Merry Chirstmas

Author Interview: A Soulmate for Christmas Anthology - Char Chaffin

Little Blurb about yourself:


Well, I’m a displaced Alaskan, born in New York, who found a niche in the Last Frontier and who now wants to go home more often. Once a year simply isn’t enough! ::cries:: When I’m not in Alaska, I’m on a farm in New York. Thirty-seven years ago I married an Air Force man, and then spent a lot of time on the move. Funnily enough, most of our moves occurred after hubby Don retired from the AF. Sometimes the hunt for decent jobs sent us all over the US, and other times the need to connect with our families got us packing it up. We’ve lived in six different states, and I’ve been in all fifty states at one time or another in my life. Plus Canada and Mexico!
I’m a book fiend, a classic car fanatic, a chocoholic, a sun worshipper, a dog-lover, an ultra-conservative, I know all kinds of ways to improve any recipe, don’t mind ironing stacks of clothes, and I adore my family above all else, including writing. Though the writing does come a close and tight second! And when my garden decides to be bountiful, I spend too much time canning old-fashioned cucumber chunks, and corn-black bean salsa. Every fall I make a ton of candy applesauce. Oh, and I collect copper. I have everything from a copper spitoon to copper jewelry.

1. Who or what inspired you to become a writer?

I never set out to be a writer. I can’t say it was any kind of grand realization or “Eureka!” moment. I liked to write long letters to family, and Don said my letters read like little stories and I should try writing a short story. So I did. It was fun, so I wrote more short stories, each one getting longer and longer, until Don said my short stories were starting to read like a book, and why didn’t I try writing a novel? So I did. I wrote PROMISES TO KEEP which became my debut novel. Years after I wrote it (and revised the poor thing to death!), I finally sold it. I can honestly say I wouldn’t have done any of it, if Don hadn’t once said to me, “You know, those letters you write home sound a lot like little stories.” He’s my coach, my cheerleader, and my writing backbone, not to mention a heck of a publicist! He’s definitely my inspiration.

2. How long did it take for you to write “I Know You,” your contribution to the anthology, “A Soulmate for Christmas?”

Oh, I can whip out a short story pretty fast! I’ve written so many of them and I really enjoy the challenge of a short story as opposed to writing an entire novel. You have to tell your tale in a window smaller than forty pages, and that’s not always easy. But for “I Know You,” I had it finished in a week. Another week for polishing, and I was done. I had most of it mapped out in my mind before I even touched the keyboard, and it really flowed for me.

3. While writing how many times do you go back and rewrite a plot?

All the time. I’m an editor as well as a writer, and I constantly edit. I’m a NaNoWriMo disaster, I promise you! I polish, edit, then polish and edit some more, and then eventually I can move beyond Chapter One. Usually by the time I get to Chapter Ten, I’ve already changed the plot a couple of times!

4. You run into a bookstore, where do you go first?

Right to the paranormal section! I love vamps and weres. I’ll always look there first, then I sweep through the horror aisle. Before I leave the store, I’ll linger in the erotica. ::wink::

5. How many books in a month do you tend to read?

I never stop! I get asked for reviews a lot, so I try to fit in several for review, plus I have an ever-growing stack of manuscripts that need to be edited. When I can spare time in between all of that, I play catch-up on my Kindle and my bookshelf which is just scary-looking with its masses of books. I read first thing in the morning (around five AM) and last thing at night before I fall asleep (midnight or later). If I awaken in the middle of the night, I’ll read ten pages or so. I put the Kindle app on my iphone. It was a very smart move!

6. In all the books you've read, who is your most favorite character and why?

I’m a huge J.D. Robb fan, and I absolutely adore Roarke. In over thirty books, he’s never disappointed me. Strong yet curiously vulnerable, sexy as hell, he’s one of the most delicious heroes I’ve ever read.

7. State 5 random facts about yourself.

Hmm... okay.

1. I sang with the Sweet Adelines (female barbershop chorus) for five years.
2. I designed costumes for a light opera theater in Fairbanks, Alaska. My specialty was creating wigs and making shoes, and I usually designed Renaissance and medieval clothing. Dressing cute actors in tights and cod-pieces has a charm all its own, I guarantee. Hee.
3. I can dislocate both of my shoulders. We won’t get into how I discovered this talent . . .!
4. When I listen to music, I must have the original recording of whatever I’m listening to, otherwise it irritates the bejeebus out of me. When Burl Ives re-recorded “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas,” I about flipped. What was wrong with his original recording? That was thirty years ago, and I still haven’t gotten over it. Don’t even get me started on truncating songs to make them fit into a four-minute radio slot! When I hear “Don’t Fear the Reaper,” I want the guitar riff in the middle, dang it all. Don’t leave that out, or else I’ll get irate.
5. I can recite enormous chunks of movie dialogue from my favorite films. There are a few I can quote from beginning to end, all the characters. I passed this down to my daughter and sometimes, just for the heck of it, we’ll get on the phone during the holiday season and quote “Trading Places” and “A Christmas Story” word for word. It’s a talent, honest.

8. Your favorite Genre?

Paranormal.

9. What are you currently reading?

Right now, in between all the editing, I’m working my way through several Soul Mate authors’ excellent novels!

10. What is the best book you've read?

I’d have to quote by genre! Here goes: Horror: “Dark Rivers of the Heart,” Dean Koontz. Paranormal: “Midnight Breed Series,” Lara Adrian. Historical: “Whitney, My Love,” Judith McNaught. Contemporary: “Carnal Innocence,” Nora Roberts. Time Travel: “Second Sight,” David Williams.

11. Any new projects coming up?

I’m currently working on my third novel, a vintage romance titled, “Jesse’s Girl.” It takes place in Midwest Ohio, 1965, and the plot centers around a young man’s return to his home town to prove his innocence for a crime he didn’t commit, and to reclaim the girl he’s never been able to forget.


A SoulMate For Christmas, five stories that celebrate the wonder, the passion and the spirit of love during the Christmas season.

I KNOW YOU, by Char Chaffin:

Star-crossed lovers, united by death on Christmas Eve, search every fifty years to find each other again.

A VAMPIRE FOR YULE, by JJ Devine:

Two lonely hearts come together during the holidays and discover their destiny.

STELLAR HEART, by Aliza Mann:

Would-be high school lovers Harper Stellar and Alexis Alston are back together to save his family business during Christmas shopping season and hopefully correct his mistakes of the past.

TO GRANDMOTHER’S HOUSE WE GO, by Cynthia Racette:

A husband and wife, driven apart by tragedy, are given another chance during Christmas in the country.

HOLLY’S SECRET, by Angela Scavone:

A woman’s need to reveal the truth could ruin the holidays and cost her the man she loves.

Purchasing

Amazon | BarnesandNoble | SoulMate Publishing


Giveaway - $15 Amazon Gift Card to those that purchase the book

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Bash:Author Interview:Snow by Kathryn Hewitt

Blurb about myself:
As a teenage mother, I understand the consequential trials and sacrifices resulting from teen pregnancies. I seek to promote premarital abstinence and accountability, and pro-life support. To me, premarital abstinence isn’t about a religious standard; it’s about respect for yourself. It’s about protecting more than just your body. I currently live in Camden, South Carolina with my husband and am a proud stay at home mom of four boys.

1. Who or what inspired you to become a writer?
I’ve also written. From the time I was old enough to write I was writing poetry. I began writing my first “novel” in sixth grade and still have the hard copy! I didn’t seriously consider writing a career until after the birth of my oldest son when I realized that there may be other girls out there who could learn from the mistakes I made. So, I set out to change a life by changing a perspective. 

2. How long did it take you to write “Snow”
5 years from start to finish. “Snow” is based on a true story; although I cannot confirm nor deny which parts are derived from my own experiences, I did have to relive many things from my past while writing this novel. I found myself having to grieve for the things I had lost; like my virginity, my innocence, my teenage years. But most of all, I had to learn to forgiveness for myself and for those that hurt me. It was a very difficult time while writing, but if it changes the life of just one person it will have all been worth it. 

3. While writing how many times did you have to go back and rewrite a plot?
I sort of just put the story on paper. Then I went back and added more dialogue. When I thought it was complete I sent it to my editor and it came back covered in red ink. The thing he said was, “Show don’t tell.” So, I sat down and for 3 days straight did nothing but rewrite almost every paragraph of the novel. When it was completed I sat back and realized it was finally written just the way I had imagined.

4. You run into a bookstore. Where do you go first?
The Christian section. I believe in the sanctity of marriage so I am constantly finding books to help make my marriage better. Then I look for a great fiction book and lastly dig through the bargain bin to find some books for my kids. 

5. How many books in a month do you tend to read?
Wow, can’t really put a number on a month. Some months I have no time to read anything. Other months I can down 10-15. So, if averaged out for the year I’d say about 3-4.

6. In all the books you’ve read, who is your favorite character and why?
Elizabeth Bennett in Jane Austin’s “Pride and Prejudice.” I feel like I could have been Lizzy. She is quiet, but opinionated. Composed, yet untamed. Witty and charming. But mostly, she is passionate and only experiences things with a deep appreciation from her soul. She is who she is; take it or leave it. And this, I think, most accurately describes myself. 

7. State 5 random facts about yourself.
1) I am a terrible speller. 
2) I once lead a student walk out in protest of not observing the nation day of prayer after 9/11.
3) No one can speak to me or touch me in the morning before I have at least 1 cup of coffee.
4) I am incredibly shy despite my outgoing personality
5) I have a vivid imagination so to overcome my fear of speaking in front of people or public events, I pretend I’m a celebrity and suddenly I find bucket loads of confidence!

8) Your favorite Genre
Romance Religious Fiction

9) What are you currently reading?
Charlotte Bronte’s “Jane Eyre”. I read it every Christmas.

10) What is the best book you’ve ever read?
Oh, my. I must choose? I have to say that “The Shack” made the biggest impact on my life. 

11) Any new projects coming up?
I have several projects that I am currently working on. I am completing an adult fiction novel that delves into the dark and unforgiving world of adultery. The characters in this novel could be any family, in any home, in any town. What happens when communication between spouses cease to exist and speculations began to fly? Will the truth be revealed before the unimaginable happens?
I am also working on a novel that deals with the topic of child molestation and a novel about the lives of law enforcement officers. All of my novels are realistic stories, drawn from true stories, that bring a message of hope.


Book Genre Religious Fiction/ YA (13+ or 7th grade)
Publisher Westbow Press, Inc A Thomas Nelson Division
Release Date May 2012
Amazon

Snow is a fiction novel, based on true events, about the struggles of a teenage girl and the consequences of a devastating mistake. Whether readers are young adults, exploring their sexuality for the first time, or an older adult, struggling to understand their teenage daughter, everyone will have a character in which to relate.

Young adults will be gripped by the reality and bluntness of it's characters. Parents will appreciate the censorship of otherwise “uncomfortable” topics. With sexuality among young adults beginning at an early age, "family values" are now being pushed back into the forefront of parental teaching. Snow influences people with Christian values, such as sexual abstinence, pro-life advocacy, and prayer, without pushing God as the subject of the book. Biblically based information is strategically scattered throughout the novel with dialect and personal thoughts.

The protagonist's quest to discover the path she needs to take unearths findings of a secret life, lead by her boyfriend. With two lives at stake, readers will eagerly anticipate the outcome only to find themselves with lessons and warnings about the consequences of making detrimental mistakes. Comfort will be found in understanding that God is bigger than any situation and He catches ever tear. Miracles so often go unnoticed, yet powerfully affect those they touch. Snow will set the stage for future novels reflective of countless miracles and divine intervention.

Excerpt:

Mrs. Davis grabbed Luke by the arm and pulled him along behind
her as she purposefully marched toward the bar. After ordering a
Grey Goose martini, she turned around to face Luke.
"You know why I brought you over here," she glared at him,
her voice shaking with anger.
"Yeah, I know." Luke sat on the bar stool and folded his arms
on the counter.
"What are you going to do about this, Luke?"
"I don't know, Mom. She wants to have it."
"You can't allow that to happen. You know that."
"I can't make her do it." Luke ran his hands through his un-gelled
hair. " And her mom! She just won't stop interfering. She
had this church lady come over yesterday and talk to Ruth about
having the abortion. That lady managed to change her mind,
because, believe it or not, I did have her convinced."
Mrs. Davis sipped her martini and lit a cigarette.
"Well, we have to get rid of this one. You can't have two of
these things hanging over your head for the next eighteen years."
"I don't know how to convince her." He laughed as he said,
"I told her, when we first found out, that I'd hire someone to beat
her up and make her miscarry."
Mrs. Davis chuckled, "Or you could just kill her."
"Mother, please."
Mrs. Davis tapped the ashes off her cigarette and motioned
for Luke to leave. "Don't worry; I'll take care of this. Tell her to
come here."
Luke got off the bar stool and went into the arcade. He should
have gone straight to look for Ruth, but part of him didn't want
his mom to convince her to have the abortion. He loved how
sweet and obedient Ruth was and didn't want to lose her. His
eye caught a military game, so he headed over, ready to release
some frustration.

Author Bio

Kathryn Hewitt was born and raised in the small town of Camden, South Carolina. Breaking away from becoming a statistic, she was an Honors Graduate from Camden High School and went on to study British Literature and Sociology at Charleston Southern University, inspiring to teach High School English.

Kathryn has a passion for teaching teenagers and reaching out to those who seem as though the world has closed the door. Because of her own experiences, including becoming a teenage mother at fifteen, Kathryn knows the value of life and the blessings it contains. Understanding the importance of making wise decisions, Kathryn passionately seeks to instill that wisdom into the minds of every young lady she encounters. The inspiration for Kathryn's writings comes from her own experiences, and she is never afraid to speak the truth that others refuse to acknowledge.
Kathryn married in 2005 and is a stay at home mom with her four sons. She and her family currently live in the same town she grew up.

Website | Facebook|Twitter

Sunday Post Edition #1

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It's a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.

I thought I would try this posting meme, I'm trying to get better on doing this so figured starting this week before the end of the year might help me.

Blog Tours and Reviews I Hosted

EXTREME Promo Blitz: The Middle Aisle by Taylor Dean
Author Interview : All I Want by Rachael Anderson, Jolene Perry & Kaylee Baldwin
Book Blast/Giveaway: Blood Oath by T.L. Clarke
Book Tour/GiveawaySound of the Heart by Genevieve Graham
Promo: Unleashing God's Power by Jimi Akanbi
Author Guest Post: Ann Gimpel
Author Guest Post/Giveaway Night Secrets by B.K. Walker
Book Blitz: A Marquess for Christmas by Vivienne Westlake
Promotional Event: 99 Authors, 99 Titles, for 99 Cents
Meme - Feed My Reader Friday
Cover Reveal:Running On Empty by L.B. Simmons
Author Guest PostBook Promo/Giveaway:Guardian Inc.:The Cypher by Julian Rosado-Machain

Next Week on Books, Books......

Author Interview: A Soulmate for Christmas Anthology
Book Bash:Author Interview: Snow by Kathryn Hewitt
Book Blast/Giveaway: Faith by Heather Bixler
Bookmark Blitz: Gossamer by Renita Pizzitola
Promotional Event:Holiday Book Sale with Indie Book Festival
Texas Statehood Giveaway : Familiar, Texas (A Fear Familiar Mystery #19) by Caroline Burnes
Cover Reveal: Beauty from Pain by Georgia Cates

Hopefully some reviews since I am so behind and need to catch up before the end of the year.

Well that's it for the first one - hope to be better in the future.

Author Guest Post/Book Promo:Guardian Inc. : The Cypher by Julian Rosado-Machain

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Julian Rosado-Machain
English is not my native language, all the books are edited by a professional editor.
I can't write in Spanish! I did try I swear...
I've stopped trying to explain to my friends or people I meet what Guardians Inc. is about. Since it has mythology, fantasy, alternate history and Science Fiction I was told many times that I sounded like a crazy person.
I have two older brothers, one is a sci-fi fan, the other is a fantasy hard-core fan, both tried to convert me to their ways... I ended up right in the middle.
I rely heavily on the opinion of a couple of friends to finalize the first draft of each book and on my editor to help me fix all those grammar problems and other stuff,- Like run on sentences...
I am unabashedly, irrevocably, uninequibably a cat person.
I spell wrong and create words all the time... I even say them wrong some times.
The first book I read in English was Edgar Rice Burroughs' The Princess of Mars. The first book I read when I fully understood English was the same.
I was born in Washington D.C. in the Walter Reed Army Medical Hospital. I have an American birth certificate, but I can't be a U.S. Citizen because my dad was in a diplomatic mission in the U.S. so both countries consider me as being born inside Mexican embassy grounds AKA Mexico.
Yes it is complicated and I'm quite confused about it too.

Book Blurb

A chance reading of a newspaper ad will send 16 year old Thomas Byrne into the world within our world.

Following the ad he will find Guardians Incorporated. A seven thousand year old organization charged with protecting the balance between Magic and technology.

Through their guidance technology has kept Magic at bay since the Renaissance, but the balance is shifting and soon all those creatures we've driven into myth and legend will come back with a vengeance.

To protect the present, Guardians Incorporated needs to know the future.

About the Author

Julian has enjoyed pizza in three continents, holds a degree in graphic design, built armored vehicles and computers, handcrafted alebrijes and swears has seen at least one ghost.

He is the Co-owner of Hacienda de Vega Restaurant in San Diego, California and enjoys the sun with his wife, three children and cat.

Guardians Inc.: The Cypher is the first book in a series.

www.guardiansinc.com

FACEBOOK

LINKS TO BUY

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal:Running On Empty by L.B. Simmons

Title: Running On Empty
Author: L.B. Simmons
Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction
Age Group: Adult
Cover Designer and website: Okay Creations, www.okaycreations.net
Cover reveal organized by: AToMR Tours
Expected release date: Jan 9, 2013

Book Description:
I had the perfect life.
Beautiful and loving husband.
Three gorgeous little girls.
Successful career.
The only thing missing was the white picket fence. I really wanted that fence.
Three years ago, I lost that life. I lost my husband. And I lost myself. But, eventually, I found my way through the darkness. I’ve made peace with my new life. I have my girls, and that’s all that matters. They are my world. I have no illusions of ever falling in love again or getting whisked away on a white horse.
But then he came back into my life. On a freakin’ motorcycle.
There’s no way I’ll let him turn my life completely upside down. Absolutely no way.
The question is…
How long can I keep pretending that I’m happy with my life being right-side up?

About the author:

L.B. Simmons is a graduate of Texas A&M University and holds a degree in Biomedical Science. She has been a practicing Chemist for the last 11 years. She lives with her husband and three daughters in Texas. Although they keep her busy, she writes every chance she gets.

L.B. Simmons | Twitter | Facebook

Feed MY Reader Friday #3

THERE ARE NO SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS TO PARTICIPATE.

Just put up a post sharing the new ebooks you've added to your reader, computer, phone, etc. Sponsored by I'm a Reader, Not A Reader
You can grab the graphic I have on this post, make your own graphic, skip the graphic, whatever works for you.
I will put up a post each week that will include a new linky. The linky will be set as a blog hop so you can grab the code at the bottom of the linky to include with your post IF you want. These posts will go live on Thursday night so you can stop by on Fridays and link up your post IF you want.
Again there are really no requirements. You don't need to link to me or credit me or anything like that. Just share all your great ebooks.

They Shoot Birds, Don’t They? (A Mason Wilson Mystery) by M.P. Jones

Young Mason Wilson is still wondering why you rarely see dead birds lying around when whole flocks of them start to fall from the sky all over the place! Does the Bible really say that it’s a sign of the end of the world?

Although an unauthorised night-time trip to Mr Finch’s factory solves the puzzle, it uncovers some grotesque goings-on and plans that will change the world for ever. Should he do the right thing and try and stop them? He’ll lose an opportunity of a lifetime if he does; still, when his parents find out he’s gone missing, that will be the least of his worries!

A quirky adventure-mystery that the whole family can enjoy.

More Than Memories by Kristen James

Can she love him if she can’t remember him? Molly Anderson returns “home” to a town she doesn’t remember, hoping it will spark a memory. She runs into Trent Williams, an off duty police officer, and something else definitely sparks.

He wants to know why she left town, with her parents, but without a word to anyone. She doesn’t remember that life. She can only tell him she knew her parents briefly before they died . . . or were murdered, she’s not sure. She hopes regaining her memory will help answer that question.

Trent has his own secrets, but they have a mystery to solve. As they work together and Molly meets their old friends, she realizes their relationship went deeper than memories. In fact, she grew up in Ridge City, even though her parents had said they lived there just a few years. How could she have forgotten her lifelong friend and love? Can she love him again if she doesn’t remember him? There’s also the possibility that she did something awful — and maybe that’s why she’s afraid to remember her old life.

Molly knows she wants him now, but the truth might destroy their love.

How to Make Bath Melts & Bath Bombs by Rashelle Johnson

Learn How to Make Bath Bombs and Bath Melts

If you want to get started making your own bath bombs, but are hesitant because you don’t know where to start, this is the book for you.
Bath bombs and bath melts are relaxing and comforting tub-time treats enjoyed by many. You toss one in the tub, hop in and relax as the wave of beneficial ingredients washes over your body. The problem is buying commercial bath melts and bath bombs can get expensive in a hurry.

The good news is you can make them yourself for less than half the price of what they cost you in the store. They’re quick and easy to make, too. You can whip up a batch in less than 15 minutes using any of the 18 recipes in this book. The best part is, you aren’t tied to recipes in the book alone. You can mix and match the ingredients to suit your needs.

Promotional Event:99 Authors, 99 Titles, for 99 Cents

These prices are available on Amazon only.

For a listing of books offered and to enter to win, click here!!

 

Book Blitz: A Marquess for Christmas by Vivienne Westlake

Book Excerpt


“He still sleeps fitfully, my lady.” Avery put his hand to the man’s head. “A little warm. We should get some ice and keep his temperature down.”
“And you have checked his bandages?” The bleeding had stopped, but the chance of infection was high. She stood by the four poster bed, looking down at her savior, who lay still and quiet, despite the people in the room.
“Yes, the wound is not healed, but neither is it as gruesome as it was yesterday.”
“And he has not awoken?”
“He tosses and murmurs and has managed the chamber pot a couple of times, but he does not speak and his eyes are glazed and unfocused.”
It had been two days since the incident. She prayed it was the laudanum keeping him so dazed and not his injury. But they could not be sure yet.
“If he does not awaken in the next day or two, we shall have to fetch Doctor Littleton. For now, let us keep him cool and make sure that someone checks on him every hour.”
Violet went to the window and opened it. The sky was cloudy and the ground covered with a thin layer of snow. “The fresh, cool air should do him good.” She rang the bell then went back to the bed and sat down. The man’s hands felt hot under hers, but she raised them to her cheek to be sure. Definitely too warm.
“My lady?” Miriam entered the room.
“Go and fetch some ice please. If there’s no ice, send a footman outside and gather snow. We need to keep him cool until his fever breaks.”
She leaned over to the small bedside table, dipped a cloth into a small ceramic basin, and wrung it out. “I will see to him for a while, Avery.” She looked up at him and smiled. “Thank you.”
Gently, she took the cloth and wiped the man’s face, always conscious of the bandage. She hummed as she worked. It was a very old song that she’d learned as a girl. Sometimes her mother would sing it as she stitched.
“Come live with me and be my love and we will all the pleasures prove. The hill and valley, dale and field, and all the craggy mountains yield.”
She washed his arms, noting each twist and turn of muscle. She even tested it with her finger to see if it was as firm as it appeared. Nothing about him was soft-- except for his lips and the silky threads of his hair.
She brushed the towel over his neck and down to the exposed skin at the opening of his tunic. The hair there was thin and fine. She couldn’t help but stare as she swept over his chest. His nipples were wide, but tightened into little nubs when she touched them.
What would it feel like to run her palms over them? Would they react to her as they did to the damp cloth? What about her mouth?
Violet turned away and blushed. She closed her eyes and willed herself to remember him fighting off the thief and the moment when he’d taken the fateful blow. She needed to focus on her task and not on the yearnings she felt for a man she barely knew.
She might be fantasizing about a man of base morals or a man with a wife and four children. Or, what if he was a clergyman? That she doubted considering his skill with weapons and his readiness to fight, but what gentleman would watch an innocent woman get attacked by thieves and not come to her rescue?
A man does what needs must. Even a man of the cloth will take up a pistol if his life or his country demanded it. She had seen boys barely old enough to carry a gun with gaping holes in their chest and villages ravaged and burned in the war.
And this man would die like the rest, if she did not do her duty to him. He’d saved her and now she must do the same for him.
With such thoughts distracting her, she didn’t realize she’d paused her singing until she heard a low, gravelly voice.
“Sing.”
She looked down to see dark eyes watching her.
“You are awake!”
“Sing,” he repeated, but he’d barely finished the word when a ragged cough took over his body.
“A belt of straw and ivy buds, with coral clasps and amber studs, and if these pictures may thee move, come live with me and—”
“Be my love.” His voice was hoarse, even more than she expected for someone who’d slept for two days. She lifted from the bed to pour water from the pitcher into a cup.
When she lifted the cup to his lips, he coughed and it dribbled down his chin. “Easy.” They tried again, but still, most of the water ended up down his chest. His tunic absorbed the excess liquid and clung tightly to his body, so she could see every line and curve. His nipples hardened again.
“Let me try this another way,” she said. This time, she dipped her fingers into the cup and let the water drip into his mouth.
He opened wide for more. She leaned closer, her bosom near his face, and poured more water from her fingers.
After the third time, he put her two fingers to his lips and sucked them. A flash of heat shot through her limbs. If she’d been standing, she would have faltered and lost her balance.
His mouth was hot and she suspected it had little to do with his fever.
“More,” he whispered. He stared at her and she could not move, could not speak.
There was a knock behind them and that jolted her out of her frozen state. Miriam stood in the doorway with ice and more water. The man groaned.
She motioned for the maid to come in. As soon as the girl was close, Violet took a tiny chip of ice and put it in the man’s mouth.
The ice would help his thirst, but she also was afraid for him to speak. The need in his eyes was too real, too close to the desire that she felt. But he was a stranger. A beautiful, dark, bewitching stranger who had risked his life for her, yet she knew almost nothing about him.
A fact that she could remedy. No. What was she thinking? He was wounded, disoriented, and who knows if he mistook her for his wife or some mistress. A sharp pang twisted in her gut. Did he have a mistress? She’d already considered that he could be married, but she hadn’t thought about the possibility of a mistress.
He was a virile, handsome man with a body any sculptor would worship and carve into stone. She’d seen it all, every wicked inch of him. The thought of that body being pleasured by some other woman made her ill.
“Do you or the gentleman need anything else, my lady?”
“Perhaps the cook has some broth. But please make sure it is tepid, not hot.”
Miriam set down the tray of ice and curtsied before exiting the room.
He rubbed his temples, then when Miriam was gone, he turned back to her. Though he whispered the word, “Water,” his eyes said something else.
She plopped another ice sliver into his mouth. He sucked on it, watching her still. She felt a flush run down from her ears to her belly. If she didn’t know better, she’d have thought his fever was catching.
A foolish part of her longed to demand if he had a mistress, but she bit her lip. That was not the first question she should ask him. And, he was so weak, it was better if he didn’t speak at all.
She put her hand to his mouth. “Do not try to speak, sir. You are weary and hoarse.”
He opened his mouth and before he could argue, she fed him another ice chip.
“You have a fever and you need to rest.”
His forehead was still warm. It could be a long night if his fever didn’t break. But he was at least alert for now, which was a good sign.
She stood up, intending to move aside the blankets and leave him with the sheet, but he reached for her arm.
“Don’t.” Under his stare, she froze again. “Do not. Leave.” Though the words were gravelly and low, it was a command, not a plea.
“Very well.”
She pulled aside the blankets, careful not to touch his thighs, and moved a chair close to the bed. The mere foot of space between her seat and the bed seemed much farther. Every little movement made her aware of the hard chair beneath her and the cool air brushing over her skin.
She missed the heat of his body next to hers.

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About the Author:

Vivienne Westlake has been reading and writing romance since the age of fifteen. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature and when she’s not plotting stories about sexy heroes and sassy heroines, she’s buying a book on British history, watching the latest teen vampire show, doing an art project or singing karaoke with friends. Vivienne is an active member of Romance Writers of America, Romance Divas, and Indie Romance Ink.

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Guest Post: Ann Gimpel

Time Travel and Writing

Thanks so much for the invite to guest blog on your site.

Stories about turning back time, finding a fountain of youth and living forever have always been popular. There is something seductive about being able to go back to another time, or take a peek into a yet-to-be experienced future.
A common saying is we all have twenty-twenty hindsight. Another is that the view through the retro spectroscope is crystal clear. Obviously what that means is if we applied the knowledge we have at hand now, we might have made different choices in the past. There’s a famous quote by George Santayana: “Those who cannot remember past are doomed to repeat it.”

So, how does this apply to writing? Virtually all stories have a point of view (POV) character. This is the character whose eyes the story is viewed through. Many novels are told from a single POV. Some have several POV characters. Since the reader can’t know more than the POV character knows, it can be challenging to write a lengthy novel from a single point of view. For one thing, that character has to be in every single scene because if they didn’t see something happen, the author can’t write about it.

The loose link with time travel is that a character actually has to be there, going back in time, to understand how having a conversation with, for example, a woman standing on a street corner might alter the course of history. The author needs a consistent character who can interpret the impact of time travel as it moves along a timeline to the present day. An easier way to do that might be to have POV characters in different eras and some way they can communicate with one another to draw things together.

In 1843, Dickens wrote about the ghosts accompanying Scrooge into his past and future in A Christmas Carol. H. G. Well’s Time Machine came along in 1895. And let’s not forget Mark Twain’s, A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court. That one was also published in 1895. If you go to Wikipedia, there are scores of books and movies about time travel which tells me there’s an archetypal desire on the part of humans to explore both past and future. On a more modern front, there are all of Diana Gabaldon’s books featuring a time-travelling nurse/doctor who goes back to eighteenth century Scotland.

One of the hallmarks of successful genre writing is good research. For a book to have that verisimilitude twang, the author simply has to put in the time to understand what they’re writing about. I think it’s actually easier to write about a future that hasn’t happened yet, than about a past that has. Reason is there are lots of armchair critics out there who probably know way more than I do about the French Revolution or the American-Indian War or the geography of Tanzania. So, if I’m going to turn out a genre novel featuring time travel, I need to pick places in time I can write cogently about.

Have you ever considered time travel? Where would you want to go and why? What would you do when you got there?

I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Author Bio:

Ann Gimpel is a mountaineer at heart. Recently retired from a long career as a psychologist, she remembers many hours at her desk where her body may have been stuck inside four walls, but her soul was planning yet one more trip to the backcountry. Around the turn of the last century (that would be 2000, not 1900!), she managed to finagle moving to the Eastern Sierra, a mecca for those in love with the mountains. It was during long backcountry treks that Ann’s writing evolved. Unlike some who see the backcountry as an excuse to drag friends and relatives along, Ann prefers her solitude. Stories always ran around in her head on those journeys, sometimes as a hedge against abject terror when challenging conditions made her fear for her life, sometimes for company. Eventually, she returned from a trip and sat down at the computer. Three months later, a five hundred page novel emerged. Oh, it wasn’t very good, but it was a beginning. And she learned a lot between writing that novel and its sequel.

Around that time, a friend of hers suggested she try her hand at short stories. It didn’t take long before that first story found its way into print and they’ve been accepted pretty regularly since then. A trilogy, the Transformation Series released by Gypsy Shadow Publishing, features Psyche’s Prophecy, Psyche’s Search and Psyche’s Promise. One of Ann’s passions has always been ecology, so her tales often have a green twist and the Transformation Series is no exception.

In addition to writing, Ann enjoys wilderness photography. Part of her website is devoted to photos of her beloved Sierra. And she lugs pounds of camera equipment in her backpack to distant locales every year. A standing joke is that over ten percent of her pack weight is camera gear which means someone else has to carry the food! That someone else is her husband. They’ve shared a life together for a very long time. Children, grandchildren and three wolf hybrids round out their family.

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Guest Post: Night Secrets by B.K. Walker

Practical Advice for New Writers


So you want to write a book?

Good for you! Don't think you can't, because anyone can write a book. Everyone has a story to tell, though some just choose to keep those stories to themselves. If you have an itch to tell a story, that would be your muse kicking in. Don't know what a muse is? That is the drive behind your storytelling. Your muse is what pushes you to get that story out of your head. Embrace your muse.

Once you accept the fact that you now share your body with your muse, or better yet, your mind, I encourage you to put pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard. Get used to the voices in your head, because once you start, they will never go away. Don't worry, your not schizophrenic, it's just the characters talking from the story that's trying to get out of your head.

Just show up!

Everyday you need to write something. Even if it doesn't make sense yet, just write. Set a time aside, 30 minutes to an hour each day to write. Before you know it, your story will start to take shape, forming right before your eyes. Keep going, you're doing great!

Feel your characters emotions.

When you can do this, the story will flow like a stream down a mountain. You'd be surprised how well you write a certain scene when you actually feel what your characters feel.

Write from your experiences.

When you can write what you already know, the story will be that much more believable. If you already went through a situation, you know exactly what a character is experiencing. Show, don't tell. Make your readers feel it too.

Edit It!

Once you write down those last words, set it aside for a few weeks. I know, you're so excited to put it out there, but you want to put out a good, edited version. After a few weeks, read it again, you'd be surprised how many mistakes you find. I do it all the time.

Send it to the editor for final corrections.

Publish It!

I love self-publishing because it gives you total control. You set the price, the format, and even who you sell it through. I personally use Kindle Publishing, and take part in their KDP Select program. It's a beautiful thing. There are many places you can publish to though. Here are a few:

www.lulu.com
www.createspace.com
www.amazon.com

All three suggestions have easy to follow steps to get your work out there.

Market It!

It's an everyday task, but if you want to get out there and see sales, you need to work on marketing everyday. Do something, whether it's posting the buy link to Facebook, chatting it up on Twitter, or sharing your cover on Pinterest. Put in 30 minutes everyday to talk about your book and market it.

Congratulations! You're now an author!

About the Author:

Jack of all trades, master of none. BK Walker is first and foremost a mother and a wife. With three beautiful children and a wonderful husband, she enjoys her days living on their farm in Eastern Pennsylvania.

When she’s not writing, she manages her time organizing virtual book tours for other authors, coaching marketing strategies and helping her husband as a consultant in their jointly owned business. Putting most of her time into research, BK is always seeking for the most effective ways to market and promote books and business alike. Art is a secondary love, and you may often find her sketches popping up on one of her blogs, or simply catch her reading the magic created in the pages of a great novel. Who knows, it just may be yours.

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Book Tour: Sound of the Heart by Genevieve Graham

1) When you aren’t writing, what are you doing? (Aside from being a dad/mom)

I run my own editing business. And I guess I should rephrase your question—when I'm not editing, when do I get to write? Editing has become a fulltime business, since I edit novels for two authors per month on average. Over the past two years I've edited over three dozen books for authors worldwide, and many of those are repeat customers! And editing has grown into ghostwriting as well, which I really love.

When I actually get to stand up and move away from my computer, I love hanging out with my family outside. My husband has an amazingly gifted green thumb, and we live in the wonderful growing area of Nova Scotia, so our gardens are always needing to be tended. And if it's not that, well, you might find me either walking our silly white dog, Murphy, or tending our chickens. I had no idea how much fun chickens were until we got them!

2) You chose a specific genre, a place and time to write about, what made you choose it?

Most of my work has been based in the 18th century in both Scotland and the colonies. The reason I started writing in the first place was that I'd been reading the “Outlander” series of Diana Gabaldon, and become completely obsessed with it. In fact, I read her series four times, then listened to the unabridged audio another two times before I finally decided it was time I try to write my own book. The truth was, when I'd finished reading her books (again), then read everything I could by similar authors like Sara Donati, Penelope Williamson, and Jennifer Roberson, I felt kind of lonely. I missed the adventure, the intelligent oh-so-real characters, the gorgeous settings … I missed it all. So I've written four books (working on #5) in that time period (one is only in Scotland but the others are a mix). Penguin will be publishing the third one, “Out of the Shadows” in Aug/Sept 2013.

3) In your opinion, what makes a book a great one?

My idea of a great book is one written with both intelligence and passion. I don't mean passion as in erotica, though that's all fine and dandy if you're into that. By passion I mean the author has to really mean it. I want to learn from my books but not be preached at. I want to be swallowed up by the time period and and characters and wish I could transport myself back to be with them. A great book introduces me to people I grow to love, and people I miss when the story's over. The people in the stories need to be as real as you and I.

4) Which author(s) most influenced your love of books from childhood?

I remember loving Laura Ingalls' “Little House on the Prairie.” After that there's a bit of a blank in my sieve-like memory, but I recall Agatha Christie taking up a large part of my bookshelves. Then Stephen King took over my mind. Now there's an author who can suck you in. I still remember wearing garlic around my neck every night when I finally set Salem's Lot on the bedside table.

I actually had to stop reading his work after a while because it disturbed me so deeply. I think “The Stand” was the last book of his I read—until I read his how-to book, “On Writing,” which is brilliant. I went through a Nora Roberts phase, dove into Wilbur Smith for a few years, and inhaled everything by Dick Francis. When our daughters were little, I couldn't find the time to read, so I lost about ten years there. After that it was Diana Gabaldon, and the rest, as they say, is history!


5) Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

If there's a message, it's to believe in true love. To trust that voice in you that says, “Hang in there. This is worth it.” My stories aren't traditional “romance”—in fact, I drag my characters through hell before I give them their happily ever after, but the truth about that one prevailing love is woven through the whole story.

6) Which of your characters is most like you?

I haven't written one like me yet, to be honest. The women in “Under the Same Sky” and “Sound of the Heart” are strong, fierce women who probably embody who I'd like to be. Adelaide, in “Out of the Shadows”, is a timid, heavily scarred woman who has to discover her inner strength and embrace who she is in order to survive. I've been working on a WW1 story lately, and perhaps that woman, Audrey, is most like me, but still not quite. I'll have to think more on that.

7) Worst habit you have?

Biting my nails, I guess. Of course then there's my obsession with chocolate and latte … and coffee with baileys...

8) How much research did you do before and during writing?

My writing is about 60% writing and 40% research. I write until I run into something that needs fleshing out, then I'll lose myself in research for days at a time.

9) What are the most important attributes to remaining sane as a writer?

 Be true to your writing. Don't write for anyone but you.
 Don't think about publishing. Think about writing.
 Remember why you got into this in the first place. If it's for money, you're in the wrong business.
 Some people say you have to write every day. I say you need to take care of yourself. Sometimes you just need a day off. Put your feet up and think of … nothing.

10) Do you enjoy giving interviews?

I do, but it's a funny thing to get used to: people wanting to know about me. Three years ago nobody would have been the least bit curious, but ever since Penguin put me on people's bookshelves it's like I'm a different creature. I like to be up front with my readers and let them know that what they're reading comes from my heart.

11) What's the loveliest thing you have ever seen?

Loveliest? Anything beautiful makes me think of my daughters, but lovely? To me that describes autumn in Nova Scotia, with the endless colours of fall reflecting over the lakes, arching over narrow roads.

Now if you were to say wonderful, I'd say that'd be anything about my daughters: the days they were born, their smiles, their eyes, their love for each other …

12) How do you react to a bad review of one of your books?

I'm not going to say it doesn't hurt, but I try to walk away from anything negative. I look at the percentages over all, and if 5% of readers are giving a poor review, I really don't need to worry. After all, not every book is right for every reader. The only thing that really ticks me off is when people say something like “This was bad,” and they don't explain what exactly was bad. I never, ever argue with a review or a reviewer.

Author Bio

Genevieve Graham graduated from the University of Toronto in 1986 with a Bachelor of Music in Performance (playing oboe). While on a ski vacation in Alberta she met a really cute guy in the chairlift line-up and they skied together for two days. After the second day she decided she had to have him ... permanently. The couple (now husband & wife) subsequently moved to Calgary and brought two beautiful and talented daughters into the world. They have recently settled in a small, peaceful town in Nova Scotia and are loving their quiet life.

Writing became an essential part of Genevieve's life a few years ago, when she began to write her debut novel, "Under the Same Sky". Her second book, "Sound of the Heart" was released on May 1, 2012.

Learn more about Genevieve

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Promo: Unleashing God's Power by Jimi Akanbi

Christian/Non-Fiction

Date Published:11/6/12

An inspirational book for mid level to mature Christians. The book discusses eleven key steps to maximizing the power of God in a Christian's life. The author uses great analogies to connect things of the Spiritual to things of the natural. He also discusses deep uncommon truths about praise, prayer, Holy Spirit and faith. The book is definitely bound to empower and increase a Christian's faith, in turn, experience supernatural results in life.

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EXCERPT

Chapter 1: Understanding and Strengthening Your Faith in God

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:1

Belief is a by-product of faith. The following is a scenario that will shed light on belief and faith in God. If there is an empty house in front of you and I tell you that the house is owned by someone, although, you have not seen anyone in the house, will you not believe me? Yes, you will and this means you have faith in the law of nature. The law of nature says that every house built is owned by someone, even if not yet purchased, then in this case the builder or the bank owns the property. The same way we must believe and have faith in God.

What does it profit, my bretheren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?

If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food

And one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

James 2:14-17

It is written, faith without works is dead. Pay close attention to what is being said. Let’s look at an example of how putting your faith to works operates.

If I show you a strange house with a vicious dog barking in it, but you cannot see the dog but can hear its aggressive barks, if I tell you to go into that house, for sure, you will say No.

This shows two things:

1. Although, you cannot see the dog but you can hear it bark means that you believe and have faith that there is a harmful animal in the house. 

2. You have put your faith to works by rejecting to enter the house.

This can be likened to having faith in God and obeying his commandments. That is, the vicious dog can bite or harm us if we enter the house. The attack from the dog is compared to the consequences we will face for disobeying God’s commandments and principles. 

Believing in God’s commandments is likened to believing that the house has a dog in it. That is, we cannot physically see God but we hear his word and commandments which should give us faith in God. 

The same way you did not physically see the dog in the house but you heard its bark.

You not entering the house because you heard the dog’s barks is an act of putting your faith to work. That is, you know the dog is in the house but you cannot and did not see it. The same way you must put your faith to work by not seeing God physically but hearing his word and commandments and obeying them.

I am Jimi Akanbi. I am a Christian nonfiction author, who is sold out to God. I live in Atlanta, Georgia USA. I have an MBA in Finance from Mercer University, Atlanta Georgia. I am currently an active member of the prayer and intercessory team at my church. I have also served God as an usher and protocol officer at my previous church. I have undergone a formal ten week bible training course. My interests include writing, counseling, ministry, movies, sports, music and more. I was miraculously called by God to be in the writing ministry, and I am acting in obedience.

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EXTREME Promo Blitz:The Middle Aisle by Taylor Dean

Book #1

Paranormal Romance

Date Published: 6/7/12

Zoe Grayson needs a change. So, she moves to another state, purchases an old, dilapidated 1920s Victorian Mansion, and sets out to restore it to its former glory. As she begins the restoration, she finds herself falling in love with the old house . . . not to mention its illustrious builder, Mr. Lancaster. Zoe becomes obsessed with the house as she discovers its secrets; hidden rooms, secret passageways . . . and a mysterious man who seems to think the house is his. Who is he? More importantly, how does he live in her home unseen and unheard?

The unexpected answers leave her reeling—and questioning everything she’s ever known. To her dismay, Zoe’s actions land her in the local psychiatric hospital, scheming for ways to return to Lancaster House . . . and the love of her life.

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Date Published: December 1, 2012

The sequel to Lancaster House

Zoe Grayson is back in Lancaster House, ordered to bed rest for the duration of her unexpected pregnancy. Doctor Wade Channing, her overzealous psychiatrist, is living in Lancaster House, taking care of her, waiting on her, and tending to her every need. It seems to be the perfect arrangement.

There’s just one catch.

 She has to tell him her story—everything that has happened in her life since the moment she escaped from Serenity Hills. It’s been quite an adventure to include renovating another home and a walk down the middle aisle.

But, that’s all over now. Nothing is real. It never was.

How did she end up in this miserable situation?

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Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding that she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense—you’ll find all sub-genres of romance in her line-up. 

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Praise for Lancaster House:

Wow. Where to start? Lancaster House was one of the most exhilarating, amazing books I've read all year. Maybe even ever. There is an undercurrent of menace and a totally creepy vibe running through the first half of the novel, one which kept me turning the pages and had my heart beating that little bit faster. From the opening pages, you're sucked right into the action, wondering what is going on and what will happen next.

-Mandy of The Thoughts of a Girl

Wow! What an intense and refreshing book! It pulled me in form the very first page!It has everything from suspense to mystery and yes, of course, romance! This book kept me on edge by keeping me guessing to the very end! Lancaster House is not your same ole paranormal romance that we all have come to know and expect! Oh no! There was no way I could have guessed all the twists and turns that are held in this book! It left me surprised and very satisfied with the the whole story! I guarantee you have never read any other book that is remotely like this one (well at least I sure haven't and I have read a lot of books!) 

-Jess of Book Liaison

Andre and Zoe just give me chills at how beautiful they are together. Not to mention this story has every wow factor to it you can imagine. Twists and turns like you wouldn’t believe. It was a great adventure and a job well done for Taylor Dean. I absolutely loved it and would recommend it to everyone. A true masterpiece.

-Chasity of Batty for Books

Reading this book, I was not prepared for the strength of voice and the very real grit author Taylor Dean projects in her amazing story. Give me a great ghost story any day of the week. Fill it with kick butt heroines and a spicy romance and you have me at the word go. 

-Dana of Book Girl Knitting

Lancaster House is amazingly written and such an original story. I was Zoe and Andre's number one fan from the beginning, they are an amazing couple, and Taylor easily conveys their love in this story.

-Brandy of Book Worm Brandy

Can I just say WOW! This is really a gripping read and one I recommend highly! Taylor Dean is on my list of must read authors now.

-Andrea of A Chick Who Reads

I have never read a book quite like this one. I can't begin to describe to you how good it was.

-Shelly of Dive Under the Cover