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Monday, April 27, 2015
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Today we welcome Sheri Velarde. Her latest release Quest for Redemption releases on Thursday April 23rd!
Synopsis:
Synopsis:
Zanna is
an elven warrior princess, who seems to have it all, yet really has nothing.
Her fate is not in her own hands. Instead, it is bound to an ancient magic she
has no control over. She wants to rule the elves, yet must prove herself worthy
before she is accepted. She also wants to find her mate, but after two thousand
years, didn't hold much hope. Her existence has become mundane, and she craves
something new. A routine assignment suddenly turns into something bigger that
could ruin all of them. Is she strong enough to save the world and find her own
happiness too? Can she change and help change the fate of the world with her?
Will is
an orphan who has always been confused by his strangeness. He keeps himself
apart, separate from those around him. A chance meeting with a remarkable woman
changes everything. He not only learns about himself, but about a whole other
world that he is a part of by birthright. However the father that abandoned him
as an infant stands to ruin his future and the future of the world unless he
can be stopped.
Will and
Zanna must face loved ones who work against them and their past as well as find
the strength to fight a bigger enemy and save the realms from evil. Can love,
friendship, family, and acceptance defeat evil before it brings the realms
crashing down? Can Zanna prove herself worthy to rule the kingdom?
Storyteller's Grove: So Sheri, tell us what is was your inspiration for Quest for Redemption?
Sheri: Inspiration
comes in many forms and from many sources. The inspiration for Quest for
Redemption is a combination of things. This novel started out as a NaNoWri novel.
(That’s a novel that was written in one month for National Write a Novel
Month.) So really the first inspiration was just to get something down on the
page and quick as the clock struck midnight. The first thing that popped into
my mind was to do a fantasy love story, something with elves. I am a huge
Tolkien fan and he started me on my fascination with elven kind. Seriously, who
doesn’t have crush on Legolas? Am I right? Anyhow, I also wanted to have a very
strong female character, not some damsel in distress. In fact, she would be the
warrior, the ruler, the strong one. And that is how Zanna was born. A little of
her came from Underworld mixed with Xena Warrior Princess, but in elf form. I
also wanted to play with the idea of a half magical creature who had no idea
what he really was. Enter Will. Part human, part sprite, part really powerful
elf. Throw in some evil, because truthfully I love bad guys. Basically I wrote
the novel that I would want to read. I am not going to lie, the first draft was
terrible. I let it sit for a year before even tackling it and trying to clean
it up for submission. Then my life became a blur or edits and tears, but I must
say I am happy with the result. Quest for Redemption started out as something
just for fun and became something that I never imagined.
Quest for
Redemption will be out on Three Worlds Press
April 23, 2015!
Buy
Links: Three Worlds Press
About the Author:
Sheri
Velarde is an author, artist, independent comic creator and jewelry designer
out of Albuquerque, New Mexico. She is a creative soul with eclectic taste and
style when it comes to her art and writing. Sheri is a multi-publisher romance
author who is now branching into fantasy as well with her Defender of the
Realms series. When not creating (which her fiancé argues is never), Sheri can
be found spending time with her fiancé and their two dogs, reading, watching
fantasy movies, attending metal concerts and just taking time to stop and enjoy
life.
You can
view Sheri’s work on her website/blog:
http://sherivelarde.weebly.com/, on her Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sheri-VelardeKelly-Ryan/,
and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Sher_V.
Sunday, April 19, 2015
Sunday Songs and Writing
I am sitting at the Murray Grove Retreat Center in Lanoka Harbor, NJ. For those who have NOOOO idea where that is or what it is CLICK HERE ..but come back. I am listening to the music of Mthakathi. That is the Zulu name of this New Jersey AWESOME singer/songwriter.
He sings in English and Zulu and his songs are stories.
I associate songs to my life and the life of my characters. It is how I became so connected to the Jersey music scene. Mthakathi's music is rooted in the blues of the South African blues.
What music do you listen to? Are there songs that, as a reader or a writer, are there songs that remind you of your favorite characters?
I associate songs to my life and the life of my characters. It is how I became so connected to the Jersey music scene. Mthakathi's music is rooted in the blues of the South African blues.
What music do you listen to? Are there songs that, as a reader or a writer, are there songs that remind you of your favorite characters?
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Broken Pearl by Dawn Brower Pearl Harbor Paranomal and Release Party
The Story Behind Broken Pearl
Broken Pearl came about because I wanted to write a novel for my niece, Alison. She was in a car accident two years ago, and she struggled to not only survive, but thrive. It was something she dealt with every day. Her life was never the same. It bothered her that she couldn’t do a lot of the things she used to do, and yet she kept moving forward. So I got this idea to write a story about struggle and what happened when you came on the other side of it.
In my story, Rebecca realizes that she has a gift that could destroy her if she lets it. She has to find a way to control it and use it to help others. Her life is thrown deeper into chaos when war breaks out, and she loses some of the people she loves. It’s a difficult time for her, and she almost gives into the dark energy. World War II is the backdrop of Broken Pearl. It was a time of both despair and triumph. It seemed like a good era to display all of the emotions I wanted to explore.
Ultimately this story is about survival and learning to lean on the people around you. That’s the underlying message I want everyone to take from this book. I would like to think Ali would have enjoyed the story. Sadly, she passed away in a fire in January and will never get a chance to read it. I still want that message out for everyone to enjoy. Don’t give up, even when it seems like the only option you have. The people who care about you are there for a reason. Lean on them and find your own support beam—sometimes strength comes from the strangest places. If we are lucky, enough we have our own guardian angels looking out for us. I like to think Alison is the one leading them all around. Her bravery, perseverance, and ability to go beyond everyone expectations was awe inspiring.
Broken Pearl
By: Dawn Brower
Release Date: April 16, 2015
Short Blurb:
Long Blurb:
Party With Dawn For The Release
Teasers
About Dawn
Dawn Brower holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, a Master of Arts in Education, and is currently working on a Master of Arts in Liberal Arts with concentrations in Literature, History, and Sociology. She works as a substitute teacher and enjoys the flexibility it gives her to concentrate on her other endeavors.
Growing up she was the only girl out of six children. She is a single mother of two teenage boys; there is never a dull moment in her life. Reading books is her favorite hobby. There is nothing like a nice glass of wine and a good book to relax with at the end of the day.
There are always stories inside her head; she just never thought she could make them come to life. That creativity has finally found an outlet.
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Her Hearts Surrender by Allison Merritt... Vikings, Love and War... Release Day
Allison Merritt stopped by to chat about how she chose her characters' names in the just released Her Heart's Surrender. Links to purchase your eBook copy can be found at Three Worlds Press
First a little about Her Heart's Surrender
So Allison, share with our readers and current and future fans some background about what naming Viking characters.
Allison Merritt: I often pick names with
meanings when I bring characters to life. Or when they choose me to make them
real, however you want to look at that. Mostly I write historical romance set
in the 19th century or later, so a lot of careful thought went into naming the
characters in Her Heart's Surrender. Here's a bit about them and the
characters. I've said it before and I'll say it again: Behindthename.com is an
author's best friend.
A love of reading inspired Allison Merritt to
pursue her dream of becoming an author who writes historical, paranormal and
fantasy romances, often combining the sub-genres. She lives in a small town in
the Ozark Mountains with her husband and dogs. When she's not writing or
reading, she hikes in national parks and conservation areas.
First a little about Her Heart's Surrender
Taken from her village as a child, Ealasaid has
lived under the iron rule of a Viking king for far too long. The only good to
come out of her life is her son. As long as the king lives, their freedom and
hope for the future seems dismal. Despite her contempt for the king and his
bloodline, she's drawn to Hella Ingvasson, the man who kidnapped her, and the
plight he faces when the king dies.
His father's final demand is that Hella must wed
if he's to claim the throne. What better revenge than to marry the thrall his
father hated most? Despite her fears Hella will become like his father,
Ealasaid agrees to marry for her son’s sake, but she quickly learns her
husband’s battle scarred body provides more pleasure than nightmares.
Word comes that her brothers also survived the
raid and have assembled an army. They march toward a Norse settlement with the
intention of revenge. Unless she can reach her brothers and convince them not
to slaughter the man and people she's come to love, Hella may become another
bloody stain on history's tapestry.
Ealasaid – It's a
Scottish-Gaelic form of Elizabeth (betcha didn't see that coming). A strong
name for a strong heroine. When I start researching names, I almost called her
Keavy, but I stumbled over this one and it fit her to a T. Keavy ended up being
the name of Ealasaid's eldest sister.
Hella – Generally a
girl's name (and I had a beta reader point that out). I wanted to call him
Halle, but I thought that sounded way girlier. It means “flat stone”. Hard
body, you betcha, but there's nothing flat about this hero.
Eoghann – I laughed so
hard in Leap Year when Amy Adams' character called the guy at the bar E-o-gan.
Um, it's “Owen” in case you're Hookt on Fonix like me. Eoghan is the son of
Niall of the Nine Hostages in Irish lore. Yeah, he's a Saxon in the book and
his heroic deeds might be a little questionable, but our Eoghann is willing to
stand up for his sister when she needs back-up. They were the closest of the
Kentigern siblings.
Ingvar – Old Norse
meaning “warrior”. He's called many things in the book and he's also known as
the White Raven, because as we all know, ravens as scavengers. He had to be
fancy and rare, so his banner sigil is white—and very much to be feared.
Erik – Is there a Viking
family that hasn't had a Viking named Erik? Well, maybe. Erik is Hella's
adopted brother and potential heir to Ingvar's throne.
Birgir – Ealasaid's son
is called after his Norse relatives, although she considered giving him a Saxon
name. Birgir is from Birger, meaning “help, save, rescue”. Perfect, because he
was literally the only thing that saved her during her time as a thrall.
Ulrika – The given name
of two Swedish queens. She may be another Viking thrall, but she's also Ealasaid
best friend and confidant. She was there when Birgir was born and is like a
grandmother figure to him.
Diarmaid – It's consider
to mean “without jealousy”, but the more you come to know Ealasaid's eldest
brother, the more you realize Diarmaid's got a lot of jealousy and some poorly
suppressed rage going on. You can never have too many bad guys in a story and
he fits the bill pretty well. Okay, maybe you can have too many bad guys, but
there were just the right amount in Her Heart's Surrender.
These are some of the
major players in the book. I hope you enjoyed this little look at their names
and personalities.
~~~~~
About the author:
Allison graduated from College of the Ozarks in
Point Lookout, Missouri with a B.A. in mass communications that's gathering
dust after it was determined that she's better at writing fluff than hard news.
Social links:
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/authorallisonmerritt
Twitter - http://twitter.com/#!/Allison_Merritt
Pinterest - http://www.pinterest.com/allisonmwrites/
Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/allisonmwrites
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Tuesday Teaser: Quest for Redemption cover reveal.. Elven Warrior
Today we welcome Sheri Velarde to talk about and re-reveal the FABULOUS cover for her upcoming release, Quest for Redemption.
So you may be asking why I am having
a cover re-reveal or what is a re-reveal anyways? Well you see, life sometimes
gets in the way of the best laid plans and changes sometimes have to be made.
When I had my first cover reveal back on February 1 (I know because it was my
birthday) Quest for Redemption seemed to be on the fast track to coming out,
but then life happened.
I can't remember which happened
first, but both my editor and I got sick. Like not a cold or flu sick, but
majorly sick. I had a major flare in my multiple sclerosis which left me pretty
much useless until it began to subside. School, which I was taking just for
fun, began to demand more and more of my time. This caused a delay in edits,
hence the delay in Quest coming out. Things happen and I can't say that I am
truly shocked the Quest for Redemption hit a few bumps on its way to
publication. You see, this book has been nothing but bumps and a test in
perseverance.
Quest for Redemption has been a
mountain for me to climb, over three years in the making and I have finally
reached the summit, publication is in sight. This started off as a novel
written during National Novel Writing Month, (NaNoWriMo) so needless to say the first draft
was a hot mess. It got tabled for a while, then I picked it back up and cleaned
it up added things here and there, turned it into something readable. Finally I
submitted it, it got accepted. During the time of pre-edits the story began to
change again, becoming more fantasy than romance, the characters deepened and
solidified. It was hard work this novel, my longest work to date and also my
toughest to get through.
Blood, sweat, and many tears went
into this work and soon it will be out in the world! This is by far one of my
biggest accomplishments as an author. My first full length novel, my first
fantasy piece, my first book with my new publisher. Quest for Redemption
represents over three years of hard work, sure it took me a little longer to
get here bear the release date, but I got here and for that I am grateful.
So here it is... I LOVE it and hope you will too. Watch for the release later this month from Three Worlds Press
Synopsis
The fate of the realms rests on the hands of an elven
princess yet to prove herself and an orphan just learning his powers.
Will is an orphan who has always been confused by his
strangeness. He keeps himself apart, separate from those around him. A chance
meeting with a remarkable woman changes everything. He not only learns about
himself, but about a whole other world that he is a part of by birthright.
However the father that abandoned him as an infant stands to ruin his future
and the future of the world unless he can be stopped.
Will and Zanna must face loved ones who work against them
and their past as well as find the strength to fight a bigger enemy and save
the realms from evil. Can love, friendship, family, and acceptance defeat evil
before it brings the realms crashing down? Can Zanna prove herself worthy to rule
the kingdom?
Sheri Velarde is an author, artist,
independent comic creator and jewelry designer out of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
She is a creative soul with eclectic taste and style when it comes to her art
and writing. Sheri is a multi-publisher romance author who is now branching
into fantasy as well with her Defender of the Realms series. When not creating
(which her fiancé argues is never), Sheri can be found spending time with her
fiancé and their two dogs, reading, watching fantasy movies, attending metal
concerts and just taking time to stop and enjoy life.
You can view Sheri’s work on her
website/blog: http://sherivelarde.weebly.com/,
on her Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sheri-VelardeKelly-Ryan/,
and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Sher_V.
Quest for Redemption will be out on Three Worlds Press April
23, 2015!
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