Blog Archives
5 Star Review of Tapestry
I was pleasantly surprised to find that my Poetry book, “Tapestry”, had received a 5 star review today! The review was written by indie author, Kay Glass, and left me feeling utterly speechless! Poetry has always been a passion of mine, and with every word written, a piece of me, the author is forever imprinted. As subjective as poetry is, extreme criticism is a risk that every poet takes when they have decided to share their work with others. Kay’s incredibly touching review of “Tapestry”, was everything I had hoped a reader would feel when reading my poetry! I am blown away by her review and cannot possibly thank her enough!!
Here is the link to her review of “Tapestry” – http://kayglassauthor.wordpress.com/2012/07/08/book-reviews-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ehhhh
Kay Glass has written the Paranormal/Romance Series, “Just One Bite” – with a total of three books, so far…“Love Bite”, “Bitten By Regret” and her newest, “Taste of Grief”, due to be released 7/16/12. She is currently holding a giveaway for a signed copy of “Love Bite”, so be sure to enter for your chance to win the first book in the series! I highly recommend that you check out the series and follow her blog for updates on what she’s working on next!
Many, many thanks Kay! 🙂
Author Spotlight – Tiffany L. Wright
Hello everyone! I hope you all had a relaxing weekend! Today, I would like for you to meet my new friend and Indie Author, Tiffany Luv Wright! She has just recently released her novel, “Finding Stones: Tales From A 20 Year Old Witch”, a personal project that she has poured her heart and soul into. To quote Tiffany, “I wanted to create a character that young girls and women could relate too. A female who was strong and empowered by those around her. It’s been a long time coming for the women of the world to have a character that can prove she is driven by purpose and a deep love and appreciation for those who encircle her at the time. And I wanted to bring back a heroine that was not mis-guided, or torn between men, but one who relished in connections that were meaningful and lasting.” It is an absolute honor to feature her first author interview on the blog, and I hope you will comment on the post and say hi! Thanks everyone! 🙂
INTERVIEW WITH TIFFANY L. WRIGHT, AUTHOR OF FINDING STONES (TALES FROM A 20 YEAR OLD WITCH)
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I am a mother of 3 sons, and finally got my daughter on the fourth kiddo. We were an Army family and lived as far as South Korea. We ended up in Washington state for 3 years, and we loved it! It is very mystical. A beautiful part of the country. I am an avid animal lover, and love red wine and have a shoe problem. A HUGE shoe problem!
What do you do when you are not writing? Any hobbies?
We spend a lot of time in the river, fishing & swimming. We also love to take day trips, sometimes we just get in the car and drive! And I sew, a lot. I love heavy fabrics and bright color patterns.
Is there anyone who has influenced/encouraged you to write? Who and how/why?
Two of my best friends, Danielle & Michelle, are huge influences. We all love the genre I am writing in, and spend a majority of our time together gossiping and arguing over characters we love and hate! Another huge influence is my husband, without the support of those 3 mentioned, I could never have written “Tales from a 20 year old witch”.
Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?
Two favorites, “The Ghost In The Swing”, which sadly is out of print, and Jay Bennett, “The Haunted One”. Both oldies but goodies. Those two books threw me into the world of paranormal. At a very young age, I was an advanced reader, I read a lot of stories I shouldn’t have! Ha! Stephen King….anyone? At age 11, not so good for bedtime, but I couldn’t put paranormal books down.
Can you give a brief synopsis of your journey to publication with your first piece of fiction?
I went back and forth between self publishing and a traditional house publisher. I researched and truly felt like I needed to get this novel out now. I’m not a very patient person, and self publishing was a great avenue for me in order to get the feedback I needed now to finish the series. Plus, I was tired of getting “you suck” letters. I sent off to a ton of huge agents and houses, still getting emails daily. Self publishing offers a very important lesson in writing, especially when the reviews from normal, everyday readers start coming in.
How did you choose the genre you write in and where do you get your ideas?
I LOVE, and I mean LOVE YA and paranormal books. Putting the two together brings out some great stories. I read a lot, and I watch a lot of paranormal television. Funny, my idea came in a dream. It’s so cliché I know, but…true story. The name Silver City was in a dream, I spent the better part of a day in front of the computer researching the perfect “Silver City” and along with what I wanted to use, which were the mines and a new invention of blood drinkers, it was a perfect fit.
Do you work with an outline, or just write?
I just sit down and write. Then I go back over and revise. I have incredible friends in South Korea and Germany (the two listed above) who help me by reading along the way. Sometimes I sit down at the computer and my fingers literally do not stop typing for 10K or more words. An outline would cause me to think too much. Probably a sick form of ADD. 😉
How did you come up with the title for your current novel?
My 14 year old son helped with this title, and book 2 as well. It fit perfectly with our theme.
What do you think your readers will admire most about the lead character Jaxx?
I think girls can relate because while she still is emotional, she isn’t completely hung up on a boy/man. Girls need to feel empowered by one another, and they need to put weight in to the relationships they build with one another. Love comes later in life, it finally hits you what it is about. And I want my younger readers to feel empowered by her relationship with the other females, while still maintaining her relationship with Chase.
Does your character Jaxx resemble you in any way?
Yes. I am a closed book to most. I have serious trust issues! I may seem open, but in reality, there are only a few who know me. And I have a tendency to blurt out my opinion….*snickers*
Are there certain characters you would like to go back to, or is there a theme or idea you’d love to work with?
I love anything involving fantasy. Anything that holds a legend, that intrigues and pulls the imagination out of its shell. I’m not sure I would go back to any of the characters, because they were necessary sacrifices. Although I’ve already gotten a request to do a prequel. Not sure, no promises!
Have you ever considered writing a book in first person with a male lead character?
I have actually, my husband and I outlined a story this last fall. It is a huge possibility.
What is your favorite movie/book? Why?
My favorite book is “The Ghost In The Swing”; it was just magical. My favorite movie is probably The Notebook, I am not a crier, so if I feel the need to cry, I just put that on.
What is your favorite part about being an indie author?
I love the fact that my work is out there. That I took the initiative to put it out for all to see. I love different concepts and anything that provokes the imagination. Indie authors push the envelope, they force people to use their creativity and spark their imagination. If we lose imagination as a civilization, we are doomed. I love that Indie authors absolutely own their fan base. They created their own destiny.
What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author?What has been the best compliment?
The toughest was that I needed more details; more details on the girls, and more on the parents. I was also told that my story ended too abruptly. Something I’ll be working on with book 2. The best is hearing that my fans want more…more…more. When I was sending the chapters off to reviews, BAM, I’d get an email from a girlfriend desperately wanting the next chapter. That is a great feeling, that I’ve drawn them in. And I made one of my girlfriends cry. I’ve heard crying = 5 stars, lol!
Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?
Just do it. Just sit down at the computer, or your notebook and write. It doesn’t have to be perfect, you can revise it later. But when you build a basis for a story, it’s so incredible to develop and see where it takes you. You can get it all out! And you never know, until you’ve finished it. My novel isn’t very long, but it was an incredible feeling to finish such a task that I had set out for myself.
xoxo
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MEET AUTHOR TIFFANY L. WRIGHT
Tiffany Wright currently resides in Marshfield, Mo., and also where she completed “Finding Stones”. She and her husband have traveled the globe while he served on a 4 year active duty Army enlistment, living as far as South Korea. Tiffany is 33, has 4 children and they are a very active and fun family.
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ABOUT TIFFANY’S BOOK
FINDING STONES: TALES FROM A 20 YEAR OLD WITCH
Jaxx had moved around her entire life, until settling in Silver City, NM., where she meets the best friends she cannot imagine her life without. She enters in to a world of witchcraft handed down in her family for centuries, and learns that sometimes you have to hold on to those friendships in the physical and spiritual world in order to continue the journey.
Gut-wrenching losses, eternal battles between good and evil, and finally able to let go of the material world, Jaxx slides in to an Underworld where witches, spirits, Immortals, Lusts, and other demonic creatures rule. She loses some of the people closest to her, and gains new relationships that are furious with love and purpose.
The evil lurking right around the corner is bad enough, but when she realizes how fine the line is between good and evil, it threatens to consume all of the love she has known. She draws her power from earthly stones, and each person has a power connected to the elemental stones destined to them. As her battle pushes on, she realizes that she has only tapped the surface of what exists in our world.
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EXCERPT FROM FINDING STONES
Jaxx looked up. Her eyes were swollen with tears. Blood was encrusted all over her face and exposed body. Her hair sitting wild on her shoulders. Even in her mess, she looked like the most beautiful girl he had ever laid eyes on. His heart skipped a beat at her presence, then it sank when she welled up again at the sight of Ariannas lifeless body. She turned to Mau, and they buried their heads on each others shoulders. Huge, silent sobs had taken over the girls. Ariannas mother stepped forward and screamed. She ran to her daughter and forced her body out of Chases arms. Landing in the floor, holding her face in her own hands, and crying out.
Jaxx ran to Chase. Landing in his arms. They both sank in the cavern floor in a heap of sobbing. Chase was speaking softly to Jaxx, moving her hair out of her face to take it in his hands. “She is still with you Jaxx” he said softly.
I know, choking on her words. It was all she could muster up the strength to say. She looked at Chase deeply. At first he couldn’t understand why, and with a silent anguish she pointed to the very back of the cavern where Gretta and what was left of Petra were lying. He felt like vomiting. Arianna was right. There was a reason she could no longer see Gretta. It went deeper than Gretta dying. It was the most unexpected and horrific thing that could have happened. Worse than any of them had predicted or imagined when beginning this trek into the dark, evil mines of New Mexico.
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YOU CAN FIND TIFFANY L. WRIGHT HERE
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Talesfroma20yearoldwitch
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/tiffanyluvwright
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Tiffluv78
Book available on:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/FINDING-STONES-Tales-Witch-ebook/dp/B008DWLPY2
Createspace: https://www.createspace.com/3915948
The Emerald Dragon Character Contest
THE CALL FOR ALL POTENTIAL DRAGON RIDERS HAS BEGUN!!
This Contest is open Internationally – All are welcome to participate!
The contest will run for 2 weeks, and at the close of the character contest (July 15th, 2012), 2 winners will be chosen at random.
The WINNERS of the contest will be AWARDED:
- A blog post announcing the Contest winners on Solitaire Parke’s blog.
- Their character and dragon introduced into the story of “The Emerald Dragon” and will be mentioned periodically throughout the book thereafter.
- A mention of the contest winners on the dedication page of the book.
- A signed copy of the book sent to the Contest winners when the book is released.
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To avoid confusion as to where you should be commenting and entering the contest, I have removed the guidelines and details from my blog and ask that you follow the link below:
Alexia’s Chronicles Blog: http://alexiachronicles.blogspot.in/2012/07/create-character-for-emerad-dragon.html
I apologize for any confusion, Alexia’s Chronicles has requested that the contest be hosted exclusively on their blog. I hope everyone has lots of fun and THANK YOU for stopping by to enter the Contest!!!
Good Luck!!!
~Solitaire Parke~
Book GIVEAWAY @ “Britt’s Book Nook”!
A big THANK YOU to Brittany of “Britt’s Book Nook” for not only reviewing “Vengeance of the Wolf”, but also posting an interview and giveaway on her blog!! I encourage you to visit and follow her blog! She is an Indie Supporter and has been so kind in helping to promote my Thriller/Horror novel! Links to both the interview and giveaway below.
Not to mention, you gotta love a blogger who references “Monty Python” in an interview! 🙂
Author Interview on Britt’s Book Nook!
http://brittsbooknook.blogspot.com/2012/06/getting-to-know-solitaire-parke.html” target=”_blank
“Vengeance of the Wolf” Giveaway!
http://brittsbooknook.blogspot.com/2012/06/vengeance-of-wolf-giveaway.html
Even more giveaways below – check out the “Indie Author Giveaway Hop”!!!
An author, a book and his cat…
My novel, “Vengeance of the Wolf” has been featured on Indie Author, Michelle Muto’s blog! I hope you will check out the interview and excerpt from “Vengeance” posted on Michelle’s blog! My little typing buddy, Tairobi was also featured in the post! Hope you’ll send him some love…he can be so sensitive! 😉
Many thanks Michelle! You rock!
http://michellemuto.wordpress.com/2012/06/06/indie-spotlight-solitaire-parke
Uh oh, there goes another politician!
Many thanks to author, Lia Fairchild for featuring my novel, “Vengeance of the Wolf” on her blog! If you enjoy reading Horror/Thriller stories, then I hope you’ll visit Lia’s blog and read the excerpt from “Vengeance”!
http://ahintofmurder.blogspot.com/2012/06/vengeance-of-wolf-excerpt-by-solitaire.html
Author Spotlight – J.A. Schneider
Hello everyone! I hope you all had a relaxing weekend! I am extremely honored to have my friend and fellow Indie Author, J.A. Schneider on my blog today!! Her debut novel, “Embryo” is an exciting and controversial medical thriller that is sure to keep you riveted! With her novel receiving rave reviews and 5 stars, “Embryo” is the ultimate thriller novel to add to your TBR list!
INTERVIEW WITH J.A. SCHNEIDER, AUTHOR OF EMBRYO
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I grew up loving to read…everything! From Nancy Drew to the back of a cereal box. Words and story ideas are always teeming in my head – a very colorful place! I’m a wife, mother, passionate about reading & writing – especially thrillers, medical thrillers, and mysteries. Decades of being married to a cardiologist means that there’ll be fascinating medical angles even in “regular” thrillers that I write. CanNOT fall asleep without reading…even after a long day of writing.
What do you do when you are not writing? Any hobbies?
I’m passionate too about gardening, always digging out some boulder for a new shrub or tracking mud around the house. My favorite plants are boxwood and rambler roses, which can reach 30 feet and are now blocking second floor windows. I spend a lot of time on a ladder…
Is there anyone who has influenced/encouraged you to write? Who and how/why?
Mainly it was just me, scribbling away from age 12, and then during my French lit major years. Then there was my husband, who despite being headed for med school was an English major and still reads his favorite Conan Doyles; practically knows them by heart. Other influences were writers during my Newsweek years. The oft-heard dream there was to “stay home and write.” The brave ones would leave, then come back with the challenge “You’re still here?”
Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?
Ira Levin and Agatha Christie at her best. I am fascinated by writers who in one or few words can say it all. For example, news comes that’s sad or terrible, and a character just says, “Oh?” There you have it; in one word that character has revealed indifference, shallowness. Levin is the master; I am fascinated by his ingenious brevity. Scenes that have influenced me hugely are, for example, the one in Levin’s “The Boys From Brazil,” where the female former warden in a concentration camp is to be brought from her prison cell for Lieberman, the Nazi hunter, to question. Lieberman is just dying of nerves wondering how he’ll react when he sees her. Finally, her lawyer brings her. The door opens. Lieberman’s heart is in his mouth…and out simply comes a drab old woman with “a disappointed mouth.”
“A disappointed mouth!” This person’s whole life summed up in three words! And we see her, much better than if Levin had gone on and on about her pallor, sunken features, shuffling gait, depressing German prison uniform. He could have done that, but he didn’t. With those three words we see that woman so clearly that it hits us emotionally.
Can you give a brief synopsis of your journey to publication with your first piece of fiction?
That was DARKNESS FALLS, a thriller which sold in a 3-day auction to Simon & Schuster’s Pocket Books. That book just started with something someone said, and the idea grew. I mulled over it for months, and did umpteen drafts. That was back in the day when you actually met your editor and they’d take you to lunch. Can you imagine such a time?
How did you choose the genre you write in?
I’ve always loved adventure thrillers, even as a child reading “Black Beauty” or “Kim” or Nancy Drew. The one exception was “The Secret Garden,” which I still love.
Do you work with an outline, or just write?
I start with a rough outline, which “sets the tracks” to start with but goes off the rails pretty fast.
How did you come up with the title for your current novel?
EMBRYO… I saw the cover image first, and the title just came.
What do you think readers will appreciate most about your book?
A story about malignant geniuses tinkering with IVF and human genetic engineering hasn’t been done yet. Some will call this sci/fi, but the technology is there. That’s what’s really frightening. There are also scenes so scary that they approach Gothic horror.
Are there certain characters you would like to go back to, or is there a theme or idea you’d love to work with?
There will be a sequel to EMBRYO. Readers won’t want to say good-bye to two of the characters, and neither will I.
Have you ever considered writing a book in first person with a male lead character?
No.
What is your favorite part about being an indie author?
The independence! Traditional publishing has gotten slower than ever, with editors getting laid off and books winding up as orphans for months on abandoned desks. Also, I don’t miss agents and editors, some of whom can be awfully nit-picky.
What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?
“I’m not writing well enough or fast enough.” I’m my own worst critic. The sweetest compliment I ever received was from an editor who said, “You put your heart on the page.”
Can you tell us about your upcoming project/book?
There’ll be two upcoming books. Second, a sequel to EMBRYO, and before that a medical/legal thriller: Should a lawyer defend her philandering husband in the murder trial of a girl he dallied with?
Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?
Mainly, believe in yourself. Understand that we’re all our own worst critics. Also be patient with yourself. Some stories can rattle around in our heads for years and then suddenly resolve themselves and say, “Okay, I’m ready.”
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MEET AUTHOR J.A. SCHNEIDER
J.A. (Joyce Anne) Schneider is a former staffer at Newsweek. She has published FLORA TRISTAN and DARKNESS FALLS (Simon & Schuster, Pocket Books); EMBRYO is her first ebook. She is passionate about reading & writing – especially thrillers, medical thrillers, and mysteries. Decades of being married to a physician and patient explainer means that there’ll be fascinating medical angles even in “regular” thrillers that she writes. She canNOT fall asleep without reading a favorite book…even after a long day of writing.
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ABOUT J.A.’S BOOK
EMBRYO
“Maria Moran’s first inkling of trouble was the coppery taste in her mouth. It came suddenly, a rushing whoosh of something that made her gag, and when she reached to wipe her mouth, her hand came away smeared with blood.”
So begins this thriller about a young intern, Jill Raney, determined to investigate tragedies and terror at a famous fertility and genetic engineering hospital. When two pregnant women die and a fetus is delivered with severe chromosomal abnormalities, Jill’s superiors – including handsome, smitten-with-her resident David Levine – insist there’s no common link.
But her suspicions deepen with the grotesque murder near the hospital of another pregnant woman – her belly drained of amniotic fluid. And when a woman miscarries in the hospital and then disappears, Jill frantically searches for her – following a terrifying path that seems to link all the victims: Is someone experimenting with life…and the structure of human life itself?
An unforgettable tale of suspense with a shocking denouement, Embryo takes you deep into the mind of a malignant genius.
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YOU CAN FIND J.A. SCHNEIDER HERE
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/JoyceSchneider1
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=816594802
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5832782.J_A_Schneider
Book available on:
Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/7vjyqao
(Soon to be available on Nook, Smashwords, etc.)
Author Spotlight – Lia Fairchild
Happy Friday everyone! I would like to welcome Indie Author, Lia Fairchild to my blog today! She is the author of “In Search of Lucy”, “Special Delivery” and the murder mystery series, “A Hint Of Murder”. She has quite a bit of experience in the world of self-publishing, and it is an honor to have her on the blog today discussing her books and her journey as an Indie Author!
INTERVIEW WITH LIA FAIRCHILD, AUTHOR OF IN SEARCH OF LUCY AND A HINT OF MURDER SERIES
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I was born and raised in Southern California so I love the sun and prefer the heat. I have a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a multiple subject teaching credential. I married my high school sweetheart and we have two kids, ages 13 and 15.
What do you do when you are not writing?
When I’m not writing, I’m learning about writing, meeting people, getting the word out about my books, managing three blogs/websites and reading. When I pull myself away from the literary world, I love to hang out with my family, playing games, watching movies and traveling.
Is there anyone who has influenced/encouraged you to write? Who and how/why?
Before I wrote my first novel, In Search of Lucy, I didn’t have someone that I looked up to or was motivated by. It was a whole new world to me. But now, I’ve made so many author friends who’ve inspired me and have really been helpful in my journey. My biggest supporter from the beginning has been my husband. He cheers me on when things are going smoothly and picks me up in my setbacks.
Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?
Once I started publishing my works, reading changed for me. Every book I read is no longer just for enjoyment. I’m learning, absorbing, picking apart storyline, word choice, character. Sometimes it’s frustrating, but mostly I’m thankful for it. The biggest impact an author has had on me recently was Jodi Picoult. I’d never read anything like her writing before. She’s just so amazing, insightful, poetic even. I was also very impressed with the Hunger Games.
Can you give a brief synopsis of your journey to publication with your first novel?
I’ve always loved creativity and always wanted to create something big and lasting. That feeling intensified when I started having children. I guess that’s what happens when you see your replacement. I had been trying to find my place in a career and made two major career changes, but I still wasn’t content in what I was doing. It dawned on me that I needed to put all of the ideas running through my head to good use. When I finally made the commitment and the idea of In Search of Lucy came to me, I felt such a drive to write the story. The most important thing to me was that I didn’t give up and I saw the project through to completion.
Do you work with an outline, or just write?
I do an outline, but only after I’ve started writing. I don’t like to think and plot while sitting at the computer so I walk or do something else while I plan scenes in my head. Once I have a basic idea of where the story is going, then I do a brief outline of events.
If you had to go back and do it all over, is there any aspect of your novel “In Search of Lucy” or getting it published that you would change?
Yes. I’d take my time. Sit with the story for a while. I was in a rush to get it out there and then I looked back on it wanting to change or
add certain things.
How did you come up with the title for your novel?
Really I had a basic idea of what I wanted. Then I came up with about four choices and had my husband, mother and friends vote on them.
What is different about this book compared to others you’ve written?
My first novel, In Search of Lucy, was Contemporary fiction. Since then I spent some time writing short stories. I wrote a very short story, romance, called Special Delivery. Then I wrote a murder mystery series (also short stories) called A Hint of Murder. I’ve received a lot of positive feedback on the mysteries as fun whodunits.
Have you ever considered writing a book in first person with a male lead character?
I’m working on a romantic comedy that is first person but a female. I think it would be fun to do a male lead and might consider it down the line.
What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?
For sure the toughest criticism has been negativity in reviews. I’m supposed to know that it comes with the territory, that everyone has different tastes, but sometimes people can be very cruel in their critiques. Maybe they forget that an actual person is on the other side reading those words. The best compliment is just hearing directly from the fans. When they take the time to message me how much they loved my characters, or liked the story, it really means a lot.
Can you tell us about your upcoming project/book?
I have two books in progress. I recently finished a thriller about an ex-cop vigilante that I’m currently editing. I’m also in the middle of a romantic comedy I hope to finish by the end of the summer.
Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?
I have two pieces of advice for anyone wanting to publish a book. First, learn as much as you can about the business of selling your book, marketing, and social media before you get your book out there. If not, you’ll feel like you are playing catch up. It can be very stressful to have your book completed but not know what to do with it or worry that people are not seeing it. Second one is simple: READ.
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MEET AUTHOR LIA FAIRCHILD
I am a native Californian who loves reading, writing, movies and anything else related to the arts. Writing is something I’ve thought about all my life, so the completion of my first novel, “In Search of Lucy” is truely satisfying. I hold a B.A. degree in Journalism and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. My most enjoyable moments are spent with my family, traveling, spending time outdoors or simply laughing and being together.
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ABOUT LIA’S BOOKS
IN SEARCH OF LUCY
Lucy Lang’s life is spiraling out of control. For years she sacrificed her own needs to care for her half sister and alcoholic mother, only to be abandoned by both. Now, at age 30, Lucy finds herself held back by memories and regret as she struggles to find her own purpose in life. But when her sister needs a kidney transplant, Lucy is the only one who can save her life.
With the help of new friends and a man who won’t give up on her, Lucy sets out on a journey to reunite with her sister and find the answers she so desperately needs. Can she get past her emotions and have a chance at happiness? With its colorful and endearing cast of characters, In Search of Lucy takes readers on a rollercoaster of emotions from sadness and heartache to happiness and hope.
SPECIAL DELIVERY
Free flowers every month for a year! Recently widowed Amy was delighted to find that she had won. Flowers have always been a big part of her life. But delivery driver Dave brings more than just bouquets. Can he help Amy find happiness again? Will Amy get even more than she bargained for? Find out in this short story about love, loss, friendship and flowers.
A HINT OF MURDER SERIES
“A Hint of Murder” is a short story murder mystery series and includes, “The Writer”, “The Doctor”, “The Bouncer” and an “Anthology” that compiles all three “A Hint of Murder” stories in one book. Also included is one bonus mystery entitled “Homeless” and excerpts from the novels of these mystery and thriller writers: Libby Fischer Hellmann, Valerie Maarten, Mel Comley, Sibel Hodge, Faith Mortimer, and Seb Kirby.
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YOU CAN FIND LIA FAIRCHILD HERE
Website: http://www.liafairchild.com/
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/lia.fairchild.author
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/LiaFairchild
Books available on:
Amazon Author page: http://ow.ly/bf7c4
Author Spotlight – Darlene Jones
Today I have the pleasure of interviewing Darlene Jones, author of “Embattled” and “Empowered”!
With a wave of her magic wand and the dream of a better tomorrow, she has written an exciting two-part story that delves into a world of Sci-Fi magic and Romance! Read on to learn more about Darlene
and her books…
INTERVIEW WITH DARLENE JONES, AUTHOR OF “EMBATTLED” AND “EMPOWERED”
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I’m a retired educator and have to say I loved working with junior high kids. All my elementary teacher friends thought I was crazy.
What do you do when you are not writing?
I read of course and spend time with my granddaughter and I body board when I’m in Mexico. I also workout regularly as writing involves too much sitting.
Is there anyone who has influenced/encouraged you to write? Who and how/why?
Writing is something I always wanted to do, but my writing partner is the one who keeps me going. We exchange files for critiquing. The process of giving and getting feedback is so motivating.
Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?
Not really any one book, but all of the books I liked and thought were well written have influenced me to try to achieve that level of writing skill and expertise.
Can you give a brief synopsis of your journey to publication with your first piece of
fiction?
Ah! It’s a long story (http://emandyves.com/writing_blog.html). The short version is that I went to a writers’ conference in Portland and all the talk was about self-publishing. When my writing partner and I got identical rejection letters from one of the agents we met there for two very different books, we decided to self-publish.
How did you choose the genre you write in?
I didn’t think genre at all. I told the story to myself in bed at night when I suffered from insomnia. It didn’t help me to sleep and eventually I just had to write it down.
Do you work with an outline, or just write?
With the first book I just wrote. Now I use a general outline. Much more efficient.
If you had to go back and do it all over, is there any aspect of your novel or getting
it published that you would change?
Yes! I wouldn’t bother going through all the stress of trying to get an agent.
How did you come up with the title for your current novel?
Titles are so hard. I chose the “em” words, EMBATTLED and EMPOWERED, for my heroine, Em. My third book is EMBRACED and will be available soon.
Are there certain characters you would like to go back to, or is there a theme or
idea you’d love to work with?
I’d love to work more with the theme of making our little corner of the world a better place however we can.
Have you ever considered writing a book in first person with a male lead character?
No, but you’ve given me some food for thought. I’m reading one like that now and it’s well done.
What is your favorite part about being an indie author?
Having the control for my work.
What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been
the best compliment?
Good reviews are always the best compliments. Here’s part of one I received recently. “A fascinating and original novel by Darlene Jones, EMBATTLED, wraps the reader in its tendrils the within in the first few chapters.” Nice, eh? None of the criticisms have been really tough, because they have been valid points and have helped me to improve the next book.
Can you tell us about your upcoming project/book?
In EMBRACED, Abby hears clicking in the fillings of her teeth and thinks they are messages from outer space.
Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?
Join critiquing groups and have a writing partner. You really need that second set of eyes and the best ones belong to a fellow writer. They know what to look for, what you are going through and are best able to help.
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MEET AUTHOR, DARLENE JONES
A long time ago, I lived in Mali. Every single day, I wished I could wave a magic wand to relieve the heart wrenching poverty. My experiences there led to the writing of this story. Some aspects of EMBATTLED reflect my desire to wave that wand and make the world a better place—if only wishes could come true. And of course, every novel needs its love story, so along with the sci-fi magic, I’ve added the
requisite romance.
Initially, I intended to write “a” novel. The story and characters took over and the ending of EMBATTLED demanded another. EMPOWERED is that “other.” I’ve always believed we can’t be the only beings existing in the vastness of the universe, There must be others “out there somewhere” and I’d like to believe they’re not all that different from us. Those beliefs are reflected in my writing. My novels stay, for the most part, within the realities of our world, but I’ve found that I love the magic the sci-fi element of other beings could bring to a story.
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ABOUT DARLENE’S BOOKS
EMBATTLED
With blood on her hands, strange words coming out of her mouth, and her face all over the media, Em knows that she did stop the jungle battle, storm into the armed courtroom, face and defeat the zealot soldiers. But, “working” for the powers controlling her, she is haunted with not knowing about or being connected to her own life. And, at some point she will have to decide which of her two lives are her true destiny.
Yves, her controller, has his own set of problems as a rookie learning to be a Power, trying to communicate with Em, facing her doubts and questions as well as his own, and struggling to control the onslaught of emotions that arise from his association with humans. He risks losing his chance for advancement, his chance to free his people, even his life, by falling in love with Em.
EMPOWERED
The power of Jasmine’s childhood visions convince her that she cannot be harmed. But trusting these visions can lead her into danger, possibly even death. Jasmine pursues Victor relentlessly, believing he is her soul-mate. But, the visions promise much more than a lover. They warn of a threat to Jasmine’s perfect life. She will wrestle with unknown forces that drive her, and with the knowledge that she has lived before. Who was she in that other life? Why is she so sure she is invincible? Where will her beliefs lead?
And Yves? He is the celestial being assigned to watch over her, and to provide the people to protect her. He must experience again the agony of losing the woman he loves to another as Jasmine and her lover fulfill their destiny. Will Yves jeopardize his rise in power by going to her on Earth? Will he give up his love? Or, will he bring her back in yet another reincarnation?
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YOU CAN FIND DARLENE JONES HERE
Website: http://www.emandyves.com
Books available on:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Darlene-Jones/e/B005ZVH88G
Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/144851
Vengeance of the Wolf Review & Interview
I can’t thank Lacey from “The Page Turner” enough for the kick butt review she gave my debut novel, “Vengeance of the Wolf”!!! I hope that you will visit her blog and read the review and author interview she was so kind enough to post! Many thanks Lacey!!!
I wish everyone a fun and safe weekend! What do you have planned?
I was thinking about going to see The Avengers!! 🙂
Solitaire Parke - Sci-Fi/Fantasy Books 