Lizzy Stevens Blog

Guest Blogger: Stephen Jared

2012-03-02T08:51:00.006-08:00

STEPHEN JARED on early Hollywood

Los Angeles started as other Southwest American cities. There was nothing unusual about her birth. It was Hollywood that eventually dressed her up in funny clothes, gave her personality. When great barns were erected and cameras began to grind, riches came and depravity followed, the likes of which had perhaps not been seen since the days of ancient Rome (one of the silent era’s favorite settings).

Cecil B. DeMille’s office is still around from this time, exactly as it was. After running away from stage disappointments and creating a career as master of the cinematic spectacle, DeMille worked at an office on Vine, just south of Hollywood Boulevard. It has since been moved to Highland, across from the Hollywood Bowl where it remains today as part of a sad little museum (the nearby blind palm reader gets more foot-traffic).

Walk a block south and there’s a movie theater built ninety years ago to resemble an Egyptian temple. The first premiere at the Egyptian was Robin Hood. Douglas Fairbanks shot his epic swashbuckler only two boulevards south of the theater. His studio is still there and for many years I’ve driven by, always imagining I could see the Robin Hood castle rising into the clouds high above studio walls. Back when Fairbanks was king of Hollywood, his playgrounds were visible from miles away.

Tragically, while Manhattan and the nation’s capital flaunt their history, Los Angeles hides hers. She insists on obsessively transforming herself to appear young and trendy. She disguises herself as a Vanity Fair for giants. But if you travel on foot beneath billboards and wall adverts you might discover a few places where she hides her relics.

While Mann’s Chinese Theater, the Hollywood sign, and various movie studios have been re-contextualized into our modern era, there are many lesser known locations that have maintained the aesthetics of their times; these are the places that intrigue me the most.

When Douglas Fairbanks separated from Mary Pickford, he stayed at the Trianon Apartments. The French Normandy building is still there, looking exactly as it did then. Both Ronald Reagan and James Cagney lived for a time at the Montecito. The first Academy Awards ceremony was held at The Roosevelt Hotel in 1929, and while renovations have occurred, the Spanish-style hotel continues to serve as a portal to an earlier Hollywood. The Alto Nido Apartments was home to Fatty Arbuckle for three years, and still stands only a couple doors up from where Nathanael West wrote The Day of the Locust (Personally, I hate West. Judging from his most famous novel where he demeans marginal figures among the Hollywood community, he would’ve hated me. He’s lucky he’s not around today cause I’d punch his lights out.).

I’ve lived in Los Angeles for over twenty years, and have been reading about Hollywood’s history most of my life. My new novel, Ten-A-Week Steale, began with a single inspiration: to write a story that accurately resurrected Hollywood during the 1920s. All locations are real. Steale’s apartment still stands (barely). In fact, in my research, I discovered two silent film actresses lived at the Leland Avenue apartment during the 1920s. Classic films and action-oriented pulps influenced me a great deal as to story and characterizations. But the first inspiration was my love of this extraordinary city.

Occasionally, I catch her looking at me. “Do you know who I am?” she asks. “How much do you know about my past?” Truthfully, it’s hard for me to see beyond the beauty she once was.

Ten-A-Week Steale

Returned from the Great War, living in 1920s Hollywood, Walter Steale is hired as muscle by his politician brother while a platinum blond, renowned for playing empty-headed nymphets in the flickers, rekindles his faith in the world. But before long, lies stack up around his work, and Steale finds himself on the front lines of corruption.Once he confronts his brother, Steale’s dirty work is used against him to protect powerful state leaders. Forced into the life of a fugitive, with the secret love of a film star at his side, the former GI fights to expose the state’s true enemies while hiding in the shadows of a thriving new metropolis where everyone is dancing fast, chased by sorrow, drugged by the dream of change.

Available at:

Amazon Smashwords Solstice Publishing

Guest Blogger: Rachel Beam

2012-02-28T08:36:00.004-08:00

Reviews: Bad Vs. Good Vs. None

By Rachel Beam

One of the lessons that was relentlessly pounded into my head throughout my college experience, was that one must have a thick skin in order to be a writer. This was a lesson I fully expected to learn. I went to one of the most competitive schools in the country and, although my former classmates and I entered the program thinking we were the best of the best, to be coddled by my instructors would have been a huge disappointment. It may or may not be important to mention here that I did not go to school to be a novelist, I went to learn the craft of screenwriting and the art of playwriting. Nevertheless, the same rules apply – get used to rejection and kiss industry ass. Of course, the reality of the pointlessness of going to college to “learn” how to be a writer didn’t fully set in until long after I graduated, but I digress (one of my more annoying habits).

So, reviews… Bad ones. To me, the only bad reviews are the nitpicky ones. If you’re going to attack my story’s structure, don’t bother; it is exactly as it should be. If you’re going to attack my sentence structure, save your energy for the same reason – it’s going right over my head. If you’re going to attack my dialogue…well…please don’t. You might as well just kick me in the vagina, because I will cry myself to sleep. The reviews I value most – “bad” or “good” – are the ones that attack my characters and the story itself.

I don’t write about happy things. I don’t think I even have the ability to do so. My writing is and always has been about ugliness, trauma, disturbing images. In short, the crappy side of life. I don’t strive to uplift my readers, or give them shiny happy feelings about humanity and such. I want to give my readers nightmares; I want to upset them; I want them to be reminded of all the nastiness that the world has to offer. Don’t get me wrong, I am not an angry, pessimistic person who dwells on flaws and the faults of others. I am, in fact, quite the opposite. To illicit such negative reactions from my readers, however, tells me that I’ve done my job well. Tell me that every last one of my characters is unredeemable; tell me that my story made you feel violated; tell me that I gave you nightmares; tell me that I made you sick; tell me that I must be a pretty twisted person to write such filth; tell me that I disgust you and I will know that I did my job well, because I have caused a very visceral reaction that is not likely to leave you anytime soon.

Ah…that felt good to say. I am sorry to report that I don’t get as many such reviews as I would like. No matter. The good stuff feels just as good.

Now I would like to share some positive reviews that I have received:

“Your story is moving, scary, seedy and gripping all at once. Your writing is superb and so effectively captures the seediness of Key West that I've taken it off my dream list of potential holiday spots.”

“There are a lot of echoes of 'Lolita' here, of course, but it's like a dark-hearted version of that story ... it's amazing that the reader is still so drawn even to such a horrific wreck of a man. A testament to your skill.”

“Spare, assured writing which sucks readers into a world they'd love to pass by. You capture the superficial soul of the loaded transaction superbly.”

Believe it or not, I’m actually a pretty humble person and positive impressions of my work really do tend to make me a little uncomfortable. It should also be pointed out here that all of these reviews came from members of a site called authonomy.com, where authors showcase their work for criticism, praise and the hope that it will make it onto the desk of an agent or publisher. A lot of the reviews were followed by requests for reciprocation, so who knows what these people really thought. Obviously, I’m not trying to toot my own horn here, but toot-effin’-toot.

Now it’s time for us to talk about the non-review. I’m not sure if this is something a whole lot of people consider in the world of reviews, but I think the term pretty much speaks for itself. The non-review can go in two different directions. The first direction might come from a friend or family member, who is beyond being unimpressed, but doesn’t want to hurt your feelings. “I liked it,” or “it’s good” would be the two most obvious examples. Most of my friends and family members know me well enough to not even bother with this type of b.s. Truth be told, I’d rather have a root canal.

The second direction the non-review can go in is absolutely nowhere, oblivion, silence. To me, this hurts more than anything when it comes to my writing. Back in college, my writing classes were all workshop-based – we would spend the week writing, have our work read in class and then critique each other. The first two semesters of this were extremely helpful. I was placed with a group of people who always had something to say, be it negative or positive. The remaining semesters were a different story altogether. Each week, my work was met with silence; dead silence. Did they hate what I had to offer? Obviously. Even more obvious than that was the fact that they didn’t think it worthy enough to tell me it sucked. Instead, I received cold stares, as did the floor, the ceiling and whatever happened to be going on outside the window of our seventh-floor classroom. Dear readers, I implore you, don’t ever do this to someone; it is beyond humiliating and most people don’t deserve it. Say what you feel, exactly what you feel; just say something.

So there you have my ten cents (keep the change). A bad review is never really that bad. A good review should not make you feel invincible. A non-review…well…just do your best to ignore it. The most important thing in any and all scenarios is to just keep writing.

Hear Him Cry

Available at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Hear-Him-Cry-ebook/dp/B0051VY9SW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1330447165&sr=8-2

58-year-old Henry, a remorseful man who lives mainly in his head, has just been reunited with Tessa, the daughter of his estranged best friend. Tessa has just been abandoned in a strange city by the last man she was able to trust.Each essentially alone in the world, they forge an instant and seemingly unbreakable bond. But Henry must come to terms with an unforgivable mistake he made 15 years earlier; a secret shame that tore Tessa’s family apart. As the past begins to unfold, he struggles to confess before she discovers the truth for herself.

Is Everyone cut out to be an author?

2012-02-27T11:36:00.005-08:00

Welcome to my blog everyone!!!!

My blog topic today is: Is everyone cut out to be an author today?

What exactly is an author? Is it simply somebody who writes a book or is it much more than that today?

I truly believe that writing the book is just a small piece of the package. I think as an author in today's world there is much more to it.

Maybe I am wrong in my thinking but shouldn't we also:

* Brand our name.

* Self Promote

* Social network and make connections with people.

*blog -- guest blog on other blogs -- allow others to guest blog on your blog

* And sooooo much more LOL.

Questions for discussion:

1. Are you truly an author if you sit back and do nothing and expect the publisher to do it all?

Then complain when you don't get good sales.

2. What truly makes a person an author today?

Is it simply writing a book?

Is it getting a book published?

Is it becoming a Best Seller?

What standards do we set for ourselves before we officially call ourselves an author?

For me it was breaking free of my shyness before I could truly call myself an author. I got my first contract in 2008 and I wouldn't tell anyone LOL. I was excited and of course told my husband, parents, sister. You know everyone close to you but the thought of twitter and facebook and all that overwhelmed me big time LOL.

I finally decided to dive in and then there was no turning back. LOL It's official. You have told the world LOL.

What I learned though was that it is actually fun to get involved with social networking sites like facebook, twitter and blogs. I've met alot of really cool people.

New Release

Available now:

Edward Teach, better known as the pirate Blackbeard, was killed November 22, 1718. Two months before, he purposely ran his ship, Queen Anne’s Revenge, aground at what is now called Beaufort Inlet. He emptied the ship of all treasures into his other ship, The Tender, and fled to where nobody knows. Two months later, when he reappeared, he was killed in battle, and his body was tossed into the ocean. To this day, nobody knows where the treasure went.For years, people have searched high and low for his treasure. It has been said that Blackbeard said nobody but he and the devil knew where it was located.Cassie Andrews returns to Branson Missouri to clean out her grandfather’s house, who recently passed away. While emptying the attic she comes across an old diary belonging to a woman who claims to have been married to Edward Teach. Cassie soon realizes that she holds the key to the famous Blackbeard’s Treasure. Cassie turns to her friend Levi for help in finding the treasure. "In her zeal to uncover the clues to Blackbeard's Treasure Cassie lands herself in the hospital. Attraction explodes off the page as Levi nurses Cassie back to health and together they experience the adventure of a lifetime to uncover their true feelings for one another and Blackbeard's Treasure.

Available on amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Blackbeards-Treasure-ebook/dp/B007AVMUGO/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1330371447&sr=1-1

Is General Fiction Becoming A Thing Of The Past

2012-02-19T04:35:00.000-08:00

Is general fiction becoming a thing of the past?

When I search eBook publishers, their “wants list” usually consists of romance of all kinds, from sweet to erotic, paranormal stories of any kind, fantasies (no complaints here as my story, Hike Up Devil’s Mountain, is peppered with magic and fantasy), and science fiction. Vampires and werewolves seem to have a lot of staying power these days! Do you think paranormal is a fad? I mean a REALLY BIG fad?

So my question is - has family fiction gone by the wayside? I’m talking mother/daughter trauma, father/daughter trauma, grandmother/…..well you get my drift. What about family “feel good” fiction? Do these types of stories have a place in today’s world? Do publishing houses find these types of stories passé?

I tend to write short stories. Most are under 12,000 words, so eBooks are huge for me. I have a few stories I have written, under this umbrella of family fiction.

Do I hide them in my closet, along with my best selling novel I wrote 20 years ago, or do I…..G U L P…..feed my wood burning stove?

Hike Up Devil's Mountain

Ten-year old Andy Thompson disobeys his mother and sneaks into the basement of an old abandoned house that’s due for demolition. He stumbles upon a mysterious box under an old cabinet. And his troubles begin when he looks inside.

The Crew brothers, twelve-year old Jason, and ten-year old Danny, also find their way to the basement. New to town, Jason has established himself as the school bully. A struggle ensues between Andy and Jason and the bully ends up as a toad.

Somehow, the boys must reverse the magical spell. And that means hiking up the dread mountain: fast pace, fast action and just a few scares and surprises on the way! The lives of all three boys seem destined to change forever, if they survive…

Solstice Publishing

http://www.solsticepublishing.com/products/Hike-Up-Devil%27s-Mountain%252d%252dPDF-EBOOK.html

Blackbeard's Treasure

2012-02-18T15:32:00.000-08:00

Edward Teach, better known as the pirate Blackbeard, was killed November 22, 1718. Two months before, he purposely ran his ship, Queen Anne’s Revenge, aground at what is now called Beaufort Inlet. He emptied the ship of all treasures into his other ship, The Tender, and fled to where nobody knows. Two months later, when he reappeared, he was killed in battle, and his body was tossed into the ocean. To this day, nobody knows where the treasure went.For years, people have searched high and low for his treasure. It has been said that Blackbeard said nobody but he and the devil knew where it was located.

Cassie Andrews returns to Branson Missouri to clean out her grandfather’s house, who recently passed away. While emptying the attic she comes across an old diary belonging to a woman who claims to have been married to Edward Teach. Cassie soon realizes that she holds the key to the famous Blackbeard’s Treasure. Cassie turns to her friend Levi for help in finding the treasure.

"In her zeal to uncover the clues to Blackbeard's Treasure Cassie lands herself in the hospital. Attraction explodes off the page as Levi nurses Cassie back to health and together they experience the adventure of a lifetime to uncover their true feelings for one another and Blackbeard's Treasure

Only 99 Cents!!!

http://www.amazon.com/Blackbeards-Treasure-ebook/dp/B007AVMUGO/ref=sr_1_13?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1329607636&sr=1-13

Guest Blogger: Gary Peterson

2012-02-15T09:35:00.000-08:00

Memoirs of the 1960’s

I’ve been asked why my mysteries focus on the 1960’s, instead of the 30’s and 40’s. There are actually two reasons. First, there are a lot of books written about these eras and I wanted my novels to be different and exciting. I grew up in the 60’s and remembered the drive-in theaters, the soda fountains, and what constituted a normal day at that time. I didn’t rely totally on my memories, however, and spent a considerable amount of time doing research before starting to write my novels. I looked up the names of major food chains, cost of grocery items, makes and models of vehicles, and speed zones for the states visited by my characters. An interesting tidbit is that most states only had one telephone area code at that time. Although the names of the cities I created are fictitious I was careful to use the crime solving tools available to law enforcement. For example, computers were used only sparingly by major cities, there was no DNA testing, and the Miranda Warnings did not exist in 1961 or 1962.

Now, the second reason for using the 1960’s. I wanted to make my hero, George Peabody, a hard working family man who is doing the best he can and not a flamboyant hard- boiled detective like Mike Hammer. During this era there were not a lot of social programs available and if a family was down on their luck they were in real trouble. This is the situation facing the Peabody household at the start of my first novel, The Old Miller Place. George has been blackballed by his previous employer for a vicious lie told my one of his employees. His parents are deceased and he has no one to count on. His wife, Elizabeth, has been estranged by her family for marrying him. An employer takes a chance on him and the family buys an old house that is haunted. While trying to find out what is going on he meets a retired detective, Gary Wise, who helps him solve the murders that occur throughout the book. This detective is very bright, but also highly impulsive, which gets both of them in trouble on a regular basis. In the sequel, The Millpond Murder Case, Gary’s nephew, Harvey Hanson, is introduced. He is the sheriff of a small sawmill town just north of Springdale. Bodies keep showing up at the mill and the murderer calls Hanson with fractured nursery rhymes. Peabody and Wise help him solve these murders as well as locate the missing relatives of an old man, Kevin Wainwright, who dies in a mysterious automobile accident. This ghost haunts George throughout the novel and appears at the most inopportune times causing him a lot of embarrassment and laughter for the readers.

The Old Miller Place

In 1961 George Peabody struggles for months to find employment. When he is about ready to give up he lands a job with a small newspaper. He likes the area and talks his wife, Elizabeth; into buying an old rundown house. Objects start moving by themselves and an icy presence permeates the entire house. Is he and his family safe? He researches the old house’s history and learns of grizzly murders that had taken place there. An attorney is bludgeoned to death and a woman turns up dead in the back of his truck. He is accused of both murders and is on trial for his life. Has he been framed for their murders by a crooked cop, Detective Strausser, or is it someone else? Are the murders of the past somehow connected to what is currently going on? Suddenly he is abducted by the real killer. It becomes a race against time as a retired police detective, Gary Wise, and his ex-partner, Detective Thayer, search for clues to find him.

Solstice Publishing
PDF File Compatible to the Nook
http://www.solsticepublishing.com/products/The-Old-Miller-Place%252d%252d%252dPDF-EBOOK.html

Amazon
Kindle File
http://www.amazon.com/The-Old-Miller-Place-ebook/dp/B004R1Q4ZI/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1329327620&sr=1-1

A Reluctant Psychic

2012-02-13T05:35:00.000-08:00

Welcome Dianne Hartsock to my blog today!

A Reluctant Psychic

We have a ghost haunting the gift store where I work. Faucets will turn on when no one’s near them. Things will fall off shelves. A co-worker says a pair of scissors flew off a table and landed in the middle of the room in front of her eyes. I know she seemed shaken up when she came running over to tell me about it. Actually, I would consider this to be the work of a poltergeist, but since we don’t have an angst-ridden teenager working with us, it’s unlikely.
Now, do I really believe we’re being haunted? Probably not, but isn’t it fun to think so? Doesn’t it give you the shivers to imagine a specter creeping around the store trying to convey some sort of message? To me, the paranormal adds that spice of the unknown and thrill of danger to life.
And really, who can resist those romantic as hell vampires, werewolves and shifters? Not me! In and out of a book, I like to think they roam the darker edges of the world.
But more than these, I’m fascinated by psychic phenomenon. The thought of telekinesis and mind reading, the power of the mind over matter, fills my world with wonder. What if it is true? What if there are people whose visions are real and dreams foretell the future? It’s this feeling of amazing possibility I try to capture in my writing.
My paranormal thriller novel, ALEX, is the story of an unwilling psychic. I wanted to create a character who, by his very nature, could suspend disbelief for the duration of a novel.
With ALEX, I wondered what extreme circumstances could lead to his ‘gift’. I decided it would have to start with his childhood. Alone and isolated, living with the anguish of an abusive parent, perhaps a person’s mind would expand, seeking escape from the sadness and loneliness of life.

Example:

He stood at the top of the basement stairs, his heart racing. He could barely stand, he was so frightened, and he had to clutch the railing to keep from falling. He didn’t even know what he’d done wrong this time. She hadn’t told him.

A sob choked him, but he swallowed it back. She wouldn’t make him cry! Not again.

“Alex!” she called from the darkness.

A violent tremor passed through him. He took one last look at the kitchen. He just wanted to look at the sky beyond the window. He just wanted Mama to be kind.

He squared his shoulders and took his first step into the darkness, then another. It was his birthday today. He was twelve and he had to be brave.

I believed his isolation would also make Alex hypersensitive to the people around him. He’d be empathetic to the point where he could sense and sometimes see the emotions of others. Their thoughts would leap to him in a wave of a sympathetic connection.

Example:

“Doctor Beckett’s here. Will you let him take a look at you?”

He widened his eyes in alarm. “What?”

“It’ll be okay, I promise. Will you do this for me? I called him because I’ve been worried about you.”

He looked closely at her. She seemed tired and stressed. “Okay. But will you stay with me?” He regretted sounding like a child. “Forget I said that.”

She nodded and called the doctor. When Beckett entered the room, Alex stared unwittingly at the angry swirls of purple and blue radiating from him. His thoughts became entangled in a web of the doctor’s own. He saw the images of a tiny girl with enormous blue eyes and a bleeding heart. “Megan,” he whispered, tears in his eyes for the little girl on the cold table.

Beckett gave him a piercing look but said nothing.

Another example:

A knock on the front door disrupted their kiss. They both looked up and Jane reluctantly stepped from his arms. “Come in.”

The screen door creaked open and Ben joined them. There was strain around his eyes. He ran a hand through his hair, not meeting anyone’s eyes. Alex began to ask a question but fell silent when Ben glanced up. The man’s eyes were dark with emotion and his thoughts leaped to Alex in a wave of anguish.

“No,” Alex said.

Ben’s shoulders sagged. “Sally had a stroke this morning.”
“Oh, no,” Jane murmured.

“She doesn’t remember me.” He made a visible effort for self-control, folding his arms across his chest.

Alex cleared his throat. “Can we see her?”

“She’s in the ICU.” His armor cracked. “I can’t talk about her right now.”

“But …”

Ben cut him off with a sharp gesture, his voice bitter. “I don’t want to know what you see.”

After establishing Alex’s gift in the story, I wanted to add the danger such ability could bring to him. Another fascination of mine is the police psychic. They must be driven by their visions to help the police. Why else would they risk retaliation?

Example:

His back was to the door, but an icy chill ran through him anyway. Instinctively, he knew who’d come in. Looking around, he saw that Angie had disappeared, while Becca was on the other side of the store with a customer.

Warily, he turned. Bobby Gibson stared at him with dull, emotionless eyes, his young face expressionless. A rugged man with shaggy blond hair stood at the boy’s shoulder. Alex staggered as the man’s dark aura struck him like a physical blow. The black and deep purple boiling from the man engulfed him. He couldn’t think, much less breathe.

The man held out a thick callused hand. “Name’s Gibson. I just wanted to thank you for saving the boy here.”

He stared at the hand in horror, seeing blood where there wasn’t any.

“The misses would like to thank you, too. Unfortunately, she can’t leave the house. I’d like you to come with us so she can thank you in person.”

Alex blinked at him. The man spoke, but it sounded like babble. The blackness surrounding Gibson found its way into him, making him sick and dizzy. He swayed helplessly, while confusing images crowded his mind, one after another, impressions of darkness and rusted chains, damp walls.

Gibson grasped his arm and guided him from the store, finding him compliant to his directing. A gray flatbed truck stood at the curb. Rousing to the danger, Alex balked when Gibson opened the door. He pulled sharply on his arm to be free, but a blow to his face staggered him. Dazed, he was shoved onto the oily floorboards, and the boy climbed in on top of him. Doors slammed and the truck started.

The heat and smell of gasoline exacerbated his nausea, and he vomited. The man swore and cuffed him, knocking his head against the corner of the glove box. After that, all went black.

I had the premise for ALEX, next came the research, research and more research: true stories of psychic phenomenon, police procedures, murder cases, and child abuse. I can tell you truly that some of the scenes in my story are the most difficult I’ve ever written. There were times I had to walk away, go outside and clear my head of the horror and sadness caused by the things I was writing down. Was it worth it? Oh, definitely. The time and commitment I put into this story makes ALEX a book I can be proud of.

But this also brings up an interesting question. How many of you actually believe in psychic phenomenon? I’d love to hear your answers.

Thank you so much for stopping by and feel free to contact me any time.

Dianne Hartsock
Blog: http://diannehartsock.wordpress.com/
FB: http://www.facebook.com/diannehartsock
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/diannehartsock
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4850270.Dianne_Hartsock

Buy Alex Today:

Alex is twenty and confused. He always is. The world presses on him with its horrors and pain, with scintillating auras that pierce his eyes and drive the migraines deeper. He hears the cries of children, the screaming women. He sees the brutal images of the tortured victims. He feels out of control and his mind slips...
Severely abused as a child, he is left with horrible scars on his body and even worse scars within his mind. Even though it puts him in danger, he’s compelled to help those who call to him. He’s driven, motivated by his visions to rescue them and uncover the killer. When he can, he helps the police; yet some detectives suspect he’s the cause of the problem, not the solution. Often, Alex finds himself alone and afraid in a world he doesn’t always comprehend.

Solstice Publishing

http://www.solsticepublishing.com/products/Alex%252d%252dPDF-EBOOK.html

Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Alex-ebook/dp/B0053QZHLS/ref=sr_1_1_title_1_kin?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1329140389&sr=1-1

Haunted By Her Past

2012-02-07T11:36:00.000-08:00

Only 99 Cents!!! Get it today!!!

http://www.amazon.com/Haunted-By-Her-Past-ebook/dp/B003KN3F7O/ref=sr_1_10?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1328643511&sr=1-10

blurb:

Stephanie Watson is in the run for her life. She is leaving her abusive boyfriend,Anthony, who is tied to the mob. She knows that he will be able to find her with little effort. She runs anyway hoping that with a good head start she will out smart him.During her journey, she finds a bed and breakfast on a ranch in Montana. Her plan is to stay only a couple of days before making her way to Canada. Those plans change when she meets Wade Jenson. His mother owns the bed and breakfast. After weeks of being there, Stephanie falls in love with Wade. He is the man of her dreams and treats her with the love and caring that she never got from Anthony. She knows deep down that it can't last and she's right. Anthony finds them and plans to kill Wade. Can Stephanie stop it before it can happen? Will she ever be safe from Anthony? Will she ever find happiness?

Review:

Seriously Reviewed:

Though not what I would consider a typical romance story the plot was well thought out. Complete with main characters, a bad guy, a conflict and a resolution....of sorts :) Though the writing seemed a bit novice at times the authors ability to weave a complex and detailed tale was above par. The only other thing I can say without spoiling is that I hate it when main characters die. Though I totally understand the authors need to do this in the story, Like every other reader who becomes invested in a story and it's characters when you loose one, it sucks. I will be on the lookout for more from this author. I liked her ability to work a story and would like to see more from her.

Excerpt:

Chapter One

The storm was getting worse. The thunder sounded like cannons going off on a battlefield. Stephanie Watson couldn't even see the road in front of her car because of the rain. She had been driving for a week and still had no idea where she was going. Stephanie had to get away from him. What was she going to do now? That was the question she had been thinking about for days now. She kept looking in the rear-view mirror as she drove down the road. She knew that he wasn't behind her. He couldn't be, but something made her look anyway.
Nightfall was setting in and she had to find a place to stay at. A motel, though, was the least of her worries. Stephanie had to find a new life for herself. Where would she go? What would she do? She saw a motel up ahead and decided to pull into it for the night. It was in the middle of nowhere, but they had a diner next to it and she was starving.
Stephanie checked into the hotel and then went over to the diner. She needed a warm meal and a good nights' sleep. She had a long drive ahead of her. She had no idea where she was going, but she knew that it had to be far away. It had to be far enough away from him that he couldn't find her.
After eating, she went back over to the motel gift shop to find some clothes. She had left without packing a thing. Stephanie was a beautiful woman with light brown hair that went halfway down her back. She wasn't too short, but not too tall either. She always seemed to fit in the just right category. She was a nice size 8. She wasn't fat, but she wasn't sickly thin like some of those super models that she saw on the TV. She enjoyed a double cheeseburger and fries from time to time.
How she ever got mixed up with the son of the head of the New Jersey Mob was beyond her. When she first met Anthony Carmichael, she had no idea who he was. He was, at the time, extremely kind to her. She had car trouble one night and Anthony stopped to help her. They were inseparable from that moment on. How was she supposed to know who his family was, or what kind of man he was, for that matter. The secrets, lies, abuse, and crimes were finally too much for her, but once you are in the Carmichael family, there is no getting out.
Stephanie didn't mean to shoot Anthony. She just wanted to get away from him. He was going to kill her. For her own sake, she should have killed him. When he is released from the hospital, he is going to kill her.
Stephanie was snapped out of her thoughts by the sales woman at the motel gift shop.
“Can I help you, Ms.? You seem to be studying that shirt very hard. Can I answer any questions about it for you?”
Stephanie looked up in shock. “Oh, I'm sorry. I guess I was in my own little world for a minute. I'm fine. I just need to pick up a few outfits and personal items. I think I can find everything on my own.”
She continued to shop for a few minutes and then took her purchases back to her room. She didn't have a lot of money, but she had taken a few thousand dollars out of Anthony's safe, which made this whole ordeal that much worse. He would want revenge for her shooting him and stealing his money. What was she going to do? Stephanie knew she needed to find a home somewhere Anthony wouldn't think to look, and she would need a job; because the money she took was going to run out, fast.
Stephanie took a long hot shower and went to bed for the night. She tossed and turned the entire night and woke up the next morning feeling as if she never went to sleep at all. She got up, got dressed and headed to the diner for breakfast.
Stephanie sat down at the table and glanced at the menu for a few minutes.
“Can I take your order?”
Stephanie looked up at the waitress staring at her. “Oh, let's see. I guess just give me two scrambled eggs with a little cheese melted on them, some bacon, and toast with jelly. Thanks.”
“Would you like anything to drink with that?”
Stephanie looked down at the menu again to see what they offered. “I know it's probably strange to hear this early in the morning, but I would really like a Dr. Pepper with my breakfast.”
“No problem.” The waitress said as she walked off.
Stephanie got out her atlas as she waited for her food to cook. She needed a plan. She had left New Jersey over a week ago. She couldn't keep driving forever. She would need to decide on a place and get there fast. She desperately needed to get settled.
Stephanie paid her bill and then walked to her car. She got in and looked at the map one more time. It was now or never. It was time to pick a destination and a new life. She studied it hard. Where would I like to live? She had decided that she wasn't leaving that spot until she had made a decision. Okay, it's decided. I'm going to Montana.
She drove for what seemed like forever by the time she crossed the state line into Montana. Now what? That was the question. She made it into Montana, but she had no clue of what to do now. She pulled into the Welcome Center to read up about her new state. She had never been to Montana before. Stephanie walked into the office and started picking up every brochure that she could get her hands on. Something in that office had to grab her attention.
“Excuse me. Is there anything I can help you with?”
Stephanie looked up to see an elderly man sitting behind the desk. “Not really.” She said. “This is my first time to Montana and I don't really know what I want to do.”
“Well you have come to the right place.” The man told her. “My name is Wes. I've lived here my whole life. It's a great place. What you want to do is go over to the Jenson's Bed and Breakfast. It is the most beautiful ranch house you will ever see. It is worth the two hour drive out there. I will promise you that.”
“That sounds wonderful. Can you give me directions to it? I would love to go out there.”
The man jotted down some directions on a piece of notebook paper and handed it to her. “You can't miss it if you follow these directions.”
Stephanie headed out of the building with a load taken off her shoulders. At least she had a place to go now. The rest she would figure out in time.
***
Stephanie followed the directions precisely. It was actually quite easy to find. She stayed on the main highway for most of the drive and then about forty-five minutes before she made it to the driveway, she turned onto a dirt road. Her car would definitely need a car wash after that. The dirt clouds were flying the entire time she was on the road.
At the end of a long gravel driveway was the most beautiful house Stephanie had ever seen. She couldn't believe it. It was a two story log cabin with a wrap around porch. It even had a lunch bell on it. I wonder if they actually ring that when it's lunch and dinner time? She thought to herself. This place looked like it was straight out of a Western movie. It was going to be a nice change from the city life. She stared out across the fields never seeing an end in sight. This would be a great getaway for the night, but she still needed to find a job and a place to live.
Stephanie parked the car and walked to the front door. There was a welcome sign hanging on the door that read “Always open. Come on in.” So she opened the door and walked inside. As soon as she walked in she saw an older woman sweeping the floor.
“Hello, my name's Stephanie. I was told that this is a great place to stay. Do you have a room for the night or maybe two?”
“Hello Dear. I'm Tanya Jenson. It's nice to meet you. Of course we have a room. We always have room.”
“Great. I'll take a room for awhile.”
Tanya looked at the sadness in that complete stranger 's eyes and felt sorry for her. “Awhile? You’re not sure how long you will be staying?
Stephanie wasn't quite sure how to answer. “Well, I need to find a job and a place to live. Moving here wasn't completely thought out and planned very well.”
Tanya had a soft spot for troubled people. “Well, Stephanie, you are in luck. I am currently looking for a cook for the bed and breakfast. The pay isn't great but it includes free room and board so that makes up the difference, if you're interested.”
Stephanie couldn't believe what she was hearing. This was like an answer to her prayers. It would be perfect. “I would love that, but you don't even know me. Why are you doing this for me?”
Tanya looked over at her with a smile. “I'm a good judge of character. I know who I can trust and who I can't. Let me show you your room so you can get settled.”
As the two of them walked down the hallway together, Stephanie couldn't help but feel a little sad. She really liked the idea of staying there and cooking. It was perfect, but it was just a fairytale. She couldn't stay there forever and put these wonderful people in danger. If she stayed in one place too long, Anthony would find her. For now she was safe. The ranch house was in the middle of nowhere miles from New Jersey, but she knew that he would find her and kill her.

To Tip or Not To Tip?

2012-01-31T08:28:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

Today's blog is about tipping at a restaraunt. Do you leave a tip?

The standard tip is 15% So basically if you spend $100 you owe another $15 to the waitor/waitress for bringing you your food and drink that you are already paying for.

For me I always leave a tip and I always leave the standard 15%. I'm one of those people who have to get out my calculator and figure it just to make sure I'm not cheating them. LOL.

But really it's not fair to the customer. The restaraunt owner should pay their staff a fair wage and then that wouldn't be put off on the customer.

For example:
At my favorite steak house that I go to all the time. One of my kids gets off the kids menu and his plate is $5.99 and my other kid gets his off the regular menu but he gets a small steak and potato and his food is $9.99 so together their food comes to approx. $16

With appatizer, salads, drinks our bill comes to about $75 and my tip comes to approx. $12 So my tip will almost pay for both of my kids to eat. AND I am already paying the restaraunt $75 to eat there.

So although I always pay the tip and plan to keep eating at my favorite restaruant LOL I don't see the fairness in that cost being put off on the customer. I think the restaraunt should pay the staff a proper wage.

What are your thoughts?

What is your Pet Peeve when reading a book?

2012-01-25T07:30:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

When you are reading a book what is the one thing you absolutely hate to see?

I absolutely hate when an author feels the need to tell the reader step by step every little thing they do as if we the reader are too stupid to know or imagine the events LOL.

For Example:
She looked at Brad and said, "I'm going to go take a shower."
Kim walked up the stairs and went into her bedroom. She got a change of clothes and then walked down the hall to the bathroom. As she turned the water on and filled her bath, she added some bubble bath. When the tub was finished filling up she sank down in the steamy hot water.

All the above paragraph did was lengthen the word count of the book LOL. We the reader don't need to know this. We know that if she is taking a bath she would most likely need to put new clothes on afterwards. We know that if she is taking a bath then she would need to fill the tub with water. These kind of step by step sentences are not adding detail.

There is a difference in adding detail and just telling us every little thing she did.

I have other pet peeves like head hopping and things but that is my #1 pet peeve. What is yours? When you read a book what is the one thing that drives you crazy? LOL

Guest Blogger: Kelly Abell

2012-01-05T06:43:00.000-08:00

Welcome Kelly Abell. She is here to share some thoughts on Point Of View.

Third person POV can be quite confusing and take on many forms. A writer needs to be cognizant of their utilization of those forms. In this blog entry I will attempt to help you as a writer distinguish between the types of third person POV and how to successfully use them in your writing.

The first method of third person narration is the Dramatic or Objective Point of View. This method is used most often by writers and involves rendering action and speech that all the points of view share. You are not in a particular person’s head from a narrator’s standpoint. The presentation is limited to only what is spoken and what happens. There is no presentation of inner thoughts of the characters. This leaves readers the freedom to react on their own accord, much like a jury in a trial.

Next let’s discuss the Omniscient Point of View. Omniscient means all-knowing. This narrator can see all, know all and potentially disclose all. Here the speaker of the novel presents not only action and dialogue but also reports the inner thoughts and reactions of the character. In reality we can never know what is in another person’s mind, but we make assumptions and that is the purpose of the omniscient point of view. This can add dimension to the characters in a novel.

Within the omniscient POV you may have the Limited or Limited-Omniscient POV and this focuses on the thoughts and deeds of the main character in a story. Personally this style works well for me. Here I can present my character’s thoughts and motivations. The reactions and emotions of my characters take on a depth I can’t accomplish with dramatic point of view. It gives a story richness without limiting whose eyes a reader can view a story through.

Limited-Omniscient POV leads many editors criticize writers for “head hopping”. With head hopping a writer adjusts this Limited-Omniscient POV too quickly and without a scene break. It can be utterly confusing for a reader when a writer presents a scene from two limited-omniscient points of view. That is not to say that you can’t use more than one Limited-Omniscient POV but it is easier on your reader if you have an obvious scene break or chapter break prior to changing which character’s thoughts and emotions you are presenting. This is particularly important in love scenes or arguments. You can illustrate what your POV character is observing and that will give you the ability to show your reader what is happening without getting into the other character’s head.

Third Person POV can be an easy way to tell a story and give a writer the ability to richly describe the events and actions of a story as well as demonstrate the deepening of all the writer’s character’s development. Write on my friends and enjoy exploring many different points of view for the depth they can add to your stories.

Stop by my site for more tips and to see all my books.
www.kellyabellbooks.com

What Are Your Christmas Traditions?

2011-12-20T07:18:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

Christmas is in a few days!!! What traditions do you and your family do? Here's a few of my family's traditions.

We always put our Christmas tree up the day after Christmas. My kids go crazy decorating the tree.

Then some time in Decemember we decorate ginger bread house. We do take some help from the store on that one. We always buy the kits. That way we can get right to the building and decorating and don't have spend the day baking the house parts. LOL

We do the traditional dinner and open presents.

We love to drive around looking at Christmas lights.

That's some of our traditions. What are some of yours?

Guest Blogger: Kelly Abell

2011-12-12T09:28:00.000-08:00

http://www.amazon.com/Online-Angel-ebook/dp/B003EV5SLI/ref=sr_1_1_title_1_kin?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323710868&sr=1-1

Welcome Kelly Abell. She is here to tell us about her Christmas story "Online Angel"
An innocent trip to an online store to buy her three year old son a Christmas gift turns into a living nightmare for Cheryl Rubio. Mark, her poker obsessed husband has just cleaned out their entire savings account for a high stakes poker tournament three weeks before Christmas. On top of that he's decided to leave her and the son he never wanted because Cheryl "doesn't get him". Devastated, scared and confused Cheryl must find a way to keep her struggling law practice alive and provide some kind of Christmas for Robbie.

From the Author
I love being an author and writing books for you, my readers. Thank you for your support and for buying my books. It means a lot.

Please stop by my website to say hello and join so you can receive a copy of my newsletter and keep up with all the latest happenings. kellyabellbooks.com

Guest Blogger: Gary Peterson

2011-12-08T07:47:00.000-08:00

Only 99 Cents!!!!

http://www.amazon.com/The-Timid-Christmas-Tree-ebook/dp/B006IL29LS/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323359366&sr=1-2

Looking for a touching story to read to your children at Christmas time? Try "The Timid Christmas Tree" by Gary Peterson.

Bridget is five years old and all excited about going to the woods to get a Christmas tree. When she finds just the right one, she discovers it is alive and frightened. How will she keep her brother from cutting down? Can she convince him that she isn't crazy that the tree is really alive?

A Touching Christmas story that will make an awesome bed time story all year round.

Emily's Journey

2011-12-07T15:05:00.000-08:00

Get it on your kindle Only 99 Cents!!!
http://www.amazon.com/Emilys-Journey-ebook/dp/B0056VALSY/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323299236&sr=1-8

Excerpt:

Chapter One

Even today, two years and nine months since the rape, she couldn't stand to be in the dark. Emily Malone stood over Andrew's bed in disbelief that he was two years old already. Where had the time gone? She shook her head in wonder as she gazed lovingly at her little boy. Being a single mother was hard, but she wouldn't have missed it for the world. As always, it amazed her that such a wonderful blessing could come out of such a horrible attack. She pulled the blanket up to her son's chin and turned to leave making sure the night light was on.

Emily stopped and stared back at her son's crib, everything would be different tomorrow night at this time. They would be on the family ranch in Texas. She'd missed her Uncle Arty and Abigail a lot over the past few years. The time had come to go back home with her son. Emily knew that she wanted him raised around family. Andrew would love the ranch. It was full of cows, horses and it had the perfect little creek that had always been fun to play in. She would miss her friends here in New York, especially Michael. Although never romantically involved, Michael was the rock she leaned on and would never have made it through that terrible night and the time after if it hadn’t been for him.

Emily opened the door to Michael. “Michael, what are you going to do without me?” She said with a smile on her face.

“I’ll be alright. I still have Rick to spend my nights with.” Michael said.

Knowing that Michael would not be alone made it easier for Emily to leave.

Michael drove them to the airport, leaving the movers to finish packing the rest of their things. At the gate, Michael turned to her and said, “I’m going to miss you two, but I'll be out there in two months. Call me when you land.”

“I'll miss you too. I love you, and I couldn't have done this without you.” Emily said with tears in her eyes.

She hugged him close and he leaned over and kissed Andrew. As she walked through the tunnel to the planes, she looked back one more time as Michael waved and nodded to her. Then she and her son headed home to Texas.

Austin Mathews paced back in forth in the airport lobby, looked at his watch, and then he sighed because the plane was running late. He had already wasted his morning driving out here to pick up his boss's niece and her son. Now the plane was delayed, which meant his afternoon would be shot too. Finally, the plane landed and as he watched the passengers come through the waiting area, he watched for the one who matched the pictures back at the ranch. Finally, he saw her coming through the gate carrying her son, who was wide eyed and looking at everything.

Emily, who had been sent pictures from Abigail, knew exactly what Austin looked like, and walked right up to him. Emily held her hand out to Austin. “Hi, I’m Emily. Thank you very much for coming out here to pick us up. I told Uncle Arty that I would be fine taking a cab, but you know how he is.”

Austin smiled, “It’s no problem at all.” Austin stood there starring back at the gate.

Emily confused, she asked him, “What are you looking at?”

Austin looked at her and said, “I thought you were traveling with someone else, a man named Michael?”

Emily said, “No, Michael isn't with me; he won't be here for two months. I told Abigail that, but she must have misunderstood me.

Austin couldn't imagine letting the woman he loved, especially somebody as beautiful as Emily, and their child move by themselves and not see them for two months. He didn't know that Michael guy, but he knew already that he wouldn't like him.

“It's about an hour and a half to the ranch; how about we stop and get something to eat?” Austin asked.

“Oh. I don't want to be more of an inconvenience, than I have already been.” She glanced at her son.

Austin realized she was torn between wanting to get some lunch and not wanting to burden him even further. “If you don't mind, I'm a bit hungry”

Emily smiled. “Okay then, that would be great.”

When Austin pulled into a parking spot, Emily unbuckled Andrew and they went inside. Austin wanted to take that time to get to know Emily a little better. She seemed nice and was very beautiful. She was not too tall and not too short with her long black hair hanging down her back in a braid. She had a nice even tan that gave her a beautiful complexion. She couldn't be more than a size six.

They walked in and found a table to sit at in the back of the cafe. After a minute of looking at the menu, they ordered their food. Andrew got chicken nuggets and fries, Emily ordered a grilled chicken salad with ranch dressing, and Austin wanted a double cheeseburger with fries. The waitress said she would have their food in about fifteen minutes. Emily was really hungry since she had skipped breakfast to finish last minute packing.

Austin looked at Emily and said, “Tell me a little bit about yourself. We will be seeing a lot of each other around the ranch. I feel like I already know you since Arty talks about you all the time.” Emily smiled. “Okay, here is the short version. I have lived at the ranch since I was ten. My parents were killed in an accident and my Uncle Arty raised me with the help of Abigail. Abigail is like a mother to me. I love the ranch, and I couldn't wait to bring Andrew here. Now listen to me. You probably didn't really want to know my whole life story. You will learn fast that when I get to talking I don't always know when to shut up.”

Austin didn't mind at all. “No, it's fine. I have heard a lot about you from your uncle. He sure loves you; he talks about you all the time.”

Their food got there and they all ate. When they were finished eating, Emily took Andrew to the bathroom. It was going to be a long drive and she was trying to get him potty trained.

When they got out, Austin had already paid the bill. He said, “We should probably get going.” Emily agreed, “Yes, you are right, but let me pay for our lunch. I didn't mean for you to pay for me and Andrew.”

Austin said, “No, really, it's fine. Don't worry about it.”

They got Andrew all buckled in his car seat and started their long drive. Emily could remember so much as they drove down the road. She grew up here, and was so happy to be back. Emily sat there looking out of the truck window thinking. She knew Andrew would have a much better life here than he would have had in the city. The city had more crime than she wanted around her son. She would not even leave her house after dark alone anymore. It was hard to get completely over all of her fears, but Emily had been to therapy, and that had helped. The thing that always made it hard was the fact that she knew that the guy who raped her was walking free. She could have seen him in the store or a gas station and not even known it. It had been awhile since she had thought about it; the ride was so long and quiet that it left plenty of time to do nothing but think.

Emily must have had a sad look on her face because Austin said, “Are you okay? You just went somewhere for a minute. Do you want to talk about it?”

Emily looked over at him, not ready to tell him her whole sad story. She didn't know him yet and honestly she may never tell him. She said, “Oh, I'm sorry. I guess I am tired from the long flight.”

Austin felt like there was something she wasn't telling him, but he didn't want to pry. “We will be there soon. I know Arty can't wait to see you. Abigail has been cooking and baking all day.”

Emily laughed, “That sounds like Abigail. She has worked for my Uncle Arty for thirty years, and she practically raised me. I know they love each other. I have always felt that they were more than just friends and always wondered why they never got married, or at least admitted to being a couple.”

Austin said, “I don't know, some people are happier if they stay separate. For some reason some people don't like the idea of making it legal. My parents did nothing but fight when they were married, but when they got divorced everything was great. There was only one thing that I disagreed with that my mother did; she never let my father in on anything that was going on in my life. I got hurt one time and went to the hospital. I broke my arm, and she never even called my father. I think even if you don't live together the father has a right to know what is going on in his kid's life. I am sorry. You didn't need to hear my boring life story.”

Emily was glad to get her thoughts off her own sad story, “No, I loved hearing about you. Abigail talks about you all the time. I feel like I have known you forever.”

Emily couldn't help but think about how great Austin was. She wished she could be with him, but she didn't even know him. How could she feel that way about somebody that she only met moments ago? It just felt like she had known him her whole life. He was so easy to talk to. Emily'd never felt like that before, and she didn't even know if he had a wife or a girlfriend. He wasn't wearing a wedding ring, but a lot of guys didn't when they did ranch work; the ring could get caught on something. She had not even made it to the ranch yet and she was already thinking about a man. She knew that she better stop thinking like that. Austin was probably being nice and making small talk. He didn't even know her, how could she possibly think he would be interested in her?

Austin turned to Emily and said, “If you need anything, you let me know. I am at the ranch every day.”

Emily liked hearing that. “Thank you very much. I might just take you up on that.” The closer they got to the ranch the more excited Emily got. Driving down the road she saw different farmers with produce stands set up. Emily missed these in New York; she loved going up to a table and having a farmer that had been farming for many years tell a story about his crops. She felt like people cared around here. Back in New York nobody ever talked to anyone else; people never took a minute to say hello to one another. That was one of the main reasons Emily wanted to move back home with Andrew. She wanted him to have family, and learn how to talk to people, and respect people and things in life. She was afraid that he would miss out on those lessons living in the big city.

She didn't want Uncle Arty to be paying for everything that she wanted. It was going to be a while before her trust fund came in, and she wanted to make something of herself. Emily could now say that she had a very successful career, a beautiful baby, and a wonderful best friend. Emily did not regret her decision to move to New York. Yes, some bad things happened, but so did a lot of good things. Now it was time to go back home to her family. It wasn't much further to the ranch and she couldn't wait. She asked Austin, “How long have you worked for Uncle Arty?”

Austin said, “I have worked for him for a little over a year, but it feels like I have known them my whole life. They are so easy to talk to. I really love Arty and Abigail.”

Emily knew exactly how he felt. “Do you live on the ranch?”

Austin laughed at that. “I might as well since I am there all of the time, but I actually have a house about ten minutes down the road; it's actually a house that Arty built for me on his land. I owe a lot to him. He has been like a second father to me. Most of the time I am working at the ranch.”

They would be at the ranch in about twenty more minutes, and Emily could not wait. She was getting more excited by the minute. She turned around and started waking Andrew up. Andrew sat up in his seat and looked out the window. He could already see Uncle Arty's cows in the field. He sat in the back seat of the truck and made moo noises. That made Emily and Austin both laugh. Austin joined in making noises too. Emily smiled at the two of them. She couldn't believe how good he was with Andrew. Most men wouldn't take the time to make her son laugh. That was the difference in the big city people and the ranch folk. The country life was like another world. The people were different and they seemed nicer somehow. Emily was very happy to be getting there. This day seemed like it was never going to come. The flight was so long, but the truck ride had been pretty nice. Austin seemed really great, and she couldn't wait to spend some more time with him.

Finally Emily saw the long dirt road leading up to the beautiful two story ranch house. She couldn't wait to see Uncle Arty and Abigail. Dust was flying up from the road, and Andrew was laughing at all of the dust clouds. This was the first time he had been to the ranch. They finally reached the house; Abigail came running out, and Emily ran up and threw her arms around her.

Emily said, “I have missed you.” Austin was getting Andrew out of his car seat when Uncle Arty came running over to him. He picked him up and swung him around in a big circle. Andrew was laughing the whole time.

Uncle Arty was very excited. He said, “I have so much to show you; your new house that Austin built, the playground, and everything else.”

Emily said, “I have missed you so much Uncle Arty. I am glad to be home.”

Austin said, “I am going to give you guys some time alone. Just call me if you need me.”

Emily looked at him and said, “Thank you for the ride.”

Uncle Arty started showing Emily everything. He started with the huge playground he had built for Andrew. Andrew's eyes lit up. Next he showed her the house. Emily fell in love with it instantly; it was the most beautiful cabin that she had ever seen. It was perfect with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a huge kitchen because she loved to cook. Emily ran right over to Uncle Arty and gave him a big hug.

She said, “I love you, and I love this house. I have to tell Austin what a great job he did the next time I see him. Thank you very much for everything.”

Emily could not wait until tomorrow when all of her furniture and other things would be there. Tonight she and Andrew would stay at Uncle Arty's house.

The next day the big moving truck got there, and Emily was full of excitement. Abigail offered to watch Andrew for the day so that Emily could get some stuff done. When the truck finally left, there were boxes everywhere. It was going to take a long time to get this all put away. Just then Emily heard a knock at the door; it was Austin.

“Hi”, he said. “Uncle Arty thought you could use my help today.”

Emily looked at him and said, “Yes, that would be great, if you don't mind.”

Austin said, “I don't mind at all.” They didn't waste any time before they got started emptying boxes.

Emily was really beginning to like Austin even though she didn't even know him. She knew that she had just met him, but she couldn't stop thinking about him. He was extremely nice and he was spending his day helping her unpack and organize her house. He was probably only doing it because Uncle Arty asked him to. Why would this great looking and super nice guy want to get mixed up with a single mother? He probably wasn't interested in an instant family. Emily decided that it would be best if she just concentrated on the job of unpacking. After hours of working nonstop, Emily told Austin, “ Let's take a little break. I will make some iced tea for us.” Uncle Arty had gone shopping and fully stocked all of the cabinets, the freezer, and the refrigerator. Emily could not believe that he had gone to all of that trouble. They went out on the porch swing to take a break.

Emily asked Austin, “So, tell me a little bit about yourself; I told you my life story.”

Austin said, “Okay. I will go first then you have to tell me more about you. I am thirty-five and pretty much a loner. My parents have both passed away and I don't have any other family; Arty and Abigail are the only family I have. That is about it for my life story.”

Emily smiled and said, “You won't find better people than Uncle Arty and Abigail. I love them more than anyone in the world. Well except Andrew of course.”

Austin thought that it was kind of strange for her to say; she hadn't mentioned Michael. Every story that Arty and Abigail had told him about Emily started with Emily and Michael. All of the stories were happy ones. Now Emily was here and Michael wasn't. What was he missing? Things didn't add up for him. She said that Michael would not be here for two months. Austin couldn't help but wonder if maybe they weren't as happy as he thought they were. All Austin kept thinking was that he had to know. He would never think of coming between two happy people, but if they were not happy he wanted to be the one to make her happy.

Emily said, “Well, Are you ready to get back to unpacking these boxes. I need to go get Andrew soon.”

Austin snapped out of his thoughts and said, “Oh, yeah, let's get to it.” Emily knew that it would take a few days to get everything the way that she wanted it, but it was really starting to look good. She couldn't wait to show Abigail. They worked for a few more hours and then decided to take a break for the night; Emily could do the rest by herself. She couldn't wait any longer to show Andrew his room. Just as they got back to Uncle Arty's house, Abigail was standing at the door holding the cordless phone; Michael was on the phone she told Emily. Emily ran for the house. She had to tell Michael about the house. It had only been two days since she saw him, but she already missed him. He told her about his new boyfriend, Tracey. Emily laughed that his boyfriend had a girl's name; that made Michael laugh too. Then she had to tell him about Austin.

Finally Michael laughed and said, “You have got it bad for this guy. I have never heard you talk about any guy like this before.”

Emily laughed and said, “I better go before you spend all of your money on this call and then you can't come and see me. I love you and I will see you soon.”

Austin was sitting outside waiting on her to finish on the phone. He didn't know why, but he hated the fact that she was talking to another man. He could see the smile on her face as she came out of the house.

Austin asked Emily, “Do you want to do anymore tonight?”

Emily could see how tired Austin looked so she said, “No, I think I will call it a night, but I would like to thank you for all of your help. How about you come over tomorrow night and I will cook you dinner.”

Austin, very happy with that idea, said, “Yeah, sure that sounds good to me.” Emily was very happy. She couldn't wait until tomorrow.

Emily woke up early and got out of bed. Andrew was still sleeping when she started putting away more things. She was being very careful not to make too much noise so she didn't wake up Andrew. She was getting more excited about tonight every minute. Austin would be coming over for dinner. She had already decided that she would make a homemade beef stew, with a salad and bread. She worked on it all day. Emily realized that she hadn't heard from Austin at all today. She hoped that he hadn't forgotten. Then she started feeling a little bad. Why would he want to hang out with her and her son, when he could be out there finding a woman with less drama in her life?

Austin was getting ready to go to Emily's house for dinner. Then he realized that this was not a date. She was only being nice to him for helping her out. That made him a little sad. Austin finally got there and Emily told him to come right in. They sat down and had a very nice dinner. They talked for hours after Andrew was put to bed. Austin was so glad that Emily hadn't spent the night talking about her and Michael, but he was surprised that she hadn't mentioned him at least once. It was not yet midnight and Austin thought he should probably go. He didn't want to, but he knew that he should. “I should go. It is late and we have a lot to do on the ranch tomorrow.”

Emily said, “Okay. I understand. I hope to do this again sometime.”

A couple of weeks went by before Emily saw Austin again. It was time to start gathering the heard on the ranch. He was doing very long days. Finally she saw him coming out of Uncle Arty's house when she was about to go in.

She said, “Hi, I haven't seen much of you lately.”

Austin said, “Yeah, I'm sorry I haven't stopped by. I have been meaning to; it has just been very busy around here.”

Emily said, “Abigail is going to keep Andrew for a few hours so that I can check out the ranch. It has been so long since I have seen it. Would you like to go riding with me?”

Without taking a minute to think about it, Austin said, “Yes.” They went to the stables, put saddles on two horses and started out on their ride.

Emily couldn't wait to find out more about Austin, “Are you married? If that is too personal, then don't answer. I sometimes talk before I think.”

Austin said, “Don't worry about it. You can ask me anything. No, I am not married. I never found the right woman.” Austin looked at Emily. “What about you?”

Emily said, “I never found the right person either. It is just me and Andrew.”

Austin thought it was strange that she didn't follow that up with something like, now she had found the right person in Michael. He couldn't figure out why she said that it was only her and Andrew. They went riding some more. Emily said that she remembered a small creek with a spring running through it.

Austin said, “Yes, I know where that is, I will show you.”

When they got there, Emily was amazed at how beautiful it was. They got off their horses for a little while. Emily loved this ranch with all of her heart. It brought back many childhood memories. She used to come and play in this creek when she was younger. She would spend her summers outside been every day until dark. She loved riding horses and playing in the creek. Then she would help Abigail in the kitchen. She had so much fun there. That was what she wanted for Andrew. She wanted his life filled with great memories.

Austin looked up and saw some rain clouds coming in. He said, “We should get back before it rains on us.”

Emily said, “Yes, you’re right. I don't want to leave Andrew too long either.”

Austin hated the fact that it was going to rain. He was really enjoying spending time with Emily. He wanted to spend some more time with her so he asked, “Are you doing anything tomorrow?”

Emily said, “Well, actually I need to buy a truck. I hate having to borrow Uncle Arty's every time I need to go somewhere. If Uncle Arty is feeling up to it, then I am going to see if he wants to take me into town.” Austin just found a way to spend some more time with Emily.

He said, “Don't worry about it, I will take you. I will pick you up at 8:00 in the morning.” Emily was glad to hear that he wanted to take her. She really enjoyed spending time with him.

They got back to the stables and put the horses away. Austin said, “I had a really good time. We should do it again.”

Emily agreed with him and they walked to the house. Andrew came running. He had a big cookie in his hands and an even bigger smile on his face. Emily looked at Abigail with a smile. “I can see you two are having fun.”
Abigail said, “Andrew is a very good helper. He helps me make the cookies and then he helps me eat them.”

Emily took Andrew and headed to her house.

Austin said, “Hop in the truck; I will give you a ride.” Emily and Andrew got in the truck just as it started to rain; they made it just in the nick of time got. When they got to Emily's house she asked, “Would you like to stay for dinner?”
He said, “Yes, that would be great.”

Just then the phone rang and it was Michael. Emily talked for a while and then told him that she would call him back later, that Austin was there.

Austin said, “You didn't have to hang up on my account. I know that you miss him.”

Emily said, “Yes, I miss him, but he was calling to tell me that he will be here in two days. He finished things sooner than expected.”

Austin's heart sank to the floor. He had wished that Michael would never come back. He was slowly falling in love with Emily. They finished dinner and decided to call it a night since they would see each other in the morning.

Emily called Michael back after Austin left. “So Michael, how is your boyfriend Tracey doing?”

Michael laughed, “He is fine, but I am more interested in how your boyfriend Austin is doing.” Emily laughed and said, “I really wish he was my boyfriend, but I am taking things very slow.” Michael said, “Well, I better go; I will see you in two days.”

Guest Blogger: G. Bryan Smith

2011-12-07T07:09:00.000-08:00

Welcome G. Bryan Smith to the blog everyone. His book "Challenge To The Stars" is the first in a series of 5 books. You can get it for only 99 Cents right now.

Solstice Publishing
http://www.solsticepublishing.com/products/Challenge-To-The-Stars-%252d%252d%252d-Print.html
Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Challenge-to-the-Stars-ebook/dp/B003JBIRTI/ref=sr_1_8_title_1_kin?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323271119&sr=1-8
Where can we find you?

My five sci-fi novels are available for sale, in both paperpack and E-book formats on Solstice Publishing and Amazon, and in PDF format at Fictionwise, Coffee Time Romance, Manic Readers, and numerous other E-Book sites selected by Solstice.

My website is www.gbryansmith.webs.com/

What is the link for the best review you have had?

My first sci-fi novel, Challenge To The Stars, was reviewed in 2009 by Coffee Time Romance and received “four cups” which is very good for the strict Coffee Time Romance reviewers.

The link for the review is:
http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/BookReviews/Challengetothestars.html

What’s your favorite cover you have seen recently?

I am actually very pleased with the cover used on my fifth sci-fi novella, Amira, published early this year. I will give you the link on Amazon as follows:
http://www.amazon.com/Amira-G-Bryan-Smith/dp/1463742029/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317104224&sr=1-3

Solstice Link:
http://www.solsticepublishing.com/products/Amira%252d%252d%252d-PDF-EBOOK.html

4. If you can have anyone read your book and give you feedback who would it be and why?

Without doubt, master horror writer Stephen King, who is not only the best at horror but, in my view and that of many commentators, the greatest fiction writer of the 20th and 21st centuries so far. Some people would assign that role to Thomas Pynchon (Gravity’s Rainbow) but I disagree.

5. What is it that addicted you to your genre?

I grew up in the 1960’s with the original Star Trek and that fine, fine sci-fi anthology, the original black and white Outer Limits which best-selling horror writer Stephen King has called the best program of its kind to ever air on network television. I read every “Golden Age” novel of Science Fiction I could check out from the library or buy off the drugstore paperback racks: the novels of Robert Heinlein, Poul Anderson, Andre (Alice Mary) Norton, H. Beam Piper, Lester Del Rey, Robert Silverberg, Clifford Simak, and others.

6. Your favorite author.
Stephen King.

7. If you have a day job how do you balance everything.

I am a self-employed attorney. In short, you have to be efficient with your off-work time if you want to write. I have written five sci-fi novels from late 2007 through the end of 2010 and I could not have pulled it off without a disciplined writing schedule. For me, that means generally three hours per weekday evening (if I am not preparing for court the next day) and considerably more time than that over the weekends. Over the Christmas and New Year of 2007, when I happened to be alone, I wrote the first draft of my first sci-fi novel Challenge To The Stars.

8. What does your writing schedule look like.

Again, at least a three hour writing block on the weekday evenings, and more than that over the weekend when I am immersed in a project. Ernest Hemingway commented that most people cannot ever finish a novel because they bog in the middle. There is always time to refine after you complete the first draft but you have to finish that first draft. I took that to heart. In each of my five novels, I hit the ground running to finish the first draft. Once that is done, I typically edit and rewrite at least two to three more drafts before I deem it “final.”

How long does the whole process take?

It is said that Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol in about 30 days. That may be do-able if you don’t work a day job as I do. Each of my five sci-fi novels took about four to six months from start to finish. I wrote Challenge to the Stars and Lizard World in late 2007- 2008. I wrote A Final Battle and The Master entity in 2009 and, finally, the novella (78 pages) Amira in August through December of 2010. Since Amira’s publication in early 2011, I have taken time off, having no further inspiration presently for the five novels/novellas which I call the “Colonel Kendrick Landry Space Adventure Series.” I don’t know for sure whether there will be a sixth Colonel Kendrick Landry story. Regardless, however, I do feel that there will be some writing project for me around the corner soon.

Have you ever came across a book you don’t know why a publisher published?

Yes, just go to the paperback stands and look at all the trade-published garbage by third-rate or worse writers. As they say, it is all in who you know.

Do you believe in self publishing?

Only if you have no alternative and you have plenty of money for publicity. “Legally Blonde” was self-published and made into a movie. The author spent a fortune on publicity. A better alternative for the average new author to break in exists in the “Indies,” or small independent publishers like Solstice. Large trade publishers are normally closed to new writers unless you have an established agent. In turn, most established agents will not take new writers as clients, a vicious cycle that feeds itself and bars most new writers from making the big time. A paradigm story is that Stephen King’s famous novel “Carrie,” made into a major motion picture, was rejected by the publishers some 33 times before one major trade publisher took a chance and picked it up. But the Indies at least give the new writer a chance for publication, some public exposure, avoidance of a gazillion reject slips, and a better choice than self-publishing.

Are you a believer in Karma?

The great cosmic “what comes around goes around.”
Frankly I don’t know. I do know that the world’s leading physicist, Stephen Hawkings, has recently expressed his view that there is no great beyond. In his view, life is generated randomly and spontaneously based on gravitational and other powerful but natural forces, and that is all there is to it. He compares the human brain to a computer hard drive and said, “I don’t believe in a heaven for worn-out hard drives.” Hawkings is a truly brilliant man, but then again, what does he know about it? That is his opinion—and you know what they say about opinions.

Guest Blogger Ben Hatch

2011-11-22T07:03:00.000-08:00

Ben Hatch was born in London and grew up here and in Manchester and Buckinghamshire. His latest bestseller, Are We Nearly There Yet? 8000 Misguided Miles Round Britain in a Vauxhall Astra has been praised by John Cleese ("Ben Hatch makes me laugh"), although, unfortunately, not by his wife Dinah ("I do NOT drive like Mr Magoo, you bastard!") His first comic novel, The Lawnmower Celebrity, based loosely on his time as a chicken sandwich station monitor at Darlington McDonalds, was named one of the Radio 4's eight books of the year in 2000. The International Gooseberry about a hapless backpacker with a huge ungovernable toenail was published in 2001 and described as "hysterical and surprisingly sad" by the Daily Express. Ben Hatch was on the long-list of Granta's 2003 list of the most promising 20 young authors in the UK. In association with his wife Dinah, Ben has also written guidebooks for Frommer's. The guidebooks are a mixture of helpful and humorous tips on holidaying with children, quirky reviews of attractions, and incendiary arguments with his wife about, among other things, what is the best type of owl.

http://tinyurl.com/8286r94
If you think writing a guidebook is easy, think again! 'A family's 8,000 miles round Britain in a Vauxhall Astra' they were bored, broke, burned out and turning 40, so when Ben and Dinah saw the advert looking for a husband and wife team with young kids to write a guidebook about family travel around Britain, they jumped at the chance. With naive visions of staring moodily across Coniston Water and savouring Cornish pasties, they embark on a mad-cap five-month trip with daughter Phoebe, four, and son Charlie, two, embracing the freedom of the open road with a spirit of discovery and an industrial supply of baby wipes.

Reviews
'disastrous five-month trip around Britain with two small children. The object... to write a travel guide.' -- The Bookseller, 29th April 2011

'mad-cap five-month tour of Britain... it turns out not to be quite the odyssey they had expected.' -- The Bookseller, 13th May 2011

"Ben Hatch makes me laugh." -- John Cleese

"A voyage of pain, suffering, argument, baby wipes, discovery and utter delight...Never travel in a car with children without this book by your side." -- Sir Terry Wogan

"A funny, touching cross country jaunt that's as much about being a kid as it is about being a grown up." -- Danny Wallace

“A wonderful book - hilarious and moving, all at the same time. Highly recommended for anyone with a family, a car or a sense of humour." -- Sophie Kinsella

“This is about a living, loving, occasionally quarrelsome but clearly very happy marriage and it felt curiously life-affirming to read about it. It’s very warts and all, extremely funny, very human and very sad. If you liked One Day or just like good books in general, don’t let this one pass you by.” -- Jenny Colgan

"Funny, touching and so, so, true to life. The must read of the year!" -- Mike Gayle

"Refreshing, insightful, very funny." -- Joanne Harris

"A wonderful book. Terribly moving and so so funny." -- Richard Briers

"Brilliant. Outnumbered in a car. I absolutely loved it. Funny, honest and moving." -- Tim Brooke-Taylor

“Very funny and equally moving. Ben Hatch is one of my favourite writers.” -- Lisa Jewell

"If you're dreading a weekend car trip with small children this book can't fail t`o cheer you up." -- The Mirror

"Hatch humorously recounts his 8000 mile odyssey round Britain with his wife and two small children." -- The Times

Guest Blogger: Jacqueline Corcoran

2011-11-04T07:04:00.001-07:00

1) When did you first realize you wanted to become a writer?

My mother remembers me telling her that I wanted to be a writer when I was seven years old.

2) When did you write your first book and how old were you?

I started my first novel when I was seventeen. I finished my first novel when I was 20.

3) How many books have you written? Which one is your favorite?

15 Novels. A Month of Sundays, a mystery due out in October 2011 with Whimsical Productions, is my favorite.

I have also had published eleven textbooks.

4) What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?

I have to write when my children are at school, so ideally I’m able to get writing done then and after they go to bed.

5) What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I use lots of different ways to motivate myself – classes, writing craft books, sketching out scenes and then layering them. I write longhand first and then type a scene into the computer.

6) Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

They come from all different places – they could be a place like Dumbarton Oaks in D.C. (Time Witch), an experience (like working at the Austin Police Department), a class (I’m taking a Steampunk course right now).

7) What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Exercise, reading, hiking

8) What do you think makes a good story?

I like mysteries, so a good story means that there is an unexpected ending.

9) Do you have any suggestions to help someone become a better writer?

It sounds simplistic, but you have to be willing to write – a lot – and take feedback.

Bio:
Jacqueline Corcoran was born to Irish and Welsh parents in England. Influenced by the Celtic tradition of storytelling, witches, trolls, and winged horses inhabit her middle-grade fantasy. She has lived in the U.S. for most of her life – in California, Michigan, Texas, and now in Alexandria, Virginia.

She holds a Ph.D. in social work and has been a member of the faculty at the Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond since 2000. Before that, she was on faculty at the University of Texas at Arlington School of Social Work for four years. She has published numerous professional academic articles and eleven books in her field. Although Jacqueline has been writing novels for over 28 years, Time Witch is her first published novel.

Find the book at:
http://www.solsticepublishing.com/products/Time-Witch%252d%252d%252dPDF-EBOOK.html

http://www.amazon.com/Time-Witch-ebook/dp/B004PGN520/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1320415016&sr=1-1

Guest blogger: JIm Baugh

2011-11-02T07:10:00.000-07:00

Welcome Back Jim. I see that your book is only 99 Cents for the holidays. It would make a great Christmas book to load onto kindles.

Get "Hooked" for only $0.99

At Solstice Publishing
http://www.solsticepublishing.com/products/Hooked-%252d%252d-PDF--------%2A%2A%2A%2A%2ASolstice-Publishing-Special%2A%2A%2A%2A%2A%2A.html

Or Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Hooked-ebook/dp/B00578KEUG/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1313521755&sr=1-1

Fictionwise
http://www.fictionwise.com/ebooks/b123968/Hooked/Jim-Baugh/?si=0

"HOOKED" is based on the true-life story of Virginia outdoor television producer Jim Baugh. Jim Baugh Outdoors TV is one of Americas most diverse and entertaining outdoor programs and has been in syndication since 1989.

"HOOKED" is a hilarious look behind the scene stories of filming a southern outdoor TV show. From the Chesapeake Bay to Key West these on location excursions will make your sides hurt with laughter. A cast of sea faring characters full of color and humor. From the docks in Gloucester Virginia to the Atlantic Ocean and a boat load of jolly swashbuckling Pirates. The stories and characters in "HOOKED" are timeless and span a period of over forty years.

In contrast, "HOOKED" also explores the solemn drama of dealing with divorce, death, and mental illness.

The story also delves into the totally crazy insane world of mid-life on-line computer dating. This is a hilarious look at dating in the computer world after 25 years of solid marriage. These "Dating" stories are contemporary, racy, scary, cheerful, timeless, and based on true events. Anyone who is old enough to date will soon relate to "HOOKED" as the comical reference for dating in the new millennium.

This adult romantic comedy story also relates to the power and testament of faith.

50 Years of an exciting action packed extremely charismatic colorfull life and career, packed into 28 chapters . It is a fast ride for sure.

Bio: Jim Baugh has been producing National and Regional television shows for 25 years. Programs include: Jim Baugh Outdoors TV (220 episodes), Ski East, Classic Fishing. Fishing Virginia and, RV Times.

Jim Baugh has written over 300 columns for numerous magazines during the last 20 years including: Motor boating Magazine, Fishing Smart, The Chesapeake Angler, The Sportsman Magazine and Travel Virginia Magazine.

Stop by the bar to hang out with Jim!!!

http://hookedthebook.wordpress.com/comments-blog/

New Twitter? Here's Some Helpful Tips!!!

2011-10-31T07:58:00.001-07:00

50% of proceeds go to asthma & allergy foundation of america "A Surprise For Christmas" http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00570IBZO/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_-nAQob0KRZGYS Only 99 cents!!!!

New To Twitter? Don't know where to start? Here's some helpful tips to get you started. Here is a top 5 that I hope helps.

1. Follow People that have the same interests as you so you have things to talk about with each other.

2. Follow back followers that follow you. Nobody wants to follow a person that thinks they are too good to follow back and they will most likely unfollow you.

3. Get involved in a conversation. If somebody posts what they are cooking for dinner and you like that reply to it "That sounds good" or "Yum" Anything to get involved.

4. Don't only talk about your book. Post that you have one and then post about it and links but also post other things. We don't need to see 50 post in one day about your book. That will most likely make somebody not want to buy it.

5. Don't DM spam about things. That is going to make your follower angry and they will unfollow you.

Guest Blogger: Regina Duke

2011-10-27T09:37:00.000-07:00

Welcome Regina Duke!

Lizzie, thanks for having me! With Halloween upon us, many are looking forward to a few hours of delicious but safe scary time. Some go to movies. Others to haunted houses. And still others, like myself, withdraw into a world of fiction.

Can a writer of romantic comedy, suspense, and dogs write horror stories as well?
Oh, yes. Bwaaa-haa-haa-haa! Okay, that was corny. But over the years I learned that stories come to me in different genres and I can’t cram them into a single formula or rework them to fit a solitary line. That’s why I went indie. I wanted to share my stories, but I wanted to do it my way.

Over the years I have written eight novels. The first five were not ready for prime time. But writing can improve with effort, so I just kept working at it. Then a few years ago, I wrote North Rim Delight, a romantic suspense novel. What a surprise! I could have fun and tell a suspenseful story in the real world! Well, almost real. It’s fiction, after all.

I chose to begin my indie journey with North Rim Delight. Terri Baker is dealing with the loss of her beloved German shepherd and trying to shake off an abusive ex-boyfriend by taking a vacation to the Grand Canyon. Bounty hunter Russ Camino is tailing a hit man with a tragic connection to his family’s past. When he lays eyes on Terri, he falls head over heels in love, but refuses to admit it. Then he realizes that the hit man is following Terri, and he knows he must protect her at all costs.

I had such a good time writing about Terri and Russ, my dog-loving characters, and their budding romance that I followed up with a novella about their relationship three months later.

Because these characters live and breathe for me, I wanted to explore what happens after they returned from the Canyon. That’s why I wrote The Woof in the Wedding Plans. It’s a novella that catches up with them as they deal with a new German Shepherd, a super-rich and overly involved future father-in-law, and the wedding planner from hell. It’s full of dogs, danger, laughs, and of course a happy ending.

I hope you enjoy reading about them as much as I enjoy writing them!

As for my soft science fiction and quiet horror, my stories have more affection and relationship in them than one usually expects in those genres. Hence, “soft” science fiction. The only definition of that sub genre I ever found said it deals with social issues instead of tech issues, and that is certainly true about my SF. It’s all about how people deal with unusual situations. My horror stories are psychological, not gory. I have published six of them in Trickster and Other Stories. With Halloween coming up, it seemed like the right thing to do. So if you are one of those who look for your thrills in the pages of a book, this collection is for you.

When I’m not writing, I’m training and showing my dogs. I have loved many breeds over the years, but my current pack consists of two papillons (Buster and Darby) and a tiny rescued Shetland sheepdog (Gracie). I write about my dogs under the name Linda White. My training experience and show entries are under that name. Loving the Sensitive Dog is the story of my first papillon, Buster the Wonder Dog. He’s still alive and well and earning titles.

If all goes well, I’ll have two more titles coming out before the end of the year. One is a romantic comedy with loads of mystery and laughs and, of course, dogs. The other is about my second papillon. So I am writing like crazy!

Because I have two names, I also have two websites.

www.reginaduke.com www.lindalouwrites.com

North Rim Delight http://www.amzn.com/B0050Q57SY

The Woof in the Wedding Plans (novella) http://www.amzn.com/B005JSPBV6

Regina Duke & Linda White’s Trickster and Other Stories http://www.amzn.com/B005OKJMGYLinda

White’s Loving the Sensitive Dog, http://www.amzn.com/B0055KXLJWMy books can also be found on Barnes&Noble for the Nook.

Guest Blogger: Michelle Franklin

2011-10-20T17:10:00.000-07:00

A Halloween Story from Frewyn: A Festive Return

Seamhair (Sheh-mir) is Frewyn Halloween. It's the day that Frewyn honours family and heroes passed. In honour of halloween at the end of the month, here is a moment from book 10 that describes the Frewyn holiday and some of its customs.

A Festive Return

Being in Gallei for the chief of the season meant that the royal party had missed the harvest festivities entirely. The children had enjoyed the apple picking, squash gathering, games and hay rides, but business in the west of the Southern Continent had kept all of the adults from joining their high revel. Their return, however, saw the beginning of Seamhair, the last day of autumn on the Frewyn calendar, celebrated with guising, feasting and merriment in honour of those who had come before and passed on, bringing with it usual accoutrements of sweets and chocolate and all the requisite tooth aches and sore stomach such a dulcet commemoration could merit. The party returned to the Frewyn capital to discover Diras in a glow of festive spirits: decorations of gauze ghosts and green ghouls lined the gables of every home; amber candles were lit in the square in honour of those who had no memorial belonging to them; the bells from the church rang out in subdued tones, calling those who wished to honour parents and children long past with sermon and song; the faint scent of nutmeg from fresh apple pies cooling on open sill and the aroma of mulling spices from steaming cider carts being wheeled round the capital hung languidly in the air; children wearing various costumes of Frewyn’s legends and heroes skipped from door to door and made wide, toothless smiles at old women in exchange for treats, abiding the occasional cheek pinches and spittling lips that the crones of Frewyn were disposed to dispense. It was a prospect of Frewyn’s gaiety that the party triumphed in seeing, so much that when they arrived at the capital gate, they were forced to stop and remark the striking splendor that such a scene could provide. Gallei had shown them its agonies, and here Frewyn would show them its glories.

Alasdair felt his breath grow full. His chest swelled, and he exhaled with a billowing condensation, remarking the festivity in the capital with glistening eyes. His happiness at seeing his people in so revelrous a state was more sentiment than his speech could express. He turned to the commander with the parted lips of impending words, but nothing came beyond a sigh and a thankful nod. He requested that the party should move forward; he was anxious to see his queen and his son and therefore determined that the others were anxious to see their families likewise, but the moment Alasdair was discerned along the main road to the castle, drawing attention by the various soldiers beginning to peel away from the ranks and return to their homes, there was an end to the king’s designs of a quick and peaceful return. Ovation came from the square, entreaties for their king poured in from every quarter, and soon the party was surrounded by the capital’s denizens coming to the king to congratulate and wish him joy. Alasdair must stop; he apologized for the delay, but a few moments more where the greeting and honouring of his people was concerned would be of little consequence to being detained. Bows and curtsies were given, ‘Your Majesties’ addressed him, and hopeful eyes and hands outstretched bearing tribute and gifts for their king were borne. Alasdair was in such a beholden and appreciative humour that he had forbearance for every command of his attention: he said hello to the children skittering about his feet demanding that he judge their costumes, he waved to the young women who were ever desirous of seeing their handsome young monarch, he endured every pat on the cheek that the wives and old women could accord, and he even nodded to the Reverend Mother who emerged from her place in the Church to bless the king’s safe return. Their attention and their exuberance at seeing him and greeting his party in such a manner was all Alasdair’s exultation, and the instant he turned from their society to recommence his arrival to the castle, he wiped a tear from his eye and reclaimed his place at the head of the procession with a bowed head and grateful smile.

“All gallantry in battle and in court,” said the commander in an audible murmur, “but the moment that you’re attacked with affection from your subjects, you are all sensibility.” She smirked and looked away but felt Alasdair returning with a powerful glare.

“What?” Alasdair rejoined, and then sharply added, “I’m not crying.” He endeavoured to hide a sniffle and only succeeded in making the commander laugh when he failed to conceal his sentiment. “I know I am king, Boudicca, but I think I’m allowed to show some emotion.”

“Of course you are, Alasdair. Besides, we all know that the King of Frewyn never weeps.” She made an arch look. “Especially when his wife and son are waiting at the castle gate to greet him.”

Alasdair suddenly looked ahead to find Carrigh and Dorrin walking hand in hand toward the iron sweep gate from the castle peristyle. His eyes welled once more, a hundred feelings rushing upon him, the most prevalent of which relief for seeing them well, and where his heart could govern him, his feet would answer. He broke away from the party, hastening toward them, his smile broadening with every step, and when he finally reached the edge of the gate, he assailed them with the most fervent and fondest of kisses, taking his son up into one arm and ardently embracing his wife with the other. “I am so very glad to see you,” he said in a voice oppressed by tight throat. All his love and all his reprieve prevailed him at once, and in seeing his wife’s blue eyes, golden curls, and elated countenance beside his son’s rosy complexion and smiling face, he was compelled to lean into his wife’s nape and shed a few open tears, saying his praises to the Gods that he was come home and that they were within the auspices of his most devoted embrace.

Find Michelle Here:
Twitter: @MrsDenAsaan
Site: thehaanta.blogspot.com

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Michelle-Franklin/e/B004XK55GC/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

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Award Winning "A Surprise For Christmas"

2011-10-15T16:05:00.001-07:00

*Previously titled "Somebody Else's Child"

Samantha wasn’t expecting what she got for Christmas this year. Her doorbell rang and there sitting on her porch was a baby in a basket. This changes her life for the good. But then something happens. The baby’s father comes for his child. How can Samantha convince him that she is the best thing for the child?

4th Place Winner
Love is In The Air contest hosted by Reader Jack

Funny Story!!!!

2011-10-14T19:18:00.000-07:00

I had to share my funny story with you all.

I had somebody tell me tonight that if I donated money to their church that God would reward me financially.

I looked at them and said. "I'm sorry but my faith tells me that God doesn't charge you for his love and would never ask me to pay him cash for that love. I don't think your church is right for me."

They just looked at me and turned and left.

A Surprise For Christmas

2011-10-10T07:48:00.001-07:00

Only 99 Cents
http://www.amazon.com/A-Surprise-For-Christmas-ebook/dp/B00570IBZO/ref=sr_1_11?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1318258100&sr=1-11

Samantha wasn’t expecting what she got for Christmas this year. Her doorbell rang and there sitting on her porch was a baby in a basket. This changes her life for the good. But then something happens. The baby’s father comes for his child. How can Samantha convince him that she is the best thing for the child?

Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars a surrise for christmas, September 26, 2011
By jbarr - See all my reviewsThis review is from: A Surprise For Christmas (Kindle Edition)
a surprise for christmas by lizzy stevens
and what a surprise it is. wow what every single woman dreams of finding,
a baby on the doorstep to raise as your own. kinda reminded me of the baby in a basket
among the grassy reeds-a religious story.

this story a year later has upheaval as the father comes to find his daughter-not knowing the mother was pregnant.

magic happens and they fall in love to make it a memorable Christmas for them all.

Guest Blogger R.H. Russell

2011-10-05T16:43:00.000-07:00

Tell us a little about Venture Untamed, what inspired you to write it?
Venture Untamed is a fantasy, in that it takes place in another world— though there is no magic. It’s the story of Venture Delving, a bonded servant, a member of the lowest class in the world. Already fatherless, when he loses his mother, he veers from energetic to out of control. But when Venture's rage saves the life of Jade, his best friend and his master's daughter, Venture finds himself in the last place he ever expected—a center renowned for training young boys to be professional fighters. When Venture realizes he's fallen in love with Jade, he knows that the only way he'll ever have her, the only way he'll ever be free to live the life he's meant to live, is to defy convention, common sense, the trust of those he cares about most—and sometimes the law—and become the best fighter in the world, the Champion of All Richland. Venture must battle not only rival fighters, but the ghosts of his past and the members of a privileged warrior class who stand between him and his dream. I’ve been involved in combat sports since I was a teen and my experience with fighters of all sorts fueled this story. The world of fighters is truly fascinating, and I wanted to share it with readers in a unique way—a way anyone could identify with, because I truly believe there’s a fighter in all of us.

Do you have a favorite character you have written?

My favorite character is Venture, of course! But Jade tends to surprise me more. And I sympathize with Venture’s older brother, Justice—the practical one who fears for Venture’s safety. He’s more like me than I realized at first, and I always want to defend him.

3. What are you currently working on?
Currently I’m working on the second of the Venture books, Venture Unleashed. It’s now in production, and will be available before the holidays 2011.

4. How long have you been writing? What influenced you to start?
I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. It’s what I’ve always wanted to do. I was bored a lot as a kid, so I told myself stories.

How do your family/friends feel about your writing?
My family and friends are amazing. They’ve supported me every step of the way.

Where do you hope to be in 5 years?
In five years, I hope to have many books in my Venture series out in the world, and lots of happy readers.

Do you have any advice for new or aspiring author?
My advice for new authors is to live a full life. It will enrich your writing and get you through the tough times in your writing life. As an introvert, I learned this the hard (and slow) way. It was a painful, lonely lesson. Now when I hear people say, “Writing is my life,” I cringe. Pour your heart and soul into your writing, yes, but if writing truly IS your life, you’re in trouble. This is a pitfall for all driven people. In Venture’s story, I try to show how he has a passion that’s of greatest importance to him, and he pours himself into his training, yet he has a full life. I enjoyed bringing out all the aspects of who he is—his family relationships, his dreams for a future with Jade, his friendships. Take time away from writing to be alive, and your work will come alive.

What is your favorite book? (one that you have read) and why?
Choosing a favorite book is impossible! I love so many of them. But my favorite recent read is Falling Hard, a Journey into the World of Judo, by Mark Law. Part memoir, part history of judo, it’s fast-paced, honest, funny, and fascinating. I loved reading about this fifty-something Brit’s experience joining the world of judo, and realizing how similar it was to my own experience, though I was an American teenager when I started out.

On the fun side, what is your favorite television show and why?
I don’t watch much TV. Getting rid of cable five years ago was the best thing that ever happened to my family, and to my writing.

Where can readers find you ?
Readers can find me at http://www.theventurebooks.com, http://

http://www.facebook.com/TheVentureBooks
or subscribe to my newsletter at http://eepurl.com/fX-Kn.

Fellow writers can visit my writing blog, http://www.wordwrestlerwrites.wordpress.com.

Or follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/Word_Wrestler

SHORT BLURB:
Venture Delving, an out of control bonded servant boy, finds himself in the last place he ever expected—a center renowned for training boys to be professional fighters. He must battle not only rival fighters, but the ghosts of his past and the members of a privileged warrior class who stand between him and his dream—to become a Champion fighter and to marry Jade, his master's daughter. Approximately 60,000 words. Ages thirteen and up.

LONG BLURB:
Venture Delving is a bonded servant, a member of the lowest class in the world. Already fatherless, when he loses his mother, he veers from energetic to out of control. But when Venture's rage saves the life of Jade, his best friend and his master's daughter, Venture finds himself in the last place he ever expected—a center renowned for training young boys to be professional fighters. When Venture realizes he's fallen in love with Jade, he knows that the only way he'll ever have her, the only way he'll ever be free to live the life he's meant to live, is to defy convention, common sense, the trust of those he cares about most—and sometimes the law—and become the best fighter in the world, the Champion of All Richland. Venture must battle not only rival fighters, but the ghosts of his past and the members of a privileged warrior class who stand between him and his dream. Book one of the Venture series. Approximately 60,000 words. Ages thirteen and up.

BUY LINKS:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005PA95S8
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005PA95S8
Barnesandnoble.com: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Venture-Untamed/RH-Russell/e/2940013414099
Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/91117

Kids say the funniest things!!!!

2011-10-05T13:34:00.000-07:00
My niece will be 4 next month.

I asked her what she wanted for her birthday.

She got all excited and said "I want a disney princess chair".

I said Oh wow that sounds really good. Where do I find one of those?

She looked at me all serious and said. "You get it from Santa."

I, not knowing what to say at that point, said I have his phone number I'll give him a call and see if I can get one from him LOL.

Secrets Of Snow Hollow only 99 Cents on amazon

2011-10-03T14:11:00.000-07:00

Only 99 Cents!!!!
http://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Of-Snow-Hollow-ebook/dp/B003Y3BP0Y/ref=sr_1_2_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317676415&sr=1-2
The Witches Of Snow Hollow Book One: Jenna's Story

Jenna is six when her parents die in a tragic car crash leaving her and her two sisters orphans. With no one to care for them they move in with their grandmother in the town of Snow Hollow where more than just a normal life awaits them. Jenna soon discovers that she is not like other girls, a fact she's felt since birth. When her grandmother finally reveals her secret Jenna is blown away by not only the fact that she's a witch, but that she is THE witch. The Ultimate One who controls the powers of the coven.

After her grandmother's death when she turned 26 Jenna finds out another secret. She is the only one left to protect her home from the evil demons wanting to steal her world away from her.

When Jenna meets Jacob, her sexy warlock protector, the sparks fly from day one. She is determined to protect her family her way, but will it be enough? She will need Jacob, but will their passion for one another be enough to save their world as they know it and keep her sisters safe?

The Witches of Snow Hollow Book Two: Jamie's Story

The Story of the Addison witches continue in "The Witches Of Snow Hollow Book Two Jamie's Story"

Jamie Addison returns to Snow Hollow to ask her sister, Jenna, for her blessing to marry the man she loves, Danny. When she gets there she finds out that she has been under a love spell the entire time and that Danny has also put a bind on her powers. Danny has been after the Addison house all along and plans to kill the sisters.

Jenna and her husband ,Jacob, vow to protect her. Jacob calls his cousin, Drake, over to protect her while the four of them plan their attack on Danny. The only way for Jamie to get her powers back is for them to kill the demon that put the spell on her.

Drake never leaves Jamie's side while it's his job to protect her. In the process of protecting her he falls in love with her. Jamie is torn between if her feelings for him are true of if it is a side effect of the spell that has been put on her.

Will Jamie's family be able to protect her or will the demon win?

The Witches Of Snow Hollow Book Three: Jackie's Story

The story of the Addison witches continues with Jackie Addison. Jackie falls in love with a vampire named Ricky and plans to take him to Snow Hollow to help fight the long awaited lunar eclipse battle. She knows that she has to get the blessing of her sister Jenna before the relationship can blossom. This is going to be a very difficult task to compete since her sister Jamie fell in love with a demon who tried to kill her. How was Jackie going to convince Jenna that Ricky was different. She knew he loved her for real and would never hurt her.

Ricky may be a vampire but he is different. He fights demons night after night side by side with Jackie. He fights demons with her but can he help protect the Addison house during the most important battle of their year? Can he win Jenna's trust so that he can be with Jackie? Will the Addison witches win this fight?

What is the best promotional thing you have done?

2011-09-28T14:54:00.000-07:00
What is the best promotional thing you have done to promote your books.

I am on twitter, facebook, goodreads, linkedin etc. I like the social networking. It's fun and free LOL. You meet a lot of new people on these sites.

These places have promotional services that you can purchase to help promote your books too.

Manic Readers
Coffeetime Romance
Long and Short Reviews

Ever Wonder How one review site can give you a 5 and another will give you a 2?

2011-09-24T12:39:00.000-07:00
Hi Everyone,

Ever wonder how review sites can be so different. One will love your book and give it a 5 star review while another will hate it so much that they will give you a 2 and say it wasn't even worth that LOL.

Reviewers can be an author's best friend and we truly appreciate your honesty.

On the other hand for those reviewers that want to take out their frustrations of their bad day on an author's hard work really isn't fair to the author.

All we ask for is an honest review.

What is the most embarrassing thing that your kid has ever done in public?

2011-09-22T07:22:00.000-07:00
It's funny story time!!! What is the most embarrassing thing that your kid has done in public? Share your story in the comment box and win a free copy of

"Brandon's Secret" Every post gets a free book.

Leave your email address in the post so I can email you your free book or email me at witchesofsnowhollow@gmail.com the email address you want me to send your book to.

Funny Email about kids that I just got:

Children Are Quick
____________________________________

TEACHER: Why are you late?
STUDENT: Class started before I got here.
--------------------------------------------------------
TEACHER: Maria, go to the map and find North America ..
MARIA: Here it is.
TEACHER: Correct. Now class, who discovered America ?
CLASS: Maria.
____________________________________
TEACHER: John, why are you doing your math multiplication on the floor?
JOHN: You told me to do it without using tables.
__________________________________________
TEACHER: Glenn, how do you spell 'crocodile?'
GLENN: K-R-O-K-O-D-I-A-L'
TEACHER: No, that's wrong
GLENN: Maybe it is wrong, but you asked me how I spell it.
(I Love this child)
____________________________________________
TEACHER: Donald, what is the chemical formula for water?
DONALD: H I J K L M N O.
TEACHER: What are you talking about?
DONALD: Yesterday you said it's H to O.
__________________________________
TEACHER: Winnie, name one important thing we have today that we didn't have ten years ago.
WINNIE: Me!
__________________________________________
TEACHER: Glen, why do you always get so dirty?
GLEN: Well, I'm a lot closer to the ground than you are.
_______________________________________
TEACHER: Millie, give me a sentence starting with ' I. '
MILLIE: I is..
TEACHER: No, Millie..... Always say, 'I am.'
MILLIE: All right... 'I am the ninth letter of the alphabet.'
________________________________
TEACHER: George Washington not only chopped down his father's cherry tree, but also admitted it. Now, Louie, do you know why his father didn't punish him?
LOUIS: Because George still had the axe in his hand.....
______________________________________
TEACHER: Now, Simon , tell me frankly, do you say prayers before eating?
SIMON: No sir, I don't have to, my Mom is a good cook.
______________________________
TEACHER: Clyde , your composition on 'My Dog' is exactly the same as your brother's.. Did you copy his?
CLYDE : No, sir. It's the same dog.

(I want to adopt this kid!!!)
___________________________________
TEACHER: Harold, what do you call a person who keeps on talking when people are no longer interested?
HAROLD: A teacher
__________________________________
PASS IT AROUND AND MAKE SOMEONE LAUGH!
LAUGHTER IS THE SOUL'S MEDICINE!!

"Brandon's Secret" now available on Amazon!!!

2011-09-20T17:51:00.001-07:00

http://www.amazon.com/Brandons-Secret-ebook/dp/B005OAW2KW/ref=sr_1_12?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1316564407&sr=1-12

Rochelle moves to the beach to get her life back on track after her mother dies in a car accident. Shortly after she arrives she meets tall, dark and sexy Brandon. Night after night he shows up at her beach house and they have a great time together, but he never comes around during the day. Where does he go all day? He says that he is at work all day , but Rochelle decides to do a little digging around and unveils more than she wants to. What secret is Brandon keeping? “Brandon’s Secret” is a short story packed with romance, mystery, and secrets.

5 Star Customer Review:
5.0 out of 5 stars heartwarming, September 20, 2011

By EJ Harrigan - See all my reviewsThis review is from: Brandon's Secret (Kindle Edition)

A lovely story with complex characters well drawn. Beautiful evocative settings combine to create a sense of mystery and romance. A concise writing style makes this a very easy read and a story one wishes there was more of. Certainly would make me read more from this author.

5 Things you don't know about E.J. Harrigan

2011-09-20T07:00:00.000-07:00
5 Things you don't know about E.J. Harrigan

1. My dog is called Murphy

2. I live on the edge of the Atlantic as far west in Europe as you can go without being in the US.

3. I play football (soccer)

4 I've written a screenplay about a prepubescent ostrich

5 I cycle a thirty two year old racing bike

In a world where religion seems to grow increasingly irrelevant, Where The Dead Go wrestles with the timeless question, what happens after death and offers an alternative solution.

Dave McMurty is an everyman who finds himself the victim of a mindless murder. Little does he know he is not the only victim. He awakens in the hereafter to find himself at the centre of a timeless conflict between good and evil. In a strange world where the very essence of himself is the thing he must protect he must forge friendships and find hidden strengths within to try to become the man in death he could never be in life.

http://www.solsticepublishing.com/products/Where-the-Dead-Go%252d%252dPDF-EBOOK.html

"Brandon's Secret" is available at Solstice Publishing

2011-09-19T16:04:00.000-07:00

Available at Solstice Publishing now and Coming soon at Amazon:
http://www.solsticepublishing.com/products/Brandon%27s-Secret-%252d%252d-PDF-EBOOK.html

Rochelle moves to the beach to get her life back on track after her mother dies in a car accident. Shortly after she arrives she meets tall, dark and sexy Brandon. Night after night he shows up at her beach house and they have a great time together, but he never comes around during the day. Where does he go all day? He says that he is at work all day , but Rochelle decides to do a little digging around and unveils more than she wants to. What secret is Brandon keeping? “Brandon’s Secret” is a short story packed with romance, mystery, and secrets.

Coming Soon!!! Brandon's Secret

2011-09-13T10:14:00.001-07:00

The Holidays Are Coming! What's your favorite recipe?

2011-09-12T10:42:00.000-07:00
Hi Everyone,

The Holidays are coming. Do you have a favorite recipe you would like to share with us all?

Post your recipes in the comment box.

Here's one that I like to do on the holidays that taste great and is 100% sugar free so it works great if you have diabetics in the family.

(This is just a method. You can use any flavors you like)

Yogurt Pie

Ingredients:
2 small containers of sugar free strawberry yogurt (any brand)
1 container of Sugar FREE Coolwhip
1 package of sugar free jello
1 graham cracker pie shell

How to make:
take 1/4 cup of water put in a bowl. All the package of jello to that and stir.
Add your yogurt and cool whip to that and stir in. When it's all mixed together put it in the pie shell and then in the refridgerator to harden. It won't take long. Maybe 30 minutes - an hour

Variations:
You can use regular yogurt instead of sugar free or you can use fat free instead of sugar free.

You can use any flavors that you want. You can mix an match. I like to take blueberry yogurt and strawberry jello. That one taste really good.

You can use any brand of ingredients and if you have extra time you can make the graham cracker shell by hand by crushing up the graham crackers yourself. I like to tkae the little extra help from the store and just buy the pre- made shell LOL.

Thoughts On Bad Reviews

2011-09-10T11:19:00.000-07:00
What makes people leave negative reviews? Was the book they read that terrible that they have to take the time to go in and leave a horrible review?

One step further: What makes them so bitter that they will leave a horrible review for a book that is free LOL.

Then we have my favorites. The ones where they seem to forget that what they are reading is fiction LOL. Meaning --- Not Real

I've had bad reviews left because they didn't like the bad guy in the story. Or they didn't like the way my character handled something bad in her life. The reviewer has said that they have been though that situation and they handled it differently so my book got a bad review because my character didn't handle herself the way the reader would have.

It's funny sometimes to read the negative ones.

I got one recently that was bad because my characters doctor took longer than what the readers real life doctor took with her in the same situation.

Sometimes I think readers get so involved in the story that they forget that it's fiction and the characters are not real.

What is your funniest negative review? or The one that made you the madest when you read it?

How to promote your book for FREE

2011-09-09T11:41:00.000-07:00
Hello Everyone,

Today I'm going to blog about all the free stuff you can do to promote your books. I hope that at least one of these ideas helps somebody out.

1. Set up a website. You can do this completely free at www.webs.com or www.weebly.com and if you want it to be a true dot com you can go to www.godaddy.com or www.names.com and I'm sure there are others and pay for your domain name for the year. It will cost less than $12 and then you can go back to the free site and use your own domain. You have no fees at all and you have a new website.

2. www.facebook.com
Set up a facebook page and friend everyone and tell everyone about your page. Use your page to promote your book. Don't just open the page but actually go there and post on it daily.

3. www.twitter.com
Follow people and ask them to follow you. Tweet and retweet other people's tweets. Join in on the fun.

4. www.myspace.com
Same thing here. Friend people and ask them to friend you.

5. www.manicreaders.com has free pages

6. www.linkedin.com another social networking site.

7. Start a blog. There are a few different free ones. You can try www.blogspot.com or www.wordpress.com either one are free.

8. Join yahoo groups. Be sure to follow their posting rules.

9. www.goodreads.com is another really good place to promote you book.

10. Get reviews for your book. The more reviews and good ratings the better. You can take that review and then tell all the above places. Out of every good review you get several promo opps out of it.

This list should get you started but the ideas are endless in marketing. I hope at least one of these things helped somebody out.

Lizzy

Guest Blogger: Angela Burke

2011-09-06T07:38:00.000-07:00

Raya Walden doesn't believe in ghosts...just the thought sends shivers up her spine. But as she falls in love with Jack Castille during a summer job at the rustic Hideaway Lodge, a resort nestled in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, Raya discovers she has an undisclosed paranormal talent. A talent that she doesn't want. Yet it is this gift that will ultimately save her life...

Lucidity is a story about the secrets of the unknown, the essence of the spirit and the endurance of love...will you believe?

Available at:
http://www.solsticepublishing.com/products/Lucidity%252d%252dPDF-EBOOK.html

or

http://www.amazon.com/Lucidity-ebook/dp/B004RVS4CO/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1315320084&sr=1-1

Guest Blogger: Grace Elliot

2011-09-01T11:14:00.000-07:00

Hi!
My name is Grace Elliot and I write historical romance. I started writing as an antidote to the stresses of the modern world, and then found my second home in the regency. My debut novel, ‘A Dead Man’s Debt’ is a story of duty, blackmail and unexpected love and aims to be the sort of page-turning, un-put-down-able book I love to read.

But enough about me – without further ado, let’s meet our hero, the darkly, brooding Lord Ranulf Charing.

Ah the delicious Lord Ranulf Charing (….short pause to fan myself) so dangerous and yet so misunderstood! Our first encounter with Lord Ranulf finds him hiding in his lair at his club. Arrogant, dissolute and aloof, Lord Ranulf appears the archetypal bad boy, but as the story progresses Ranulf is revealed a man ill at ease with himself. He is a complex man, who learnt as a child to deny his emotions, and worlds collide when his values are challenged by the rebellious Miss Celeste Armitage.

I hope readers will come to love Ranulf, not just for his devastating good looks, (although no harm in that, wink), but his touching affection for his stallion Fable, his fear of love and secret genius as an artist. But with the future of the Charing’s resting on Ranulf’s shoulders can he really be true to himself and which will he chose? Family duty or his unexpected love for his soul mate, Celeste Armitage?

(Tomorrow ( 9-3-11) I will be posting about our heroine, the rebellious Celeste Armitage, on the Solstice blog http://solsticepublishing.wordpress.com/)

So, if you want to forget your worries for a little while, why not read ‘A Dead Man’s Debt’ (just $2.99)

FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A PDF COPY – PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT.

Here’s what reviewers have said:
“Historical romance at its best.” Once Upon A Chapter 5/5
“Totally engrossing…sensual and evocative writing.” Fiction Books. 5/5
“Breathtaking sensuality…page turning drama…a wonderful talent.” The Romance Reviews. 5/5

To find out more please visit:
http://graceelliot-author.blogspot.com (my blog is updated twice a week and is a blend of historical trivia, romance and cats!)
or
www.wix.com/graceelliot/grace-elliot.

“A Dead Man’s Debt” is available from:
Solstice publishing.
http://www.solsticepublishing.com/products/A-Dead-Man%27s-Debt-%252d%252d%252d-PDF.html

Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/A-Dead-Mans-Debt-ebook/dp/B0046REKBS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=A7B2F8DUJ88VZ&s=books&qid=1293833253&sr=1-1

Smashwords.
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/26527

Fictionwise
http://www.fictionwise.com/ebooks/b115169/A-Dead-Mans-Debt/Grace-Elliot/?si=0

Author Bio.

Grace Elliot leads a double life as a veterinarian by day and author of historical romance by night. Grace lives near London and is addicted to cats, acting as housekeeping staff to five mischievous moggies.
Grace believes intelligent people need romantic fiction in their lives as an antidote to the modern world and as an avid reader of historicals she turned to writing as a release from the emotionally draining side of veterinary work. Her debut novel ‘A Dead Man’s Debt’ is a story of blackmail, duty and unexpected love.
Now available from most eBook stores including Amazon, price $2.99.

To find out more visit http://graceelliot-author.blogspot.com

‘A Dead Man’s Debt’ by Grace Elliot.
Celeste Armitage has a plan…and that plan doesn’t include marriage.
After deliberately humiliating a suitor, Celeste’s despairing parents exile her to the country. But once there she discovers a sketch book of daring nude studies and is shaken to find the artist is her hostess’s eldest son, Lord Ranulf Charing. This darkly cynical lord is exactly the sort of dissipated rogue she despises most…if only her blood didn’t heat at the thought of him…
Nothing is as it seems. Lord Ranulf’s life is a façade. Only he can save the Charing’s from disgrace as a blackmailer seeks to ruin his late brother’s reputation. But just as Ranulf dares to open his heart to Celeste, the fury of his nemesis is unleashed… facing him with the stark choice between true love and family duty. However when Celeste guesses the truth behind his rejection, Ranulf underestimates her resolve to clear his name and in so doing places the woman he loves in mortal danger….

Exceprt:
Lord Ranulf Charing meets Celeste for the First Time….over a cow!

So be it. Ranulf gritted his teeth as he grasped the leading leg and pushed. It was like fighting against a brick wall, the calf barely moving. A lamb was difficult enough, how much more so a calf? Just as he was wondering if one man was strong enough, a shower of pebbles rattled down the bank. Concentrating on the calf, he barked.
“Don’t just stand there. Get down here!”
“I beg your pardon!” A woman’s voice answered.
With a flash of annoyance Ranulf glanced upward.
A wide eyed young woman in a straw bonnet peered down. “I say, is everything all right?”
“Does it look all right?” Muttering under his breath, all he needed was some sensitive Miss fainting on him. “Go! Fetch help from the house.”
He saw her hesitate, biting her top lip. “But you need help now.”
A contraction clamped around his arm as the cow's tail switched across his face, stinging his eyes like a cat-o-nine-tails.
In a flurry of muslin and lace the Miss slid down the bank, landing with a thud in the ditch.
“Ouch.” She rubbed her ankle. Ranulf glared back, dark eyes flashing.
“You should have gone to the house.” Damn it all, she could make herself useful then. “Hold the tail aside.”
Pulling a face she limped over. Ranulf's eye lingered for she merited a second glance. Of middle height with a tidy waist and curves where God intended them, she appeared quick witted and bright eyed. Without further ado, she stripped off her gloves throwing them onto a bramble bush. Long, sensitive fingers grasped the muddy tail. Practical, Ranulf thought, silently impressed.
“Why didn't you go for help?”
“There wasn't time.” Her bonnet slipped backwards, revealing a quirky face with a pointed chin, her lips finely drawn with an arched cupid's bow. The sort of face an artist could lose himself in, all shades of the sea to be found in deep emerald eyes framed by a tangle of chestnut hair.
Ranulf tightened his grasp and pushed. Sweat beading his brow. The calf retreated an inch.
“What are you doing?” Her voice was gentle and calm, if somewhat deep for a woman. Ranulf guessed it would be husky in bed, whispering over a pillow after a night of passion. Her eyes were on him - deep green eyes, lively and entrancing. Suddenly he remembered that he was undressed to the waist, her curious gaze on his skin as he was gripped by the idea of those lily white hands gliding over his naked chest, her almond shaped nails digging into his skin. He shook away the thought, trying to remember her question.
All innocence and interest she watched, blushing faintly in a charming way and yet, he realized, no wilting flower. He shook his head. The woman had asked a question, damn it. He would answer.
“The calf is breech.” He grunted, “I need to push her back into the womb to turn her…” He wanted to shock this stranger, to test how bold she truly was. She stared back, biting her top lip, exaggerating her snub nose.
“Ah!” Her gaze met his.
“Think of the calf as a carriage in a narrow driveway. To turn it around you push it back into the stable yard…”
“What can I do to help?”
“Nothing.” He growled.
Throwing him an angry look, she anchored the tail with a log and scrambled round to the beast's head. After a moment‟s thought, she placed her pelisse under the cow's head stroking the broad nose and crooning words of comfort.
“She's relaxing.” Ranulf's arm was numb from the contractions. He fell forward, as the first leg finally slid back into the womb. "That helps." His hair had come free from the ribbon, falling thickly about his shoulders. He glanced at the Miss. She was leaning forward, her bosom straining against a tight bodice, a satisfying cleavage between her breasts. He swallowed hard. She was odd looking, he decided, not exactly beautiful but eye catching none the less. Her face showed character, determination…and her complexion too healthy to be fashionable, rosy cheeked and peppered with freckles which with a hint of sunlight burst into a profusion.
The Miss was glaring at him now, her skin glowing bright pink. Had he been staring? His heart raced as he returned to the calving.

- oO0Oo-

Amazon.com $2.99
http://www.amazon.com/A-Dead-Mans-Debt-ebook/dp/B0046REKBS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=A7B2F8DUJ88VZ&s=books&qid=1293833253&sr=1-1

Amazon.co.uk GBP 2.14
http://www.amazon.co.uk/A-Dead-Mans-Debt/dp/B0046REKBS/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1293833360&sr=1-1

Solstice publishing.
http://www.solsticepublishing.com/products/A-Dead-Man%27s-Debt-%252d%252d%252d-PDF.html

Smashwords.
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/26527

Fictionwise
http://www.fictionwise.com/ebooks/b115169/A-Dead-Mans-Debt/Grace-Elliot/?si=0

Books on Board UK
http://www.booksonboard.com/index.php?BODY=searchresults&SEARCH=a%20dead%20man's%20debt

I won the Liebster Award!!!!!!

2011-08-30T18:40:00.000-07:00

Liebster Award

Recently I was awarded the Liebster Blog Award from Jeanne Bannon
http://beyondwordsblog.blogspot.com/

Thanks so much for chosing me for this award, Jeanne.

I would love to pay this award forward by awarding it to the following bloggers:

Donna Crocker
www.authordonnacrocker.blogspot.com

Jim Baugh
http://hookedthebook.wordpress.com/comments-blog/

XchylerConn
http://www.mysticthoughts-xc.blogspot.com

Felicia Rogers
http://feliciarogersauthor.webs.com/apps/blog/

Andrea Buginsky
http://andisrealm.webs.com/apps/blog/

The Rules:

1. Thank the person who gave you the award and link back to them.
2. Give the Liebster Blog Award to five bloggers and let them know in a comment on their blog.
3. Copy and paste the award on your blog.

Thanks Again Jeanne Bannon
http://beyondwordsblog.blogspot.com/

Guest Blogger: Jim Baugh

2011-08-25T06:37:00.000-07:00

About the new novel “HOOKED” by Jim Baugh

HOOKED” is based on the true-life story of Virginia outdoor television producer Jim Baugh. Jim Baugh Outdoors TV is one of Americas most diverse and entertaining outdoor programs and has been in syndication since 1989.
“HOOKED” is a hilarious look behind the scene stories of filming a southern outdoor TV show. From the Chesapeake Bay to Key West these on location excursions will make your sides hurt with laughter. A cast of sea faring characters full of color and humor. From the docks in Gloucester Virginia to the Atlantic Ocean and a boat load of jolly swashbuckling Pirates. The stories and characters in “HOOKED” are timeless and span a period of over forty years.
In contrast, “HOOKED” also explores the solemn drama of dealing with divorce, death, and mental illness.

The story also delves into the totally crazy insane world of mid-life on-line computer dating. This is a hilarious look at dating in the computer world after 25 years of solid marriage. These “Dating” stories are contemporary, racy, scary, cheerful, timeless, and based on true events. Anyone who is old enough to date will soon relate to “HOOKED” as the comical reference for dating in the new millennium.
This adult romantic comedy story also relates to the power and testament of faith.
50 Years of an exciting action packed extremely charismatic colorful life and career, packed into 28 chapters . It is a fast ride for sure.

Jim Baugh Bio

Producer
Jim Baugh has been producing national and regional television shows for close to 30 years. Programs include: Award winning Jim Baugh Outdoors TV (220 episodes), Ski East, Classic Fishing. Fishing Virginia and, RV Times. Jim also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Electronic Music from Virginia Commonwealth University. Jim writes, performs, and engineers all the soundtracks for his television programs.
Jim Baugh Outdoors has broadcast on The Family Channel, The Outdoor Channel, The Sportsman Channel, Fox Sports, America One, and many broadcast affiliates throughout the Mid-Atlantic and South East.
***
Writer \ Author
Jim Baugh has written over 300 columns for numerous magazines during the last 23 years including:
Motor boating Magazine, Fishing Smart, The Chesapeake Angler, The Sportsman Magazine, Woods and Waters, Colonial Outdoors, Virginia Beach Sports Fishing and Travel Virginia Magazine.
Jim also writes and manages three on-line blogs including “Jim’s Galley” and the “JBO TV” main website.
Jim Baugh’s first published book, “HOOKED” was released by Solstice Publishing world wide late June of 2011. The book instantly won critical acclaim and earned a five star rating and was featured book of the month by the publisher during the first month’s release.
Jim’s second book, “COOKED” stories behind the recipes will be released during the fall of 2013.

INTERVIEW
Hi Jim, and welcome to our blog site. How was the trip over?

Well, considering I did not have to deal with rental cars, a taxi, air planes and hotel accommodations, I would say pretty good. Just put in the old web site address and away we go. World wide travel in seconds. It is a very, “Go Green” way to travel and do an interview for sure.
Tell me a little about why you wrote “Hooked” and what initially was the inspiration for such a funny book.

It probably initially started when I was around five or six years old. I grew up on the docks of Gloucester Virginia and the characters on the boats and docks were just larger than life, always doing practical jokes, fishing, just having a ball.
Growing up I always thought those times were very special and wanted the memory to live forever.

Then, during my forties I was single again after a great marriage of 25 years. When I was thrust upon the on line computer dating world, things changed real fast. The people I would meet and the stories were just WAY to funny.
I was dating the woman in HOOKED, DC Nympho, and we were in the swimming pool laughing how funny on line dating was. We swapped war stories, then I began to get an idea. Produce a game show called, “Meet My Match Game”.
Well, the idea turned into a screenplay, then finally a book. However it took me a few years to figure out how to combine the story.
I wanted to also include in the story line my memories of growing up on the docks in Gloucester, and also the hilarious behind the scenes antics of producing a southern outdoor show.

Sounds like a great idea!! Then you started to write??

I tried, but could not. I started with a screenplay and kept wanting to direct and block shots as opposed to just writing. That slowed me to a halt.

What did you do??

I called a high school friend of mine who had been a successful playwright in NY City and ask for advice. He simply said it did not mater if it was a book or screenplay, just get it down on paper. So, since I had been a columnist for 20 years, I figured I would try the manuscript approach.

Did that work?

Yes, I wrote the book in 12 days.

That is pretty much impossible, no one writes close to 400 pages in 12 days.

Well, I was actually also editing Jim Baugh Outdoors as well at the time. This is hard to explain, but once I figured out how to write the book, it was like turning on a garden hose at full power.

The manuscript just flowed at full speed. Afterwards it did take over four months to edit and polish, that was were the real work was, because for sure I had to do a lot of fictionalizing and compositing of some characters.

I was so truthful in my writing, I would have gotten in BIG trouble with certain people had I not fictionalized the book. That took some careful writing because although fictionalized, I did not want the essence and truth of the story to be changed, and it was not.

What were the hardest and the most enjoyable part of the editing process for you?

The hardest would be continuity- that can be a real bear. Especially when you’re fictionalizing, changing names and places, etc, etc.

The most fun was the humor. Once mostly edited I would read through the manuscript and look for ANY place that I could interject some humor, make the situation more humorous or more realistic and true.

The characters in HOOKED are so larger than life, simply by writing true to their character was funny enough. That was key, getting the character down so that the reader could feel like the person was sitting right in their living room. This, I believe worked very well in the book. You don’t feel removed from the characters at all, you feel like they are sitting next to you. That, is one of the things that makes HOOKED so special.

Do you have some favorite “FUNNY” lines form the book??

Oh yes, here are just a few! I LOVE these!
Chapter, “It Foams at the Mouth”. –The early years.
* From what unearthly demonic poisoned shallow grave did he drag this possessed ugly beast from I will never know. Someone must have sacrificed a goat in a gone wrong satanic ritual somewhere in the neighborhood and then this thing showed up. She made Mommy Dearest look like one of Santa’s Elves grandchildren at Mass.

* I would think at any minute she would pee on the floor, spit pea soup, do a 360 head turn, and speak in foreign languages while levitating off the bed. We are talking a SERIOUS Bitch here.

* “You are not allowed to sit in these chairs, but we are going to have your portraits done and hang them over the chairs.” I thought to myself why not just let us sit in the chairs and skip the portraits.
Chapter, “Tennessee Tim”-Behind the scenes of JBO TV

* I think Tim and I had a little different perspective of what a houseboat was and his renovation meant that he bought a pool toy at WalMart and stuck it inside the floating shack.

* Now shooting a wild pig and boarding it was not enough for this captain, no, he immediately gutted the pig and cleaned it right there on the boat. He said it was easier to do it on his boat, and he was right.

* Next morning, walking back to the front of the trailer on the sofa was the passed out Dominick’s Pizza Delivery guy. I opened the door and outside was his car still running, door open, and now 50 cold pizzas in the back seat.

* I said, “No sir, the only problem I have is that your B & B is 100 degrees and you put chocolates in your guest’s beds.

* “Damit man!!! Don’t listen to me I don’t know shit about flying an airplane, just photography! Fly the dam plane and don’t listen to a word I say!!’

* “We don’t need air conditioning up here in the mountains”. Really? Boy could have fooled me. To me 100 degrees is a 100 degrees whether you’re in the mountains or at the beach. According to my math, it is the same.
Chapter, “Dating in the Mid Life”

* She had so much baggage she should have had a retractable handle coming out of her ass and rubber wheels instead of feet.

* She did not want Nassau. She wanted the Pope and she was not even Catholic.

* Without a doubt, she could be the permanent poster child for the Jerry Spring Show.

* Could you imagine having her as your physician? I’d rather take up Scientology!

* She had turned into DC Nympho! It was like Clark Kent running into a phone booth and turning into superman. In this case blond-e had turned into raging sex goddess with a BIG attitude.

Yeah, I can see you have a pretty good sense of humor there Jim!! Was there any stumbling block in the story?? No mental block at all??

Yes, the ending. In the screenplay outline I had the ending down, however for the book, different story. I was stuck. So, I left it as is, Rose and I would come back from the Keys, then simply go into the final Chapter that was a very short chapter. Sort of my wrap up about faith and how it pulled me out of many difficult times throughout my lifetime.

To be honest, the last chapter, chapter 28, I did not write. The man upstairs wrote it, I just took dictation.

Very true, this happened on night at around 3 am, I woke up from a perfect sleep. Wide awake and it just came to me, this vision of how to perfectly end the book, and I was only a third of the way through writing it at that time.

The vision was of this football game when I was in high school, and we had won a game by only inches. I sat down and starting writing this final chapter, not making any sense at all to me, again, I felt like I was taking dictation, not writing.
Once done, I read it and thought, gee, I don’t know how this is going to work at all, but will leave as is. Then I wrote the rest of the book.

Sure enough, chapter 27 flowed into chapter 28 like it was destined to be. Like I said, I owe the credit to someone else, not me. It is a very inspiration ending and has effected just about everyone that has read it. Wish I could take credit.

That is quite an incredible story, sound like you have a very important co writer?

Yes, you could say that. I only wrote that Rose and I got married during the last week of editing. I did get stuck on that one to. But with some guidance from you know who, the “Big Guy”, I was clearly directed to end it getting re married on the beach in Key Largo. This is the only thing in HOOKED that actually has not happened, but hope to one day.

Getting re married in the book was a big deal, here is why. It enabled me to wrap up all the messages in the book, all the themes came together, and it was about the most positive reflection on a relationship one could have.

In HOOKED, there was quite a bit of trouble with woman. To or three mental cases, bizarre dating stories, etc,etc. So ending HOOKED on such a positive note helped smooth out the message. I could not of figured a better way to wrap things up. Very inspirational and funny read.

Now that HOOKED is published and out there, what do think about the publishing business so far?

Interesting. I can’t say enough good things about our publisher Solstice Publishing. Great people and they work closely with their authors. I like that a lot. Not something you’re likely to get in NY.

However I recently do have a gripe on the business end regarding our wonderful world wide distribution system.

Lord tell, what is that? (laughs)

The market is being drowned in 99 cent eBooks that is flooding the market in mostly a negative way. It is not good for published authors or publishers, and in the long run, not good for the reader either.

Explain, Please!

Here is what happens. Self published authors will put up anything on the web and sell it for 99 cents. Add to that, there are some published books that ARE good and worthwhile that are also doing the 99 cent thing. This fills up readers eBooks with an occasional good cheap book, but fills the rest with crap. Then the reader says, “Hell, I got 3000 books, mostly for free on my kindle, why would I buy and other books? I have more to read in a lifetime!”

The thing is, out of the 3000 books, there may be 10 worth even looking at.
I would like to see some sort of catorigaztion so that people would know what they are buying.

But, then again, the market may just take care of itself. Once the word gets out, you get what you pay for, then maybe that will stop the on-slaught of 99 cent books.
The other thing that I am not sure authors realize is that if you get catorigized as a 99 cent author, I think you can forget ever being published by a reputable publisher. Some may squeak by, but only a few.

What do you think is a fair price for eBooks?

Depends on the eBook. I think if you want them to sell, they need to be on the low end at least a couple of bucks, on the high end up to seven bucks. I just priced HOOKED at $4.99 and that is where it will stay for quite a while. Five bucks and under is where most of the sales are going to happen. The industry is not changing by the month, but by the day.

What are some other books that you have been reading lately?

I just finished Bill Bruford’s autobiography and loved it. Rutie’s just finished the Help and loved it. Next I am reading Joe Jacksons How I left the state of TN and am a better man for it.

Sounds good Jim! How do people get in contact with you and are you going to give us a recipe like you promised??

Absolutely!!
First up is the HOOKED web site \ blog. Everything is there, contact info, order info, our newspaper reviews, which thankfully have been excellent. Hooked is available just about everywhere on line. Amazon, etc.
http://hookedthebook.wordpress.com
My direct e mail is
Jim.Baugh@ymail.com
Twitter
@5252Baugh
Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1624276499
Also I am on GoodReads now, great site
http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/6098465-jim-baugh

NOW! Here is that recipe I promised. This is one from our Galley Blog, you will love it.
Thanks Jim for stopping by, it has been a fun chat, now, what’s for dinner!!!
“Ok Lizzy and all you Tex Wis fans, here it is, the most famous Chili and Salsa recipe ever! And may the Border live on in your homes for years to come!!

Chili

Black Pepper
Red Pepper
Cayenne Pepper
Chopped Onion
Water
Canned Whole Tomatoes
Canned Crushed Tomatoes
Celery Salt
Cinnamon Sticks
Jalapeno’s
Cumin
Ground Chuck
Pinto Beans
Chili Powder
Fresh Bay Leaves.

Cook for several hours, the key to the heat was the Jalapeno and Cayenne pepper, the Widowmaker would contain a LOT of minced Jalapenos, and that is why the hottest Chili was more expensive.

I have my own Bay Leaf bush here at JBO Central and it really helps to have those fresh Bay Leaves.

Best Chili in the world, none better. Have fixed this countless time for company, and they can never believe that it taste as good as it does. Back in the day, I think this recipe won every Chili award there was.

SALSA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This one was tough, and I NEVER would of figured it out, the three secret ingredients for the unique flavor and heat were, Red Wine Vinegar, Soy Oil, and Crushed Red Peppers.

Crushed Red Peppers- over a cup
One bunch of finely chopped (Food Processor) Parsley
1\2 cup of oregano
Three tablespoons of soy oil
Crushed garlic
Three larges cans crushed tomatoes
One large finely chopped onion
1\3 cup red wine vinegar.
Water
Salt to taste
NOTE: There is a lot of dried seasonings, the oregano and crushed red peppers. After mixing and letting the salsa stand, add more water to thin out. You may have to do this several times to get the right consistency.

This salsa should be served at room temp.

The history of where this recipe came from????? I did ask, and believe it or not, the recipe came from a Taco stand in California. True story, that was the origin.

I live for this salsa, and everyone I have turned on to it, gives me Christmas cards with money in it every year. LOL, I wish.

I had a long history at the Border, and started going there back when I was in radio, before the GM job Blab TV, and even before JBO TV. It may be the only restaurant I can say that even after 11 years, I still miss that place. Always will. Those that frequented the Border, much feel the same I am sure.

For those that did not get to try the experience of the Border, try these two recipes, it WILL change your life, at least as far as Chili and Salsa goes!

Chow
Jim Baugh
JBO TV

Guest Blogger: Sara Curran- Ross

2011-08-24T16:12:00.000-07:00

Welcome my guest blogger: Sara Curran-Ross

So What Makes A Bad Vampire So Loveable?

So what makes a bad vampire so loveable? Is there such a thing as a good or bad vampire? Is that not a contradiction in terms??? Nobody likes a goodie goodie. They aren’t interesting enough. Nowadays there appears to be a demand for characters in literature and film that are in touch more with their shadow side than their good one. Gone are the days where you were able to identify the goodie by the white hat he wore and the baddie by his black hat. Now characters are wearing a dark shade of grey and causing a certain amount of confusion in their attraction. And this is really noticeable in vampire romances.
Ask any woman who her favourite vampire character is and she is likely to tell you either, Edward Cullen from Twilight, Erik from True Blood or Damon Salvatore from The Vampire Diaries. Ok, so Edward is a nice boy I hear you shout. But he does possess some dangerous qualities. For a start he stalks Bella Swan, stops her seeing her friend and stands over her while she sleeps. Yet millions of women love him. Don’t get me wrong I adored the first book and the movie but the whole brooding thing started to wear thin. And I am not sure I wanted my ten year old daughter reading about meek and mild Bella Swan allowing Edward Cullen to do those things to her.
If you watch True Blood you will know exactly who I am talking about when I mention the rather delectable tall Scandinavian blonde, Erik. He would kill you in an instant if he could be bothered. Yet he is far more exciting on the screen than nice Bill Compton or as he is affectionately known in the series, Vampire Bill, Sookie’s boyfriend. Even Compton’s name is a turn off.
And then there is Damon Salvatore who when he first appeared on The Vampire Diaries was killing for the pure hell of it and frightening the heroine, Elena out of her wits but we all sat there hypnotised by his gorgeous black eyes and wicked smile. Even whilst reading the book you can tell that the author, L.J. Smith enjoyed writing about Damon and his, ‘dark fathomless eyes,’ more than his respectable brother who only fed off animals. You can sense her impatience to bring Damon back on the page at every turn and you were hanging on in there with her, desperately waiting for him to reappear.
Even as an avid fan of Buffy The Vampire Slayer I must confess a frisson of excitement when Angel turned into his bad alter ego, Angelis. I also noticed that when I made my own vampire character, Nathan Valancourt turn to his demon side and threaten the heroine with a horsewhip when she wouldn’t do what she was told in Ace of Swords, I had more people interested in reading the chapters on my blog!
So what is it that makes us forget our senses and play with fire? Well apart from the eyes, the super human strength that could defend you at a moment’s notice and come to your rescue as many of these confusing bad vampire characters do, every dangerous vampire hunk has to have the essential trait of vulnerability. It is that which endears or deceives us into believing that they are really a nice boy underneath and they just want to be loved. Awww! Hmmm!
Let’s look at that then. I suppose Edward is consumed with love for Bella. Erik has fallen for Sookie who ignores his advances and Damon has been rejected by Katherine and has been carrying his pain and anger around for nearly two centuries. Oh and he loves his brother’s girlfriend, Elena who refuses to acknowledge him despite all his efforts. Ok, so there’s an argument for vulnerability but there is also another important quality to these stories that enables us to walk on the wild side and live to tell the tale and that is the heroine herself.
She knows how to put the naughty gorgeous vampire back in his place when he gets out of hand. Sookie does it eloquently with her no nonsense talk, principles and fearless attitude and Elena stubbornly refuses to be afraid of Damon and capitulate to his frightening advances to make her his. Then there is the mistress of a vampire put down, Buffy. She well and truly knew how to put Angelis in his place. But I am still trying to see what Bella Swan does to keep Edward reined in. Maybe she needs a few lessons from Buffy. The video from Youtube above this post may give her some pointers!
So before you start sharpening those stakes perhaps we should consider that it is safe to indulge in liking a bad boy vampire as long as you keep your wits about you. After all he’s just a nice boy trying to get out from under all that baggage that makes him so angry. Or is he? Maybe he has just compelled you to think that way!

Award winning journalist Rebecca Eaton crosses the closed border of a troubled Asian country to interview a Human Rights activist and known terrorist. Three days later, after her reported mysterious disappearance, she turns up at the border tortured, beaten, minus her memory and one kidney.

When an attempt is made on her life in the hospital, her employer sends Eaton’s estranged ex-lover and security expert Dominic Kane to bring her safely home.

Kane wants Rebecca back in his arms. But before he can entice her into reconciliation he has to help her expose a worldwide medical conspiracy involving mass murder and the illegal sale of stolen human organs.

Kane has to protect Rebecca from the men sent to silence her and the terrorists who demand she ensures the medical criminals are brought to justice or four suicide bombs will be detonated in London.

Guest Blogger: James D. Sanderson

2011-08-24T06:16:00.000-07:00
Welcome James D. Sanderson to my blog today.

Had the great pleasure being on the Tony Angelo radio show last Saturday, and I wanted to share some of the things we talked about (and have added some other things we didn’t talk about). If you have any comments or questions of your own, please add them in the comments below.

Why do you write? A person must be crazy to want to write, and I mean that literally. When I was a kid my Dad was such an overbearing and dynamic force in my life – and I don’t mean to say he was abusive, really – that I couldn’t seem to find a voice for myself. When he argued with my mother I remember scrunching down into the corner of my bedroom and making myself very tiny. Then, when I learned to write, my writing was very tiny as well. People still comment on it today. My script is almost microscopic and all pinched together. It was as if I was trying to express myself but I didn’t really want anyone to be able to see what I was trying to say. So, I guess to keep expressing myself, I had to write.

How do you come up with story ideas and characters? It takes me a long time to come up with story ideas – and I mean years – and they almost always come from character. Characters develop from people I know, or from my own experience, but I don’t believe any of my characters are based on real people. They are more like composite people. Then, when I know my character, I begin to wonder how they would act or react in this situation or that. The story usually emerges from that.

When and how do you write? I have the great luxury now of being a full-time writer, but if I’m not careful my time can go away just as fast as anyone else’s. I usually blog ‘The Angelic Mysteries’ – my novel coming out in August - on Monday. Then I work on the next chapter of my latest novel on Tuesday and Wednesday. Then on Thursday I blog ‘Literary Greatness’, which is my blog about great authors, literature, books, and writing. I promote my work online anytime I get a minute. For the modern author, marketing and promotion must be part of the writing process.

What authors inspire you? I have a library full of authors I refer back to often. Tolstoy. Dostoevsky. Hemingway. Faulkner. Steinbeck. Melville. The complete Shakespeare. Henry James. Of course any I don’t have right on the shelf I can usually find online now. That is a great benefit of reading classic literature – you can usually get it free or very cheap on the library giveaway shelf or the used bookstore or online.

What are you working on now? ‘The Angelic Mysteries’ is a novel about a man who meets a woman who believes herself to be an angel. They are being pursued around Europe by a psychopath she believes in an anti-angel – an angel from hell. It is a thriller and a love story, but also a novel of ideas: about the thin line between sanity and insanity. It’s due out August 18th.

How long does it take you to write a novel? Oh goodness, there is no time limit. ‘The Angelic Mysteries’ came out in a limited edition literary paperback in 1994. I have been working on it off and on ever since. The edition due out in August is my final draft however.

What is your next project? I have been working on a series of short stories about nonviolent direct action as it has been used around the world, and the collection, as yet untitled, is due out in the spring (March 2012). Meanwhile some of them are being published in small press magazines.

How long have you been writing? Well, as I said about being a kid hiding out in my bedroom from the fights my parents had, I began to write stories almost as soon as I could write. I remember my twelfth year in particular. I always read classic literature too, so I was considered somewhat weird by my young friends.

How does your background influence your work? I know I have always wanted to be a writer, and the fact that I read classic literature from an early age has had the most influence on my work. Whenever I read I am making mental notes about how this or that style or technique might be useful to my work in the future. I believe that novels should express great ideas because the written word is just too important to waste on only entertainment.

How do you research? Plain old library time. Of course it is a lot easier to get books now through inter library loans and so on, and I use the internet extensively. A writer simply must use the internet to help with research. There is no reason for a writer to miss some important detail.

Give some facts and juicy tidbits about your work. (Laughs). I don’t know how juicy it is, but when I was writing ‘American Masters’ I came to the chapter about our American State Papers as Literature. It occurred to me that Benjamin Franklin, because he had access to his own printing press, was able to go directly to his readers with his story. Who knows what would be known of him today if he had had to go through some convoluted publishing process to get his work out. In France especially he was able to influence people directly with his writing. I think we authors need to start looking for ways to write directly to our readers. Of course the internet is making great strides at helping us do that.

What are you reading now? I am reading ‘Anna Karenina’ for the umpteenth time. It is really my favorite novel. On my shelf are also ‘Middlemarch’ and ‘Vanity Fair’, which are also long reads. So, I’ve got my reading time mapped out for me for quite a while.

Do you have any concluding remarks? Only that we writers need to hear from our readers. If you are reading a blog or are meeting an author on Facebook or wherever, don’t be afraid to speak out and say what you think about our work or about reading and writing in general. (Be kind, but be real). We are just breaking into the idea of being able to speak directly with our readers, and we need to know what you are thinking. It will help us create our future works and it will keep us honest about why we’re writing, and who we’re writing for. I would love your feedback at either of my blog sites: Literary Greatness - www.jamesdsanderson.blogspot.com or www.theangelicmysteries.blogspot.com. You may also look for me on Facebook (James D. Sanderson).

Jim

This excerpt is taken from Chapter 23 of ‘The Angelic Mysteries’. It is Copyright © 2011 by James D. Sanderson. All Rights Are Reserved.Daniel Allman and Sarah have been fleeing across Europe to escape the huge anti-angel Morton Toombs but here in Chapter 23 he finally catches up with them:

At last they came out on the Grand Canal. A boatman was standing at the ready. “Can you take us to Santa Lucia Station?” Daniel asked him.
“Of course,” the boatman replied. “I can take you anywhere you want to go.” The boatman pointed across the canal.
Daniel seemed perplexed. “I thought it was on this side.”
“No, my good sir. It is across over there.” He pointed again, as if they might be able to make it out in the darkness. “Step in; I’ll take you straight to it.”
“Very well,” Daniel said.
“Where are we going?” Sarah asked.
“We need to get over to the other side.”
“What’s wrong with this side? Going over there doesn’t seem right to me.”
“No? Well, unless you have a better idea, that’s where we’re going,” Daniel said. “We’ve been lost for hours.”
“I don’t know which way to go.”
“Just follow along, then. One way is as good as another.”
“This is the way,” said the boatman.
They stepped down into his vaporetto and a moment later they were off across the swampy-looking water.
“This place smells like hell,” Daniel remarked.
The boatman nodded sincerely. “These canals have become like swamps. They are like Styx itself.”
“Is that where we are?” Sarah asked him. “Are we entering the gates of Dis?” A black water snake shagged by in the silence. “Has he chased us into hell’s black capital?”
“Few return,” the boatman said.
“We’re at the gate,” she said. Red flames were reflecting on the walls of the buildings ahead. Toombs was on the other side, waiting for them.
“Welcome,” he said.
“You!” Daniel said.
“Weren’t you expecting me? Fallen angels are the first here. We have rebelled against Himself.”
“So you admit it. Sarah was right all along.”
Toombs laughed maniacally. “Right. Wrong. Makes no difference here.”
“Why have you brought us here?” Sarah asked.
“Ah, a sensible question. You have brought yourselves here, actually. I am here to conduct your tour for you. That’s all.”
“What if we don’t want the tour?” Sarah demanded.
“Don’t worry. You have nothing to fear, being here. Not yet.”
“What is this about?” Daniel asked.
“You have begun your inquiries. Now you must learn the truth.”
“Don’t follow him,” Sarah cautioned. “He knows nothing of the truth.”
“As I told you,” Toombs picked up smoothly, “there is no reason to hesitate. You have a free passage here. No one will detain you.”
Without another word on the subject Toombs turned and made his way up the street. Daniel followed him and Sarah tagged along after him. They were unable to resist his power which was drawing them onward. Wild birds were screeching somewhere ahead in the distance.
“Tell me, where are the other fallen angels?” Daniel asked Toombs.
“They are all above, on your good earth, doing whatever tasks have been assigned them.”
“What kinds of tasks are those?”
“They have tasks similar to mine.”
“What exactly is your task?”
“You still need to ask? It is just as your girl here has supposed all along. We have become very good at trapping these risen angels and bringing them back here.”
“What happens when they get here?”
“They are held in captivity until they come to recognize the true way.”
“The true way?”
“The way that leads to the great one – Satan himself.”
“Don’t listen to him,” Sarah interjected. “His words twist everything.”
“Quiet,” Toombs shouted. “Life here is not as she would portray it. This is a good place. A place of sensual delights. Unlike the sterile silence of her heaven.”
Sarah began to object again but the big man raised his hand and shouted, “Silence!” Sarah found she could no longer speak. “You have no power here.”
“What have you done to her?” Daniel asked.
“She talks too much. You have come here to learn, and learn you shall. You must decide for yourself. I think you’ll find that hell is very much for people like us. It is a place of power.”
“Is it all about power, then? I thought hell was about punishment.”
“Dantesque clap trap,” Toombs snorted. “Some are punished here. But not those who have power. We are Satan’s chosen.”
“You keep saying ‘us’.”
He gave Daniel a libidinous wink. “You too can be here, in the halls of power.”
Sarah grasped his arm between her two hands but Daniel pulled away brusquely. “And you say you have risen angels held captive here?”
“Only the ones who refuse to convert. Foolish, really. We all serve a master, do we not? What difference does it make which one?”
“But… I don’t see any of those captive angels around anywhere.”
Toombs stamped his foot. Daniel followed his eyes downward. “In the cement.”
“In the cement?” Daniel did not understand.
“We mix them in the cement we use to build our roads. None ever escape.”
Daniel was horrified. “So, we’re walking on them right this minute?”
“Don’t worry about offending them. It’s their punishment. Those who have risen so high must now lay there while we tread on them. Just punishment, don’t you think?”
“Are they never released?”
“Of course they are,” the big man smiled. “Some are released every day. They have but to pledge their allegiance to their rightful King, the Prince of Darkness, and they fly out of the roadway complete and unharmed. It’s quite a spectacle.”
“I can imagine it is.”
Toombs continued to lead the way. “Ahead here is the Park of the Suicides.”
Daniel caught his breath. It was from this park the sound of the screeching birds was coming.
“This is one part Dante actually got right. The leaves of the trees trap the souls of those who have committed suicide, and the Harpies eat the leaves.”
“Is my father...?”
“You father committed suicide, didn’t he?”
“Is he here?” Daniel whispered.
“He’s here. In one of these trees. But he doesn’t have to be, you know.”
“How do you mean?”
“Those of us with power can have things as we wish them.”
“You know what I wish…”
Morton Toombs cocked his head to one side. “What do you wish?”
Daniel caught himself and shook his head. “Nothing. It’s only that this has something to do with my dream. I don’t know what exactly.”
“A dream?”
“A recurring dream,” Daniel said. “In the dream I am confronted by two knights on horseback; a white knight and a black knight. The black knight is first. He charges his horse at me and lowers his lance. At the last possible moment I leap aside and, using my staff, pin his lance against the trunk of a tree, breaking it. The white knight then turns his horse and rides away.”
Morton Toombs nodded his head reflectively. “It’s a funny thing.” He motioned to the leaves of the trees. “All any of them have to do to escape is to desire it. But none of them ever does.”
“Because of pride?”
“I suppose so. But I don’t really know. Only they know, and they’re not talking.”
Just then a great pit began to open up at their feet. Sarah became frantic trying to pull Daniel back from the edge.
“Where do you think you’re going?” Toombs asked.
“This is far enough. I’m going back.”
“Oh, so you’ve decided have you? Don’t you want to see more?”
“I’ve seen enough.”
“That’s a pity, but there’s no going back from here.”
“I thought we were immune…”
“Who told you that?” Toombs asked. “Oh, I did, didn’t I? Well, I lied.”
“I want to go back.”
“Of course you do.”
The mouth of the pit opened up like the aperture of a giant camera lens. Daniel turned to Sarah. She needed no prompting. She was running already. There was a tremendous crashing noise all around them. The earth crumbled and fell away. Toombs’ laughter was in their ears. Toombs reached out and grabbed Daniel’s leg. His grip could not hold. His nails left a nasty scratch. Daniel and Sarah continued to lose ground, like ants in an ant lion’s trap.

5 Things you don't know about Andrea Buginsky

2011-08-15T19:37:00.001-07:00
5 Things You don't know about Andrea Buginsky

1. I LOVE chocolate
2. I'm a big Disney freak
3. I cry easily at movies and television shows
4. I'm stubborn
5. "Dirty Dancing" is my favorite movie in the entire world

Available at:
Solstice Publishing
http://www.solsticepublishing.com/products/The-Chosen-%252d%252d%252d-PDF-EBOOK.html

Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/The-Chosen-ebook/dp/B004GEAH0O/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1313462390&sr=1-1

Rachel's Legacy The Rachel Connors Saga Book One is FREE

2011-08-15T07:36:00.000-07:00

Get it Free at Solstice Publishing
http://www.solsticepublishing.com/products/Rachel%27s-Legacy.html

or Smashwords
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/67436

Rachel Connors loved her life, and her job as a manager at a ski resort in Aspen Colorado, but after learning she was ill, she decided to take a long needed vacation to her parent's home. This was when she met Kyle Landers, who in her absence had moved into her parent's lives, and before he'd even met Rachel, Kyle had decided not to like her. Kyle had been alone in the world when Rachel's parents had taken him in; and he couldn't understand why their ungrateful daughter had chosen to distance herself from them.

Rachel and Kyle grew closer, and she knew she was falling for him, but it wasn't until his accident when she learned that he also loved her. Rachel was scheduled to pick Kyle up from the hospital upon his release, but a call from her doctor summoned her back to Aspen, telling her parents there was a problem at work. When Kyle hears of this, he boards a plane to find her, learning the truth of her condition. Their love blossomed but it was to be short lived when on their flight back to the ranch the plane crashed. Despite an extensive search, Kyle was never found, and Rachel was forced to go on without him.

Four years had passed, and Rachel's relationship with Marcus, her new boyfriend, was moving to a different level, but at the same time, the thought dead Kyle had come out of his coma; his mind lost in the events four years earlier. After Rachel accepted Marcus' proposal, Kyle returns, leaving Rachel with a dilemma. For four years Marcus had been by her side, but now Kyle was back, wanting her just as much as he had the day of the crash. She needed to get away to make her decision, so she left for Aspen, only Kyle followed her to try to convince her that they belonged together.

Who will Rachel Chose? Is Kyle’s love enough to bring her back to him?

5 or more things you don't know about Becky Wilde

2011-08-10T06:47:00.000-07:00
5 or more things you don't know about Becky Wilde:

Five things you didn't know about me?

1. I am a very shy introverted person.
2. One glass of wine is enough to get me inebriated.
3. I hate living in suburbia.
4. I have been married for twenty one years, but have been with my wonderful man for twenty five years.
5. I used to be a clean freak in the house, but now I would rather write than clean.
6. I probably love my kids too much, lol.
7. I have to research some aspects of my writing, but not in the physical sense, lol. Oh, this comment could be taken a few ways. Oh well, I'm not elaborating.
8. I write the english language better than I speak it, only because my brain works faster than my mouth. I do also suffer from foot in mouth disease. I speak before I think, lol.

Jade Ash made a promise to her dying mother, to visit her mom's childhood home in Eagle River, Ontario, Canada. Jade meets the owner of the estate, Sloan Taggert and is surprised when he asks he to stay in his home as a guest.

Jade can't pass up the opportunity to be around so many hunky men, so accepts the offer. Little does she know she has walked into a den of werewolves.

Sloan claims Jade as her mate and convinces her to go through the bonding ceremony with him, then himself and his two brothers, so they can anchor her to life, in case of his demise, in front of the whole pack.

They seem to be getting along with each other fine, until Sloan's enemy, Devlin Spawn, Alpha of the Hell Hound Pack, kidnaps Jade.

Will he get to her in time to rescue her? Or will it be too late for Jade to survive?

available here:
http://www.solsticeatnight.com/products/Eagle-River-Alpha%3A-BooK-One.html

Book Promo: Danger At Baird's Den

2011-08-08T17:30:00.000-07:00

Kate Baird planned to have a quiet, boring summer in her small town in the mountains of North Carolina, cleaning bathrooms in her family’s bed and breakfast, Baird’s Den. Her mother was laid up with a broken leg and Kate would have to help her out all summer. Her world is turned upside down when she finds out her cousin, who she doesn’t exactly get along with, is coming for the entire summer to help them out.

Just when things can’t get any worse, Kate finds out that there is a huge secret in her small town. Some of the residents aren’t who they say they are. What are they hiding? Kate, her friend Jeremy, and her cousin Taylor set out to solve this mystery, but at what cost? Can they escape the danger they have gotten themselves in? Will they be able to survive?

Get Yours today!!! Your kids are going to love this book. To be honest. You are going to love it too!!!!

http://www.solsticepublishing.com/products/Danger-at-Baird%27s-Den-%252d%252d%252d-PDF-EBOOK.html

Guest Blogger: Denyse Bridger

2011-08-08T07:02:00.001-07:00

1. Tell us a little about Shades of Death, what inspired you to write this novel?

SHADES OF DEATH is a different kind of paranormal novel because the focus is not on the romance that is part of the story, but is very much on the mysterious killings that make up the core of the book. I wrote this because when the idea was conceived, two best-selling vampire authors told me I’d hit on a new approach that they hadn’t seen before and they felt it was a book that I really should write. I was pleased with the whole idea, and the novel was born! The society of scientists and specialists that make up the Institute of Paranormal Research, and their sister organization were fun places to build. I’ve been delighted with the praise and reviews the book has received since it was released.

2. Do you have a favorite character you have written?

I have several that I am very fond of, but recently there are three that are special to me. Quinn Lockharte from Hide and Secret, Rienn from ROYAL CONSORT, and Dylan Coulter, a gentleman gunslinger from Winner Take All. Each of these men are strong, passionate, and very smart, as well as undeniably sexy.

3. What are you currently working on?

As always, I’m working a number of projects, but the most exciting two are new novels. One is a fantasy novel, and the other is a new paranormal/vampire tale. I love world building and these two stories have given me the opportunity to really indulge in creating my own vision again. I think they’re both very strong and unique stories, so I can’t wait to really get into both of them!

4. How long have you been writing? What influenced you to start?

I’ve been writing since I was a child, really. Began with school essays, and never really stopped. In 1984, I discovered the amazing world of fan fiction when I wrote a story based on my favorite television show. I even submitted it to the production company, and they liked it. The show was cancelled before I could do more than sign releases for the script. However, I had met a wonderful lady named Barbara Fister-Liltz, an extraordinary artist and gifted writer. She also published fanzines, and she wanted my story. So began a twenty year apprenticeship, and I learned to write in a tough forum, because fans who love their shows are quick to tell you when you screw it up! I won awards instead, and in 2004 I signed my first pro contract. I haven’t looked back since then and currently have dozens of novels, shorts, and novellas on my website catalogue. I love it all!

5. How do your family/friends feel about your writing?

I think they just see it as something I do, and have always done. They support me and are great when I need people to bounce ideas around with, and I’ve been blessed with amazing and very honest friends who critique and proof all my work, they’re fabulous editors!

6. Where do you hope to be in 5 years?

In five years I hope I’ll have a few more novels written and published, and ideally I’ll be enjoying it as much then as I do now. I can’t imagine not doing this job!

7. Do you have any advice for new or aspiring author?

Keep writing. Nothing makes an artist improve more than actually working at their craft. There is no such thing in existence as a perfect book, so aspire to do a great book, but never expect it to be perfect. Also, don’t continually revisit and rewrite, the path of your growth comes from looking at where you’ve been as a writer. If you keep trying to improve your old work, you’ll never create new work, will you?

8. What is your favorite book? (one that you have read) and why?

Gone With The Wind has been my favorite novel since I was 17, that was the first time I read it, and I’ve read it many times since then. I’ve also got a weakness for Sherlock Holmes, so I’ve read Conan Doyle many times, too. I love both these books for their depth and intelligence. GWTW is the epic romantic story of just how far love and determination and passion can take you. Scarlett O’Hara never gives up, and that’s what makes her strong and memorable. Sherlock Holmes is an entire world away on all levels, but those stories are filled with a different kind of passion and determination, this time of logic and intelligence, and justice.

9. On the fun side, what is your favorite television show and why?

At the moment it’s The Closer with Kyra Sedgwick. Again, you have a strong and smart heroine, and a show that doesn’t rely on shocks but tight, well-written stories. I tend to watch British comedies for the wit and charm in them. My all time favorite show is Have Gun, Will Travel. Paladin is the ultimate hero, a gentleman and a killer, but a man with sophistication and intelligence always. His code of honor is unquestionable. He’s the kind of hero we all try to create, in whatever setting we choose.

10. Where can readers find you, Denysé? (Include all links you want, Facebook, Twitter, etc.)

WEBSITE: http://www.denysebridger.com
BLOG: http://fantasy-pages.blogspot.com
Sensual Treats Magazine: http://www.sensualtreats.webs.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/denysebridger
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/denysebridger
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/denyse.bridger
Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/Romance.and.Fantasy
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B003LUHE96

http://www.solsticepublishing.com/products/Shades-Of-Death-%252d%252d%252d-PDF-EBOOK.html

Deep within the ageless Carpathian Mountains, an ancient evil wakes. Imprisoned many centuries ago, the creature has waited, patiently, for the one destined to grant her freedom.

Arienne Lereaux has studied the preternatural menace called "vampyre" for most of her life. She is an expert in the field. Loosely affiliated with a secretive organization called The Institute of Paranormal Research and Investigation, she turns to them when she unearths what may be the first representation of the vampyre ever to exist.

The enigmatic and attractive Head of the Institute, Adam Raven, has spent a lifetime tracking the clues left by his mother's disappearance in the mountains of Romania nearly twenty years past. When Arienne arrives at the secluded island headquarters of the Institute, he wonders if she holds the key to finding his lost mother. But before too many days pass, the city of Vancouver is rocked by a series of grisly murders. As it races to find the culprit, the Institute faces an evil unlike any it has encountered before..

5 Things You Don't Know About Danielle D. Smith

2011-08-03T12:23:00.001-07:00
5 THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT DANIELLE D. SMITH

1.) I still sleep with the first stuffed toy I ever owned, Blue Bunny, who was in the incubator with me when I was a 3lb preemie. If anyone moves him, I WILL KILL!
2.) I love veggies more than fruit--spinach is waaay better than strawberries!
3.) My husband was my first date, first kiss, first...everything.
4.) I spent the first 20 weeks of my pregnancy calling my son, Ryker, "she".
5.) I am a psycho fan of all the Mad Max films. And I hate chick flicks.

Skriker.

A meltingly sexy hunter with rock star style. An insatiable seducer and lover of women.

Son of a human lady of the night and a True Native of Hell, he is a killer of the evils that dwell in darkness.

Fifty miles of bad road will lead him and his rumbling Harley to an abandoned town and the vampyre hunt of his dreams.

It is in the rot and the ruin that Skriker will discover his destiny.

Rose.

A fierce and beautiful huntress haunted by a tragic past. The most amazing woman that Skriker has ever met.

A sizzling tryst will lead him to discover that Rose is his soul mate, the girl who will make him abandon his lustful ways and make him hunger for her alone.

But Skriker's new beloved harbors an ironic secret.

A secret that may lead to a half-demon's gruesome undoing...

Skriker, half-demon bad boy, and his Nephil love, Rose, are inseperable. They've been through thick and thin, thin and thinner...and the hunt is calling them once again.

Rumor of a skinwalker draws the notorious pair to Shiprock, New Mexico, a place sacred to the Navajo and a site of enormous supernatural power. The classic Route 66 awaits them and their Harleys, as do open stretches of desert where they can camp under the stars and rut like horny teenagers…the chance of slaying the skinwalker is simply the icing on Skriker’s gore-soaked cake.

But when they finally cross paths with the enemy, the ancient desert monster develops an insatiable desire to capture Rose and posess her...leaving Skriker fighting with all he's got to keep the love of his life from being snatched from his arms forever.

http://www.solsticeatnight.com/products/Coyote-Night%252d%252dPDF-EBOOK.html

Catherine Anne Collins

2011-08-02T07:35:00.000-07:00

5 Things you don't know about Catherine Anne Collins
1. I own 12 pet goats, 2 livestock guardian dogs and 1 house dog
2. I've earned a 2nd degree Black Belt in Karate
3. I train with a Samurai Sword
4. I have a steel rod in my back
5. My weaknesses are extra old cheddar cheese and Coca-Cola

Get Solitary Cove Today!!!
http://www.solsticepublishing.com/products/Solitary-Cove%252d%252dPDF-EBOOK.html

The peaceful town of Solitary Cove will never be the same again. It’s about to be overrun with a movie crew and an assorted group of people all running to or from something in their lives.

Fleeing her husband’s killer, Nicole Warner rents a lighthouse on the cliffs of Solitary Cove and spends her time writing and living in fear for the safety of those she comes to care about. Determined not to fall in love again, her emotions betray her when she meets Ian McConahay.

Living a life filled with fame, fortune, and women, Ian should be happy, but he’s not. He can no longer perform sexually. Searching for elusive fulfillment, he agrees to act in a movie filming in the small Canadian town of Solitary Cove. When he meets Nicole, his life is further complicated by her rejection, his abused daughter’s appearance, and the necessity of protecting both the women he loves from Nicole’s dangerous stalker.

If you love fast-paced romantic suspense novels peopled with characters you'll cheer for, SOLITARY COVE is the book for you. A seaside village in Nova Scotia, a movie hero with a daughter he barely knows, and a woman on the run from danger equal the perfect formula for a terrific read. Catherine Anne Collins has a winner on her hands!

USA Today Bestselling author Barbara Bretton

5 Things You Don't Know About Penny Estelle

2011-07-29T06:47:00.000-07:00

5 Things you don't know about Penny Estelle

1. I have 7 sweet, adorable grandchildren that somehow evolved from my own 5 children.

2. After 21 years as a school secretary, I need to find the book, "Blogging For Dummies"

3. I have been retired for 2 years on our property that is powered by only solar and wind - AND LIKE IT!

4 I am more freaked out about mice than I am about rattlesnakes.

5 We just bought a travel trailer and I want to visit every state in the US

www.pennystales.com
Hike Up Devil's Mountain
http://www.solsticepublishing.com/products/Hike-Up-Devil's-Mountain%252d%252dPDF-EBOOK.html

Hike Up Devil's Mountain

Ten-year old Andy Thompson disobeys his mother and sneaks into the basement of an old abandoned house that’s due for demolition. He stumbles upon a mysterious box under an old cabinet. And his troubles begin when he looks inside.

The Crew brothers, twelve-year old Jason, and ten-year old Danny, also find their way to the basement. New to town, Jason has established himself as the school bully. A struggle ensues between Andy and Jason and the bully ends up as a toad.

Somehow, the boys must reverse the magical spell. And that means hiking up the dread mountain: fast pace, fast action and just a few scares and surprises on the way! The lives of all three boys seem destined to change forever, if they survive…

5 Things You Don't Know about Don Ford

2011-07-28T06:26:00.000-07:00
1. I'm a nice guy, but I write horror too. LOL
2. I'm not into Steven King, like I said, I write horror too. :-}
3. My daughter always catches the big one each year, but that's because my giant fish always gets away. This year I brought along a camera for proof.
5. I'm a top speller; I never said I could count! Cheers
4. Oops, most of my life I have been turned around, headed in the wrong direction, and just recently found the right path.

Now you know I'm a storyteller. Here are 5 good examples plus my Solstice story tale:
"Royal Ferdinand" http://www.solsticepublishing.com/products/Royal-Ferdinand--%252d%252d%252d-PDF-EBOOK.html

Friends come in all sizes, colors, and species. Children and those young at heart will enjoy this display of simple fun as we look into the lives of two very different characters, who we find in the end are not so different. This tale is really for the kid in all of us. A fun loving, carefree, and learning experience for children today. Parents and Grandparents alike will enjoy reading it to their young ones.

About the author:

He writes with a down-home flavor. Nature and conservation are popular topics with him. He writes in many genres. Known for his poetry and storytelling, short stories are his favorite form of writing. To date he has sold numerous short stories to magazines across the U.S. and has attained International status now with work in Portugal and Cyprus.

available at:
http://www.solsticepublishing.com/products/Royal-Ferdinand--%252d%252d%252d-PDF-EBOOK.html

5 Things you don't know about Jim Baugh

2011-07-27T07:08:00.000-07:00
Five things you did not know about 49 yr old Author Jim Baugh (Humor)

1) I am a Virgin

2) On Saturdays I like to hang out in air ports dressed in a white robe, a tall turban on my head and hand out literature for Hooters.

3) I would never take a drink unless I was alone, or with someone.

4) I spell arthritis with only four letters, and it starts with F....

5) I once was ask to double for Brad Pit in a film, but I refused because he did not look enough like me.

“HOOKED” is based on the true-life story of Virginia outdoor television producer Jim Baugh. Jim Baugh Outdoors TV is one of Americas most diverse and entertaining outdoor programs and has been in syndication since 1989.

“HOOKED” is a hilarious look behind the scene stories of filming a southern outdoor TV show. From the Chesapeake Bay to Key West these on location excursions will make your sides hurt with laughter. A cast of sea faring characters full of color and humor. From the docks in Gloucester Virginia to the Atlantic Ocean and a boat load of jolly swashbuckling Pirates. The stories and characters in “HOOKED” are timeless and span a period of over forty years.

In contrast, “HOOKED” also explores the solemn drama of dealing with divorce, death, and mental illness.

The story also delves into the totally crazy insane world of mid-life on-line computer dating. This is a hilarious look at dating in the computer world after 25 years of solid marriage. These “Dating” stories are contemporary, racy, scary, cheerful, timeless, and based on true events. Anyone who is old enough to date will soon relate to “HOOKED” as the comical reference for dating in the new millennium.

This adult romantic comedy story also relates to the power and testament of faith.

50 Years of an exciting action packed extremely charismatic colorfull life and career, packed into 28 chapters . It is a fast ride for sure.

Bio: Jim Baugh has been producing National and Regional television shows for 25 years. Programs include: Jim Baugh Outdoors TV (220 episodes), Ski East, Classic Fishing. Fishing Virginia and, RV Times.

Jim Baugh has written over 300 columns for numerous magazines during the last 20 years including: Motor boating Magazine, Fishing Smart, The Chesapeake Angler, The Sportsman Magazine and Travel Virginia Magazine.

Stop by the bar to hang out with Jim!!!

http://hookedthebook.wordpress.com/comments-blog/

5 Things you don't know about author: Suzette Stone

2011-07-26T08:03:00.001-07:00
5 Things you Don't know about Suzette Stone!!!!

1. I have lived in the UK, Australia and Florida, USA
2. If I could move anywhere today I would escape to Eleuthera in the Bahamas
3. I am pregnant with my 2nd child
4. I love a good margarita (not at the moment of course!) and fried clam strips
5. I cannot make left-hand turns when I drive!

Stop by http://www.solsticepublishing.blogspot.com to catch Suzette's interview with them today.

Wow she's everywhere!!!!!

A Fateful Wind

Stunning Jenna Penworthy’s looks are drawing admiration from most men she encounters, not least the ruthless and lascivious Lord Edwin Penrose, whose lust for his wife’s favorite maid is becoming more and more ardent. With Jenna and her mining fiancé Trystan’s livelihood dependant on the Penrose Tin Mines, Lord Edwin knows it is only a matter of time before the voluptuous virgin will be his. That is until his cousin returns to Cornwall from America. The irresistible and carefree adventurer, Sir Jack Bartholomew, finds himself caught up in protecting the alluring servant who has so captured his heart. But with Jenna, a mere servant girl, betrothed to another man, Jack realizes he is certain to be denied his overwhelming desires. Then destiny takes a turn and a stormy encounter with Lord Edwin seems to seal Jenna’s fate. Set amidst the harsh and windswept moorland of 1840’s Cornwall, A Fateful Wind tells of hidden secrets, familial destinies and a love that can never be denied.

Available at:
http://www.solsticepublishing.com/products/A-Fateful-Wind-%252d%252d%252d-PDF-EBOOK.html

Guest Blogger Leland McCaslin

2011-07-26T06:28:00.000-07:00

SECRETS OF THE COLD WAR is an exciting first-hand NF historiography of little known fascinating true intelligence/ counterintelligence battles between the Allies and the Soviets during the Cold War.
I'm a disabled Army vet and was in the Cold War in Germany for 16 years. I wasn't sure which History professor to send this email to; perhaps you would help me.
My NF book (available in hardback or kindle) would be an excellent read/ resource for faculty or students interested in the Cold War, US International Relations, US Military History or real espionage.
I am happy to report that Yale and Harvard Libraries, several University ROTC Detachments and the USAF Academy History Department are among those that have ordered the book (see below).

THE BOOK

SECRETS OF THE COLD WAR
contains many historic images from behind enemy lines - example attached (Pasquier document). "It is full of first-person narratives of real events that seem to be taken from the pages of a pop-fiction spy thriller," said Mark Patton in a book review by the Stars & Stripes newspaper (full Stars & Stripes coverage attached).
All ranks, from Corporal to Generals in the US, British, and French militaries tell their captivating true stories. Read about the 'James Bond' type cars with their light tricks and their ability to leave their Stasi shadows 'wheel spinning' in the snow.
(Book cleared, security-wise by the US Army in Pre-pub security reviews.)

THE AUTHOR
Formerly an expert in counterintelligence in US Army Europe, the author weaves together exciting true accounts of allies collecting enemy information in the East and fighting spies and terrorist in the West. I was the Command Security Manager in Heidelberg for US Army Europe during the Cold War and was there for 16 years. I hope you will consider adding the book to your collection.
A FEW COMMENTS ABOUT THE BOOK
From Librarians,

- Our Americana selector confirms that we will, with pleasure, be acquiring your book. Thanks again for calling our attention to this book! All best wishes, xxxx Harvard University.

- Dear Sir, I will be happy to order this for the Yale University Library. xxxx, Yale University Library, New Haven, CT .
From University History Departments,
- Thank you for sending me the information on your book. It sounds fascinating, and I have ordered a copy through Barnes and Noble.com. I’ll also share the book with my co-worker, Lt Col XXXX (who is working with me on a Cold War class we are designing for the Spring 2012 semester), because I know she would enjoy reading it too. Respectfully, XXXX, Lt Col, USAF Assistant Professor, U.S. Air Force Academy Department of History.
- Your book does look interesting. I could see a place for it in our library. I'll make sure we buy a copy for the university library., xxxx Professor and Chair Department of History.

From University ROTC,

- Mr. McCaslin, Thanks for the email and congratulations on your book….I will send out to our cadre to use and to our cadets for their Professional Development reading…. V/R xxxx, LTC, MP, Professor of Military Science.
- Lee, Just ordered a copy off Amazon. Where are you located? Lt Col XXXX, Commander, AFROTC Det XXXX.

From the International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C., Currently on sale and... selling very well, per the Spy Store!

Four star General Frederick J. Kroesen, former Commander-in-Chief of US Army Europe, wrote my foreword and said among other things: Given the criticism, bad news and alleged malfeasances associated with our intelligence services during the past decade, it is most refreshing to find a book relating a far different story. This volume reflects what we can do when the mission is clear and the resources are committed.

Francis Gary Powers, Jr.,
His dad was shot down in the U2 spy plane. He is the founder of The Cold War Museum, and said: Well written and informative, the book is a magnificent assessment of the Cold War history. McCaslin put the importance of Intelligence and Counterintelligence during the Cold War into clear perspective.

Scholarly Review - Dr. Rhonda Parker, Professor and Chair of Communication Studies at Samford University stated: …you do a good job of narrating history and my evaluation of these chapters is quite positive - you take me back to a place and time about which too little is known, which makes the information both valuable and intriguing. It's just very strong. It's ready. Congratulations!

You can look at the book by placing the title in the search window of any of the major on-line book sellers, such as Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million or Borders. Or go to this economical link:
http://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Cold-War-Intelligence-Counterintelligence/dp/1906033919/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1305992624&sr=8-1

Thanks and V/r, Lee
B.S., Mississippi State University
M.Ed., Boston University

Leland McCaslin
SECRETS OF THE COLD WAR – NF - Oct 2010
(Helion & Company Ltd-UK) (Casemate - US)ISBN13: 9781906033910 ISBN10: 1906033919Join the fb group page… SECRETS OF THE COLD WAR
Book also picked up by Target, Google Books, Barnes and Noble, Books-a-Million, Borders, Helion, Amazon.US/UK/CA/FR/De, Casemate, and Australia's Emporium, New Zealand’s Mighty Ape, Denmark’s SAXO, Sweden’s Bokia, Norway's Kundesenter, Germany’s WOM, Italy’s DEA Stor, Many England sites.

Guest Blogger Lorhainne Eckhart

2011-07-25T06:19:00.000-07:00

Lorhainne Eckhart began her writing career in 2008, when she published her first novel, The Captain’s Lady, a Contemporary Military Romance.

Lorhainne Eckhart is a member of the RWA, Sisters in Crime and Victoria RWA. She makes her home on beautiful Vancouver Island, and lives in the country with her three children. The mother of a special needs child. And one of her greatest gifts was having to learn, organization, structure, and how to stay focused on what’s really important in life. She lives by simple rules, the same she teaches her children. Stay honest, be impeccable with your word, never take advantage of anyone, and treat everyone with respect. She’s an advocate for children with special needs. Passionate about preserving our environment, wildlife, and protecting what natural resources we have left, so there will be a future for our children.

Lorhainne loves her garden, nature and all animals. When she isn’t being a busy Mom, working on, and promoting her next novel, you’ll find her horseback riding on the trails, working in the garden, or outside enjoying nature.

Lorhainne is an avid reader and writer. She writes romantic suspense, but enjoys reading novels from all genres. Some of her favorite authors include Suzanne Brockmann, Tess Gerritsen, Nelson DeMille, James Patterson, Karen Robards, and Karin Slaughter.

Her latest novel, The Choice, Book One of Walk the Right Road Series, is a romantic, mystical suspense. And explores an issue most women have fallen victim to at one time in their life; the masterful predator who preys on vulnerable women, and clouds the invisible barrier between right and wrong. What would you do for someone you love?

Marcie Hollis is a Wiccan, who’s always played by the rules. That’s until she meets Dan McKenzie, a man who she believes to be the knight in shining armor she’s been searching for all her life. However, Dan’s not who he appears to be. He lures Marcie into his world of lies, greed and high-grade marijuana. But fate intervenes on Marcie's illicit trip for Dan to New Orleans, when she's robbed in a crowded airport. The thug not only makes off with her suspicious backpack, he knocks her down, her head slams on the concrete floor, and she loses her memory right in the path of DEA agent, Sam Carre.

After a six-month investigation into the activities of a big time drug dealer crumbles, the same day damming evidence is found stuffed in Sam’s locker – evidence suggesting he’s the notorious leak on the team, Sam jumps on the first plane home. Arriving in a crowded airport in New Orleans - his reputation and loyalty are in question. But even though Sam’s tired, disillusioned and haunted by a past that gives him no peace, he stops to help an attractive stranger when she falls in front of him. Then in an act of chivalry, he takes her to his home until the police can identify her. When questions arise about Marcie, and what she’s involved in, the answers lead them to the exact felons Sam investigated in the Pacific Northwest.

When her illusive memory returns, this complex case pushes them both to explain the unexplainable, and leaves Sam with a haunting question. Was she set up, or was this a game she played? Sam’s forced to make a choice, walk away from the attraction that connects them, or risk losing everything.

5 Things You Don't Know about Angela Burke

2011-07-24T15:22:00.000-07:00
1. I've been indirectly struck by lightening twice - once on top of the Continental Divide, the other next
to the fridge in the kitchen.
2. I ran the Pike's Peak Ascent - a half marathon from the bottom to the top of Pikes Peak, elevation 14,115 feet.
3. I teach students with special needs, as well as kids that are gifted and talented.
4. I live with a chef.
5. I have 3 kids and 2 dogs and live in the mountains above 8,000 feet. (We get a lot of snow!)

Raya Walden doesn't believe in ghosts...just the thought sends shivers up her spine. But as she falls in love with Jack Castille during a summer job at the rustic Hideaway Lodge, a resort nestled in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, Raya discovers she has an undisclosed paranormal talent. A talent that she doesn't want. Yet it is this gift that will ultimately save her life...

Lucidity is a story about the secrets of the unknown, the essence of the spirit and the endurance of love...will you believe?

Available at:
http://www.solsticepublishing.com/products/Lucidity%252d%252dPDF-EBOOK.html

5 Things You Don't Know About Dianne Hartsock

2011-07-22T06:38:00.000-07:00
1. A Peppermint Mocha is my favorite coffee drink.
2. I like watching sci/fi movies on Saturday afternoons. Popcorn's a must.
3. I'm in love with Annie Lennox's voice.
4. I enjoy live music, especially outdoors.
5. Both my kids are in college this year. Yea!

Alex is twenty and confused. He always is. The world presses on him with its horrors and pain, with scintillating auras that pierce his eyes and drive the migraines deeper. He hears the cries of children, the screaming women. He sees the brutal images of the tortured victims. He feels out of control and his mind slips...

Severely abused as a child, he is left with horrible scars on his body and even worse scars within his mind. Even though it puts him in danger, he’s compelled to help those who call to him. He’s driven, motivated by his visions to rescue them and uncover the killer. When he can, he helps the police; yet some detectives suspect he’s the cause of the problem, not the solution. Often, Alex finds himself alone and afraid in a world he doesn’t always comprehend.

5 Things You Don't Know About James Hatch

2011-07-21T07:08:00.000-07:00
1. Dated his wife for 11 years before marriage.

2. Favorite dances are waltz, rumba and fox trot.

3. Drives a 30-year-old 300 ZX in excellent condition.

4. Would live in T-shirts and shorts forever; hates formal wear.

5. Loves food and exotic drinks, even though he must do all kitchen cleaning.

Miss Havana’s public persona was far from the truth because, in her capacity as substitute teacher, the small community where she lived knew her as the breathtakingly beautiful young woman who demanded every student learn, but in her private life, ostensibly caring for aging parents in Chicago, she raced through the lives of powerful men, leaving a wake of destruction…and a deep desire for revenge. Little did she realize her conflicted life would end in a chaotic death at an early age, and to an eternal conflict with the devil. Clever and witty, the reader will not guess the conclusion of this novel until the final paragraph.

available at:
http://www.solsticepublishing.com/products/The-Substitute%252d%252d%252d-PDF-EBOOK.html

5 Things You Don't Know About Geoff Gander

2011-07-20T06:24:00.000-07:00
1. Geoff started writing regularly for fun – mainly roleplaying games - in the mid-1990s. The Tunnelers is his debut as a professional writer.

2. Almost all of the characters in Geoff’s stories are based on real people, and at least one character in every story has one of his own traits.

3. In homage to one of his biggest influences, H.P. Lovecraft, at least one character is every story has either an academic background, or is naturally introverted and studious.

4. Geoff is sort of ashamed to admit that he can quote large portions of Monty Python’s Quest for the Holy Grail.

5. Although Geoff writes a lot of horror fiction, he doesn’t like most horror movies. His favourite movie genres are adventure and comedy.

Check out his new release:
The Tunnelers

When a traumatized mining foreman is placed under the psychiatric care of Dr. Vincent Armstrong, the doctor thinks he has started just another shift. But as the victim begins to remember what drove him temporarily insane, Armstrong’s interest becomes personal, and he makes a series of discoveries that threaten to tear apart his carefully constructed scientific view of the world, and show in horrifying clarity that his patient is anything but delusional.

As Armstrong’s world falls apart, his recovering patient learns that he has not escaped the horrors he encountered underground, and that no place on earth is truly safe from the “Tunnelers.”

http://www.solsticepublishing.com/products/The-Tunnelers%252d%252dPDF-EBOOK.html

5 Things You Don't Know About Lizzy Stevens

2011-07-19T08:12:00.000-07:00

5 Things you don't know about Lizzy Stevens!!!!!

1. I'm married.

2. I have two awesome Kids.

3. I have a small tatoo.

4. My favorite sport is Supercross.

5. I hate house cleaning more than anything LOL.

Check out "Secrets Of Snow Hollow"

Available at:
http://www.solsticepublishing.com/products/Secrets-Of-Snow-Hollow-%252d%252d%252d-PDF-EBOOK.html

or

http://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Of-Snow-Hollow-ebook/dp/B003Y3BP0Y/ref=sr_1_10?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1311088946&sr=1-10

Guest Blogger: Donna Crocker

2011-07-16T09:40:00.001-07:00
Hi Everyone,

Welcome my guest blogger today: Donna Crocker

She is the author of several books. She's here today to tell us about one of her latest books "Wishes Come True"

Answering an ad in the newspaper, Abby had no idea that she would find so much more than just a job. Her new boss sends butterflies tumbling through her stomach and she can't stop thinking about being in his arms. Jake wasn't looking for love when he advertised for a typist. By hiring Abby, he's found more than he bargained for. She's charming, sweeit, and gets to him as no other woman has before. There's just one little problem... Gloria, Jake's secretary. Gloria has loved Jake from afar for years, then Abby came into the picture. She's noticed the looks he gives Abby and decides to take matters into her own hands. If Abby is out of the way, surely Jake will love her... so Gloria begins to plot Abby's demise. Will Jake be abe to stop Gloria in time? Or will he lose the only woman he's ever loved?

Find Donna Crocker at:
www.authordonnacrocker.blogspot.com

Follow her on Twitter:
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/donnacrocker1

Guest Blogger: Jennifer Chase

2011-07-15T06:32:00.000-07:00

Dead Game An Emily Stone Novel
By Jennifer Chase

In this Video Game, ‘Game Over’ Means You’re Dead In her independent efforts to catch child killers, Emily Stone discovers the evidence that the cops can’t—or won’t—uncover. Now, this covert investigator is back on the hunt for the world’s most sick and twisted murderers. But even with help from ex-police detective Rick Lopez, this time she’s facing her most dangerous opponent yet.

The headlines in the San Jose Mercury News blare updates on a serial killer who seems able to slaughter with impunity. Men, women—it doesn’t matter; the victims serve only to satisfy a perverted need to kill. The killer watches the moment of death on multiple computer screens, over and over again. The only connection is that they’re all devotees of the latest video-game craze—a sophisticated brain-puzzler called EagleEye.

When the killer goes after Lopez’s law-enforcement mentor, Lopez and Stone decide to give the cops a little extra, unsolicited help. What follows takes them deep inside a shocking high-tech world, a kind of social-networking community for serial killers. But when they start getting too close to the truth, all hell’s going to break loose.

Now, Stone and Lopez become the killer’s next target as Stone must make a difficult decision to leave the ones she loves in an all-or-nothing effort for survival. Can they stay alive long enough to blow the whistle on this unlikely perpetrator?

Amazon

Amazon Kindle

Author Bio:

Jennifer Chase holds a bachelor degree in police forensics and a master's degree in criminology. In addition, she holds certifications in serial crime and criminal profiling. She is also a member of the International Association of Forensic Criminologists. She has authored three thriller novels and a screenwriting workbook. Please visit her blog for more information: http://authorjenniferchase.com/

Jennifer Chase
Award Winning Author & Criminologist

Blog: www.authorjenniferchase.com/
Website: www.jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Crime Watch Blog: www.emilystonecrimewatch.wordpress.com/
Book & Crime Talk: www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase/
Books: Compulsion = Dead Game = Silent Partner = Screenwriting

Guest Blogger: Kymberlee Burks-Miller

2011-07-14T06:38:00.000-07:00
Welcome debut Author Kymberleee Burks Miller. Her book a YA paranormal romance novel Compulsion will be released 10/2011 through Schiel & Denver. There are 5 books in the Compulsion Series. Enchantment will be released in 2/2012 and there are 3 books in that series.

After Lilyann Moon's grandmother dies under suspicious circumstance, she and her eleven young family members are thrown into the world of witchcraft and the paranormal. A world they know nothing about, and need to learn fast! Lily's the most powerful witch in over five centuries, but she's untrained and uninitiated. Now the vampires have found out that the Moon line didn't end with her grandmother and they're coming to claim their prize, Her Blood! The only bright spot in this nightmare was meeting Mason, but is she in love with the enemy. She’s in a race against time to save her coven. Will Lily survive with her heart and neck intact?

Teddy O'Malley is a hip 16 year old in beginning of her junior year at a Virginia Beach high school on the Navy base where her is mother is a Lt. and a surgeon. Teddy's life gets flipped upside down when her mom gets orders to move to London, and while packing she finds a letter about her heritage, and father. Teddy's father is a Fairy, and not just any Fairy, he’s the King of Iridesia. Teddy has always asked about her dad, but was told that he left her mother when she was a baby. Her last night in the states she makes a wish on a shooting star to find the answers to the questions she seeks, and her dad . Teddy is answered by a fairy named Flynn. But is she ready for the adventure Flynn has up his whimsical sleeve? And will he really help Teddy or is she in trouble by befriending an enemy of her unknown father's?

Find Kymberlee here:
Webpage~www.kymberleeburks-miller.com
Compulsion fanpage~www.facebook.com/CompulsionSeries
Enchantment fanpage~www.facebook.com/EnchantmentSeries
Twitter~Kymberlee1975

Guest Blogger: Beth Elisa Harris

2011-07-13T06:53:00.000-07:00

My name is Layla Stone. I lived in isolation because of my gift until I moved to Cambridge, England. Now, everyone seems to know me here...more than I know myself.

Vision has been a concept for quite some time, since learning years ago about my ancestors from the Isle of Colonsay in Scotland. Those with vivid imaginations can concoct all sorts of drama when your father tells you, “We are descendents of the MacPhie clan, who were ostracized from the island by the MacDonald’s.” Regardless of the details, I had a springboard for a story. Now where, when, how to begin?

I often say I did not arrive at this place by walking a straight line. On the contrary, I have only recently returned to a less complicated frame of mind when dreams were as simple as one wanted them to be. I arrived on planet earth as a writer. That remained the purest of intentions until my warped perception of being a responsible adult slowly chiseled away pieces of my imagination. Before I knew what happened, I was writing business-ie things for others, such as articles, press releases, marketing materials, ghost projects and so forth.

To say something in me snapped a couple of years ago is an understatement. Leaving out the details, let me just say I let the muse back in, spent the next year writing, editing and publishing Vision, started writing the two sequels and one other novel, all for young adults.

A voracious reader, I have a very open mind to different genres. Young adult or teen lit was just one of many types I sometimes enjoyed reading. But the more great YA books I read, the more I realized it was my writing genre. It takes more than remembering your early school years to write good YA, you have to love to read it too. The stories made sense, because the younger protagonists tend to be strong, brave, honest, slightly sarcastic and most of all, not whiney. Sometimes ‘adult’ lit carries too much baggage, an over-abundance of skepticism about life weaving through the story, and it’s a turn off. Call me crazy, but I like triumph in some form. It’s the reason you flip pages to reach the end. And yes, really liking young adults helps. I happen to adore teens and pre-teens. Their voices are important. They have a lot to teach us.

I wrote Vision for what is considered upper young adult. That is just how it came out. There had to be some borderline adult situations to keep it real-I’m all about honesty, and my novels don’t contain too many netherworld creatures. Instead my characters are real, diverse in all ways, passionate, vocal and inspiring.

And thankfully the readers agree! More than anything, I love getting comments about the unique flavor of the story, those that say ‘you’ve never read anything like this and …’amazing…I don’t know how to classify this book.’ With that said, those already waiting for the sequel should expect something out later this year. I also hope to finish another YA novel Flyers appropriate for a slightly younger audience in the not-too-distant future.

It’s all on my blog, so hop over for more information and thanks to the readers for their support!

Beth Elisa Harris is a young adult author living in Southern California. Vision is her first published novel by eInteractive Media.

Beth Elisa Harris
YA Author - Vision (series)
Published by: eInteractive Media
LCCN: 2011904385
BISAC: Juvenille Fiction/Science Fiction, Fantasy, Magic
belisaharris@yahoo.com
Web site: http://bethelisaharris.blogspot.com
Follow on Facebook as Beth Elisa Harris - Author
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Beth-Elisa-Harris/197347990289618
Follow on Twitter @Bethelisaharris
Goodreads Author Page http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4731730.Beth_Elisa_Harris

BUY Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, Smashwords.com Amazon.co.uk Amazon.de

Guest Blogger: Erin O'Riordan

2011-07-08T05:58:00.000-07:00

An Erin O’Riordan Paranormal A-Z

According to the blurb at the top of my blog, I write “whimsical erotica.” Much of it is paranormal. I’ve always loved stories with a supernatural twist. Here’s an alphabetical look at some of my supernatural work; it should give you some idea of my quirky imagination.

A- Angels. My angel story is called “Angels Would Fall,” after a Melissa Etheridge song that I particularly love. It’s set to appear in an upcoming eXcessica Publishing anthology.

B - Beltane. The May 1st holiday on the Celtic/NeoPagan calendar was the inspiration for the short story that sparked the Pagan Spirits novel series. It’s also the name of the first novel.

F - Freya. The Norse goddess of love makes an appearance in “Black Bear Skin,” published in a book called Divine Matches.

G - Greek myth. My retelling of the story of Medusa and Perseus, “In the Lair of the Monster,” appears in Like a God’s Kiss.

H - Hansel and Gretel - My all-grown-up version of this fairy tale, “Handsome and Regretful,” appears in an anthology called Revealing All Your Dirty Little Secrets. Instead of a trail of breadcrumbs, my hero leaves a trail of Swedish fish.

I - Invisible. “Invisible Touch,” my contribution to Like a Mask Removed, Vol. 2: Erotic Tales of Supervillains, featured an invisible hero.

M - Midsummer Night. The second book in the Pagan Spirits series is named for this summer solstice holiday.

S - Shapeshifters. I love ‘em. I’ve written werewolves, werebears and a being who magically shifted from woman to man.

W- Werewolves. My werewolf couple is Matthew and Natalie, the stars of “Oliver’s Famous Clam Chowder” and “Oliver’s Good Night Kiss.”

V - Vampires. Oliver, the vampire chef, appears along Natalie and Matthew. In another tale, “Oakley Falls,” Oakley is a vampire stripper who befriends some supernaturally talented basketball players.

From Inside: The Heart Of A Mafia Daughter

2011-07-07T14:02:00.001-07:00

As if being the daughter of a Mafia boss isn't challenging enough, when Luciana Milanetti moves from Chicago to New England, her life becomes infinitely more complicated by the addition of not one but two men in her life.　 No wall flower herself, with　a black belt in Karate and the ability to master any weapon, Lucy doesn't feel like she needs protection.　 However, there is more to fear than she could ever imagine.　When a killer comes calling to ruin her normal existence who will come to her rescue?

Available at Solstice Publishing:
http://www.solsticepublishing.com/products/From-Inside-%252d%252d%252d-PDF-EBOOK.html

Also available at Amazon.

Want to win a kindle? Buy this book from any site and email the reciept to Solstice Publishing at solsticepublishing@live.com and your email address will be entered to win. Winner will be drawn Dec. 24th and announced Dec. 25th.

Win A Kindle ereader!!!!

2011-07-06T10:06:00.000-07:00
Buy Books by Lizzy Stevens and you might win an ereader. Rules below!!!!!

Contest time: Merry Christmas
Win a Kindle Ereader on Christmas

Run time: July 6th - Dec. 24th 2011
Winner will be announced December 25th, 2011

To be entered: Buy any Solstice Publishing book and the email address used to purchase the book will be entered into the drawing. If you purchase a Solstice Book from another site then email the reciept to solsticepublishing@live.com

Name will be drawn Dec. 25th and the winner will be emailed Dec. 25th. The winner has 2 weeks to claim their price or it expires and a new name will be drawn and that winner will have 2 weeks to claim their prize and so on until we actually give the ereader away.

Good luck!!!!!

Get "Secrets Of Snow Hollo" at Solstice publishing

2011-07-01T09:28:00.000-07:00

http://www.solsticepublishing.com/products/Secrets-Of-Snow-Hollow-%252d%252d%252d-PDF-EBOOK.html

Guest Blogger: Dana Davis

2011-06-22T15:36:00.000-07:00

Lizzy:
Tell us a little about Desert Magick: Day of the Dead, what inspired you to write this series, Dana?

Dana:
First of all, thanks so much for having me, Lizzy. I’m a fantasy and science-fiction author and reader, and I’ve also had an interest in the paranormal since childhood. My great-grandmother’s sister was a medium back during the early part of the twentieth century, and I’ve had several personal experiences over the years. After reading a couple of popular, paranormal fantasy novels, I thought, what fun! I really wanted to try my hand at mixing my fantasy work with the paranormal.

The main character throughout the Desert Magick series, Daisy Hammel-Kavanaugh, showed up in my office one day and started telling me her story. Her cousin, Bridgette, showed up soon after, ordering me to put her into the books. Yep, writers are a bit crazy.

I’m also a member of a paranormal investigative team in Phoenix, AZ, where I currently live, so I get a lot of ideas from those investigations.

Lizzy:
Do you have a favorite character you have written?

Dana:
Funny, but my favorite character is usually the one I’m working on at the time. They’re all like family to me. Yes, even the evil ones. I also enjoy writing about the villains and figuring out how to deal with them once they start tormenting my main characters. One of my favorite characters in Desert Magick is the feisty Bridgette. In book three, she begins to get her own chapters.

Lizzy:
What are you currently working on?

Dana:
Well, I’m currently under contract with SynergEbooks Publishing for three more Desert Magick novels, so that takes up a good amount of my writing time. I’m also editing a sci-fi novel and a fantasy novel for future publication. I recently signed on to do some line-editing for other authors, and I get in on a paranormal investigation whenever I can. This summer, I have the good fortune to work with members from TAPS and Ghost Lab teams. Needless to say, I’m very busy.

Lizzy:
How long have you been writing? What influenced you to start?

Dana:
I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. I started out acting out stories when I was very little and segued into writing very bad angst poetry and prose as a teen. Who didn’t, right? My history in TV and theatre led me to write stage script adaptations for kids for several years. I also wrote for a sci-fi/fantasy fanzine back in the 80s. In the 90s, I grew tired of show biz and went back to school for a writing degree. Mainly because all my prose sounded like scripts and I really wanted to focus on story writing. At school, I had the good fortune to study with Nebula-award author Sheila Finch. She was a great inspiration for me. As well as award-winning author Suzanne Greenberg.

Lizzy:
How do your family/friends feel about your writing?

Dana:
Oh, my husband was and is very supportive. My other writer friends understand completely when I tell them I can’t do lunch or something one day because I need to write. It was a little tougher for my relatives and non-writer friends. They seemed to think I was just doing it to pass the time, that writing and publishing was easy and didn’t take much thought or effort. At first, anyway. When my brother decided to write a novel for his thesis, he called and told me that he didn’t realize how much work it took to write just one novel. That was a great validation for me. Being a published author helps, too.

Lizzy:
Where do you hope to be in 5 years?

Dana:
Still writing, of course. Hopefully, with another three or four more novels published. I currently have nine out now. I have folders of ideas on my computer and characters rattling around in my head, just waiting for their turn on the page.

Lizzy:
Do you have any advice for new or aspiring author?

Dana:
A writing professor once told me that perseverance is 95% of publishing. And while things have changed with all the print-on-demand and eBook self-publishing sites, it still rings true for traditional publishing and also marketing. You might be surprised to hear how many writers quit after one or two rejection letters. I have an entire folder’s worth! And I’m proud of that. It means I got my stuff out there.

Once a manuscript is finished, I recommend getting it critiqued. This can be a reader or another author that you trust to give you honest and productive comments. I don’t tolerate flaming. Comments like, “Your work sucks!” or “This is perfect!” never helped anyone.

After that, get an editor to look it over. Get it as polished as you can before you submit it to a publisher or before you publish it yourself. As writers, we get too close to our work and it’s easy for mistakes to slip by us. Even though I edit other writers’ works, I don’t rely solely on myself for my own stuff. I’m too close. I know what story I’m telling and I miss things. And be polite. Publishing is a business and you don’t want to burn professional bridges. Nobody likes doing business with bad-tempered people.

Once the book is out, ignore bad reviews. Don’t respond to them, no matter how much you might want to. Don’t defend your work to others. That will make you look like an amateur and put off potential readers and publishers. Not everyone will like your work. That’s just a fact of life. Grow a thick skin and let it go.

Lizzy:
What is your favorite book? (one that you have read) and why?

Dana:
I have a lot of favorites. I read 3-4 books/eBooks at once because I like to jump to different worlds, depending on my mood. One of my favorite sci-fi novels is Spin by Robert Charles Wilson. As for fantasy, I love the Ash Chronicles by Mary Gentle, the Tuesday Next series by Jasper Fforde, and the Mayfair Witches series by Anne Rice. I could go on and on with favorite authors and books that I love to read.

Lizzy:
On the fun side, what is your favorite television show and why?

Dana:
I started out in the entertainment industry so television was always a big part of my life. I have a lot of favorite shows and many DVDs of cancelled stuff that I still watch, like Buffy, the Vampire Slayer, Charmed, Ghost Whisperer, and Star Trek: The Next Generation. For vintage, I love Bewitched. I wanted to be Tabitha when I was little. Who didn’t want to have all that magic at their fingertips, right? Currently, hubby and I are hooked on Eureka and Psyche. We were bummed when Monk and Battlestar Galactica ended. And I can’t forget Ghost Hunters. I love that show, too.

Lizzy:
Where can readers find you, Dana? (Include all links you want, facebook, twitter etc....)

Dana’s eBooks are only $2.99 for the Kindle, and the new prices are coming for the Nook soon.

Website - http://www.danadaviswriting.com

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/danadaviswriting

Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Dana-Davis/e/B0033HDLVC/

Facebook Fan Page - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dana-Davis-Fan-Page/386658596302

Blog - http://danadaviswriting.blogspot.com

Twitter - http://twitter.com/#!/DanaDavis

SynergEbooks Publishing - http://www.synergebooks.com/index.html

Welcome back: Jim Baugh

2011-06-21T07:31:00.000-07:00

Welcome Back Jim Baugh

His Book "Hooked" is now available at Solstice Publishing

“HOOKED” is based on the true-life story of Virginia outdoor television producer Jim Baugh. Jim Baugh Outdoors TV is one of Americas most diverse and entertaining outdoor programs and has been in syndication since 1989.

“HOOKED” is a hilarious look behind the scene stories of filming a southern outdoor TV show. From the Chesapeake Bay to Key West these on location excursions will make your sides hurt with laughter. A cast of sea faring characters full of color and humor. From the docks in Gloucester Virginia to the Atlantic Ocean and a boat load of jolly swashbuckling Pirates. The stories and characters in “HOOKED” are timeless and span a period of over forty years.

In contrast, “HOOKED” also explores the solemn drama of dealing with divorce, death, and mental illness.

The story also delves into the totally crazy insane world of mid-life on-line computer dating. This is a hilarious look at dating in the computer world after 25 years of solid marriage. These “Dating” stories are contemporary, racy, scary, cheerful, timeless, and based on true events. Anyone who is old enough to date will soon relate to “HOOKED” as the comical reference for dating in the new millennium.

This adult romantic comedy story also relates to the power and testament of faith.

50 Years of an exciting action packed extremely charismatic colorfull life and career, packed into 28 chapters . It is a fast ride for sure.

Bio: Jim Baugh has been producing National and Regional television shows for 25 years. Programs include: Jim Baugh Outdoors TV (220 episodes), Ski East, Classic Fishing. Fishing Virginia and, RV Times.

Jim Baugh has written over 300 columns for numerous magazines during the last 20 years including: Motor boating Magazine, Fishing Smart, The Chesapeake Angler, The Sportsman Magazine and Travel Virginia Magazine.

Available at Solstice Publishing
http://www.solsticepublishing.com/products/Hooked-%252d%252d-PDF.html

New Release: A Surprise For Christmas

2011-06-20T14:17:00.000-07:00

Samantha wasn't expecting what she got for Christmas this year. Her doorbell rang and there sitting on her porch was a baby in a basket. This changes her life for the good. But then something happens. The baby's father comes for his child. How can Samantha convince him that she is the best thing for the child?

New Release: Rescued By Love

2011-06-20T14:16:00.000-07:00

Lizzy is on the run from an abusive boyfriend. Her boyfriend, Mark, takes a two week hunting trip every year. She takes this as her chance to run. Bruised and battered she packs a bag as quickly as she can and goes on the run. She starts a new life for herself as the owner of a small diner and gift shop. She starts to fall in love with the manager of her dinner, Logan. Just when Lizzy thinks her life is back on track, Mark finds here. Can Logan save her from Mark's anger?

Emily's Journey

2011-06-19T19:04:00.001-07:00

Emily Malone returns home to Texas, after almost three years of living in New York. When she gets to her uncle's ranch she meets Austin. Emily really likes Austin, but she has decided to keep a deep dark secret from him. While in New York, she had a horrible expierence. She was raped late one night. This was the worst night of her life, but she later found out that she was pregnant. Emily loved her child more than anything and it didn't matter her the father was. She chose to keep raise the child as a single mother. When she began to have feelings for Austin, she thought it was best not to tell him about the rape. She wanted to know that he felt the same way about her that she did him. She felt that if she told him, she would get his pitty instead of his love. Just when things are going great for Emily and Austin, the rapist escapes prison and comes after her. He blames her for all his problems and is out for revenge. Can Austin save her in time? Review from Satin and Lace Reviews: An emotionally seductive tale of a woman and a man who both love each other very much yet fear the result s of bearing their soul to the other. This novel is not only entertaining but plays on the fears and hesitations of most single and divorced adults in today's society. The combination of selfish ignorance, dramatic events and deep unavoidable love creates a must read tale.

Kyle's New Beginning( The Rachel Connors Saga Book Two)

2011-06-19T19:02:00.000-07:00

The Rachel Connors Saga continues with book two: “Kyle’s New Beginning”.

Ten years has passed since Rachel’s death and Kyle finally falls in love again. He falls for a new doctor in town, Amanda. Amanda is a widow with a four year old daughter and Kyle has two children of his own. As their love blossoms and they marry, Amanda becomes pregnant with Kyle’s child.

While going to the bank for what should be a quick stop, Amanda gets caught in the middle of bank robbery. The robber gets nervous when he hears the police sirens and grabs Amanda as his hostage.

The police notify Kyle that his wife has been taken hostage. The first thoughts going through his mind are that he can’t go through this again. He can’t lose his wife to a kidnapper again.

Can Kyle get to Amanda in time? Can he save her?

Rachel's Legacy is now available

2011-06-18T11:59:00.000-07:00

Available at: Solstice Publishing:
http://www.solsticepublishing.com/products/Rachel%27s-Legacy.html

Available at amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Rachels-Legacy-Rachel-Connors-ebook/dp/B0056NTYIK/ref=sr_1_8?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1308421005&sr=1-8

Rachel Connors loved her life, and her job as a manager at a ski resort in Aspen Colorado, but after learning she was ill, she decided to take a long needed vacation to her parent's home. This was when she met Kyle Landers, who in her absence had moved into her parent's lives, and before he'd even met Rachel, Kyle had decided not to like her. Kyle had been alone in the world when Rachel's parents had taken him in; and he couldn't understand why their ungrateful daughter had chosen to distance herself from them.

Rachel and Kyle grew closer, and she knew she was falling for him, but it wasn't until his accident when she learned that he also loved her. Rachel was scheduled to pick Kyle up from the hospital upon his release, but a call from her doctor summoned her back to Aspen, telling her parents there was a problem at work. When Kyle hears of this, he boards a plane to find her, learning the truth of her condition. Their love blossomed but it was to be short lived when on their flight back to the ranch the plane crashed. Despite an extensive search, Kyle was never found, and Rachel was forced to go on without him.

Four years had passed, and Rachel's relationship with Marcus, her new boyfriend, was moving to a different level, but at the same time, the thought dead Kyle had come out of his coma; his mind lost in the events four years earlier. After Rachel accepted Marcus' proposal, Kyle returns, leaving Rachel with a dilemma. For four years Marcus had been by her side, but now Kyle was back, wanting her just as much as he had the day of the crash. She needed to get away to make her decision, so she left for Aspen, only Kyle followed her to try to convince her that they belonged together.

Who will Rachel Chose? Is Kyle’s love enough to bring her back to him?

Guest Blogger: Jim Baugh Outdoors TV

2011-06-16T07:48:00.000-07:00

"Hooked" Is Coming Soon!!!!

“HOOKED” is based on the true-life story of Virginia outdoor television producer Jim Baugh. Jim Baugh Outdoors TV is one of Americas most diverse and entertaining outdoor programs and has been in syndication since 1989.

“HOOKED” is a hilarious look behind the scene stories of filming a southern outdoor TV show. From the Chesapeake Bay to Key West these on location excursions will make your sides hurt with laughter. A cast of sea faring characters full of color and humor. From the docks in Gloucester Virginia to the Atlantic Ocean and a boat load of jolly swashbuckling Pirates. The stories and characters in “HOOKED” are timeless and span a period of over forty years.

In contrast, “HOOKED” also explores the solemn drama of dealing with divorce, death, and mental illness.

The story also delves into the totally crazy insane world of mid-life on-line computer dating. This is a hilarious look at dating in the computer world after 25 years of solid marriage. These “Dating” stories are contemporary, racy, scary, cheerful, timeless, and based on true events. Anyone who is old enough to date will soon relate to “HOOKED” as the comical reference for dating in the new millennium.

This adult romantic comedy story also relates to the power and testament of faith.

50 Years of an exciting action packed extremely charismatic colorfull life and career, packed into 28 chapters . It is a fast ride for sure.

Bio: Jim Baugh has been producing National and Regional television shows for 25 years. Programs include: Jim Baugh Outdoors TV (220 episodes), Ski East, Classic Fishing. Fishing Virginia and, RV Times.

Jim Baugh has written over 300 columns for numerous magazines during the last 20 years including: Motor boating Magazine, Fishing Smart, The Chesapeake Angler, The Sportsman Magazine and Travel Virginia Magazine.

Jim Baugh's Interview Part One:
When did you first realize you wanted to become a writer?

I started off writing music at age eight, then continued and eventually got a degree in music. I started writing copy and script in radio over thirty years ago and have been writing columns for magazines for the past 20 years. The Chesapeake Angler, Motorboating Magazine, Travel Virginia Magazine, etc. I first wanted to write a screenplay when I was in my early forties about 10 years ago.

When did you write your first book and how old were you?

“HOOKED” is my first book. However I have written over 300 magazine columns and hundreds of blogs. I also have my own cooking DVD.

How many books have you written? Which one is your favorite?

“HOOKED” is the first book

What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?

Pretty much non stop. I wrote the book in 12 days. It took a lot longer to edit, but the initial manuscript was done in 12 days

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

Probably writing phonetically. I have done voice over work for thirty years and I always write phonetically to help my voice over read. This does make editing a real bitch.

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

Real life. Everything I write has happened to me at one time or another.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Produce Jim Baugh Outdoors TV, write and perform music, fish, drink rum with sand under my feet looking at blue water. Chase the red head, play with my Chocolate Lab, and I have six Parakeets. I breed them.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

Just how hard it can be emotionally. The old saying, “Writing is easy, just sit at your typewriter and bleed”. Very true. Many times I would have to walk away because I was so distraught with emotion. It was very difficult at times. On the other side, I never laughed as hard in my life. Compacting so many elements onto so few pages, can be overwhelming at times.

What do you think makes a good story?

For me a story has to be compelling and also have clever wit. Humor is a big plus for me.

Do you have any suggestions to help someone become a better writer?

Yes. Sit at your typewriter and bleed like the wrest of us!

Seriously, write what you want straight from the soul. Never look back and don’t take any prisoners.

Guest Blogger: Billy Franks

2011-06-14T07:52:00.000-07:00

Welcome my Guest today: Billy Franks

Billy Franks was the lead singer and songwriter for "The Faith Brothers", whose two albums and six singles all made the UK chart. Billy has since released six solo albums to critical acclaim. Last summer he released a charity single in partnership with his friend, Prince Harry, to raise money for the Prince’s African charity Sentebale.

In addition to his musical passions, Billy was recently the focus of a feature length documentary film, called Tribute This!

The film chronicles the adventures of 4 friends as they travel the world to ask some of its biggest stars, Springsteen, McCartney, etc., to appear on a tribute album to an unknown but worthy recipient of such an honour: Billy Franks.

Billy Franks lifetime dedication to his craft says it all. “Billy has devoted his entire life to song writing. He has given so much to others through his music. Dedicating ourselves to a project that would honor him was a no brainer on our part,” said Mick McCleery. (Director of Tribute This!)

This spring will see the publication of his book "A Far Cry from Sunset", chronicling the adventures of making the movie as well as stories from a musical career that involved touring with the likes of U2 and REM. In conjunction with the release of the book, Billy will release a live album entitled "From the Court to the Empire", recorded at London’s famous Shepherds Bush Empire theatre.

Get a free Billy Franks Compilation album"Imagine the craftsmanship of McCartney & the power of Springsteen" TRIBUNE. www.billyfranks.com

All you have to do is email euphoria@billyfranks.com and you will get it.
Reviews:

"Penning classics and garnering praise from Bono, Peter Gabriel and Oasis" THE GUARDIAN

"Song writing from the top drawer" TIME OUT

"Imagine the craftsmanship of McCartney combined with the power of a young Springsteen. TRIBUNE

Thanks for Stopping by.
Lizzy Stevens

Mention this guest blog on twitter @Lizzystevens123

Follow me on Twitter too: http://twitter.com/LizzyStevens123

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Guest Interview with Steve Bederman

2011-06-10T08:50:00.000-07:00

Lizzy:

When did you first realize you wanted to become a writer?

Steve:
Actually, I had never planned to be a writer. When I was in my 20s, I wrote music, songs and was an entertainer. After that, I went into business and although I wrote songs from time to time; that was it. I always loved Thrillers/Mystery but fell in love with Corporate type Thrillers. There was a wonderful writer, Stephen Frey that I read all in his Corporate Thriller series. He still writes but seems to have stopped with the Business aspect. I am a business executive and I loved relating to the protagonist. So, after many searched for great Corporate Thrillers and not finding many, I decided out of frustration that if I couldn't read one then I'd write one. As of today, I have written 2 in the series and am starting a third. I'm in love with writing and feel as if I have gained a whole new network of friends (characters in my book). I can't wait to see what they are going to do next!

Lizzy:
When did you write your first book?

Steve:
July 17, 2009

Lizzy:

How many books have you written? Which one is your favorite?

Steve:
I have now written The CEO and just finished the second in the series 'Executive Execution'. I am now on to the third as we speak.

Lizzy:

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

Steve:
I typically write early in the morning when I wake and race through a chapter. Then I let it rest until evening and read and edit, read and edit. On weekends I do write a few extra chapters too.

Lizzy:
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk? My quirkiness comes from my belief that my characters are real people. They are my friends and some, my enemies. When I write then it is like I am spending quality time with them. When I am not writing, I miss them.

Lizzy:

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books? I am 57 years old and have been a CEO in Global technology companies for many years. My ideas come directly from the places I've been and though the battles are fiction, they mimic some of the ruthlessness and intensity and passion that I have faced in my career.

Lizzy:
What do you like to do when you're not writing?

Steve:
I love being a CEO. I love mentoring young entrepreneurs. I love to read. I play guitar and some piano. I run marathons, hike and ski. I just stay engaged in life. Though, most important to me is what I can do to give back to others.

Lizzy:
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

Steve:
I was shocked at how easy it flowed out of me. Especially surprising were the conversations. When I write with quotes. I feel as if I am right in the meeting or moment and literally visualize the discussions taking place.

Lizzy:
What do you think makes a good story?

Steve:
Depths of characters, intensity, urgency, passion, subplots that speed up as the book moves on and combine into mini climaxes. Readers of Thrillers need it to be believable and not audacious but they still need to be amazed. Lastly, ending a chapter and leaving the reader impatient for that particular subplot to soon come back to them is important.

Lizzy:

Do you have any suggestions to help someone become a better writer?

Steve:
Unfortunately, the only suggestion I have is to keep it simple. Don't become overwrought with perfection. Visualize the moment and write what you see.

Interview with M.J. Croan

2011-06-09T07:15:00.000-07:00

Born on an abandoned cattle station in the searing heat of the Australian outback, Sheeba after surviving an opportunistic attack by a family of wild boar, is rescued from marauding buckaroos by Kaz The Wise One, a rather eccentric but well meaning kookaburra. Unable to care for the estranged dingo pup, Kaz with Sheeba dangling precariously from his beak takes her home to the more forgiving climate of the coastal bush. Here in the early hours of dawn, he places the helpless whelp in the pouch of a barren, but profusely lactating old female kangaroo, known to the entire group as Aunt Gerty.

Acceptance by the entire mob of kangaroos is not a forgone conclusion, but with the help and mentorship of Big Red, the leader of the group, Sheeba is accepted by the adult roos but shunned by the younger joeys. Desperate to be just like all the other young kangaroos, but spurned at every attempt because of her short hind legs, puny tail, and golden color, Sheeba finally has to accept that she is a dingo, and if Kaz the wise one is to be believed, is of royal blood.

Part One of my interview with M.J. Croan

Mini Bio

My name is Malcolm James Croan, but I much prefer Callum (Gaelic for Malcolm.) I was born in Edinburgh Scotland on the 1st of November 1948. I mention this because, coincidentally it happened to be ‘All Saints Day,’ and by a stroke of good fortune for my mother, her birthday also.

My father Robert Croan known as Bob was a managing partner in the family business known as Robert Croan and Son’s. A fish and kipper curing enterprise of considerable size on a nationwide basis. Unfortunately the son’s did not refer to me, but to the previous generation, the business having been started by my grandfather, and his brothers. As it would turn out I would have to make my own way in life. But it has to be said that I did have a fairly privileged upbringing, which included a public school education. In the UK, public means private education. St Josephs College Dumfries, it also happened to be a boarding school. This male bastion was administered, and controlled by the Marist brothers. A religious order that in time I would come to rebel against, and eventually at the tender age of twelve, I would abscond from.

The rest of my education was somewhat patchy, but I think it is safe to say that I probably would have been voted the least likely student to ever write anything worthwhile. My spelling was abominable and my English grammar probably no better than average. But I always had a good imagination, a talent which for some inexplicable reason was completely overlooked by the educational system of the day. I also had an insatiable desire to discover for myself what lay over the horizon.

Lizzy:
what inspired you to write Princess Sheeba?

M.J. Croan:
Originally, a means to an end.

Lizzy:
Do you have a favorite character you have written?

M.J. Croan:
Oh yes! ‘Princess Sheeba.’ She is the ‘Lion King’ of the dingo world. Inspired by my own travels in Australia, and my own dog ‘Sheeba.’ My partner and I rescued her from the local dog pound some years ago. As to how a dingo ended up in Newfoundland I can’t answer, but I am convinced that she is at least in part dingo.

Lizzy:
What are you currently working on?

M.J. Croan:
I am currently working on a thriller entitled ‘Retribution.’ A story of a kidnap gone wrong, brutal murder, and revenge.

Lizzy:
How long have you been writing? What influenced you to start?

M.J. Croan:
I have been writing on and off for thirty odd years. It all started as a quick way to make some extra cash. I am still trying.

Lizzy:
How do your family/friends feel about your writing?

M.J. Croan:
My first wife could not accept that my characters were purely fictitious. Her lack of enthusiasm for my work was definitely a negative influence. However I have since been blessed with a partner whose enthusiasm is even more positive than my own.

Lizzy:
Where do you hope to be in 5 years?

M.J. Croan:
I am sixty-two years old now. God willing my writing will be recognised, and perhaps being produced, or at least considered for a motion picture. The trick is not just in the writing, but in who reads it.

Lizzy:
Do you have any advice for new or aspiring author?

M.J.:

Use the internet. Join writing sites. webook.com, authonomy.com etcerta.

Lizzy:
What is your favorite book? (one that you have read) and why?

M.J. Croan:
It would have to be the ‘Thorn Birds’ by Coleen McCulloch. She brought to life a land that I was already familiar with. And the depth of her characters inspired me to take up my pen and try to emulate her skill. I can only hope that I have succeeded in some small way.

Lizzy:
On the fun side, what is your favorite television show and why?

M.J. Croan:
This would have to be ‘Two and a Half Men.’ The show in itself is quite shallow, but the writing is quite brilliant. I guess I have a secret desire to write comedy, maybe I will get around to it one day?

Lizzy:
Thanks M.J. for taking time to talk with us today. Before you go, tell your readers where they can find you.

M.J. Croan:

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=567385947
http://www.youtube.com/user/CallumC8888
http://callumc.wordpress.com/ (Short stories, poetry, and much more).

http://www.wix.com/intthriller/malcolmjcroan (Definitely worth a visit. Included radio interview).

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1449535410/ (Purchase: ‘Right Hand Up To God’).

http://twitter.com/#!/Callum8888

Interview with Carlos Pozo

2011-06-08T09:24:00.001-07:00

Mary and Charley are archaeologists with a difference. Since her accident on a mountain in Peru, Mary can think of nothing but crossing over into the world of the dead. Bound to her wheelchair, she eventually manages to decipher the inscription on the Inca stone. In "The Explorers," she and her husband proceed to work out the details of a deadly ritual. Call it success or failure, in the end their basement is a river of blood, Charley has crossed over, and Mary pays a horrible price.

Interview with Carlos Pozo Part 1

Here is Part one of my 5 Part interview with Carlos Pozo

Lizzy:
What are you currently working on?

Carlos:
I’m working on “More Than tales III.” The second one should be coming out soon.

Lizzy:
How long have you been writing? What influenced you to start?

Carlos:
I have been writing for fifteen years. I wrote my first story in high school which caught the attention of one of my teachers, who begged me to enter the school writing contest. I refused. I was embarrassed. It was not until my senior year in college that I started thinking about writing again. But it was not until three years after graduation that I put my first stories on paper.

Lizzy:
How do your family/friends feel about your writing?

Carlos:
They still can’t believe it.

Lizzy
Where do you hope to be in 5 years?

Carlos:
I hope to be writing full time.

Lizzy:

Do you have any advice for new or aspiring author?

Carlos:
Don’t think is going to be easy.

Lizzy:
That is good advice. It's hard work. First the writing. Then the promoting, but it what we authors do LOL.

On the fun side, what is your favorite television show and why?

Carlos:
I’m what some people might called weird, nerd or geek. One those names, I don’t know which is the right one. I like The Twilight Zone and Tales From The Crypt. I know almost everybody has seen those shows but I’m really into those type of shows. They make me think on the unusual.

Lizzy:
Well you have certainly written some awesome books. So keep watching those shows LOL.

Before we go let me ask you one more question.

Where can readers find you like facebook, twitter, etc.?

Carlos:

I haven’t set up anything yet. Believe it or not I’m a shy person. I will have all those things soon (facebook, twitter etc….) I promise. At the moment you can contact me at: Guaraguo2@aol.com.

Lizzy:

We look forward to getting all that information soon. Thank you for taking the time to talk with me today.

Keep out an eye for part 2 of my interview with Carlos Pozo author of :
More Than Tales
The Explorer

Check out my New website www.lizzystevens.com

2011-06-07T13:46:00.000-07:00
Check out my new Website!!!!!

www.lizzystevens.com

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Get "My Vampire Savior: Return to Snow Hollow" FREE

2011-05-20T07:27:00.001-07:00

Get "My Vampire Savior: Return to Snow Hollow" FREE until May 31st. Go to www.solsticepublishing.com and use this code S7P73PDCC8N0 to get the book free. Coupon expires May 31st

Follow me on Twitter

2011-05-05T08:40:00.000-07:00
Follow me on Twitter:
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I look forward to seeing you all there!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My Vampire Savior: Return to Snow Hollow

2011-05-05T06:17:00.000-07:00

Lizzy Stevens continues the Snow Hollow Saga with “My Vampire Savior”
Jennifer, a new witch, must team up with Vampires to save her life from a demon who is trying to kill her. She must ask for the help of Jenna Addison to train her for battle and teach her to be a more powerful witch than she is.

Available at www.solsticepublishing.com
http://www.amazon.com/My-Vampire-Savior-Witches-ebook/dp/B004W82RAC/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1304601495&sr=1-5

Check out my interview today at The Angels Gate!!!

2011-04-22T06:20:00.000-07:00
Hi Everyone,

Stop by
http://theangelsgate.blogspot.com/2011/04/guest-author-lizzy-stevens.html to read my interview.

Follow me on twitter here:

http://twitter.com/LizzyStevens123

Guest Author: Susanna L. Hargreaves

2011-04-19T07:13:00.001-07:00

Interview with Susanna L. Hargreaves

From Inside

A Woman's Heart

Haunted Dreams and Vignettes

all available at Solstice Publishing.

www.solsticepublishing.com

1. When did you first realize you wanted to become a writer? I realized I wanted to be a writer when I was around ten years old. I loved writing stories and I had some wonderful teachers who encourage me. My family encouraged me as well.

2. When did you write your first book and how old were you? I wrote articles, short stories, and plays most of my life. I wrote my first novel when I was 38. I kept saying to myself that someday I am going to write a book. Then, I realized that someday is now.

3. How many books have you written? I have published two romance novels, two plays, and four children’s stories. I have also published a great deal of poetry. I am also proud of my short stories, for I have three stories in an anthology called Haunted Dreams & Vignettes. I really love being a part of it.

4. What is your work schedule like when you’re writing? I usually write during sleepless nights. Sometimes, I’m restless and I need to write.

5. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk? I still have that need for approval and I am terrified of sharing my work with others, yet I continue to put myself out there.

6. Where do you get your information or ideas for your books? I am inspired by my life, the people around me, the area, and the history of New England. I am always jotting story ideas down.

7. What do you like to do when you’re not writing? I am a full time teacher and mother, so I don’t have a lot of time. However, I do love to read, garden, watch movies with my family, and cook. I really miss sleeping.

8. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books? I guess one of the most surprising is how it is really possible to accomplish it. Saying you are going to write a book and actually doing it-making the time, drafting it, writing it, editing it, and then going through the agony of trying to find a publisher-is so overwhelming. It is a great deal of work, but it is truly so much fun! Writing is so enjoyable to me. It was important for me to believe in myself and listen to the words that were waiting to come out.

9. What do you think makes a good story? I think the heart is what makes a good story. If it has heart, then you know you have a good story.

10. Do you have any suggestions to help someone become a better writer? If you want to write-write! The only thing holding you back is yourself. Someday is now. Why can’t it be?

Secrets Of Snow Hollow is only $0.99 this week only

2011-04-16T18:01:00.001-07:00

Get "Secrets Of Snow Hollow" this week only for $0.99 in Solstice Publishing's Spring Deals section.

Hurry before the sale ends!!!

www.solsticepublishing.com

Follow Lizzy Stevens on Twitter!!!!!

2011-04-13T06:17:00.001-07:00
Hi Everyone,

If you are not already following me, Follow me on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/LizzyStevens123

Hope to see you all there!!!!!

My Vampire Savior: Return to Snow Hollow

2011-04-12T07:08:00.001-07:00

Lizzy Stevens continues the Snow Hollow Saga with “My Vampire Savior”
Jennifer, a new witch, must team up with Vampires to save her life from a demon who is trying to kill her. She must ask for the help of Jenna Addison to train her for battle and teach her to be a more powerful witch than she is.

Available by itself or in the anthology "Haunted Dreams and Vignettes"

Get it now at Solstice Publishing coming soon to amazon

Follow my new Fan Page on Facebook

2011-04-06T08:43:00.001-07:00
Like me on Facebook!!!! See you there!!!!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lizzy-Stevens/190503464326261