”B00CIKK6Y0″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] |
On Corbin’s world women are desperately needed as Breeding-mates to keep his race from extinction. Having been betrayed by his former Breeder, Corbin has given up on ever having another Breeding-mate in his life.
On one of his trips to the hedonistic planet Azuri, Corbin runs into Princess Yani, a beautiful woman who calls to him in a way he can not understand.
Princess Yani hates her life, and the man she is being forced to marry for the sake of politics.
Fleeing the nuptial feast, Yani runs straight into one of the planet’s most popular dives, where sex and sensuality abound. There she meets Corbin and sparks fly. One night of bliss in which he takes complete possession of her seems to offer the possibility for escape from her marriage – until Yani learns Corbin’s deepest, darkest secrets and needs. Needs she isn’t sure she can fulfill.
Can Yani and Corbin find love together, or will Fate tear them apart, dooming each to to a dull, lonely existence?
*~*
Bio
Emma Paul lives happily in Connecticut with her husband, daughter and a very pampered Himalayan cat named Chyenne. She loves creating the fantastical tales that seem to manifest every second of every day within the confines of her mind. Emma loves writing and sharing her imagination with anyone willing to read or listen to her stories. She is passionate about her writing and loves pushing the limits if her imagination. Erotic romance is her favorite genre. Combined with her love of fantasy and science fiction, she found her calling. Her entertaining tales are hot, fun and wildly creative.
Emma is currently published with Renaissance E Books and their imprint Sizzler Editions.
She is also published with Silver Publishing Inc.
Her Works Include,
Soulmate’s Touch– Erotic Paranormal Romance- Sizzler Editions (First book in the Gargoyle Soulmate Series)
Kaden’s Breeder – Erotic Science Fiction Romance- Sizzler Editions (First book in the Galactic Breeders Series)
Prisoner of Darkhaven – Fantasy-Erotic Romance Fairytale- Sizzler Editions
Personal Tutor- Contemporary Erotic Romance- Silver Publishing
Reviews, What readers are saying about Emma Paul’s Books,
Prisoner Of Darkhaven,
“ With all of the shows and movies about the beloved children’s fairy tales, the Prisoner of Darkhaven offers an erotic flavor for a classic. Damien’s character is everything I think a demon would be in human form, and when his demon persona comes to the surface I was still able to see and feel the sexuality. Elise is a very headstrong and independent character who just happened to be in a bad situation. I loved that Elise didn’t shrink in fear when Damien showed his demon self or when the goblins were around. The sex between Damien and Elise is very hot, spicy, dirty…and did I mention hot and just plan old sexy as heck.”
“Prisoner of Darkhaven is a very fun book that will have you searching for your very own demon.” –Just Erotic Reviews
Soulmate’s Touch,
“There is just one word for Ms. Paul’s Soulmate’s Touch…juicy! From the first page to the last, it keeps the reader enthralled. Soulmate’s Touch demands the reader’s full attention. One skipped page and you’ll be lost. It’s not often that you see this level of complexity in the erotic romance genre. This felt more on par with something written by leading authors in the mainstream suspense genre.”
“Brava to Ms. Paul for reminding readers that erotic romance isn’t just about the bump and grind, but about the journey the characters take to earn their HEA! Soulmate’s Touch was a joy to read and very deserving of a JERR Gold Star Award.”
–T.S. Peters, Erotic Romance Reviews
T
Kaden’s Breeder,
“This story is a rocking 18+ read 🙂 A woman gets abducted by aliens from Earth, she is then cleaned and prepared to be in a breeding event. Stupidity she leaves the path made for the females to run on and ends up in danger, but wonderfully the man who decided to make her his came to her rescue 🙂 The man who rescued her is apart of a planet that has no females any more, so they rely highly on the breeder event to find fertile females to have their young. Talk about hot aliens, they are drool worthy in many ways 😀 God why can’t all males have those Dredlocks 🙂 You will see what I mean”
–Amazon Customer—Review by Beth
