tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45648838133464584732024-03-14T02:41:06.545-04:00Storyteller's GroveKaren A Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14059555184380048745noreply@blogger.comBlogger209125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4564883813346458473.post-77469616081904583882017-07-07T08:40:00.002-04:002017-07-08T10:01:18.582-04:00A Share of NY Times on one of my Favorite Authors I first read Rebecca when I was a pre-teen. This has me wanting to re-read that novel and more for enjoyment and inspiration.<br />
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For those who did not know, her short story, <i>The Birds, </i>was the basis for the iconic Hitchcock film.<br />
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<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/06/books/daphne-du-maurier-enthusiast.html?action=click&contentCollection=books&contentPlacement=1&emc=edit_nn_20170707&module=package&nl=morning-briefing&nlid=78264883&pgtype=sectionfront&region=rank&te=1&version=highlights" target="_blank">In Praise of Daphne du Maurier</a><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m4UvBi-W4vw/WV-BEM_PcII/AAAAAAAAG7Q/Jt0jDb8BK-g2cAtYkEfJhhfVQQPDAEP9ACLcBGAs/s1600/du-maurier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="332" data-original-width="490" height="216" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m4UvBi-W4vw/WV-BEM_PcII/AAAAAAAAG7Q/Jt0jDb8BK-g2cAtYkEfJhhfVQQPDAEP9ACLcBGAs/s320/du-maurier.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Karen A Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14059555184380048745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4564883813346458473.post-45995816495960727332017-07-04T12:22:00.000-04:002017-07-04T12:22:17.681-04:00It's Getting Up that CountsThis is intended to be a short post. I have been absent too long from this blog and writing in general. But pack up I get, brush myself off and go back at the thing I love to do and need to do.... write and create.<br />
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Life is what happens while we make plans and sometimes it can suck the life (or at least the muse) out of you. Divorce, job loss, final illness and death of a parent, new duties as executor and guardian for a developmentally disabled sibling... Things that must be dealt with, grief that must be felt and moved through, responsibilities to assume. These can be the overwhelming focus of your days, they did mine. Life became not one to-do list but, at times, three. One was my personal to-do. It was mostly maintenance items. You know the kind, pay bills, grocery shop, vacuum. Yes, I had to remind myself to do these things. If I put write or even read on that list, it rarely was scratched off.<br />
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But time passes, things resolve themselves and that voice in your head becomes more insistent. My normal life, such as I defined normal, was returning. It may be a new normal but it is a good normal. I am healthy, the endless paperwork of life events is mostly behind me or incorporated into the new normal. I have a richer personal life with new grown children and a special man in my life. I started a new day job that I am pleased with and has enough potential to satisfy the practical side of my nature.<br />
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As this happened the voice in me, became louder and louder and more insistent. I joined a monthly book club to not only read but read intentionally. This sparked even more reading and added to the re-ignition of the <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seancha%C3%AD" target="_blank">seanchai</a></i> in me. So the brainstorming started, I brushed off some old WIPs, and started to attempt to learn the process of outlining. Notice it was an ATTEMPT. I have set aside some of what I wrote years ago and started down fresh roads with some of the characters. I still haven't figured out where outlining fits in my process. But I know that where I start is with a vision of my main character in a setting with something important happening to them. That is the kernel of the plot, theme and journey. At least that is what I hope. Micaela (see my book Dark Dealings) is speaking to me again. I know she will get pushier... it's how we roll.<br />
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So I signed up for the July CampNaNoWriMo and set a modest goal for myself of an average of 500 words per day. For me, it is about Getting Back Up. What have you set aside that you MUST get back up and do? What is the passion that is inside you that is a glowing ember waiting to be fanned back into life?<br />
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If you want to read a post that came to my inbox at the right time read this from <a href="http://jamigold.com/?wysija-page=1&controller=email&action=view&email_id=1248&wysijap=subscriptions&user_id=3354" target="_blank">Jami Gold</a>Karen A Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14059555184380048745noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4564883813346458473.post-33105339313990750912015-06-04T21:45:00.000-04:002015-06-04T21:48:10.428-04:00The Beach at the Sea Foam Apartments.... <div class="MsoNormal">
Today we welcome D.J. Kozlowski. D.J stopped in the Grove to talk about his new release, <i>The Beach at the
Sea Foam Apartments, a Sea Mist Series short. </i>Available for pre-order on Amazon,
iBooks, Kobo, AllRomance/OmniLit and GooglePlay.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Author’s Blurb and Excerpt:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Minor magic can have unintended consequences. At the beach across from the Sea Foam
Apartments, the fates of five people are tragically altered through Melinda’s
well-intentioned meddling. Now, Melinda
has a chance to help these people find their destinies and restore life to the
beach, but she’ll need some help.
Fortunately, someone has been watching.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>“She recalled the sun
rising from behind the sea, darkening then illuminating the lighthouse and
brightening the sands whose sparkle mixed with the shimmering waves to cast all
the early joggers in a discotheque strobe. This place had magic to it.”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>Storyteller’s Grove: </b> So tell our readers how it started…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>D.J: </b>I started
writing this book after seeing a friend's social media post about the call for
submissions. At that point there were about three days left to submit. I had
some time, so I challenged myself to gather some of the thoughts rattling
around in my brain and transpose them to paper in some sort of orderly fashion.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It was a scramble and took a lot more effort than I
anticipated. The story was there and the writing came easy, but keeping
everything straight and ensuring that everything that needed to be resolved was
resolved was tough. I had a hard time holding back. I wanted to go in-depth on
some character background or sprinkle-in other characters who live in my head.
But I don't like extraneous text in stories--especially short stories. I added
what I felt I needed to advance the story and describe the scenes, but that was
all.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Three Worlds Press responded to my submission quickly, and
it was off to the races. I was fortunate to have a fantastic content editor,
Missy (Melissa) Shirley (who's also an author--you should check her out). She
was patient and careful. We rarely disagreed and worked efficiently to
tighten-up the story. After that it was a simple matter of choosing artwork and
getting the cover to look right.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><u>Author Bio</u></b>:<o:p></o:p></div>
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D.J. Kozlowski writes gothic horror, dark fantasy, and
magical realism, drawing inspiration from the likes of Poe and Lovecraft. When
he’s not writing, D.J. counsels businesses as an attorney. He lives in
Connecticut with his wife, 3 kids, and fish, the latter of which is constantly
being replaced for the sake of the children. He tries not to take life too
seriously.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Amazon: <a href="http://amzn.com/B00YTISHKE">http://amzn.com/B00YTISHKE</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Kobo: <a href="https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-beach-at-the-sea-foam-apartments">https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-beach-at-the-sea-foam-apartments</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Google Play: <a href="https://play.google.com/store/books/details/D_J_Kozlowski_The_Beach_at_the_Sea_Foam_Apartments?id=83rFCQAAQBAJ">https://play.google.com/store/books/details/D_J_Kozlowski_The_Beach_at_the_Sea_Foam_Apartments?id=83rFCQAAQBAJ</a><u><o:p></o:p></u></div>
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All Romance eBooks: <a href="https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thebeachattheseafoamapartments-1820887-149.html">https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thebeachattheseafoamapartments-1820887-149.html</a><o:p></o:p></div>
Karen A Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14059555184380048745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4564883813346458473.post-59802055971451250222015-05-31T12:41:00.000-04:002015-05-31T12:49:09.334-04:00 Redding, Brower and Nixon ...LIVE internet radio/tv MEET AUTHORS Like Nothing You've Experienced<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Join us June 7 in the LIVE studio audience or via your computer with the links here:</div>
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STOP BACK for the video link through livestream</div>
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Click the join us in the CHATROOM for the Facebook chatroom:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T_Mdq1tU278/VWs4YHMDsBI/AAAAAAAAEds/M9kJHITNhqc/s1600/june%2Bauthors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T_Mdq1tU278/VWs4YHMDsBI/AAAAAAAAEds/M9kJHITNhqc/s640/june%2Bauthors.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
<br />Karen A Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14059555184380048745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4564883813346458473.post-22640580256517037292015-05-14T12:00:00.000-04:002015-05-14T12:00:08.394-04:00SUMMER BEGINS: Breathless (Sea Mist Series) from Jessica Bayliss CoverFeeling the call of the ocean? Looking for a great read for those sultry summer evenings?<br />
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Check out the cover for the upcoming release from Jessica Bayliss ~~~<br />
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<b>BREATHLESS</b><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">A brush with death brings Leah closer to the ghosts she longs to
find and throws her into the arms of the troubled scuba instructor who saves
her.</span><span style="color: #500050; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Dale, an Operation Enduring Freedom Veteran, is haunted by his own
restless spirits. He's on a hunt for forgiveness, and the Caribbean Sea is his
hunting ground.</span><span style="color: #500050; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>The peace they search for lies in the bond they never suspected
they shared.</i></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Watch for PRE-ORDER information and an interview with Jessica next week!</div>
Karen A Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14059555184380048745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4564883813346458473.post-75391024994445022812015-05-14T06:48:00.000-04:002015-05-14T06:48:34.366-04:00UPDATE: Ella Grey's THE LAST DAYS pre-order<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
THE LAST DAYS, by ELLA GREY will be available today for pre-order at a special price of <b>99 cents (US)!</b> Get your copy NOW!!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CWF4AHjRvJM/VVR8QOQZLmI/AAAAAAAAEb8/Aw2h0tSnVic/s1600/The%2BLast%2BDays_EllaGrey_1600x2500%2BApple%2B(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CWF4AHjRvJM/VVR8QOQZLmI/AAAAAAAAEb8/Aw2h0tSnVic/s320/The%2BLast%2BDays_EllaGrey_1600x2500%2BApple%2B(1).jpg" width="204" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The world went to hell a long time ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Grace Killen is a woman on a mission. In
a world where pairings are decided by a lottery, she got stuck with a man who
abuses her. After their daughter is born, he leaves and Grace couldn't be
happier. He could end up as a meal for one of the shambling dead and she
wouldn't cry a single tear. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Then he came back for Sophie.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Robert Carter is a man with a lot on his plate. The leader
of the Oaks and the only known person whose visited Chicago and lived. He
doesn't expect a beautiful woman needing his help or the baggage that she
brings with her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Neither knows what the future will bring but they plan on
facing it together. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Karen A Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14059555184380048745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4564883813346458473.post-67714763187422221082015-05-07T21:23:00.000-04:002015-05-07T21:24:12.547-04:00Cover Reveal: Ella Grey's THE LAST DAYS... Zombies, Love and Chicago<div class="Body" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">These are the LAST DAYS before the release by Three Worlds Press of Ella Grey's new zombie romance novel.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">To give your brain a juicy taste of what's to come... I present the awesome cover for this short.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<b><i>Synopsis</i></b></div>
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<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The world went to hell a long time ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Grace Killen is a woman on a mission. In
a world where pairings are decided by a lottery, she got stuck with a man who
abuses her. After their daughter is born, he leaves and Grace couldn't be
happier. He could end up as a meal for one of the shambling dead and she
wouldn't cry a single tear. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Then he came back for Sophie.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Robert Carter is a man with a lot on his plate. The leader
of the Oaks and the only known person whose visited Chicago and lived. He
doesn't expect a beautiful woman needing his help or the baggage that she
brings with her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="Body" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Neither knows what the future will bring but they plan on
facing it together. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I LOVE THIS COVER... Don't you?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Watch for the official release announcement from <a href="http://www.threeworldspress.com/" target="_blank">Three Worlds Press</a></span></div>
Karen A Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14059555184380048745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4564883813346458473.post-5605166861868658982015-05-05T08:00:00.000-04:002015-05-05T08:00:04.210-04:00Julianna Hinckley Talks Taminah, Amazons, Chocolate and Tree Octopuses<div class="MsoNormal">
Today we welcome Julianna Hinckley to the Grove. Julianna and I met several years ago at the Surrey International Writer's Conference --SIWC (one of the best conferences.. A MUST). She is here today to talk about her debut novel <i style="font-weight: bold;">Taminah</i> and tell us a little more about herself.</div>
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<b>Synopsis</b>: Twenty-two hundred years ago, on the edge of the great Asian
steppes, an adventure begins...</div>
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The land of Alania desperately needs a new high lord, but gets more than it
bargained for when twins are born to its widowed high lady. One is Taminah, and
her birthmark and encounters with the legendary Simurgh presage great things,
but the nobles and elders expect her brother to lead them.<br />
<br />
When they realize Taminah is the dominant twin, they send her to a remote
holding to be trained as a lady and kept out of her brother's way until she's
old enough to wed. But Alania's rulers have underestimated Taminah's
determination to forge her own path ... and none could foresee how a summer
among the nomads and Amazons of the steppes will trigger the events that push
her towards her destiny. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><b>Storyteller’s Grove: </b>Tell
us about yourself and what brought you to writing?</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Julianna Hinckley: </b>I
was one of those bookish little girls who could always be found reading under
the sheets with a flashlight at night. But didn’t actually try my hand at any
fiction writing, other than the usual college papers, until I was in my late
thirties. I was a technical writer for fifteen years, and had moved away from
it by that time. I think I just basically missed writing. Then I got the idea
for this book… and the rest is history.<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<i><b>SG: </b> Share
with our readers a little about your book. </i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>JH: </b>I became
fascinated by a people known to the Greeks as the Sarmatians (because their
scale armor made them look a lot like lizards). They controlled the area north
and east of the Black Sea between the time of the Scythians and that of the
Huns. They were also what we today would describe as Nordic-looking – tall,
handsome, and light skinned, with all colors of hair and eyes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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These peoples show up all over our history books, but almost
no one in the Americas has even heard of them. The first Roman cavalry?
Sarmatians. The first horse soldiers in Great Britain (with numerous traditions
that match many of the Arthurian tales, including embedding swords in a set of
stones) – Sarmatians. The first peoples to use the heavy lance (ala the knights
of the Middle Ages) – the Alans – last of the great Sarmatian tribes. The list
goes on….<o:p></o:p></div>
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And then there are the Amazons. The Greek legends of the
Amazons came from the women warriors <o:p></o:p></div>
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of the Sarmatians. These women used the
same weapons as the men, including the bow and a rope with which to catch and
unhorse enemies (is this sounding familiar?). Yes, indeed, archeologists have
found the graves of several dozen women warriors, as well as queens and
priestesses, dated to that era.<br />
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"Taminah” is set in the third century BC in Alania – a
relatively young country whose earlier inhabitants were conquered by the Alans.
Historically, Alania did not exist until the early first century AD. I am
taking creative license with my dates because I want to deal with the Greeks
rather than the Romans.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Taminah arrives on the scene – tomboyish, warrior-hearted,
and stronger-willed than her twin – the heir to the Alani high
lordship. What to do? Toss her out in the boonies where she’ll stay out of
trouble until she’s old enough to marry off in exchange for land or an
alliance. But she, and fate, have other plans….</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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This first of a series tells the story of Taminah through
her coming of age and being set on the path to her destiny. I’ll be releasing a
short story that provides some of the background of Taminah’s Amazon instructor
this summer, and a novella detailing more of Taminah’s childhood adventures
this autumn. I hope to have the second novel out in 2016.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><b>SG: </b> What
made you choose to self-publish your book? Primarily because Taminah is
cross-genre. </i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>JH: </b>New York has
issues trying to place true cross-genre books unless an author is already
established in one genre (in which case they usually just put it in that same
genre area). Taminah is an historical fantasy romance and adventure. It’s also
borderline-YA, but not…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><b>SG: </b>So now on to
the personal bits. Those important facts
about you that fans, current and future are dying to know. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i> FIRST….What do you
love to drink? </i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>JH: </b>Where’s the
rum? Dark n’ stormies are my favorite – dark rum (the darker the better –
Cruzan Black Strap and Kraken are my favorites) on top of a nearly full glass
of good, strong, ginger beer <o:p></o:p></div>
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such as Bundaberg, Goslings, or Fentimans. Add a
twist of key lime (regular lime in a pinch) and you’re good to go!<br />
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<i><b>SG: </b>What do you
love to eat while writing?</i> <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>JH: </b>I enjoy a
really nice, dark chocolate – 70% -78% cocoa, please – preferably served with a
nice dark n’ stormy drink, or some good, cardamom-heavy Turkish coffee. J<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><b>SG:</b>Do you believe
in Bigfoot?</i> <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>JH: </b>I live in the Pacific Northwest. Of COURSE I believe in
Bigfoot. Also tree octopuses – they really don’t get enough press. :-)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><b>SG: </b>If you were
on an island and could only bring 3 things, what would you bring? </i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>JH: </b>A knife, an
iPad chock full of books and music, and a solar array to recharge said iPad.
One could argue I’d be better off with, say, the knife, a lot of rope or an
axe, and a big paper book with lots of stories in it, such as the Bible, but
hey – one has to have one’s favorite stories and tunes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><b>SG: </b>If you were
80 years old, what would you tell your children?</i> <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>JH: </b>First and
foremost, always try to be kind. Also, it all works out the way it’s supposed
to – even if it takes a couple of decades for you to figure it out.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><b>SG: </b>If there was
a movie produced about your life, who would play you, and why? </i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>JH: </b>Jodie Foster
– we look a little bit alike (or so I’m told) and have similarly timbred
voices. Plus she’s just an awesome actress!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>About Julianna: </b>Julianna was born and raised in the deep Southern US -
Huntsville, Alabama, to be exact. She grew up in the shadow of the rocket tests
for the Gemini, Apollo, and space shuttle engines, and has had a fondness for
all things space-related ever since.Growing up, she developed interest in horses, history, and
the various cultures and religious beliefs - past and present - of the </div>
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world's
peoples. Travel has only cemented the latter interests, so she was instantly
smitten when introduced to the Sarmatians, and the early cultural melting pot represented
by the Black Sea and surrounds during the sixth through first century BCE.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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She developed the basic story line for her Daughters of the
Steppes series several years ago, and began working on Taminah at that time.
Finishing Taminah in early 2015, she's written one short story and one novella
associated with the series, and is a third of the way through drafting Book 2 -
Arshan.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Julianna resides in South Seattle in a little house
overlooking Lake Washington with her husband, brother, and beloved 100 lb black
lab. In her limited spare time, she enjoys reading, book collecting,
international travel, and the occasional bit of gardening.<o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">LINKS:<br />
<br />
Purchase Taminah on Amazon: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Taminah-Daughter-Steppes-Daughters-Book-ebook/dp/B00VT1BAEY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1430363318&sr=8-1&keywords=Taminah" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/Taminah-Daughter-Steppes-Daughters-Book-ebook/dp/B00VT1BAEY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1430363318&sr=8-1&keywords=Taminah</a><br />
<br />
Author Website: <a href="http://www.juliannahinckley.com/" target="_blank">http://www.juliannahinckley.com</a><br />
Amazon Author page: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Julianna-Hinckley/e/B00WKWZAY2/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1430363963&sr=8-1" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/Julianna-Hinckley/e/B00WKWZAY2/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1430363963&sr=8-1</a><br />
Facebook Author page: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/authorjuliannahinckley" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/authorjuliannahinckley</a><br />
GoodReads Author page: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13850155.Julianna_Hinckley" target="_blank">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13850155.Julianna_Hinckley</a><br />
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The trade paperback of Taminah will be available on Amazon in June 2015.<br />
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<!--[endif]--></span>Karen A Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14059555184380048745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4564883813346458473.post-27752161588909006272015-04-27T22:42:00.000-04:002015-04-27T22:45:24.587-04:00AUTHORS IN THE ROUND! A NEW WAY TO MEET AUTHORS: INTERNET RADIO/TV <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<br />Karen A Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14059555184380048745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4564883813346458473.post-68812657949599092602015-04-21T08:00:00.000-04:002015-04-21T08:00:11.998-04:00<i>Today we welcome Sheri Velarde. Her latest release <b>Quest for Redemption </b>releases on Thursday April 23rd!</i><br />
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<br />
<b>Synopsis:</b><br />
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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?<o:p></o:p></div>
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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.<o:p></o:p></div>
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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?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Storyteller's Grove: </b><i>So Sheri, tell us what is was your inspiration for Quest for Redemption?</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<b>Sheri: </b><span style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0in;">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.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0in;"><br /></span></div>
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Quest for
Redemption will be out on <a href="http://www.threeworldsproductionsllc.com/?page_id=65">Three Worlds Press</a>
April 23, 2015!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Buy
Links: <a href="http://www.threeworldsproductionsllc.com/?page_id=65" target="_blank">Three Worlds Press</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0in;">
<a href="http://amzn.com/B00W2TDKGI">http://amzn.com/B00W2TDKGI</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0in;">
<a href="https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-questforredemption-1781118-143.html">https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-questforredemption-1781118-143.html</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Sheri_Velarde_Quest_for_Redemption?id=8-ITCAAAQBAJ">https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Sheri_Velarde_Quest_for_Redemption?id=8-ITCAAAQBAJ</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0in;">
<a href="https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/quest-for-redemption">https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/quest-for-redemption</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>About the Author:</b></div>
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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. <o:p></o:p></div>
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You can
view Sheri’s work on her website/blog<a href="http://sherivelarde.weebly.com/">:
http://sherivelarde.weebly.com</a>/, on her Facebook author page: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sheri-VelardeKelly-Ryan/632892500084202?sk=timeline">https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sheri-VelardeKelly-Ryan</a>/,
and on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/Sher_V">https://twitter.com/Sher_V</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Karen A Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14059555184380048745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4564883813346458473.post-42879317003779295402015-04-19T19:32:00.002-04:002015-04-19T19:32:30.205-04:00Sunday Songs and WritingI 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 <a href="http://www.murraygrove.org/" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a> ..but come back. I am listening to the music of <a href="http://www.mtharock.com/#home" target="_blank">Mthakathi</a>. That is the Zulu name of this New Jersey AWESOME singer/songwriter.<br />
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He sings in English and Zulu and his songs are stories.<br />
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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.<br />
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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?Karen A Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14059555184380048745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4564883813346458473.post-41433598553144554562015-04-15T20:35:00.000-04:002015-04-15T20:35:27.224-04:00Broken Pearl by Dawn Brower Pearl Harbor Paranomal and Release Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong>The Story Behind Broken Pearl</strong></div>
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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.</div>
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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.</div>
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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.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Broken Pearl</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">By: Dawn Brower</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Release Date: April 16, 2015</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Short Blurb: </span></b></div>
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The death and destruction of war can destroy even the strongest among us. Will the loss and pain be too much for Rebecca to withstand?
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b> Long Blurb: </b></span></div>
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The year is 1941 and paradise is a way of life in Hawaii. For Rebecca O'Shea things couldn’t be more perfect. She has her dream career as a naval nurse, and is in love with the man of her dreams—it seems she has it all.
An empathic gift she's had all her life starts to grow, showering her with emotions and premonitions that suggest a great darkness is near. Just when she thinks she cannot take anymore her guardian, Joel, arrives to help her.
Rebecca's life is thrown into chaos when war hits Hawaii's shore. As the Japanese bomb her home, her gift explodes within her. Loss and pain become her new way of life. She abandons all hope and shuts down her empathic abilities. With bodies littering the hospitals and seas, her calling as a nurse is put to good use, but her heart remains unreachable. Can she find her way out of the blackness and accept her true fate? Or will the prevailing death and destruction of war consume her?
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Party With Dawn For The Release</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>(April 16 11:30 am - April 17 11:45 pm US:EDT)</i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">>>></span></b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/807557792615511/" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">HERE</span></b></a><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: clear; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><<<</b></span>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">About Dawn</span></b></div>
<a href="https://dawnbrower.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/dawnbrower.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="dawnbrower" class=" size-medium wp-image-599 alignleft" height="300" src="https://dawnbrower.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/dawnbrower.jpg?w=251" width="251" /></a>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.
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/DawnMarieBrower?fref=ts">Facebook</a>|<a href="https://twitter.com/dawnab33">Twitter</a>| <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8062943.Dawn_Brower">Goodreads</a>| <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dawn-Brower/e/B00KBBRW5E/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1422936275&sr=8-1">Amazon</a>| <a href="http://www.authordawnbrower.com/newsletter.html">Newsletter</a>|<a href="http://www.authordawnbrower.com/">Webpage</a></span></div>
Karen A Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14059555184380048745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4564883813346458473.post-53729599959758645452015-04-09T08:00:00.000-04:002015-04-09T10:38:33.627-04:00Her Hearts Surrender by Allison Merritt... Vikings, Love and War... Release DayAllison Merritt stopped by to chat about how she chose her characters' names in the just released <i>Her Heart's Surrender. </i>Links to purchase your eBook copy can be found at <a href="http://www.threeworldsproductionsllc.com/?page_id=65" target="_blank">Three Worlds Press</a><br />
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First a little about <i>Her Heart's Surrender</i><br />
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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.<o:p></o:p></div>
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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.<o:p></o:p></div>
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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.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So Allison, share with our readers and current and future fans some background about what naming Viking characters.<br />
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<o:p><u>Allison Merritt:</u> </o:p><span style="line-height: 150%;">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.</span></div>
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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.<o:p></o:p></div>
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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.<o:p></o:p></div>
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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.<o:p></o:p></div>
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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.</div>
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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.<o:p></o:p></div>
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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. <o:p></o:p></div>
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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.<o:p></o:p></div>
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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.<o:p></o:p></div>
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These are some of the
major players in the book. I hope you enjoyed this little look at their names
and personalities.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="line-height: 150%;">~~~~~</span></div>
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About the author:<o:p></o:p></div>
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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.<o:p></o:p></div>
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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.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Social links:<o:p></o:p></div>
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Facebook - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/authorallisonmerritt">http://www.facebook.com/authorallisonmerritt</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Twitter - <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/Allison_Merritt">http://twitter.com/#!/Allison_Merritt</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Blog – <a href="http://havenovelwilledit.blogspot.com/">http://havenovelwilledit.blogspot.com</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Pinterest - <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/allisonmwrites/">http://www.pinterest.com/allisonmwrites/</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Goodreads - <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/allisonmwrites">http://www.goodreads.com/allisonmwrites</a><o:p></o:p></div>
Karen A Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14059555184380048745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4564883813346458473.post-8303332443111366652015-04-07T08:00:00.000-04:002015-04-07T08:00:01.101-04:00Tuesday Teaser: Quest for Redemption cover reveal.. Elven Warrior<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<i>Today we welcome <b>Sheri Velarde</b> to talk about and re-reveal the FABULOUS cover for her upcoming release, <b>Quest for Redemption.</b></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
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. </div>
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<br /></div>
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When I had my first cover reveal back on February 1 (I know because it was my
birthday) <i>Quest for Redemption</i> seemed to be on the fast track to coming out,
but then life happened. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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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 <i>Quest for Redemption </i>hit a few bumps on its way to
publication. You see, this book has been nothing but bumps and a test in
perseverance. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<i>Quest for Redemption</i> 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. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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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. <i>Quest for Redemption
</i>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. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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So here it is... I LOVE it and hope you will too. Watch for the release later this month from <a href="http://www.threeworldspress.com/" target="_blank">Three Worlds Press</a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WJTk6pfuomY/VSM02PVif3I/AAAAAAAAERI/hEl9UtBDy18/s1600/SV_QuestForRedemption_453x680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WJTk6pfuomY/VSM02PVif3I/AAAAAAAAERI/hEl9UtBDy18/s1600/SV_QuestForRedemption_453x680.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Synopsis</u></div>
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The fate of the realms rests on the hands of an elven
princess yet to prove herself and an orphan just learning his powers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">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 </span>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?<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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.<o:p></o:p></div>
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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?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ltn8joqC1yw/VSM2vT0k-CI/AAAAAAAAERU/9ykH24LBuE8/s1600/sheri.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ltn8joqC1yw/VSM2vT0k-CI/AAAAAAAAERU/9ykH24LBuE8/s1600/sheri.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b>Sheri Velarde</b> 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. <o:p></o:p></div>
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You can view Sheri’s work on her
website/blog: <a href="http://sherivelarde.weebly.com/">http://sherivelarde.weebly.com</a>/,
on her Facebook author page: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sheri-VelardeKelly-Ryan/632892500084202">https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sheri-VelardeKelly-Ryan/</a>,
and on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/Sher_V">https://twitter.com/Sher_V</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Quest for Redemption will be out on <a href="http://www.threeworldsproductionsllc.com/">Three Worlds Press</a> April
23, 2015!</span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
Karen A Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14059555184380048745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4564883813346458473.post-82301882754517047182015-03-04T08:10:00.002-05:002015-03-04T08:12:29.543-05:00RELEASE DAY: Heart in Hand by Franny Armstrong<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
Today is RELEASE DAY for Heart in Hand on all eBook sites.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
Heart in Hand is the first book that Franny
Armstrong has published with Three Worlds Press. Franny likes to write about
heroines with a tough edge and Heart is Hand is not different, she combines
romance, mystery and suspense, and a little humor, in her work. Never one to
have a dull moment, she writes to entertain and keep you on the edge of your
seat. All she asks is that you sit back and enjoy the ride!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Watch for the print edition COMING SOON!</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i>Together, they must battle an invisible killer,
or die.</i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmXb_DRwnx4/VPcCVrjlV_I/AAAAAAAAEPE/7__2r4m_R4M/s1600/HIH%2Bcover%2Bby%2Bfranny%2Barmstrong%2B453x680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmXb_DRwnx4/VPcCVrjlV_I/AAAAAAAAEPE/7__2r4m_R4M/s1600/HIH%2Bcover%2Bby%2Bfranny%2Barmstrong%2B453x680.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
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Daphne Wilcox is a tough as nails cop, determined to
stop the Heart In Hand killer. She has a history with Bryce that she can't
fight. She left him because he was a daredevil, and she keeps her feet on the
ground, working by the book.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Trigger is her canine partner, ready to give his
life for her.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Detective Bryce Ramsey softens her edges. Framed for
murder, he must depend on Daphne to prove his innocence. He still loves her,
and can't help but want her back. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Can the two of them get over their past to work
together and find the killer, or will one of them lose their lives to the
serial killer out to ruin them?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<i>Links:</i></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Purchase your copy for Kindle, Nook, Kobo, iTunes, and Google Play at
Three Worlds Press: <a href="http://www.threeworldsproductionsllc.com/?page_id=65">http://www.threeworldsproductionsllc.com/?page_id=65</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><i>Excerpt</i></b>:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Since becoming a cop, she seldom had reason to dress
up. She didn’t want to admit it to herself, but she wanted to look nice for
Bryce, watching sensual pride glow in his eyes when he saw her. She’d put on an
emerald lace bra and G-string panties, along with garters and black nylons that
stopped at mid-thigh.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Frustrated that she couldn’t do up her zipper, she
finally gave up. She brushed out her long, amber-brown hair one more time,
leaving it down. Checking her makeup, she nodded in satisfaction. The eyeliner
made her baby-blue eyes stand out. She regretted that she had to give in and
ask for help.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Opening the door to the hall, she called out.
“Bryce?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Yeah?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“I need you for a second.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Sure. I’ll be right there,” he said, still in his
bedroom.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Taking one last glance at her room to make sure to
leave it tidy, she turned off the light and walked to the kitchen to wait for
him. While she'd put the dishes away, she heard a long, slow whistle.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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A twinge in her back stopped her from putting a
glass in the cupboard. Bryce stood beside her in an instant, taking the glass
and finishing the job, to her annoyance.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Then she caught his scent, freshly-washed male:
shaving cream, soap, and laundered clothes. For once, Daphne remained
speechless.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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She kept her head down and stared at the counter,
her fingertips touching the edge but staying completely still, waiting…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
“You wanted me?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“I never said that!” she protested, then realized
what he meant. “I mean, I need help doing up my zipper, that’s all.” Her face
flushed with heat, which only stirred her temper.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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He slowly began zipping her up, moving her hair away
from the nape of her neck, his fingertips brushing over her delicate skin. His
warm breath whispered over the sensitive skin on her neck, and she shivered.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Thinking he'd finished, she pulled away, but he’d
blocked her in against the counter and spoke close to her ear.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Wait. I have to finish with the clasp.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Hurry up,” she snapped, her voice throaty and sexy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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When he was done, he stepped away and went back to
his room, leaving her shaking with need.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“One of these days, I’m going to kill that man!” she
grumbled. All week long, Bryce made subtle passes at her, but then he’d simply
walk away like nothing happened. It drove her crazy!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Clearing her throat, she yelled, “Hurry up, we’re
going to be late!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“I’m ready and waiting for you,” he said, leaning on
the doorjamb.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Rolling her eyes, she picked up her coat about to
put it on, but he took it from her and helped her into it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Since when do you have manners?” she grumbled.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“I’ve always had them. I just never used them.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Don’t I know it?” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Turning to Trigger, she bent over to pat him.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“This is one party you’re going to have to miss,
pal. Sorry.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Lucky dog,” Bryce said as they walked to the front
door.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Why?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
“Because, you’re always nice to him. You’re seldom
nice to me.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“You don’t deserve it. He does.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Bryce slipped on his coat and shoes, and followed
her outside to the SUV. She insisted on driving and barely waited for him to
buckle up his seatbelt before she barreled down the road at a fast clip.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Why don’t I deserve it?” Bryce asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Because,” she said, leaving no room for discussion.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Tried without a jury. Nice.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“You’ll get your jury in the new year, Ramsey. One
trial at a time.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Franny Armstrong</span></b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 31.3pt 6pt;">
Franny Armstrong is a mother
of three and a grandmother of four. Her husband supports her imagination and
has the patience of a saint. She’s been writing since she was a child, <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g8NTb9gbb98/VPcDTBfeslI/AAAAAAAAEPM/Fmkt3D_YXxs/s1600/franny%2Bbio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g8NTb9gbb98/VPcDTBfeslI/AAAAAAAAEPM/Fmkt3D_YXxs/s1600/franny%2Bbio.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
creating
plays to act out in front of the neighborhood children. .She charged them five
cents admission to join her in the family garage for the play.<br />
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Since 2002, after a serious
breakdown, Franny had to express herself on the computer since she couldn’t
speak, everything coming out gibberish at that time. She’s slowly healed to the
point that she can function fairly well. Writing was the best medicine for her,
and still is.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Franny loves to write about
rainforests and Caribbean islands rather than about cities. Her characters are
well rounded and share her wacky sense of humor.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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Heart in Hand is published by <a href="http://www.threeworldsproductionsllc.com/">Three Worlds Press</a>. For
more information on this book or their other works please visit: Three Worlds
Press.<o:p></o:p></div>
Karen A Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14059555184380048745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4564883813346458473.post-7964584558821881722015-02-27T09:43:00.001-05:002015-02-27T12:29:27.720-05:00Authors in the Round..NEW Radio show JOIN US March 1<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 26.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Authors in the Round</span></b><span style="font-size: 26.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">March 1, 2015 </span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #8ab333; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-themecolor: accent1;">Fennell,
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Karen A Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14059555184380048745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4564883813346458473.post-60026126053878015012015-02-01T13:00:00.000-05:002015-02-01T13:00:00.401-05:00Elven Warriors, Cover, and a Birthday!What better birthday gift can I give to one of my team members and all around AWESOME person, Sheri Velarde, than to share with my equally terrific followers the cover and a quick introduction to her upcoming book, <i><b>Quest for Redemption.</b></i><br />
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So Happy Birthday and Reveal Day, Sheri!<span id="goog_1822417211"></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MWIapZMSh_g/VM5OiHCiEhI/AAAAAAAAEJk/fcBkfWkS9Z8/s1600/happybirthday_650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MWIapZMSh_g/VM5OiHCiEhI/AAAAAAAAEJk/fcBkfWkS9Z8/s1600/happybirthday_650.jpg" height="209" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Synopsis</b></div>
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The fate of the realms rests on the hands of an elven princess yet to prove herself and an orphan just learning his powers. </div>
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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. </div>
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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? </div>
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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. </div>
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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. </div>
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Can love, friendship, family, and acceptance defeat evil before it brings the realms crashing down? Can Zanna prove herself worthy to rule the kingdom?</div>
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Sounds great, RIGHT! Now here's the gorgeous cover that goes with this exciting story!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HHDDYsqGhIk/VM5P4DepOzI/AAAAAAAAEJw/1uEW1nUCRsU/s1600/SV_QuestForRedemption_600x900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HHDDYsqGhIk/VM5P4DepOzI/AAAAAAAAEJw/1uEW1nUCRsU/s1600/SV_QuestForRedemption_600x900.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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I absolutely love it...don't you?</div>
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So who is Sheri Velarde, how can you follow her and know when you can pre-order this book?</div>
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Read On!</div>
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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.<br />
You can view Sheri’s work on her website/blog: <a href="http://sherivelarde.weebly.com/">http://sherivelarde.weebly.com</a>/, on her Facebook author page: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sheri-VelardeKelly-Ryan/">https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sheri-VelardeKelly-Ryan/</a>, and on Twitter at<a href="https://twitter.com/Sher_V" target="_blank"> https://twitter.com/Sher_V</a>.<br />
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Quest for Redemption will be out on <a href="http://www.threeworldspress.com/" target="_blank">Three Worlds Press</a> soon!
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Karen A Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14059555184380048745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4564883813346458473.post-71561916072447076802015-02-01T10:05:00.000-05:002015-02-01T10:20:04.538-05:00First Day of Spring: Imbolc, Publishing and a Cover Reveal ComingBlessed Imbolc!<br />
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Today marks on the modern Catholic calendar, St. Brigid's Day, the patroness of Ireland. While the modern calendar says winter and in some places snow is on the ground, on the old calendar it is an approximate date for Imbolc, the first day of Spring. It translates from Old Irish as "in the belly" and is said marked the pregnancy of the ewes. It is one of the fire festivals, or major festivals, on the Druid calendar. With Beltane, it is one of the two that are goddess-centered days. There are several traditional ways to mark Imbolc/St Brigid's Day. Many of these carry whispers of pre-christian traditions.<br />
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This is a symbolic time for me. In November, just after Samhain (the Celtic New Year) I launched <a href="http://www.threeworldspress.com/" target="_blank">Three Worlds Press </a>as a full-fledged publishing company. The early months have been exciting. As with the Spring, we are poised for the new, explosive growth of Spring. Everything smells new, green and earthy. Who cares if snow is in the forecast for today.<br />
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Pay attention...this is a double blog day as a cover reveal from Three Worlds Press follows shortly!<br />
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I want to share just a few links with you to explore and celebrate.<br />
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From the Irish Central website: <a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/roots/St-Brigids-Day-February-1-marks-start-of-Celtic-Spring-138470479.html">http://www.irishcentral.com/roots/St-Brigids-Day-February-1-marks-start-of-Celtic-Spring-138470479.html</a><br />
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Wikipedia gives an acceptable overview here: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imbolc">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imbolc</a><br />
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Imbolc is the date of the second event on my upcoming novel Dark Dealings. While Micaela does not realized it, the event marks the beginning of a new cycle of her life and the birth of her "true" self in a dangerous world of magic, vampires and shapeshifters .Karen A Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14059555184380048745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4564883813346458473.post-43701461305729034902015-01-27T08:00:00.000-05:002015-01-27T08:00:00.812-05:00Tuesday Teaser: Within the Mist, a short sensual paranormal inspired by the Phantom of the OperaToday we entice you with Denise Bridger's newest release...<b>Within the Mist</b><br />
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<i>The misty evening air of a Winter in Venice cloaks many things…. Some who are passionate lovers hoping for stolen moments….. others who are merely the cutthroats and thieves that plague any city filled with the wealth of visitors and citizens of palaces….. But what else lies hidden within the mist? The voice of an angel lures…. each perfect note beckons and promises untold pleasures…. until, finally, a broken heart succumbs to desire…. and Fate weaves a new thread into the tapestry that is the mystery of life itself…. </i><br />
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Inspired by the music of Riccardo Foresi, the photography of Vincenzo Chiofalo, and the eternal lure of Gaston LeRoux’s The Phantom of the Opera… discover what waits Within The Mist…
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<b>Excerpt:</b><br />
He continued to sing, the lyrical, lilting Italian words caressing her spirit and pulling her closer to him. When she finally stepped into the chamber where he was, she stared in wonder. The room was lit with what appeared to be a thousand candles, their soft glow reflecting off the polished wooden floor and throwing frenetic shadows everywhere. Seated at the piano was a slender man, dressed all in black. His hair was dark, and the hands that whispered over the keys of the instrument were long-fingered and elegant. Hands shaped for making love in any form he chose.<br />
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He played the last notes of the mesmerizing song and slowly turned to look at her. His dark eyes glittered, flames dancing wildly in their ebony depths, and he held out his hand to draw her forward. She went to him and dropped to her knees, head bowed, tears streaking her face as she let the hood of her cape fall to hide her shame.<br />
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“You came to end my life. Why?”<br />
“I cannot bear the pain of not knowing you.”<br />
“But you do know me. I am part of you.”<br />
“You are madness!” She retorted with real anger surging into her being, giving her strength and making her look up at him. “You have taken everything!”<br />
“I took nothing,” he admonished with gentle warmth. “I am part of you.”<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--cv1lgN-5L4/VMb3lFikugI/AAAAAAAAEIg/WH6uEDOdx7Q/s1600/WithinTheMist_coverLRG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--cv1lgN-5L4/VMb3lFikugI/AAAAAAAAEIg/WH6uEDOdx7Q/s1600/WithinTheMist_coverLRG.jpg" height="320" width="218" /></a></div>
“How can that be?”<br />
He smiled. She felt the kiss of his indulgence touch her heart.<br />
“You created me,” he murmured. “The night he died, you gave me life.”<br />
She was confused, and the room was suddenly growing colder with each beat of her heart.
“Why did you let me find you?”<br />
He tilted his head to one side and considered her question.
“Perhaps because it is time for me to return the gift of life to you, tesoro mio?”<br />
“You can’t,” she whispered, the quiet words shaken and harsh. “There is no life for me now.”<br />
“There is always life in death, amore,” he murmured as he leaned closer and pried the blade from her hand beneath the heavy cloak. “Let me show you forever.”<br />
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She gasped in fright and pain as he slashed the dagger’s edge across her palm and brought the bleeding hand to his mouth. When his tongue played over her flesh she felt the mists of the night invade her brain, and blackness reached out to pull her into a chasm that exploded into fire racing along her veins… As the world changed around her and within her, she heard his sweet voice whispering to her…<br />
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There is always life in death, amore mio… when I am death… come with me, share our journey…<br />
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“Yes…”<br />
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She heard the word, distant, torn from her soul purely by the power and depth of her need to know him, to know all of him, at whatever price he asked. The ache in her body pulled at her, made her feel light and heavy with conflicting desires.<br />
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The dagger flashed again, slowly, gently slicing through the tie that held her cape together at her throat. It slid away and he smiled with satisfaction when he saw the crimson silk she wore, a simple dress that wrapped around her like the arms of a lover… She had been wearing this pretty gown the night they’d first seen each other, choosing it had seem right somehow.<br />
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The gleaming stiletto blade moved once more, and candlelight flickered against the shining silver as he delicately cut the tie that held the dress up. He set the knife on the piano and with the backs of his hands barely touching her skin, he smoothed the shape of her collarbones, then retraced them with the sensitive pads of his fingertips. The calluses from hours spent playing the piano added another sensual layer to the rippling sensation that was fanning outward, running though her veins like blood. <br />
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Canadian born and bred, and a lifelong dreamer, I began writing at an early age and can’t recall a time when I wasn’t creating in some artistic form. My life has had several on-going love affairs that shape much of what I write. In the past half dozen years, I’ve released books in all lengths and genres, and it’s something I hope to continue to do for many more years. A visit to my website will show the diversity of what is currently available, as well as all my social site links, etc.<br />
You can find Denyse, her works, her blog, and social media at her <a href="http://www.denysebridger.com/home.php">WEBSITE</a><br />
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Want to read more of <i>Within the Mist? </i>Of course you do...then go to<br />
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<a href="https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-withinthemist-1732762-139.html">ARe Romance</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Within-Mist-Denyse-Bridger-ebook/dp/B00SP717ZW/">Amazon</a> <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/513817">Smashwords</a>Karen A Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14059555184380048745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4564883813346458473.post-13588223430626282652014-12-30T08:00:00.000-05:002014-12-30T08:00:01.237-05:00Tuesday Teaser: Lightson Dynasty by Rhiannon Wellman, a historical m/m romance<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->Jo has always been what
he is and never what he seems. Will his grandmother force him to live a life he
doesn't want, or can he figure a way out? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Jo's life had
never been simple. But since he moved in with his grandmother, things only
became worse. First, she assumes that Jo stood for Josephine not Joseph. Then
she believes all young women should be suitably married, especially her
granddaughter, Jo. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
So now Jo's
expected to marry a man he's never met and whose own grandmother also wants the
match. But how can he when he must protect his secret? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fDB7qaFbQdY/VKCg7KpH6XI/AAAAAAAAD7c/vsG5YH8XdI0/s1600/Lightson%2Bdynasty_Rhiannon%2BWellman%2B1650x2500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fDB7qaFbQdY/VKCg7KpH6XI/AAAAAAAAD7c/vsG5YH8XdI0/s1600/Lightson%2Bdynasty_Rhiannon%2BWellman%2B1650x2500.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Marcus would
rather spend time with his books and the gentlemen at his club than women, let
alone marry one. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
With both their
grandmothers working against them, will they be able to find their way out of
this potentially scandalous situation? After spending time together, will they
want to?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b>Excerpt:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jo couldn't help but laugh out
loud at that statement. "I will bet you any amount of money you care to
name that you will never meet a girl like me again." Jo moved well back
from the edge of the cliff and opened the basket to retrieve the blanket that
lay across the top of the food. Marcus helped Jo to set out the food, and they
sat down. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"How did your grandmother
convince you to come, if you do not mind me asking?" Jo asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"She did what every mother
and grandmother does when she wants a male of her acquaintance to do something
he might not want to do. She threatened me. She told me that if I did not
comply, then I would be cut off and disowned."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"That seems rather extreme."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"My grandmother wishes to
see me settled down before she dies. And my mother, well..." Marcus
paused, staring down at his food and avoiding eye contact.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"I know we just met, but I
promise you nothing you say to me will go any further than the two of us. My
grandmother, after all, is doing the exact same thing to me."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Marcus nodded. "I suppose we
are somewhat in the same boat, as it were. Very well, my mother is too
frightened of my grandmother to dare oppose her on anything. She is my father's
mother, and very used to getting her own way. She also has the type of mind
that once 'tis made up, there is no changing it."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jo nodded. "Grandmother is
just the same, but I have no mother and father any longer whom I could turn to.
I shall have to put up with it. I must confess, I fully intended to make myself
as unpleasant as possible for the duration of your stay to insure that you
wouldn't even think of making me an offer."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Marcus laughed good naturedly.
"I planned to be as boorish as I could manage, so you wouldn't accept when
I did. Ye gads, we are a pair, aren’t we." <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"What are we going to do
now? You have to ask, and I have to say yes." <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jo couldn't help but feel
downcast as this all became extremely overwhelming. He just did not know what
he could do now. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"I do not know. If they were
not such close friends, I would suggest we lie. You could say I never asked,
and I could say that you refused me."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jo huffed a laugh. "A good
suggestion, but it would not work. I never expected to marry. My mother used to
tell me that one day, I would find someone I wished to spend my life with, and
she and my father would be happy for me no matter who the person was. But now
they are gone. All Grandmother cares about is that I marry someone
suitable."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Why would you not marry?
You are a beautiful woman; gentlemen must have made you offers before,"
Marcus asked as if genuinely surprised that Jo thought so lowly of himself.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"We better get back to the
house. You'll want to settle in and get ready for dinner," Jo said,
getting up and artfully avoiding the question.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Yes, you are quite right.
It would be most rude of me to delay you any further."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jo couldn't help but smile.
"I doubt the staff expected me back in time for dinner tonight. That is
why they gave me the packed meal."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Planning to avoid my
arrival?" Marcus asked with a wry smile.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
WANT TO READ MORE?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b>Buy Links</b>:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Amazon: <a href="http://amzn.com/B00RCAUPN8">http://amzn.com/B00RCAUPN8</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
B&N: <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lightson-dynasty-rhiannon-wellman/1120958173?ean=2940149853175">http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lightson-dynasty-rhiannon-wellman/1120958173?ean=2940149853175</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b>About the Author:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Rhiannon has been
making up stories as long as she can remember, admittedly they had less sex in them
back then. She never goes anywhere without a pen and notebook, and has often
been known to <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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stop mid-conversation, get a glazed look in her eye and need to
write down a line, or even an entirely new plot to add to her ever growing 'to
do' pile.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Rhiannon's
approach to writing, and life, is best described by the following conversation
with her very understanding, and often bemused husband.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
"You got bit
by the plot bunny again didn't you?"<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
"Um
maybe"<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
"Small bunny
or big one?"<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
"It was a
tiger in a cunning disguise."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
When she's not
writing she has a full-time job and a family who she loves very much, she's
very grateful for all the wonderful things in her life and hopes to keep
writing for a long time. Working on her books is Rhiannon's escape, she can
lose herself in different worlds and situations, if for no other reason than
that she will write for as long as she is able to hold a pen and paper and type
on her ever present laptop. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
As Rhiannon likes
to talk quite a lot she set up a page on face book where people can come and
get information as it happens. She will respond to all messages sent to her,
currently the page only has a little over 100 likes, but considering the short
time she has had the page Rhiannon is thrilled with the response she's gotten. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/RhiannonWellman">https://www.facebook.com/RhiannonWellman</a>
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
She also has a
blog, that’s updated as often as she can think of witty and interesting things
to say, which is never as often as she'd like.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<a href="http://rhiannonwellman.blogspot.co.uk/">http://rhiannonwellman.blogspot.co.uk/</a>
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Rhiannon also has
an account on Goodreads <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7162092.Rhiannon_Wellman?from_search=true">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7162092.Rhiannon_Wellman?from_search=true</a>
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Lightson Dynasty
is published by Three Worlds Press. For more information on this book or their
other works please visit: <a href="http://www.threeworldsproductionsllc.com/">Three
Worlds Press</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Karen A Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14059555184380048745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4564883813346458473.post-2340908172917781272014-12-23T08:00:00.000-05:002014-12-23T08:00:08.408-05:00Tuesday Teaser: Ulfric's Mate: Book 1 of War of the Weres ..The Battle Begins<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->Killers are attacking
the pregnant weres of Nolan Littlebull’s pack, the Wahpawhats. Can he catch
them without destroying his own chance at happiness?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Alex George, only half Native and
half were, was a misfit with the Lupin pack despite being the healer. Roxy, the
ruthless Lupa, wants her for something nefarious, but Alex doesn’t know what.
She will join with Nolan, Ulfric of the Lupins rival pack, to bring Roxy to
justice, but will it cost her her life?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Even worse, all signs pointed to
Nolan being her mate. The wolf in him calls to hers, and his honor and
strength—not to mention downright sexiness—calls to her as a woman. But their
joining could tear apart two packs.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Can they bring the killers to
justice—pack or human, work through pack politics, and be together? Can they
even survive?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-khkzaBziMJM/VJi2Pe_lqmI/AAAAAAAAD5M/Lq-vsm9OHv0/s1600/Cover%2Bver%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-khkzaBziMJM/VJi2Pe_lqmI/AAAAAAAAD5M/Lq-vsm9OHv0/s1600/Cover%2Bver%2B2.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b>Excerpt:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
She did not want him to leave, and
certainly, he did not want to go. His mind touched hers, and she felt his
reluctance. Even the truck seemed to resist taking him from her. It creaked and
groaned as he drove away, like she had not heard before. She frowned. Since her
mother had taught her to never ignore what some would call silly nonsense, but
in reality was their intuition, she tried to think of why he should not leave
her.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
It wasn’t as if she’d never been
alone before. She was tougher than she looked. Being bullied tended to either
make people tough or break them, and it had made her tough. Being a healer had
kept her com-passionate, but it didn’t make her stupid. Noting the landscape,
she looked around for anything suspicious.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
The landscape lay open for the most
part. A gravel pit turned irrigation pond was full, but there were no animals
near it. Strange. With standing water not very plentiful around the valley, she
would have expected more activity. She tried to remember what sights and sounds
had been around when they left this morning but could not. She’d been too
focused on Nolan and the recent murders.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Despite not seeing anything
specific, she trusted her instincts and once inside, locked the handle of the
outside door and bolted it. She tried to put her finger on her unease. It
frightened her more that <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1eJt5xkr41w/VJi3SNQ1EfI/AAAAAAAAD5U/HJgpE0F7I7k/s1600/cabin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1eJt5xkr41w/VJi3SNQ1EfI/AAAAAAAAD5U/HJgpE0F7I7k/s1600/cabin.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
she could not pinpoint what her mind had sensed than
an actual threat would scare her. Insidious threats scared her the most since
sneak attacks tended to do the harshest damage and she could not fight what she
could not see.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
She sat on the couch to try to get
comfortable. But her growing fear made her restless. She moved into the big
kitchen just off the living room and put together a sandwich. Presumably it was
fine, but it tasted like sawdust to her. Putting the half-eaten meal down, she
grabbed a soda out of the refrigerator. She leaned against the island and
contemplated every detail she had seen when overlooking the landscape, both now
and when they’d left earlier.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Then it came to her. The difference
was the smell. Amid the smells of agriculture and heat, the breeze now
contained the subtle hint of fear. The animals were afraid, but it was not a
cohesive fear; it was instinctive.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Werewolves in human form?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
She walked over to the sink and
looked out the windows over-looking Nolan’s land to both the south and west.
Nothing. Even with her better-than-average vision she could not see any signs.
“Probably just nerves over being mated,” she muttered to herself to cover up
the silence of the big, unfamiliar house.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Just then, the French doors off the
kitchen to the outside deck ex-ploded in a combination of glass and wood
fragments. Hoping to get to the front door, she ran around the island to the
stairs. But as she reached the landing of the curved staircase, the front door
smashed open with a loud crash. She turned to go back up the stairs, but
someone stood there.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
“Jason,” she said flatly. He had
wanted to mate with her, but his touch made her skin crawl. The scent of the
other were came to her from behind. “Boris. What a surprise,” she said
facetiously, turning her head to peer over her shoulder and trying to keep her
fear at bay. Nothing excited Boris and Jason like fear.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
“Why are you here?” Hoping the
demand covered up any residu-al dread she might have left in her voice, she
tried to push Jason away from her.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
“We’re here for you of course,”
Jason responded with a leer. She couldn’t help the revulsion that crossed her
face at the idea of him touching her. “Oh don’t worry, sweetheart. I won’t be
touching you like that—yet.” His raucous laughter scratched against her mind
like nails on a chalkboard.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
“I don’t understand.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
“No, you don’t,” Boris said before
putting something against her arm. She felt pressure, and then her vision swam
before she blacked out.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b>Want more?</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Buy links:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QEIB56A?tag=ammbt-20">Amazon</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-ulfrics-mate-leona-bushman/1113920247?ean=2940149957903&cm_mmc=AFFILIATES-_-Linkshare-_-W1PQs9y/1/c-_-10:1&r=1">Barnes
and Noble</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<a href="http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-ulfric-s-mate">Kobo</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b>Meet the Author:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Leona Bushman goes by many names but
the most well-known one is superhero. She earned this <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-75NFCSgv0f0/Urx6IjRlGwI/AAAAAAAAAww/rT0ypJbwLiI/s1600/Author%2Bpic%2Bsquare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-75NFCSgv0f0/Urx6IjRlGwI/AAAAAAAAAww/rT0ypJbwLiI/s1600/Author%2Bpic%2Bsquare.jpg" height="200" width="183" /></a></div>
name from saving a kangaroo
from a tree—and yes that is as hard as it sounds. The dragons taught their
queen how to write, and Queen Leona hasn't looked back, even when her muse
tries to muck things up.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
She can be found goofing off and
loving dragons and other creatures of the supernatural at these places:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Twitter: @L_Bushman<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLeonaBushman<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Coming Soon from Three Worlds Press:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Cerisa's Quest<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
The Ulfric’s Mate is published by
Three Worlds Press. For more information on this book or their other works
please visit: <a href="http://www.threeworldsproductionsllc.com/">Three Worlds
Press</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
Karen A Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14059555184380048745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4564883813346458473.post-2349235500461830062014-12-16T08:00:00.000-05:002014-12-16T08:00:04.536-05:00Tuesday Teaser: Amanda Marie's Scandalous Endeavors ... The Lady has a Plan<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<i>The story behind the story...</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
They say that every story has
another story behind it. For Scandalous Endeavors that is certainly true. In
fact it has two stories behind it, and one of those stories also has a story
behind it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
It all started twelve years ago when I was
touched by the loss of someone very close to me. I grieved and withdrew for a
bit but did not start writing. The experience touched me in a way that changed
me forever. Still I had no desire to write about it or to share it. Like Amelia
says in Scandalous Endeavors, “Her grief belonged to her, not the ton.” Nine
years passed before writing about my experience ever came to light.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
I was working on my master’s degree
and enrolled in a creative writing course. One of the assignments was to write
a short story. I had no idea what to write and spent a considerable amount of
time trying to dream up a plot and characters. At my wits end someone told me
to write what I know. I took that advice and crafted a story about my
experience years before. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
In the end I had a goodish new adult
short story that earned me an A in the course. I liked what I had and thought
about turning it into a full book. Two more years passed while the story grew
crusty on my hard drive before I opened the document again. During that time I
had decided that I wanted to write historical romance not new adult. It meant
that 98% of my short story had to be scrapped. Maybe I would never write a
book, I would just be content with teaching and editing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hYD7-A2XJ9Q/VI954xQDsXI/AAAAAAAAD4Q/UzgPOYLkqIo/s1600/creative-writing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hYD7-A2XJ9Q/VI954xQDsXI/AAAAAAAAD4Q/UzgPOYLkqIo/s1600/creative-writing.jpg" height="185" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
With my mind made up, I quit
thinking about writing until that day when I started writing Scandalous
Endeavors. So what happened to get me writing you ask? Looking back on that day
it is humorous but at the time I was none too pleased. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
It started like any other day. I
took my kids to school and went to work. After work I picked up my kids, went
home, and started in on my after school tasks. Helped my kids with their homework, checked my email, cleaned up. All of my normal things I do most days.
Then my husband came home from work in a foul mood. After a bit we began
bickering about something so stupid that I no longer remember what caused the
dispute. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
But I was so angry that I
did not want to be available to talk or be talked to. I needed to make myself
busy but had nothing to do. Before I had time to think about it my laptop was
resting on my legs and I was typing like mad. I opened up that old short story
and deleted everything except the opening scene. By the time I felt sociable
again two chapters were written and Scandalous Endeavors had been born. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
The first chapter was shaped from
that long ago written short stories first scene though the only element that
remained was the raw emotion I had shared. You see that short story was based
closely on my real life experience with loss. The first scene in Scandalous
Endeavors is purely fictional. The heroine, Amelia, has lost her father and the
book opens with her at the funeral. My father is alive, but I have experienced
life shattering loss and drew on those emotions. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Scandalous Endeavors is the story
that emerged when I stopped thinking about writing and just wrote. It was born
of a life experience, a class assignment, and a marital dispute. Now it is a
source of great pleasure. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed
writing it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LRUmFSHICCo/VI96F8Um1CI/AAAAAAAAD4Y/F5AGOS-zou8/s1600/AM_ScandalousEndeavors_Front_HiRes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LRUmFSHICCo/VI96F8Um1CI/AAAAAAAAD4Y/F5AGOS-zou8/s1600/AM_ScandalousEndeavors_Front_HiRes.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><i>Synopsis</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Lady Amelia has only known the
comfort of life in mid-eighteenth century English aristocracy. But <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
when first
her mother and then her father die, she finds herself alone, grief stricken
and….. not of age. Her appointed guardian, an American uncle, has ordered her
travel to his plantation where she must remain for at least two years when she
will come of age. <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
With the help of Lady Grace and Lady
Sarah, Lady Amelia gets her uncle to agree to give her four weeks to settle her
affairs and unbeknownst to him…find an English lord to marry so she can remain
in her beloved England. Despite her mourning period she endeavors to trap one
of London’s eligible bachelors in matrimony. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Lord Goldstone, Lady Grace’s nephew
is devilishly handsome, but a Scottish Duke and so entirely unacceptable as a
possible husband. After all Scotland is not her beloved London and environs. He
also has a nasty habit of showing up at all the wrong moments and thwarting her
carefully laid plans to ensnare a suitable husband. Sparks fly as the pair find
themselves at odds with each other and drawn to each other at the same time.
Can they find a way to stop arguing long enough to explore their growing
passion? Is it strong enough to make Lady Amelia give up her English home after
all? Or will Lady Amelia find a suitable English lord and avoid social exile in
America? Time is running out.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b>Excerpt</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Lord Roseington wrapped his arms
around her and stood up, setting her on her feet. “Yes, Amelia, everything is
okay now.” He reached up and removed her arms from around him, then took a step
back. “We must stop winding up in these situations before we cause a scandal.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
She looked at him through hooded
eyes. “‘Tis a wonder we haven’t already.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
A man cleared his voice behind her.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Amelia turned her head, already
knowing who had caught them. “Lord Goldstone, you mustn’t trouble yourself with
keeping our secret.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
“What she means to say is that there
is no secret to be kept. Amelia carelessly got close enough to the hearth to
catch her skirts ablaze. I could not very well let her burn up.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
“No, Roseington, you were obliged to
help. I am glad to know that you were not taking advantage of our dear Amelia.”
He glanced at her and flashed a rakish smirk. “Indeed, you are a hero. Let us
go share the story while Amelia changes her charred gown.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
She tried her hardest to shoot
daggers at him from her narrowed glare. His grin only deepened at the attempt,
which increased her ire. “Don’t you dare tell a soul. I would most definitely
perish from the embarrassment!” Amelia spat the words out with anger and
annoyance. How dare he ruin everything for a second time, and then jest about
sharing her humiliation. If he were not Scottish, she would trap him instead.
That would teach him a lesson.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
“Do not worry your head over it,
Lady Amelia. We will not breathe a word of this little mishap,” Lord Roseington
said. “Right, Goldstone?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
“Of course not. All of your secrets
are safe with me.” He winked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Amelia blushed at what he had
implied. “Thank you. Now that it is settled I am going to retire for the
evening. Enjoy the rest of the party. Lord Roseington, Lord Goldstone.” She
inclined her head to them before spinning on her heels and speeding from the
room.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Buy Links:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Scandalous-Endeavors-Amanda-Marie-ebook/dp/B00QH0PGNS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1417822074&sr=8-2&keywords=amanda+marie">Amazon</a> <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/scandalous-endeavors-amanda-marie/1120894831?ean=2940149991846">Nook</a> <a href="http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/scandalous-endeavors">Kobo</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SgQPu-Ni074/VI96W5W_7tI/AAAAAAAAD4g/5oeRmVbi9T8/s1600/me%2B033%2BA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SgQPu-Ni074/VI96W5W_7tI/AAAAAAAAD4g/5oeRmVbi9T8/s1600/me%2B033%2BA.jpg" height="200" width="166" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Amanda Marie dreams of days gone by
when life moved at a slower pace. She enjoys taking pen to paper and exploring
historical time periods through her imagination and the written word. Her
hobbies include reading, writing, crocheting, traveling, photography, and
spending time with her family. Some of Amanda Marie's favorite places in the
continental U.S. are Harper's Ferry West Virginia and Sea Brook New Hampshire.
She loves the history that surrounds them and visits them every chance she
gets. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Amanda Marie lives along the Lake
Huron shore line in northern Michigan with her husband and two kids. She holds
a Master of Liberal Arts Degree with a concentration in literature and has a
long standing love affair with sugary junk food. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Join Amanda Marie on Facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAmandaMarie">https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAmandaMarie</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Visit her blog at <a href="http://musingsbymandy.wordpress.com/">http://musingsbymandy.wordpress.com/</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Write to Amanda Marie at
amandamarieauthor@gmail.com<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Follow her on Twitter
@AmandaMarieAuth<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Scandalous Endeavors is published by
Three Worlds Press. For more information on this book or their other works
please visit: <a href="http://www.threeworldsproductionsllc.com/">Three Worlds
Press</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
Karen A Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14059555184380048745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4564883813346458473.post-78515286248114170052014-12-09T08:00:00.000-05:002014-12-09T08:00:07.892-05:00Tuesday Teaser: Nothing to Wear, book #1 of Dear Maude by Sally Max<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
There is something special about red
letter days in Byron and Kit's household. Ever since becoming <!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GKz3E1ffpZw/VITkK660h8I/AAAAAAAAD0w/yTFbdOPQd90/s1600/sally_max_maude%2B1650%2Bx%2B2500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GKz3E1ffpZw/VITkK660h8I/AAAAAAAAD0w/yTFbdOPQd90/s1600/sally_max_maude%2B1650%2Bx%2B2500.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
man and wife,
they always seem to have extra fun on holidays. <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
It's New Year's Eve and Kit is
having a major problem. Her husband, Byron tries to help, but can't. The
dilemma is monstrous. How can they overcome the insurmountable odds? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Within hours of the party, and she
doesn't have anything to wear... <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
As a memento of those occasions, Kit
is writing away in Maude, her diary. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
A girl has got to have something to
read when she is old and gray, to make her hot and bothered.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Excerpt:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<i>Dear
Diary,</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<i>Diary,
I’m going to call you Maude. That’s okay, right? ‘Cause I really don’t like the
idea that I’m recording this in a journal. It seems overdone, cliché, and
trite. However, when I’m old and almost senile in a nursing home, I want to go
back and read you, and then get all hot and bothered, be able to hide some
Viagra in Byron’s applesauce, and have my way with him. I may need to remind
him of who I am, but that will only make it more exciting. We’ve role-played
some before, so it will be a different flavor of sponge bath, whose teeth are
those, or bobbing for catheters.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<i>It
seems like every major holiday, we have the most amazing time. Don’t get me
wrong. We have fun on other days of the week too, but special occasions, well,
they’re usually extra noteworthy. Sometimes it’s the location, or we are
experimenting with something new. It is just more fun. Maybe it’s that we want
to celebrate when a holiday is on the calendar. Any red-letter day is special
to us! ...</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Buy Links:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Q262D5Q?tag=ammbt-20"><span style="color: #0563c1;">Amazon</span></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Q262D5Q?tag=ammbt-20"></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/nothing-to-wear-sally-max/1120816445?ean=2940150159327&cm_mmc=AFFILIATES-_-Linkshare-_-W1PQs9y/1/c-_-10:1&r=1"><span style="color: #0563c1;">Barnes and Noble</span></a><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/nothing-to-wear-sally-max/1120816445?ean=2940150159327&cm_mmc=AFFILIATES-_-Linkshare-_-W1PQs9y/1/c-_-10:1&r=1"></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<a href="http://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/books/nothing-to-wear/pMUqCIY60EiNjKAY3ALYMg?MixID=pMUqCIY60EiNjKAY3ALYMg&PageNumber=1"><span style="color: #0563c1;">Kobo</span></a><a href="http://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/books/nothing-to-wear/pMUqCIY60EiNjKAY3ALYMg?MixID=pMUqCIY60EiNjKAY3ALYMg&PageNumber=1"></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<a href="http://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/books/nothing-to-wear/pMUqCIY60EiNjKAY3ALYMg?MixID=pMUqCIY60EiNjKAY3ALYMg&PageNumber=1"></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Meet the Author<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
After not being able to answer,
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” when she was little, Sally Max
decided she wouldn’t settle on just one profession. Instead, she lives
vicariously through her characters on the page, and gets a taste of every
possible scenario she can imagine.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Sally Max currently resides in central Florida
with her fiancé and a rambunctious black and white tuxedo kitty.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
See what Sally is up to at <a href="http://www.sallymax.com/"><span style="color: #0563c1;">www.sallymax.com</span></a><a href="http://www.sallymax.com/"></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.sallymax.com/"></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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Nothing to Wear is published by
Three Worlds Press. For more information on this book or their other works
please visit: <a href="http://www.threeworldsproductionsllc.com/"><span style="color: #0563c1;">Three Worlds Press</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
Karen A Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14059555184380048745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4564883813346458473.post-62732700858933893642014-11-25T08:00:00.000-05:002014-11-25T08:00:03.657-05:00TUESDAY TEASER:Ulfric's Mate by Leona Bushman from Three Worlds Press NEW COVER & MoreIn today's TUESDAY TEASER you get a sneak peek at the NEW cover for the re-release of an even MORE AWESOME Ulfric's Mate by Leona Bushman,<div>
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I am thrilled that Leona has chosen Three Worlds Press as her publisher and even more thrilled to have her as my Head Editor. </div>
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<b><i>Ulfric's Mate</i></b></div>
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<i>Killers are attacking the pregnant weres of Nolan
Littlebull’s pack, the Wahpawhats. Can he catch them without destroying his own
chance at happiness?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Alex George, only half Native and half were, was a misfit
with the Lupin pack despite being the healer. Roxy, the ruthless Lupa, wants
her for something nefarious, but Alex doesn’t know what. She will join with
Nolan, Ulfric of the Lupins rival pack, to bring Roxy to justice, but will it
cost her her life? <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Even worse, all signs pointed to Nolan being her mate. The
wolf in him calls to hers, and his honor and strength—not to mention downright
sexiness—calls to her as a woman. But their joining could tear apart two packs.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Can they bring the killers to justice—pack or human, work
through pack politics, and be together? Can they even survive?</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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Ulfric's Mate has been given a shiny new makeover and is the next scheduled release from <a href="http://www.threeworldspress.com/">Three Worlds Press.</a></div>
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It is expected out on Black Friday, November 28,2014. Watch the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Three-Worlds-Press/247046465361425">Three World's Facebook</a> page for the release.</div>
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Without further ado.........</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SVNJqofHAXA/VHP18QSuLYI/AAAAAAAADw0/jksamyYRvx0/s1600/LB_WotW1_TheUlfricsMate_Front_HiRes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SVNJqofHAXA/VHP18QSuLYI/AAAAAAAADw0/jksamyYRvx0/s1600/LB_WotW1_TheUlfricsMate_Front_HiRes.jpg" height="400" width="260" /></a></div>
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Pretty awesome don't you think? And the insides are just as hot. </div>
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Need something to read while you wait? Visit the <a href="http://www.threeworldspress.com/">Three Worlds Press</a> website for our new release from Sally Max: </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Crr2ZFUEJb8/VHP3d6LuURI/AAAAAAAADxA/-r8yQ8ILYU8/s1600/sally_max_maude%2B1650%2Bx%2B2550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Crr2ZFUEJb8/VHP3d6LuURI/AAAAAAAADxA/-r8yQ8ILYU8/s1600/sally_max_maude%2B1650%2Bx%2B2550.jpg" height="200" width="129" /></a></div>
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All eBooks will be available for the Kindle, Nook and Kobo apps on your electronic devices. Print versions where applicable will be available in early 2015</div>
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Karen A Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14059555184380048745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4564883813346458473.post-23066308947181255082014-10-02T14:27:00.002-04:002014-10-02T14:27:26.834-04:00Thursday Thought's: Meet Katorah with Hot New Release and Trio in Hers to Have<div class="MsoNormal">
Today the Grove welcomes Katorah
Kenway to have a seat by the fire pit and share with us about herself, her
writing process, and her new release, Book 1 of the Ackerman
Security series, <i>Hers to Have.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Storyteller’s Grove: </b>Thank you for coming Katorah.<b> <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Katorah Kenway: </b>It’s my pleasure.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>SG: Tell us about yourself and what brought you to writing?</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>KK</b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">: Writing under the
pseudonym of Katorah Kenway, or Katorah K, I grew up with a love of books
beginning around the age of ten when a teacher introduced me to the works of
Beverly Cleary. From that point forward I read everything I could get my hands
on for both enjoyment and knowledge. </span>I'm notorious for staying up
all night to finish a book because I want to know how it ends.<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Inspired by the books, I
turned my passion towards writing. It’s a hobby, mostly, but something I enjoy
immensely. About five years ago, thanks to the encouragement of some amazing
friends, I decided to devote my spare time to creating something for others to
enjoy; hence the birth of <i>Hers to Have</i>.
It was an idea that had been bouncing around in my head for years. The
characters were constantly battling to be heard, so I finally sat down and put
their words on paper, so to speak. I used to think authors were a bit off
kilter when they'd talk about the characters in their books talking in their
minds, telling them what way the book needed to go. Now, I understand the
concept completely because it happened to me and is still happening as I write
the second book in the series. Each character wants to be heard and have their
story told.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Writing is an outlet to help relax my mind from the
day to day stresses in life. If I'm having a bad day, I can sit down, write a
few paragraphs, get lost in the words and forget about any other worries I
might have.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>SG: Share with our readers a little about your book. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>KK: </b>I’m proud to introduce the Ackerman Security series
with the first book, <i>Hers to Have</i>. The book has a mix of mystery,
playfulness, and of course, passion.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Here’s a brief description:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Life
sometimes doesn't happen the way you envision it. One tragic event can change
your life, how you decide to handle it is your choice. Hannah's life was turned
upside down at a young age but she made the bold decision to take control of
her destiny not expecting she would uncover a family secret and find the loves
of her life. <br />
<br />
Brothers of the heart, Spade and Nick have been best friends since childhood.
Having hidden talents between them, they became the most sought after two-man
team for special ops until they grew tired of the dark side of their jobs.
"Retiring" from their positions, they jumped at the opportunity to
help the development of a new private security firm. In their personal lives
they’d resigned themselves to the fact that never would they find a woman that
was right for them; having known all their lives that they could only love one
woman between them; then in walked Hannah Ackerman and Fate intervened.</i><i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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As
an author, I love the chemistry between the trio, but the supporting characters
are just as important in my eyes. Book two is nearly complete and the third
book is slowly unraveling in my mind. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>SG: What made you choose to self-publish your book?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><span style="background: white;">KK: </span></b><span style="background: white;">Being someone that has O.C.D. tendencies, it drove me crazy the way each
publisher wanted your book submitted in a different format. What's the deal
with that? Can't we all get on the same page? I have one book saved in about
fifteen different ways because each place you submit it wants something
different. Tired of dealing with that and the politics of things, I decided to
give self-publishing a try. While you still have different formats, so far I
have one for print, one for Amazon Kindle, and then another for Smashwords,
it's still a much smoother process than dealing with publishing companies. I
will say however, that having a publisher behind you helps with marketing
aspects, though.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="background: white;">SG: </span>What’s your sign? How do you
think it affects your writing?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>KK: </b>I’m a Libra, but should have been born under the sign of Virgo and
it’s often obvious that I fall between the two. I’m all about the balance of
things but love to have my creative side shine. When I saw this question, I
went back and read the descriptions of Virgo and Libra according to
psychicguild.com and sat there with my jaw dropped at the comparison to my real
life. It was astonishing. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I suppose the way it affects my
writing is that I want a balance between the characters; how they work together
as a unit and get along as a family. At least in the current series I’m working
on. While some of the characters have resigned themselves to the fact that in
their minds they don’t deserve love or will never receive it, I like to prove
them wrong and remind them of their desire to love and be loved.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>SG: What do you love to drink while you write?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>KK: </b>Water. Pure and simple. My indulgent drink though is a turtle
latte, hot, no whip, yes both <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LpLS5MCx46k/VC2XIan6zwI/AAAAAAAADg0/R-tlI7vLsjw/s1600/Katorah%2BK%2Blatte.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LpLS5MCx46k/VC2XIan6zwI/AAAAAAAADg0/R-tlI7vLsjw/s1600/Katorah%2BK%2Blatte.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a></div>
drizzles (caramel and chocolate). I frequent the
local coffee shop so much that they know my voice as soon as I start to place
the order through the drive-thru, they interrupt with a greeting and tell me my
drink is already being prepared. My favorite time to drink any coffee drink is
at night after eating supper, even in the summer time. The warmth of the drink
relaxes my mind and helps me to focus on the task at hand, which is usually
writing.<br />
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<b>SG: If you were on an island
and could only bring 3 things, what would you bring?</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>KK: </b>Shemar Moore, Chris Hemsworth, and Randy
Orton. (Lost in thought, fanning myself then shaking my brain back into focus.)
Oh! Did you mean necessities? Then I’d have to say water, my laptop, and a
solar powered generator so I could continue to write even if it might be from a
delusional state because the sun and I are not a good combination. I definitely
have an inner Vamp running around in my bloodstream. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>SG: If you were 80 years old,
what would you tell your children?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>KK: </b>Live life to the fullest and don’t let the
world knock you down. No matter how many times others, or life in general
pushes you backward, take two steps forward to counteract the effects. You can
overcome anything if you set your mind to it. But most of all, don’t lose the
ability to love.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>SG: What is the funniest thing
that has happened to you recently?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>KK: </b>I went on a scouting trip to seek out a
vehicle for a Repo Man which turned into a tour of the town. I decided right
then and there that at some point and time I’d have to get some stories from
this guy to use in future books. The fictional ideas that were sprouting out in
my mind as the day went on had my laughing internally. While I get that only I
understand the humor of this, I had to share it. Then again, it’s possible the
friend that was with me that day probably knows more about my thoughts than I’d
care to admit.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>SG: </b><b>If you were to have a romantic dinner with a fictional character, who
would it be and describe the ENTIRE evening.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>KK: </b>Call me crazy, but I’d have to choose LeRoy Jethro Gibbs from
NCIS. Yep, that’s what I said. While I admit, I’ve always had a thing for Mark
Harmon in my real life, it’s Gibbs that I’d want to spend the evening with.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rKhA_73P8CA/VC2Y8Sc181I/AAAAAAAADhI/qMcMgIa9VQU/s1600/gibbsboat5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rKhA_73P8CA/VC2Y8Sc181I/AAAAAAAADhI/qMcMgIa9VQU/s1600/gibbsboat5.jpg" height="118" width="200" /></a></div>
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We’d go to his place, of course,
because hey, what girl can resist working with her hands on a boat, alongside a
distinguished man, while drinking whiskey from a mason jar that used to hold
nuts and bolts. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I’d spend the evening picking his
brain about his life as a Marine Sniper and an NCIS agent so I could use that
knowledge in my writing. Now if the conversation and multiple drinks were to
lead to a sensual kiss and possible other things, who am I to complain? The man
might be older, but he is still a hottie in my mind.</div>
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<b> </b><b> ~~~~~~~~~</b></div>
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<b> </b><span style="background-color: white;">Writing
under the pseudonym of Katorah Kenway, or Katorah K, she grew up with a love of
books from the time she was ten years old when a teacher introduced her to the
works of Beverly Cleary. From that point forward she read everything she could
get her hands on for both enjoyment and knowledge.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
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<br />
<span style="background: white;">Currently pursuing her second chance at life
with the help of friends from around the world, she chose to turn her love of
books into a new hobby. With her laptop practically glued to her legs, she's
spent the past couple of years pounding on the keys to create numerous story
lines. Finally picking one whose characters spoke to her on a personal level,
the Ackerman Security Series was born. The characters in the book are
constantly in her mind telling her what they want to do and what direction the
series should go.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">While she likes to keep her family life private,
hence the pseudonym, she wants to acknowledge that her child has given her the
strength and courage to pursue her writing career along with the close knit
group of friends she has from around the world.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Why did she choose a smiling latte for her profile
pic? Because she is addicted to soul-warming drinks and her philosophy in life
is no matter what bumps you run into, no matter what hurdles you have to cross,
keep smiling. It'll make you feel better and maybe bring a smile to someone
else's face in the world which is just one step closer to happiness all around.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="background: white;">Links to follow Katorah:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white;">On
Amazon: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/katorahk/timeline"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">amazon.com/author/katorahkenway</span></a><span style="background: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white;">My
blog: </span><a href="http://katorahs.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default"><span style="background: white;">http://katorahs.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default</span></a><span style="background: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white;">FB:
</span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/katorah.kenway"><span style="background: white;">https://www.facebook.com/katorah.kenway</span></a><span style="background: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white;"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/katorahk/timeline"><span style="background: white;">https://www.facebook.com/katorahk/timeline</span></a><span style="background: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white;">Smashwords:
</span><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/katorahk"><span style="background: white;">https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/katorahk</span></a><span style="background: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white;">Where
to buy the books:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hers-Have-Ackerman-Security-Novel-ebook/dp/B00LCR3Y9E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1403985627&sr=8-1&keywords=katorah+kenway"><span style="background: white;">Amazon</span></a><span style="background: white;">
(eBook and Tradeback)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/459929"><span style="background: white;">Smashwords</span></a><span style="background: white;"> (eBook formats)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Karen A Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14059555184380048745noreply@blogger.com0