Trailer and Talking with Maria Sadowski

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Today we are talking with Maria Sadowski, author of Kidnapped, a romantic science fiction due to be released May 11th thru Desert Breeze Publishing. So where's home for you?

I’m originally from Sweden and moved to Florida in late 2008. Today I live in the Tampa Bay area with my husband Mike and our three rescue dogs. I like it here, I like the weather and all the sunshine, but I do long for Sweden from time to time. I have always been writing and wanting to make books; when I was a little girl I made my mom staple bundles of colored papers together to resemble books. I was too little to be able to read or write, so I drew suns in them, and declared them to be the “Sun book.” They were all about the sun, and I bet she still has a box of them sitting in the basement. I guess it was the start of my fascination with space. (I also declared I wasn’t supposed to be on this planet. I told her it was all a giant mistake, and that my real family would come to bring me home to my own planet at any moment. Poor mom!)

I don't doubt that your mom is wonderful. So what do you do when you aren't creating "Sun books" or science fiction?

When I’m not writing I enjoy playing bass. I used to play in a couple of rock bands back home, but I haven’t made an effort to find a band since I moved to the US – I don’t have the time to rehearse on a regular basis. I still play, but nowadays it’s mostly for the dogs.

It seems a lot of authors have other creative talents. I've always dreamed (okay when I was young) of being in a band. Tell us more about growing up overseas.

I learned British English in school as a little girl, and one of my biggest challenges when it comes to writing for an American audience is the spelling. I write colour, labour, harbour, realise, defence, and a number of words like those with British spelling.

Thank goodness for the red underlining in Microsoft Word! I get a lot of red in my writing but I think is from my ffatt ffingers! Tell me, what do you love about your latest book?

“Kidnapped” is romantic science fiction. I enjoy the setting of space, and I love the characters. Travis is a very reluctant hero, and even when he decides to try to do the right thing it takes him a while to get the hang of it. I’m also very fond of the bad guy – or gal – Veronica; she’s the epitome of determination and will stop at nothing to get things her way.

I love the name Travis for a hero. Actually I think that is because I left my Travis in quite a bind in one of my upcoming novels. Funny, he doesn't think he's much of a hero either … Tell us about your all time favorite character (of your creating.) Is he/she modeled after a real person?

My all-time favorite character is Stephan Forks in the Goddess’s Saga. He’s not modeled after a real person, but he’s a big personality. He has his flaws, some of them rather big, but he always comes through for the heroine and makes things right. I know exactly what all the characters in those books look like in my head, and to me, writing about them is revisiting old friends.

(Me smiling reminiscently) friends that we sometimes miss. How does it feel when you write?

I am so happy when I write, it becomes an obsession. I enter my own little world populated by my characters, and I don’t want to do anything else. Everything in normal life becomes unwelcome distractions keeping me away from my imaginary friends… I am very fortunate to have an understanding husband; he knows I’ll snap out of it eventually.

Ahh. That is why they are friends, they make you happy, just as mine do me. Do you get ideas for your stories from places you visit, or do you visit places to flesh out your stories?

I get ideas for my stories from everything I see around me. I have an old SUV, and recently when I drove to the supermarket I heard a weird rumbling noise. Looking around I couldn’t see anything outside the car, and the only explanation I could think of was my muffler springing a sudden leak, or why not the entire engine deciding to fall out of the car. It turned out to be a big motorbike sneaking around in my blind spot – I couldn’t even see the guy from my window until I got a red light and he came up next to me. We were going in the same direction and it stirred my imagination, so when I came home I started typing away on a new story where this happens, but the guy on the bike follows the girl in the car… Mwuahahaha!

You are so deliciously wicked … What heat rating would you give your novel?

I would rate “Kidnapped” as Warm –it's cute, but doesn’t contain any explicit love scenes.

Is that how you would classify your life?

Yes, my life is warm too. I am very fortunate to have a romantic husband who impromptu brings me flowers and presents when I least expect it.

Yum! Does he give lessons? Oh we better ask him instead of you. Where can we find you?

Website: http://www.hammarblad.com/
Blog: http://www.hammarblad.blogspot.com/
Maria's blog link is: http://www.scifiromance.info/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariahammarblad
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/mariahammarblad

Purchase link... It will be available here: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-292/Kidnapped-Maria-Hammarblad/Detail.bok
 but not until May 11.

Tickle Tease Tuesday

(Excerpt is unedited and used by permission of the author.)

Kidnapped

Everyone chosen for the corps was taught at young ages never to feel bored, and never to be lonely. Travis could spend years alone in his craft without anything to do or anyone to talk to. And still, here he was, chatting with a prisoner from a planet so remote most people had forgotten about it.


Giving the young woman a thoughtful glance, he decided he knew all he needed to, more than he had ever wanted to, and it was time to go. He rose up agilely and was surprised to hear her voice call out, "No, wait, please don't leave me alone!"

It was tempting to look back, but he didn't; he marched out into the corridor with its endless rows of cells. A voice from his memory echoed in his head. It was his commanding officer snarling, "Such a pathetic little creature."

He heard a woman's scream, one of many imprints in his brain that would never go away, and his commander's quiet laugh. Through the commotion in his mind, he could also hear the real but muffled sound of Patricia crying on the other side of the wall. Shaking his head made the imagined noises go away, but the weeping was still there. He turned abruptly and entered the cell again. "Don't do that."

Patricia lifted her face up and sniffled, "Don't do what?"

He felt a frown forming, "The thing with your eyes."

She was trying to shout at him, but her voice cracked, and he felt an unfamiliar twinge of sympathy when he heard the forlorn, "I'll stop if you take me home. I didn't do anything."

Shrugging slightly, he answered amiably, "I know. You're really useless, aren't you?"

Website: http://www.hammarblad.com/
Maria's blog link is: http://www.scifiromance.info/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariahammarblad
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/mariahammarblad

Purchase link... It will be available here: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-292/Kidnapped-Maria-Hammarblad/Detail.bok

but not until May 11.

Contesting Monday

This week the spotlight is on Maria Sadowski and her new release Kidnapped.
Being the awesomely wonderful person Maria is, she is offering a e-copy of her book as a prize this week. Don't mistake this one for the classic! They are not the same.

How to win:

1) Become a follower here if you haven't already. If you are already a follower, leave a comment.
2) Become a follower of Maria's
3) If you would like an additional chance to win, leave a comment !
4) Tweet, Tell a friend on Facebook or email.
5) Maria's links are below let us know where you have shared for extra entries!
Website: http://www.hammarblad.com/
Blog: http://www.hammarblad.blogspot.com/
Maria's blog link is: http://www.scifiromance.info/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariahammarblad
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/mariahammarblad

Purchase link... It will be available here: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-292/Kidnapped-Maria-Hammarblad/Detail.bok
but not until May 11.

My inspiration for this week!

http://www.wimp.com/casanovaprank/

I just love this little guy! How many amores did you pick up at his age?

A glimpse at what's coming.

You'll never think of being kidnapped quite the same way again.

Winner!

Congratulations to this weeks winner, Wendy Jones. Wendy wins a copy of The Keeper's Calling, by this weeks guest, Kelly Nelson. Wendy, please contact me with your physical address so that I can forward it to Kelly and she can get your prize to you.
Congrats and thank you everyone for your comments this week. Visit again as I'm sure yet another guest in the future will offer a similiar prize.

Sizzling Saturday

Today's kiss is from Kelly Nelson and the Keeper's Calling.

I watched Ellie take one step away. Then I said, “Wait!” I reached out to grab her arm and turned her to face me again. I stepped closer and tipped her chin up, forcing her to look at me. I looked into the depths of her eyes and tried to see why it was so important for her to be here, for her to leave me. But I found no answers in her pained expression.


Ignoring the pain in my back, I lifted my left arm and held her face softly in my hands. I gently traced the line of her cheekbone with my thumb. My fingers moved behind her neck, and I leaned forward to brush her lips with mine, gently at first, testing the waters.

“I’ve wanted to do that since the first night I saw you,” I whispered.

I turned so my back sheltered her from the icy wind. Before she could tell me to stop, I kissed her again. She kissed me back at first, but the kiss held no promise of a future together. It felt more like a kiss goodbye.

Her body stiffened the moment before she looked down. She placed her hand on my chest and pushed me away, not looking me in the eyes. “It’s cold. I should go. Goodbye, Chase.”

She turned and hurried toward the white house. Stunned, I watched as she opened the gate, then walked up the porch steps and through the front door, never once looking back. I think deep down I expected her to change her mind. Slowly, I turned into the wind. And for the first time in more years than I could remember, I cried.

Fickle Friday with more from Kelly Nelson

Are there any fun tid-bits about this story you can share with us? I used my own home and location as the building blocks for my setting. My son and daughter attend Hillsboro High School, the same as Chase Harper in my novel.


Also, the lecture Chase Harper refers to in the first chapter of my book is the same one I’ve heard my husband give to my kids.

Do you have a link where we can access the book discussion questions? A collection of discussion questions is available on my website @ http://www.kellynelsonauthor.com/

What is the purchase link (and cost)?

The Keeper’s Calling is available on Amazon for $12.31 at the following link: http://www.amazon.com/Keepers-Calling-Saga-Kelly-Nelson/product-reviews/1599928442/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

Let's get Personal with Kelly Nelson

Where were you born? St. Paul, Minnesota

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? I would stay right where I am. I may not have the fanciest house or the biggest barn, but I have a covered arena, a roof over my head, and the location is beautiful. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

What are you most passionate about, other than writing? I love my two horses—Texas and Fancy. From the time I was three I wished for a horse on every birthday candle blowing, every first star I saw and every wishbone I broke. When I was 16 my dad finally gave in and bought me Misty, a thoroughbred mare and ultimately the mother of Texas. She had come off the race track and loved to run. More than once she took the bit in her mouth and ran full-speed down the canal frontage road while I hung on for dear life. She was a lot of horse and I learned through trial and error how to be a horseperson. I’ve now owned her foal, Texas, longer than I’ve known my husband and can hardly bear the thought of someday losing her.

My sister had a horse named Fancy but my horse's name was Silky Susie. See we have a bit in common! Name some of your most favorite things. I love looking at the moon, walking on the beach, exploring a new trail on horseback, going on a date with my husband and chocolate.

Let's find out a bit about Kelly's writing.

What or who inspires you to write? I believe in divine assistance and the power of prayer. Although the motivation to write came from within me, the inspiration regarding what to write came in direct answer to prayer. I knew before I started my first novel that I didn’t have the natural ability to do it on my own and knelt in prayer to ask for help.

Very nicely said. Why did you begin writing? I simply wanted to see if I could—you know, actually put together 80,000 words and have them make sense and be interesting to read. I had wanted to write a book since I was 15 years old. Over the years I had started and abandoned two different novels. With my 39th birthday looming on the horizon, I figured I’d better get going on writing that novel if I wanted any hope of making it a reality.

Are you looking at my notes for an interview in August? No cheating! What do you find most rewarding about writing? The most rewarding thing is the feeling of excitement and exhilaration I get from knowing I created something. The year I spent writing The Keeper’s Saga was the happiest year of my life—I was healthier and had more energy than at any other time. I love completing a novel and then reading it through from start to finish for the first time.

I like your reason. You truly seem to write for the love of writing. When is your next book due out, and what’s it about? The sequel to The Keeper’s Calling is scheduled to be released in September 2012 and follows Chase Harper’s life and adventures as a Keeper through the second semester of his senior year.

How did you come up with your premise for the Keeper's Calling? I always knew I wanted to incorporate time travel in my story. I started out working on a middle-grade novel idea, but I quickly realized that with the amount of time I would be spending thinking about it, I wanted to be daydreaming about someone a little more attractive than a 13 yr old kid. The answer to my dilemma came in the form of Chase Harper—my studly high school senior. Additionally, in my experience the most enjoyable thing in life is falling in love, so of course I had to give Chase a love interest—Ellie Williams the girl he rescues in 1863.

Tell us more.
The first chapter to The Keeper’s Calling is posted on my publisher’s blog:

http://www.walnutspringspress.blogspot.com/2012/03/keepers-calling-first-chapter.html

Cover and blurb for "the Keeper's Calling"

 They come from two different worlds. One fateful discovery will bring them together. Neither of their lives will ever be the same.

Chase Harper’s to-do list for senior year never included “fall in love” and “fight for your life,” but things rarely go as planned. Tarnished gold and resembling a pocket watch, the counter he finds in a cave during the summer of 2011 will forever change the course of his life, leading him to the beautiful Ellie Williams and unlocking a power beyond his wildest imagination.

In 1863, Ellie Williams completes school in Boston and returns to the Utah Territory only to discover that her grandfather and his counter, a treasured family heirloom, are missing. When Ellie is abducted and told she must produce the counter or die, an unexpected rescuer comes to her aid.

Tease ... yeah and a Tickle too!

Bet ya'll thought we weren't going to have a giveaway this week... gotcha.
This week we are changing contest rules and wanted to get your attention. The rules are:
1) Be sure you are a follower here.
2) "Like" Kelly's Keeper's Saga Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/#!/TheKeepersSaga
3) Leave a comment here telling us you have done both.
4) Extra chance to win--- invite a friend to visit and join the contest. For every friend that mentions you (First and Last name) in a comment, you both recieve an extra chance to win.
Sound fun? Yeah, we thought so, too.
Winner will be announced on Saturday of this week.
Good luck and check back often for more chances to win!

Now for today's tease from The Keeper's Calling.
(Excerpt used by permission.)

I stared back at her. My mind churned. Why was she asking about the date? Her clothes. The way she talked. The vaqueros, as she called them. The lack of people around. The only answer I came up with seemed too unrealistic. Surely my imagination had run wild. Or maybe I still suffered from the effects of heatstroke. I quickly dismissed the idea. “It was yesterday—August 24, 2011.”


Although still far away, the Indians were making slow but steady progress toward us. I watched her, waiting for her response. She dejectedly sat down and pulled out the pistol. Her elbows rested on her knees. She leaned forward. “Give me your hand.”

I held my hand out. She touched the gold device to my finger, and immediately the light turned on inside. “So you’re it, then,” she said. “The new Keeper. It was supposed to be me, you know. Grandfather talked for years about giving it to me. The counter will only light up for its true Keeper.”

Closing it, I pushed the gold device toward her and pulled my hand away. “Well, I’m giving it to you, so don’t feel bad. It’s yours now.”

She shook her head and pointed the gun at me. “It’s not that easy, Mr. Harper. You can’t give it away. Once you’ve used it, you’re the Keeper of the counter. Until you’re dead, that is. It won’t work for anyone else. I’d have to kill you if I wanted to use it.”

I eyed the gun barrel waving in front of my face. “Great,” I muttered. Stepping away from her, I pulled my baseball cap off and gave my sweaty head a good scratch. Maybe she was crazy. It couldn’t be a good sign that she openly talked about killing me. I would have to take the gun from her. I imagined I could easily overpower her and get it, but my timing would need to be impeccable. A split second was all she needed to pull the trigger.

Hooked? Yeah, me too.

This week we're meeting Kelly Nelson.

Kelly Nelson was raised in Orem, Utah, and now resides in Cornelius, Oregon, in the heart of the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She enjoys life on a ten-acre horse property with her husband, four children, and, of course, lots of horses. Kelly has a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University. She worked as a certified public accountant for several years before opting to stay home and raise a family. As a young girl, she was an avid reader and had a passion for creative writing. Her travels to England, France, Egypt, Israel, West Indies, Mexico, and across the United States sparked a love of history, adventure, and exotic places. This led to the inspiration behind her debut novel, The Keeper’s Calling, the first book in The Keeper’s Saga. Learn more about Kelly and her upcoming books at kellynelsonauthor.com

The Keeper’s Calling is Kelly's debut novel and the first book in The Keeper’s Saga. It is young adult speculative fiction—in essence a romantic adventure story that defies the bounds of time.

The book is published by a small LDS Publisher and its content is appropriate for all ages. People who are 8 to 85 have enjoyed The Keeper’s Calling.-

Sizzling Saturday

First order of business --- drum roll please --- and the winner of a hard copy of Earthbound by this weeks guest, Theresa Sneed, is: Peggy Urry! Congratulations!

And from ... Earthbound.
No one asked Sophie to stand up against the dissenters. It just seemed like the right thing to do. She smiled as Saunders kissed the woman lightly on her lips, and wondered if she could ever be so lucky. That’s when she saw him again—Mr. Piercing Blue Eyes. It happened so fast, she had no time to react. He grabbed her and threw her to the ground covering her with his strong body. Even as she fell, she looked into his eyes, still filled with anger, but now mingled with concern. He cradled her head as it hit the hard ground and then rolled off her and jumped back up. What? It confused and embarrassed her. Why had he done that? The answer came quick as she saw the tiny energy emissions explode against his shoulders. She scooted back and fumbled with her guard-screen as Spencer pulled more energy emissions out of his pocket and tossed them into the air. Sophie gasped—her body shook all over. If those energy emissions had hit my face—she pushed the unpleasant thought aside and scurried to her feet, but the dissenters had launched their final attack for the day and had scattered.

Fickle Friday filled with Theresa's info

Theresa's main website is http://www.theresasneed.com/
Purchase link for Amazon Kindle and paperback are http://www.amazon.com/No-Angel-Theresa-Sneed/dp/1935217968/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_i
Other places to purchase will be Deseret Book, Latter Day Cottage, Barnes & Noble


Okay, so if Earthbound goes to press the second week of April, it'll still take another two-three weeks to get to Amazon and the rest...

I have a new marketing post at http://theresasneed.com/seo-quake-a-great-tool

Oh and folks, this last link may prove to be my personal favorite!

Thirsty 4 Thursday

I am a writer—yes! I love what I do, but I am equally, a marketer too. My hope is that one day, I’ll be able to say, I’m a 90% writer and 10% marketer, but realistically, I do not see that happening for a few years while I build up my author platform. That in mind, I have been working as a 90% marketer for the past two months as I learn the ropes about marketing my books. However, I can say that I’m close to getting back to what I love best. In the meantime, I read, and research, and improve. My latest venture is my two week old website, which because of my efforts receives about 200 visitors a day. The secret is using the tools made available like permalinks and backlinks, but mostly by keeping fresh content up on my site. I’m doing an experiment right now and recording the hits I get within a 24-hour period. What I’ve discovered is that when I post fresh content—I get visitors, but it drops off slightly between posts. My new author website is at http://www.theresasneed.com/

Theresa, I am hoping you will return and share your marketing skills.

Wednesday Blurb

Walnut Spring Press has not yet officially released the book blurb.

Earthbound takes place in heaven—a perfect place, beautiful and serene in every way, except one. As the time draws near for the first of the spirits to leave their home in heaven, a group of dissenters called the No Choicers begins to appear at every Blue Planet Planning Meeting, hotly asserting that compulsory choice is safer than freedom to choose.


Sophie and Daniel are members of the Freedom Fighters, a group who oppose the No Choice movement. It is during one of the No Choicers’ tirades outside a planning meeting that Sophie first encounters Daniel, a leader of the Freedom Fighters. But the handsome and ostentatious Coe, a leader of the No Choice movement, also has his sights on Sophie and will stop at nothing to claim her as his.

Tickle Tease Tuesday

Sophie dangled her leg over the side of the hammock and pressed her head back against the pillow. A copy of Mystery on the Blue Planet lay open beside her and she mused on its captivating and profound words. It was indeed her favorite of all the fictional books written about the blue planet—and she hoped that at least half of it would turn out to be true. Imagine a new world—different from heaven, but still kind of the same, she thought. She glanced at the rich foliage on either side of the hammock then ran her fingers down the edge of its finely-threaded strands of crystal—woven soft as air and clear as the sky above. A blue light flashed on the event indicator strapped to her upper arm, and she glanced down at it as a message appeared.


ATTN all Freedom Fighters:
Your presence is requested in front of the
Blue Planet Planning Meeting, STAT

Sophie threw her other leg over the side of the hammock and stood up. She closed the book and grabbed her purse. She unsnapped it and peered inside. Ah, there it is. She touched the shimmery material of her guard-screen folded neatly inside a pocket. Hopefully, I won’t need this, she thought as she snapped her purse shut. She slung it over her shoulder then transwilled to the front lawn outside the planning meeting.

From Heaven to Earth to Earthbound

From Heaven to Earth has officially been re-christened Earthbound by the editor at Walnut Springs Press so we are giving away a chance to win Earthbound.
Don't worry kids, sounds like we are just doing last minute tweaks for the first run of this book.

Contesting Monday

Doing it again. A book give away/contest. Read the rules closely as our rules have changed!
This week we are giving away a copy of Theresa Sneed's From Heaven to Earth.

Become a follower here if you aren't already.
Follow Theresa at her website. www.theresasneed.com
Your name will be entered aditional times for each original comment you leave throughout the week.
The winner will be posted on the Sizzling Saturday post, even if all that sizzles is your name!

Queen in Exile Review and something special!

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 love the tension that Donna so delicately develops. She is a master.

I give this novel an energetic four stars.


Today I stumbled across an intimate conversation between Donna Hatch and Kai (A fictioanl character whom I have loved for sooo long.) Let's see it from her point of view.

Walking toward the arena where the knights have just finished training, I wave to a tall, dark-haired knight who is handing his gear to a squire, and I call, "Captain Darkwood, may I have a moment?"


Kai turns toward me with his famous, heart-stopping grin, and lets his gaze rove up and down me as he approaches. "Of course, fair one. What would you ask of me?" he asks in his lovely, Darborian accent, faintly reminiscent of Irish. His brilliant blue eyes narrow as he comes to a stop within arms' length. "You are familiar to me. Have we met?"

I'd almost forgotten how handsome he is and I stammer, "W-Well, yes, I'm your author."

"But of course. You look more beautiful than ever. That gown is much more flattering than those strange leggings you usually wear."

"Yes, well, no one is supposed to look good in sweats."

He cocks his head to the side. "Tell me, why do you lock yourself away hour after hour?"

"Um, well, to write about you. And this interview is about you, not me."

"But you are so much more interesting than I."

"Now Kai, I know you are a very private person, but I promise I'll keep my questions general; nothing terribly personal."

His blue eyes twinkle as he folds his muscular arms over his broad chest. "You already know everything about me."

"Yes, but my readers don't."

"Very well. I will agree to this interview. If I dislike any question you ask, I will simply kiss you to make you forget." A cocky grin tugs at his lips.

I blush deeply, unwilling to confess exactly how much I'd like to be kissed by the gorgeous Kai Darkwood, and manage an outraged, "Kai! I'm married!"

"A pity."

"Don't try to turn your legendary charm on me, Kai Darkwood, I wrote you."

"Or did I simply tell you what to write?"

Refusing to admit how much I've dreamed about him and how often it did seem as if he told me what to write, I take a breath to steady my knees. "Back to the interview. Would you please explain exactly what is a Sauraii warrior?"

"Very well. A Sauraii Warrior is highly trained in weaponry, battle tactics, and hand-to-hand combat. It takes most people several years to complete the course. Some never finish at all."

"But you finished it in record time."

Kai shrugs modestly. "My father did, as well."

"Please tell us why you're here in Arden, instead of in Darbor where you live."

"My king commanded me to come train the knights of Arden out of concern for his friend and ally, the King of Arden."

"Why?"

"Arden has enjoyed a century of peace and has developed an abhorrence to violence, even training in self-defense. Their knights train out of tradition, but not out of real desire. Their skills are very limited which makes them vulnerable to enemy attack."

"And they're in danger of enemy attack?"

"Our spies have told us the barbarians of Hanore plan to attack after spring thaw. We have much to do and little time."

"Tell me, what is your impression of Princess Jeniah?"

Kai shifts uncomfortably. "She is lovely, and has graciously forgiven me for our....misunderstanding upon our first meeting."

"She intrigues you?"

He stiffens. "She is royalty. There can be nothing between us. It's just as well." His fingers move unconsciously to a lock of braided hair hanging around his neck, and a fleeting, haunting look appears in his eyes. When he catches me looking, he masks the brief display of emotion.

Very softly, I ask, "Will you ever let down those walls around your heart?"

There is a brief look of alarm, then a devilish light enters his eye as his irrepressible grin slips back into place. "I think it is time I kissed you."

Reminding myself I'm married, even while I wonder if kissing a fictional character counts, I turn and run, almost tripping over the skirts of my medieval-style gown. Kai's laughter chases my retreat.

Betsy' Personal Sizzle

Congratulations to TINA SCOTT, this weeks winner!

DeWalt is my very own SOULFIRE. He's been the light of my life. The first time he kissed me goodnight over thirty-five years ago melted my heart. I knew from the time I was thirteen that this was the young man I wanted for eternity. My friends all told me I was crazy because he is five years older than I am. He graduated the year before I even started high school. He left on his mission a year later and I pined for him. When he returned he got engaged to someone else and I kind of gave up on that dream of marrying him. I got engaged, too. My family did not approve of my choice and his family did not approve of his. Through a series of "manipulations" both from our respective parents and from other "spiritual" sources he broke off his engagement and I broke off mine. To say that our first kiss was a sizzle is an understatement. When we were standing at the doorstep after our fourth date and he tenderly pressed his lips to mine, I knew beyond a doubt that this was the man I wanted with all my heart! That was in August of 1976. Now almost thirty-five years he sizzles me with his kisses and showers me with his love and affections. I cannot imagine my life without this man.
Betsy Love

Announcing the Winner and...

Congratulations to: TINA SCOTT
This weeks prize is a Costco size bag of Ghirardelli's chocolate.

Now for more questions to Betsy...


 Have you experienced writer’s block? And if so, how did you cure it?
Writer’s block is a natural part of the writing process. When I first started writing and I’d get stuck I’d go back and edit and re-edit what I’d written. Now when I’m stuck, I interview my character on paper. For instance, I have this one character named David. I knew his story, but I just couldn’t’ figure out how to start the book. This went on for weeks. Finally one day I sat down at the computer and typed this:

ME:David, who the heck are you and what is it you want? I picture you as a Jewish man living in Babylon. But for some reason every time I visualize you I see a blond haired, blue eyed boy.

DAVID: That’s because I’m not Jewish, I’m Scandinavian.

ME: What? How in the heck then did you end up Jewish?

And of course from there David unfolded this amazing story of how he came to be not only Jewish but a translated immortal being. I’m still writing that story.

When is your next book due out, and what’s it about?
Well, if you’re talking about Soulfire, it should be out like any second! I keep checking Amazon.com to see if it’s available.

http://www.amazon.com/Soulfire-Betsy-Love/dp/1599928523/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334115708&sr=8-1

About Your latest book: How did you come up with your premise for Soufire?

That’s a good question. I loved writing short stories. This novel originally started as a short story. I loved the character so much that I wanted to expand what I’d written.

Are there any fun tid-bits about this story you can share with us?

When I wrote this story I knew how I wanted it to end, and I knew loosely what would happen in the middle, however as I started writing I had a character show up in chapter 2. I had no idea who Rachael was, other than there she was in the middle of the market with 5 children. (I took out two of them as she’s certainly not old enough to have that many.) As I wrote the scene I honestly didn’t have any idea what to do with her. I left her in, thinking I’d probably have to write her out at some point down the line. What happened as I continued to write was that she had a pivotal role to play in the story. I learned that she was a harlot and Zephenia’s love interest visited her, a lot!

How did you decide on the setting?

The setting was easy. Since it’s a Book of Mormon novel and the research of the day placed the history of these people in Mesoamerica I knew I wanted to stay true to that setting. The research was a lot of fun. I spent close to three years reading everything I could get my hands on about the people of the part of the world.

Is there a message in Soulfire you want readers to grasp?

The central theme of Soulfire goes along with the Young Women’s Theme in the LDS church—which is: “I will stand as His witness at all times, in all things and in all places.”

What is the purchase link (and cost)?

http://www.amazon.com/Soulfire-Betsy-Love/dp/1599928523/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334115708&sr=8-1

Can you tell us what review of your story meant the most to you and why.

Heather B. Moore (H.B. Moore) has written several Book of Mormon novels. I asked her if she would be willing to read the manuscript (the one I gave to my publisher prior to my editor’s revisions) and give me an endorsement. I was thrilled when she sent this back to me:

“Zephenia finds herself in the middle of a religious revolt in the city of Nephi. Torn between her family’s wishes and following the believers to a place they can worship freely, Zephenia must decide if she has the courage to stand up for her heart’s true desire. Soulfire is an edge-of-your-seat adventure mixed with a sprinkle of romance. I wasn’t able to turn pages fast enough until I learned Zephenia’s fate.” –H.B. Moore, Best of State &Whitney Award Winning Author.

As for reviews, the one that meant the most to me was for my book Identity in Deseret News. The reviewer is someone I don’t know. And I heard a rumor that the reviewers rarely give good reviews. So for Mike Whitmer to give me such a glowing review made me smile for days on end. You can read the review here:

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705396927/Book-review-Identity-is-a-mystery-of-twin-proportions.html

Fickle Friday

Betsy and I are comparing stories today. Hope you'll feel free to share one of your own too. Betsy, where were you born?


In a hospital that no longer exists in St. Johns, Arizona. This little town was hardly even heard of before Salt River Project took an interest in parking their power plant there. Not that it’s a thriving metropolis now—I think the cows still outnumber the people 100 to 1.

That just might beat my being born in a resthome for the aged! (for those of you unfamilar with my story, see my profile on the left sidebar.)
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

That’s an easy question. There are two places that have always intrigued me. I love the look, the weather, the people, the scenery of New Zealand. But I hear it’s pretty expensive. My other choice would be Australia because of its political climate.

I too would like to try Autralia, but not for the same reasons. I think my draw is an awesome series that my family has recently gotten hooked on. Can I live on a station and just ride horses? No chores for me, I know how hard that can be and shearing sheep? Ugh.
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?

I even wrote a short story about this. We had this pesky mouse that was terrorizing our home. We’d see him scamper across the floor when we’d least suspect him. He’d chew on everything, especially in the middle of the night keeping us awake. One afternoon, I saw him run behind a cookie sheet I had propped behind the kitchen sink to dry. I slipped a cup on either side and caught him. I took him directly into the bathroom and proceeded to flush him down. Who knew that mice were such good swimmers? That little bugger would NOT go down. All of the children had gathered round to watch its demise. After about the third flush my husband reached into the toilet and picked him up by the tail. “Any creature with that much will to live deserves to.” He took the mouse outside and let it go on the bank of the canal. In my mind I pictured some feral cat making a meal of that mouse. Shortly thereafter we procured a cat!

EEk! my sister once had a mouse try to build a nest in her hair while she was sleeping!

Thirsting thisThursday for more about Betsy? Thirst no more!

What’s your favorite color?

Purple, hands down. I love all shades of it! My bedroom is done in purple and sage green. It’s such a peaceful place to be—that is when I clean it.

What music groups/artists blast from your CD player while you write?
None! I am a total solitary, quiet writer. I will listen to music before I start writing to inspire me, but once I’m in my writing mode, I want it quiet. Well, except for that annoying pop in the background from http://sprintwriters.blogspot.com/. This fun place to hang out is a great place to sprint with fellow writers.

What are you most passionate about, other than writing?
The Gospel of Jesus Christ and my faith! Everything I write ties into truths taught by the master.

Name some of your most favorite things.
DARK CHOCOLATE, Cheetos, a sunset, reading (duh-what writer doesn’t love it?), sleep and sleeping in, romantic comedy movies, hanging out with my husband. And if you promise not to tell, I used to play World of Warcraft quite a bit. I’ve had to give it up to pursue more writing time. (And I wondered why she wanted to give chocolate as a prize this week!)

What’s your favorite Bible verse or verse that has sustained you recently and why?
There are so many, but the one that stands out the most is John 3:16 For God so love the world that He gave his only begotten son that whoso believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.

This verse sums up the whole reason we have a Savior. Someday I hope to kneel before him and feel the prints in his hands and bathe his feet with my tears.

Why did you begin writing?

I can’t think of a time I didn’t love to write—well, except for all those college papers you have to write. I was so thrilled when I finally graduated and could write what I wanted to write, not what some professor wanted to hear.

What was your favorite book growing up that inspired you to try your hand at writing?
The first book I ever remember reading all by myself was Paddington the Bear. I tell a whole story about it on my podcast with Author Theresa Sneed. You can listen to it here:
http://sweetpeasinawriterpodcast.blogspot.com/2012/03/sweet-peas-podcast-launch.html

What do you find most rewarding about writing?
Feedback from readers. Because writing is such a lonely profession, it’s so wonderful when you hear that what you wrote inspired someone.

Wednesday's Trailor and Blurb(s)

Here's the link to Identity, betsy's first novel.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3i19kPDeJ8U 

Identity is a romantic mystery or is it a mystery romance?

 Here is the back cover blurb for Identity.

Two young women, similar in looks, are on vacation when their companions cross paths. It starts a chain reaction of mistaken identities that throws Amelia, the wealthy heiress, and Savannah, the beautiful Mormon girl, together on the same flight. They come to understand why the bizarre events have placed them into turmoil. As soon as they land, they resolve to right the wrongs. Their flight is cut short when their plane crashes and plunges one of them into a world of intrigue and deceit where identity means everything.

And here is the back cover blurb for Soulfire:


It is 148 BC, and the city of Nephi is ruled by the wicked King Noah and his corrupt priests. Zephenia’s father has turned to his drink after the death of her mother, and her younger sister Sari dreams of living in the king’s palace. When the family’s hut is destroyed and the sisters are unjustly imprisoned, Zephenia wonders if God has forgotten her. If they survive their tribulations, whom will her father choose as her husband? The only unmarried believer she knows is Gideon, and he is smitten with Sari.

Zephenia's thoughts keep drifting to Alma, the handsome high priest she met while gathering herbs in the jungle. She senses a goodness about him, yet because he is a priest in Noah's court, she knows he couldn't possible be a righteous man. But when the prophet Abinadi is martyred and Zephenia must decide between her faith and her family.

Tickle Tease Tuesday

(Excerpt is unedited and used by permission.)

Zephenia’s throat constricted. He couldn’t be leaving

now—not again. The last time the Lamanites invaded their
lands, they had killed Esther’s father when he went out
to protect the borders, and the poor family had to leave
their home to live with other relatives. Now, the only time
Zephenia got to see Esther was on Sabbath mornings, and
then only in passing. Zephenia didn’t want to end up like
that.
She crossed the spacious room and wrapped her arms
as far as they would reach around her father’s thick waist.
Her heart pounded as she looked up at him. If he left, he
might never come back.
Her father planted a kiss on the top of her head. “What
are you doing up?” he asked.
“Don’t go.” Zephenia buried her face in his tunic. She
could smell his oiled chest-piece, along with the balche
he’d been drinking.
“I’ll be back shortly, and if you hurry and fall sleep, it
will be like I never left you.” The flickering lamp reflected
in Father’s golden brown eyes.
“Mother, tell him not to go.” Zephenia looked up into
her mother’s face.
“The Lord will protect him.” Mother’s fingers stroked
the top of Zephenia’s head.
She wished that just once her mother wouldn’t be
brave, wouldn’t rely on faith. Just once she could demand
that Father not go.

http://betsyloveldsauthor.blogspot.com/
Pre-order through Amazon! click this link!
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1599928523


Don't forgewt to leave a comment for a chance to win this weeks prize!
(See Contesting Monday for official rules.)

Contesting Monday

This week I'm spotlighting Betsy Love-Making a difference one inspirational story at a time.


I’ve always loved the story of Abinadi and Alma, the Elder’s conversion from the Book of Mormon and have often wondered what it would be like to live during that time. Many times I’ve questioned my own faith and wondered if I would have the strength to withstand the persecution which have always fallen upon the saints.

Soulfire-A Book of Mormon Novel was actually one of the first books I’ve ever written. The story takes place about 150 years before the birth of Christ and follows Zephenia’s struggles of trying to remain true to her faith in spite of the evil around her. When she meets Alma, a wicked high priest of King Noah, Zephenia is drawn to him, but she knows she could never truly consider him because of his visits to Rachael, the harlot.While Zephenia and her family are fictitious characters, many of the characters are real people from the Book of Mormon.

Identity, my first novel published in July 2011, is a suspense/romance. My mother began reading a story with a similar plot line when I was about 10 years old. She never finished the story. Years later I was telling my daughter, Sarah, about the story and how sad I was that she never finished it. My amazing 10 year old daughter said, “So write your own ending.” And that, my friends, is how Identity was born.

The most fun part of the whole story is that Sarah is now an adult and looks very much like the cover model of my book. It was fun to use her in my trailer. Then when the cover came out for Soulfire, I once again planned on using my daughter in my book trailer. That will probably come in a couple of weeks once we are able to coordinate our schedules.
So let me tell you what this week grand prize will be. But first a little bit about the history of Cacao (cocoa). In ancient America the cacao beans were harvested, fermented, ground and then made into a paste which was mixed with chili powder or cornmeal. The Mayans preferred it cold, while the Olmecs liked it hot. Either way it was unsweetened, and they liked it bitter. Sounds yummy, I know. Since I KNOW none of you want to win that as your prize, I’m going to offer the modern version! A bag of Ghirardeli’s dark chocolate assorted squares. Now that sounds more to my liking (and it’s my favorite.)

How to win:

1) Become a follower here if you haven't already. If you are already a follower, leave a comment reminding me.

2) Become a follower of Betsy's http://betsyloveldsauthor.blogspot.com/

3) If you would like an additional chance to win, leave a comment (maximum of one additional entry per day.)