Sunday, March 31, 2013

Live chat/interview with C. Hope Clark of Funds for Writers - 3/31/13


The Writer's Chatroom presents C. Hope Clark of FundsForWriters.com

WHEN?

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Eastern USA Time.....7-9 PM

Not sure what time that is wherever in the world you are? http://www.worldtimeserver.com

WHERE?

The Writers Chatroom at: http://www.writerschatroom.com/Enter.htm

Scroll down to the Java box. It may take a moment to load. Type in the name you wish to be known by, and click Sign In. No password needed.

Please note: The chatroom is only open for regularly scheduled chats.

Friday, March 29, 2013

Interview with urban fiction writer Vogue

This interview goes hand-in-hand with the promo post from Monday for Vogue's novel The Ace of Diamonds. (Check it out for how to enter for the giveaway!)

Bio:
Born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina, Vogue’s journey through the world of creative writing first began in middle school with poetry and songwriting. While the mix of rhythm and words was the initial passage to self-expression, it was the discovery of prose that opened the door to a world of endless possibilities. An avid reader of Urban Fiction, Vogue felt the need to create literary works that had an equal balance of street lit, drama, romance, and faith-based undertones.

A graduate of Winthrop University (Rock Hill, S.C.), possessing a bachelor’s degree in social work, Vogue, first birthed the idea of The Diamond Collection in the halls of her alma mater. In 2003, she put pen to paper and thus was created, Diamonds In The Rough, part one of The Diamond Collection series.

By 2010, Vogue had written drafts of the entire ten book series and in June of 2010, Diamonds In The Rough, was published for her to share with the rest of the world. Soon followed by Diamonds Are Forever in October of 2010 and The Ace of Diamonds in February of 2013, Vogue joined the league of other writers, determined to make her mark in the literary world.

Still writing, Vogue plans to release the fourth book in the series, Black Diamonds, in late 2013 or early 2014 as well as pen her first Young Adult novel.

Welcome, Vogue. Please tell us about The Ace of Diamonds.
Famous for its glitz and glamour, the city of Brookstone is also known as being the home of one of New York’s most notorious drug lords, Jay Santiago. The son of a famed politician and socialite, he spent the last seventeen years of his life in federal prison only to return to the city that took him captive. In true underdog fashion, Jay rises from the bottom and rebuilds an empire and cartel that is as powerful as its leader. After linking up with an old comrade, Jay believes he has found the one material object that will allow him to leave his criminal enterprise for good. However, his most prized possession could lead to his biggest downfall yet.

What inspired you to write this book?
I was inspired to write this book after receiving an enormous response to the character of Jay Santiago in two of my previous releases, Diamonds in the Rough and Diamonds Are Forever. Several readers had requested to know more about Jay’s background and I decided to write a novel that was focused more on his character than in the previous releases. In addition, I wanted to show his character’s transition from a notorious drug lord to a legit businessman.

What exciting story are you working on next?
Currently, I am working on Black Diamonds, which will be my fourth novel as well as expounding on several ideas for short stories, which will be centered on topics such as interracial relationships, abuse, faith, and domestic violence. I am looking to release Black Diamonds in December of 2013 or January of 2014.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I considered myself a writer starting in high school when I transitioned from poetry to fan fiction. My love for the art form led me to start writing full-length novels and since then, I haven’t looked back!

Do you write full-time?
Currently, I am not writing full-time, but am dedicating myself to promoting The Ace of Diamonds. I am, however, rewriting my first novel, which I hope to re-release later this month. I will not start back writing full-time until October when I start finalizing Black Diamonds.

If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write? When I am not writing, I am still jotting down ideas for future stories. I write only when I am inspired instead of trying to work while I have writer’s block.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I love to watch action movie trailers or movie clips when I am writing. Car chases, fight scenes, and the drama of it all helps rev up my creative process.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Growing up, I wanted to be a teacher. I always thought that I was going to end up becoming an English teacher because English was my major for about two years in college. Halfway through, I discovered Social Work, which I realized was my intended path.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
The life of a writer has its ups and downs; however, we have an outlet to vent our frustrations, joys, and pains. Let’s pick up our pens and unleash!

Thanks, Vogue. Happy to have you here! Write on!




Thursday, March 28, 2013

Virtual blurb blitz stop for The Angry Woman Suite by Lee Fullbright

This is just one of many blurb blitz stopsfor psychological mystery author Lee Fullbright as she promotes her novel The Angry Woman Suite.

Lee will be giving away a $50 Amazon gift card to a randomly drawn lucky commentor at the end of the tour. To be entered for a chance to win, leave an e-mail with your comment below. For more chances to win, visit other tour stops and leave comments there.

THE ANGRY WOMAN SUITE
By
Lee Fullbright

Blurb:  
Raised in a crumbling New England mansion by four women with personalities as split as a cracked mirror, young Francis Grayson has an obsessive need to fix them all. There’s his mother, distant and beautiful Magdalene; his disfigured, suffocating Aunt Stella; his odious grandmother; and the bane of his existence, his abusive and delusional Aunt Lothian.

For years, Francis plays a tricky game of duck and cover with the women, turning to music to stay sane. He finds a friend and mentor in Aidan Madsen, schoolmaster, local Revolutionary War historian, musician and keeper of the Grayson women’s darkest secrets. In a skillful move by Fullbright, those secrets are revealed through the viewpoints of three different people–Aidan, Francis and Francis’stepdaughter, Elyse–adding layers of eloquent complexity to a story as powerful as it is troubling.

While Francis realizes his dream of forming his own big band in the 1940s, his success is tempered by the inner monster of his childhood, one that roars to life when he marries Elyse’s mother. Elyse becomes her stepfather’s favorite target, and her bitterness becomes entwined with a desire to know the real Francis Grayson.

For Aidan’s part, his involvement with the Grayson family only deepens, and secrets carried for a lifetime begin to coalesce as he seeks to enlighten Francis–and subsequently Elyse–of why the events of so many years ago matter now. The ugliness of deceit, betrayal and resentment permeates the narrative, yet there are shining moments of hope, especially in the relationship between Elyse and her grandfather.

Ultimately, as more of the past filters into the present, the question becomes: What is the truth, and whose version of the truth is correct? Fullbright never untangles this conundrum, and it only adds to the richness of this exemplary novel.—Kirkus Reviews


Excerpt:
“I’ll tell you what I’m ready for, Aidan. I’m ready for the top floor.” His eyebrows shot up.

“I beg your pardon?”

“The third floor of Grayson House. I’m ready for it. I’m really ready.”

“I don’t think I understand—”

“Please, Aidan.” I emphasized each word: “I’m ready to meet Jamie.”

I turned and walked out of that parlor then, and into the foyer and up the ten steps to the landing where the grand staircase turned direction. I ran up the first flight, then paused at the second landing, waiting for Aidan. When I glimpsed him behind me, I turned and ran up the next flight, to the third floor, straight for the door at the end of the hallway, next to the door that opened onto the outside stairs.

I’d been able to pinpoint this door as the one by the soft thumps I’d heard when I’d sneaked into Papa’s room on the second floor—things nobody thought I’d hear—and by watching from my spot across the road: the quick deliveries and arrivals, the things and people nobody thought I’d see.

I hesitated, not feeling anything, I was now so empty. No more  anger. Instead I was in tune with senses: the steady tick-tock of the clock at the end of the otherwise soundless hallway, the wallpaper’s perfectly vertical stripe, even an aromatic odor reminiscent of the appendectomy I’d had when I was six—was it ether? And then, finally, Aidan’s ragged breathing when he caught up with me. We were ready,  in position—and it was understood I’d assumed leadership: I’d go first.

I turned the doorknob. My opponent had just run through his resources.


Review Sound Bytes:

From Kirkus Reviews

"Secrets and lies suffuse generations of one Pennsylvania family . . . in a skillful move by Fullbright, those secrets are revealed through the viewpoints of three very different people . . . a superb debut that exposes the consequences of the choices we make and legacy's sometimes excruciating embrace."


2012 DISCOVERY AWARD

GLOBAL E-BOOK AWARD NOMINEE

From Midwest Book Review

"A very human story . . . a fine read focusing on the long lasting dysfunction of family."

"There is something fascinating in labyrinthine plot twists, which is what we have here, and I must applaud Fullbright for her keen and magical ability to pull it off with such aplomb."-Norm Goldman, Montreal Books Examiner and Bookpleasures.com

5 Stars ***** Reviewed by Joana James for Readers Favorite: "The Angry Woman Suite is quite a ride . . . very cleverly written . . . an outstanding novel."

Rating: 5.0 stars Reviewed by Anne B. for Readers Favorite: Lee Fullbright is master of characterization."

Rating: 5.0 stars Reviewed by Alice D. for Readers Favorite:
"The Angry Woman Suite is a brilliant, complex, complicated story about talented, complicated people . . . this is a story to remember!"

Author information:
Lee Fullbright, a medical practice consultant in her non-writing life, lives on San Diego’s beautiful peninsula with her writing partner, Baby Rae, a 12-year-old rescued Australian cattle dog with attitude.        

The Angry Woman Suite, a Kirkus Critics’ pick, 5-starred Readers Favorite, and a Discovery Aware winner, is her first published novel.

Links:


Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Virtual book blast stop for Soul Sucker by Kate Pearce

Today is a virtual book blast tour stop for paranormal author Kate Pearce and her novel Soul Sucker.

Kate will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble gift card, winner's choice, to two randomly drawn commenters during the tour. So make sure to leave an e-mail addy with your comment below to be entered for a chance to win. And if you'd like more chances, visit Kate's other tour stops and comment there. 


Blurb:
Supernatural Branch of Law Enforcement empath Ella Walsh sucks memories from people's heads. The job fills her mind with others' nightmares and leaves her with little time for love, but if she doesn't pair off with a mate of the government's choosing soon, the psychic blowback will destroy her powers and her sanity.

The last time shapeshifting SBLE superstar Vadim Morosov worked with an empath, he got her killed and himself assigned to a desk. He worries about taking on another partner, but helping Ella track down an empath killer might be his only chance to save his career.

Naturally, the government decides to throw them together.

They resist at first, but they can't deny the simmering heat between them. As the killer's strikes grow closer to home, their bond gets tighter. And when the murderer finally traps Ella, her developing link with Vadim might be the only thing that can save her.

Excerpt:
Ella stopped walking and faced him. “Look, are you programmed to disagree with everything I say, or are you just totally obnoxious?”

“Probably a little of both.”

“Then get over it. I’m already tired of having to argue with you all day.”

“You could try agreeing with me for a change.”

She started walking again. “Right. Like that’s going to happen. We’re obviously not meant to be best buddies, okay? So let’s do what Feehan said and try to get along at least on a professional level.”

“You prefer to keep things professional?”

“Of course.”

“You don’t date your colleagues?”

“Why, are you trying to summon up the courage to ask me out?”

He laughed, displaying a dimple near his chin. His blue eyes crinkled at the corners and he looked so damn sexy Ella almost wanted to smile back.

“For the record, Morosov, I don’t date.”

“Why not?”

“Because...” She glared at him. “I don’t owe you an explanation, do I?”

“Not yet.”

“Wow, you really are over-confident.”

“Not at all. As your colleague, I’m just concerned about your well-being.”

“I have men, I don’t date them.”

He nodded. “So you’re afraid of commitment.”

“My life will probably end at twenty-seven.” She looked up at him. “Would you subject someone you loved to that?”

Ella regretted the words the moment she said them. She didn’t want him feeling sorry for her.

He let out his breath. “Probably not.” He reached out and took her hand. “I apologize.”

She flinched as his magic shot through her. “I knew you weren’t quite human.”

He shrugged and released her hand. “I’m many things.”

Text Copyright © 2012 by Kate Pearce
Permission to reproduce text granted by Harlequin Books S.A. Cover art used by arrangement with Harlequin Enterprises Limited. All rights reserved. ® and TM are trademarks owned by Harlequin Enterprises Limited or its affiliated companies, used under license.


Author Bio and Links:
Award-winning author, Kate Pearce was born into a large family of girls in England, and spent much of her childhood living very happily in a dream world. Despite being told that she really needed to 'get with the program', she graduated from the University College of Wales with an honors degree in history.

A move to the USA finally allowed her to fulfill her dreams and sit down and write her first romance novel. Kate is published by Signet Eclipse, Kensington Aphrodisia, Ellora's Cave, Carina Press, Cleis Press and Virgin Black Lace/Cheek.

You can find her at:

Buy Links:

Remember about the giveaway! Kate will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble gift card, winner's choice, to two randomly drawn commenters during the tour. So make sure to leave an e-mail addy with your comment below to be entered for a chance to win. And if you'd like more chances, visit Kate's other tour stops and comment there. 


Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Book promo stop for dark fiction writer Lisa Binion

Softly and Tenderly

by Lisa Binion

Author - Lisa BinionAbout The Author:
Lisa Binion is a writer, editor, and wife. She makes her home in the beautiful state of Kentucky. Her two children are now grown, but she has been blessed with two beautiful grandchildren, Tyler and Zoey. Her family also includes four dogs, four cats, and two goats.
As the Fiction Writing Editor for BellaOnline, she writes articles, reviews fiction books, and interviews fiction authors. She is also an editor for Silver Tongue Press and Edit 1st. In her spare time, she attempts to clean house and relax. You can find her at https://www.facebook.com/pages/BellaOnline-Fiction-Writing/125143070846792., http://www.silvertonguepress.com/, and http://edit1st.com/.

Genre: Horror Short Story
Horror Short Story
Publisher: Silver Tongue Press

Description:

“Mom died in her sleep last night.” Those are terrifying words for a child to wake up to. The beetle that falls off the stretcher and stares at her is only the beginning one of the strangest and most frightening times in Lori’s life. Death is not a pretty thing, especially not when the funeral is to be at the Lights Out Chapel and Crematorium. Once she walks into the funeral parlor, she experiences things that no little girl should ever have to experience. No one is acting normal. No one can see what is going on. Is Lori the only one who sees the blood oozing from the pictures of Jesus on the cross? Doesn’t anyone else see the beetles? Is Lori hallucinating when she sees her mom sit up and hears her speak? There is absolutely nothing soft and tender about what happens to Lori. From her overly morbid piano teacher to the creepy preacher and a father that just isn’t acting like himself, Lori is surrounded by people and things that hint of something bizarre. Once she leaves the Lights Out Chapel and Crematorium, things will go back to normal. Or will they?

 Excerpt 1:

Lori, it’s your turn to say bye now. You need to tell her that you love her and how much you will miss her.” Daddy put me down next to her coffin and placed his hands on my shoulders. He pushed me so close to her death box that I felt the white satin that overlapped to the outside. It rubbed against my hands. At least it was soft for Mommy. She would be comfortable in there.
I decided to speak out loud this time. Maybe no one else would bring me back up here again if I spoke my goodbyes out loud. “Mommy,” I began, but then I started crying so hard I couldn’t speak. Daddy rubbed my shoulders until I quieted down and could begin again. “Mommy, I love you. I don’t want you to leave me. Please come back. No one, not even this Jesus, is worth leaving me over.” I opened my eyes and looked at her. She hadn’t moved since Mrs. Minuet had dragged me up here. But then her eyes opened, and she stared at me. She was staring at me! I sucked my breath in and felt my legs grow weak as my head began to spin. With one hand I grabbed on to the edge of the coffin, while with the other hand I grabbed hold of Daddy’s arm.
Daddy! Daddy! Mommy’s not dead! She looked at me!” I screamed as I jumped up and down. “She was still alive when they took her out of the house. I saw her trying to get out from under the sheet.” I pulled on his arm and shook it. “Please, Daddy. You’ve got to save her.”
Daddy was beginning to sound a bit mad. He picked me up and held me over top of Mommy. “Maybe if you give her a goodbye kiss you’ll understand she’s dead, and believe me when I tell you she isn’t coming back.” I was so close to Mommy’s cheek that I could see the makeup was beginning to cake in her pores. There was no warmth rising up from her body, only icy coldness.

 Giveaway:

5 eCopies of Softly and Tenderly

Follow The Tour Here

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Monday, March 25, 2013

Book promo stop for Ace of Diamonds by Vogue

Ace of Diamonds
Book III in The Diamond Collection
by Vogue



About The Author:

Vogue is the author of Diamonds in the Rough and Diamonds Are Forever. A native of Greenville, South Carolina, she is a graduate of Winthrop University, possessing a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and is a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Vogue currently resides in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

Website | Facebook | Twitter Publisher 

Instagram - MarilynMonRHO_1922







The Ace of Diamonds
Book III of The Diamond Collection

Genre: Urban Fiction
Publisher: Crown Jewel Publishing
Release Date: February 11, 2013
Amazon Kindle | Paperback

Book Description:

Since his release from prison, Brookstone’s most notorious drug lord, Jay Santiago, has been hard at work rebuilding his life and empire. With two businesses under his belt and one in the making, Jay is readily known as one of New York’s elite men.

While the root of his financial status lies in the newly rebuilt Santiago cartel, Jay is determined to expand his wealth. After reconnecting with an old comrade, he believes that he has found the one thing that could increase his fortune and allow him to leave behind the dangers of his criminal enterprise for good.

However, as Jay’s new business venture begins to come to fruition, he quickly learns that the one material object that he loves the most could lead to his biggest downfall yet. 

Excerpt from The Ace of Diamonds

Excerpt #1

Carmen stared out the window as Kane’s Jeep backed out of the driveway. She wanted to call him to come back, but she knew that he wouldn’t. While they had cleared the air on one issue, another one had surfaced. This one, though, she couldn’t fix. She was nine months pregnant and Nyla was coming regardless of how Kane felt. He might not have liked the idea, but he knew when they renewed their vows that she was pregnant. He seemed okay with it then, but obviously the whole thing was an act.

When his car disappeared out of the gates, Carmen began to think that her marriage wasn’t going to survive. If Kane was running out now then she knew it would be worse when Nyla came. Jay would be around more than ever and she would be forced to communicate with him. There might even be times when he had to come to the house. The distance between her and Kane would only grow.

Carmen pulled the curtains closed as she made her way back to the bed. She sat down, and tried to fight back her tears. She and Kane had been fine until Jay’s lawsuit, which sent them spiraling back into a place that neither one of them wanted to be. Carmen wanted to come up with an answer to fix everything, but she couldn’t. Softly crying, she did the only thing she knew how; she prayed to God for guidance and strength. She told herself that this would be the last time she would allow Kane to leave. After tonight, she would put her foot down. If she wanted to
save her marriage, she had to act like it, now or never. 

Diamonds Are Forever
Book II of The Diamond Collection

Genre: Urban Fiction
Publisher: Passionate Writer Publishing
Release Date: October 25, 2010

Book Description:

Eight months pregnant, Carmen Davenport is unsure of what is waiting for her outside of the Metropolitan Correctional Facility. For six grueling months, she sat in a cold cell with only the thought of her unborn son, keeping her sane. Now, she has returned to Brookstone to discover that Flame is now a multi-million dollar enterprise, all thanks to her best friend, Tiara. Diamonds Are Forever is a reunion with familiar characters and another look into the dramatic lives of Brookstone’s finest.


Diamonds in the Rough
Book I of The Diamond Collection

Genre: Urban Fiction
Publisher: Passionate Writers Publishing
Release Date: June 1, 2010

Book Description:

Carmen Davenport is living the American dream. Born with a silver spoon in her mouth, she has anything that a twenty-one year old college student would want: supportive parents, a set of fly friends, and an inheritance to one of the most lucrative clothing companies in New York: Flame, Inc. The only thing missing is love, but that doesn’t seem to faze her until she lays eyes on Jay Santiago, a Puerto Rican drug lord who is destined to make Carmen his at any cost. Instantly, Carmen begins to fall for him despite his reign as the head of a multi-million dollar drug cartel.
After securing the rights to her inheritance, Carmen soon learns that Flame, Inc. is headed towards a downward spiral. Too ambitious to allow her dream to go down the drain, Carmen begins pulling at all lifelines to save her company. Putting aside everything she’s ever believed in, Carmen soon finds herself entangled in a web of lies, betrayal, and crime. However, Carmen knows that in order to achieve her goal, she must remain focused no matter how dangerous the road to success may get.


Giveaway:

One Signed Copy of Ace of Diamonds
Open to US/Canada 
International Winners will receive an E-Book






Sunday, March 24, 2013

Live chat/interview with romance novelist Liz Flaherty - 3/24/13


The Writer's Chatroom presents romance novelist Liz Flaherty.


WHEN?

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Eastern USA Time.....7-9 PM

Not sure what time that is wherever in the world you are? http://www.worldtimeserver.com

WHERE?

The Writers Chatroom at: http://www.writerschatroom.com/Enter.htm

Scroll down to the Java box. It may take a moment to load. Type in the name you wish to be known by, and click Sign In. No password needed.

Please note: The chatroom is only open for regularly scheduled chats.

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Interview with suspense novelist George A Bernstein

Today’s guest is suspense novelist George A Bernstein. He’s chatting a bit about his novel, Trapped, and letting us in a bit on some other fun stuff.

Welcome, George. Please tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m what I consider a youthful seventy-six-year-old, with a B.A. from Northwestern University, now living in south Florida, and the retired president of a publicly-held Chicago company. My main interest is as a serious novelist. I’ve attended numerous writers’ conferences and seminars, including that of famous fiction agent, Donald Maass, and I also worked with independent editor, Dave King, all with the goal of improving his craft.

I’m also considered a “World-Class” fly-fisherman, and have held a dozen various IGFA World records. In my life before writing, I operated Outdoor Safaris, a worldwide fishing & hunting tour operator, working with airlines and travel agencies promoting premier sporting trips. I’ve also published the definitive book on fly-fishing for pike & musky, Toothy Critters Love Flies. All my efforts now, however, are with my suspense novels, of which I’ve written four.

Please tell us about your current release.
My first novel, Trapped, is published by TAG Publishers, after being a finalist in their Next Great American Novel contest. Dee Burks and her staff really love the story, and her revision suggestions help me make Trapped the best it can be. Trapped was also a finalist at the 2012 Florida Writers Association RPLA fiction contest in 2012. Trapped has received nearly 30 reviews on Amazon, virtually all 5-Star, with the most common comment, “I couldn’t put it down.”

Here’s an abbreviated “pitch” from the back cover copy:
A tragic surgical accident, resulting from an auto crash, leaves beautiful, vibrant Jackee Maren in “Locked-in Syndrome,” completely paralyzed, able to move only her eyes. Jackee’s physical therapist, Kevin, seems more invested in her well-being than her husband, Phil, and teaches her to communicate by blinking her eyes.
            Soon she discovers she can sense others thoughts, but hides this talent from everyone but her young sons, not knowing whom she can trust. Then she discovers both her car and surgical accidents were not accidents, and vows to expose the person who wants her dead before they get a second chance.
Exercising her new psychic ability, Jackee finally learns who masterminded the accidents but feels helpless to stop them from trying to kill her again.
She doggedly embarks on a psychic plan to not only ensure her boys have a safe future, but to exact retribution on her would-be murderer. Jackee vows not to rest until this villain understands what it is to be TRAPPED! But she must hurry. Her psychic manipulations of the players in her “skit” of revenge are sapping her meager reserves, leaving her with only months to live.

What inspired you to write this book?
In 1990, when I was able to “semi-retire” at a pretty young age, my wife said, “You need something to keep busy, and you don’t want to play golf every day. You always loved to write. Why don’t you write a novel?”
So my wife and I began brainstorming for a subject, and Dolores thought of a neighbor, when we lived in north suburban Chicago, who became comatose after an anesthetic accident during plastic surgery. I took her condition, but imagined that, while trapped in a dead shell of a body, her mind was still active, and I gave her the ability to use her eyes. And Trapped became the obvious title. I only learned many years later that “Locked-in Syndrome” is a real condition.

What exciting story are you working on next?
I’m working on the final edits of my second novel, A 3rd Time to Die, which could probably be called a Romantic Suspense. It will be published sometime in 2013. The novel deals with past lives.

Here’s a short pitch:
Two souls struggle to fulfill their destiny together. Twice, just as they discover the magic of their love, first, during a fox hunt in 17th Century southern England, and then again in 19th Century Philadelphia, their lives are snuffed out by brutal murder. Reborn for the third time, in the 21st Century, their love of jumping horses brings them together again…and their ancient killer may be still stalking them!

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
There’s a difference between when I STARTED writing, and when I considered myself a REAL writer. I loved writing and imagining stories, even as early as my pre-teens. My compositions in various English classes were usually the ones read to the class. And after I wrote Trapped, some people thought I was pretty talented. But it’s taken a lot of work to polish my craft and learn what makes really GOOD writing. It’s only now that I’m getting all these 5-Star reviews, and comments from professional reviewers on how “strong” my writing is, that I really consider myself a writer. I finally feel truly validated.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like?  If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
Writing my novels…and dealing with their promotion…is my main focus right now, but I do “wear many hats.” I like to write in the morning, after breakfast, and usually spend several hours at the computer…whether creating new prose, editing, or revising. Then some time is spent in the afternoons or early evenings on Promotional work: writing on my blogs, responding to other blogs, seeking interviews and appearances, etc. Publishers do little of this for you, and it’s time consuming, if you want to succeed.

When I need a break, I may go into my woodworking shop and build some cabinets or furniture. Or I may sit down and tie some flies for an upcoming fishing trip. I usually go to northern USA or Canada every summer to fly-fish for pike and/or smallmouth bass.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I find myself fully immersed in my characters. I actually feel what they “feel,” and I can get very emotional when traumatic or happy things occur in their lives. Even though they are created from my imagination, they become very real to me, and I can find myself laughing or crying with them. I guess that’s how I can make them so real.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I had conflicting desires: to become an engineer and work with my father in our manufacturing business…or become a professional fisherman or guide. The latter seemed pretty unrealistic, but who knew then that one could eventually win as much as $150,000 in a single BassMaster tournament!

So I went into Dad’s business, decided I’d rather hire an engineer than be one, and concentrated on business management instead. Whatever I do, I do it with total commitment.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
To become a really good writer takes more than natural talent. With the advent of e-books…that anyone can publish…there’s a lot of poorly written stuff out there. One need to put in the time and effort to learn what makes fine writing. I did that by attending writers conference classes and writing seminars. Ted Williams (my hero, whom I had a chance to fish with once), probably the World’s greatest hitter in baseball, was graced with exceptional natural talent and suburb eyesight. Yet no one worked harder on his hitting, studying the mechanics of a great swing, and putting in the time every day. Few others had that dedication. Becoming the best writer YOU can be takes no less effort.


Thanks, George!


Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Promo stop for writer Jasmine Sheffield


Journey After School
by Jasmine Sheffield

About the Author:

Jasmine, a loving mother and wife, is a resident of Virginia. She is a graduate of Florida A&M University where she received a B.S. in Computer Information Systems. She went on to receive her M.S. in Management Information Systems from University of Illinois Springfield. Although she has a passion for technology, her greatest love is helping her peers with their careers and finances.


Book Genre- Self-Help
Publisher - Our Journey Publishing
Release Date - 1/9/2013

Graduating from college is easy when compared to the effort of getting hired after graduation. Once hired, maintaining your professionalism and managing your finances can be challenging. Journey after School seeks to provide guidance for new graduates. Like the syllabus provided by a professor at the beginning of a semester, Journey after School is a brief, easy read.

Excerpt:
You’ve proven you have the skills, experience, and personality to join the company. From the first day on the job, you have to perform and do it professionally. For young professionals, a challenge will be proving that you are capable of performing the job. You are no longer in college and should not give your colleagues the impression that you are a student.

Appearances are important, and just like at your interview, you should wear appropriate attire to work. The business attire you wore to the interview may not be required for your office; therefore, it is important to ask your recruiter or hiring manager about the dress code. As you begin working, you can observe your colleagues and determine how formal or casual they dress.

In school, classes had a defined schedule, but in your career, you may not have a specific schedule. Many employers expect that you will be at work at a reasonable time and do all of your hours for the day. If you have the luxury of choosing your own schedule, be mindful of your company’s core business hours. Typically, the core hours are defined between a start and finish time like 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. If your schedule is predefined, be sure you are punctual. 

You are not expected to work non-stop when you arrive at work, but you should minimize your downtime. When you are away from your workstation for an extended period of time, you should inform someone that you will be away. Your colleagues should not have to search for you and should never question whether you have actually worked all of your scheduled hours. 



Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Interview with YA suspense author Liza O'Connor

Liza O’Connor is here to tell us a bit about her new YA suspense novel Saving Casey.

Liza will award a $25 Amazon gift card to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. A random commenter at this blog stop will receive tattoos like Casey’s on a jpg picture supplied by winner. For more chances to win other gifts (different gifts offered at different stops), visit Liza's other tour stops and leave comments.

Bio:
Liza lives in Denville, NJ with her dog, Jess. They hike in fabulous woods every day, rain or shine, sleet, or snow. Having an adventurous nature, she learned to fly small Cessnas in NJ, hang-glide in New Zealand, kayak in Pennsylvania, ski in New York, scuba dive with great white sharks in Australia, dig up dinosaur bones in Montana, sky dive in Indiana, and raft a class four river in Tasmania. She’s an avid gardener, amateur photographer, and dabbler in watercolors and graphic arts. Yet through her entire life, her first love has and always will be writing novels. She loves to create interesting characters, set them loose, and scribe what happens.

Welcome, Liza. Please tell us about your current release.
Having been diagnosed with cancer, Cass Goldman decides to opt out of any futile medical care and end her life. While she has some thoughts on afterlife, she never expects to reincarnate into the body of a seventeen-year-old girl named Casey Davidson.

When she awakens in a hospital, Cass discovers two disturbing facts: One, she is now inside the body of a troubled teenager, and two, the former owner of this body committed suicide, but only Cass knows that. Everyone else believes Casey has survived, but suffered a complete memory loss. Cass has two choices: to take on Casey’s life and turn it around, or to confess the truth about her reincarnation and end up in a mental asylum. Given this second chance to life, Cass decides to take on the future life of Casey—the frightening ghoul-faced teen with short, black, spiky hair.

Every person around Cass has an ulterior motive and discovering the truth of Old Casey’s life is more complicated than the “new math” she is forced to learn in school. In addition, Cass has to contend with raging teenage hormones and the prior crimes of Old Casey, which she might not remember, but everyone else certainly does. However, her biggest frustration concerns her feelings for her father’s rugged security specialist who sees her only as a teenager and doesn’t want to explore the mutual attraction between them.

As determined as Cass is to turn this life around, Old Casey’s enemies are just as determined to end her life. She has no idea whom she can trust, but she knows she’ll never survive going it alone.

What inspired you to write this book?
When watching my friends teens struggle, I wondered if they were simply deaf to parental advice or our life experiences can’t help them with their problems. So I took an 80-year-old woman, full of life experience, and dumped her in the body of troubled seventeen-year-old teen to see if life experience helps. Turns out she struggles as much as the prior teen.

Excerpt:
Upon settling down on the toilet, Cass noticed the floor to ceiling mirror facing her and screamed at the sight of the creature within it. Short black hair spouted about its head, black circles surrounded both eyes and fell like triangular knives down the cheeks. Black lips, stretched in horror as if in a nightmare. Pulling up her pants, she moved closer to the mirror.

She was a ghoul, an honest to God ghoul!

The door crashed open and her father stared at her, fear and panic clear in his eyes.

She touched her face. “Please tell me these aren’t permanent.”

His panic remained a second longer as her words filtered into his brain and then he pulled her into his arms. “Don’t worry, we will get them removed—if you want to…”

“If? Oh, I definitely want them removed,” she said.

How can I turn around my life if I look like the walking dead from a low-grade monster movie?


What exciting story are you working on next?
Actually, I’m working on three wonderful stories.
Worst Week Ever is a New Adult humorous sweet romance between a middle-class young woman and her billionaire boss. The story covers a week of non-stop disasters and misunderstandings.

The Ghostlover is a New Adult double sweet romance that begins with a tangled mess requiring a lascivious ancestral ghost to intervene before the family line ends forever.

And
Déjà Vu Déjà Adore. A paranormal romance in which only in death can love blossom.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Long before I should have. However, thinking I was a writer, meant I kept honing my profession, and eventually reality met up with my early delusions.

Do you write full-time?
For the last eight years, I have been writing full-time. Since I became published in 2012, my days are scheduled by the hour to ensure I get everything done. In the morning, I hike with my dog Jess. The rest of my day is split between Email, Marketing, Blogging, Promoting and Writing. In the afternoon my dog and I take an hour walk. Then I’ll work on various publishing/writing objectives until midnight.

Since as writers, we sit an excessive amount of the day, it is vital to get daily exercise. So make sure that gets in your schedule.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
My stories are unpredictable. Truth is, sometimes, I don’t even know where they are going. My muse is mysterious and creative.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I think like most children, I was all over the place with careers. I remember wishing to be an actress, a musician, a singer, a lawyer, and a veterinarian. So when I grew up, I ended up working on Wall Street for the meanest man in the entire world.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
Never take a job with anyone commonly referred to as the meanest man in the world. Life is too short to be daily tortured. But if you do, be warned, they will throw things when you finally come to your senses and quit. So wear a helmet if you resign in person. Honestly, if I had to do it over again, I’d slip a note under the door and run like hell.

If you would like to have a tattoo imprinted on a picture of yourself, then leave a comment saying TATTOO MY FACE PLEASE and your e-mail address. I will select one lucky person to imprint tats and let you know.

And a special note: Saving Casey will be reduced from $5.99 to $2.99 for the duration of the tour (March 5th-April 11th) at Amazon, B&N, DP/Bono, ARe, Coffee Time Romance, BookStrand, and Smashwords.