Monday, October 31, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Author Interview and Giveaway with Scarlet Black
Welcome everyone. I would like to introduce Scarlet Black, author of Salem Moon, and The Wisdom of Evil. She is here today to answer a few questions and give away two e-book copies of her book, Salem Moon, a hot time-travel romance. Be sure to look in the near future for the sequel, The Fallen and the Pure, available soon in e-book and trade paperback. All you have to do to enter the drawing is leave a comment. Winners will be drawn on November 6th and we will forward each winner a copy of Salem Moon in whatever format you require for your e-readers. Remember to enter a comment to participate and your email address so we may contact you as a winner!
Thank you, Scarlet, for participating in the interview and giveaway. Your readers would like to know a little more about you.
Scarlet, tell us your latest news.
I’ve just been signed with literary agent Marisa Corvisiero of Perkins agency. She picked me up after reading non-fiction novella The Last Gift. I’m very excited to be working on this project with her.
When and why did you begin writing?
I started writing at about ten years old. I’ve always loved reading and English. As I passed in writing assignments, teachers encouraged me to pursue a career in writing.
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
Take care of animals, swim, travel, read, draw, fishing, boating, and hiking.
What inspired you to write your first book?
The Wisdom of Evil is the first full length book I wrote. I started writing it as therapy after losing so many loved ones in a very short time frame.
What do you think makes a good story?
Strong characters, an intriguing plot line and is well written.
How do you want readers to feel after they read your stories?
I want readers to feel exactly what the characters are feeling in the books. Perhaps, giving them a little insight into human nature, something to think about after their done.
What is your favorite character out of all the books you have written?
Michael Solomon of the Wisdom of Evil. He’s a great guy in uniform! What more can you ask for?
What influences your creativity of your characters?
Life experience and what I do and don’t like in other books I’ve read. To me character development is the most important part of writing.
Can you share a little of your current work with us?
Right now I’m working on Salem Moon 2: The Fallen and the Pure as well. I’m also working on a novella and a short story.
What are some of the goals and future plans with your writing?
My goal is to truly hone my craft and get better at writing. I plan to continue writing and see where it leads me in the future.
Thank you, Scarlet for the interview. Please remember to enter a comment for your chance to win a copy of Salem Moon. Be sure to leave your email address as well so that we can contact you as a winner! Hurry, drawing to be held November 6th!
Congratulations to Akira and Cherieb 1963! You both have won a copy of Salem Moon!
Congratulations to Akira and Cherieb 1963! You both have won a copy of Salem Moon!
Welcome everyone. I would like to introduce Jeff Horton, author of The Last Prophet, and The Dark age. He is here today to answer a few questions and give away two e-book copies of his book, The Dark Age, a riveting sequel to The Great Collapse. All you have to do to enter the drawing is leave a comment. Winners will be drawn on November 6th and we will forward each winner a copy of The Dark Age in whatever format you require for your e-readers. Remember to enter a comment to participate and your email address so we may contact you as a winner!
Thank you, Jeff, for participating in the interview and giveaway. Your readers would like to know a little more about you.
Jeff, tell us your latest news.
Two of my novels are currently on separate book blog tours. The Dark Age-Survivors of the Pulse, is currently on tour with The Experience Tours: http://theexperiencetours.blogspot.com/p/current-experience.html.
My third novel, The Last Prophet, is currently on tour through November with Blog-a-licious Authors:
Once the novels are finished on their current tours, I expect they will swap tours, so the novels should be getting a lot of exposure through the end of the year.
I am also working on my fourth novel, Tales of Eden, a children's novel, which is starting to shape up nicely!
When and why did you begin writing?
I started writing several years ago. I had started doing a little self-examination about midway through my life, a little soul-searching if you will, about what I might want to do with myself going forward. I've always enjoyed writing so after a few false starts, I eventually settled down and wrote The Dark Age-Survivors of the Pulse, followed by The Great Collapse-Survivors of the Pulse, and then The Last Prophet.
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
Like many authors I am an avid reader as well as an author. In addition to reading and writing, I like to spend time with my family, attend Church, watch good movies, discuss theology, and spend time outdoors.
What inspired you to write your first book?
I have always been interested in many of the big questions of life: Why are we here? What does God want me to do with my life? Are we alone in the universe? How did humanity, as a species/civilization, get to where we are today, and where are we headed? How did people live long ago? How will we live tomorrow? What would we do without our modern technology? The last question, spurred on by our annual loss of electricity when ice storms pass through our state, inspired me to write The Great Collapse and to a large extent, The Dark Age as well.
What do you think makes a good story?
I'm constantly telling my children that when it comes to movies and books, it's all about the story. I believe that as human beings we are so interested in stories because they teach us about ourselves. I enjoy stories that exemplify the best of humanity's nature; courage, self-sacrifice, love of God, family, and friends, etc.
How do you want readers to feel after they read your stories?
When I finish reading a really great novel, or watching a really engrossing movie, I often walk away still feeling immersed in that world, reliving various scenes, interacting with the various characters and locations, and the like. In more intellectual story lines, I find myself thinking, sometimes for days, about the points raised by the story. That's how I would like for my readers to feel, still immersed in the world I created, and pondering the points I raised throughout the story, and how it might impact his or her life.
What is your favorite character out of all the books you have written?
That's a really difficult question to answer. It's like asking which of my children I like the best! I suppose my favorite character of all the novels I have written is probably John March from The Last Prophet. March is an ordinary man who's busy trying to make a living to support his family, when he learns that the end of the world is at hand, and that he has been chosen by God to confront the Beast, and warn humanity about the end of the world. When I wrote The Last Prophet I found myself continually asking how I would respond given the various issues he has to deal with.
What influences your creativity of your characters?
My life experiences, my worldview, and my value system, all influences my writing style, subject matter, and the characters, I take from the best, and the worst of humanity when I write.
Can you share a little of your current work with us?
The following is from the prologue for The Last Prophet…
"I sat there on the sofa waiting, staring intermittently at the clock, the one with the minute hand that seemed to be racing around its circular course faster than any timepiece should. I looked out the living room window, where I could see nothing but gray skies and stillness. I knew he was coming for me, and that he would arrive within the hour. He would come and this time, kill me. Addon and his followers would undoubtedly rejoice once I was gone. I was the one that they feared and despised, the one they held responsible for the many plagues they had endured.
Having long ago said our goodbyes to our families and the believers we had met since arriving in Jerusalem––the wonderful, glorious, holy city-- Moe and I were ready. We had done all that we could to comfort our brothers and sisters, to assure them that we would see them again very soon. While all of them rejoiced with us that we were about to go be with the Father, some had left only when we told them that it would be easier for us if they did so.
Moe and I looked at one another before rising unsteadily from our seats. We both nodded in unspoken agreement as we began walking towards the door. We were scared, but we refused to stay and cower inside, just waiting for our enemy to arrive. We would meet him outside and face him as the faithful soldiers we were. Each of us took comfort from the words, ―greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world.‖ We would not give the enemy the satisfaction of finding fear in our eyes when he arrived.
Our work was finally finished after traveling a long and difficult road wrought with many trials and tribulations. We had dutifully accomplished our mission by delivering the message that the Lord had sent us to bring, and we had warned the peoples of the Earth about the coming destruction. Our work was over; it was time for us to go home…
What are some of the goals and future plans with your writing?
I intend to finish Tales of Eden, the first in a series of children's novels. After that, I plan to begin work on my fifth novel, a sci-fi thriller, possibly called CyberWars, a story set in the near future, where nation states have moved fighting from the battlefield to cyberspace.
Thank you, Jeff! Please remember to enter a comment and your email for a chance to win a copy of The Dark Age.
Congratulations Akira, you have won a copy of The Dark Age!
Congratulations Akira, you have won a copy of The Dark Age!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Author Interview and Giveaway with Morrigan Michele
Welcome everyone. I would like to introduce Morrigan Michele, one of the authors of Betrayed. A hot new young adult series. She is here today to answer a few questions and give away two e-book copies of her book, Betrayed, an exciting young adult urban fantasy. All you have to do to enter the drawing is leave a comment. Winners will be drawn on November 2nd and we will forward each winner a copy of Betrayed in whatever format you require for your e-readers. Remember to enter a comment to participate. Please include your email so that we may contact you if you win.
Thank you Morrigan for taking the time to participate in this interview and giveaway. I'm sure your fans would like to hear more about you.
Hi, my name is Morrigan Michele, for those of you who don't know I am one of the authors of the Blood and Magick Series. Blood and Magick is a YA Urban Paranormal Fantasy series; and the first book is titled Betrayed.
Morrigan, please tell us your latest news.
Betrayed just released October 1, 2011!
When and why did you begin writing?
I have always loved to write. When I was younger, I wrote lots of poetry. I still write poetry; as a matter of fact, you will find some of my poems in Betrayed.
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
When I am not writing I like to spend time with friends and family. My youngest sister recently had a baby boy and I try to make time to go see them. Due to my busy schedule and their living so far away, I don't get to see them as much as I would like.
What inspired you to write your first book?
It's really a combination of people. I have always been drawn to the paranormal; for example, vampires, witches, magick, and all things that go “bump” in the night. My sister Misty, the co-author, and I are avid readers of the paranormal genre and decided since we read so much we should write our own book. The one book we initially intended on writing turned into a series.
What do you think makes a good story?
For starters you have to have a good plot and a solid story line. A good story of course, has to have a cast of believable characters. The reader needs to be able to relate to each one and build a love (or hate) relationship with them. A really good story needs to have a lot of story and very little “filler.”
How do you want readers to feel after they read your stories?
Since I am writing a series, and intend to keep writing series (because as a reader I love series) I want my readers to not only want, but need more. I want to write the kind of book that you can't put down and when you do you feel as though you must have the next installment on hand. As a writer, I only write what I, myself, would want to read.
What is your favorite character out of all the books you have written?
I have only written the one book, and I am currently working on the 2nd book in the series. I love each and every one of my characters; but if I have to choose I choose Alexis and Giovanni.
What influences your creativity of your characters?
My characters take on a life and personality of their own. The more we write, the more they really grow and individuals and come into their own.
Can you share a little of your current work with us?
I am currently working on Immortal Lineage-Blood and Magick book 2. You can see the blurb for book 2 at http://www.bloodandmagickseries.com/ and www.facebook.com/bloodandmagick
What are some of the goals and future plans with your writing?
Well, my first goal is to get book 2 completed. After that we are planning to write the rest of the Blood and Magick Series; but I am not stopping there. That's all I can say for now. To find out more, just keep an eye on my website and Facebook pages.
Remember to leave a comment for your chance to win. Also, please remember to include your email address so that we can contact you if you are a winner.
Thank you Morrigan for taking the time to participate in this interview and giveaway. I'm sure your fans would like to hear more about you.
Hi, my name is Morrigan Michele, for those of you who don't know I am one of the authors of the Blood and Magick Series. Blood and Magick is a YA Urban Paranormal Fantasy series; and the first book is titled Betrayed.
Morrigan, please tell us your latest news.
Betrayed just released October 1, 2011!
When and why did you begin writing?
I have always loved to write. When I was younger, I wrote lots of poetry. I still write poetry; as a matter of fact, you will find some of my poems in Betrayed.
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
When I am not writing I like to spend time with friends and family. My youngest sister recently had a baby boy and I try to make time to go see them. Due to my busy schedule and their living so far away, I don't get to see them as much as I would like.
What inspired you to write your first book?
It's really a combination of people. I have always been drawn to the paranormal; for example, vampires, witches, magick, and all things that go “bump” in the night. My sister Misty, the co-author, and I are avid readers of the paranormal genre and decided since we read so much we should write our own book. The one book we initially intended on writing turned into a series.
What do you think makes a good story?
For starters you have to have a good plot and a solid story line. A good story of course, has to have a cast of believable characters. The reader needs to be able to relate to each one and build a love (or hate) relationship with them. A really good story needs to have a lot of story and very little “filler.”
How do you want readers to feel after they read your stories?
Since I am writing a series, and intend to keep writing series (because as a reader I love series) I want my readers to not only want, but need more. I want to write the kind of book that you can't put down and when you do you feel as though you must have the next installment on hand. As a writer, I only write what I, myself, would want to read.
What is your favorite character out of all the books you have written?
I have only written the one book, and I am currently working on the 2nd book in the series. I love each and every one of my characters; but if I have to choose I choose Alexis and Giovanni.
What influences your creativity of your characters?
My characters take on a life and personality of their own. The more we write, the more they really grow and individuals and come into their own.
Can you share a little of your current work with us?
I am currently working on Immortal Lineage-Blood and Magick book 2. You can see the blurb for book 2 at http://www.bloodandmagickseries.com/ and www.facebook.com/bloodandmagick
What are some of the goals and future plans with your writing?
Well, my first goal is to get book 2 completed. After that we are planning to write the rest of the Blood and Magick Series; but I am not stopping there. That's all I can say for now. To find out more, just keep an eye on my website and Facebook pages.
Remember to leave a comment for your chance to win. Also, please remember to include your email address so that we can contact you if you are a winner.
Congratulations Sandi76 and Akira you are both winners of a copy of Betrayed!
Congratulations Sandi76 and Akira you are both winners of a copy of Betrayed!
Author Interview and Giveaway with G. R. Holton
Welcome everyone. I would like to introduce G. R. Holton, author of Deep Screams and Squazles. He is here today to answer a few questions and give away two e-book copies of his book, Deep Screams, an exciting suspense horror in outerspace! All you have to do to enter the drawing is leave a comment. Winners will be drawn on November 2nd and we will forward each winner a copy of Deep Screams in whatever format you require for your e-readers. Remember to enter a comment to participate. Please include your email so that we may contact you if you win.
Thank you Bob, for participating in this interview and giveaway. I'm sure your fans are excited to read more about you.
Bob, please tell us your latest news.
Well I had the day of days for an author on the 17th. First I received a great review in the morning, that afternoon I was on our county’s newspaper… on the front page, then to top off the day I have been placed into The Authors Show’s 2011 Annual 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading.
When and why did you begin writing?
I started writing two years ago exactly. I met a Movie Director via a Facebook game and after reading a couple of his screenplays I decided that I wanted to write also. I keep writing because it is very therapeutic for my Bipolar condition.
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I am the Vice-President of the town’s Merchants Association, I am on the town’s Arts Commission, and on the town’s Fourth of July Commission. So I guess you could say I love to volunteer for the betterment of my town.
What inspired you to write your first book?
My very first book was actually inspired by a dream of myself and my sisters trapped in a cave.
What do you think makes a good story?
I feel first a great plot and then realistic characters. Without those you only have a group of thoughts with no direction.
How do you want readers to feel after they read your stories?
I want the reader to sit back and say to themselves… What if that really happened?
What is your favorite character out of all the books you have written?
My favorite character has got to be Captain Craddock in Deep Screams. He was designed after my drill sergeant in the army.
What influences your creativity of your characters?
Some of my characters are built on attributes of myself and family or friends. Others such as my Guardians were built from thoughts of Superheroes which I love!
Can you share a little of your current work with us?
My current novel is called, “Seedlings”. It is based in the 23rd century on the rich being able to live almost indefinitely on body parts that are raised on children farms.
What are some of the goals and future plans with your writing?
My goal is probably the same as many authors… to someday see one of my novels turned into a movie and see my name come across on the big screen.
Thank you, Bob. Remember you must leave a comment for your chance to win. Also, please leave your email so that we may contact you if you are a winner.
Congratulations to Vallani and Fran, our winners for Deep Screams!
Congratulations to Vallani and Fran, our winners for Deep Screams!
Monday, October 24, 2011
Kick your week off with some great paranormal books!
Buy me
Dominic Marshall is sick to death hearing about Pete. The way the women keep going on about him Dominic swears that the first time he sees the guy he's going to punch him in the nose, then drain him. There is no way in Dominic's mind that any one person could be that great.
Piccadilly Bartholomew or "Pete" to everyone who knows her is in trouble. She had to do some work for the man she'd just broken into his 'secure' computer system by telling him not only how she did it, but also show him how to fix it. In the mean time, she meets Duncan to help him with a computer purchase.
When Pete has to deliver the twins of Sara's in a restaurant, Dominic decides to claim her as his mate and make her his. Pete thinks Dominic is nuts and has no problems telling him so.
Her family finds her and has decided to come and fetch her home. With her powerful magic and their black magic they are going to breed her with the most powerful being alive. But they didn't expect a pack of werewolves, several thousand vampires and the Queen of Magick to be with her.
Sparks, steamy sex and magic bring Dominic and Pete together and their combined strengths. But will it be enough to take on someone as powerful as a former King?
Buy me
Half vampire and half witch, whose powers stem from an age old bloodline, Renee Draven is hell bent on destroying the evil that has terrorized her lineage and take back the power that was stolen long ago. As foretold by prophecy, Renee prepares to battle Damaskeos, the evil one that has stolen the lives of her ancestors for centuries and taken their power for his own. She must learn to use her power to protect herself while being haunted by visions of the past. Racing against time Renee must find Dante Angelo, the one who is to awaken her vampire side and give her the strength to defeat Damaskeos. As she embarks on her dark journey into a world of demons, vampires, werewolves, and those who hunt them, Renee stumbles across William Angelo, the lost soul she was said to bring home and save. Struggling to stay alive, she is torn between her duties and wanting a normal life. Renee must search for the power within herself to save the lives of those she loves and trust the magic that flows through her blood. Blood Magic takes you on a mystical ride into alternate dimensions and the world of the Draven witches with the supernatural creatures that have sworn to protect them and die for them.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Author Interview and Giveaway with Kathi Barton
Welcome everyone. I would like to introduce Kathi S. Barton, author of The Grant Brothers Series: Nickolas, Devin, Spencer, Byron, Jamie and Damon. She has another series with us it's a paranormal romance series Aaron's Kiss. It is an on-going and growing series, 11 books so far that are written and all are not yet titled. I will list the titles of the ones we have so far: Blood, Body, and Mind, Divine Savior, Natural Magick, Burden of Reckoning, Enduring Retribution, Fated Absolution, and Reluctant Alpha. She is here today to answer a few questions and give away two e-book copies of her book, Divine Savior, to pave the way for the release of Natural Magick which will be released on November 1st. Kathi has a natural talent for writing hot, sexy romances. All you have to do to enter the drawing is leave a comment. Winners will be drawn on October 30th and we will forward each winner a copy of Divine Savior in whatever format you require for your e-readers. Remember to enter a comment to participate.
Thank you Kathi for participating in this interview and of course giveaway. You have a lot of fans out there that would like to hear more about you.
Congratulations to Johannes Verweer and Velaunie for winning a copy of Divine Savior!
Kathi, tell us your latest news.
I have several new books coming out soon. The sequel to Blood, Body and Mind and Divine Savior, Natural Magick. Also the fifth book in the Grant Brothers series, Jamie.
When and why did you begin writing?
It was a way to give the people in my head a chance to tell their story. Actually my husband bought me a laptop so that I could read at work. Readers weren’t a big then and after weighing the options, it was considerably cheaper to buy the laptop. I started writing as a way to unwind and have fun.
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
Play with my grandkids, bake and read. I don’t do a lot of the latter, but when I do I really enjoy it.
What inspired you to write your first book?
I’m not really sure. The story had been brewing for a long time and I thought I would just try. It was just too much fun to stop when I finished it.
What do you think makes a good story?
As long as you write with passion it's always going to be a good story. I'm not saying there won't be mistakes...I make a great deal of those, but it can be good with the right amount of passion.
What do you think makes a good story?
As long as you write with passion it's always going to be a good story. I'm not saying there won't be mistakes...I make a great deal of those, but it can be good with the right amount of passion.
How do you want readers to feel after they read your stories?
Like they’ve just met some incredible people and want to get to know more about them. When the story ends, I want them to feel like they’ve witnessed something, anything. And mostly that it leaves them wanting more – not just of my books, but to read in general. There are so many great writers out there, find someone and read, read, read.
What is your favorite character out of all the books you have written?
Duncan. Duncan is the man servant of Aaron MacManus the master Vamp in the Aaron’s Kiss series. He is compassion about his loyalty to the family, he the best friend he can be and mostly it’s his child like qualities that make you love him no matter how much he messes up his verbiage.
What influences your creativity of your characters?
I love strong women, sexy men and adventure. And I don’t so much create them as they develop and create themselves. I love when I write an otherwise shy and very backward character and have them grow stronger before my eye – or under my fingertips. When they stand up for themselves and those around them.
Can you share a little of your current work with us?
Can you share a little of your current work with us?
I’m writing a spinoff of the Grant Brothers series. The Waite family grew up next door to the Grants. Cain, the oldest of the Waite’s and also the only male feels the need to protect and care for his little sisters. The problem is they are capable and very good at carrying for themselves. Quinn is his twin and has a sassy mouth. Sin, the baby has a body that won’t quit and a mouth on her that makes grown men blush and then there’s Gracie who…well suffice it to say, they are just as lovable as the Grant men. I’m about a quarter of the way into a fantasy story with dragon’s and Queens, fairies and trolls.
What are some of the goals and future plans with your writing?
To continue to have fun, write what I want and to never say I can’t do that. I love writing. It’s not only a creative way for me to have an outlet, but I also have a blast at it. I’ve met so many people along the way and I can’t wait to meet more.
Thank you again Kathi. Everyone please remember to leave a comment to participate in the drawing. Good luck!
Congratulations to Johannes Verweer and Velaunie for winning a copy of Divine Savior!
Author Interview and Giveaway with Judith Ann McDowell
Welcome everyone. I would like to introduce Judith Ann McDowell, author of Rougarou, Rougarou II, Fated Memories and Long Ago Memories. She is here today to answer a few questions and give away two e-book copies of her book, Rougarou, to pave the way for the release of Rougarou II which will be released later this week. Just in time for Halloween. These are both great horror reads with a twist of hot romance. The Rougarou, better known as the werewolf, isn't the hot sexy hero of the story. Instead he is the vicious villian. Judith holds nothing back in this spine tingling tale. All you have to do to enter the drawing is leave a comment. Winners will be drawn on October 30th and we will forward each winner a copy of Rougarou in whatever format you require for your e-readers. Remember to enter a comment to participate.
Thank you Judith for agreeing to participate in this giveaway and allowing your readers to learn a little about you. And of course the book giveaway itself. Everyone likes to enter contests.
What do you like to do when you are not writing? I like to travel to different cities and states to research ideas for my next book.
Montana was the setting for Long Ago Memories and Fated Memories. I was never able to spend a lot of time in Montana but, from what time I was able to spend there, I found the people and the beauty of Montana to be warm and inviting.
The setting for Rougarou and Rougarou II is Louisiana in the bayous. I wanted to go to some voodoo rituals to learn first hand what went on but, my husband was against the idea. He seemed to think I could be in danger by going to such a ritual.
I was able to overhear a conversation one afternoon while we were having lunch in a small café in Louisiana. Three men were talking about a strange happening one of them had that morning. I listened for a while and then walked over to introduce myself and apologize for eavesdropping on their conversation.
The one man was telling of seeing a creature near his traps. He described the creature as having short thick and black hair covering his entire body and the face, although covered with hair, looked human.
I asked him what he had been ingesting or drinking or smoking that morning and he said he was cold stone sober but, that after he went home he got drunk.
What inspired you to write your first book?
What do you think makes a good story?A story that is believable. Even if that story, such as in Rougarou and Rougarou II, is about werewolves. I always tell the story from all my characters' point of view. Since we all have one I think it is important to tell the characters' point of view too. It makes them more alive and readers can identify more easily with them.
I have had readers tell me how much they hated a character and wished them ill-will. And at the same time, there were also characters they took to their hearts and wanted to hear more about in a sequel. The believable characters become like family and readers want to know they are all right.
How do you want readers to feel after they read your stories? The one question I wait for after a reader finishes one of my books and tells me how they liked the book is..."please tell me you have a sequel to this story." So far I have.
What is your favorite character out of all the books you have written?For a long time I thought the answer to this question was Tia my character in Long Ago Memories. But now, I don't have a favorite. They are all close to my heart. When you allow someone to live in your skin for months at a time, you come to love them and feel about them as you would a child. As the mother of four sons I love them all equally.
What influences your creativity of your characters?When I begin a book, I turn on the music, I have selected for this story, full blast and write. The characters just seem to fall into place. I act out each characters' feelings. I scream, laugh ,cry and cuss just whatever is happening in a characters' life at any given moment. Good thing my neighbors love me.
Can you share a little of your current work with us?
What are some of the goals and future plans with your writing?My goal as a writer and published author is to sell nation wide. But, if it should all end tomorrow I would have to say, it's been one hell of a ride!
Thank you Judith for agreeing to participate in this giveaway and allowing your readers to learn a little about you. And of course the book giveaway itself. Everyone likes to enter contests.
So, Judith, tell us your latest news. Rougarou II
Genre: Horror/Suspense Release Date 10/22/2011 Description: A powerful vendetta is brought forth against the people of Saint Anthony Parish, Louisiana. Detectives Donavan Hays and Jack Olivier' find themselves pitted against an evil that has walked this plane for over two centuries and who has now taken up residency in the Hindel Mansion. Evil doesn't forget: Especially when that evil comes in the form of a werewolf.
Genre: Horror/Suspense Release Date 10/22/2011 Description: A powerful vendetta is brought forth against the people of Saint Anthony Parish, Louisiana. Detectives Donavan Hays and Jack Olivier' find themselves pitted against an evil that has walked this plane for over two centuries and who has now taken up residency in the Hindel Mansion. Evil doesn't forget: Especially when that evil comes in the form of a werewolf.
When and why did you begin writing?I began writing about twenty-years ago after a very vivid dream about a reincarnated Blackfoot girl. When I woke, I began putting on paper what I had dreamed. The results were Long Ago Memories.
What do you like to do when you are not writing? I like to travel to different cities and states to research ideas for my next book.
Montana was the setting for Long Ago Memories and Fated Memories. I was never able to spend a lot of time in Montana but, from what time I was able to spend there, I found the people and the beauty of Montana to be warm and inviting.
The setting for Rougarou and Rougarou II is Louisiana in the bayous. I wanted to go to some voodoo rituals to learn first hand what went on but, my husband was against the idea. He seemed to think I could be in danger by going to such a ritual.
I was able to overhear a conversation one afternoon while we were having lunch in a small café in Louisiana. Three men were talking about a strange happening one of them had that morning. I listened for a while and then walked over to introduce myself and apologize for eavesdropping on their conversation.
The one man was telling of seeing a creature near his traps. He described the creature as having short thick and black hair covering his entire body and the face, although covered with hair, looked human.
I asked him what he had been ingesting or drinking or smoking that morning and he said he was cold stone sober but, that after he went home he got drunk.
What was it he had seen that early morning in the bayous? Could it have been a werewolf or as the Cajuns like to call it a Rougarou?
What inspired you to write your first book?
As I said a very vivid dream inspired the creation of my first book. After that it became something I enjoyed doing. Lucky for me as it became common place for friends and family to let me know it was a good thing I became an author since I sure as hell couldn't do anything else. However I didn't take offence to this pronouncement as I found while watching a documentary that I was in very good company. My favorite actor, Al Pacino, had been told the same thing.
What do you think makes a good story?A story that is believable. Even if that story, such as in Rougarou and Rougarou II, is about werewolves. I always tell the story from all my characters' point of view. Since we all have one I think it is important to tell the characters' point of view too. It makes them more alive and readers can identify more easily with them.
I have had readers tell me how much they hated a character and wished them ill-will. And at the same time, there were also characters they took to their hearts and wanted to hear more about in a sequel. The believable characters become like family and readers want to know they are all right.
How do you want readers to feel after they read your stories? The one question I wait for after a reader finishes one of my books and tells me how they liked the book is..."please tell me you have a sequel to this story." So far I have.
What is your favorite character out of all the books you have written?For a long time I thought the answer to this question was Tia my character in Long Ago Memories. But now, I don't have a favorite. They are all close to my heart. When you allow someone to live in your skin for months at a time, you come to love them and feel about them as you would a child. As the mother of four sons I love them all equally.
What influences your creativity of your characters?When I begin a book, I turn on the music, I have selected for this story, full blast and write. The characters just seem to fall into place. I act out each characters' feelings. I scream, laugh ,cry and cuss just whatever is happening in a characters' life at any given moment. Good thing my neighbors love me.
Can you share a little of your current work with us?
Fated Memories:
The soft strains of a Christmas carol came to her from across the room. Glancing up she saw the smiling face of her husband, one hand on his chest the other outstretched, dancing his way across the room towards her.
"Care to join me, Mrs. Thornton?" He wiggled his dark brows.
Charlotte picked up one of the small packages. "I need to finish these presents, Eathen."
Unwilling to be deterred, he lifted her to her feet to draw her into his arms. The package fell, unnoticed, from her hand. As they moved around the room in time to the music, she saw the sad eyes of Dave Houston watching them.
"Eathen, please. I don't have time for this," she whispered, trying without success to pull away.
"We got a whole week to finish gettin' those presents wrapped, darlin. Right now, I'm in the mood for dancin' with my beautiful wife." He twirled her away from him, only to pull her back against his broad chest a moment later.
A happy squeal and childish twitter brought laughter from both of them at the sight of Hattie dancing around the room with a gleeful Jessie in her arms.
"If you want to keep up with his family, I guess you're gonna have to grab a chair," Eathen called out to Dave as he stood watching them from the doorway.
"Either that, or go on into Cut Bank and find a live partner," Dave returned. His cold eyes riveted on Charlotte's flushed and happy face.
"Dat's whut Ah'd do effen Ah wuz you, Mist' Dave." Hattie smiled over at him, watching the resentment covering his face at the sight of Charlotte dancing in the arms of her husband. "It ain' good fer a man wid yo' looks ter bes all by hisseff." She twirled herself around, bringing a fresh squeal of laughter from Jessie. "Gwan an' finds yo'seff sum lil' gal ter keeps you wahm on dese cole nights. 'Cause it bes fer sho you ain' gwine ter ketch one hangin' roun' hyrah."
The soft strains of a Christmas carol came to her from across the room. Glancing up she saw the smiling face of her husband, one hand on his chest the other outstretched, dancing his way across the room towards her.
"Care to join me, Mrs. Thornton?" He wiggled his dark brows.
Charlotte picked up one of the small packages. "I need to finish these presents, Eathen."
Unwilling to be deterred, he lifted her to her feet to draw her into his arms. The package fell, unnoticed, from her hand. As they moved around the room in time to the music, she saw the sad eyes of Dave Houston watching them.
"Eathen, please. I don't have time for this," she whispered, trying without success to pull away.
"We got a whole week to finish gettin' those presents wrapped, darlin. Right now, I'm in the mood for dancin' with my beautiful wife." He twirled her away from him, only to pull her back against his broad chest a moment later.
A happy squeal and childish twitter brought laughter from both of them at the sight of Hattie dancing around the room with a gleeful Jessie in her arms.
"If you want to keep up with his family, I guess you're gonna have to grab a chair," Eathen called out to Dave as he stood watching them from the doorway.
"Either that, or go on into Cut Bank and find a live partner," Dave returned. His cold eyes riveted on Charlotte's flushed and happy face.
"Dat's whut Ah'd do effen Ah wuz you, Mist' Dave." Hattie smiled over at him, watching the resentment covering his face at the sight of Charlotte dancing in the arms of her husband. "It ain' good fer a man wid yo' looks ter bes all by hisseff." She twirled herself around, bringing a fresh squeal of laughter from Jessie. "Gwan an' finds yo'seff sum lil' gal ter keeps you wahm on dese cole nights. 'Cause it bes fer sho you ain' gwine ter ketch one hangin' roun' hyrah."
What are some of the goals and future plans with your writing?My goal as a writer and published author is to sell nation wide. But, if it should all end tomorrow I would have to say, it's been one hell of a ride!
Thank you, Karen for this interview I have enjoyed it.
Congratulations to Sunny and Lori for winning a copy of Rougarou!
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Author Interview and Giveaway with Debra Brown
Welcome everyone. I would like to introduce Debra Brown, author of The Companion of Lady Holemshire. She is here today to answer a few questions and give away two e-book copies of her book, The Companion of Lady Holemshire. All you have to do to enter the drawing is leave a comment. Winners will be drawn on October 26th and we will forward each winner a copy of The Companion of Lady Holemshire in whatever format you require for your e-readers. Remember to enter a comment to participate.
Tell our readers when and why you began writing?I had lost my job and my little business with the economic downturn, and had the time to indulge my desire to write a story like the ones I enjoyed as period movies. It was only for my own enjoyment, in the beginning, but it developed into a book that I wanted to share!
What do you like to do when you are not writing?Endless period movies would be perfect. :) With some chocolate and whipped creamy cakes.
What inspired you to write your first book?It was actually because I ran out of the movies that I had watched while making jewelry for my past business. I thought that more stories were needed, and quickly.
What do you think makes a good story?I love some mystery woven throughout, but for me, the polite society of Regency and Victorian times is the frosting on the cake. And the frosting is more important than the cake.
How do you want readers to feel after they read your stories?
What is your favorite character out of all the books you have written?I love Genevieve from my one and only published book. She is a strong woman that had to go against the role for women at the time to become happy.
What influences your creativity of your characters?That is so hard to say! I write, not an outline, but a number of paragraphs which eventually each become a chapter. Then I just have to start filling in all the details, and the characters seem to take on a life of their own. Where their personality comes from, I don’t know.
Can you share a little of your current work with us?Yes, thank you. I am writing a Regency story, again, a mystery with some sweet romance. It is about an eccentric woman who lives on a country estate with her twentyish twins. She has elaborate and strange house Rules, including that the twins cannot go near the gate. That means, basically, that they cannot leave the property. The young gentleman, Dante, begins to grow desirous of seeing other parts of the country. His sister is fearful of his breaking the Rules and wants him to leave well enough alone. It is really a book about obsession.
What are some of the goals and future plans with your writing?I would love to write a book each year, or a little more, if possible. I would like to see this become my career for the rest of my life.
Thank you, Debra, for being our guest today and participating in the giveaway. I'm sure everyone is anxious to learn a little more about you.
So, Debra, tell us your latest news.I started a blog for authors of English Historical Fiction. It has been a huge success, with more than a hundred followers and over 2,000 unique visitors in less than a month online.
Of course, they would have to like my genre, but during the reading, I would like them to feel as if they were swept away from modern cares and concerns back to a time when they are pampered by servants and have an overabundance of everything. (Oh, well.) But after they finish the book, I want them to be saying, Wow, how did I miss that? Now it all makes sense!
Debra also requested that we post a link to another blogspot she participates in http://englishhistoryauthors.blogspot.com/
Thank you, and please rememember to enter a comment for your chance to win an e-book copy of The Companion of Lady Holmeshire. Good Luck!
Congratulations to Julie and Margaret for winning a copy of The Companion of Lady Holmeshire. I'll drop you an email.
Author Interview and Giveaway with Gail Gurley
Welcome everyone. I would like to introduce Gail Gurley, author of Fearless Hart. She is here today to answer a few questions and give away two e-book copies of her book, Fearless Heart. All you have to do to enter the drawing is leave a comment. Winners will be drawn on October 26th and we will forward each winner a copy of Fearless Heart in whatever format you require for your e-readers. Remember to enter a comment to participate.
Hi Gail, welcome to our blog and thanks for participating. We have asked your readers to comment on your interview for a chance to win a copy of Fearless Heart.
Hi Gail, welcome to our blog and thanks for participating. We have asked your readers to comment on your interview for a chance to win a copy of Fearless Heart.
Gail, tell us your latest news.
We have bought my grandmother’s house in Rowan County, N. C. Built by my grandfather in 1905, it remained in the family until 2004. Ed (my husband) and I are currently renovating it with the hope to someday live in it. It’s in very good condition for a 100+ year old house but it needs some TLC and we’re perfectly willing to give it!
Gail, your readers would like to know when and why you began writing?
I always had a dream to write but life forced me to put the dream on hold. After my grandmother’s death followed by my mother’s death and then my father’s, I felt it was time to quit procrastinating and follow my dream. I entered an international short story writing contest I found online and was one of the winners. From that small encouragement, I wrote and published by first book, a short story book entitled Tales From the Sunroom.
Gail, what do you like to do when you are not writing?
I crochet, cross stitch, sew, take trips with a group from our local rec center, line dance, do Yoga and an exercise class. I also work on the house we bought in Rowan County every weekend. And spend many hours loving our two dogs and one cat!
What inspired you to write your first book?
Memories of people I knew and events I heard about as a child.
What do you think makes a good story?
Descriptive narrative and believable, gentle characters with a conceivable plot that is consistent and follows a true timeline. I really don’t like to be reading a story and there is suddenly something inserted that contradicts something else I have read in the same story. Consistency is major in telling a story as readers who are truly enjoying it remember the minute details and components.
How do you want readers to feel after they read your stories?
This is one of the first factors I consider before I begin writing. It is my goal to entertain readers and make them feel good after reading my work. I have no desire to insult, frighten, disgust or offend anyone. There is a place for blood, gore and explicit sex in literature and there is definitely an audience for it but that is not my genre and not my intention to try and write stories with these elements included. I just do not identify with them personally.
What is your favorite character out of all the books you have written?
I love all of my characters, even the unpleasant ones, as there is a place in our world for the angry or offensive individuals. It makes our appreciation for others even more heartwarming and acceptable. I would have to say that my favorite character is probably Molly Fulton featured in my book Fearless Heart. I admire her courage, determination, intelligence and spirit.
What influences your creativity of your characters?
I would have to say it’s the influence of the people in my life as I was growing up in Rowan County, North Carolina. They were humble, gentle, hardworking, honest, down-to-earth people with character, class and bravery. The fact that I was born shortly after our country began to recover from the Great Depression and during World War II also influenced the characters I have developed. Those days left an indelible impression on my psyche and personality, making me more sensitive to the hardships of others and the manner in which they respond to those hardships.
Can you share a little of your current work with us?
My latest release is Fearless Heart. I have been overwhelmed by the genuine, positive comments I have received from people who read it. It is one of those “I can’t put it down until I finish it” books and that means a great deal to a writer. It means that no matter how little success the world may think the book realizes, it is indeed successful because it has actually touched someone in a positive and meaningful way.
What are some of the goals and future plans with your writing?
It has been suggested by several readers that I write a sequel to Fearless Heart but that is not a project currently on my radar. With all the work required for the renovation of the home of my heart, it cannot possibly take place at this point. As weeks and months progress, this is certainly something I will look at as a possibility as it remains on my mind, although tucked back into the deep recesses at this point.
Gail Cauble Gurley, Author
I would like to congratulate our winners, Granny Annie and Sookie22. Please contact me at worldcastlepublications@gmail.com and tell me which format you would like your copies in.
I would like to congratulate our winners, Granny Annie and Sookie22. Please contact me at worldcastlepublications@gmail.com and tell me which format you would like your copies in.
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