Guest: Camryn Rhys

Happy Monday! Please say hello to Camryn Rhys. My newest release, Misbegotten Gaines is part of a series that Decadent Publishing is releasing. All books are set in Freewill, Wyoming and are all related to each other. I’ve taken, for my slice of Freewill, the Gaines family, who own a large dude ranch west of Freewill along the Sagebrush River. They run different programs for their guests, and one of those programs involves Jamie Gaines (the ranch program manager) and the new chef, Kyle. Just as a sneak preview, here’s a short interview with Jamie Gaines, the youngest daughter of the Gaines family. I hope you enjoy Jamie and her love story. C: Hi, Jamie! J: (hugs) So good to see you, girl. C: I know! It’s been awhile now… how are you after everything went down for you and Kyle? J: (sighs) Yeah, that was a crazy week, right? C: You tell me. (holding up hands) I was just the vessel. J: (laughs) Well, I’m doing much better. C: Are you and Charity talking again? J: Not really. She was a little peeved when my brother sent the Sheriff after her, but she’ll get over it. My uncle Bud got her a job at his restaurant, so I’d say, given everything, she got a pretty good deal. C: Wow, Bud gave her a job. That surprises me. J: I think what sealed it for him was the fact that my mom hated her so much. You know them, their feud will never end. C: Tell me about that. J: (rolls her eyes) It was all just a big misunderstanding about Granddad’s will. So stupid. C: But it obviously affects your relationship with them both. J: Our family is one of the oldest in Freewill, and until my mom’s generation, all of the Gaines family had always lived on the ranch. That’s why it’s so big, and why we do so much work. But when my granddad cut my uncle out of his will, it all went pear-shaped. They haven’t been the same since. C: This sounds like some juicy gossip. J: Well, if there’s a story there, I’ll leave it for you to tell. Talk to my mom anytime. C: How’s your mom doing, anyway? And those brothers of yours? J: Paul misses you. C: (laughs) Paul misses everything in a skirt. That doesn’t surprise me. How’s his love life going? J: He could use a little help there. I think he needs you to come back and hang out with him a little. Help him down the right path. C: (considering) I have been missing the good ole’ MGR. What a beautiful place, Freewill. And between Brady and Paul, lots of nice eye candy around there. J: I wouldn’t know… they’re my brothers. (laughs) Although it makes it hard to run singles’ trail rides when the hottest guys on the ranch are technically unavailable. C: Yes, Brady’s famous fraternization policy. Seems like he’ll have his hands full with Paul and all these single women coming into the place. J: He had his hands full with me! C: (laughs) You’re right. You definitely don’t strike me as a rule follower, anyway. J: Brady is, though. Wow, that guy is made of rules. I love him, but he is a lunatic about it. C: So how have the trail rides been going? J: Good. We took a little break, of course, after Kyle. And we’ve been trying some new things. We’re going way out into the wilderness, and have permission to be on some government land beyond our ranch, so we’re not always on the camp. But it’s been fun. C: That’s quite a camp setup y’all have there. J: And we really do use it a lot. Kyle likes to cook there, because of course, it’s made for a gourmet chef. C: Only outdoors. J: Right. C: So you’ve been noticeably quiet about Kyle. What’s up with that? J: (smiles) A girl doesn’t kiss and tell. But honestly, I’m good. And as for Kyle… you’ll have to ask him. C: Maybe I will… Well, it looks like Jamie is doing well. Check out my release party (#CowboyCocktails or on my website http://camrynrhys.com) for chances to win an iPad, and for more information on the Freewill books, my other books, and lots of great prizes up for grabs. Thanks so much for having me!

Blog Hop: Leah Petersen

Happy Thursday! Say hello to Leah Wilson, author of Fighting Gravity.

Fattening Up A Character

It’s often applied to animals intended for the dinner table and uber-skinny fashion models, but we’ve all heard of someone or something that needs to be fattened up. It applies to fictional characters too, in a different way.

Every author has a story they want to tell. It’s important; it’s intense; it’s exciting. And yet…what really makes a reader’s pulse pound isn’t the story itself, it’s their experience of it. That experience has everything to do with how well they see and feel the characters.

But how do we as readers connect with characters? Easy. We get to know them. Once we know that the main character has a phobia of blueberries, then being dumped in a vat of them is a terrifying moment! (OK, perhaps the blueberry thing is an exaggeration.) The thing is, as an author, you know the characters; you feel with them. The reader needs to too, or the power of everything a character goes through is lost.

So how do we establish this connection? A good writer will draw the characters so vividly for us that we can’t help but know them. When an author does this, quality is much more important than quantity.

For instance, I could say:

“Dave was scared of birds.”

Or

“Dave saw it and he froze. Standing in his path was a dark and horrible thing, black as rot with a voice that could rent heaven. Dave didn’t know what kind it was, but it was a bird and that was all that mattered. It was evil.”

Yes, the second option is longer, and no, you don’t need to do that with every sentence. But consider all the things we learned about Dave from the second example. He’s a bit melodramatic, he’s terrified of birds, and he’s the kind who is likely to freeze when faced with a crisis.

When a reader experiences a crisis with the character, it makes the character real for them.

Consider this example from my new novel, FIGHTING GRAVITY, wherein my eight year old main character has just been removed from his home to join a group of children headed for a prestigious school.

The eyes of all the children in the room were on me and it wasn’t polite interest. Children do rejection very well; very clean and straightforward. None of the pretense adults muck it up with.

I stiffened, strode forward, and plunked down in a comfortable armchair in the middle of the room. I looked back over at Kirti, daring her to join me.

Poor kid, right? You know he’s scared and angry and feeling out of place even though he never says so.

How have you, as a reader, seen this happen? What moments from your favorite books stick with you? Why is that?

BLURB:

When Jacob Dawes is Selected for the Imperial Intellectual Complex as a child, he’s catapulted from the poverty-stricken slums of his birth into a world where his status as an unclass is something no one can forget, or forgive. His growing scientific renown draws the attention of the emperor, a young man Jacob’s own age, and they find themselves drawn to each other in an unlikely, and ill-advised relationship. Jacob may have won the emperor’s heart, but it’s no protection when he’s accused of treason. And fighting his own execution would mean betraying the man he loves.

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

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Leah Petersen lives in North Carolina. She does the day-job, wife, and mother thing, much like everyone else. She prides herself on being able to hold a book with her feet so she can knit while reading. She’s still working on knitting while writing.

FIGHTING GRAVITY is her first novel.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/LeahPetersen

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LeahPetersenAuthor

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/leahpetersen

Google+: http://profiles.google.com/leahpetersen

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/lpetersenauthor/

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

PRIZE INFORMATION

The author will be giving away at least one (possibly more) hand-knitted by her replicas of the symbol of the IIC (an important institution in the book) to randomly drawn commenters during the tour.

EXCERPT:

After dinner, a servant summoned me to the emperor. This was now twice in as many nights. Was it about something I’d said the night before? That stupid ring?

I was led to where the emperor was talking with the ship’s captain in one of the hallways.

“Good evening, Mr. Dawes. I see you survived the lift-off.” He walked as he spoke, gesturing for me to accompany him.

“It was an incredible experience, Excellence. This is a nice ship you have.”

“Thank you. It’s not a new ship, there was no time for that. But many things were upgraded, the engines included. They’re the best of the best, I’m told. I thought about you during the lift-off. I wondered what you’d make of it.”

“You did?” I asked, stunned.

“Is there something wrong with that?” he asked, his mouth twisted in what looked like amusement but was probably something more dangerous to me.

“No, sir. I guess not…”

“Does it bother you?” He seemed to be teasing me again.

“Some,” I answered.

He stopped. “Why?”

“Because I’m afraid of you.”

He laughed, and started down the hallway again. But after a sideways glance at my face, he quieted. “You really mean that?”

“Yes.”

“Oh.” His answer was soft, subdued, even. I got the distinct impression that I’d hurt his feelings.

“You must get that all the time.”

“I do,” he answered, but didn’t look at me. I was more and more sure that I’d offended him somehow.

“So why should it matter, then, Excellence?”

He thought for a moment. “I don’t know. I should be used to it. Of course, no one ever comes out and says it in so many words. It’s a bit of a shock to hear it confirmed like that.”

He stopped again, facing me, a slight furrow between his eyes that I would have called uncertainty, even vulnerability, if I hadn’t known who he was. “Why are you afraid of me?”

“Who wouldn’t be afraid? You can do anything you want with my life and there’s not a damn thing I can do about it.”

The furrow deepened and he waited, as if I hadn’t explained myself at all.

“You uprooted my life a couple of weeks ago, who knows what you might do tomorrow?”

“You mean, you didn’t want this assignment?” he asked.

Apparently I wasn’t frightened enough to keep my mouth shut. “I want to be here,” I pointed to the ship around us, “but I didn’t want to be reassigned, no.”

“Mr. Dawes...” He hesitated. “I had no idea. I’m sorry.”

I shrugged but didn’t look at him.

“Would you like to be assigned back to the IIC?”

“Yes, Excellence.”

“Then you will be.” He started walking again, gesturing to me to accompany him. My stomach was jittery. I couldn’t believe what I’d just said. But he wasn’t reacting like an angry sovereign. He was acting like just another guy whose feelings were hurt.

“I’m sorry if I offended you,” I tried.

He turned to me. “Actually, you have no idea how much I appreciate your honesty.”

There was no reason for me to believe he was lying or just being diplomatic—and I couldn’t imagine why he would try to spare my feelings—but that didn’t make me feel much better. I was still on edge, certain I’d said far too much.

Guest: Lucy Felthouse!

Happy Tuesday! Today, I'm welcoming Lucy Felthouse. Enjoy!

Welcome aboard! Tell us a little about yourself, please.

I'll let my carefully crafted bio do the work…

Lucy is a graduate of the University of Derby, where she studied Creative Writing. During her first year, she was dared to write an erotic story - so she did. It went down a storm and she's never looked back. Lucy has had stories published by Cleis Press, Constable and Robinson, House of Erotica, Noble Romance, Ravenous Romance, Resplendence Publishing, Summerhouse Publishing, Sweetmeats Press and Xcite Books. She is also the editor of Uniform Behaviour and Seducing the Myth. Find out more at http://www.lucyfelthouse.co.uk. Join her on Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to her newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/gMQb9

What about your latest release?

My latest release is my first ever novella, and is released as part of Xcite Books' The Secret Library range:

Off the Shelf by Lucy Felthouse

At 35, travel writer Annalise is fed up with insensitive comments about being left on the shelf. It’s not as if she doesn’t want a man, but her busy career doesn’t leave her much time for relationships. Sexy liaisons with passing acquaintances give Annalise physical satisfaction, but she needs more than that. She wants a man who will satisfy her mind as well as her body. But where will she find someone like that? It seems Annalise may be in luck when a new member of staff starts working in the bookshop at the airport she regularly travels through. Damien appears to tick all the boxes; he’s gorgeous, funny and intelligent, and he shares Annalise’s love of books and travel. The trouble is, Damien’s shy and Annalise is terrified of rejection. Can they overcome their fears and admit their feelings, or are they doomed to remain on the shelf?

More info and buy links here: http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk/published-works/the-secret-library-silk-stockings/

Ok, let’s get down to the fun stuff. If you were stranded on a lush tropical island, and all of your basic needs were met, what two items would you have with you? What person would be with you? Remember, you’re stuck there for an indefinite period with only each other to occupy the time.

I'd take an extremely thick empty notebook and a brand new pen, so I could write. I'd also take my other half.

If you could play opposite any of your lead characters, which one would it be and why?

It would have to be Damien, from my new novella, Off the Shelf. Why? Because if I played opposite him I'd get to snog his face off, and more. Yes, I have the biggest crush on him! J

You’re locked in a closet with Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell, Kate Beckinsale, three paperclips and a string. How do you get out?

I'd try bending the paperclips to try and pick the lock. If that didn't work, I'd get the other three to try and kick the door down. Come on, there's three of them, surely they can do it? If not, I'd trade one of them to my captor in return for my release. They're bound to fancy one of them, right?

Name five things you can do with a pencil.

Write, draw, doodle, sharpen it, poke people.

Who’s your favorite character from your book(s)? Why? Don’t worry, we won’t tell.

You may have guessed this already. My favourite character (at the moment, anyway) is Damien from Off the Shelf. Why? Because he's smart, sexy, funny and totally adorable. And he loves books and travel. What's not to love? ;)

Where can we find you around the vast interwebs?

Here are my various links – I'd love to see you there!

http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk

http://www.twitter.com/cw1985

http://www.facebook.com/lucyfelthousewriter

http://www.goodreads.com/cw1985

http://www.pinterest.com/cw1985

http://eepurl.com/gMQb9 (newsletter)

What about your books? Where are they being sold at?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/entity/Lucy-Felthouse/B003ZA5I5E?ie=UTF8&ref_=sr_tc_ep&tag=lucyfelthouse-21&ie=UTF8&linkCode=ur2&qid=1323962261%23&camp=1634&creative=19450

http://www.amazon.com/gp/entity/Lucy-Felthouse/B003ZA5I5E?ie=UTF8&ref_=ntt_dp_epwbk_0%23&tag=lucyfelt-20&ie=UTF8&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=390957

http://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html?searchBy=author&qString=Lucy+Felthouse

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/lucy-felthouse

http://ebookstore.sony.com/author/lucy-felthouse_162785

And all other good book and eBook retailers.

Thanks for dropping in! Any last words?

Thanks so much for having me here, and thanks to those of you that have stopped by to check out the interview. If you've read any of my books, please drop me a line and let me know what you thought – I love feedback! J

Welcome: JL Oiler!

FRIDAAAAAAY!

Now that I have the Friday's out of my system, please help me welcome J.L. Oiler to the good ole blog. Enjoy!

Welcome aboard! Tell us a little about yourself, please.

I live in the mountains of West Virginia with my husband and kids. I love the outdoors and enjoy just sitting on the porch watching the sunset or kids chase lightning bugs. I have a BA from Fairmont State University and a MA from BSU. I currently write with both Rebel Ink Press and Silver Publishing.

What about your latest release?

Blurb:

Haylie Fairbanks is the youngest child in a legendary witching family. Of course being at the top of the magic food chain doesn't come without consequences. Wizards like Adrian Caproete will always be plotting your downfall. Now Caproete has enlisted help from the plane lying on the other side of the mirror and he’ll do whatever it takes to bring down the Fairbanks, including kidnapping Haylie and ransoming her for an amulet said to be able to drain a witch’s power.

Enyalios, Gar, and Anut are werewolf warriors of Eridu, a world parallel to our own and reached by stepping through the reflective surface of an enchanted mirror. The mission that brings them to our plane seemed simple enough when the wizard proposed it, but one look at their quarry and a chase through the open air market in Morocco proves this is far from the easy snatch and grab they expected.

After realizing they can't turn the beauty over to Caproete for any fee, the men decide to instead offer the Fairbanks elder an unexpected option. They will allow Haylie to remain in their keep until the danger passes. Of course none of the three expect the girl’s father to make a counter offer, one that could certainly be a pleasure to fulfill.

Caught in a plot that could cost her family everything, Haylie must decide if she can submit to what's best for her family and give herself over to the care of the Werewolves, the very men who sought to kidnap and trade her to her enemy. Men who offer more than a home and family, but the hopes of a love unmatched by anything Haylie has ever known.  

Ok, let’s get down to the fun stuff. If you were stranded on a lush tropical island, and all of your basic needs were met, what two items would you have with you? What person would be with you? Remember, you’re stuck there for an indefinite period with only each other to occupy the time.

My laptop and my e-reader would be a must. I would take my husband Kenny so He could occupy the moment when I’m not writing or reading.

If you could play opposite any of your lead characters, which one would it be and why?

Kaden from Blood Dance (Seeds of Oden) – hot, sexy, smart, sexy, strong, sexy, caring, sexy, get it done type of guy. Did I mention he’s sexy?

If you could lead any of your secondary characters, which one would it be and why?

Aaron Wolfe (Force Recon) – same reasons as above

You’re locked in a closet with Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell, Kate Beckinsale, three paperclips and a string. How do you get out?

Use Colin Farrell’s head like a battering ram.

Name five things you can do with a pencil.

Write, make people laugh or cry, tap annoyingly, and if none of that works, launch it like a rocket.

Who’s your favorite character from your book(s)? Why? Don’t worry, we won’t tell.

Holly from Have Yourself a Rotten Little Christmas. She is super sarcastic and funny.

Where can we find you around the vast interwebs?

www.joiler.weebly.com

What about your books? Where are they being sold at?

All Romance E-book (Are)

BookStrand

Amazon

Barnes and Noble online

Thanks for dropping in! Any last words?

Thanks for having me it has been an honor!

VBT: Maple Express!

Welcome back! Today, I'm hosting Peter Brandt, author of The Maple Express. Enjoy!

Welcome to my little old blog! Tell us a little about yourself.

I am 24, bronzed with chiseled muscles, hair down to my butt…wait, you want the real me! Well, that isn't as glamorous.

I am an old man by professional standards but I live my life as if I was still a teenager. I am a Canadian married to a sweet woman and we are presently living overseas. I have written a few books, with Maple Express being my latest, as well as a couple of screenplays, and I've been professionally trained as an actor. I have been lucky enough to appear in a few movies and television shows. I am also learning to play guitar and struggling with learning the violin because I just have too many things to take care of with my book launch and my writing, but I haven't given it up yet.

Thanks! How about your most recent (or upcoming) release?

Maple Express is a kind of psychological thriller for the young adult population, although many adults would find it interesting as well.

Sara Maple is a headstrong girl who likes it when things go her way and when they don't she can be very difficult to be around. Unfortunately, her decision to skip school lands her on a train ride with some strangers and a journey to somewhere no one can identify.

Now for the fun. Llamas or camels?

I am living in the Middle East at present so let's go with camels. Here they roam around the side of the road, eating the grass that grows in the middle of the highway, (the rest of the area is all sand!) You would be far better off hitting a bridge than hitting a camel. Some of them sell in the millions of dollars.

Camels because the baby camels are so cute!

You’ve just been cornered on the street by Steven Spielberg, who wants to make your book into an epic three part movie. Who’s going to play the leads?

Dakota Fanning would be perfect as Sara Maple the lead. She always comes across to me as such a sweet girl but she has the ability to change from sweet to hateful in seconds.

The only male character in the book would be Arden. I would love to see Tom Felton, the young man who played Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter series play Arden. Tom as an actor has that brooding anger simmering under his piercing gaze.

You’re the President of the world! What’s your first new rule?

Banks must change how they operate so they serve the people and not serve themselves. The leaders of the banks will be accountable for every dollar they gain or lose.

If you could be locked into one of your stories, which one would it be? Which character would you be and why?

Very good, so I would have to say I would pick my comedy novel "Crown Prince from Texas" and I would want to be the lead character, Harden Long. He is a writer, like myself, who sees his first novel explode on the scene and become a made for TV movie. (We all want success in our life!)

He is a man of the world (or thinks he is, - he isn't!) who finds his one true love and enjoys his riches that come from using his mind. Wow…that's a lot like my life right now right down to the true love of my life  - my wife Carly.

I know, sappy but what can I say, I'm happy!

Here’s a box of Crayons. What are you going to draw?

I suck at drawing so drawing a person is out! How about a beautiful sunset on a sandy beach and a jug of margaritas sitting on a table by a chair. The whole scene is on a balcony overlooking the water.

I live in a really warm climate now but I think when I retire I would like to have a house in a beautiful warm tropical island by the water.

Where can we find you around the vast interwebs?

I am all over the place, but I try to reside mostly at http://www.peterabrandt.com and my publisher www.simplesimonpublishing.com. I have a blog ay my publishers as well as links to Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

And where might we find your books for sale?

They are for sale at both http://www.smashwords.com and www.amazon.com. They are available on the Kindle and I have my two memoirs (mine and my dad's) as paperbacks.

Thanks for dropping by! Any other thoughts?

Thank you first off for having me. This is my first blog tour and although it's a lot of work, it has been very rewarding as well.

I would love to invite your readers to come and visit me at my blog at www.simplesimonpublishing.com. I have a video blog (I like to be in front of the camera) and I have a new book that I will be releasing in conjunction with my blog titled "From Author to Entrepreneur" which explains how storytellers can become successful authors and the logistics of setting up and selling their books as eBooks. I have been an independent author for quite a few years now and I have learned many solid things I would love to share with them about how to succeed.

I even have a video that shows readers my office, my desk, and where I spend a lot of my time hiding out writing.

Bye for now and happy reading.


The Maple Express:


BLURB:   


Sara Maple has a comfortable life—the only child of a wealthy family—a best friend who does everything she asks—and the admiration of most of her schoolmates. Unfortunately, her temper and “indestructible” attitude quickly place her in a very precarious position.

“The Maple Express” is a powerful novel that captures the author’s take on the miracle of the human mind. “The Maple Express” delves into the actions and consequences of a young girl who has never had to take responsibility for her actions before. The story brings the reader into a world where Sara’s determination to find her way off the train sends her on an emotional trip that bonds her to her new friends and changes her life forever.

Both young and old readers will love the emotional journey Sara Maple takes them on as she deciphers the obstacles that confront her. Sara’s story ends with a surprise twist and leaves the reader with a sense of discovery about his or her own humanity.


Excerpt:

It took Sara a few seconds to comprehend where she was. As best as she could tell, she was staring at an upside down Thomas Cole painting that appeared to be zipping along at a tremendous rate of speed.

The wind in her hair and face made her eyes water and saliva run from the corner of her mouth. Sara closed her mouth and swallowed.

The last thing she remembered was stepping up on the ladder that led to the train engine. When she woke, she was staring at the scenery, dangling upside down, and being held by something that had wrapped itself around her ankle. Her face was mere inches from the ground. She couldn’t distinguish any one individual rock — they were all shooting past her too fast to see anything more than a blur.

Sara turned her head to find out where the noise was coming from. She knew the sound of the wind that rattled past her but the throaty metallic rattle that overpowered it was far more excruciating on her ears.

The wind spun her a quarter turn and what she saw caused a scream to erupt from deep inside. Two large train wheels were spinning along steel tracks. The sound she heard was steel hitting steel. The pistons created the swooshing sound as they pounded the wheels around, propelling the train forward.

Sara looked for something to grab onto but there was nothing within her reach. She felt like a side of beef dangling in a butcher’s freezer.

About The Author:

It only takes a few minutes of thought before Peter Brandt can devise a scenario that would make a fantastic story, and minutes after that before it begins to fill itself in.

“I have been able to think up stories all my life but it’s only been in the last seven years that I realized I was abusing my creative side by not writing them down.”

Peter retired from the Air Force and began a new career as a Technical Writer. His writing abilities have allowed him to work in Canada, the United States and even in the Middle East.

But its Peter’s love for stories that has brought him into a new realm of writing. His humorous memoir about his life as a soldier in the Canadian Armed Forces and the tragic memoir about his father’s life in a Prisoner-of-War camp at the age of 14 allowed him to refine his writing before he began to venture in writing Young Adult fiction.

“I have a very unique way of creating my stories. It begins with a craving, like a recent smoker who just quit cigarettes but still feels the addiction. I can’t shake it until I sit down and begin to let my mind wander. Many times I start my quest for a new story by wondering - What If. Soon after I begin to write and can usually get the first draft completed within a few weeks.

Maple Express began as a “what if” question and I’d share it with you but it would give away the storyline.”

I always write my stories as I would see them on the movie screen, which is why writing screenplays are also something I do. I am shooting a short film I wrote with a friend of mine within the next couple of weeks with another film shortly after.”

Peter has taken formal lessons in acting and has enjoyed some success as an actor in TV and film before his day job as a Lead Technical Writer required him to move out of the country.

“I can honestly say I have landed in the perfect job for me. I love to write...doesn’t really matter what I write, creatively or technically, writing is a pleasurable experience.  It has allowed me to travel and for that I am grateful.”

Peter grew up with the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew hardcover books.

“I loved them. I remember sitting under my blanket after lights out, sweating from the heat and the fear that gripped me as Joe and Frank carried on with another of their adventures.”

It is with these wonderful stories in mind that Peter wrote “Holly Alexander and the Mystery of the Courthouse Square.” This young adult novel will be released summer / fall 2012.

“I never really grew up. I have tried to write for adults but I find it difficult. I was a small, shy, and bullied kid growing up. I was nothing special. I had terrible grades, no idea what I wanted to do with my life and girls...wow, totally foreign to me. After I joined the Army those years faded quickly and I guess it has caused me to want to get those years back.

That is why I crave writing about young people who feel they are nothing special until I put them in a position where they have no choice but to become someone they never dreamed they could be. It is very uplifting for me to make heroes out of young people who believe they have nothing to contribute. It’s an eye opener for me as well as for them when it happens.”

Pete continues to write and publish through Simple Simon Publishing, a different type of publisher.

“Simple Simon Publishing is all about turning authors into entrepreneurs. For too long authors have felt dependent on the closed loop publishing industry to discover them and make them successful. Simple Simon’s philosophy is you are not just an author but the best person in the world to sell your product...you and your writing.”

Peter and his wife Carly have five kids who are all grown and on their own. 

Night Sky!

Welcome to Tuesday, the fourth best day of the week! Today, I'm hosting author Jolene Perry, here to show off her latest release: Night Sky.

Welcome aboard! Tell us a little about yourself, please.

I’m an expert chaser of two children, a high school teacher turned writer, and girl who loves to drive fast. I’ve lived in Alaska for most of my life, but now that I’m back up here, really miss living in the city. I taught myself to play the guitar when I needed to occupy my brain while my husband was on deployment in the military, and I designed and built two houses. I’m a busy girl, but I wouldn’t live any other way.

What about your latest release?

I ADORE Jameson. The story of Night Sky was such a fun one to write. I wanted to write a book that started with a bad ending for my MC, and then I was able to give him his happy one – after a few twists and turns, of course . . .

Here’s the official mini-blurb:

After losing Sarah, the friend he’s loved, to some other guy, Jameson meets Sky. Her Native American roots, fluid movements and need for brutal honesty become addictive fast. This is good. Jameson needs distraction because his whole life is falling apart around him.

But Sky’s need for honestly somehow doesn’t extend to her life story – and Jameson just may need more than her to keep him distracted from the disaster of his senior year.

Ok, let’s get down to the fun stuff. If you were stranded on a lush tropical island, and all of your basic needs were met, what two items would you have with you? What person would be with you? Remember, you’re stuck there for an indefinite period with only each other to occupy the time.

Two items – notebooks and pens. And I’d want to be with my husband. He’s a fun guy.

If you could play opposite any of your lead characters, which one would it be and why?

Probably Jameson, ‘cause he’s a nice guy, but he’s also not a dummy. And he’s hot ;-D

If you could lead any of your secondary characters, which one would it be and why?

There’s a character named Kaylee in Night Sky, and she’s honest, and fun, and sweet, and would be a fun person to get to know better.

You’re locked in a closet with Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell, Kate Beckinsale, three paperclips and a string. How do you get out?

I give Kate the paperclips and the string, and hope she makes it out, leaving me alone in the closet with Johnny Depp and Colin Farrell . . .

Name five things you can do with a pencil.

Draw a really bad stick figure.

Give my little brother an erasure burn. Okay – I MIGHT be too old for that, then again . . .

Start a fire.

Rub the lead on my fingers to make grey fingerprints.

Make myself feel super strong when I snap it with my BARE HANDS

Who’s your favorite character from your book(s)? Why? Don’t worry, we won’t tell.

This is a toss up between Brian from The Next Door Boys, and jameson from Night Sky. I won’t even go into my works in progress, because I can’t choose, and my list would be long . . .

Where can we find you around the vast interwebs?

You can find me at my BLOG www.jolenesbeenwriting.blogspot.com

My group blog www.fortheloveofcontemporary.blogspot.com

On Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/JoleneBPerry

On goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4944599.Jolene_B_Perry

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Jolene-B.-Perry/e/B005CSPM76/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Jolene-Perry?

store=ALLPRODUCTS&keyword=Jolene+Perry

And my publisher set up an awesome site for Night Sky HERE http://night-sky-book.blogspot.com/

What about your books? Where are they being sold at?

Check the links above, that’s the easiest way to find me!

Thanks for dropping in! Any last words?

Thanks for having me! That was fun. I’m off to buy a large pack of pencils . . .

If only Colin and Johnny were around to help . . .

About The Author:

Jolene grew up in Wasilla, Alaska. She graduated from Southern Utah University with a degree in political science and French, which she used to teach math to middle schoolers.

After living in Washington, Utah and Las Vegas, she now resides in Alaska with her husband, and two children. Aside from writing, Jolene sews, plays the guitar, sings when forced, and spends as much time outside as possible.

She is also the author of The Next Door Boys and the upcoming Knee Deep.

Coordinators of this tour:

Tribute Books website:
http://www.tribute-books.com

Tribute Books Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Archbald-PA/Tribute-Books/171628704176

Tribute Books Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/TributeBooks

Tribute Books Blog Tours Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tribute-Books-Blog-Tours/242431245775186

Spotlight: The Zurian Child

Happy Monday! Today, I'm doing a book spotlight for The Zurian Child by Jessica E. Subject. Enjoy!

Blurb:

Lindsay Beckett longed to be reunited with her first love, Quinn Montgomery, until she learns the secret that sent him fleeing from her in the first place. He's an alien, a Hemera, and she's half-Hemera herself. As if that wasn't enough to ruin her dreams of a perfect life, when their child is born, they discover she fulfills a prophesy told twenty light years away and many years ago. Lindsay wants to ignore it, until her husband is murdered and suddenly believing becomes a matter of survival.

Lindsay and her young daughter are forced to rely on another Hemera, her husband's partner and best friend, Bryce Beuermann as more and more of the Hemera are slaughtered. Bryce will do anything to help his best friend's widow—including suppressing his own deep feelings for her. But he must prove they can trust him, even pretending he doesn't want her with all his heart.

Buy Link: Silver Publishing

Excerpt:

A block stood between him and the bottom of the mountain, where the Law Enforcement Office greeted Hemera friend and foe. The office signified the beginning of the main city within the mountain, where the quartz miners lived and worked. In the centre of the mountain, an open cavern held seven quartz-powered ships, enough to save the entire Hemera population.

"We are almost there," he said to himself and the baby in his arms.

Lorne gagged. Erebus. The stink hit his senses before he heard the creature's call. The monstrous beast lumbered toward his direct path to the mountain, having a central core and tentacles larger than any other he had laid eyes on. This one moved faster, too. The creature could take him out before he reached the mountain. I have to get there first.

Only one chance existed to get off the planet. He filled his lungs with air then pumped his legs as he raced past the Erebus toward the office.

Five meters from the facility, a tentacle whipped out, wrapping around Lorne's ankle. He crashed to the ground. Twisting over to one side, he landed on his shoulder, in an attempt to keep Bryce unharmed. His maneuver failed and the baby wailed in pain. The Erebus yanked the screaming boy from his arms.

"Be ready!" A man stood in front of the LE Office, weapon aimed at the large creature. "You had better catch that baby!"

Bryce squirmed high in the air as the Erebus taunted Lorne, swinging his tentacle around, ready to send the boy crashing to the ground. Lorne had witnessed the murder of a good friend by the same method. He would not let the same thing happen to Bryce. Bracing himself for the weight of the baby, he bent his knees while standing to the side of the Erebus. He had to catch the boy in time.

A blast sizzled through the air. The Erebus howled. Bryce rose higher.

"Shit!"

"Again!" Lorne couldn't lose him.

The Erebus received another jolt, jerking in response. The baby, screaming, remained out of Lorne's reach.

With no time to waste, he removed his own weapon.

About The Author:

Jessica Subject started writing to encourage her daughter to read. Now she writes to keep herself grounded. Although she reads many genres, she enjoys writing Science Fiction Romance the most and believes everyone in the universe deserves a happily ever after. She lives Southwestern Ontario, Canada with her husband and two kids and loves to hear from anyone who has enjoyed her stories.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Spotlight: Rebel Ink Press!

Today, I'd like to introduce you to a fabulous publisher, and one I personally write for as well, called Rebel Ink Press. Without further ado:

We’d like to thank our gracious host for having us over today. We’re happy to share with you a little bit about our blossoming company and you’ll get to know more about the team that makes the machine that is Rebel Ink Press run smoothly.

Rebel was born in August 2010, the brain child of five friends that envisioned a portal into the publishing world where writers were treated like people rather than a number.  A place where they could grow and learn and hone their skills, flourish, all while having an open line of communication with said publisher without fear of never getting an answer or being told not to worry. A couple of us were previously published and understood that worrying is a natural part of the publishing cycle on the part of the writer and isn’t to be taken lightly. After all, these works are writer's children, being sent into an often times critical world, and worrying is just a natural part of that.

What did we know? Well, the short answer is we learned to fly so to speak pretty darn quick. Isn’t that what Rebels do? Strike out without fear? We used the old school trick of finding things out by trial and error. By our own experiences—tapping into what we knew would work and discarding what we’d learned was useless. The result is what you find today…Rebel Ink Press, where the writers come first and they are a face with a name and part of our family, not just another manuscript. Our philosophy sums it up best:

As a company, Rebel strives to provide readers with stories they want and while offering the services authors deserve. We're committed to good citizenship, fair business practices, and developing up and coming authors through editorial support, marketing and promotion--all of which help authors create their best works possible.

Our philosophy must be working because here we are a year later, Rebel strong! We now house over sixty writers and our inbox is a busy place. We currently have eighty plus titles available at ARe, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Coffee Time Romance and Bookstrand, and we’re looking to expand our vendor list in 2012. 

Our release calendar is full and our first quarter of 2012 is busting at the seams. In fact we’re looking to double our available titles this year. Our writers are gleaning rave reviews and several are bestsellers at ARe, to date they’ve earned twenty-one of those coveted silver stars.

At Rebel our promise to ourselves was to provide the Cadillac of customer service to our writers. Yes, our writers. They enjoy benefits under our roof not often offered through small presses, such as the services of a professional cover artist, marketing opportunities arranged through our public relations department, professional editing services by a half-dozen plus hand-selected editors, graphic arts help, and we have an in-house review coordinator. Our ARCs are sent out in advance of release to reputable and safe reviewers so we have feedback for our writers to grow on. As a result, we’re growing, too. By leaps and bounds.

Again we’d like to say thanks for hosting us today. If you have questions, please leave them in the comments section or email us at editor@rebelinkpress.com . We’d be happy to answer them.

For more information about us, our writers and their works, or for submissions guidelines please find us at: http://www.rebelinkpress.com . You can also follow us on Facebook, we’d love for you to find and follow us on Twitter @rebelinkpress and we just  opened our YouTube channel at: http://www.youtube.com/rebelinkpress#p/u/0/6yjM3w8yZDs .

Isn’t it time to get serious?

Goddess Fish Presents:

The Life In Death tour! The author, Harlow Coban, has generously dropped by with an interview, and an offer of an assortment of prizes! Comment with your email addy for a chance to win:

Amazon gift cards
Book Lover note cards
Journals
Kindle cover
Book tote or
The Hunger Games trilogy.

Without further ado:

Welcome aboard! Tell us a little about yourself, please.

I was born in Kansas City, MO, grew up in Denver, CO, and relocated to North Carolina five years ago with my husband, two dogs, and 16-year old twins.  I spend my free time writing, dancing, and defending mailboxes from my16-year-old twins’ driving.  I love quotes and Latin phrases.  One of my goals for this year is to learn Spanish.

What about your latest release?

When a girl that social worker Kari Marchant places in foster care is brutally murdered, she’s compelled to learn why. Her quest for the truth pits her against friends and coworkers. As Kari works to solve the horrific plot, more people die.  How far should she go to learn the truth—even if it threatens her life?

When homicide detective Rance Nicolet meets Kari, his attraction to her is powerful—and the feeling is mutual. But things between them go terribly wrong when Kari’s old lover is found murdered with a letter from her in his pocket. The evidence against Kari is damning. Rance’s personal and professional lives collide. Does he blindly believe the woman he’s falling in love with or follow the evidence no matter where it leads?

Ok, let’s get down to the fun stuff. If you were stranded on a lush tropical island, and all of your basic needs were met, what two items would you have with you? What person would be with you? Remember, you’re stuck there for an indefinite period with only each other to occupy the time.

I couldn’t live without music and books.  Shhhh!  Don’t tell the husband, but I’d have Michael Ealy.  Gor-ge-ous!

If you could play opposite any of your lead characters, which one would it be and why?

I’ve actually played opposite my male lead characters in real life because they’re a composite of men I’ve dated and, yes, some of them were sociopaths.

If you could lead any of your secondary characters, which one would it be and why?

Sonora, my protagonist’s mother, because it’s clear she has secrets and exposing those secrets would give us a better understanding into her psyche. 

You’re locked in a closet with Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell, Kate Beckinsale, three paperclips and a string. How do you get out?

I could get out pretty easily with two paperclips.  I’m not sure what to do with the string or Kate Beckinsale, but I’m clear on what to do with Colin Farrell and Johnny Depp.  Hahahaha!

Name five things you can do with a pencil.

Make a sculpture;

Use it as a knife;

Throw it at someone;

Pin my hair up;

Twirl it on my thumb.

Who’s your favorite character from your book(s)? Why? Don’t worry, we won’t tell.

Detective Cobb because he’s pretty much a caveman.  He said and did whatever he liked and that made him great, great fun to write.

Where can we find you around the vast interwebs?

Twitter: @HarlowCoban

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Harlow-Coban/174596219285270

Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5345608.Harlow_Coban

Blog:  http://www.harlowcoban.com/?page_id=53

What about your books? Where are they being sold at?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007B4S9JW

Thanks for dropping in! Any last words?

Buy the ticket, take the ride.

Blurb:  When a girl that social worker Kari Marchant places in foster care is brutally murdered, she’s compelled to learn why. Her quest for the truth pits her against friends and coworkers. As Kari works to solve the horrific plot, more people die. She’s been targeted for death and she doesn’t even know it. How far should she go to learn the truth—even if it threatens her life?

When homicide detective Rance Nicolet meets Kari, his attraction to her is powerful—and the feeling is mutual. But things between them go terribly wrong when Kari’s old lover is found murdered with a letter from her in his pocket. The evidence against Kari is damning. Rance’s personal and professional lives collide. Does he blindly believe the woman he’s falling in love with or follow the evidence no matter where it leads?

Excerpt:

“Frost. Call on line one.” The voice boomed overhead and interrupted Scott Frost mid-climb. He jumped off his truck, pushed up the sleeves on his dingy green work shirt and walked to the phone mounted on the wall, his face a scowl of irritation.

He grabbed the receiver. “Hello.”

“They found Patience,” his wife, Andrea, whispered.

Mammoth garbage trucks rumbled and shook the walls as they rolled out into the street for the day’s work, their giant bellies hungry for trash. Scott strained to hear his wife over the noise.

“I told you never to call me here.”

“Do you know what they did to her?” Her voice rose an octave.

"Hold it together.” He clenched his fist and resisted the impulse to smash it through the wall. “She’s the one who ran off.”

“She didn’t deserve that. Nobody deserves that.”

The phone slipped a bit in his sweaty hand. Tolerance had never been one of Scott's virtues, and what little he did have waned with each whiny word his wife uttered. “It’ll all be over soon, you know that.”

“They won’t let us out.”

He gnashed his teeth together until the noise in his head drowned out the roar of garbage trucks. The pumping of his heart escalated and Scott imagined he could feel his blood pressure rising.

“Damn it, Andrea, take a valium. These people are dangerous. They’ll kill us if we flake out.”  

About The Author:

Author Harlow Coban was born in Kansas City, MO, but grew up in Denver, CO. She relocated to North Carolina five years ago with her husband, two dogs, and 16-year old twins.

She shares a birthday with the notorious Napoleon Bonaparte. In keeping with his legacy, she is currently working on taking over the world. Harlow’s positive attitude and fresh take on life are her tools and conquest is certain.

She spends her free time writing, dancing, traveling and defending mailboxes from her 16-year-old twins’ driving.

Her debut novel, LIFE IN DEATH (February 2012), is a murder mystery which pulls from real-life situations from her own family history. She felt compelled to share her story with the world while offering a thrilling, entertaining, and amusing escape for readers.

In keeping with her commitment to improving the lives of children, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of her book will be donated to the Boys and Girls Club in her home state of North Carolina.

She loves to connect with her readers and can be found on Twitter (@HarlowCoban), Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Harlow-Coban/174596219285270), Goodreads (http://www.goodreads.com) and her website (www.HarlowCoban.com).

Thanks for dropping by!