Thursday, November 28, 2013

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Turkey Day Friends.

 Here's hoping you all eat well, take naps, and enjoy spending time with your loved ones.


Tuesday, November 19, 2013

New Book Tuesday

Hey all, get your Kindle's ready. We've got a bigger list than usual this week due to the coming holidays, so go ahead and get your fill.


A priceless Renoir, deadly conspiracies, passion and lust. Cat Got Your Tongue? @RaeRivers1 http://amzn.com/B00FE0ZLLY #suspense 



He's perfected the art of loving and leaving. So why can't he leave her? This Feels Like Home http://amzn.com/B00FDXR4ZI #cowboys



 Falsely accused, she escapes on a ship bound for America. The Physician's Irish Lady  @susanmacatee http://amzn.com/B00FDXQ684


Will she give up her career for a chance with the man who got away? Unchained Memories @MariaImbalzano http://amzn.com/B00FDZ6HWM


 Is she the answer to a prayer? Or the nightmare he can't escape? Out of the Storm @KevinSymmons  http://amzn.com/B00FDXPUAE


 Combat taught him he can't save the world, but he might save her's. A Trashy Affair by Lynn Shurr http://amzn.com/B00FE3QHH8


 Professional. In control. Until the night comes. When The Lights Go Out by Nina Jaynes http://amzn.com/B00FB2AJV2





Sunday, November 17, 2013

Interview- LA Kelley- The Naughty List


Happy Monday morning Readers.What better way is there to start getting into the Christmas spirit, then with a good book? And I have just the one for you.

My guest author today is LA Kelley. She's here to share her newest book, The Naughty List, and to answer a few questions. So, LA, I've been lucky enough to already read The Naughty List. For those who haven't, how about starting us off with a blurb?



Sure thing:


Not your mama’s Christmas story unless she had too much egg nog or was born with a cheeky sense of humor.

Murder, mystical artifacts, an invisible demon with anger management issues, and an overbearing cupid—not what Rosalie Thatcher wished for on her Christmas list. The holidays had always been a magical time for Rosalie, but not this year. Stephanie, her new manager at Penrose’s Department Store, is determined to make this season the most profitable in the store’s history, even if it sucks the life out of every employee. Introducing arbitrary rules and stealing the affections of Anthony, the cute temp Santa, were bad enough, but forcing Rosalie into the stupid elf hat was the worst. The worst, that is, until she meets a real E.L.F. (Elemental Life Form) named David and gets lassoed into a desperate hunt for the stolen Naughty and Nice List. Now all Rosalie and David must do is dodge a murderous invisible demon and recover the missing artifact before hellhounds track them down.  The couple race against time for without the magical guidance of the Naughty and Nice List, the world will tumble toward eternal chaos.

For those of you who are already hooked, don't worry we've got the excerpt right here:

David sunk wearily into a chair in the break room, cradling a disposable cup in his hands. He appropriated the stale coffee from the pot someone forgot to empty out and clean. He barely noticed the bitter taste. Ten minute break…ten minutes was all he needed. The caffeine would keep him on his feet another couple of hours. He rubbed his eyes, willing away the crushing fatigue. Night after night David wandered Penrose’s four floors in a fruitless search, pulling open boxes, checking under counters. Although the nagging pull continued to graze his senses, The Book was nowhere to be found. He’d come no closer to pinning down the location than when he arrived. The mystical connection now appreciably slackened under his mental touch. David’s stomach knotted up in fear. Soon the link would disappear forever. Something alluded him—some special storage area, some door he hadn’t opened. Why couldn’t he find The Book?
In frustration, David drained the last of the coffee. He flung the cup to the wastebasket, overshot, and hit the corkboard on the wall. A clipboard crashed to the floor. He stifled a curse. Bending down to pick it up, his eyes strayed over the top sheet. “Motivation Memo from Stephanie Crowder to all Employees,” he read. “Below are daily reports from Sneaky Shoppers.” Oh brother, Stephanie is a real piece of work. She has her own secret police. He snorted in amusement scanning the list of ridiculous infractions.
“Now, now, Rosalie Thatcher of Customer Service,” he muttered. “Two transgressions—you’ll never get off the Naughty List with that attitude. Imagine, not remembering to say have a special holly jolly holly-day at Penrose’s. I see you were also caught without an elf hat.”
Elf hat?
His lips twitched in an involuntary grin. His dad would appreciate the joke. As David replaced the clipboard, he suddenly remembered Rosalie. She was the girl he followed to the security office. The picture of the young brunette with a friendly natural smile popped into his mind. A smile like that couldn’t be faked. She liked people. She liked her job. He wondered how she felt about Penrose’s now.
David experienced a rush of guilt. All around the atmosphere had changed. He was super-sensitive to the yuletide. Magic in the air, holiday spirit, whatever—there was always something indefinably optimistic about this time of year. Even as a kid, before he understood family responsibilities, he sensed the truth. As easily as he now sensed the diminished effect of The Book. Whatever goodwill the season stirred up rapidly faded. Hard-working people like Rosalie paid the price of his stupid mistake.
The young man slipped out of the break room. He had enough time left to make one quick circuit of the first floor before staff trickled in. He worked from the front of Penrose’s to the back corner, ending up at Customer Service. For an instant, his spirits rose. A large box stashed underneath the counter wasn’t there the last time he checked. He ripped off the top, pawing through the contents. Fingering the garish green material, David didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. The oversize ears stuck out like a genetic experiment gone horribly wrong. The lining felt like steel wool. Had the holiday spirit been reduced to this?
A wave of despair enveloped him. “I’m so sorry, Rosalie.”On impulse, David reached into his pocket. He pulled out a gold-wrapped chocolate bar saved for later, swiped from a stash hidden in the store manager’s office. David scribbled on a sticky pad and pressed the note to the wrapper. He slipped the candy under the counter just before a sudden murmur of voices broke the silence. The staff had arrived. He ducked behind a rack of clothing in the back as a girl walked up to the counter, an elf hat tucked under her arm.
“Ears, Rosalie.”
She halted in mid-stride. A sharply dressed twentysomething in a skin tight pencil skirt swooped down on her. To get a better view, David carefully eased back the clothes hanging in front of his face. He saw Rosalie’s fingers clenched around the hat. He chuckled to himself. She’s pissed, but hides her aggravation well. Sadhri would definitely approve of her self-control.
“Stephanie,” Rosalie stated calmly, “the hats are extremely uncomfortable. Everyone hates them.”
“Nonsense, they’re fine.”
“If you simply try one on you’ll see—”
“I don’t have to. I know they’re fine. The hats put people in the holiday spirit and cheerful people spend more money.” Stephanie examined her perfect French manicure. “So close to Christmas is an awful time to be out of work.” Rosalie jammed the hat on her head without another word. “Excellent,” cooed Stephanie. “Keep that attitude up and your name will stop appearing on the Motivation Memo.” Without another word, she flounced off.
David knew he should dash-away. Every moment in the open was risky, but he couldn’t take his eyes off Rosalie in the idiotic hat. What would she do?
The young woman leaned against the counter glaring after Stephanie. She bobbled her head back and forth and spouted in a falsetto sing-song:
“I’m a special elf from Penrose’s
I wear the special hat
You are not a special elf
You’re a dirty rat
You don’t belong at Penrose’s
You don’t know how to play
Wiggle your tight ass out of here
Damn you, go away.”
David snorted. Rosalie stiffened and turned around.
“Who’s there?” she called.



Trust me Readers, the book is every bit as good as the sneek peek. Here's the Buy Link you'll need.


The Naughty List is available in paperback and Kindle. The Kindle edition is on sale for $2.99 until November 26.



And now, it's on to the interview questions. Drum roll please.......

LA, Tell me three words that describe yourself starting with A, B, and C.

Ambivert
In psychological terminology, an ambivert is a personality between extrovert and introvert. You won’t find me at a party dancing naked in the punchbowl. Nor will I be hiding in a closet under a pile of coats moaning, “Please, send all the nasty people away.” I’ll be somewhere on the fringes of the crowd, taking it all in, wondering who would make a good character for my next book.

Bibliomaniac
More intense than a bibliophile, I get passionately attached to certain books. (Don’t mess with my copy of Harold and the Purple Crayon or I’ll bite you.) I’ve always had the utmost respect for authors and still feel a bit of a fraud calling myself one. I imagined they walked in a special light, their own personal theme songs playing triumphantly in the background. At the first writers’ conference I attended, everyone kind of looked like me. No halos. No theme songs. I was both enormously relieved and horribly disappointed.

Compact
I’m 5’1’’. Nuff said.

You know what they say about dynamite coming in small packages!

Tell me, what are your three favorite things?

1. My son’s brownie recipe. Do not eat at least three days prior to a cholesterol screening.

2. My black flats with the gummy sole. Ugly as sin, not fit to be worn in public, but like walking on butter.

3. My writing chair. Large, roomy, perfect butt-to-overstuffed-upholstery ratio. Most likely, lots of crumbs under the cushions. I don’t have the nerve to look.


What for you is the best part of writing?

Seeing how the finished product comes together and then holding a book with your name on the cover in hot little hands. No better feeling.

What is the worst?

I don’t plot out my stories in advance, so generally after reaching the middle, I wander around with a dazed expression, beating my chest, and exclaiming out loud, “Dear God, what have I done? Nothing makes sense.” After a few days of panic and more than one good slap upside the head, plot points work their way out and I stumble back on track.

Was there any particular inspiration for your characters or story?

I got the inspiration for The Naughty List when I went into Barnes and Noble during Christmas time. All the workers sported Santa hats. I asked the cashier if the managers wore them, too. With an eye-roll she leaned over the counter and whispered, “Of course not. It was their idea.” Aha!—a story about hard-working employees, thoughtless management, and holiday magic is born.

Retail workers are real troupers, especially during the holidays. They are underpaid, overstressed, and must be always smiling and in control, no matter how insane the atmosphere. In my book, people who mistreat them get a comeuppance.

And what a lively comeuppance it is! What is the ultimate goal you have for your career?

I’d love to generate a real income—nothing flashy, mind you. I don’t need my own theme park, but my goal is to eventually make a living at writing and put out at least one new book a year.

After what I've read, I'm sure you'll have no problem doing that and I'm sure once the readers get a glance of The Naughty List themselves, they'll agree. As we wrap it up, can you give us a few links on where to find you.

Sure:
http://lakelleythenaughtylist.blogspot.com
Goodreads
Smashwords
Amazon Author Page
Facebook

Thank you  LA for being with us today. I've had a blast. Best of luck. And Readers, be sure to keep stopping by. I'll have a review of today's book in a few weeks and I'd love to hear what you thought of it as well.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Interview- Linda Joyce- Bayou Bound


Hello Readers, boy have I got a treat for you. Today I'm interviewing author Linda Joyce and in exchange she is hosting a giveaway!!! I can hardly contain my excitement. The first one ever on this blog. Here's what you need to know.

Linda is doing a giveaway of an eBook--Bayou Born. Anyone who leaves a message with this post will be entered into the drawing. The winner will be announced on Nov. 20th on Linda's blog: Linda Joyce Contemplates   www.lindajoycecontemplates.com 

Now that I've tempted your literary taste buds, please, read on.




Linda, please tell me three words that describe yourself.

Perception of self is an interesting thing.

 Eclectic. I’m Asian-Cajun and Irish. That spills over into my tastes in food, music, and my surroundings. My home is a good reflection of who I am...well most of it.

 Tenacious. When I worked in corporate America, tenacious is the single word that regardless of which company I worked for, was included in every performance review I ever received. I love learning about all sorts of things, which makes me dig for information. Wish I’d had that same desire in college. Then, I just wanted to get through and get out. My grades were good, but I didn’t enjoy it.

 Understanding. I am able to see both the forest and the trees. I understand both sides of an argument and that’s difficult for people who want everything to be black or white. As my Southern daddy always says, “There’s his story. There’s her story, then there’s the truth.”

 What are your three favorite things?

Oh, wow. Only three? Things...as in tangible items. My Hero and my four-legged boys aren’t things, however my favorites of everything in my life. Beyond them, things...I’m very sentimental. It’s not about the financial value of anything, but the place they hold in my heart. Books are a favorite, but I don’t have just one. So maybe these three things:

A) A necklace. As a little girl, when Mother would let me play with her jewelry, there was one thing I always liked to hold--a pendant for a necklace. Back then, it didn’t have a chain. Later, I learned my Japanese great-grandfather gave it to my grandmother as an Obi pin when she was a girl. (Obi being the wrapped sash worn at the waist around a kimono.) My mother bought a chain for it and gave it to me as a birthday present about ten years ago. I cherish that necklace.

B) A diamond ring. Several years ago, before my Cajun grandmother passed away, she gave me the engagement ring my Irish grandfather gave to her. It had a center stone with three diamonds on each side in a platinum setting. I had the center diamond reset because the original setting was damaged. I gave the six diamonds to my sister. (She, too, was given a diamond ring, but she wasn’t as thrilled with hers...I hope someday she’ll have all of the stones set into one ring.)

C) My diamond engagement ring. My husband couldn’t afford one when we got engaged. Life together was more important that a diamond to me. We married at the end of my freshman year of college and barely had two nickels to rub together for years. Our big “date night out” was to go grocery shopping at midnight on Friday night. Being able to afford groceries was huge. After college, we needed jobs, clothes, cars, etc... so on our twelfth anniversary, my husband surprised me with a long weekend at a resort on the beach. On the balcony, under a full moon with the roar of the Atlantic surf in the background, he presented the ring. Since then, he’s offered to trade the diamond up for a larger stone, but I refused. The ring is perfect just the way it is.

I have to say, an obi pin passed down through the generations sounds like a book in the making to me.

How much is your character like you?

I have written five full novels, many short stories, (including a romantic short every month for Hidden Desires Romance magazine since the magazine’s inception) essays and poems. Every essay, every poem, every single character I have ever written contains some aspect of me. Male or Female, doesn’t matter. I’m there. It could be as simple as the wine they like with a particular type of food or perfume or flower. Or even the truck a Hero drives. One of my dogs frequently shows up in a story...or their name is the name given to a secondary character. Most recently, I wrote a short story, Cupid’s Arrow. There’s a third grade girl in the story and she’s doing the Cupid Shuffle. That would be me...dancing, that is. Also my characters get to do things I never dared. So, I get to live vicariously through them.

I love it.  Will there be more books in your series, or can you tell us about any previous books?

The Fleur de Lis series is a work in progress. Fleur de Lis is the name of an antebellum estate on the Pearl River in fictional Bayou Petite. The series is the saga of a family so the cast of characters offers endless possibilities. The first book, Bayou Born is the story of Branna and James, but their story doesn’t end there. Bayou Bound highlights the journey of Biloxi Dutrey and Nick Trahan, however, Branna and Biloxi are cousins, their lives are very intertwined, and with any large family, there’s going to be angst. I’m currently working on Back to the Bayou, book three in the series, which brings Branna’s younger sister, Camilla home just in time to witness Hurricane Katrina’s destruction of Bayou Petite, Mississippi.
That said, Branna and Camilla have a brother, Carson. Biloxi has a sister, Nola, and a brother, Linc. All of them have stories simmering. Then, there are other cousins, too. I love this family, their heart and their heated conflict. I hope readers do, too.

I love a good series. You've already got me hook. So when you're not writing, what can you be found doing?

Not what I love, sadly. We bought a house that needed a lot of tender care three years ago and we’re still working on it...and the yard. When I graduated college, we bought a fixer-upper. I swore I would Never do that gain. But then, we found this house when we moved to Georgia and it needed love, so...I need my head examined or new medication. I hope to return to painting—on canvas. I clarify that point since there are several colors on the kitchen walls from our color testing days. We picked a color, but for some reason, paint just doesn’t smear itself during my sleeping hours. I’ve been waiting since February for that to happen, but so far, no luck.
The other big thing in my life is my dogs. My schedule revolves around them. Feeding, playing and sleeping. A tired dog is a good dog... which makes writing time easier.

You sound like a busy bee and a great multi-tasker. Thank you for being with us today. How about a blurb before you go?



Biloxi Dutrey grounds her jet-setting photography career and returns to Mississippi when she learns her family home, Fleur De Lis, is headed for financial ruin. She plans to save it by scooping up the job of Keeper. But that means breaking tradition, and her family isn't cooperating. 
 Veterinarian Nick Trahan is new in town and wants folks to stop matchmaking. He won't settle for just a pretty face. He wants the perfect woman, one who believes in family and commitment—the exact opposite of his parents.
 Nick rescues Biloxi during a raging storm, but the squall is tame compared to the tempest between them. Soon they experience the backlash from the long-standing feud between their families. If Biloxi surrenders her dreams for Fleur de Lis and toes the line with tradition, will she also be forced to give up on "forever love" due to the hate their families still harbor?

And now for the excerpt: 

A bit of an introduction here...Each year in Bayou Petite, Macy Lind, Biloxi Dutrey’s aunt, hosts a charity auction that requires all family members pitching in to make the event a success. Biloxi takes photographs of the individual winners along with the person who donated to the auction. She receives help from her younger brother, Linc.
Nick Trahan is offering a flying adventure with a lunch to the highest bidder, and he’s hoping the winner will be Biloxi...but Chantel had other ideas.

Meet Biloxi Dutrey and Nick Trahan:

“Nicky,” she said, sidling up to him after she tore out the check and handed it to Macy. She linked her arm with his, then stroked her hand down his sleeve as if petting a cat. “We made history tonight in this little place.”
The hair on the back of his neck stood up. Whatever Chantel was up to, he wanted no part of it. Her manipulative streak could appear out of nowhere. He’d witnessed the fallout whenever she didn’t get her way. Usually it involved a man and his money. He always pitied that poor guy. This time, he needed to be sure that “poor guy” wasn’t him.
He untangled from her grasp. “Hey, Linc. Know where your sister is?”
Linc rolled his eyes. “Nola’s too young for you, dude.”
“Very funny,” he snorted. “The older one. Beauty with brains.”
“Yeah.”
 “Well?” He waited, then added. “Where can I find her?”
“I’m here.”
He turned to see Biloxi standing a few feet away. He stepped toward her, but Chantel tried to block his path. She turned her back to him and faced Biloxi. “I hope there are no hard feelings.” No one could miss the condescension in her voice. He hated it when she got like this.
Biloxi smiled at him, a dreamy sort of expression, then batted her lashes. “Honey, hush! Hard feelings? None a’tall. The money’s for a good cause. Why, Nick takes me flying and to lunch often. It doesn’t cost me five grand.”

 Bio: Linda Joyce is an award-winning writer. Her Louisiana roots run deep, and they’re intertwined with her Japanese heritage. She currently lives in Atlanta with her husband and three dogs: General Beauregard, Gentleman Jack, and Masterpiece Renoir. Linda writes romance with contemporary heroines on a journey of self-discovery. 

Linda Joyce is an award-winning author living in Atlanta with her husband and three dogs: General Beauregard, Gentleman Jack, and Masterpiece Renoir. Even after eleven years, Linda and Beau are still battling. He thinks Linda is HIS pet. Linda writes contemporary women’s fiction/romance with heroines on a journey of self-discovery. Her debut novel, Bayou Born, was released in February 2013. Bayou Bound will be released soon. Please connect with her at: 

Website: http://www.linda-joyce.com
Pintrest:  http://pinterest.com/LindaJoyceWorld/boards/

Don't forget to leave a comment and be entered to win a copy of Linda's book- BAYOU BORN.

New Book Tuesday

For your reading pleasure....


 When he's a cheater, who can she call? The Cheater Eater. Blogs of a Cheater Eater @kathryn_erika http://amzn.com/B00FH2L3CA

 Fighting their growing desire is a battle they can't afford to lose. Northern Temptress @NicMcCaffrey http://amzn.com/B00FDZ6K2O

With their lives on the line, can she convince him they belong together?  One Red Shoe @dmburton72 http://amzn.com/B00FDXRHZA

 Good Luck brings them together--bad luck could be the death of them. Buried Secrets @AYStratton http://amzn.com/B00FDUJSFK

 Murder, sabotage, and old deceptions lead to danger. It's You and Me, Baby @rose_gorham http://amzn.com/B00FDUJ5T4  #suspense

 Stopping a marriage just might cause a marriage of their own. Driven to Matrimony @bbarrettbooks http://amzn.com/B00FDUIZJA


Wednesday, November 6, 2013

New Book Tuesday (Wednesday)

Looks like a good week. Go ahead and download them, you know you want to!!!

She's his for the taking—if he acts in time to save her from herself. The Master's Choice Abby Gordon http://amzn.com/B00EZSZ3BO

 How can she resist a man capable of charming her out of her panties?  That Dating Thing @MacCrowne http://amzn.com/B00FDZ6L5K

 They drive each other crazy. Will her secret drive him away for good? Return to Audubon Springs @radefranco http://amzn.com/B00FDSL792

 Love can overcome deceit, but what happens when deceit overcomes love? Big Sky Brazen @d_luedecke  http://amzn.com/B00FDSR0RU

 I'll smack him upside the head…as soon as I uncurl my toes. Spittin' Grits by Maggie Brogden http://amzn.com/B00FDSLH4C

 When a hunting trip turns to a nightmare, they find a way to survive. One Stormy Night by K. R. Bailey http://amzn.com/B00FDWWRVU

 Bound to love. Cursed to hate. One must die by the other's hand. Forgotten in Darkness @ZoeForward1 http://amzn.com/B00FDSLRIS  

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Interview Laura Strickland- Daughter of Sherwood


Welcome All. Today I have the lovely Laura Strickland, who has kindly agreed to be my guest today as we celebrate the release of her newest book, Daughter of Sherwood.



Welcome Laura, tell me three words that describe yourself starting with A, B, and C.

 Well now, Angela, you know I’m not going to be able to narrow my choices down to one word per letter!  It’s a fact of life that I have words spinning madly in my head all the time.  I guess I’ll just have to compound them:

I consider myself an Addicted-Articulate-Atavist.  Addicted to writing, of course.  Honestly, it’s like the old commercial about a day without orange juice being a day without sunshine – for me, a day without writing is a day without meaning.  If I don’t pick up my pen at some point and write at least a paragraph, I feel as if the day’s been wasted.  And people tell me I’m articulate: at work (in the office of a library system), people struggling to write letters or emails come to me and ask, “What’s the word I want?”  And I’m definitely an atavist – a throwback.  I love ancient times and cultures, the lore and wisdom of my ancestors, which works out pretty well for an historical writer.

I’m also a Blessed-Bookish-Bard.  Blessed is self-explanatory.  I’ve been given much, but I believe it’s also important to accept much and that means being aware of the wonderful things around me, and actively grateful for them.  Bookish?  Well, when I was a child I had a reputation in my family for being the girl who always had a paperback in her pocket.  I sometimes think I learned to write by reading great authors.  I still read them.  Bard?  Perhaps not in the actively musical sense, but in the storytelling sense, oh yes!  My books are nothing more than long stories meant to amuse an audience on a dark, winter’s night.

And I’d have to say I’m a Congenial-Compassionate-Clairvoyant.  Congenial?  Well, I’m the original peacemaker and a born non-confrontationist.  My motto might as well be, “Can’t we all just get along?”  Compassionate and empathetic, oh yes – people love to talk to me because I’m able to feel what they feel when I listen, and they know I care.  Clairvoyant: perhaps I’ve never had the urge to stage a séance, but the ability does run through the women of my line, and I know there’s more than a hint of it in my writing.

Got a bit more than you bargained for there, didn’t you?

Just a bit, and I can truly say I can relate to ALL your answers. What are your three favorite things?

 I’d have to say my three favorite things are writing, music and the companionship of my animals.  Somehow, for me, these three go hand-in-hand.  Like you, Angela, music is a big part of my writing.  Some of the songs I love are so tangled up with stories I’ve written, I can virtually hear the music when I reread the words.  As for animals, I’ve been fortunate to share the lives of many amazing dogs over the years.  Every one of them carved out a place inside me.  I feel I learned something from each of them, too, like generosity of spirit and how to love.  Those who are gone are still part of me.  My idea of a perfect day?  Hours to write, with music on the stereo and my dog at my side.

 What for you is the best part of the writing process?

 The best part of the writing process for me is when I get in the zone – really in the zone – with music on the stereo and my dog at my side, and time goes away.  I think reality goes away a bit at those moments also, or maybe I just blend into the reality of the world I’ve created.  For me, my characters are as vital as people I see every day.  They speak their own lines and I’m the invisible observer who watches the action, hears their conversations, and writes it all down.  For me, that’s when the magic happens, and never doubt that for me writing does hold a large element of magic.

What is the worst?

 Wow, there isn’t really a worst part of writing for me.  I just love all of it, from the lightning flash of conceiving an idea to writing the last line of the last page.  I even like editing and revision, when I’m in the right mood.  If I had to pick something I guess I’d say promotion – it’s difficult for me to put myself out there and blow my own horn.

Is there a routine you stick to when writing, or do you just wing it?

I’m a morning person and I tend to get up at an excruciatingly early hour in order to have some uninterrupted writing time.  We heat our home with wood (there’s the atavist in me coming out, again) and in the winter I rise when it’s still dark and cold, kindle the fire and then settle down for the very best part of my day, when I get to travel back in time via my imagination.  On weekends I have more leeway and can stretch this morning bliss out a few hours.  When a story’s really rolling under its own power, I may snatch a few afternoon hours on a weekend, as well.  I still write with a pen in a spiral notebook – sometimes as fast as I can scribble – and type it all later, making my first revision as I go.  This routine works for me, so I can’t see myself changing it in the future.

We must be kindred spirits, I too do all of my first writings with a pen and notebook. When I try typing on a computer first, I rapidly lose my train of thought. 

What’s the one thing you would do if you could be your character for one day?

 Oh, I love this question!  If I could be transported to Sherwood Forest and become Wren for a day, I think I would step softly beneath those trees that harbor so much history and magic, listen to the whispers of the leaves and inhale the air breathed by heroes.   I would look into the eyes of those brave souls who’ve kept Robin Hood’s fight alive so long.  And as Wren, I would revel in the chance to spend time with the two men who both say they want her:  Martin Scarlet with his indomitable warrior’s spirit and Sparrow, son of Little John, who carries all those mysterious promises in his dark eyes.  You know, there’s a reason Wren has trouble making up her mind.  Not one but two fine examples of Saxon manhood, and both completely devoted to her – can you wonder why I’d like to experience that, even if just for one day?  Of course, it’s all balanced out by the risk of being seized and tortured at Nottingham Castle.  Might be well worth it, though!

What is life without a little risk?

Thanks so much, Angela, for having me here to spend time with you today.  It’s been great fun and I enjoyed every moment of our conversation.

A big thanks to you to Laura for being here. Readers, be sure to check out the blurb and excerpt below. And don't forget to click on the buy link and get Wren's story for yourself when you're done.

Amazon buy link: Daughter of Sherwood

 Blurb

Raised in the kitchens of Nottingham Castle, Wren has no idea she is the daughter of the legendary Robin Hood until she is summoned to Sherwood Forest.  Since Robin’s death many years before, the resistance against Norman tyranny has been upheld by a magical triad, but now one of the guardians has died.  With two young men, Sparrow and Martin, Wren must form a new triad with a bond strong enough to defend Sherwood’s magic.  To one of them, she will also give her heart.
From the moment Wren bursts into his life, Sparrow loves her.  But he knows she may choose his lifelong rival, Martin, as her mate.  Martin wants Wren also, but Sparrow fears Martin is driven not by love but ambition.  When Martin is captured and held at Nottingham Castle, will the conflict between love and duty destroy the triad?

Excerpt


In the gathering gloom, the man looked tall and slender, a shadow seen only indistinctly. But she knew him, had seen him numerous times in both dream and imagination.
  A sob burst from her throat. "You are dead." 
“But I live on, here in Sherwood. That to which we give our love in life is never lost."
  Rennie continued to examine him through narrowed eyes. This must be how he had looked at the time of his death, strong and handsome, vital as the forest itself.
  "Long have I tried to reach you, Daughter, to tell you the importance of your place here."
  There, he had said it: daughter. A chill chased its way through Rennie's limbs. 
"Wren, life is a series of cycles. The flesh rises and falls as do the stars in the sky; the spirit endures.  The three of you – Sparrow, Martin and yourself – must prepare to take your places on the wheel."
  "The wheel?" 
"Of life." 
"It is not fair," Rennie cried, suddenly aware of how much she would have liked knowing this man.
  "It is not fair," he agreed, "when a child is born into serfdom, an old woman bled to death for the king's taxes, or the father of a family deprived of his hand, so those he loves must starve. There is but one thing fair about our world."
  "And, what is that?" 
 "That love does not die, but rides the wheel and goes round until it meets with those who love, again. You must do as you must do.  Keep the magic strong."

 


Saturday, November 2, 2013

Give Thanks

I don't know who came up with the idea, but every November, Facebook and other sites are filled with people posting what they are thankful for that particular day. Since November has finally rolled around, I thought I'd get in on the action. Warning, some of it may be pretty deep as I from time to time I am a deep person!!!

Friday, November 1- I am thankful for religious freedom. To be able to openly worship God (I am baptist) in a country where I most likely will not be physically persecuted for my belief unlike other places in the world, where being a Christian is the equivalent of a death sentence. I am thankful to live where I can openly conversate about the impact He has had on my life and continues to work daily.

Saturday, November 2- I am thankful for Saturday mornings. For the chance to sleep in after a long work week, to get up and know I don't have to run through the house like a mad woman hurrying everyone along so we can make it to work/school on time, and to enjoy that second cup of coffee before I start to work on my massive To Do List that never becomes a Done List!!!

Sunday, November 3- I am thankful for marshmallows. This weekend both of the kids had sleepovers and I have to say the highlight was roasting weenie's and marshmallows around a fire, hubby built in his grill. Even after the sleepovers were done, we continued to light the precious treat on fire and devour it as if all the sugar was really good for us. Combine that with the Rotel dip and chips we had for dinner and I'm pretty sure marshmallows are one of the best things ever invented.

Monday, November 4- I am thankful for noise. As I type this, my kids are taking turns practicing their piano at the kitchen table, my daughter singing (off key) at the top of her lungs. A love, hate relationship when you have two young kids, noise is something I know one day in the not too distance future (for time really does fly) my household will lack. So while I hold my breath and my temper during some of the louder/more annoying moments, I will do my best to always be thankful for the noise my kids make.

Tuesday, November 5- I am thankful for so many good books. There is no telling how many I've read in my lifetime. I cannot recall them all, but there are certain ones I will not forget. I've recently finished several and know there are thousands more in my future and I am so excited about that.

Wednesday, November 6- I am thankful for my DVR. So many good shows to watch, so little time. I love television- the cleverly written scripts, the plots, the characters, the settings. You name it, I love it. To me, tv is almost as good as a book. In fact, while I'm either writing or reading, I see it as a movie in my head. And to see a book I've read come to life is like an imagination that gave birth. So cool.

Thursday, November 7- I am thankful for so many good friends. They make you laugh and are there when you need a good cry. 'Nuff said.

Friday, November 8- I am thankful for hunting season. Not only are the deer beautiful (we saw four does on the way to school this morning), but there is also the added advantage of having some time to myself and meat in the freezer!

Saturday, November 9- I am thankful for heat. Burrrr. It's cold here in the South. Someone needs to cut the air conditioning off. It's not supposed to be cold down here!

Sunday, November 10- I am thankful for lazy days. The sniffles have hit the Hayes household and I'm thankful to know that when we're all feeling a touch under the weather that we have the ability to climb under a soft blanket and just rest.

Monday, November 11- I am thankful for the many veterans and their families whose sacrifices allow us to live in a country where even on our hardest days, it is so much better than what people in other countries have to deal with. Our freedom certainly isn't free. It is paid with the blood, sweat, and tears of the men and women (and those who love them) who have the courage and spirit to pick up their guns and put their lives on the line for millions of people they've never met. And that is certainly something to be thankful for.

Tuesday, November 12- I am thankful for the wonderful people I work with. Each one of them are sweet, loving, intelligent women who do their job with grace (even on the bad days!).

Wednesday, November 13- I am thankful for my dog. He's a cross between a pug, Boston Terrier (I believe they really meant Terror-er), and garbage disposal. As I type this, he is hard at work on some ABC gum. I kid you not, the dog chews gum, and he quite enjoys it! Along with anything else that catches his fancy.

Thursday, November 14- I am thankful for laughter. We all need it, and the world would be such a dull place without it.

Friday, November 15- I am thankful for the end of the work week.

Saturday, November 16- I am thankful for college football! Let me hear a Roll Tide!!!

Sunday, November 17- I am thankful for a wonderful church family.

Monday, November 18- I am thankful for the magical wonders of Tylenol.

Tuesday, November 19- I am thankful for time spent with my kids whether it be discussing a book they're both reading, or watching a favorite show. Hunter is currently working his way through the Harry Potter series, Emilee, Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Both are managing to find some of the corresponding movies on TV to watch (there is quite a bit of compare and contrasting going on) so our nights are fairly jam packed.

Wednesday, November 20- I am thankful for encouragement. Without it, I doubt any of us would reach the potential we are destined for.

Thursday, November 21- I am thankful for my car. It is ten years old and has over 135,000 miles. From time to time the blinker refuses to work, and when I turn my defroster on, the radio gets fuzzy. I know it needs some work, but right now, it's perfect like it is.

Friday, November 22- I am thankful for loose leaf paper. I can't tell you how many pieces I go through a day.

Saturday, November 23- I am thankful for my bed sheets. I have a favorite set of bed sheets that I'm constantly washing and immediately reusing. They are perfectly soft, never get hot, and are always the right type of cool when you roll over in the middle of the night.

Sunday, November 24- I am thankful (once again) for my children. They sang the song they'd been practicing for two months at church today and did excellent.

Monday, November 25- I am thankful for the past and things that we can learn from it. Earlier in the month I went on a small field trip with my daughter to see a cabin originally built 173 years ago. I found it inspiring how settlers were able to accomplish so much with so little. Fun fact: In Alabama, that particular cabin (and I believe many others) were built without that famous white strip of mud caulking you usually seen on log cabins, due to the fact that it made the inside of the cabin extremely hot during an already sweltering summer. Instead they put up what they called- bird boards- which they took down during the summer to allow for air flow (instant AC)- which in turn let the birds in!!!

Tuesday, November 26- I am thankful for knowing I'll be home for the next few days. Maybe I can get some writing done.

Wednesday, November 27- I am thankful for the amazingly dry and awkward sense of humor my children have. My son was recently in our town newspaper (which I found today) along with several classmates, listing what they were thankful for. Of course you have the main ones- family, friends, pets- then you have the ones thankful for turkey, deer, and when we come to Hunter (who is professing to have had a brain fart!) claims he is thankful for the word "Supercalifragilisticexpealidious". According to Hunter, this is a word you use when you aren't sure what word or thing you want to say!!!!

Thursday, November 28- I am thankful for everything I have mentioned above and those I have forgotten. In this modern day we take so much for granted that I'm glad there's a time of the year where even if it's for a few days that we can reflect on everything we've been blessed with.

Friday, November 29- I am thankful for leftovers. This lady won't be cooking anytime soon.

Saturday, November 30- I am thankful for hot water. If this isn't the one thing we constantly take for granted, I don't know what is.