Today we're tasteing Sam's kiss from Touched by Mercy.
Excerpt is uneditited and used by permission.
Had she heard him right? If so, she wasn't sure she wanted to. To cover her pounding heart and flushed face, Sam took to rounding up everyone for dinner, stealing glances at Allan every chance she had.
'What about my chance?' he'd said. What did he mean by that? Surely not what her heart wanted to believe? If Allan's smile were indication, that's exactly what he meant. And he'd been saying the same for several days now. Oh, she wanted to hear more. Feel more. But Samantha couldn't allow it. She couldn't allow such a wonderful man, a friend at that, to care for her. He'd only be hurt.
She couldn't betray him.
In a vain attempt to rectify the situation, Sam placed him between Delia and Gretchen during the meal. Then spent the entire dinner chiding herself for being jealous.
Allan seemed confused every time he looked her way. He probably doesn't understand you at all. Doesn't know why you're so warm and friendly then cold the next minute? How could you toy with him like that? At least, while she disappointed him, Allan found pleasure in something that evening. Quentin could cook. He not only lived through the meal, but had himself a second helping.
Walking him to the door that evening, Sam couldn't begin to control the beating of her heart. It nearly pushed its way from her chest when Allan leaned over and caught her chin. "I think I should exact that payment we spoke about," he whispered.
"What are you--?" Her question lost itself against his lips. Drowned by his sigh. Silenced by the warmth that invaded her.
He pulled away. She stared at him through glazed eyes, smiling like a dolt. He groaned softly and kissed her again. This time he pulled her into his arms and held her tightly, as though he were afraid she'd get away. His breathing sounded quite irregular when he pulled away. "I'll have to exact that payment more often." He kissed the tip of her nose. "Good evening, Miss Northam." He winked, slipped on his hat and took his leave.
March 23, 2012
March 22, 2012
Talking with Tina Pinson
Tina, before I forget, thank you for coming and sharing this week. You make blogging fun! Tell us what is the funniest thing that ever happened to you or you witnessed that made you laugh so hard you couldn’t catch your breath?
Why did you begin writing?
Well, I like to tell people that it was because I used to get in trouble lying and writing gave me an outlet for my imagination without getting me spanked.
Strict parents.What was your favorite book growing up that inspired you to try your hand at writing?
From the Mixed Up Files of Basil E. Frankweiler. I found the simple story of children running away to live in the museum fascinating.
We're highlighting two of your books this week and you mentioned that In the Manor of the Ghost has earned a sweet heat rating. But Touched by Mercy a warm. Tell us why.
Touched By Mercy is warm, but mainly because of some content that deals with child abuse. It is a Christian Historical Fiction novel.
In The Manor of the Ghost is sweet. It has been called a Christian Historical Gothic novel.
Can I share what I'm up to?
Of course, please do.
Coming Soon--Three books in my Shadows Series,
When Shadows Fall--June 2012,
Shadowed Dreams -- December 2012
To Catch a Shadow -- early 2013.
You're a busy lady, so tell us a bit more.
I reside in Mesa, Arizona with my husband of thirty plus years, Danny.
I started my first novel in elementary school. My love of writing has caused me to seek creative outlets be it writing poetry, songs, or stories.
In the Manor of the Ghost and Touched By Mercy were published through Desert Breeze Publishers.
When Shadows Fall, Shadowed Dreams, and To Catch a Shadow the first three installments of the Shadow Series about the civil war and the Oregon trail, will be available through Desert Breeze over the next year.
I'm currently working on: Tamed/Changed by Mercy, sequel to Touched By Mercy that carries on the story of Allan and Samantha. The Cross of the Sultan, which takes place in modern Turkey, and deals with uncovering buried treasure. Counting Tessa, a contemporary/ futuristic fiction/time travel, is a story about gene mutation and cloning. From Hell to Eternity, is about the Civil War Prison in Andersonville, Georgia and deals with some witchcraft and mysticism. Finding Middle C is another Civil War yarn that deals with loss and finding the music of life. Portraits in Shades of Gray are three vignettes of life in the darkness moving to light in Christ.
Well, I fell in an open manhole. At the time, I was embarrassed to death. I knew the cover was missing and was too busy acting cool to pay attention. Now it makes me laugh.
Why did you begin writing?
Well, I like to tell people that it was because I used to get in trouble lying and writing gave me an outlet for my imagination without getting me spanked.
Strict parents.What was your favorite book growing up that inspired you to try your hand at writing?
From the Mixed Up Files of Basil E. Frankweiler. I found the simple story of children running away to live in the museum fascinating.
We're highlighting two of your books this week and you mentioned that In the Manor of the Ghost has earned a sweet heat rating. But Touched by Mercy a warm. Tell us why.
Touched By Mercy is warm, but mainly because of some content that deals with child abuse. It is a Christian Historical Fiction novel.
In The Manor of the Ghost is sweet. It has been called a Christian Historical Gothic novel.
Can I share what I'm up to?
Of course, please do.
Coming Soon--Three books in my Shadows Series,
When Shadows Fall--June 2012,
Shadowed Dreams -- December 2012
To Catch a Shadow -- early 2013.
You're a busy lady, so tell us a bit more.
I reside in Mesa, Arizona with my husband of thirty plus years, Danny.
I started my first novel in elementary school. My love of writing has caused me to seek creative outlets be it writing poetry, songs, or stories.
In the Manor of the Ghost and Touched By Mercy were published through Desert Breeze Publishers.
When Shadows Fall, Shadowed Dreams, and To Catch a Shadow the first three installments of the Shadow Series about the civil war and the Oregon trail, will be available through Desert Breeze over the next year.
I'm currently working on: Tamed/Changed by Mercy, sequel to Touched By Mercy that carries on the story of Allan and Samantha. The Cross of the Sultan, which takes place in modern Turkey, and deals with uncovering buried treasure. Counting Tessa, a contemporary/ futuristic fiction/time travel, is a story about gene mutation and cloning. From Hell to Eternity, is about the Civil War Prison in Andersonville, Georgia and deals with some witchcraft and mysticism. Finding Middle C is another Civil War yarn that deals with loss and finding the music of life. Portraits in Shades of Gray are three vignettes of life in the darkness moving to light in Christ.
March 21, 2012
Trailer - In the Manor of the Ghost
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AswjM3L-ejY&feature=player_embedded
In the Manor of the Ghost
Blurb
It's the 1870's. The Civil War has long since been fought and laid to rest, settlers are still joining the wagon trains and heading west to the New Eden. The land is changing. But those who dwell in Clayborne Manor seem trapped in time.
Trapped amid the whispers of failure and sorrow, whispers of longing and defeat. Kaitlin hears them clearly at night. But who haunts Clayborne Manor? The ghost that restlessly walks the halls in the night? Or the ones that plague the minds and spirits of those residing there? Though not inclined to believe the dead can walk the night laden corridors, Kaitlin can see them clearly in the eyes of her husband Devlin, and hear them in the deafening silence of her son, Derrick.
Does she have the courage to search the past and face the ghosts? Does she have the faith to stay and direct all those who dwell In the Manor of the Ghost to the one who sets the captive free?
In the Manor of the Ghost
Blurb
It's the 1870's. The Civil War has long since been fought and laid to rest, settlers are still joining the wagon trains and heading west to the New Eden. The land is changing. But those who dwell in Clayborne Manor seem trapped in time.
Trapped amid the whispers of failure and sorrow, whispers of longing and defeat. Kaitlin hears them clearly at night. But who haunts Clayborne Manor? The ghost that restlessly walks the halls in the night? Or the ones that plague the minds and spirits of those residing there? Though not inclined to believe the dead can walk the night laden corridors, Kaitlin can see them clearly in the eyes of her husband Devlin, and hear them in the deafening silence of her son, Derrick.
Does she have the courage to search the past and face the ghosts? Does she have the faith to stay and direct all those who dwell In the Manor of the Ghost to the one who sets the captive free?
March 20, 2012
Tickle/Tease Tuesday
In the Manor of the Ghost
Excerpt is unedited and used by permission.
Marrying Jean Marc was a dream come true. This marriage might well become a nightmare.
Yet here she stood. What an idiot?
Her first wedding was held in a pristine chapel in southern France, with several from the gentry in attendance. No one dared compare this weathered church with the finery of Europe. Those attending now, though dressed in their Sunday meeting clothes, their finest, looked liked they prepared to go to work in one of the homes of Paris' wealthy.
None of that really mattered. Caitlin didn't care if they didn't reach the standard of the people in the life she'd known before. She didn't care if there were no royals in the small gathering. What she really missed and what she wanted now, was to know she made these vows with someone who loved her. She missed Jean Marc so strongly in that instance her tears welled up.
She missed her husband's touch -- he never gripped her hands so callously as the man who stood beside her now.
What was she doing?
She missed Jean Marc's voice -- tenor, smooth and musical. Devlin spoke curtly in deep trembles of baritone.
Could she really find happiness without love?
She missed her husband's eyes -- rich brown, soft, concerned. She looked up hoping for them and caught a chill from the black eyes that stared at the preacher. They bore contempt. Hatred. She shivered and looked at the preacher.
Reverend Marlow smiled at Devlin and bowed his head to her then graciously continued with the service.
Caitlin could barely recount the ceremony, but she could remember, with clarity, the way Devlin looked at her. Did she see a hint of a smile before his lips met hers to seal the pact they'd spent the last few minutes vowing to keep -- in words she wasn't sure she'd spoken? His eyes were black, foreboding, but shining with hidden words she dare not let herself read or believe he'd even spoken.
By the warmth and the pressure of his lips on hers, she could, for a moment, almost believe that this was her love. Devlin gave more than required under the circumstances. With each passing second, where his mouth molded and searched hers, she found herself wanting things she'd told herself she'd never have again.
Her body defied her mind, almost verbally, as it cried out to be loved again. It'd been so long. Sinking further into the bliss, she fought to maintain her calm, her heart wouldn't let her. Letting her fingers burrow into the thickness of his ebony hair, along the nape of his neck, she kissed him back with equal fervency.
When he pulled away, she felt breathless, shaky. It wasn't from fear. Had he felt it too? No, it was nothing. Devlin had put on a show for those in attendance. So why did that bother her, why did she want it to be more than a kiss? More than a business deal? She hated herself for her weakness, hated herself for signing the papers.
Excerpt is unedited and used by permission.
Marrying Jean Marc was a dream come true. This marriage might well become a nightmare.
Yet here she stood. What an idiot?
Her first wedding was held in a pristine chapel in southern France, with several from the gentry in attendance. No one dared compare this weathered church with the finery of Europe. Those attending now, though dressed in their Sunday meeting clothes, their finest, looked liked they prepared to go to work in one of the homes of Paris' wealthy.
None of that really mattered. Caitlin didn't care if they didn't reach the standard of the people in the life she'd known before. She didn't care if there were no royals in the small gathering. What she really missed and what she wanted now, was to know she made these vows with someone who loved her. She missed Jean Marc so strongly in that instance her tears welled up.
She missed her husband's touch -- he never gripped her hands so callously as the man who stood beside her now.
What was she doing?
She missed Jean Marc's voice -- tenor, smooth and musical. Devlin spoke curtly in deep trembles of baritone.
Could she really find happiness without love?
She missed her husband's eyes -- rich brown, soft, concerned. She looked up hoping for them and caught a chill from the black eyes that stared at the preacher. They bore contempt. Hatred. She shivered and looked at the preacher.
Reverend Marlow smiled at Devlin and bowed his head to her then graciously continued with the service.
Caitlin could barely recount the ceremony, but she could remember, with clarity, the way Devlin looked at her. Did she see a hint of a smile before his lips met hers to seal the pact they'd spent the last few minutes vowing to keep -- in words she wasn't sure she'd spoken? His eyes were black, foreboding, but shining with hidden words she dare not let herself read or believe he'd even spoken.
By the warmth and the pressure of his lips on hers, she could, for a moment, almost believe that this was her love. Devlin gave more than required under the circumstances. With each passing second, where his mouth molded and searched hers, she found herself wanting things she'd told herself she'd never have again.
Her body defied her mind, almost verbally, as it cried out to be loved again. It'd been so long. Sinking further into the bliss, she fought to maintain her calm, her heart wouldn't let her. Letting her fingers burrow into the thickness of his ebony hair, along the nape of his neck, she kissed him back with equal fervency.
When he pulled away, she felt breathless, shaky. It wasn't from fear. Had he felt it too? No, it was nothing. Devlin had put on a show for those in attendance. So why did that bother her, why did she want it to be more than a kiss? More than a business deal? She hated herself for her weakness, hated herself for signing the papers.
March 19, 2012
Contest-ing Monday w/ Tina Pinson
This week's contest is a chance to win not one but two of Tina's books.
(Books are in Ebook format.)( 2 winners, each wins one book.)
In the Manor of the Ghost and Touched By Mercy.
Tina's website -- http://www.tinapinson.com/
Twitter:@Tina_Pinson
Facebook-- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=754617103
Purchase Tina's books at:
Desert Breeze Bookstore.
Touched By Mercy http://tiny.cc/0rgkm
In the Manor of the Ghost http://tiny.cc/we4ul
Amazon:
Touched By Mercy http://tiny.cc/k5tgw
In the Manor of the Ghost http://tiny.cc/doc8w
Barnes & Noble
Touched By Mercy—available soon
In the Manor of the Ghost http://tiny.cc/oh767
Christian Books Distributors
Touched By Mercy – available soon
In the Manor of the Ghost http://tiny.cc/4u5h9
(Books are in Ebook format.)( 2 winners, each wins one book.)
Become a follower here if you are not already a follower.
Visit Tina's Blog at http://www.tinapinson.blogspot.com/
and become a follower or like Tina on her Face book Author Page. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tina-E-Pinson/121116301246341
Email me at shassidy@comcast.net to tell me you have done two of the three.
In the Manor of the Ghost and Touched By Mercy.Winners will be drawn by Tina and announced here on Saturday. Good luck and come back throughout the week to learn more!
Tina's website -- http://www.tinapinson.com/
Twitter:@Tina_Pinson
Facebook-- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=754617103
Purchase Tina's books at:
Desert Breeze Bookstore.
Touched By Mercy http://tiny.cc/0rgkm
In the Manor of the Ghost http://tiny.cc/we4ul
Amazon:
Touched By Mercy http://tiny.cc/k5tgw
In the Manor of the Ghost http://tiny.cc/doc8w
Barnes & Noble
Touched By Mercy—available soon
In the Manor of the Ghost http://tiny.cc/oh767
Christian Books Distributors
Touched By Mercy – available soon
In the Manor of the Ghost http://tiny.cc/4u5h9
March 18, 2012
Review - Queen in Exile
Donna Hatch's Queen in Exile is a fantasy romance reminiscent of regency romances complete with royalty, knights and battles. When the entire kingdom threatens to be subjugated by evil, Jeniah, the princess and heir apparent, is spirited away by the handsome Kai Darkwood on his ducorn -- think unicorn beauty with the double horn and fighting ability of a rhinoceros. With enemies chasing them and Captain Darkwood's near fatal wounds, they must survive the cruel winterscape and nature's predators to reach safety.
In the process, Jeniah finds something worth dying for. But will her commitment to her country keep her from the man she loves? Will his commitment to the oaths he has taken to his own king and himself keep them apart?
I give this novel an energetic four stars.
And if you can catch it on the scrowling books above, just click it and go to Amazon to read more reviews and buy!
In the process, Jeniah finds something worth dying for. But will her commitment to her country keep her from the man she loves? Will his commitment to the oaths he has taken to his own king and himself keep them apart?
I give this novel an energetic four stars.
And if you can catch it on the scrowling books above, just click it and go to Amazon to read more reviews and buy!
My Bad
For those dropping by Saturday to learn who won the book give away, my deepest apologizes. Thank you for stopping by and I'll do better in the future, I promise.
4pm arrived and I still hadn't recieved word from June as to the winner. June is heavily involved in a St. Patrick's Day promotion elsewhere.
4pm arrived and I still hadn't recieved word from June as to the winner. June is heavily involved in a St. Patrick's Day promotion elsewhere.
March 17, 2012
Announcing -- And the winner is
Drum roll please.
The contest answer is: June writes in their RV!
And the winner is: Susan B. Haws.
Remember to pop over the June's blog and leave a comment with your email address so she can get your copy of Give Us This Day.
Congratulations!
Next week we"ll be visiting with Tina Pinson.
(Those of you who know me and follow here on Saturdays know that I don't post terribly early due to time Zone differences between me and the author I'm interviewing. Okay, I like to sleep on Saturday mornings too.)
The contest answer is: June writes in their RV!
And the winner is: Susan B. Haws.
Remember to pop over the June's blog and leave a comment with your email address so she can get your copy of Give Us This Day.
Congratulations!
Next week we"ll be visiting with Tina Pinson.
(Those of you who know me and follow here on Saturdays know that I don't post terribly early due to time Zone differences between me and the author I'm interviewing. Okay, I like to sleep on Saturday mornings too.)
March 16, 2012
Let's get to know June
Contest hint: Look at the picture real close, the cabinets are a bit low, there's a tell tale with the window blinds. Is that chair secured?
March 15, 2012
Talking Thursday w/ June Foster, author of Give Us This Day
Give Us This Day is the first in The Bellewood Series scheduled for release through Desert Breeze Publishing.
June, what do you love about your latest book?
I guess what I love the most is the fact that it's my debut novel which means I've got the opportunity now to get my stories "out there." I'm praying my stories will bring hope to readers who deal with similar issues as my characters.
Can you tell us something about this book that your readers would love to hear?
Jess Colton, the hero in Give Us This Day, is a computer geek who lives and works in Bellewood, a fictional name for the Microsoft mecca of Western Washington, Bellevue.
Tell us about your dream of becoming a writer.
That's the crazy part about me. I never dreamed of becoming a writer nor did I have the desire to do so. After I retired from teaching, I discovered a story lurking in my head. I told my daughter about it, and she casually remarked that I should write it. That was the spark which the Lord used to put the desire in my heart.
When did you decide you wanted to write, for real?
As I said above, the Lord literally opened up my heart and poured the desire to write inside. God was my only catalyst. I felt as if I was compelled to begin writing my stories. I read every "how to" book I could get my hands on and started pounding the keys of my laptop.
How does it feel when you write?
When I write, I feel as if I'm telling God's story. Sometimes I get a feeling about a character, as if he/she is my best friend, and I care about them. Now, don't laugh, but once when my husband and I were worshiping in a church service, I saw in my mind's eye, my character standing right there next to me worshiping as well.
Tell us what your favorite genre is, and why?
Before I started writing, I read end-time fiction such as the Left Behind Series. So crazy because I had never read romance and now that's what I write.
How is it that you decided inspirational romance is what you do best?
I can't explain it. The stories God gives me are contemporary inspirational romances though I've toyed with the idea of writing romantic suspense. But that's for another day.
Is there a secret recipe to writing inspirational romance?
When I first started writing, I read "Writing the Christian Romance" by Gail Gaymer Martin which was like my Bible. I learned so much from that book.
Tell us about your all time favorite character (of your creating.) Is he/she modeled after a real person?
Ryan Reed from Ryan's Father is my favorite character. He's not modeled after any real person. The stakes are higher for Ryan than any of my other characters. Of all my others, Ryan has to take hold more firmly of his Christian faith to see him through his dilemma and become whole in Christ. His issue is one that the Christian market seems to want to sweep under the carpet for now, but I believe the Lord will eventually find a home for this book.
In case you want to know the theme of the book, here it is. Ryan Reed battles same sex attraction but through his confession that homosexuality is a sin, intense counseling, and the power of God's word, he finds freedom to marry the beautiful young woman who falls in love with him.
Readers, did you hear? Not one but four new titles to watch for…
Give Us This Day -- Available Now.
A Hometown Fourth of July -- July 1, 2012
As We Forgive -- September 1, 2012
Deliver us -- April 1, 2013
You can find June at http://junefoster.blogspot.com/
http://www.infinitecharacters.com/
http://www.desertbreezepublishingcompany.com/
June's books are available at Amazon Kindle and Barnes and Noble.
Contest hint: June writes almost everyday.
June, what do you love about your latest book?
I guess what I love the most is the fact that it's my debut novel which means I've got the opportunity now to get my stories "out there." I'm praying my stories will bring hope to readers who deal with similar issues as my characters.
Can you tell us something about this book that your readers would love to hear?
Jess Colton, the hero in Give Us This Day, is a computer geek who lives and works in Bellewood, a fictional name for the Microsoft mecca of Western Washington, Bellevue.
Tell us about your dream of becoming a writer.
That's the crazy part about me. I never dreamed of becoming a writer nor did I have the desire to do so. After I retired from teaching, I discovered a story lurking in my head. I told my daughter about it, and she casually remarked that I should write it. That was the spark which the Lord used to put the desire in my heart.
When did you decide you wanted to write, for real?
As I said above, the Lord literally opened up my heart and poured the desire to write inside. God was my only catalyst. I felt as if I was compelled to begin writing my stories. I read every "how to" book I could get my hands on and started pounding the keys of my laptop.
How does it feel when you write?
When I write, I feel as if I'm telling God's story. Sometimes I get a feeling about a character, as if he/she is my best friend, and I care about them. Now, don't laugh, but once when my husband and I were worshiping in a church service, I saw in my mind's eye, my character standing right there next to me worshiping as well.
Tell us what your favorite genre is, and why?
Before I started writing, I read end-time fiction such as the Left Behind Series. So crazy because I had never read romance and now that's what I write.
How is it that you decided inspirational romance is what you do best?
I can't explain it. The stories God gives me are contemporary inspirational romances though I've toyed with the idea of writing romantic suspense. But that's for another day.
Is there a secret recipe to writing inspirational romance?
When I first started writing, I read "Writing the Christian Romance" by Gail Gaymer Martin which was like my Bible. I learned so much from that book.
Tell us about your all time favorite character (of your creating.) Is he/she modeled after a real person?
Ryan Reed from Ryan's Father is my favorite character. He's not modeled after any real person. The stakes are higher for Ryan than any of my other characters. Of all my others, Ryan has to take hold more firmly of his Christian faith to see him through his dilemma and become whole in Christ. His issue is one that the Christian market seems to want to sweep under the carpet for now, but I believe the Lord will eventually find a home for this book.
In case you want to know the theme of the book, here it is. Ryan Reed battles same sex attraction but through his confession that homosexuality is a sin, intense counseling, and the power of God's word, he finds freedom to marry the beautiful young woman who falls in love with him.
Readers, did you hear? Not one but four new titles to watch for…
Give Us This Day -- Available Now.
A Hometown Fourth of July -- July 1, 2012
As We Forgive -- September 1, 2012
Deliver us -- April 1, 2013
You can find June at http://junefoster.blogspot.com/
http://www.infinitecharacters.com/
http://www.desertbreezepublishingcompany.com/
June's books are available at Amazon Kindle and Barnes and Noble.
Contest hint: June writes almost everyday.
March 14, 2012
Trailer & Blurb Burp
or
(Go to second video at the above link.)
Jess Colton can earn a PHD in computer science but can’t manage his own life.
Raised by a doting mother and controlling father, Jess battles against his addictive nature. When Jesus comes into his life, he trades one addiction for another—alcohol for food. His doctor warns him of his poor health as his weight soared past 300 pounds. Jess is baffled when the beautiful Holly Harrison comes into his life and declares her affection for him. What could she possibly see in him?
Holly Harrison has a past. But it catches up with her when she loses her leg and her unborn baby in one night as a result of a motorcycle accident. At this low point in her life, she finds strength through God and a relationship with Jesus Christ while she works as a dental hygienist. But now, no Christian man would want her so she avoids serious relationships. She doesn’t plan on falling in love with Jess Colton. She sees past his rolls of fat to the godly, tender man inside. When Jess drives a wedge between them, she loses all hope of having a future together.
Can Holly overcome her handicap? Does Jess find control over his eating and his life? Only God can provide the answers they need.
Web addresses:
http://junefoster.blogspot.com/
http://infinitecharacters.com/ (I share this one with Vanessa and 3 other writers.)
http://www.desertbreezepublishingcompany.com/
Ebooks can be downloaded at Amazon and Barnes and Nobles as well as Desert Breeze
Contest hint: June's husband removed a couch for June's writing space.
March 13, 2012
Tickle/Tease Tuesday
Give Us This Day
(Excerpt is unedited.)
Pastor Downing rose from his chair and stood at the pulpit, the lake visible behind his thin frame. Jess couldn't remember a Sunday when he wasn't blessed by the man's power-packed message. "My beloved, I want you to understand who you are in Christ."
Jess gazed down at the tissue Holly fingered again.
"Satan would have you believe you have no value, but the Lord wants you to know you have been bought with a price, and you belong to God."
Holly crossed and uncrossed her legs. She rummaged through her purse before setting it down on the pew.
"God is patient and slow to anger. You have been chosen by Him. Your relationship with Him is not based on yourself or anything you've done, but the work He did for you on the cross."
His new acquaintance picked up a hymnal and flipped through the pages.
"Believe me when I say you are free from condemnation. God loves you that much, my beloved."
Holly grew still, her gaze glued on Pastor Downing. His words must've struck a chord.
Her hands lay quietly in her lap as she stared at the preacher.
"You may approach God with freedom and confidence. Hope is only found in the Lord.
Our regret or grief should turn us toward him, not away from Him."
Holly ran a finger under her eye. She curved her gaze to Jess and then back toward the front, a look of discomfort on her face. Did the pastor say something to touch her heart?
Jess froze. Maybe her unease wasn't about church after all. Maybe it was about sitting next to him. The fattest man in the building.
Hint for book contest: June travels a lot.
(Excerpt is unedited.)
Pastor Downing rose from his chair and stood at the pulpit, the lake visible behind his thin frame. Jess couldn't remember a Sunday when he wasn't blessed by the man's power-packed message. "My beloved, I want you to understand who you are in Christ."
Jess gazed down at the tissue Holly fingered again.
"Satan would have you believe you have no value, but the Lord wants you to know you have been bought with a price, and you belong to God."
Holly crossed and uncrossed her legs. She rummaged through her purse before setting it down on the pew.
"God is patient and slow to anger. You have been chosen by Him. Your relationship with Him is not based on yourself or anything you've done, but the work He did for you on the cross."
His new acquaintance picked up a hymnal and flipped through the pages.
"Believe me when I say you are free from condemnation. God loves you that much, my beloved."
Holly grew still, her gaze glued on Pastor Downing. His words must've struck a chord.
Her hands lay quietly in her lap as she stared at the preacher.
"You may approach God with freedom and confidence. Hope is only found in the Lord.
Our regret or grief should turn us toward him, not away from Him."
Holly ran a finger under her eye. She curved her gaze to Jess and then back toward the front, a look of discomfort on her face. Did the pastor say something to touch her heart?
Jess froze. Maybe her unease wasn't about church after all. Maybe it was about sitting next to him. The fattest man in the building.
Hint for book contest: June travels a lot.
March 12, 2012
Contest-ing Monday
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This weeks contest:
Visit June's Blog at http://www.junefoster.blogspot.com/ and become a follower. Become a follower here. Then leave a comment here telling us that you have done so and tell us what makes June's writing space unique to enter to win a free e-copy of Give Us This Day.
Winner with the correct answer will be drawn by June herself and announced here on Saturday. Good luck and come back soon!
March 11, 2012
So You don't think DARK DAYS OF PROMISE will do well as a Ebook
Or your book either? I love this arguement section!
Have arguments prepared...
Argument...
"Oh, I don't want to pay hundreds of dollars just to read an ebook..."
"You don't have to. Kindle offers a basic ebook reader for $79, and since ebooks are often much less expensive than print books it doesn't take long for an ebook reader to pay for itself."
Argument...
"There's just something about the feel and smell of a real book."
"You know, I once thought that until I started reading ebooks. The smell of a printed book doesn't make me smell the fresh baked cookies in the novel any better, it doesn't help me imagine a spring day. It's the words I read."
Argument...
"I'm old and I need large print."
"Then ebooks are perfect for you! You can make the font any size you want, and many readers have the ability to change the type of font if one is easier for you to read over another, and on some readers you can change how bright or dim a background is, and whether you read on a white screen or a beige screen. You can change to match whatever you need for that day."
Argument...
"I don't read much because holding a book hurts my hands."
"There is an ebook reader for everyone. The lighter, smaller ones are even lighter than a book and you don't have to hold open a binding or turn a page. A press of your finger will turn the page for you."
Argument...
"Ebooks aren't real books."
"Wow, then I'm getting a royalty check for selling nothing. That's great!" (okay, that one is a bit snarky... but it makes a point)
Think ahead about some of the arguments you might be hit with, and come back with a positive response.
Okay... I'm done. :-)
Gail R. Delaney
Editor-In-Chief
Desert Breeze Publishing
http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com/
Have arguments prepared...
Argument...
"Oh, I don't want to pay hundreds of dollars just to read an ebook..."
"You don't have to. Kindle offers a basic ebook reader for $79, and since ebooks are often much less expensive than print books it doesn't take long for an ebook reader to pay for itself."
Argument...
"There's just something about the feel and smell of a real book."
"You know, I once thought that until I started reading ebooks. The smell of a printed book doesn't make me smell the fresh baked cookies in the novel any better, it doesn't help me imagine a spring day. It's the words I read."
Argument...
"I'm old and I need large print."
"Then ebooks are perfect for you! You can make the font any size you want, and many readers have the ability to change the type of font if one is easier for you to read over another, and on some readers you can change how bright or dim a background is, and whether you read on a white screen or a beige screen. You can change to match whatever you need for that day."
Argument...
"I don't read much because holding a book hurts my hands."
"There is an ebook reader for everyone. The lighter, smaller ones are even lighter than a book and you don't have to hold open a binding or turn a page. A press of your finger will turn the page for you."
Argument...
"Ebooks aren't real books."
"Wow, then I'm getting a royalty check for selling nothing. That's great!" (okay, that one is a bit snarky... but it makes a point)
Think ahead about some of the arguments you might be hit with, and come back with a positive response.
Okay... I'm done. :-)
Gail R. Delaney
Editor-In-Chief
Desert Breeze Publishing
http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com/
March 10, 2012
Interview with Lynette Endicott, author of MORE THAN A JOB
What music groups/artists blast from your CD player while you write?
I play a mix, on shuffle, so that every song is a surprise. I enjoy some country, Celtic, rock, folk, jazz and blues so I don't know if I will hear James Taylor, Celine Dion or Kenny Rogers next.
I enjoy the same music. I know we also share strong views about the disabled. Please share yours.
I believe that people with disabilities should be treated with dignity and justice. I help to assess the quality of organizations that provide services to people. I also volunteer with my therapy dog at hospitals, long-term care facilities, and in the library where kids read to my dog Ollie.
So Ollie is smart with all that reading. Ollie can you read the name of our contest winner?
Woof! Donna K. Weaver, Donna please visit Lynette's blog http://www.lynetteendicott.blogspot.com/
and leave a comment with your email address so she can get you your copy. Congratulations!
Lynette, I know you have more pets at home, are they all as smart as Ollie?
I have adopted Ollie, two cats and a bird who somehow found their way to our house. But Ollie is the only one that listens while the kids read.
What or who inspires you to write?
Life is so interesting! There is endless variety in what people are like, and how their lives unfold. I think it is remarkable that people connect and fall in love, and I want to tell some of their stories.
Why did you begin writing?
I don't know why. I just know I always have. I got a diary when I was in 3rd grade, and kept a diary or journal through college. My Dad got me an electric typewriter (yes, I am that old) when I was 11 or 12, and I began typing stories. I love to read, but also have always had a desire to write stories whether or not anyone else read them.
What was your favorite book growing up that inspired you to try your hand at writing?
I read everything, and was fascinated with the variety in styles, topics and genres. I worked my way from mysteries through biographies and into sports fiction as a youngster, and turned to romance when I was old enough. I think that people who love reading always have stories cooking in their heads. At least I do. No one book inspired me to write, but in a way every book inspires me to know I can do my own approach and topic and be an author.
Wow, I think I stuck to westerns and horses as a youngster. Tell us about how you came up with your premise for More Than a Job?
I looked around and saw how many people are having to start over in life after the loss of a job. It is the story of so many people I know, and it is important that it be a story of hope and starting over in tough times.
For those who are not familiar with this story, would you please give us the blurb?
Paige Hamilton loses her job and career unexpectedly. Joshua Robinson is there in the parking lot to help her pick up the pieces of her work life - literally, from the box of spilled office items, and figuratively as she figures out how to be open to new things including him.
Is there a message in More Than a Job you want readers to grasp?
Sometimes we need to lose something to realize that we need to be open to how God moves in our lives. If we are too busy there won't be room for the things that really matter.
Wise words of advise. Thank you for coming Lynette.
Thank you.
More Than a Job is available at: http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com/
I play a mix, on shuffle, so that every song is a surprise. I enjoy some country, Celtic, rock, folk, jazz and blues so I don't know if I will hear James Taylor, Celine Dion or Kenny Rogers next.
I enjoy the same music. I know we also share strong views about the disabled. Please share yours.
I believe that people with disabilities should be treated with dignity and justice. I help to assess the quality of organizations that provide services to people. I also volunteer with my therapy dog at hospitals, long-term care facilities, and in the library where kids read to my dog Ollie.
So Ollie is smart with all that reading. Ollie can you read the name of our contest winner?
Woof! Donna K. Weaver, Donna please visit Lynette's blog http://www.lynetteendicott.blogspot.com/
and leave a comment with your email address so she can get you your copy. Congratulations!
Lynette, I know you have more pets at home, are they all as smart as Ollie?
I have adopted Ollie, two cats and a bird who somehow found their way to our house. But Ollie is the only one that listens while the kids read.
What or who inspires you to write?
Life is so interesting! There is endless variety in what people are like, and how their lives unfold. I think it is remarkable that people connect and fall in love, and I want to tell some of their stories.
Why did you begin writing?
I don't know why. I just know I always have. I got a diary when I was in 3rd grade, and kept a diary or journal through college. My Dad got me an electric typewriter (yes, I am that old) when I was 11 or 12, and I began typing stories. I love to read, but also have always had a desire to write stories whether or not anyone else read them.
What was your favorite book growing up that inspired you to try your hand at writing?
I read everything, and was fascinated with the variety in styles, topics and genres. I worked my way from mysteries through biographies and into sports fiction as a youngster, and turned to romance when I was old enough. I think that people who love reading always have stories cooking in their heads. At least I do. No one book inspired me to write, but in a way every book inspires me to know I can do my own approach and topic and be an author.
Wow, I think I stuck to westerns and horses as a youngster. Tell us about how you came up with your premise for More Than a Job?
I looked around and saw how many people are having to start over in life after the loss of a job. It is the story of so many people I know, and it is important that it be a story of hope and starting over in tough times.
For those who are not familiar with this story, would you please give us the blurb?
Paige Hamilton loses her job and career unexpectedly. Joshua Robinson is there in the parking lot to help her pick up the pieces of her work life - literally, from the box of spilled office items, and figuratively as she figures out how to be open to new things including him.
Is there a message in More Than a Job you want readers to grasp?
Sometimes we need to lose something to realize that we need to be open to how God moves in our lives. If we are too busy there won't be room for the things that really matter.
Wise words of advise. Thank you for coming Lynette.
Thank you.
More Than a Job is available at: http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com/
March 9, 2012
More Than a Job's first kiss
More Than a Job has received a Warm rating by the author.
This excerpt is unedited and used by permission of Lynette Endicott.
Enjoy!
He dropped it into her hand and let his fingers trail across her wrist before he moved them away."That one was always my favorite. It's an amethyst. Isn't it beautiful?"
"Amethyst is my birthstone." Her voice was low, almost a whisper, and filled with a kind of awe that touched him to the core.
"You have a February birthday, then." He frowned a minute, pulling words from a deep memory. "It is a crystal known for cleansing the aura, enhancing spiritual awareness, and…"
He struggled to remember the rest. Then he remembered and swallowed. "And attracting loving energy. It suits you." Loving energy emanated from Paige.
"It is beautiful."
He looked at her face, the perfection of her skin, slightly pink and so touchable, and he reached out one finger and ran it down her cheek. Electricity crackled up his arm.
"Yes, it is." He stopped at her mouth, shifted so his thumb was there instead, and hooked his finger under her chin. Then he lifted her eyes to his. "Beautiful," he repeated.
Her breathing picked up, and his own grew rapid and shallow, matching his speeding heart. He struggled to remember that he'd only seen this woman once before. He barely knew her, but somehow that didn't compute. The only thought he could process was how her lips would feel under his. He leaned forward for a little taste and found her lips parted ever so slightly and her breath tasting of cinnamon. She shifted a little closer.
She tasted of everything good and right in the world. Cinnamon and vanilla and honey. He moved his lips slowly, carefully, taking his time, giving her time to draw back or not, to do what she wanted and needed to do.
Her hand came up to his face and she angled in, deepening their kiss and stealing his reserve. Her fingers tested the feel of his hair, the stubble on his face, and then her tongue flicked the corner of his mouth.
Had he moaned out loud? He needed to press closer. He put his arm around her shoulder and shifted so their bodies touched as he pulled her against him.
This excerpt is unedited and used by permission of Lynette Endicott.
Enjoy!
He dropped it into her hand and let his fingers trail across her wrist before he moved them away."That one was always my favorite. It's an amethyst. Isn't it beautiful?"
"Amethyst is my birthstone." Her voice was low, almost a whisper, and filled with a kind of awe that touched him to the core.
"You have a February birthday, then." He frowned a minute, pulling words from a deep memory. "It is a crystal known for cleansing the aura, enhancing spiritual awareness, and…"
He struggled to remember the rest. Then he remembered and swallowed. "And attracting loving energy. It suits you." Loving energy emanated from Paige.
"It is beautiful."
He looked at her face, the perfection of her skin, slightly pink and so touchable, and he reached out one finger and ran it down her cheek. Electricity crackled up his arm.
"Yes, it is." He stopped at her mouth, shifted so his thumb was there instead, and hooked his finger under her chin. Then he lifted her eyes to his. "Beautiful," he repeated.
Her breathing picked up, and his own grew rapid and shallow, matching his speeding heart. He struggled to remember that he'd only seen this woman once before. He barely knew her, but somehow that didn't compute. The only thought he could process was how her lips would feel under his. He leaned forward for a little taste and found her lips parted ever so slightly and her breath tasting of cinnamon. She shifted a little closer.
She tasted of everything good and right in the world. Cinnamon and vanilla and honey. He moved his lips slowly, carefully, taking his time, giving her time to draw back or not, to do what she wanted and needed to do.
Her hand came up to his face and she angled in, deepening their kiss and stealing his reserve. Her fingers tested the feel of his hair, the stubble on his face, and then her tongue flicked the corner of his mouth.
Had he moaned out loud? He needed to press closer. He put his arm around her shoulder and shifted so their bodies touched as he pulled her against him.
March 8, 2012
More Than a Job's big surprise!
More Than a Job has received a Warm rating by the author.
This excerpt is unedited and used by permission of Lynette Endicott.
Enjoy!
"I'm Paige Hamilton, a friend of Don's." Time to bluff if he was going to get any attention. "I've been on the phone with his guardian and mother. She's on her way, but she wanted me to tell you she hopes you will do a scan." Well, if she knew the details, Meg would certainly require a scan.
"His guardian has requested it?"
"I'm worried, too," Paige pressed on. "He seems less responsive than usual, and I've known him for ten years. Aren't you concerned?"
"How is he less responsive?" Finally she had some attention.
"He keeps dozing off, and he doesn't open his eyes to answer my questions until I've asked two or three times. He could be in pain, of course, but it could be caused by something more."
Dr. Curtis sat down and wrote the order, and within minutes Paige sat in the waiting room outside the x-ray area, where they would check Don for broken bones and other injuries.
Paige sat back to relax, to close her eyes for a moment. Only a moment, because suddenly everyone around her moved very fast. First the technician told her the doctor needed to talk with her right away. Then the doctor who came wasn't the first one, but a neurosurgeon.
"He has a bleed on his brain," he told her. "We are going to do emergency surgery to evacuate the blood. If we don't, the pressure can cause serious injury or even death. We are taking him to prep him now."
Paige stepped up to the stretcher as they moved Don from the room. Paige took his hand and walked beside him. "Hey, Don, you awake?"
He didn't open his eyes, but frowned as if he were trying to open them.
"Your mom and I will be here when you wake up. It's going to be fine. You'll be okay."
"Miss, you'll have to wait in the waiting room," an attendant urged, and then Don was out of her hands and in surgery.
She should report this as neglect. It should never have happened.
"Miss?" A nurse said. "I need you to sign a consent form."
"I can't." Paige sighed. "I'm not his caregiver. I'm just a friend." She picked up his medication book and leafed through it. "Will this do until his mom arrives?" She handed her a general consent for emergency medical treatment, on the form she'd designed, signed my Meg.
The nurse studied it for a moment, then nodded. "This should be fine," she said. "Let me make a copy, and I'll get the original right back to you."
Or to the new case manager. Somebody should be here by now. Somebody from the new company should care enough to be here and handle the things Don needed. This was not good.
"What do you mean, he's in surgery?" The voice was strident, angry, out of control. "How can he be in surgery? Who gave consent for that?"
He had to be the new manager of Robinson, Inc. Paige almost gagged when the realization sucker punched her. Well, all was not lost. Now she knew whom to tell, whom to hold responsible, but she wasn't going to be seeing much of him after today. A man who would let this happen to Don was not a man she wanted in her life.
This excerpt is unedited and used by permission of Lynette Endicott.
Enjoy!
"I'm Paige Hamilton, a friend of Don's." Time to bluff if he was going to get any attention. "I've been on the phone with his guardian and mother. She's on her way, but she wanted me to tell you she hopes you will do a scan." Well, if she knew the details, Meg would certainly require a scan.
"His guardian has requested it?"
"I'm worried, too," Paige pressed on. "He seems less responsive than usual, and I've known him for ten years. Aren't you concerned?"
"How is he less responsive?" Finally she had some attention.
"He keeps dozing off, and he doesn't open his eyes to answer my questions until I've asked two or three times. He could be in pain, of course, but it could be caused by something more."
Dr. Curtis sat down and wrote the order, and within minutes Paige sat in the waiting room outside the x-ray area, where they would check Don for broken bones and other injuries.
Paige sat back to relax, to close her eyes for a moment. Only a moment, because suddenly everyone around her moved very fast. First the technician told her the doctor needed to talk with her right away. Then the doctor who came wasn't the first one, but a neurosurgeon.
"He has a bleed on his brain," he told her. "We are going to do emergency surgery to evacuate the blood. If we don't, the pressure can cause serious injury or even death. We are taking him to prep him now."
Paige stepped up to the stretcher as they moved Don from the room. Paige took his hand and walked beside him. "Hey, Don, you awake?"
He didn't open his eyes, but frowned as if he were trying to open them.
"Your mom and I will be here when you wake up. It's going to be fine. You'll be okay."
"Miss, you'll have to wait in the waiting room," an attendant urged, and then Don was out of her hands and in surgery.
She should report this as neglect. It should never have happened.
"Miss?" A nurse said. "I need you to sign a consent form."
"I can't." Paige sighed. "I'm not his caregiver. I'm just a friend." She picked up his medication book and leafed through it. "Will this do until his mom arrives?" She handed her a general consent for emergency medical treatment, on the form she'd designed, signed my Meg.
The nurse studied it for a moment, then nodded. "This should be fine," she said. "Let me make a copy, and I'll get the original right back to you."
Or to the new case manager. Somebody should be here by now. Somebody from the new company should care enough to be here and handle the things Don needed. This was not good.
"What do you mean, he's in surgery?" The voice was strident, angry, out of control. "How can he be in surgery? Who gave consent for that?"
He had to be the new manager of Robinson, Inc. Paige almost gagged when the realization sucker punched her. Well, all was not lost. Now she knew whom to tell, whom to hold responsible, but she wasn't going to be seeing much of him after today. A man who would let this happen to Don was not a man she wanted in her life.
March 7, 2012
Lynette talks about PWD
PWD? What does that stand for?
Persons with Disabilities. The abbreviation is ironic, though. The idea was to stop using labels and start using "people" first. The initials have a risk of becoming a label themselves.
I was part of the disability rights movement, promoting things like the. Americans with Disabilities Act, for example, before I realized I was a person with disabilities. Did you know that before the ADA was passed in 1990 it was legal in this country for a store owner to exclude a person who used a wheelchair because they took up too much room in the aisles? I went to a public meeting in Kansas City in the late 80s and heard one person after another tell of the discrimination they faced because of their disability. The ADA is a matter of equal justice for people with disabilities.
Most of my early career, like Paige's (Paige is the heroine in More Than a Job), was with people with developmental disabilities. We were working for the right of people to live in the community and not in institutions. While group homes as opposed to individual apartments are not always the best solution, sharing a house and staff can work for some folks, so that is the setting that Paige works in. I have certainly seen poor health care for people with disabilities. Some of the people you run into don't give the same level of health response, and as in the story, sometimes advocacy with them has to be pushy.
My disability is a chronic pain condition. Does it impact my life day to day? Sure. Does it keep me from living the life I want? No. You adapt, cope, figure out better ways to do things. I see that same tenacity and success to live independently in most of my friends who have disability.
The belief in the disability justice community is that every person has a right to community life and their disability is part of who they are. Think of disability as a characteristic like nationality, gender, height, weight. Each of us is different, and most of us who live long enough will experience disability at some point in their life. It is part of the whole of who we are.
Lynette Endicott, Author
Desert Breeze Publishing
"Where starting over is the path to romance".
Just Released - More than a Job
Coming August 21, 2012 - Animal Instincts
First of the Time after Time Saga with Tami Dee
Coming October 15, 2012 - Return of Joy
http://www.lynetteendicott.blogspot.com/
http://www.lynetteendicott.com/
Persons with Disabilities. The abbreviation is ironic, though. The idea was to stop using labels and start using "people" first. The initials have a risk of becoming a label themselves.
I was part of the disability rights movement, promoting things like the. Americans with Disabilities Act, for example, before I realized I was a person with disabilities. Did you know that before the ADA was passed in 1990 it was legal in this country for a store owner to exclude a person who used a wheelchair because they took up too much room in the aisles? I went to a public meeting in Kansas City in the late 80s and heard one person after another tell of the discrimination they faced because of their disability. The ADA is a matter of equal justice for people with disabilities.
Most of my early career, like Paige's (Paige is the heroine in More Than a Job), was with people with developmental disabilities. We were working for the right of people to live in the community and not in institutions. While group homes as opposed to individual apartments are not always the best solution, sharing a house and staff can work for some folks, so that is the setting that Paige works in. I have certainly seen poor health care for people with disabilities. Some of the people you run into don't give the same level of health response, and as in the story, sometimes advocacy with them has to be pushy.
My disability is a chronic pain condition. Does it impact my life day to day? Sure. Does it keep me from living the life I want? No. You adapt, cope, figure out better ways to do things. I see that same tenacity and success to live independently in most of my friends who have disability.
The belief in the disability justice community is that every person has a right to community life and their disability is part of who they are. Think of disability as a characteristic like nationality, gender, height, weight. Each of us is different, and most of us who live long enough will experience disability at some point in their life. It is part of the whole of who we are.
Lynette Endicott, Author
Desert Breeze Publishing
"Where starting over is the path to romance".
Just Released - More than a Job
Coming August 21, 2012 - Animal Instincts
First of the Time after Time Saga with Tami Dee
Coming October 15, 2012 - Return of Joy
http://www.lynetteendicott.blogspot.com/
http://www.lynetteendicott.com/
March 6, 2012
More Than a Job -- tickle tease
-- Let's tickle your senses with this teaser --
Paige Hamilton is a survivor, forced into seeking a new life when her job and ten-year career end at the hands of a new company owner. Joshua Robinson, a handsome stranger, is the first to help her through that transition.
Joshua relocates to Missouri from New Mexico – at least temporarily – to help his family assimilate the newly purchased group homes. As a nurse he is uniquely qualified to examine the direct services provided to residents of the dozen locations where people with mental retardation live. His first day on the job he startles a sobbing woman in the parking lot, causing her to fall. After picking up her spilled belongings and patching up her skinned hands and knees, he is pleased that she writes her phone number on his hand.
Will Paige hate the man who cost her a job or choose to take the chance of falling in love with her rescuer?
March 5, 2012
What's Up This Week ...
Make no mistake, this is not a how to guide for dummies.
Lynette tells me that she was born in Illinois, went to college in Nebraska, moved to Kansas as a newlywed and stayed 25 years. Now she and her husband are in Fresno, CA.Oh, and while she was in Kansas she got her Masters degree from the University of San Francisco.
Lynette and I are offering a chance to win a free ebook copy of More Than a Job. The rules are simple -- visit Lynette's blog www.lynetteendicott.blogspot.com and become a follower, then leave a comment reminding Lynette that you have done so and her week of review here. Become a follower here and mention it in your comment and you are entered a second time. Easy. Lynette will assign her dog to select a winning name and the winner will be announced on Saturday, the 10th on both blogs, so be sure to check back to see if you won!
If you are reading this on your computer, Lynette can send the copy through your email and wala! You don't have to wait for the post man, you don't have to run to your favorite bookstore!
March 2, 2012
So you're wondering if you should Epublish ...
Just keep in mind that there was a time that any book not published by one of New York's big houses wasn't considered a real book either. Times are a changing folks and I'm not the only one saying so. I just have to share this with you. The following is by Gail Delaney, Editor-In-Chief of Desert Breeze Publishing (one of the up and coming Ebook publishers) in an informal discussion among authors of the publishing house.
… Mind you, there are some exceptionally successful self-published authors. Did you know Eragon -- a hugely popular YA fantasy novel -- was technically self-published? The parents of the young man who wrote it created a publishing company to produce it.
I realize as the owner of the company, some might see my view as tainted -- but remember, I was first an author with other houses.
Ebooks are your money makers. Book for book, you will make more on an ebook than a print book. That goes for traditional publishing, small press, wherever. The cost of producing an ebook is realized mostly before the book is published, and while it takes the sales of a few books to make up for the cost to the publisher it's not the same as a print book.
Print books have upfront costs, distribution costs, and manufacturing costs. The manufacturing costs hit every single book produced -- POD or not. We made the decision to keep our print prices on the lower side to encourage sales. Yes, both DBP and you make less per book, but if we SELL more books because they're more competitively priced then the bottom line is more attractive. Rather than making $1.00 a book for five books sold, you might make $.75 per book but sell twenty. You're ahead of the game.
When I tell people we publish ebooks, I never ever use phrases like "Only ebooks", "Just ebooks", etc. That diminishes the ebook. Present it from the get-go as the best possible means of reading a book and you'll convince people. "My book will be available in multiple electronic formats" sounds better than "It's an ebook."
Personally, I hardly EVER read print anymore. I find it cumbersome. And I like having a bunch of books to choose from at any given time on my iPad or Nook. And I tell people that. I tote the benefits, pluses, and reasons for ebook.
Gail R. Delaney
Editor-In-Chief
Desert Breeze Publishing
http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com/
In the same discussion, an ongoing discussion I might add this from one of our most successful authors.
Stepping back from my personal opinions and feelings, to look at the industry, I see this.
Book stores wouldn't have declined if sales hadn't dropped. Thriving businesses don't usually close their doors. There were reports of reading being down, of younger people not reading.
We may look back and see that eBooks saved the print books. It could be the best thing that ever happened to books. Book stores, libraries and reading had all declined to a certain degree.
Young readers love ebooks. I know seniors who do too. And ebook sales are up and still climbing. I see this as a good thing. More people reading and individuals reading more books.
Debra Parmley
western historical romance:
Dangerous Ties, release Feb 15, 2012, Desert Breeze Publishing
A Desperate Journey, March 2009, Samhain
contemporary romance:
Aboard the Wishing Star release Oct 2012, Desert Breeze Publishing
http://www.debraparmley.com/
… Mind you, there are some exceptionally successful self-published authors. Did you know Eragon -- a hugely popular YA fantasy novel -- was technically self-published? The parents of the young man who wrote it created a publishing company to produce it.
I realize as the owner of the company, some might see my view as tainted -- but remember, I was first an author with other houses.
Ebooks are your money makers. Book for book, you will make more on an ebook than a print book. That goes for traditional publishing, small press, wherever. The cost of producing an ebook is realized mostly before the book is published, and while it takes the sales of a few books to make up for the cost to the publisher it's not the same as a print book.
Print books have upfront costs, distribution costs, and manufacturing costs. The manufacturing costs hit every single book produced -- POD or not. We made the decision to keep our print prices on the lower side to encourage sales. Yes, both DBP and you make less per book, but if we SELL more books because they're more competitively priced then the bottom line is more attractive. Rather than making $1.00 a book for five books sold, you might make $.75 per book but sell twenty. You're ahead of the game.
When I tell people we publish ebooks, I never ever use phrases like "Only ebooks", "Just ebooks", etc. That diminishes the ebook. Present it from the get-go as the best possible means of reading a book and you'll convince people. "My book will be available in multiple electronic formats" sounds better than "It's an ebook."
Personally, I hardly EVER read print anymore. I find it cumbersome. And I like having a bunch of books to choose from at any given time on my iPad or Nook. And I tell people that. I tote the benefits, pluses, and reasons for ebook.
Gail R. Delaney
Editor-In-Chief
Desert Breeze Publishing
http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com/
In the same discussion, an ongoing discussion I might add this from one of our most successful authors.
Stepping back from my personal opinions and feelings, to look at the industry, I see this.
Book stores wouldn't have declined if sales hadn't dropped. Thriving businesses don't usually close their doors. There were reports of reading being down, of younger people not reading.
We may look back and see that eBooks saved the print books. It could be the best thing that ever happened to books. Book stores, libraries and reading had all declined to a certain degree.
Young readers love ebooks. I know seniors who do too. And ebook sales are up and still climbing. I see this as a good thing. More people reading and individuals reading more books.
Debra Parmley
western historical romance:
Dangerous Ties, release Feb 15, 2012, Desert Breeze Publishing
A Desperate Journey, March 2009, Samhain
contemporary romance:
Aboard the Wishing Star release Oct 2012, Desert Breeze Publishing
http://www.debraparmley.com/
March 1, 2012
Getting to know Joyce DiPastena author of Dangerous Favor
Me: So here we sit, me in my fuschia and blue and you in your fuschia and teal. Romance authors at ease.
I just have to know, since we like similiar colors, do we like similair writing background noises too? What music groups/artists blast from your CD player, if any, blast while you write?
Joyce: I can’t write to music or any noise in the background. I write my best in silence. (I guess I have enough voices going on in my head to keep me company!)
Me: Me too. I'm smiling and ask: What or who inspires you to write?
Joyce: Reading other books. I guess creativity feeds creativity.
Me: So true, Joyce why did you begin writing?
Joyce: I had this story in my head that I wanted someone to write so I could read it. I remember in college how I kept going to the bookstore and looking for that book, but none of the ones I found ever came close to the story I had in my head. I finally decided if I wanted to read that story, I’d have to write it myself. At first, I never intended to share that story with anyone, but of course, once a writer finishes a book, that almost irresistible itch to share it sets in.
Me: Tell me about your latest book, how did you come up with your premise for Dangerous Favor?
Joyce: I had a pair of secondary characters from an earlier book, two young men who were best friends, and I decided I wanted to write a dual romance for them. It’s hard to say where the premise came from beyond that. I always start with some characters who intrigue me, but I rarely know where they’re going when I begin a story. They prefer to reveal that to me along the way.
Me: For those who are not familiar with this story, would you please give us the blurb?
Joyce: Mathilde de Reivelle's father has been accused of stealing from the king, an allegation that has reduced her family to poverty. She has one chance to find and marry a man who can help her prove her father's innocence. Lord Therri, heir to a rich barony, has the wealth and connections Mathilde needs to delve into the mysteries of her father's past. Furthermore, Therri embodies all her romantic dreams.
Etienne, the younger son of a disgraced family, has neither wealth nor connections, but is smitten with Mathilde at a glance. She finds the knight intriguing, but believes he is only out to seduce her. While she seeks for a way to win Therri's attention, Etienne tricks her into granting him her favor, an embroidered white ribbon, for a tournament, setting in motion a dangerous chain reaction of events. Can Etienne save Mathilde from a nightmare from her past and prove himself the true hero of her dreams?
Me: How did you decide on the setting?
Joyce: I’ve always been fascinated with the Middle Ages, and with King Henry II of England in particular. Henry also ruled large areas of France, and when I decided I wanted to set a book during his reign, I realized that all the exciting political action was taking place in his lands in France rather than in England, so I thought that would prove a fertile playground to set my characters in.
Dangerous Favor is available right now on Amazon for $18.99. http://www.amazon.com/Dangerous-Favor-Joyce-DiPastena/dp/159992806X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1328493177&sr=8-1 (But often it’s on sale, so check.) It should also be available soon on BarnesandNoble.com, DeseretBook.com, and in Deseret Bookstores.
Joyce Twitters
Twitter: @JoyceDiPastena
I just have to know, since we like similiar colors, do we like similair writing background noises too? What music groups/artists blast from your CD player, if any, blast while you write?
Joyce: I can’t write to music or any noise in the background. I write my best in silence. (I guess I have enough voices going on in my head to keep me company!)
Me: Me too. I'm smiling and ask: What or who inspires you to write?
Joyce: Reading other books. I guess creativity feeds creativity.
Me: So true, Joyce why did you begin writing?
Joyce: I had this story in my head that I wanted someone to write so I could read it. I remember in college how I kept going to the bookstore and looking for that book, but none of the ones I found ever came close to the story I had in my head. I finally decided if I wanted to read that story, I’d have to write it myself. At first, I never intended to share that story with anyone, but of course, once a writer finishes a book, that almost irresistible itch to share it sets in.
Joyce: I had a pair of secondary characters from an earlier book, two young men who were best friends, and I decided I wanted to write a dual romance for them. It’s hard to say where the premise came from beyond that. I always start with some characters who intrigue me, but I rarely know where they’re going when I begin a story. They prefer to reveal that to me along the way.
Me: For those who are not familiar with this story, would you please give us the blurb?
Joyce: Mathilde de Reivelle's father has been accused of stealing from the king, an allegation that has reduced her family to poverty. She has one chance to find and marry a man who can help her prove her father's innocence. Lord Therri, heir to a rich barony, has the wealth and connections Mathilde needs to delve into the mysteries of her father's past. Furthermore, Therri embodies all her romantic dreams.
Etienne, the younger son of a disgraced family, has neither wealth nor connections, but is smitten with Mathilde at a glance. She finds the knight intriguing, but believes he is only out to seduce her. While she seeks for a way to win Therri's attention, Etienne tricks her into granting him her favor, an embroidered white ribbon, for a tournament, setting in motion a dangerous chain reaction of events. Can Etienne save Mathilde from a nightmare from her past and prove himself the true hero of her dreams?
Me: How did you decide on the setting?
Joyce: I’ve always been fascinated with the Middle Ages, and with King Henry II of England in particular. Henry also ruled large areas of France, and when I decided I wanted to set a book during his reign, I realized that all the exciting political action was taking place in his lands in France rather than in England, so I thought that would prove a fertile playground to set my characters in.
Dangerous Favor is available right now on Amazon for $18.99. http://www.amazon.com/Dangerous-Favor-Joyce-DiPastena/dp/159992806X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1328493177&sr=8-1 (But often it’s on sale, so check.) It should also be available soon on BarnesandNoble.com, DeseretBook.com, and in Deseret Bookstores.
Joyce Twitters
Twitter: @JoyceDiPastena
February 26, 2012
Joyce DiPastena's Bio
Joyce DiPastena moved from Utah to Arizona at the age of two, and grew up to be a dyed-in-the-fur desert rat. She first fell in love with the Middle Ages when she read Thomas B. Costaine’s The Conquering Family in high school. She attended the University of Arizona, where she graduated with a degree specializing in medieval history.
Joyce loves to play the piano and sing for her own amusement, and sings in her church choir. Other interests include reading, spending time with her sister, trying out new restaurants, and, unfortunately, buying new clothes. The highlight of her year is attending the Arizona Renaissance Festival, which she has not missed once in its twenty-four years of existence.
Joyce enjoys hearing from her readers and may be contacted at jdipastena@yahoo.com
You can also visit her on her website at http://www.joyce-dipastena.com/
keep up with her latest news on her JDP NEWS blog (http://jdp-news.blogspot.com/)
or follow along as she researches her novels at Medieval Research with Joyce (http://medievalresearch.blogspot.com/)
Joyce loves to play the piano and sing for her own amusement, and sings in her church choir. Other interests include reading, spending time with her sister, trying out new restaurants, and, unfortunately, buying new clothes. The highlight of her year is attending the Arizona Renaissance Festival, which she has not missed once in its twenty-four years of existence.
Joyce enjoys hearing from her readers and may be contacted at jdipastena@yahoo.com
You can also visit her on her website at http://www.joyce-dipastena.com/
keep up with her latest news on her JDP NEWS blog (http://jdp-news.blogspot.com/)
or follow along as she researches her novels at Medieval Research with Joyce (http://medievalresearch.blogspot.com/)
February 25, 2012
What's up next?
We get to meet Joyce Di pastena and find out about her latest release. I'm posting her bio tomorrow and an interview on the first of March. Don't forget to mark your calendars!
February 24, 2012
Where is Your Heart? by: Dorothy R. Crofts
also available at Barnes and Noble
February 23, 2012
Update:
My biography is posted with Desert Breeze Publishing this morning. Click on by to read it!
http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-template/ShaunnaGonzales/Page.bok&ct=ga&cad=CAcQARgBIAEoBDAAOABAzsKX-gRIAVgAYgVlbi1VUw&cd=U6Uk335ARkc&usg=AFQjCNEc1KItfClA7Cgmwj-JxrmN3vixGw
Really long link --- visit my author FB page for a shorter link.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Shaunna-Gonzales-Clean-Romance/230758263679200
I would love it if you decided to "like" my author page while you're there. Have a good day on me!
http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-template/ShaunnaGonzales/Page.bok&ct=ga&cad=CAcQARgBIAEoBDAAOABAzsKX-gRIAVgAYgVlbi1VUw&cd=U6Uk335ARkc&usg=AFQjCNEc1KItfClA7Cgmwj-JxrmN3vixGw
Really long link --- visit my author FB page for a shorter link.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Shaunna-Gonzales-Clean-Romance/230758263679200
I would love it if you decided to "like" my author page while you're there. Have a good day on me!
February 20, 2012
An Award! Why thank you.
Lynnette Endicott, a romance writer, has bestowed upon me what is called the Liebster Blog Award. What is the Liebster Blog Award?
Legend has it that The Liebster Blog Award originated in Germany. Liebster means dearest or beloved, and Liebe is love. The award is meant to encourage readership of small, lovable blogs with fewer than 200 followers. (Lovable! My blog is lovable! )
In accepting the Liebster Blog Award, the recipient agrees to thank the person who gave them the award, link back to that person's blog, a reveal five (5) snippets about themselves that readers may not know.
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Thank you to Lynette at http://lynetteendicott.blogspot.com/ for this award. It is nice to be acknowledged by ones peers. Visit Lynnette and become one of her followers, especially if you like clean reads!
Now I get to tell you 5 things about myself Hummm...
1) Although I am mobile (that means walking, not in a wheelchair or scooter), I've had Multiple Sclerosis for most of my life (first onset at age nineteen.)
2) My hubby and I will celebrate our 27th anniversary this May.
3) I am the mother of four beautiful children.
4) My mother's parents were both from Germany.
5) My family (mine and my hubby's) is a his and our family. His two daughters and our four children. Do I get to count three grandsons?
Legend has it that The Liebster Blog Award originated in Germany. Liebster means dearest or beloved, and Liebe is love. The award is meant to encourage readership of small, lovable blogs with fewer than 200 followers. (Lovable! My blog is lovable! )
In accepting the Liebster Blog Award, the recipient agrees to thank the person who gave them the award, link back to that person's blog, a reveal five (5) snippets about themselves that readers may not know.
.png)
Thank you to Lynette at http://lynetteendicott.blogspot.com/ for this award. It is nice to be acknowledged by ones peers. Visit Lynnette and become one of her followers, especially if you like clean reads!
Now I get to tell you 5 things about myself Hummm...
1) Although I am mobile (that means walking, not in a wheelchair or scooter), I've had Multiple Sclerosis for most of my life (first onset at age nineteen.)
2) My hubby and I will celebrate our 27th anniversary this May.
3) I am the mother of four beautiful children.
4) My mother's parents were both from Germany.
5) My family (mine and my hubby's) is a his and our family. His two daughters and our four children. Do I get to count three grandsons?
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This wreath I just finished. For sale at $25.00. Comment if you are interested in buying or if you were looking at another of my creations! ...
