Monday, October 31, 2011

If I had all the Magic in the world I'd...

Honestly, if I had all the magic in the world I'd like to be just like...



Yep! Mary Poppins. You can probably guess what my house looks like right now ;)

But if I wasn't Mary Poppins, who can snap her fingers and make a room clean in no time, I would like to be just like Winter!


Winter Sky believes she is everything ordinary . . .until she is kissed by Alex Stormhold.
As seer of Stormhold Coven, Alex is sworn to be Winter’s protector against the darkness that hunts her. Violently thrust into a magical realm she always thought impossible, she stumbles upon a disturbing secret of her own.
Will love prove thicker than magic?

 

Get your fill of treats and join Elizabeth in this celebration and enter to win e-copies of her book, gift cards and many other cool prizes.
Stop by Facebook  or her blog or her website and join the fun!
And don't forget to stop by amazon and get your own copy of Darekspell.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Forbidden Sea ~ by Sheila A. Nelson


When, one stormy night, a mermaid comes to take Adrianne Keynnman's sister, Cecily,down into the depths of the sea, Adrianne knows she must fight with every ounce of her strength to protect her little sister. On land, Adrianne toils away, trying to eke out a living for her mother, sister, and aunt, after a tragic accident stole her father. Now, life takes a strange and frightening turn as Adrienne's dreams are filled with the mermaid's singing.
When it becomes clear that it isn't Cecily the mermaid wants, Adrianne wonders how she can protect her family from their superstitious island community as the mermaid attempts to lure her into the sea, night and day.

This was a fun telling of a mermaid fairytale. I was surprised (but in a good way) with the writing style and language used. Nielson really used great dialogue and description, so that by the end of the book I felt like I knew each of the characters personally. This book holds a fantastic message; bullies don't win, people who treat you badly are hurting, self-blame never works and, most of all, your actions have an impact on others. I can't wait to read other books by Nielson!

Not only is Nielson a writer, but an artist!!! Check out her blog to see her art!
windwaithemermaid.blogspot.com

Sci-Fi Chick~ chick

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Between... A visit with the author, Cyndi Tefft


Anyone in the mood for a little romance? Look no further! Cyndi Tefft's novel Between is a romance that is anything but ordinary. This story begins with the death of the protagonist, Lindsey Waters. Do not fret, Lindsey is greeted by a handsome, Scottish man, Aiden MacRae. While her journey begins in death, she discovers life during her time in between her last breath and the promise of heaven. During the this time she learns about the short life and death of Aiden. She ventures into his memories of life during the eighteenth century Europe and soon they fall in love. The thought of her leaving to enter into heaven haunts them both because Aiden cannot go with her and they will live for eternity separated. They must cherish every moment with each other because like in life they never know what moment will be their last together. When there is an unexpected turn Lindsey must face something neither of them anticipated.

How long have you been writing?
I first started writing (mostly a bunch of angst-ridden poetry) when I was in middle school as a way to deal with the emotional trauma of liking This Guy or That Guy who didn't know I was alive. Being able to purge my thoughts on paper--those words I wouldn't dare say out loud--kept me sane. It wasn't until I was married with two kids that I decided to try my hand at writing a novel. 


How was Between born?
I was watching a video of Stephenie Meyer and she seemed like a normal person. Kinda like me. I thought that if she could do it, maybe I could, too. So I did. It hasn't had the same following, though. LOL

How long did it take for you to write Between?
It took me six months to write the first draft and then I spent about 15 months editing it. The book was 800 pages when I reached the end (yikes!) so I cut it in half and focused on editing the first part, which ultimately became Between.


What other works have you done and what else do you have coming up?
Between is my first book and I am about halfway through the sequel, called Hell Transporter. Aiden is a Transporter who takes souls from earth to heaven. The sequel focuses on his counterpart who goes the other way. *cue scary music*
Where did the idea of Between come from?
I was reading Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series and fell in love with Scotland, so that was the inspiration for my leading male character, Aiden MacRae (who, I must say, is yummy). I wanted to write a good versus evil kind of story but didn't want to do angels and demons (per se), so I spent some time noodling on it and came up with the idea of the Transporter who takes souls to heaven and this realm in between the two planes, where anything can happen. 



 
What words of encouragement can you give other authors who have WIPs and are trying to get published?
Certainly, there are pros and cons to going the traditional publishing route versus doing it yourself and self-publishing. I'd say it's important to determine what your goals are and then let that guide you. Additionally, no matter where you are in your writing process, start social
networking now if you haven't already done so. Create a blog and get followers. Set up an author page on Facebook. Play and connect with other writers (and readers) on Twitter. Join communities on Goodreads, LinkedIn, AbsoluteWrite, Authonomy and others. Marketing is about getting your book in front of people, so the more eyes you have access to, the more successful you will be when the time comes. Above all, be friendly and supportive!

Thanks for having me on the blog!

***

Connect with me:
Twitter:  @cynditefft

Between is available for sale:

Personalized print copies available from cynditefft.com

Thanks so much for joining us here in ChicksandLit
www.kfridley.com


Monday, October 24, 2011

The 13 Treasures ~ by Michelle Harrison



She couldn't remember the first time she had seen them, exactly. They had always been there. She had grown up chattering away to herself as her parents looked on - at first in amusement, then later with concern.
As the years passed, she had learned to lie convincingly. Talk of fairies did not wash well with adults once you were passed a certain age . . People didn't belive in what they couldn't see.


But You Don't Always Have To See To Believe

Though her mother cannot see the evil fairies that rouse Tanya from her sleep, torturing her at the slightest mention of their existence, they are as real to the thirteen-year-old as anything she's ever known. If she could wish them away, she would, but instead it is she who is sent away - to live at her grandmother's secluded countryside manor.
There is much to explore and even more to fear in the woods surrounding the estate. But the forest isn't the only source of dark secrets, and Tanya soon finds herself entangled in a mystery that could tap her in the fairy realm forever.

This is a beautifully dark book! I loved how Harrison showed that not all fairies are goody-goody, but sometimes have bite! They steal children, commit mischief and cause mayhem on a whim. They are not friendly, or pretty - and I love them all the more for it! I would recommend this book for ages 11 and up. If you thought this book was fantastic, then check out the who series!

Thursday, October 20, 2011

~The Christmas Village ~ by Melissa Ann Goodwin






“When Jamie Reynolds comes to his grandparents' Vermont home for Christmas, he just wants things to go back to the way they were before his dad disappeared. Time and again he is drawn to Grandma's miniature Christmas Village, where he imagines that life is perfect. Late one night, the village comes to life before Jamie's eyes, and his fantasy of escaping into it becomes very real indeed.

He discovers that the village is called Canterbury, where the year is 1932. Jamie becomes fast friends with Kelly and Christopher Pennysworth, and is taken in by Ida, who runs the local boarding house. But he also makes a dangerous enemy of the mysterious and menacing Jim Gordon, whose return to town is nothing but trouble.

As Jamie desperately races against time to find his way back home, he is suddenly faced with a terrifying choice: to go ahead with his plan to leave, or to stay and help his friends, at the risk of never going home again.” 


I wept with joy as I read this book because it took me to another place and time. A time of sweet childhood memories!

With ten publications to her credit, including Guideposts, Angels on Earth, and Hopscotch for Girls, she also claims 10th place in the 2010 Writer’s Digest Annual Poetry Contest for her poem named Poppies.

I was so pleased when Melissa said she would give me an interview, so please sit back and enjoy!  

What I know of your creativity and talent after reading “The Christmas Village” Melissa is that you are a success, for sure. So, I believe your readers would love to know more about you. Please tell us a little about yourself and your writing journey.



 



1.       When did you start writing and why?



As a kid, I loved to read – I read constantly, anything and everything from Winnie the Pooh and Nancy Drew to Shakespeare and Greek and Norse mythology. Somewhere around age ten I realized that I wanted to write books as good as the ones I loved. My whole life, I have constantly been “writing” inside my head, but I didn’t dedicate myself to really writing until I was in my mid-forties. All that time in between age 10 and age 45, I put other things first – school, jobs, relationships. I used to be hard on myself for waiting so long to do what I was meant to do. But now I realize that it was better for me to come to it later in life. I think that I needed a very long gestation period, because the minute I devoted myself to writing, my work was published. It’s like it took forever, and then it happened overnight.



2.       How did you know you were ready to write a novel?



I never really know that I’m ready for anything! And it’s no different with this. It’s more that I had a story idea, and I just started writing it. I don’t seem to do well with short stories, because I always feel like there’s more to the story and it has to end too soon. So, any potential story that calls to me to be written is probably going to be a full-fledged novel, because I need the closure!



3.       Did you know that you would be published one day?



I always believed this, yes. Even during all the years when I wasn’t writing and I berated myself for not writing, deep down, I truly believed I would be published someday.



4.       Is there anything else you would like to share about your writing journey?



The main thing that I think I can share is the idea that it’s never too late to become the writer you wanted to be, and that everything that you believe has kept you from it along the way – everything you considered a detour - in some way will contribute to your success. When I worked as an executive for a large company, I thought I had gone about as far off track from my true calling as one could possibly go. Yet, there was much that I learned from that experience, much growth that I was forced to experience, that has helped me in my writing career. I was forced to lose my shyness. I learned to speak in front of large groups, I learned about marketing, and I gained confidence from knowing that if I could be good at these things that I didn’t even like, I could probably be really good at something I loved.



5.       Where do you find inspiration to write?



I am inspired by the real lives of ordinary people trying to find their way in the world. There are so many experiences and feelings that we all share as human beings - love, loss, joy, sorrow, disappointment, success. I am drawn to stories that center on the shared experiences of life.



6.       Do you have a favorite place to write and what does it look like?



It’s a big old comfy wing-backed chair that was my grandmother’s. It’s very solid and has beautiful carved legs. It’s in the living room. I did write The Christmas Village sitting at a desk, but that was before I got my laptop. Now it’s the chair, and only the chair.

7.       How organized are you when you begin a new project, whether it’s a short story or a novel? Do you outline everything or are you a “panster”?



Okay, I had to think about “pantser” for a minute! But yes, that’s what I am with my writing. I’m actually very organized, but with writing, I just have an idea and some characters and I start. I don’t outline at the beginning, because I’ve learned that what I think will happen in my story is never what actually does! So I like to just start and let the story tell me where it wants to go without constraint. However, once I am into it a little way, I do stop and sketch out where I think it’s going and how long it will take to get there. But it’s still a flexible thing, because I know that the unexpected will happen. For me, the most fun part of writing is when these surprises come out of me, and I have no idea where they came from.



8.     Where do the names for your characters come from? 



A number of the names in The Christmas Village come from my life growing up in Andover, Massachusetts, where I had a ridiculously happy childhood. Specifically, Ida, the woman who runs the boarding house, is named after the mother of my childhood best friend. She was always very kind to me. The grandmother is named Esther, and that was my grandmother’s name. In some cases, though, it’s just that I like a certain name. That’s the case with the lead character, Jamie – I just like the name.



9.      When did you know your book was ready for publication?



There came a point when I just couldn’t find anything else that I wanted to change. That’s when I knew it was ready to send to agents. I was fortunate to find an agent, but she showed me that the work still wasn’t done. We went through line-editing, and I was amazed at how many small changes we made.



10.    What was the one thing that made you take this project all the way from the beginning to the end without giving up? And what advice would you give a writer aspiring to be an author?





For some reason, with The Christmas Village, I never doubted that I would finish. I think it was partly because I knew how the story would start, and I knew how I wanted it to end, so I figured that if I stayed with it, I’d eventually be able to get from here to there. But also, it’s that I felt that it was finally time to “land the plane” so to speak – time to do what I was supposed to do in this life. I had set a goal that I would have published a book by the time I was 55. I turn 56 later this month, so I just made it under the wire.



As far as advice to aspiring authors goes, there are two things that come to mind. First, to be a good writer, you must be a voracious reader. It’s almost like osmosis – when you read and read and read, it gets into your bones and your blood and your brain matter. You come to innately understand how to put words together in a way that flows, how to pace the plot, how to write realistic dialogue. Second, get comfortable with the idea that your first draft may not be very good. Just write some stuff and don’t get too uptight about it. Then go back and make it better. Then go back and make it better again. And again. And again.



                                                      ~~~~~~~~~~~~



You asked me to share a little about our upcoming RV adventure, and I’m happy to do so. It turns out that my husband has a bit of wanderlust, something I didn’t know when I married him 27 years ago. I, on the other hand, am a confirmed homebody. If there had been a high school yearbook award called, "Most Likely Never to Move Off the Street She Grew Up On,” I would have voted for me to win it. Nevertheless, I am now rather gung-ho for this adventure, because there are so many places I want to see. Turns out I’ve become more adventurous with age.



Next spring, we will head to the east coast and then up to Nova Scotia and Quebec. For me, some of the best aspects of this journey are that we will spend more time at the ocean, and we’ll be able to visit with friends and family all along the way. In the fall, it’s likely that we will head west to Arizona and then maybe down into Texas and Florida in the winter. In the second year, I want to go to the national parks in the northwest and down through California.



I’m looking forward to having more time for writing and I think I’ll be able to set up book signings along our path. My husband is an artist, and he looks forward to doing a lot of plein aire painting.





Melissa, thank you for sharing your story with us. You are such an inspiration  to us all!



Check out the trailer of this wonderful book on her blog at  http://thechristmasvillagebook.blogspot.com



Visit with Melissa Goodwin at  http://writeryogini.blogspot.com









A native New Englander, Melissa Ann Goodwin now makes her home in Sante Fe, New Mexico with her husband Richard J. Goodwin.











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Thursday, October 13, 2011

Ethereal by Addison Moore

Ethereal

Ethereal by Addison Moore is an excellent beginning to the Celestra series! You will fall in love with her characters and the unpredictable plot that has so many twist and turns you won't know what's coming next! The protagonist, Skyla, is captivating with her quick wit and courage. She begins her story by moving from her busy life in L.A. to a small island off of Washington, Paragon. Skyla was moved by her mother and new step-father, whom she loathes. She soon finds out that they have moved into a house that once belong to a family with a girl around her age that was murdered. After meeting some of the locals she finds herself
attracted to Logan, the hot guy that dated the poor dead girl, Chloe, whose room she now occupies.

Product DetailsEven though Chloe is dead she is definitely not silent and makes her presence know to Skyla. After meeting and hanging out with Logan, Skyla discovers that that Logan posses a power that only Skyla and her late father had. Logan, and his cousin Gage, help Skyla uncover who she really is. The knowledge that Skyla gains brings about new found enemies that are a part of an epic battle that has been going on for thousands of years. Words really can not describe how amazing this series is as a whole. Moore does an amazing job of keeping the plot unpredictable. The fifth installment to this series, Vex,  is set to come out in November so you have plenty of time to catch up on this outstanding series.

Enjoy the read!!!!

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Interview with author M.d Christie

1.Did you always know you wanted to be a writer or was there something else you wanted to do as a career?

As a child, I knew I wanted to be a writer. I thought there was nothing more admirable than bringing so much joy and an escape for people.But as I got older and the dreamer in me became a “realist” and I though being awriter was a pipe dream, I became interested in medicine and childbirth. I became a birth doula, breastfeeding educator, and studied midwifery and was an apprentice for 2 years…Luckily for me, the dreamer re-surfaced & writing is the path I am meant to follow.

2. If you had the chance to co-author a book withanyone who would it
be and why?

I would love to co-author a book with J.K. Rowling. She has an amazing gift and I’d love to glean some of her process!

3. Is there any books you've read that were so emotional that you teared up?

HAHA! I am an uber tenderhearted person. It doesn’t take much… but yes. I cried reading the Harry Potter series, especially when Dumbledore dies. I also cried while reading Breaking Dawn when Bella is tying up all the loose ends in preparation to die. (the Mom in me was hurting for her)

4. What is the first book that you remember reading?

The very first book I read is called The Golden Egg Book. I was 4.

5. If your book was being made into a movie do you already have actors
in mind for each role? What bands/singers would you put on the
soundtrack?

I haven’t put a lot of thought into the actors or actresses I’d have in a movie version of my book. The idea of one of my books being made into a movie is surreal to say the least! I create a soundtrack for every book/story I write. That is a much easier answer! Currently, the songs that inspire me are:


· Drowning by Armin Van Burren & Laura V.

· Oh Darling by Plug In Stereo

· Junk of The Heart by Kooks

· Two Against One by Danger Mouse & Danielle Luppi

· Percussion Gun by White Rabbits

· Skyscraper by Demi Lovato

· Tokyo (Vampires & Werewolves) by Wombats

· Black Sheep by Metric

· How to Love by Lil Wayne

· Love You Like a Love Song by Selena Gomez

· Every Teardrop is a Waterfall by Coldplay

· Shelter by XX

· What I Wouldn’t Give by Holly Brook

· New Soul by Yael Naim

· The Call by Regina Spektor

· In My Arms by Plumb

· If I Die Young by The Band Perry

· Good Feeling by Flo Rida

6. What are 10 random facts about yourself?

1. I am a fantastic cook
2. I love to entertain
3. I am a foodie
4. I am a movie buff
5. I love all types of music
6. I am the baby in my family
7. I have four children
8. I used to live on a 10 acre farm
9. My Husband is my best friend
10. I am way too addicted to social media





Sunday, October 9, 2011

Faith, Hope, and Ivy June ~ by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor



Complete opposites, Ivy June Mosley and Cathrine Combs, are chosen for an exchange program. Ivy June's family doesn't have running water - they use a outhouse and get ready for the day at their kitchen sink. Cathrine's family has a two story house with five bathrooms. Ivy June thinks, "The Combs will be polite - crisp as soda cracker on the outside, hard as day old biscuits underneath,". Cathrine thinks, "The Mosley's will be sort of hard to get to know at first, but they'll tell me just what they think if I ask their opinion about something. They'll be easily offended if they feel I'm putting them down. And it's probably true that they're mistrustful of outsiders and want to stick to traditions."

I thought this book was marvelous! Naylor teaches you not to judge a book by it's cover. Readers will experience humor, controversy, suspense, and love as Ivy June and Catherine's adventure unfolds. It's a perfect friendship book for girls 10 and up.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Deadly Intent by Laura Eno

In the spirit of Halloween coming up at the end of the month, I am featuring a chiller-thriller called....DEADLY INTENT by Laura Eno.

Police Chief Jonathon Brier certainly has his work cut out for him in this seemingly quiet little town of Wood Park, when a violent thunderstorm wreaks havoc on it's townspeople and leaves behind a danger know one could ever imagine. Even Madame Vorchka, who was no stranger to evil, felt the terror.

                  


                      DEADLY INTENT will chill you to the bone......





Laura Eno lives in Florida with a very tolerant husband, three sulking cats and two absurdly happy dogs. She has a pet from the Underworld named Jezebel and a skull called Mr. Fluffy, who help her write novels late at night. 
For more of her strange imagination, visit her at http://www.lauraeno.blogspot.com 
I know she would love for you to "LIKE" her facebook page by clicking on the link below 
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Laura-Eno-Author/134585119922908
And you can also find her on twitter at http://twitter.com/lauraeno

Other books by Laura Eno are:

Realms of the Red Rabbit, Book One
Realms of the Red Rabbit, Book Two
Seducer of Her Dreams
Prophecy Moon

Don't Fall Asleep, A Dream Assassin Novel 
and Tempest Child


Disclaimer.....
Don't read this alone!!!


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Monday, October 3, 2011

Interview with Sherry Gammon, author of Unlovable

1. Did you always know you wanted to be a writer or was there something else
you wanted to do as a career?

 I began writing poetry as a child to deal with
some things that were going on in my life. It helped me to deal with
everything. As I grew older, writing became an outlet.

2. If you had the chance to co-author a book with anyone who would it be and
why?

 There are three authors actually. One JK Rowling. Why...Duh! Neil
Giaman- author of The Graveyard Book. His writing is edgy and out there, I
would love to be around when he creates! The third author would be Cindy
Bennett, author of Geek Girl and Heart on a Chain. She has a natural talent,
and I have learned a lot from her. It would be awesome to write a book with
her!

3. Is there any books you've read that were so emotional that you teared up?

Yes! Cindy Bennett's Geek Girl and Heart on a Chain! Also Les Miserable, by
Victor Hugo.

4. What is the first book that you remember reading?

Dr. Seuss and Beverly Cleary. I love the poetic styling of Seuss. I've read them all to my kids
numerous times. And Beverly Cleary's books are sooooo fun. I adore Ramona!

5. If your book was being made into a movie do you already have actors in
mind for each role? What bands/singers would you put on the soundtrack?

 I have a Q and A group on Goodreads, and several of my readers and I made up a
list. These are the winners: Lilly Collins for Maggie, Alex Pettyfer for
Seth, Paul Walker for Cole, Karl Urban for Booker, and Demi Moore as the
Mom!. Playlist!! One of my readers made up a playlist. I have it on my blog.
It is awesome! http://wordpaintingsunlimited.blogspot.com/

6. What are 10 random facts about yourself?
1. I'm clumsy
2. I have six kids
3. My dog Daisy May(Lab) is in the book
4. Unlovable is loosely bases on two girls I grew up with
5. I have lived in 5 different states
6. I have HUGE feet
7. Fall is my favorite time of year
8. I live in New York and I love it.
9. I am a political junky!
10. I don't watch much TV, but I LOVE "Bones!"