GRACE FILLED 12-DAYS OF CHRISTMAS BOOK BLITZ
Dark Days of Promise Excerpt
Snow from Kelly's walk down the long drive left an adequate amount of moisture on his shoes. I turned around to watch him stomp his feet across the carpet before squeaking his new athletic shoes on the linoleum, the poinsettia still in his hands.
Amused, I smiled at his efforts. "If you were one of my boys I'd tell you to learn how to walk like a gentleman, without all the noise. Knowing how quiet you are when you want to be, I shan't say a word."
"You already said a few words," Kelly teased.
"True. How about continuing a conversation instead of your 'stomp, shuffle-squeak'?"
"I've never been good at conversations with females, soldiers or not, at least not the sociable kind." The house grew silent for several minutes. I considered his comment against his complete revelations the preceding week. I waited for him to make an effort at more conversation.
"Do you carry a rag with you whenever you're at home?" he ventured after several minutes of silence.
"Now that wasn't so bad. You even managed to tease me at the same time. No, I don't carry my dust cloth all the time, just when I'm moving the dust around in the house." I waved the yet unused dust cloth several inches away from his nose while quoting Shakespeare. "Out spot, out!"
http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Days-of-Promise-ebook/dp/B009EHRB7K/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1356558654&sr=1-1&keywords=Shaunna+gonzales
December 30, 2012
December 28, 2012
GRACE FILLED - DAY Three
GRACE FILLED 12-DAYS OF CHRISTMAS BOOK BLITZ
Dark Days of Promise Excerpt
It took several minutes for me to realize I wasn't prepared for a winter emergency. I'd brought nothing, not even my wallet, but I had remembered to tuck my driver's license in my back pocket. Evaluating my options and taking into account the lack of any wind, which would cause hypothermia to set in, I had two choices. I could stay put and take the chance of freezing to death...not an exciting proposition. My second choice to get out of the car, make it to the road, and start walking seemed somewhat better. Both would be cold and uncomfortable. I have never been one to wait on fate, so I chose the latter option. I smirked...no, dummy (my less-than-favorite name for myself.) You're more apt to open the door to danger, inviting it into the warm comfort of your home on the darkest of nights.
Well, I never claimed to be brilliant!
...
Dark Days of Promise Excerpt
It took several minutes for me to realize I wasn't prepared for a winter emergency. I'd brought nothing, not even my wallet, but I had remembered to tuck my driver's license in my back pocket. Evaluating my options and taking into account the lack of any wind, which would cause hypothermia to set in, I had two choices. I could stay put and take the chance of freezing to death...not an exciting proposition. My second choice to get out of the car, make it to the road, and start walking seemed somewhat better. Both would be cold and uncomfortable. I have never been one to wait on fate, so I chose the latter option. I smirked...no, dummy (my less-than-favorite name for myself.) You're more apt to open the door to danger, inviting it into the warm comfort of your home on the darkest of nights.
Well, I never claimed to be brilliant!
...
December 26, 2012
GRACE FILLED 12-DAYS OF CHRISTMAS BOOK BLITZ
December 26th
Dark Days of Promise Excerpt
The last thread of thought spurned me to action. My muscles trembled as I placed my hands on the couch, pushing myself to a sitting position. I half expected him to attack me again.
When he didn't touch me, I scooted into my corner of the couch.
"You were out for a couple minutes. I'm..." He swallowed, feigned a cough, and forced a hint of a smile before piercing me with his gaze. "You're sure you're okay?"
I gave a quick nod, no more.
"If you're sure."
I wasn't sure of anything except this wasn't a dream, and I was alive.
He stood and walked toward the front door with his slight limp. There he stopped, "I shouldn't have come here...I don't know why I did that. I'm sorry...I'll let myself out."
The door closed without a sound on his retreating form, shutting out the cold. Shutting out the danger. Shutting me inside the imagined safety of my home. A shiver traced its way up my back, confirming each nerve remained intact. My fingers braved the vast expanse from the couch to my throat. Shaking, they retreated to my lap. I slumped into the empty warmth of the couch as hot tears of relief stung my checks.
Dark Days of Promise Excerpt
The last thread of thought spurned me to action. My muscles trembled as I placed my hands on the couch, pushing myself to a sitting position. I half expected him to attack me again.
When he didn't touch me, I scooted into my corner of the couch.
"You were out for a couple minutes. I'm..." He swallowed, feigned a cough, and forced a hint of a smile before piercing me with his gaze. "You're sure you're okay?"
I gave a quick nod, no more.
"If you're sure."
I wasn't sure of anything except this wasn't a dream, and I was alive.
He stood and walked toward the front door with his slight limp. There he stopped, "I shouldn't have come here...I don't know why I did that. I'm sorry...I'll let myself out."
The door closed without a sound on his retreating form, shutting out the cold. Shutting out the danger. Shutting me inside the imagined safety of my home. A shiver traced its way up my back, confirming each nerve remained intact. My fingers braved the vast expanse from the couch to my throat. Shaking, they retreated to my lap. I slumped into the empty warmth of the couch as hot tears of relief stung my checks.
December 19, 2012
Time Out for Writers
ANWA
Writers Conference
Conference Includes:
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36 Classes – Beginners, emerging, and professional writers of all genres and platforms
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Workshops – Query and pitch workshops on Thursday night
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Protagonist Ball – Come dressed as your favorite protagonist to mingle, network and have fun with faculty and
other attendees
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All-Star Breakfast – The fi rst 25 to register early and book their hotel room receives the opportunity to share
a special breakfast with the faculty
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Bookstore – Sell your books and/or purchase others’ at our onsite bookstore
Faculty
- Nationally recognized presenters including NY Times best selling authors, agents, editors and pubpublliisshheerrss
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Pitch Sessions
- Pitch your manuscript to national editors and publishers.
Contests
– Beginning of Book (BOB) Contest: First 500 words of your manuscript.
AZ Educator Licensing
– “Time Out for Writers” now offers Professional Development hours
for AZ Educator Licensing! Receive up to 17 Professional Development hours that can be applied toward the
renewal of your Arizona Educator’s License!
February 21-23, 2013
Mesa Hilton
To Register or for More Information
Visit Our Website at:
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Presents the 21st Annual
Contact, for more information or questions:
McKenna Gardner, Communications Chair communications@anwa-lds.com (602) 697-5022Open to the Public!
December 17, 2012
Talking about a new seasonal read today.
My story is called A Winter's Knight. It's basically a gothic romance. It's about a young lady whose fascination with a murdering earl and his dark castle lands her in the heart of an ancient and terrible secret. It will take more than a Christmas kiss to break the curse.
Just let me say that this was my favorite of the six stories. So my first question when invited to read this was: What is an Anthology?
An anthology is a collection of short stories. In the case of the anthology I'm involved in, it's a total of 6 stories by 6 different authors.
And six very different writing styles. I seem to recall a review that said something about a bit of something for every reader. (Me rummaging through InD Tales E-magazine for the review. Found it!) I'm going to quote here. "Each short takes the reader on a mini Christmas vacation to the past, its mystical beauty and imaginative romance. Whether it is a mystery, court or rough life of survival in the snowy cold that the reader craves served up with their romance…" Oh yes and the book got 4 ½ stars from Erin Murdock Good job ! I haven't seen her give out a lot of stars. How did this project come about and why did you decide to be involved?
I was invited to be a contributing author by Sarah M. Eden. The authors who decided to create this anthology were looking for sweet historical authors to join them, and some of them had read my books. Since they are all bigger name authors than I am, I was honored to be invited.
I know several of these ladies are involved in ANWA and that ANWA is having a Conference in February. It would be great to attend and somehow get to meet a few of you! (For more information, click on Writer's conference 2013 to the left.
So if you are one of my idols then I read stories written by the ladies you look up to. Cool! Tell me what you are working on now.
I am working on book three of my "Rogue Hearts series" which will be Christian's story. I hope to have it finished and submitted to my editor by the end of January. The working title is A Perfect Secret.
Is your writing Regency Romance or is it Victorian? Because I know I didn't think I liked these kinds of books until I read yours!
My books take place during the Regency era, a small time period between 1811 and 1820 when King George II was officially declared mad and Prince George III was named Regent. The Victorian Era begins in the 1830s when Queen Victoria ascended the throne.
On the side...I would like to let you know that I was honored to have you refer to my writing you critiqued on a recent on-line workshop. It made me think that maybe I'll take it out of the back files and see what I can do with it.
Did you hear that? That's funny. I didn't realize you were there. I hope you found it encouraging and not discouraging. Your changes really were wonderful and I hope you do finish the story--it has so much promise.
Thank you, that means a lot coming from you. You were so generous at the workshop, even when openly critiquing Treasure (the abbreviated working title) and using it as a teaching tool. I just sat there listening and silently beaming "She liked it enough that she still remembers it!" Definitely encouraging or I wouldn't have mentioned it! I find that story sneaking into my thoughts as I unwind just before sleep finds me. I think I've mentally fixed the things you suggested. But with my Talisman series, Book 1 on the open files each working day, I will have to let it sit on the sidelines until I have more energy to poor into it.
Donna, thank you so much for making this fans day and taking the time to chat.
A Timeless Winter Anthology, Winter Collection is available on Amazon, Smashwords, and Barnes & Noble, and many other digital bookstores.
December 13, 2012
Sharing good book buys and freebies for Christmas!
Follow me on Twitter and Facebook to catch updates on my series as well my continued sharing of gifts and freebies as I am made aware of them.
I may not be the biggest source for freebies, but I'm happy to share those I come across or that are shared with me. Check here for a few things you may have missed.
Today I have tweeted and FB about 2 free books and a contest to win a $100 Amazon gift certificate!
December 11, 2012
Who Knew? continued...
(subcaption) Christmas Traditions
I have survived and no longer look like teary eyed monster at Halloween. I didn't even know they made eye drops with an antibiotic in it. Who knew? The ophthalmologist of course! The good news is that I don't look half bad if…wait for it…wait for it…
... I don't ever wear eye makeup again…
Okay doc, (I'm snarling at this point) what woman in her right mind willingly forgoes makeup? If you think I will willingly walk this line… check out my photo folks. The blonde isn't from a bottle which means that without makeup I'm totally prepared for Halloween!
Scary!!!!!!
So, the second Saturday in December and the same son that I mention in my last entry is into building Christmas traditions. I stopped and asked myself why…
…Because I never had the energy and we never stayed in one place long enough to do that for him and his younger siblings… for example: This year we will be lucky to find a place to put a tree in our archaically teeny tiny apartment. Thus the cabin fever of rearrange furniture the day after Thanksgiving.
Back to the tradition the son wants to build last Saturday. Every year since he got married, he and his wife have invited us to go with them to cut a tree and do holiday shopping. This is a toughy for me because I have had a rather large fake tree. So why go get another tree? And I try to do my shopping earlier in the year or at least earlier in the season. But the younger children have joined them, as has their dad a time or two. I stay home and wrap presents I've tucked away and bake. This year the outing hit a few snags.
Snag #1: I am house bound right? I have done absolutely no shopping I have no energy, again. This isn't a surprise. A bummer, but no surprise.
Snag #2: Dad has a wicked cold brewing and since he works outside, whether it rains or shines, he opted to stay home.
Snag #3: Teenage daughter has a life of her own filled with her friends and many activities, not the least of which is dinner and a hockey game on nearly every Saturday during hockey season.
Snag #4: Youngest has put off his opportunities to earn money for Christmas shopping.
(We insist that we not just give him money to go spend on us…for some reason that doesn't feel right. I'd much prefer to buy what I want or need rather than the pounds of Christmas candy that he seems to put under the tree every year in order that we may share with him…)
Question: Is it really safe to unleash an active pre-teen on an unsuspecting couple that have no intentions of having their own child in the near future? Hmm…I wonder if their decision has anything to do with the same participants and a camping fiasco last summer?
(Another story , another time, and another author as I was not there…obviously…)
Hmm…would this tale be better served by one actually present? Maybe. But this time the answer to "Who Knew?" is ME…
…This is why the only Christmas tradition that has survived our marriage is… No Traditions…
Actually the children went and had an enjoyable time. the report on the shopping is that they didn't find anything worth buying for Mom and Dad. And the cut tree is reclining against the wall in the son's garage. They've been too busy with holiday parties to even put it inside. ...Ah to be young again...
Happy Holidays!
I have survived and no longer look like teary eyed monster at Halloween. I didn't even know they made eye drops with an antibiotic in it. Who knew? The ophthalmologist of course! The good news is that I don't look half bad if…wait for it…wait for it…
... I don't ever wear eye makeup again…
Okay doc, (I'm snarling at this point) what woman in her right mind willingly forgoes makeup? If you think I will willingly walk this line… check out my photo folks. The blonde isn't from a bottle which means that without makeup I'm totally prepared for Halloween!
Scary!!!!!!
So, the second Saturday in December and the same son that I mention in my last entry is into building Christmas traditions. I stopped and asked myself why…
…Because I never had the energy and we never stayed in one place long enough to do that for him and his younger siblings… for example: This year we will be lucky to find a place to put a tree in our archaically teeny tiny apartment. Thus the cabin fever of rearrange furniture the day after Thanksgiving.
Back to the tradition the son wants to build last Saturday. Every year since he got married, he and his wife have invited us to go with them to cut a tree and do holiday shopping. This is a toughy for me because I have had a rather large fake tree. So why go get another tree? And I try to do my shopping earlier in the year or at least earlier in the season. But the younger children have joined them, as has their dad a time or two. I stay home and wrap presents I've tucked away and bake. This year the outing hit a few snags.
Snag #1: I am house bound right? I have done absolutely no shopping I have no energy, again. This isn't a surprise. A bummer, but no surprise.
Snag #2: Dad has a wicked cold brewing and since he works outside, whether it rains or shines, he opted to stay home.
Snag #3: Teenage daughter has a life of her own filled with her friends and many activities, not the least of which is dinner and a hockey game on nearly every Saturday during hockey season.
Snag #4: Youngest has put off his opportunities to earn money for Christmas shopping.
(We insist that we not just give him money to go spend on us…for some reason that doesn't feel right. I'd much prefer to buy what I want or need rather than the pounds of Christmas candy that he seems to put under the tree every year in order that we may share with him…)
Question: Is it really safe to unleash an active pre-teen on an unsuspecting couple that have no intentions of having their own child in the near future? Hmm…I wonder if their decision has anything to do with the same participants and a camping fiasco last summer?
(Another story , another time, and another author as I was not there…obviously…)
Hmm…would this tale be better served by one actually present? Maybe. But this time the answer to "Who Knew?" is ME…
…This is why the only Christmas tradition that has survived our marriage is… No Traditions…
Actually the children went and had an enjoyable time. the report on the shopping is that they didn't find anything worth buying for Mom and Dad. And the cut tree is reclining against the wall in the son's garage. They've been too busy with holiday parties to even put it inside. ...Ah to be young again...
Happy Holidays!
December 9, 2012
Who Knew? continued...
Thanksgiving is behind us and with it the scraps of turkey. I managed to roast a small bird minus the stuffing and the yummy extras, but those who were here, mainly my hubby, the two younger children and I were thankful for what we had. Of course those who needed to fly or drive four hours decided not to come, leaving the one married son to knash his teeth while eating not one but two decadent Thanksgiving spreads with his lovely wife and her family.
Knowing Christmas will possibly be filled with more similar disappointments, our daughter has earned our good wishes to go on a cruise to the Bahamas with friends. "Felic Navida" (or however you spell it) my young beauty. She will no doubt make sure to be home for her birthday after the first of the new year. (Hey, at least she won't expect double presents or receive the dreaded card on a gift that reads, "Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday.")The cruise is her Christmas.
That leaves one child at home while I have to be away the whole week before Christmas for the first round of this procedure. No matter how I paint the picture, the child is convinced that this will be the worst Christmas of his young life... We will have a tree…even if it is small and be home for Christmas.
Okay, so I've been behaving myself and staying inside. I've not attended church for long enough that I can't manage to carry a tune. Now this is depressing as I have performed in more Christmas concerts and sung more solos than I have remembered to count. There is a bright side to this…my young son finds it rather entertaining to hear me croak over the vocal linguistics required to sing Handel's Hallelujah Chorus. Me, well, I'm still biting back the tears of humiliation and stunned abhorrence at the noise.
Did someone know it would come to this? Why in the heck didn't you warn me? Oh yeah, ignorance is bliss... Only if you are the one knowing the punch line before it is delivered!
So staying indoors out of the rain and cold has its good points…don't ask me what they are. I (we) have rearranged the furniture around the living room until it is almost like it was when we moved in…
The writing is coming along and I am currently combining and considering the first installment of The Talisman Series. (Yes Teresa, the scene with his knife at her throat is staying…)
Back to my behaving at home…
…Plumbing problems… Oh yeah, the plumber arrived in spite of the warning to protect my immune system at all costs. Two days later…I have conjunctivitis! For those of you who don't know what this is… go back to school and think PINK EYE. For the ladies…I had to throw all my eye make-up away.
Oh yeah, good thing my son works for a group of ophthalmologists because I definitely can't go out now! Yea! I'm contagious! He has brought me what I need and I should be back on the "healthy road" in a couple of days.
The question is…Do I tell the specialist? And will my version of the "healthy road" cut the mustard?
I'll let you know…if I survive…
Knowing Christmas will possibly be filled with more similar disappointments, our daughter has earned our good wishes to go on a cruise to the Bahamas with friends. "Felic Navida" (or however you spell it) my young beauty. She will no doubt make sure to be home for her birthday after the first of the new year. (Hey, at least she won't expect double presents or receive the dreaded card on a gift that reads, "Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday.")The cruise is her Christmas.
That leaves one child at home while I have to be away the whole week before Christmas for the first round of this procedure. No matter how I paint the picture, the child is convinced that this will be the worst Christmas of his young life... We will have a tree…even if it is small and be home for Christmas.
Okay, so I've been behaving myself and staying inside. I've not attended church for long enough that I can't manage to carry a tune. Now this is depressing as I have performed in more Christmas concerts and sung more solos than I have remembered to count. There is a bright side to this…my young son finds it rather entertaining to hear me croak over the vocal linguistics required to sing Handel's Hallelujah Chorus. Me, well, I'm still biting back the tears of humiliation and stunned abhorrence at the noise.
Did someone know it would come to this? Why in the heck didn't you warn me? Oh yeah, ignorance is bliss... Only if you are the one knowing the punch line before it is delivered!
So staying indoors out of the rain and cold has its good points…don't ask me what they are. I (we) have rearranged the furniture around the living room until it is almost like it was when we moved in…
The writing is coming along and I am currently combining and considering the first installment of The Talisman Series. (Yes Teresa, the scene with his knife at her throat is staying…)
Back to my behaving at home…
…Plumbing problems… Oh yeah, the plumber arrived in spite of the warning to protect my immune system at all costs. Two days later…I have conjunctivitis! For those of you who don't know what this is… go back to school and think PINK EYE. For the ladies…I had to throw all my eye make-up away.
Oh yeah, good thing my son works for a group of ophthalmologists because I definitely can't go out now! Yea! I'm contagious! He has brought me what I need and I should be back on the "healthy road" in a couple of days.
The question is…Do I tell the specialist? And will my version of the "healthy road" cut the mustard?
I'll let you know…if I survive…
December 8, 2012
Thoughts from the Heart: Writings from the Gulf Coast of Alabama
Book by Valerie J. Steimle
Back of the book blurb:
The Gulf Coast of Alabama has had its share of trials and triumphs. As a Gulf Coast Newspaper Columnist, Valerie J. Steimle has seen it all: hurricanes, the BP oil spill, Supper on the Beach, festivals, concerts and beach life. Living on Alabama’s gulf coast has been an interesting life journey. “Thoughts from the Heart” was a column especially written for the gulf coast of Alabama with inspirational stories, small town politics and federal government antics. Read one hundred of the best of “Thoughts from the Heart,” an insightful collection of honest, humorous and heart-felt writing.
Why Thoughts from the Heart Makes the Perfect Christmas Gift?
Thoughts from the Heart was written to inspire and uplift. Originally written as articles for an opinion page in a local paper, these writings discuss the importance of family, supporting local communities, the antics of federal government, the importance of holidays and more. In a time of uncertainty for the future, we need encouraging words to rally us together as a positive force. Thoughts from the Heart will awaken such emotion and inspire readers to never surrender to the outside forces trying to destroy our nation and families.
Can be purchased through Amazon.com
You can follow Valerie on her website http://www.strengthenyourhome.com
or visit her views on strengthening the American Family
on her blog: http://valeriesteimle.blogspot.com/
December 7, 2012
Who Knew?
The reality check is that the specialist knew and warned me. What was it that she said?
"I'm going to prescribe this to you, but you will have to remain at home, safe from everything that can compromise your immune system."
This is not something that I wanted to hear, but the pain was severe enough that I smiled politely with an "Okay, doctor. Whatever you say."
"Take as directed and call me in the morning." Actually she said call me "next week."
So, like a good girl which I was trying to be with Christmas right around the corner (I can always use a few extra points in the homestretch,) I did as instructed and called her the following week. I don't get to talk to her, instead I talk with the assistant. The conversation is a rerun of the conversation with the specialist until…
"I'm very impressed with your commitment," he said.
"Why?" I asked innocently.
He gives me the spiel that I must have tuned out the first time around. "…And that means you will not only have to forego any holiday shopping, but pretty much the whole holiday."
My brain stutters…I can hear the DJ drag the needle across the phonograph record…okay, no big Thanksgiving dinner with family and friends.
"For how long?" I feel my whole body shaking with dread. I really don't want to hear an answer to my question.
"At least until the procedures are completed…Your last appointment is mid January, right?"
I pull my chair closer to the couch. I need to lay down. In all honesty I had planned to cancel the January appointments due to a shortage of funds.
"Uhh…" I'm laying down now. My jaw is almost to the floor. I slap it back where it belongs. "My family isn't going to like this."
"Just remember," his soothing tone did nothing to put me at ease. "Next year you will feel all the better. Your family will thank you for taking care of this now."
Yeah, well he doesn't have my family to explain this to. This will mean a rather lean Christmas with Dad (my hubby) doing the shopping. He isn't a good shopper and I know there will be more than one gift card under the tree. Oh yeah, what tree? I won't be able to go with the family to cut a tree and my hubby, the wonderfully considerate man that he is, won't go without me.
…to be continued…when the vision clears…
"I'm going to prescribe this to you, but you will have to remain at home, safe from everything that can compromise your immune system."
This is not something that I wanted to hear, but the pain was severe enough that I smiled politely with an "Okay, doctor. Whatever you say."
"Take as directed and call me in the morning." Actually she said call me "next week."
So, like a good girl which I was trying to be with Christmas right around the corner (I can always use a few extra points in the homestretch,) I did as instructed and called her the following week. I don't get to talk to her, instead I talk with the assistant. The conversation is a rerun of the conversation with the specialist until…
"I'm very impressed with your commitment," he said.
"Why?" I asked innocently.
He gives me the spiel that I must have tuned out the first time around. "…And that means you will not only have to forego any holiday shopping, but pretty much the whole holiday."
My brain stutters…I can hear the DJ drag the needle across the phonograph record…okay, no big Thanksgiving dinner with family and friends.
"For how long?" I feel my whole body shaking with dread. I really don't want to hear an answer to my question.
"At least until the procedures are completed…Your last appointment is mid January, right?"
I pull my chair closer to the couch. I need to lay down. In all honesty I had planned to cancel the January appointments due to a shortage of funds.
"Uhh…" I'm laying down now. My jaw is almost to the floor. I slap it back where it belongs. "My family isn't going to like this."
"Just remember," his soothing tone did nothing to put me at ease. "Next year you will feel all the better. Your family will thank you for taking care of this now."
Yeah, well he doesn't have my family to explain this to. This will mean a rather lean Christmas with Dad (my hubby) doing the shopping. He isn't a good shopper and I know there will be more than one gift card under the tree. Oh yeah, what tree? I won't be able to go with the family to cut a tree and my hubby, the wonderfully considerate man that he is, won't go without me.
…to be continued…when the vision clears…
December 5, 2012
Talking w/ Anna del C. Dye
What inspired you to start writing?
More than anything it was my husband who got me started, after many promptings... this time he said, "DO IT!" when I finished telling him the story of "The Elf and the Princess."
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Tolkien characters... they are awesome. There are so many and so much to tell about them that the master didn't... I just have to help him. :) That is why my series is called The Elf Series. I love elfs.
Do you have a favorite character? If so, why is he/she your favorite?
I do, too many in some of my books. Mostly because they are in many ways living my life experiences. This makes them very close to my heart.
For example:
Adren lost everything when her kingdom was destroyed and her only hope was the young elf and his race.
I left my country and everything there to start a new life by the side of a wonderful young man. I know what is to be with strangers, their culture and to have not only to trust them, but become one of them. This has taught me to trust and depend on this handsome young man, which in turn has made my love for him, as deep as Adren's.
That is awesome. I know I draw on my personal experiences in my writting as well. What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
--Never give up!!! I echo that.
--Join a writer's chapter close to you right now, and learn from them. Ditto.
--Start sending small stories and articles to magazines, both on line and traditional. Also to newspapers, even if they are from a University or whatever.
(Keep all the copies of any publication in a file/folder.) I didn't do this but I can see how it could prove invaluable. My next guest has done just that and her new release is proof of the value of this advice.
--Join critic groups and let them help you with ideas to make your work better. Don't let anyone change your work... I said to MAKE it better. This can be a tough one. Listen to the suggestions, take what works for you and thank the critiquers that took the time to voice their opinion even if you don't agree. This will also help you develop a thick skin when it comes to the loud individual telling you your work is crap. It isn't crap, it may need a little fine tuning, but remember that you can't satisfy all the readers all the time.
--Start blogging with the name you will use as an author so people get familiar with it. This will help you sell more books when your book is published. (Two blogs a week, but not too long--up to 15 lines.) Okay, I could have used this advice last year...
--Start promoting your book at least nine months before is published. Wise counsel, that means once the contract is signed with a publisher, or when you schedule your e-book self pub, begin. Don't wait.
You once told me that English is your second language. What sort of challenges did you meet in trying to write your books, if any?
Not many really. I write and my editor has to figure what I am trying to say. (If I can't figure how a word goes in English, I put it in Spanish...he speaks Spanish very well.) We have a lot of fun when we edit the books which we always do together.
So I just write and he adds the "ed" or takes them out when I put them in and so on. It works beautifully because he is awesome and knows me so well.
You are lucky to have an editor like this and luck he is a he. My prefered editor had to bow out just recently do to the arrival of a precious little one. I can't blame her. Who would you say is your targeted audience?
Teens and the young at heart.
What would you say is the most challenging part about being an author?
Spending hours promoting my book when I would like to be writing another.
Promoting can take hours out of any day. If you could give your book to only one person, who would it be and why?
A teenager in trouble...
In the hope that he/she could discover the power they have deep inside to change and become better. I want them to see that nothing is impossible if we put our minds to it.
A note from me: Don't give your book or e-book to everyone that wants one. If you do, you won't see any royalties...
You can find all Anna's books at her website, http://www.annadelc.com
and at Amazon http://ning.it/TtStY5
Thanks so much for the chance to visit your blog,
More than anything it was my husband who got me started, after many promptings... this time he said, "DO IT!" when I finished telling him the story of "The Elf and the Princess."
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Tolkien characters... they are awesome. There are so many and so much to tell about them that the master didn't... I just have to help him. :) That is why my series is called The Elf Series. I love elfs.
Do you have a favorite character? If so, why is he/she your favorite?
I do, too many in some of my books. Mostly because they are in many ways living my life experiences. This makes them very close to my heart.
For example:
Adren lost everything when her kingdom was destroyed and her only hope was the young elf and his race.
I left my country and everything there to start a new life by the side of a wonderful young man. I know what is to be with strangers, their culture and to have not only to trust them, but become one of them. This has taught me to trust and depend on this handsome young man, which in turn has made my love for him, as deep as Adren's.
That is awesome. I know I draw on my personal experiences in my writting as well. What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
--Never give up!!! I echo that.
--Join a writer's chapter close to you right now, and learn from them. Ditto.
--Start sending small stories and articles to magazines, both on line and traditional. Also to newspapers, even if they are from a University or whatever.
(Keep all the copies of any publication in a file/folder.) I didn't do this but I can see how it could prove invaluable. My next guest has done just that and her new release is proof of the value of this advice.
--Join critic groups and let them help you with ideas to make your work better. Don't let anyone change your work... I said to MAKE it better. This can be a tough one. Listen to the suggestions, take what works for you and thank the critiquers that took the time to voice their opinion even if you don't agree. This will also help you develop a thick skin when it comes to the loud individual telling you your work is crap. It isn't crap, it may need a little fine tuning, but remember that you can't satisfy all the readers all the time.
--Start blogging with the name you will use as an author so people get familiar with it. This will help you sell more books when your book is published. (Two blogs a week, but not too long--up to 15 lines.) Okay, I could have used this advice last year...
--Start promoting your book at least nine months before is published. Wise counsel, that means once the contract is signed with a publisher, or when you schedule your e-book self pub, begin. Don't wait.
You once told me that English is your second language. What sort of challenges did you meet in trying to write your books, if any?
Not many really. I write and my editor has to figure what I am trying to say. (If I can't figure how a word goes in English, I put it in Spanish...he speaks Spanish very well.) We have a lot of fun when we edit the books which we always do together.
So I just write and he adds the "ed" or takes them out when I put them in and so on. It works beautifully because he is awesome and knows me so well.
You are lucky to have an editor like this and luck he is a he. My prefered editor had to bow out just recently do to the arrival of a precious little one. I can't blame her. Who would you say is your targeted audience?
Teens and the young at heart.
What would you say is the most challenging part about being an author?
Spending hours promoting my book when I would like to be writing another.
Promoting can take hours out of any day. If you could give your book to only one person, who would it be and why?
A teenager in trouble...
In the hope that he/she could discover the power they have deep inside to change and become better. I want them to see that nothing is impossible if we put our minds to it.
A note from me: Don't give your book or e-book to everyone that wants one. If you do, you won't see any royalties...
You can find all Anna's books at her website, http://www.annadelc.com
and at Amazon http://ning.it/TtStY5
December 2, 2012
French Christmas and cats
Thank you, Shaunna, for having me on your blog to kick off the holiday season. It’s my favorite time of the year. You can find out more about me and my books on my website at: http://www.vijayaschartz.com You can find my paperbacks and eBooks on AMAZON – B&N – ARe – and all the major retailers, including the Apple Store.
I was born and raised in France, where the holidays are even bigger than in the US (at least the way I remember them). The traditions are different, and so is the food. The French do not celebrate Thanksgiving, so they have turkey for Christmas, and they stuff it with chestnuts (boiled then sautéed in butter with caramelized onions). The first time I tasted sweet potatoes (that was in India and the French still don’t know what they taste like), I thought they were chunks of chestnuts. The taste is very similar.
Raw oysters and seafood are also a big part of the French holiday menu. And the traditional dessert is the Christmas log, which my mother used to make herself with chocolate or coffee butter cream. Yum. Lots of calories.
I remember with fondness the holidays of my late teens and early twenties, no school, parties every night from Christmas Eve to the New Year. Of course it helped that my birthday fell right between the two holidays.
We did not take down the tree or the nativity scene until January 6, the twelfth day of Christmas, when we celebrated the arrival of the wise men, the Magi, that we called kings. There is even a special “galette des rois” stuffed with almond paste for that particular day. Whoever finds the hard bean (or ceramic bit) hidden in the galette becomes king or queen for a day. And he/she chooses a consort by dropping the hard bean into the chosen’s glass while they aren’t looking. The king and queen wear golden paper crowns (provided by the bakery with the galette). And not just the children wear the crown all day. Adults join in the fun, too.
And all that time, I wished I had a cat. I had an uncanny obsession with cats, and several times brought strays home on my way from school. Unfortunately, my father wouldn’t hear of keeping animals. In his view, animals belonged in a farm, not in an apartment, period.
Book One, White Tiger is already in paperback, the other books in the series, already in eBook format, will follow in paperback in 2013, with the prequel coming last. Book Three, Black Jaguar, is scheduled for February 1st.
THE CHRONICLES OF KASSOUK:
In this futuristic series, set on an alien planet where a human spaceship crashed centuries ago, a small human community, having lost its technology, struggles to survive, battling the domination of a more advanced galactic race. Each book is a separate love story, as well as an action adventure, so you do not need to read the books in the right order, but if you are like me, you’ll want to start at the beginning.
RED LEOPARD
Chronicles of Kassouk Book Two
by Vijaya Schartz
From Desert Breeze Publishing
In paperback Dec. 1st at Amazon and Barnes & Noble
In charge of the fortress of Kassouk in the King's absence, what is Terek to do when a Goddian spacecraft lands in his medieval backyard, and the striking woman leading the galactic party insists on colonization?
Galya, the Goddian Princess commanding the geological vessel, is bent on finding a crystal with unusual hyper conductor properties. And the futile resistance of the local population isn’t going to stop her. Not even that defiant tribal chief nicknamed Red Leopard, like the infernal feline that follows him everywhere.
Terek and his band of swordsmen and felines must defend their people’s freedom, no matter the cost. But with this unexpected arrival, an old prophecy surfaces, taking new meaning and carrying a new threat... When political intrigues, greed, murder and betrayal tip the scales, who can Galya really trust? Her fellow Goddians? the Mutants bred to serve her race? or her primitive Human enemy?
"...action packed, fast paced story... I can't wait to read the next book in the
Chronicles of Kassouk series." 5 angels - Fallen Angel Reviews
"This book was so good. I was completely lost in the world Vijaya created and loving every second of it." - 5 stars - Goodreads.com
“Packed with action and adventure. Galya ... a tough warrior... a sweetness about her that makes her easy to like... I loved how Rascal was Terek's faithful companion and defender throughout nearly the entire story... I really liked Red Leopard." - The Hope Chest Reviews
Enter a comment for a chance to win a paperback copy of RED LEOPARD.
Good luck.
Blasters, Swords, Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
November 29, 2012
Talking with Author DeAnn Huff
Personal with DeAnn Huff:
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I’m a sun addict. I love being warm. I even love that feeling in the middle of the summer when you come from a frigid air conditioned building and get into that solar oven on wheels. The warmth unthaws you and toasts you, and I love it—until I start to sweat. So if I could live anywhere, it would have to be warm. Hawaii. Caribbean. Arizona.
So, you're saying you don't dream of moving to Dracula's castle but just visit as in the pic?
Why move?
What hidden talent do you possess outside of writing ... something you do for fun, but are good at?
My husband and I are Carpenters … No, silly, not a singing duo. We build custom, hardwood doors. But we can’t build on “Rainy Days and Mondays” because the humidity’s too high. We love working together. I tell him, “I Can’t Smile Without You,” and I “Long To Be Close To You.” We’ve build over 50 doors together, but “We’ve Only Just Begun.”
Questions about your writing:
Why did you begin writing?
My oldest daughter came home from a weeknight Relief Society class determined to start on her “Bucket List.” She’d decided that she wanted to write a book someday. So she called me for ideas. I laughed because I loved to write, but I thought I had no imagination; I’d never been able to come up with story ideas. Well, after a half hour on the phone brainstorming plots, she had ideas for a book she wanted to write … and so did I. But she had a baby, and I didn’t—so I won. Five months later, my first novel, Master of Emotion, was finished.
When is your next book due out, and what’s it about?
My next book, Dictator of Disaster, is still a few months away from completion. Dictator of Disaster is Book 3 in the Master of Emotion series (following Supreme Chancellor of Stupidity—Book 2.) Each book in the series tells the story of a group of sensory enhanced teenagers from a different male character’s point of view. Here’s the two sentence summary of Dictator of Disaster: Touch can be a sensitive tool or a lethal weapon. JONAS, a sensory enhanced kid with anger issues, tries to save his kidnapped sister by himself, rather than relying on the twins and the others like them.
How did you come up with your premise for Once Upon a Tour?
What do kind of thank you gift do you give a mother who takes you on an all-expense-paid tour of Eastern Europe? You write a novel for her, of course. My LDS Romance, Once Upon a Tour, mirrors the locations in Eastern Europe that I toured in May, 2010 with my mom. Romania … Hungary … Austria … Czech Republic … Germany … Lichtenstein … Switzerland. So I finally have some stamps in my passport. Maybe now she’ll take me with her to Spain.
For those who are not familiar with this story, would you please give us the blurb?
Creepy castles, exotic sights, and flirty foreign men—it’s no wonder ALINA, a starry-eyed Mormon girl, is in love for the third time in three weeks. When a guided tour of Eastern Europe repeatedly reveals her naïve choices, she must decide whether her love is real or only imagined.
Alina knows that she sees the world through fairy tale-colored glasses—after all, she writes sappy romances and collects old fairy tales. But why stifle her overactive imagination when there’s romance all around? With every new castle, Alina envisions herself in historical romances where she’s chased by delicious vampires, roguish robbers, and conspiring counts—right into the arms of intrepid heroes. But in her short stories, as well as her real life, her romances don’t end well.
Once Upon a Tour follows Alina as she first meets DANIEL, a cute Swiss frequent-flyer, and then ALEX, an amorous Romanian tour guide, who pursues her around his country, romancing her at every step. Trying to watch out for her, the young, over-protective tour company owner, ERIC, keeps getting in the way – irritating her, annoying her, but finally rescuing her.
Luckily, God has a plan for her; only He knows which romance that began Once Upon a Tour will finally survive.
I wasn't sure which one of these guys I wanted her to end up with, but you made the right choice in the end. Are there any fun tid-bits about this story you can share with us?
Margie, the minor character in the novel who loves romance novels, is patterned after my mom. She always wants the kissing scenes to be good.
I liked Margie. those ladies remeinded me of myself around my older children. Do you have a link where we can access the book discussion questions?
Not yet, but here’s a question for you: In the novel, Alina justifies her poor choices by saying, “Alex will be gone tomorrow. I’ll never see him again.” What excuses have you made to justify a bad decision?
The easy answer is one that I made as an adult more than once -- We'll be moving soon so it won't matter. Problem is, the children picked up on that sort of answer a little too well. It's tough to correct your mistake in the second generation. Let's change the subject. How did you decide on the setting?
Traveling through Europe, every castle was straight out of a romance novel. I couldn’t help but make up stories about the places and people I saw.
Is there a message in Once Upon a Tour you want readers to grasp... I mean other than the awesome castles?
I love teenagers, but too often I see them walking the line between safe and sorry, thinking that they’ll never get pushed over and fall. In reality, the only safe place is far away from the line.
I think you read a few chapters from my old journal. I walked that line and fell into the fire getting burned in the process. Not good.
What is the purchase link?
It’s easy to find through my website www.dogdenhuff.com , or go straight to
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=d+ogden+huff, or
Smashwords:
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/164325
Can you tell us what review of your story meant the most to you and why.
Penny Freeman, editor-in-chief of Xchyler Publishing, said this:
“All of the above illustrates why I truly enjoy reading Ms. Huff. Her only overtly LDS work, Once Upon A Tour is, hands down, my favorite of the three I have read. The premise is a simple one—Mormon girl strikes out on her own in search of romance and finds herself in way above her head in a secular, instant-gratification world—but Ms. Huff manages to employ her fresh approach and insightful characters to flesh out the tale and make it her own.
“She peppers her story with what feels like firsthand experience in touring Eastern Europe—Romania, Hungary, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany and Switzerland—and manages to make her locales integral to the plot. She also intersperses Alina's fanciful prose in the story, which serves well when the character's little stories and overactive imagination get her into plenty of trouble. When life begins to reflect art, Alina struggles to differentiate the two.”
Penny’s insights meant the most to me because she didn’t just pat my back. In other parts of her review she also made me think about whether or not I’d crossed some lines of my own. I made a few changes to my manuscript after her review.
November 28, 2012
Time Out for Writers
ANWA
Writers Conference
Conference Includes:
•
36 Classes – Beginners, emerging, and professional writers of all genres and platforms
•
Workshops – Query and pitch workshops on Thursday night
•
Protagonist Ball – Come dressed as your favorite protagonist to mingle, network and have fun with faculty and
other attendees
•
All-Star Breakfast – The fi rst 25 to register early and book their hotel room receives the opportunity to share
a special breakfast with the faculty
•
Bookstore – Sell your books and/or purchase others’ at our onsite bookstore
Faculty
- Nationally recognized presenters including NY Times best selling authors, agents, editors and pubpublliisshheerrss
w
iillll tteeaacchh tthhee ccllaasssseess..
Pitch Sessions
- Pitch your manuscript to national editors and publishers.
Contests
– Beginning of Book (BOB) Contest: First 500 words of your manuscript.
AZ Educator Licensing
– “Time Out for Writers” now offers Professional Development hours
for AZ Educator Licensing! Receive up to 17 Professional Development hours that can be applied toward the
renewal of your Arizona Educator’s License!
February 21-23, 2013
Mesa Hilton
To Register or for More Information
Visit Our Website at:
http://anwa-lds.com/conference
Presents the 21st Annual
Contact, for more information or questions:
McKenna Gardner, Communications Chair communications@anwa-lds.com (602) 697-5022Open to the Public!
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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! ...
