tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69327011927525944052024-03-14T00:15:06.254-07:00karen writes stuffkaren grecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05851373104245546133noreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6932701192752594405.post-50682158764532432842015-07-27T06:08:00.002-07:002015-07-27T06:08:18.954-07:00Katie Cross on Atomic Words podcast<div class="tr_bq">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv2XuWybr3RZtU217K2IqejRNrLu5pFbU5f5_UupokjWwPqgwhV3I0avoZsZLGXtJqz4ghdXVlH2QsvH4Id0Lmf6HVDopsv5xP0SbY7_kaWpsXC5zjOJdTLdEmDl6c1axjR4ywllQW690/s1600/MMSFG-2-for-Nook-200x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv2XuWybr3RZtU217K2IqejRNrLu5pFbU5f5_UupokjWwPqgwhV3I0avoZsZLGXtJqz4ghdXVlH2QsvH4Id0Lmf6HVDopsv5xP0SbY7_kaWpsXC5zjOJdTLdEmDl6c1axjR4ywllQW690/s1600/MMSFG-2-for-Nook-200x300.jpg" /></a></div>
The brilliant Katie Cross joined me for a episode of <a href="http://karengrecoauthor.com/podcast/atomic-words-ep-8-katie-cross" target="_blank">Atomic Words</a>. Her Network Series is a must-read for fans of all things witchy. The books are fantastic for teen readers. Loads of girl power going on (and nary a boyfriend "rescue" in site).</div>
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Here's the description for book one in the series, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0991531906/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0991531906&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=HT5J26SY2KY5SVRT" target="_blank">Miss Mabel's School for Girls</a></i>:<br />
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Never Underestimate the Power of a Determined Witch.<br />
Letum Wood is a forest of fog and deadfall, home to the quietly famous Miss Mabel’s School for Girls, a place where young witches learn the art of magic.<br />
Sixteen-year-old Bianca Monroe has inherited a deadly curse. Determined to break free before it kills her, she enrolls in the respected school to confront the cunning witch who cast the curse: Miss Mabel. Bianca finds herself faced with dark magic she didn’t expect, with lessons more dangerous than she could have ever imagined. Will Bianca have the courage to save herself from the curse, or will Miss Mabel’s sinister plan be too powerful? <br />
Miss Mabel’s School for Girls is the first novel in The Network Series, an exciting new fantasy collection. A gripping tale about the struggle to survive, it will take you to a new place and time, one you’ll never want to leave.</blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXrWDPZx8AwDUF0biUwGuBVOiTEeVd5juc4KYyC-0gek7K-jQ0iHzPS10hD1bHzxzb4uqBBNek8S6IiseRhcy78Q-_jaY1NYGsKlnfpSNI7zZJL9kt8mMXgETQ8q8ZYQchPucnGKQV9Q8/s1600/Antebellum_FC_FNL_72-200x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXrWDPZx8AwDUF0biUwGuBVOiTEeVd5juc4KYyC-0gek7K-jQ0iHzPS10hD1bHzxzb4uqBBNek8S6IiseRhcy78Q-_jaY1NYGsKlnfpSNI7zZJL9kt8mMXgETQ8q8ZYQchPucnGKQV9Q8/s1600/Antebellum_FC_FNL_72-200x300.jpg" /></a></div>
And <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0991531930/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0991531930&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=2OI4PU7LK7YWY2MJ" target="_blank">Antebellum Awakening</a></i>:<br />
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Never underestimate the power of a volatile witch.<br />Still reeling in the wake of her mother’s death, sixteen-year-old Bianca Monroe is forced to move to Chatham Castle. Not even the sudden appearance of ancient dragons in haunted Letum Wood nor her two best friends can distract her from the strength of her deep, dark rage. Her grief puts her magical powers into chaos, endangering any witch around her. She has six months left to destroy the curse that will kill her and fulfill her contract with the most cunning enemy of all: her former teacher Miss Mabel. Bianca must make a choice: learn to control her restless powers, or let the powers control her.<br />Antebellum Awakening is the second book in the thrilling new fantasy collection The Network Series. It’s a haunting tale about tragedy, loss, and the power of moving on.</blockquote>
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And <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L8XC4RA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00L8XC4RA&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=OPBFLTCCTITW7UMH" target="_blank">The Isadora Interviews</a></i>:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX2niIFTzvYu8VUR8YZ0hLunrrFu9F7qlkK1949xlcLGvU4vn8DJuKrPT2JszR9AHrVtN9jsBMIjJlvBK9WSMS5puyWMPeb-eVTcP6H5H5P18vRYv33HSR9HijGym1n5HaSoMYNtiIres/s1600/TII-2-for-Amazon-1-200x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX2niIFTzvYu8VUR8YZ0hLunrrFu9F7qlkK1949xlcLGvU4vn8DJuKrPT2JszR9AHrVtN9jsBMIjJlvBK9WSMS5puyWMPeb-eVTcP6H5H5P18vRYv33HSR9HijGym1n5HaSoMYNtiIres/s1600/TII-2-for-Amazon-1-200x300.jpg" /></a></div>
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Isadora is a quiet, old witch living alone in the fog-strewn forest of Letum Wood. Her magical power is great, but her foresight is even greater.As a Watcher, Isadora has the ability to see into the heart of every witch she meets, a talent that makes her the perfect guardian of the prestigious Miss Mabel’s School for Girls.Any witch that wants to enter the school must first pass an interview with Isadora. No secret insecurity or sinister motivation can be hidden from a Watcher, as four teenage girls will soon find out.Join Leda, Camille, Michelle, and Priscilla, as they each encounter Isadora in their quest to join Miss Mabel’s School for Girls. It’s a collection of short stories that fans of Miss Mabel’s School for Girls can’t afford to miss.</blockquote>
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Head on over and give the podcast a listen!<br />
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Katie's in the midst of a blog tour, so can you can enter to win a $30 Visa gift card!<br />
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karen grecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05851373104245546133noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6932701192752594405.post-85354616773249428502015-07-21T04:30:00.000-07:002015-07-21T04:30:02.086-07:00Book Review: Teresa of the New World (Sharman Apt Russell)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqbYbN3gmfdDCgEo2-Kga3shN2a0uIlHTTJcZfOEa4L0D00g6D5Fdbb7TFcBYXhXgRxkz3Sfnb1gJDFx22ljB74W8e3HuF0lej2C3hls_zDErQDC2XVMrwkf0_FfFC-0rbVGCSQnQgC9Q/s1600/teresa+high+res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqbYbN3gmfdDCgEo2-Kga3shN2a0uIlHTTJcZfOEa4L0D00g6D5Fdbb7TFcBYXhXgRxkz3Sfnb1gJDFx22ljB74W8e3HuF0lej2C3hls_zDErQDC2XVMrwkf0_FfFC-0rbVGCSQnQgC9Q/s320/teresa+high+res.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Sharman Apt Russell's striking new book <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1631580426/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1631580426&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=54E7NTPUF72PTMAK" target="_blank">Teresa of the New World</a></i> is part coming of age tale, part historical fiction, part magical realism. Our heroine is Teresa, the daughter of a Native American mother and a Conquistador father. She has one foot in the old world and one in the new. A series of misfortunes splits her from her family, taking her on several journeys—starting as a young child and continuing through her teen years. </div>
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The book is written in the rich tradition of Native American story-telling. Readers unaccustomed to this style may find the it a bit jarring at first. But go with it. You will be rewarded with a beautiful story—full of rugged South Western American terrain and unusual magic—that has you rooting for Teresa as she battles The Plague. While dystopian in theme, Teresa's inner strength shines through.<br />
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Perfect for those who love mystical worlds, coming of age tales, and Native American folklore.</div>
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Russell is giving away four (4) signed copies of <i>Teresa of
the New World</i> (US) to the winners of the below Rafflecopter. The giveaway ends July 28th.</div>
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<br />
Connect with Sharman online via her <a href="http://www.sharmanaptrussell.com/" target="_blank">website</a> or on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sharmanaptrussell" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.karen grecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05851373104245546133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6932701192752594405.post-36931963010057224272015-06-14T04:30:00.000-07:002015-06-14T04:30:01.512-07:00Author Interview: Kary Rader (A Taylor Made Love)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqY5w_6gjb8aFGFR739xaVuLeTdFRQCQgH5aIqHJ7Psh0kb5LdtPGS-eigR72eza-kHpuEgCJ091RUD5FpJfT4WLS1I0Kct7kSvFQTUcexQUMotw9OR4EWHxqc5eNwDG5zh6g1Mj0Si4Q/s1600/a+taylor+made+love+high+res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqY5w_6gjb8aFGFR739xaVuLeTdFRQCQgH5aIqHJ7Psh0kb5LdtPGS-eigR72eza-kHpuEgCJ091RUD5FpJfT4WLS1I0Kct7kSvFQTUcexQUMotw9OR4EWHxqc5eNwDG5zh6g1Mj0Si4Q/s320/a+taylor+made+love+high+res.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Phew! It’s been busy, so I haven’t had a author interview in a while. So I am psyched to end my dry spell with an interview with contemporary romance author Kary Rader! Her book <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1492928666/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1492928666&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=7XPIQTA4ISQ4KYIT" target="_blank">A Taylor Made Life</a></i> won the 2014 RomCon Reader’s Choice Award. <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UCG8XB0/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00UCG8XB0&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=HJ52Q3OJBQ56SC2W" target="_blank">A Taylor Made Love</a></i> is the second book in that series.</div>
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Kary’s <i>Taylor Made</i> series was her way of coping with her husband’s cancer diagnoses, making these books all the more poignant. </div>
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Here's the official blurb for <i>A Taylor Made Love</i>:</div>
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Twenty-year-old widow and cancer survivor Taylor Smith-Taylor is running her late husband’s billion-dollar gaming business because she’s made a vow to keep TME—and Gavin’s memory—alive. But she’s falling hard for her sexy attorney Brad Richards, and it’s not just their professional connection that has her tied in knots.When Taylor’s new idea takes off, she relies on Brad to help. Using company funds to back the innovative project, they begin a tumultuous affair and a multi-million dollar negotiation that could dominate the market or put the company in jeopardy.As the corporate dealings escalate, their volatile relationship leaves their priorities more tangled than their bed sheets, and a fatal accounting error divides them, putting the company on the brink of bankruptcy. Brad pushes Taylor to embrace her idea, and him, by selling TME—a decision that, for her, goes deeper than money. When she refuses, it seems easier for both to walk away, and only a perspective from the grave can help her realize her future comes down to one choice: the love she’ll lose or the love she’ll make.</blockquote>
And there is a Rafflecopy giveaway at the end of the post, so scroll down! <br />
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<b>Tell me about <i>Taylor Made Love</i>.</b></div>
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Seven years ago while I was pregnant with my youngest child, my husband was diagnosed with Stage IV melanoma cancer. He went through surgery, chemo and was pronounced cancer-free two weeks before my son Brady was born. I never dealt with those emotions I experienced while he was sick. There wasn’t time. But three years ago when a friend's daughter was diagnosed with cancer, all of them came flooding back. As a result, I wrote <i>A Taylor-Made Life</i>. <i>A Taylor-Made Love</i> is the continuation of that story.</div>
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<b>What do you love about writing romance? </b></div>
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The intimacy between the characters. Watching them grow and fall in love with each other, seeing them open their hearts and change their minds is a gratifying experience.</div>
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<b>What do you find difficult with the genre? </b><span class="s1"> </span></div>
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Finding new and innovative ways to show how love between two people can grow.</div>
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<b>You are writing about a very difficult topic—the C Word—what is it about these really tough topics that appeal to readers? </b></div>
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Every good writer allows their reader to take a journey with their characters, to feel, experience and live. Love and romance are deep emotions, but it’s in the pain and heart break where a reader can experience depth and truth, and perhaps even healing.</div>
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<b>The inspiration for the Taylor Made series came from your brush with cancer? How is your husband feeling now? And your friend? How did going through these experiences inform your writing? </b></div>
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My experiences and by extension those journeys of the ones I love, were critical to the writing of this series. The story is born from the well of emotions never dealt with, and if you read Chapter 20 of the first book, you will experience those emotions with me and the characters.</div>
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My husband is cancer free and has been for seven years. And I’m excited to say that the treatment for melanoma has come a long way since his battle with the disease. Thank you for asking.</div>
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<b>Now that <i>Taylor Made Love</i> is released, what is next for you?</b></div>
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I have another emotional Romantic Comedy coming this summer. It’s a full-length romance, titled <i>Killing Casanova</i> and is about an executive assistant addicted to romance novels, her playboy boss and his mother who is dying of cancer.</div>
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<b>Do you have any writing rituals?</b></div>
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Only Coffee. (<i>Ed. note: I love that it’s only Coffee and with a capital C! Oh me too, girlfriend!</i>) </div>
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<b>Where is your favorite place to write?</b></div>
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Either in my bedroom or in the living room next to the window.</div>
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<b>What inspires you to write? </b></div>
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Life, death, music, art, words. Sometimes even the grocery story. Part of my essence is to write, so everything is inspiration.</div>
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<b>What 5 books are on your bookshelf right now?</b></div>
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<i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0553386883/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0553386883&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=6QN3APA2CETR2TNT" target="_blank">Written in My Own Heart’s Blood</a></i> by Diana Gabaldon</div>
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<i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001UPM2OQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001UPM2OQ&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=4HM3LTT47UIICUTI" target="_blank">Lord of Scoundrels</a></i> by Loretta Chase</div>
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<i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0451419499/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0451419499&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=JMRCFTLRNSVD7S4B" target="_blank">The Other Side of Midnight</a></i> by Simone St. James</div>
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<i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1414368194/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1414368194&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=O3AZWU3OAP5KWYS6" target="_blank">Bridge to Haven </a></i>by Francine Rivers</div>
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<i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1600061354/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1600061354&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=T7ESYZ5LAAYUFQHM" target="_blank">The Message Bible</a></i></div>
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<b>What do you recommend people see/read/hear?</b></div>
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See: <a href="http://beyondthefartheststar.com/" target="_blank"><i>Beyond The Farthest Star</i> </a></div>
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<span class="s3">Read: If you love romance, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1590525132/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1590525132&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=RGVXL2D62R3QZW3V" target="_blank">Redeeming Love</a></i> by Francine Rivers </span></div>
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Hear: Faith comes by hearing. Listen to the beautiful voice of <a href="http://www.amynoelck.com/" target="_blank">Amy Noelck</a>.</div>
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You can connect with Kary on her <a href="http://www.karyrader.com/" target="_blank">website</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/KaryRader" target="_blank">Twitter</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KaryRaderauthor" target="_blank">Facebook</a>! </div>
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karen grecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05851373104245546133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6932701192752594405.post-60640527056521355002015-05-12T04:00:00.000-07:002015-05-12T04:00:10.735-07:00Author Interview: Allie Burke (Nowhere Train)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68mMD5BULfMO_LT_vELDBlHh7325OyW8FDMCrPqBM526I4dTsf25dplwY5L36K_sswteFyLvEdrw3TI5yfBo8ffWe-niB3er4GXgJf1F5cdt7HNxKVTgdw-qglo_J2t-n3IbdA9wazk8/s1600/NowhereTrainebookCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68mMD5BULfMO_LT_vELDBlHh7325OyW8FDMCrPqBM526I4dTsf25dplwY5L36K_sswteFyLvEdrw3TI5yfBo8ffWe-niB3er4GXgJf1F5cdt7HNxKVTgdw-qglo_J2t-n3IbdA9wazk8/s400/NowhereTrainebookCover.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>
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Malibu is pretty much the last place you’d expect a zombie
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apocalypse to happen, but that’s ground zero in <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1620157640/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1620157640&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=2QD6FTCJKZGT4L47" target="_blank">Nowhere Train</a></i> by Allie Burke. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Here’s the description: </div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Two-years post end-of-the-world, all Jetilyn Fournier wants to do is learn to navigate a world that is no longer her own. Surviving zombies feels easy, though, compared to dealing with her rocky relationship with her best friend, the death of her mother, her sister’s faux happiness, and her father’s sudden desire to speak, after decades of silence. Saving herself is not even something she can fit in at the moment. Enter Devlin Shea: for all intents and purposes, a mortal enemy. Though she should hate him instantly upon contact, she doesn’t, and before she knows it, Jett has another life to save. Told in the surreal prose that Allie Burke has come to be known for, <i>Nowhere Train</i> is the first zombie novel of its kind. At two parts hippie and one part magic, it is as deadly as it is beautiful; as dark as it is hopeful, baring the question in mind: who–and what–are Jett and her family really fighting for?</blockquote>
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Allie is hanging out today to tell us all about this kick-ass book.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Tell me about <i>Nowhere Train</i>.</b></div>
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<i>Nowhere Train</i> is the first in a dystopian trilogy about the zombie apocalypse in Malibu Beach, California.</div>
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<b>What inspired you to tell Jetilyn’s story?</b></div>
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Jetilyn’s story is very unique because I felt she was caught in between two (or three) worlds. She is the way she is because her family brought her up that way, but she has been exposed to so much through her friendship with Chris that I thought she could tell the story of zombies like no one else could. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>What drew you to writing in the zombie genre? </b><span class="s1"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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I didn’t used to be into zombie fiction, but I’ve had a bit more exposure to it due to my brother being absolutely obsessed with it. My brother is very supportive of my work, so I wanted to write something he would truly enjoy. I really wrote it for him. Beyond that, it’s always my goal to write something that stands out from the genre, and so far, readers have confirmed that is the case with <i>Nowhere Train</i>.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>The world you’ve created is divided into factions, The Holies, The Gunners, and The Enders. Can you explain those a bit? What inspired you to create these factions? </b></div>
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<b></b><br /></div>
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It is really about The Holies versus The Gunners, and both of them versus The Enders. The Holies have adapted a holistic lifestyle wherein they don’t speak (most of the time) and The Gunners believe in living by force, which often involves weapons. The Enders are the zombies. My inspiration to write this series this way derived from my fascination with physical energy and auras. </div>
<div class="p4">
<b></b><br /></div>
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<b>Now that <i>Nowhere Train</i> is released, what is next for you?</b></div>
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<b></b><br /></div>
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I’m working on <i>Prius</i>, the sequel (or prequel) to <i>Nowhere Train</i>.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Do you have any writing rituals?</b></div>
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<b></b><br /></div>
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No, I don’t. I’m always writing, no matter where I am or what I’m doing.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Where is your favorite place to write?</b></div>
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<b></b><br /></div>
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In independent coffee shops.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>What inspires you to write? </b></div>
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<b></b><br /></div>
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Everything.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>What 5 books are on your bookshelf right now?</b></div>
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<b></b><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Five books? Haha. I have an entire to-be-read-bookshelf. I’ll tell you what’s on my immediate list, ie what’s in my car and my purse: <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062310631/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0062310631&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=3F6AXZMBV3XJL5BB" target="_blank">The Red Queen</a></i>, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1250019834/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1250019834&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=OS5CEZUPFQDEB3RH" target="_blank">First Frost</a></i>, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0545424976/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0545424976&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=NZHE54GEN2FBU4Q6" target="_blank">Blue Lily, Lily Blue</a></i>, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1507526741/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1507526741&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=4RWD2RZL3WYSM55Q" target="_blank">The Untouchables</a></i>, and <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1620156903/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1620156903&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=YDOJJVGTOWJZ4TEZ" target="_blank">Unblocked</a></i>.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<b>What do you recommend people see/read/hear?</b></div>
<div class="p4">
<b></b><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I recommend anything by <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0147515009/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0147515009&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=5DQYPEHG732G6TOA" target="_blank">John Green</a>: books, videos, anything. He is my hero<b>. </b></div>
<div class="p1">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="p1">
You can connect with Allie online at her <a href="http://wordsbyallieburke.com/" target="_blank">website</a>. </div>
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</div>
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karen grecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05851373104245546133noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6932701192752594405.post-9604256606019439792015-05-08T13:06:00.002-07:002015-05-08T13:06:41.722-07:00Kickstarter for When They Come Calling (plus giveaway!)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4D3HBISIvD4tJ34NfkfxBByHUfZbKVz3dWMAIBgi0N-cUMiKeUReM8sfTykY5vtr4klPfKWDNoW6N7r-D4WGQEi-gyw8O-hRpHRTkdzaVLh_0kkpBiHYAHX6L0RzkKhzCUEGyAGwpzw/s1600/promo_banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4D3HBISIvD4tJ34NfkfxBByHUfZbKVz3dWMAIBgi0N-cUMiKeUReM8sfTykY5vtr4klPfKWDNoW6N7r-D4WGQEi-gyw8O-hRpHRTkdzaVLh_0kkpBiHYAHX6L0RzkKhzCUEGyAGwpzw/s1600/promo_banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://atthisarts.com/">Atthis Arts</a> is a small independent publisher that uses crowdfunding in its partnership-publishing model to market and pre-sell upcoming titles. With Kickstarter rewards, you can get unique book items that won't be available with the published book. Rewards offered include naming a character in the book, a one-of-a kind hardcover edition containing an illustration of you with the book's protagonist. There is even a reward for self-published authors to get a finished manuscript professionally typeset for print and ebook! Pretty cool stuff, right?<br />
<br />
Check out the awesome terrific book trailer/Kickstarter video for their upcoming title, <a href="http://atthisarts.com/kickstarter"><i>When They Come Calling</i></a> by author Sarah Fleming Mountford.<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="360" scrolling="no" src="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/506671/when-they-come-calling-by-sarah-fleming-mountford/widget/video.html" width="480"> </iframe><br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>When They Come Calling</i> is a modern ghost story, a suspenseful weaving of urban battles, romance, and supernatural intrigue.<br />Anna is a physician from Kansas City. She’s spent her life giving and caring to others while trying to hide how different she is. Anna has lost everyone she’s ever loved: her relationships, her family, and her hope for something more.<br />Jed is a warrior from another era, haunted by the horrors of a brutal family feud three thousand years in the making, and inspired by his own secret quest. Relentless and driven, Jed’s determination radiates to everyone around him.</blockquote>
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If you pre-order a copy through Kickstarter, you receive a first edition.<br />
<div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Giveaway Time!</span></b></div>
<br />
Atthis Arts is giving away a $10 Amazon gift card, along with a signed Advanced Reader Copy of Atthis Arts founder E.D.E. Bell's upcoming release, <i>The Banished Craft</i>. A quirky and modern take on dragons and wizards, <i>The Banished Craft</i> follows the adventures of Cor, a woman caught in a dying world that does not accept her, and Atesh, a dragon scientist who’s been asked to violate his own ethics or put the lives of his family at risk. Follow their trials as they deal with a shattered world, mired in political upheaval, while they try to rediscover a lost magic. (signed paperback U.S. only, international winner will receive ebook in epub/mobi format)<br />
<br />
Too good to enter just once? Share the Kickstarter video and link, and you will receive 4 additional entries into the giveaway.<br />
<br />
Here is the link: <a href="http://atthisarts.com/kickstarter">http://atthisarts.com/kickstarter</a>, or simply visit the Kickstarter page and click "Share This Project" under the main video and fill out the rafflecopter below!</div>
<div>
(Ends May 26)<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="d3474665355" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d3474665355/" id="rcwidget_jj69dw7t" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
This event was organized by <a href="http://www.cbbbookpromotions.com/" target="_blank">CBB Book Promotions</a>.</div>
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karen grecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05851373104245546133noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6932701192752594405.post-47838802810927379622015-04-28T04:30:00.000-07:002015-04-28T11:16:55.110-07:00Author Interview: Kendall Talbot (Treasured Secrets) <div class="p1 tr_bq">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN0W7l4VXuyjSpULWrXpMXX8k4fW8Q-XpyoHNrlIXEw3jS712nU5-v9b5JdVMY4UsXTWJGp2kgUJ2A8tdaluImpudh31sCiQirPIF5TVhpHnDQFHlJrEDsNBvrHTZrTbUCXfMSXMsuluM/s1600/Treasured+Secrets+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN0W7l4VXuyjSpULWrXpMXX8k4fW8Q-XpyoHNrlIXEw3jS712nU5-v9b5JdVMY4UsXTWJGp2kgUJ2A8tdaluImpudh31sCiQirPIF5TVhpHnDQFHlJrEDsNBvrHTZrTbUCXfMSXMsuluM/s1600/Treasured+Secrets+Cover.jpg" height="400" width="253" /></a></div>
Author Kendall Talbot joins us today to talk about her book <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TQIML4K/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00TQIML4K&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=HBHAKRFFDNHGNXZQ" target="_blank">Treasured Secrets</a></i>! </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
So, this is not a typical book that I usually promote. Where are the vampires? The ghosts? Zombies?</div>
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<br /></div>
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But, I loved the locations. And I was drawn to the idea that these characters were modern-day treasure hunters searching for riches. Swoon!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kendall is a Romantic Book of the Year winner, and she totally does her own stunts! (Seriously, read on! Plus there’s a Rafflecopter giveaway at the end!) </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Here’s the description:</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<blockquote>
Some secrets should remain hidden forever…<br />
The last place Rosalina expected the clue to a 700-year-old mystery to lead her was back into the arms of Archer, the man who broke her heart. When neither can solve the puzzle without the other, they set off on a new adventure. They’re forced to ignore the sparks that still fly unhindered between them as their search for the golden riches weaves from Tuscany’s underbelly to Archer’s luxurious yacht in the Greek Islands.<br />
Archer desperately wants to salvage his shattered relationship with Rosalina but fighting for her love soon takes a back seat to fighting for their lives. Ruthless competition is hot on their heels and will do anything to get his hands on the treasure. With evil close on their trail, and Archer wrestling with the remnants of a childhood tragedy, Rosalina begins to wonder if some secrets were never meant to be revealed.</blockquote>
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<b><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">This book is such an
adventure, taking readers from Tuscany to a yacht off the coast of Greece.
Where did you come up with the plot idea? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There were two
instances that inspired my <i>Treasured</i> series of books. The first came from a
friend of mine. She was dating a guy who wore an unusual necklace and whenever
she asked him about it, he refused to elaborate on it. And he never took it
off, even when she told him that it nearly knocked her teeth out when they had
sex. Of course she became obsessed about it and eventually, after 8 months, he
told her it belonged to his previous girlfriend who had died. Not long
afterwards they broke up. My character in Treasured Secrets, Archer, wears an
unusual gold pendant around his neck that he too refuses to talk about or take
off. The story behind the necklace is central to the entire treasure hunt. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The other inspiration
for the story stemmed from my 20<sup>th</sup> anniversary a trip to Tuscany. We
went to a little church in Florence that was very insignificant compared to the
other beautiful churches around it. Inside, inlaid in the mosaic floor tiles,
was an oval pattern. Our tour guide told us it was the trap door where they
threw the bodies during the 13<sup>th</sup> century plague that killed 50
million people in Europe. My mind went crazy thinking about entire families
being wiped out by that horrible disease. Then I began to wonder what happened
to all the precious things those families left behind. On the plane flight
home, I began plotting my <i>Treasured Secrets</i> action adventure romance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">Do you find it hard to weave
the romance into all the action? </span></b><br />
<span lang="EN-AU" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Not at all, love is
one of the most incredible emotions to delve into. My stories are full of
action and adventure. Especially this series. It was brilliant unveiling clues
to a 13<sup>th</sup> century missing treasure and all the while exploring an
emotionally satisfying romantic journey for my hero and heroine. Despite the
tumultuous ride, my characters truly do find love. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">You’ve traveled extensively
and are up for adventure yourself! What locations have inspired you the most as
a writer? </span></b><br />
<span lang="EN-AU" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My stories are as much about the
location as the thrill of the adventures I’ve done. For example Treasured
Secrets is inspired by a couple of wonderful tours we did in Florence and a
cruise I did around the Greek Islands. But the scuba diving in my story comes
from a diving holiday we did at the Solomon Islands. The shark scenes come from
scuba diving at Christmas Island. There are several scenes in Treasured Secrets
that were inspired by the Underground Tour we did in Seattle, USA. The
helicopter scenes come from my visit to the Grand Canyon. There’s a plot theme
in Treasured Lies, book two in this series, that comes from a deserted beach we
went to in Brazil. Much of my inspiration for my debut novel, Lost in Kakadu,
came from hiking in the Milford Track in New Zealand. And I already have plans
to use places I visited in Brazil, Egypt and Russia in my future books. I live
to travel and I always have a holiday on the horizon. This year’s holiday is to
Mexico, New York and Las Vegas… I wonder what stories they will bring on?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">The way you research the
books is kind of off the charts! (Witchetty grubs? You are a braver woman than
I!) What type of research did you do for <i>Treasured Secrets</i>? </span></b><br />
<span lang="EN-AU" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I was really lucky with those witchetty grubs as I
just happened to find them in my garden. How else was I going to get the texture
and flavor right in my scene? I like to draw on my actual experiences to get
the details right. Obviously much of my work is pure fabrication, and thank goodness
too, some of my characters go to hell and back. Treasured Secrets is as much a
treasure hunt as it is a culinary adventure. Rosalina, my Italian heroine in
Treasured Secrets is a talented chef, so food and flavors abound as much as
the treasure hunt action. Every one of the meals she makes in my books I made
for myself. In fact, r</span>ecipes from “Treasured Secrets” debut in their own
book “Rosalina’s Treasured Treats” you can find this on my website and cook
along as you read the book if you like. In addition to the cooking, Rosalina’s
home in Treasured Secrets is a 700 year old villa that I holiday in in Tuscany.
Villa Pandolfini is in Signa, a little village just a fifteen minute train ride
from Florence. This spectacular historic villa with extremely high ceilings,
magnificent frescoes and original antique furniture was surrounded by vineyards
and olive-groves and offered an extensive view of Arno Valley… perfect for a
romance set in Tuscany.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">What are you working on now?
Any new books on the horizon? </span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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I used to daydream about
robbing a bank that I worked at in 1992. So guess what? I robbed that bank. In
a book of course. <i>Double Take</i> my
first crime novel, is a gritty Quinten Tarantino meets Nora Roberts story set
in that bank I worked in. I also chose to set the story in 1992 too. It was a
time before the internet, mobile phones and electric windows. It was also a
time of <i>Cheers</i>, <i>Cagney and Lacey</i>, boom boxes and Carrington Blush champagne. It was
so much fun writing in that era.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Also, book two in my <i>Treasured</i> series, <i>Treasured Lies</i> will be out in October 2015 and book three, <i>Treasured Love</i>, will be released April
2016.<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">Do you have any writing
rituals? </span></b><br />
My husband works interstate 3 to 4 nights each week, so
that’s my writing time. I don’t watch any television, instead I write about 4
hours each night and usually at least ½ a day on the weekend. I also restrict
my social media to 45 minutes each morning and 1 hour each night. The social
media aspect of writing can be a real time sap if you’re not careful.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">Where is
your favorite place to write? </span></b><br />
I love writing by my pool in the
afternoons, which overlooks virgin Australian bush. Kookaburras and cockatoos
usually give me company. Along with my fluffy little dog, Josie McLuvin. I especially
like sitting out there with a glass of wine to get my creative brain flowing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">What inspires you to
write? </span></b><br />
The story. Once I get an idea for a story in my head it
won’t leave me alone. I dream about it. I think about it constantly, even at
work when I’m trying to do my boring bookkeeping job. It’s like I’m possessed
and the only way to rid it from my brain is to write about it. My bank robbery
stayed in there for 22 years, so when I finally sat down to write it, it took
just 3 months.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">What 5 books are on your
bookshelf right now? </span></b></div>
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Cherry Adair - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1937774635/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1937774635&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=EFRF6HMKFMDBPUWN" target="_blank"><i>Gideon</i></a></div>
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J.D Robb -<i> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0399170871/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0399170871&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=ILGKYTKG6VEUC5QX" target="_blank">Obsession in Death</a> </i></div>
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Matthew Reilly - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1476749574/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1476749574&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=P3FKHAVT2OEUITPQ" target="_blank"><i>The Great Zoo of China</i></a></div>
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Mandy Magro - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EK3TZNQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00EK3TZNQ&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=MGSEN3AGHAWRXJDY" target="_blank"><i>Driftwood</i></a></div>
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Paula
Hawkins - <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1594633665/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1594633665&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=TWAXWVKTIUNTQLPM" target="_blank">The Girl on the Train</a></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria;">What do you recommend people
see/read/hear? </span></b>I recommend you watch <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008CLI4N4/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B008CLI4N4&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=V7EQ5NUCHDNOWBKU" target="_blank">Game of Thrones</a></i> - twice. The first time because you will get so
caught up in it. The second time I recommend really listening to the dialogue
and concentrating on how each character ‘owns’ their voice. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Another recommendation is <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B1LN8WY/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00B1LN8WY&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=J5KRFC5RNCQPCSLZ" target="_blank">Friends</a></i>. An oldie but a goodie. Each one
of those actors stay so true to their character it’s almost predictable how
each one would react in a situation. They have good, strong, unique roles and
by watching and analyzing you’ll learn ways to improve your voice. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Grab a copy of <i>Treasured Secrets</i> on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TQIML4K/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00TQIML4K&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=HBHAKRFFDNHGNXZQ" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="http://bit.ly/18IquOu" target="_blank">Booktopia</a>, <a href="http://apple.co/1FTA3Fn" target="_blank">iTunes</a>, <a href="http://bit.ly/1Ehko40" target="_blank">Kobo</a> or <a href="http://bit.ly/1EhlEEc" target="_blank">Google Play</a>.</div>
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Stalk Kendall on the web at her <a href="http://www.kendalltalbot.com.au/" target="_blank">site</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KendallTalbotBooks" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/KendallBooks" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, or <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/kendallbooks/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>. </div>
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<br />
Enter for a chance to win an ebook bundle of Treasured Secrets and Rosalina's Treasured Treats, the companion cookbook (yes! cookbook! witchetty grubs!). Ends 5/6</div>
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karen grecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05851373104245546133noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6932701192752594405.post-1914401071713181752015-04-16T04:30:00.000-07:002015-04-16T04:30:02.526-07:00Book review: Zombie-saurus Rex <div class="Body">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpC5s_HFTlcIPfeWO2-7tJ7oGm2Di3VKJgsOaw0yd98DgD5FS7_UTF-5bWhA-_G-VFEJN32NKvQWW2pWJOO8Z_6qatd0g3L4t8FcgobFvXpAQi9YDL0Fr4hi9-B1ezjP8WoNORr5qHdb4/s1600/Zombie-saurus+Rex+HiRes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpC5s_HFTlcIPfeWO2-7tJ7oGm2Di3VKJgsOaw0yd98DgD5FS7_UTF-5bWhA-_G-VFEJN32NKvQWW2pWJOO8Z_6qatd0g3L4t8FcgobFvXpAQi9YDL0Fr4hi9-B1ezjP8WoNORr5qHdb4/s1600/Zombie-saurus+Rex+HiRes.jpg" height="400" width="262" /></a></div>
Being a teenager is tough as it is. Now imagine you are a zombie.
That's the premise of the wildly imaginative young adult novel <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0985677244/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0985677244&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=DQTGSZJRPLRRMQ6I" target="_blank">Zombie-saurusRex</a> </i>by Mark Souza. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
Here's the description:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="border: none; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<span style="border: none; color: black;">Rex Morton, a seventeen year-old zombie, has
arrived in the small farming town of Plain View, Nebraska; just another stop in
a long string of small towns left behind in their rear view mirror. Unlike the
zombie stereotype, Rex is bright and friendly - as long as he doesn't get
hungry. He hopes this time he can manage to stick around long enough to get his
diploma.</span><span style="border: none; font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="border: none; color: black;">Rex’s fiercely protective mother has strong-armed
yet another school district into accepting her son by threatening a
discrimination lawsuit. At Plain View High, a dismal pattern of fear,
prejudice, and bullying steers Rex down a familiar path toward expulsion. The
difference this time is that Rex has fallen for fiery Goth girl, Ariella
Klopenstein, the daughter of the Police Chief, and decided he will make his
stand in Plain View.</span><span style="border: none; color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="border: none; color: black;">As the Z-virus spreads west and the country
panics, Rex and Ariella must find a way to overcome Rex’s mother who wants to
break them apart and flee town, a school principal who wants Rex expelled,
Ariella’s father, the Police Chief, who thinks Rex is dangerous, and a
government zombie round-up aimed at solving the zombie problem once and for
all.</span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="border: none; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<span style="border: none; color: black;"><i>Zombie-saurus Rex</i> is a story about
perseverance, overcoming prejudice, stereotypes and adversity. What it isn't is
a story about dinosaurs. The title is inspired by a nickname a school bully hangs
on Rex due to his size, posture, and slow plodding gate.</span><span style="border: none; color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<span style="border: none; color: black;">Since I am not the target audience, I gave it to my 11 year-old
daughter. Here's her 5- star review.</span><span style="border: none; font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I enjoyed the book very much it kept me interested the whole
time. It was a great mix of action and comedy, and the style of the
writing wasn't confusing or unclear, which is very good for me. I loved the
personality of the characters and how different and interesting they are.<br />
I was kind of bummed that Rex's dad didn't show up somewhere to
get Rex and his mom to forgive him.</blockquote>
I was apprehensive to give her this one, because she's still at that anti-romance age (and that cover makes the book look steamier than it actually is). One of her school assignments is to read 20 minutes a day. Every time she picked up this book, she went well over her 20 minutes. (And no calls from the other room: "Mom, has it been 20 minutes yet?") So although she wasn't terribly verbose with this review, but I know she really loved it.<br />
<br />
You can find out more about Mark's really interesting (and not-just-for-kids) books on his <a href="http://www.marksouza.com/" target="_blank">website</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/souzawrites" target="_blank">Tweet</a> at him, and find him on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mark.souza.902" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.<br />
<br />
Mark is hosting an awesome $50 Amazon gift card giveaway. Be sure to enter!<br />
<div class="Body">
<o:p></o:p></div>
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karen grecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05851373104245546133noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6932701192752594405.post-59655945634233364812015-04-06T04:30:00.000-07:002015-04-06T04:30:02.565-07:00Author Interview: Amy Boyles (Rendered)<div class="p1">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7YTzHp1PmAgN0ni6PZg9EH897MPTLsgCyZEyuqftkhg6Q56ySmzOOAj_Gms5XvJrS_bE6ZHKv3HfrWQ6xFN3d63PytkofHIL6ti0e9g5h62imNyB3yTvzz2-yET68gzXmOlE_r5nVD_g/s1600/rendered-web-copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7YTzHp1PmAgN0ni6PZg9EH897MPTLsgCyZEyuqftkhg6Q56ySmzOOAj_Gms5XvJrS_bE6ZHKv3HfrWQ6xFN3d63PytkofHIL6ti0e9g5h62imNyB3yTvzz2-yET68gzXmOlE_r5nVD_g/s1600/rendered-web-copy.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
YOU GUYS! I have a awesome interview today with Amy Boyles, and we’re talking about her book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UB8I4UE/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00UB8I4UE&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=36PDU7T3IMSFAZLU" target="_blank">RENDERED</a> which seriously had me at hello.<br />
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Here's the official description:<br />
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Ten years ago, Drian Becker underwent the Rendering, a humiliating body exam imposed upon the masses by her father, a commander in the Patriot Army. Being a high ranking official’s daughter, Drian thought she was safe from the practice—not so. Her father’s betrayal left her emotionally scarred and dishonored. </blockquote>
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It’s now 2098. Drian hasn’t thought about the Rendering since she became leader of a rebel faction—mostly because she’s an expert at hiding her feelings behind a thick outer wall of badass attitude. </blockquote>
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All that changes when Colvin Hinton walks into her camp. With his easy swagger and even easier demeanor, Colvin makes being a rebel look good enough to taste. But when Drian finds herself tangled in his charms she lets down her guard, giving an old enemy the chance to take her out once and for all. </blockquote>
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If loving a man is this dangerous, would Drian have been better off remaining in the clutches of her father and living with the scars of being RENDERED?</blockquote>
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It’s got a great set up, a creepy world, and a kick ass heroine and a smokin’ hot hero. So let’s get to it! (PS: Giveaway at the bottom of the post! Go and enter!) </div>
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<b>Tell us a bit about RENDERED.</b></div>
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Sure thing. The year is 2099. All the oil is gone. So is the United States government as we know it. It’s been replaced by a faction called the Patriot Party, a group that maintains control of the people by imprisoning anyone who speaks out against them and by subjecting young women to the Rendering, a physical exam that you either pass or fail. Pass it and you’ll marry well, most likely to someone the party has picked out for you. Fail and you’ll be removed from all good society. </div>
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RENDERED follows Drian, a rebel who’s failing miserably at leading her group of people. Her band is on the verge of mutiny when Colvin, a rebel from a neighboring group, appears with a solution to her problem—all she has to do is trust him. That’s easier said than done. Drian’s been burned by those she’s loved and trusted before and wants to avoid it happening again at all costs. But her attraction to Colvin is impossible to ignore. Can Drian give herself over to passion without getting attached? </div>
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<b>Can you explain what a “rendering” is? What sparked the idea for a “rendering”? And is it something only forced on the women? </b></div>
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Simply put, the Rendering is a virginity test. Doesn’t sound that bad, right? However, the procedure is used as a tool to determine what happens next to the young woman. Pass the exam (be found whole) and you bring respect to your family. Fail and you humiliate them. The Patriot Party also uses this as a means of controlling the masses—after all, you have no choice but to allow your daughter go through with the test. If a mother or father decided to speak against the party at the time their daughter was being rendered, she might not return to them in one piece. </div>
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What sparked the idea? I have no clue. It just came to me in the middle of writing <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SUDGSPU/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00SUDGSPU&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=7C2LYH4HL6BTQ3EW" target="_blank">UNLIKELY REBEL</a>, book one in the Dark Revolution series (of which RENDERED is book two). </div>
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<b>I love rebel factions! Can you tell us a bit more about the rebels Drian joins? What are they trying to overthrow?</b></div>
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So the rebels want to overthrow the Patriot Party. Since the party has come into power, not only have they mandated the Rendering, but they’ve also forced people to dress from the time period of the American Revolution, outlawed weapons and rationed food. People who live in cities and towns must line up daily to receive their ration of bread, cheese or whatever is available that day. People have very little to hope for in this world that they no longer control. </div>
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<b>This book has a real post-apocalyptic ring to it. Are you drawn to post-apocalyptic themes? If so, do you have any ideas why?</b></div>
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That’s a good question. I never considered writing anything post-apocalyptic until this idea came to me. I generally write fantasy or contemporary novels. Once the idea for this series hit me, I felt I needed to get it out. </div>
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<b>What are you working on now? Any new books on the horizon?</b></div>
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I’m currently writing book four in the Dark Revolution series. In this book, girls who fail the Rendering are sent to a place called the Hold, which is part workhouse/part hell. There, we meet a woman named Tess who knows a secret that could ruin the Patriot Party. But will she be able to share it with the right people before the party finds her and kills her? You’ll just have to read it to find out. </div>
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<b>Do you have any writing rituals?</b></div>
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Yes, I make a cup of coffee before I start writing every morning. Every single day I drink that cup as I work. </div>
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<b>Where is your favorite place to write?</b></div>
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My kitchen table. I have a couple of desks but there’s something about the space that table affords that I like the most. </div>
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<b>What inspires you to write? </b></div>
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Knowing that one day I will be able to quit my day job. That inspires me. Also, great characters living inside my head fighting to get out. </div>
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<b>What 5 books are on your bookshelf right now?</b><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0451456718/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0451456718&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=ROSIGFRLRQPOH6B3" target="_blank">Daughter of the Blood</a> by Anne Bishop</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0765350386/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0765350386&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=EP7A4WVS7NJYQXXR" target="_blank">Mistborn</a> by Brandon Sanderson</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1476770387/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1476770387&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=JG43ENNSWEIGLKJM" target="_blank">Revival</a> by Stephen King</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1451665636/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1451665636&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=NFHL2WH3SQW7ZZA5" target="_blank">A Knight in Shining Armor </a>by Jude Deveraux</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1631060244/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1631060244&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=ZMIZEBNYLJ7BOX3Z" target="_blank">The Complete Works of William Shakespeare</a></div>
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<b>What do you recommend people see/read/hear?</b></div>
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That depends on the person and what their interests are. If you live in a city with an active theater community—go see plays. Hear how people talk to one another. Go sit in a subway or airport and watch people. See how one person’s movements affect another person’s. Eat awesome food. Read whatever you want, but if you like fantasy read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0765350386/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0765350386&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=34ZO2ABCRVN3VUJW" target="_blank">Mistborn</a>, if you like romance, read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0486284735/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0486284735&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=67DFIE7GTFLK5U6U" target="_blank">Pride and Prejudice,</a> if you like suspense, ask someone else because I’m not well versed in that genre.<br />
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Amy is giving away three copies of RENDERED and two $10 Amazon gift cards. Enter below! </div>
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karen grecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05851373104245546133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6932701192752594405.post-53345998010956318162015-03-31T16:55:00.001-07:002015-03-31T16:55:44.601-07:00I've Been To A Marvellous Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZ9C6JKdtP7HHkqNra_7SL-FSyYYr9dNnSDrOOrXBzdHqgMwpE5u1D_7CCBT5GU0rf4Qmfta56NwIeRsyjmjPImeVQbAgCOtH80Pyhbo_Dh7Fo45HtaT53tFoI3fvtWWMKNLWnxIHXCo/s1600/my-man-godfrey-1936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZ9C6JKdtP7HHkqNra_7SL-FSyYYr9dNnSDrOOrXBzdHqgMwpE5u1D_7CCBT5GU0rf4Qmfta56NwIeRsyjmjPImeVQbAgCOtH80Pyhbo_Dh7Fo45HtaT53tFoI3fvtWWMKNLWnxIHXCo/s1600/my-man-godfrey-1936.jpg" height="243" width="320" /></a></div>
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Life is playing a giant April fool on me. It’s snowing. Again. And I’ve caught a nasty cold. To get rid of my funk, I came up with the literary cocktail party guest list of my dreams. The only rule was the writers had to be alive. </div>
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Welcome to my cocktail party! </div>
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I am drinking Richard Kadrey under the table. William Gibson is in the back room, being antisocial. Kalayna Price is petting the cat. You can’t throw a party without inviting J.K. Rowling, but she’s there only on the condition that we don’t mention Harry Potter. JR Ward shows up in a dominatrix outfit. Chuck Palahniuk is giving boxing lessons in the back yard. Jodi Picoult is the person everyone wants to hang out with. Jennifer Weiner is telling the best jokes, while Jack Ketchum and Chuck Hogan are creeping everyone out. </div>
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And we are all yelling at George RR Martin to go home and finish the next damn Song of Fire and Ice book. </div>
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This is my brain on NyQuil. </div>
karen grecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05851373104245546133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6932701192752594405.post-8526321587769172252015-03-27T04:00:00.000-07:002015-03-27T04:00:00.580-07:00Book Review: SILK by Chris Karlsen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-XRrazlU7Bxt1Qql88eRRNhWp-TpSH2t9Xt1lzqiNBpHe30jI2pwn1blgF76LELrQf9XOM5nSFG89TkkkQ_birWeCVaHW3oGyzZ3Hu269XR9MzFo_RkhjHjP_u1_-w13nQTQa46i0XA/s1600/Silk+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-XRrazlU7Bxt1Qql88eRRNhWp-TpSH2t9Xt1lzqiNBpHe30jI2pwn1blgF76LELrQf9XOM5nSFG89TkkkQ_birWeCVaHW3oGyzZ3Hu269XR9MzFo_RkhjHjP_u1_-w13nQTQa46i0XA/s1600/Silk+small.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<i>Contest lovers should read to the bottom. Not only is there a Rafflecopter giveaway but the author is giving away <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;">one Kindle copy of SILK for each tour stop, including this one! </span></i><br />
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Historical fiction is tough. You have to research your time period within an inch of its life. Readers that are sticklers for details happily call out your errors. I’d love to write a historical fiction, but I am positively frightened of it. So kudos to Chris Karlsen for braving the choppy waters of this genre. </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QSTM578/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00QSTM578&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=4WHZ6G7QGLLI3IA5" target="_blank">SILK</a> has two stories running concurrently that eventually cross paths. We open with William, a wealthy aristocrat, member of the House of Lords, friend to Queen Victoria, and an insatiable appetite for kink. When his current paramour is accentually killed during an intimate act, the power from that taste of blood proves so tantalizing that William decides to perpetrate non-accidental deaths.</div>
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Set in the middle of the Jack the Ripper panic, which has whipped neighboring Whitechapel into hysteria, Inspector Rudyard Bloodstone and his partner are tasked with solving their own peculiar murders taking place outside the British Museum. As the defiled bodies of working class women pile up, the Inspector has his hands full trying to solve this crime without setting off a city wide, Ripper induced panic.</div>
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When William gets involved in a copycat killing, he and Bloodstone cross paths, beginning a fascinating cat and mouse game between the two. </div>
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SILK was a bit of a slow start for me, but once the story got going, it grabbed me. While William is revealed as a killer at the start of the book, we are left on pins and needles about his motives for the other murders. He picks up a woman he at a remote train station, will he kill her next? There were several moments in the book that left me breathless. </div>
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There were also bits that slowed down the captivating story. For example, the stiff romance that bloomed between a widowed seamstress and Bloodstone didn’t do much to further the plot, and I skimmed over those moments. There was also a fascinating historical element to the book that Karlsen worked into Bloodstone’s backstory. While I appreciate what the author was doing, and I agree it was fascinating, I felt like it brought the story itself to a halt. </div>
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Quibbles aside, the story is fascinating and I even found myself rooting for William until his final monstrous act. I love villains that are layered enough that you can find ways to sympathize with them. Just like I love imperfect heroes, and Rudyard was certainly that. He came down on the right side of the law, but his personality was as chilly as the serial killers he chased. </div>
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Fans of books set in Victorian England, or of the BBC series <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AATGDUC/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00AATGDUC&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=VKS5TYC2TKDIPNPC" target="_blank">Ripper Street</a> </i>(I'm a fan), will enjoy this one.</div>
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Check out Chris Karlsen's <a href="http://chriskarlsen.com/" target="_blank">website</a>, buy <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QSTM578/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00QSTM578&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=4WHZ6G7QGLLI3IA5" target="_blank">SILK</a> from Amazon. Don't forget to leave a comment on this post if you'd like to win a Kindle copy! </div>
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And you can enter a Rafflecopter give away (includes a Kindle copy of SILK, swag bag & a $10 Amazon gift card):<br />
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<i>I received a free Kindle copy from the author for the purposes of reviewing.</i>karen grecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05851373104245546133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6932701192752594405.post-2860301146806227572015-03-25T07:17:00.001-07:002015-03-25T07:17:59.290-07:00HB3 Update!<div class="p1">
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<i>Hell’s Belle</i> fans will be happy to hear that I made terrific headway on my pre-outline outline for Book 3. </div>
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I know, weird, right? A pre-outline outline?</div>
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This is basically where I decide the major plot points, as well as identify the characters I need to carry the these plot points forward. It looks like our favorite surviving characters are back: Nina, Frankie, and Max, of course. Darcy and Matty return, and Casper too. Chuck will probably turn up a time or two, simply because the Beta Vamp really grew on me. Dr. O returns in this book, but we probably won’t catch much of him until the end. And, of course, our favorite demon Ami Bertrand is back pulling everyone’s strings. </div>
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Plus, I am introducing a new, pivotal character. He’s a doozy, and I am crazy excited to write him. </div>
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Nina and Casper are going to go through a major upheaval in this one. I know, how much more crap can I throw at Nina? But just like I needed to off a certain character in <i>Tainted Blood</i> so that Nina could grow as a character, this is the next step in her development.</div>
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Action lovers will be happy to hear that it looks like the action sequences are back in line with the original <i>Hell's Belle</i>. The crew knows exactly what's going on and what they need to do. So this time, it's all in the execution. </div>
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Here's a playlist of music kept me going while I worked it all out. Let me know how you feel about the tunes! </div>
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<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="580" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify:user:karengreco:playlist:2ofAJKpHKqO9wAdqZQO4HX" width="500"></iframe>karen grecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05851373104245546133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6932701192752594405.post-50338605146322215102015-03-19T08:06:00.004-07:002015-03-19T08:06:27.999-07:00I’m still here! And other odds and ends...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<span class="s1">Since I've been busy as a beaver, here's a pic of a beaver dam that I took last summer!</span></div>
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Good news! The new paranormal romance is off to the publisher. I am taking a minute (seriously like a minute) to breathe and then kickstarting Hell’s Belle 3 plus working on the outline for a new PNR that I hope to sell. It’s going to be a slight genre departure for me, so I am kind of excited to work on it.</div>
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Add in the day job, and my schedule was hellish this winter. I am a bit exhausted. But I’ve loved every minute that I’ve been writing, and spending more time with my characters daily has been really amazing. It simply drives home that I would love to write full time. </div>
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Since I've been slammed, I have been neglecting this blog a bit, as well as my fellow compatriot authors. I hope to remedy in the coming weeks. I have book review coming next week, and hopefully, I can get back in the swing of the author interviews. And I have a new adventure on tap that I will announce soon-ish. (When I am through the testing phase -- I am okay with tech stuff if I have the time to devote to playing with it, and I am carving out the time now!)</div>
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So, it’s all good. I’m still here!</div>
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Oh, by the way, did you know I have a mailing list? <a href="http://eepurl.com/bhq3U5" target="_blank">Sign up</a> if you want book updates, freebies, and sneak peeks at stuff I am working on! (By the way, I don't sell names. You guys are mine, <i>all mine</i>!) </div>
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karen grecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05851373104245546133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6932701192752594405.post-15891345862496808792015-03-05T07:23:00.002-08:002015-03-05T07:23:56.244-08:00Cover Reveal: A Question of Counsel<div class="MsoNormal">
It's been a while since I've done a cover reveal and this
one is very pretty! (Keep on scrolling for a giveaway at the end of this post!)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzxAF4a8r4iE9zVZpjxYt04cfDb9GZHkkUE_J0ymvZTfVIOzbsT85EB_s9e2M2IOL1YwL38lwwER9utFd7sVXzcUI3vksiPdeSTW8u5WLLVNetqOQ7YigLn-Yha_XEweWK7weHrfYCUMA/s1600/AQoC+COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzxAF4a8r4iE9zVZpjxYt04cfDb9GZHkkUE_J0ymvZTfVIOzbsT85EB_s9e2M2IOL1YwL38lwwER9utFd7sVXzcUI3vksiPdeSTW8u5WLLVNetqOQ7YigLn-Yha_XEweWK7weHrfYCUMA/s1600/AQoC+COVER.jpg" height="400" width="250" /></a></div>
A QUESTION OF COUNSEL, a fantasy romance by Archer Kay Leah,
is releasing on May 25. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Here's the description:<o:p></o:p></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Life hasn't been easy for Aeley since she arrested her
brother, and her role as a political leader leaves her feeling isolated and
lonely. Days before her brother's trial, she meets Lira, a quiet and modest
scribe who makes Aeley want more than just a professional relationship.<br />
When she attends the trial and leaves with a marriage
contract, Aeley doesn't know what to do. She must choose one of two brothers,
marrying into a family she doesn't know. Then she discovers that Lira is part
of the same family—a sister to Aeley's suitors and the family's disgrace. And
not at all opposed to an intimate relationship.<br />
Except random acts of violence against her people test
Aeley's ability as a leader, and a web of lies and deceit threaten not only her
chance at happiness, but her life...</blockquote>
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You can pre-order from the publisher, <a href="http://www.lessthanthreepress.com/books/index.php?main_page=product_bookx_info&cPath=92&products_id=885" target="_blank">Less Than Three Press</a>. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Find Archer online at her <a href="http://archerkayleah.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">website</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Archer-Kay-Leah-Author/170517966489444" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/archerkayleah" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/ArcherKayLeah" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Giveaway Time! <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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Win 2 $10 Amazon gift cards during the cover reveal party!<br />
<br />
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="9ef3535b232" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/9ef3535b232/" id="rcwidget_yo18ztr6" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>
karen grecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05851373104245546133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6932701192752594405.post-24933128897205706252015-02-27T06:28:00.002-08:002015-02-27T06:28:42.451-08:00Soul Storm mix tape<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnaVKAEsl3adcnzk0xO3v2_3bTJFHohTPEJLDmCN0hATWDMeeUWdjS2E-Pg1RsB0N8-mE9H0x5v3NG0T9qDo6lxyX0roonOKKHVQeGF6TMJdkvSSGBcIN_bNwc8-axz9GqFi8ZEGqFeyQ/s1600/Soul+Storm+Series+Banner+851+x+315.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnaVKAEsl3adcnzk0xO3v2_3bTJFHohTPEJLDmCN0hATWDMeeUWdjS2E-Pg1RsB0N8-mE9H0x5v3NG0T9qDo6lxyX0roonOKKHVQeGF6TMJdkvSSGBcIN_bNwc8-axz9GqFi8ZEGqFeyQ/s1600/Soul+Storm+Series+Banner+851+x+315.png" height="147" width="400" /></a>I am thrilled to have Ann Gimple back on the blog today; this
time she's sharing a folk- inflected mixtape for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/author/anngimpel" target="_blank">Soul Storm</a>, her series of
three apocalyptic novels. Psychologist <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Dr. Lara McInnis has an uncanny ability to read
the future. Trevor Denoble is the drop-dead gorgeous Brit (with powers of his
own) who loves her. With the world as they know it on the brink of anarchy,
they'll need all of their power, and the trust of each other, to stay alive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Ann explains:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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My taste in music is eclectic, but I’m an old folkie at
heart. Love the old rock and roll too, like the Rolling Stones and The Band and
Jerry Garcia. I picked the above songs for two reasons: Lara and Trevor’s love
is a lynchpin for the series, and the series takes place in a precarious
pre-apocalyptic world that’s rapidly sliding into anarchy.<br />
I just knew all those old protest songs would come in handy
someday, and here we are!</blockquote>
Indeed! It's a great mix of songs--go on and give it a listen!<br />
<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify:user:karengreco:playlist:4YuAPmKdYGPv5nuDXgMR2a" width="300"></iframe>
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You can hang with Ann
on The Internets over at her <a href="http://www.anngimpel.com/" target="_blank">website</a>, <a href="http://anngimpel.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blog</a>, and on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/anngimpel.author" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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karen grecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05851373104245546133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6932701192752594405.post-11082106213497695402015-02-16T04:30:00.000-08:002015-02-16T04:30:01.198-08:00Author Interview: R.S. Mellette (Billy Bobble Makes a Magic Wand)<div class="p1">
<i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1940180090/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1940180090&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=URV3IR7AAGUJ5YV5" target="_blank">Billy Bobble Makes a Magic Wand</a></i> is an enchanting upper middle grade novel that will make you believe in the power of magic. </div>
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Here’s the official blurb:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSTqx2mK49F1eetpxH3g9WYVnIJTItRir2vNuus0xOjNZq4PxE8DagG9tuI23_LpcmU5GQv6FsyIBc37-jzmLh5V9fxnMqIeiu9kd343zyHIcWkwovztaY1IWtNn2yzJeXZwzAaQ06AQQ/s1600/BillyBobble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSTqx2mK49F1eetpxH3g9WYVnIJTItRir2vNuus0xOjNZq4PxE8DagG9tuI23_LpcmU5GQv6FsyIBc37-jzmLh5V9fxnMqIeiu9kd343zyHIcWkwovztaY1IWtNn2yzJeXZwzAaQ06AQQ/s1600/BillyBobble.jpg" height="400" width="261" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="s1">"E = mc2 is no longer the most powerful force in the universe. Your wand is."</span><span class="s1"> </span><span class="s1">Twelve-year-old Billy and his best friend Suzy Quinofski didn't mean to change the universe. Billy, a quantum physics prodigy, just wanted to find a way to help his hoarding, schizophrenic mother – and maybe impress a coven of older girls in high school. Suzy, his intellectual equal, wanted to help her friend and cling to her last remnant of childhood, a belief in magic. Together they made Billy a real, working, magic wand, and opened a door to the Quantum World where thoughts create reality, and all things – good and bad – are possible.</span></blockquote>
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Author R.S. Mellette’s career trajectory spans film, television and theater, in addition to fiction writing. He worked on Xena! Let me repeat that: HE WORKED ON XENA! </div>
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I am thrilled he agreed to join us today to introduce us to the smartest kid in the universe!<br />
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(By the way, there's a Rafflecopter giveaway at the end of this post. Xena fans for sure will want to check it out.)</div>
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<b>Tell me about <i>Billy Bobble Makes a Magic Wand</i>.</b></div>
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This book is the story of a 12-year-old kid, Billy, who is into quantum physics, and his best friend, Suzy Quinofski, who is into microbiology. Together they make a real, working, magic wand… but have no idea how to use it.<br />
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I've tried to make this a science-fiction book for the whole family. I can't wait to find out from readers if they feel that I've succeeded.</div>
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<b>What inspired you to tell Billy’s story?</b></div>
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There were a lot of little things that inspired Billy's story, which is to say, if fans read or hear different stories, don't fret. They are all true. One of the things that got me started was spending time in the Science-Fiction section of bookstores. They are packed with vampires, werewolves, witches and wizards. Don't get me wrong, I love those stories, but they aren't sci-fi. <br />
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My inner 12-year-old got into a huff about it, so I started thinking, "if you want witches and wizards in the Sci-Fi section, then have them come from a scientific source."<br />
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About that time, the movie <i>The Craft</i> reran on TV. It's a great movie to watch on a rainy day, or a late night. This time, my inner 12-year-old asked me why I didn't hang out with girls like that coven when I was their age. I laughed. "Yeah, like those girls would give you (me), a kid totally into science, the time of day."<br />
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The idea of a science nerd like me having a crush on a coven of witches joined with my desire to see more Science in the Science-Fiction section got the creative juices flowing.</div>
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<b>Can you bring us into your world a little bit? Billy and his best friend “made” a magic wand. How does the real world change for them? </b></div>
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For one thing, they get two new friends from the Quantum World. It turns out that Billy knows a ton about quantum physics, but it's aware that beings live in that reality. Where we are mostly mass, with a tiny bit of energy, they are mostly energy with a tiny bit of mass.<br />
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It turns out that Billy's wand opens a connection between these two worlds, which have had a symbiotic relationship as long as life as existed.<br />
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When Billy first uses the wand all he wants to do is escape the ridicule and bullying from the entire school, so he disappears. For real, totally, disappears from the universe. That scares him so badly that he and Suzy use the wand sparingly from then on. They only have a vague idea how it works, and are a little freaked out by the power of what they have made.<br />
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In writing this book, I think I've spent more time asking myself, "How would our world change if we could make real magic?" It then gets more complicated when that power is in the hands of kids. Still, I approach the question from an adult perspective. This isn't a "silly" book. I hope it will make the reader think as much as I have had to.</div>
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<b>How did they pull off creating this wand? What was the “science” behind it?</b></div>
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That's the question of the first half of the book. Let's see if I can explain it without giving away too many secrets.<br />
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Einstein tells us that Space and Time are connected, and that nothing can travel faster than the speed of light. But… paired quantum particles – which, when you change the spin of one, the other one changes its spin instantly – change their spin faster than a single could move from one particle to the other. So, <i>something</i> is able to break the universe's speed limit. That's all real science.<br />
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Billy puts all of that together, to figure out that there are multiple timelines, so many that pretty much anything you can think of exists somewhere in an alternate time/space connection. He thinks that something locks us in our linear time, and if he can break that link, he can create magic, which he defines as "seemingly unrelated cause and effect."<br />
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Suzy figures out what the key is that locks us in our timeline. Billy then figures out how to use that to create magic.</div>
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<b>Billy’s mom is mentally ill (specifically schizophrenic). How does this effect Billy’s world outlook? </b></div>
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Billy wishes more than anything that his mother would be "normal." It is a big driving force in what makes him want to create magic. Later, he learns that her paranoid belief that the neighbor's yard gnomes are spying the family is actually true and that the universe is a much more complex place than he ever imagined.</div>
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<b>You’ve worked a great deal in film/television/theater. How different is the experience of writing a novel from these other mediums? </b></div>
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The biggest thing about writing a novel is that there's no crew. I have to make all of the decisions about clothes, hair, makeup, props, sets, etc. I don't want to do all of that. I just want to say, "Int. Billy Bobble's Room – Day" and get on with the story. <br />
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Plays, for either stage or screen, are like an orchestra score. It's not the finished product, the performance is. Novels are the final version, so they require as much energy as making a movie or staging a show – not just writing the script.</div>
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<b>What skills from TV/film writing did you use while writing Billy Bobble? Anything you had to completely throw away? </b></div>
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What I had to throw away? The word "suddenly." That's used in screenplays all the time, but in a book if you say, "suddenly" such-&-such happens, then it's no longer sudden. When I cut the word, the reader gets the shock value that I'm looking for.</div>
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Of course, the basics of storytelling doesn't change – and that's a major part of all writing. I would have to say that my acting training comes in handy with dialogue. Having performed words by Neil Simon, David Mamet, Shakespeare, etc., and having written plays for stage and screen, where dialogue is the major way of getting the story out, it helps a lot when writing novels. I know dialogue is a difficult thing for a lot of novelists, so they try to avoid it. I revel in dialogue. I hope my readers do, too.</div>
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<b>Do you have any writing rituals?</b></div>
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For the longest time, I was a catch-as-catch-can writer, stealing time whenever and wherever I could. Often during my day jobs. I used to love showing up to a temp job with a notebook and hear, "oh good, you brought something to do."</div>
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Now, I write more at home. When I need to build up the energy to write, I'll watch something I like on TV, like Dr. Who or anything by Aaron Sorkin. Good writing gets me excited to do my own.</div>
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<b>Where is your favorite place to write?</b></div>
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My office at home.</div>
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<b>What inspires you to write? </b></div>
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Mostly boredom. If my mind isn't entertained, then it starts to entertain itself – which I then write down. I know that's counter to my good writing comment above, but that's life. It's complicated.</div>
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<b>What 5 books are on your bookshelf right now?</b></div>
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This sounds like a shameful plug for my publisher, but it's the truth, anything from Elephant's Bookshelf Press. I just finished <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/194018004X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=194018004X&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=JN6RS27OEEKKBCX7" target="_blank">Battery Brothers</a></i>, which I recommend to anyone, but especially writers. The first chapter of that book should go into a how-to textbook. It's brilliant.<br />
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Cat Woods just edited a collection of short stories for EBP called <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1940180066/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1940180066&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=NY2O53WSY5QXOPKF" target="_blank">Tales from the Bully Box</a></i>, and I can't wait to dig into that. I'm also looking forward to her novel in 2015.<br />
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I've also gone through the first two books of the <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0385737955/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0385737955&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=FHC2AIQIMAO2IF74" target="_blank">Maze Runner</a></i> series, a few <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1423124529/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1423124529&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=N2UYXQ5HIFQB4QQT" target="_blank">Artemis Fowl</a> </i>books, a couple of <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0786838655/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0786838655&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=7YCMM6PQ5FR3IBL4" target="_blank">Percy Jacksons</a></i>, etc.<br />
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I'm also reading a lot of biographies of artist from the 16<sup>th</sup> century for another project. So I go from kid-lit to stories about Popes and their courtesans, it's a bit of a mind trip.</div>
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<b>What do you recommend people see/read/hear?</b></div>
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Whatever they enjoy. Become an unabashed fan of whatever makes you happy. When you've learned everything about it, you can make something like it that makes you just as happy – and that will make other people who like what you like happy, too. That might lead you to making a living at something you love – and that can make for a great life.</div>
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<span class="s2">You can find </span> R.S. Mellette on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5761577.R_S_Mellette" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/RSMellette" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MelletteRS?fref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook</a>. </div>
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Here's the giveaway details:</div>
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1st Prize- *signed* copy of Billy Bobble Makes a Magic Wand</div>
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2nd Prize- Season two of Xena: Warrior Princess</div>
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Open to US only; Ends 2/25/15</div>
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<br /></div>
</div>
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="d3474665314" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d3474665314/" id="rcwidget_g2xkujtv" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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<br />karen grecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05851373104245546133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6932701192752594405.post-75343797888787877432015-02-09T04:30:00.000-08:002015-02-09T04:30:03.812-08:00Death Rejoices Mix Tape<div class="p1">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLhRMCgMzU6W3HwltXSHnbyiGjQtnfOOJ1L-h4802cZydOsULFiwuK37Qh4vN05nACfvjTwqISwI14pntu7F3kqEMnTY8JaqNpO0GBIT7TzBFvdjjWbb2ilBUo89oOZeMHE-TTK6PjNMM/s1600/DeathRejoices.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLhRMCgMzU6W3HwltXSHnbyiGjQtnfOOJ1L-h4802cZydOsULFiwuK37Qh4vN05nACfvjTwqISwI14pntu7F3kqEMnTY8JaqNpO0GBIT7TzBFvdjjWbb2ilBUo89oOZeMHE-TTK6PjNMM/s1600/DeathRejoices.jpg" height="400" width="257" /></a></div>
<span class="s1">You guys remember by <a href="http://karengreco.blogspot.com/2014/11/author-interview-aj-aalto-touched.html" target="_blank">love</a> for <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OA9GDWG/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00OA9GDWG&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=XHX2NFXV7NJEXOFS" target="_blank">Touched</a></i> by AJ Aalto? Well, there’s a new book in the Marnie Baranuik Files out: <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C9OF2VW/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00C9OF2VW&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=SWPI65B7A6GSZU4M" target="_blank">Death Rejoices</a></i>. Not only death rejoice, but readers too! (<i>Oh, Karen, want some chicken to go with your corn?</i>) </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Here’s the official blurb: </span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Marnie Baranuik is back, and this time, the Great White Shark of psychic investigations has “people skills” and a new assistant who seems to harbor an unhealthy curiosity about Harry, her revenant companion. Together, they’ve got a whole lot of questions that need answering. Is an ancient vampire hunting in Denver? Who is stalking Lord Dreppenstedt? How do you cure a slipper-humping bat, ditch an ogre, or give a demon king the slip? And what the hell was she thinking, swearing off cookies?<br />
Teaming up with her sexual nemesis, Special Agent Mark Batten, and their long-suffering supervisor, Gary Chapel, Marnie discovers that vampire hunters aren’t easy to rescue, secrets don’t stay buried, and zombies sure are a pain in the ass to kill.</blockquote>
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<span class="s1">I asked AJ to share a <i>Death Rejoices</i> mix tape with us, and it’s a wild one! Where else can Rob Zombie play footsie with Kool & the Gang but in Marnie’s wonderfully warped mind?</span><br />
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
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<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify:user:karengreco:playlist:5oH9qvy8xwxSbM42VcXQuM" width="300"></iframe>
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(Note from AJ: Yes, this book had a strange blend of music genres. But Marnie Baranuik is a strange gal. She makes no apologies. WAY HEY AND UP SHE RISES!)<span class="s1"></span></div>
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<span class="s1">AJ, one never needs apologize for Irish sea shanties!</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Head over to AJ’s <a href="http://www.ajaalto.com/" target="_blank">website</a>, or find her on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12733205-touched?from_search=true" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>. Join me in stalking her on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aj.aalto.5" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/ajaalto" target="_blank">Twitter</a> too!</span></div>
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karen grecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05851373104245546133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6932701192752594405.post-91874360954678076672015-02-04T04:30:00.000-08:002015-02-04T04:30:03.034-08:00Author Interview: Rebecca Chastain (A Fist Full of Evil)<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If
you scan the suggested books on the Hell's Belle Amazon page, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rebecca Chastain's <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MV8VQ70/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00MV8VQ70&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=QLBJBB3ZID5HNYHD" target="_blank">A Fist Full of Evil</a></i> pops up. Mixing humor with urban fantasy, her
heroine Madison Fox is coping with her supernatural ability: seeing souls gives
her the ability to fight evil. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Here's
the official synopsis: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Madison Fox just learned that her ability to see souls is
more than a sight: It’s a weapon for fighting evil. The only problem is she
doesn’t have a clue what she’s doing.<br />
On the positive side, her money problems are over, she’s possibly discovered
her purpose in life, and her coworker is smoking hot. On the negative side,
evil creatures now actively hunt her, and deadly experiences are becoming the
norm.<br />
When she thinks it couldn’t get worse, a powerful evil sets up shop at a local
hotel’s video game convention, and it’s got its eye on more than the gaming
geeks: it is hungry for Madison’s soul. Madison needs to become an expert
illuminant enforcer overnight to save her job, her region . . . and her
life. </blockquote>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span>I am
thrilled that Rebecca is hanging out with us today to tell us more! </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tell
me about the world you have created in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A
Fistful of Evil</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Set in my backyard (Roseville, California), <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Fistful of Evil</i> is a lighthearted
coming-into-power story of Madison Fox, a twenty-something everywoman tasked
with protecting all the people in her region from evil creatures visible only
to people like her—illuminant enforcers. Evil creatures come in all shapes and
sizes, from adorable chinchilla-like imps to freakish spiky, scorpion-tailed
vervet. But those are just your everyday evil creatures. Something much larger
and more powerful has moved into Madison’s region, and her world is about to be
thrown into chaos. <span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
both write about supernatural creatures living amongst “normal” people. What
draws you to that idea?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It’s
a hobby, really. I’ve been playing this imaginary game with myself for so long,
I don’t remember when I started. When I’m out in public, I make up stories for
the people I see—why that woman is in such a hurry, why that man has a limp,
what has upset the child who was perfectly fine two seconds ago. The stories
usually involve some supernatural reasons, the more bizarre the better. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Fistful of Evil</i> took those musings further,
building an entire sub-world only the lucky (or unlucky) are privy to. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Humor
in writing is huge for me, and for you too! What draws you to humor in your
reading and your writing? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My
writing aspirations have always been simple: I want to write books that leave
people in a better place. Well, now that I said that, it sounds like a very
complex goal! More plainly, I want to put a smile on readers’ faces, or better
yet, get genuine laughs. I have certain authors I turn to when I’m in a rough
emotional place or want a book that leaves me energized (Janet Evanovich and
Katie MacAlister are great for this). I want to be that kind of author, the one
readers grab when they want a pick-me-up read or a book they know will be fun.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Where
do you find your story ideas and inspiration?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Usually
in my toothbrush, sometimes on my elliptical machine, and occasionally from the
absurd stories I cobble together in an attempt to mimic a dream and convince my
body to fall to sleep faster.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Do
you have any writing rituals?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
have routines, such as setting word-count goals for each session and turning on
music, but I’m not sure if these qualify as rituals. My obsession with
outlining might be evolving into a ritual. A single novel’s outline can be
upwards of 40 pages long, include all subplots, main plots, motivations, arcs,
timelines, and hooks, and then before I write each scene, I break it down into
a smaller, more detailed outline. Since this greatly improves my daily word
count, it’s become a compulsory. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Where
is your favorite place to write?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My
desk, without a doubt. It’s ergonomically set up, has all my notes, scrap
paper, pens, places for my two drinks (I don’t know why, but I usually end up
with two by the end of th day), and my vetted music (songs that won’t interrupt
the creative flow). Within two steps is a blanket for when I’m too cold and my
elliptical machine, which is a lifesaver when I’m stuck and need to move a bit
to get ideas flowing again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What
inspires you to write? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Money.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No,
that’s a lie. I wrote for twenty years before seeing a penny. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Money </i>is just such a nice, believable
reason. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
truth is far more sinister. I’m less inspired than I am addicted. Compelled. I
don’t feel right when I go too long without writing. It’s desperation not
inspiration. Once an idea takes root, it’s like a song stuck in my head: I have
to get it out or it just repeats on a loop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What
5 books are on your bookshelf right now?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">From
my TBR bookshelf (which has only 18 books on it, so it obviously needs
feeding):<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0441011179/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0441011179&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=U2QGACZPRXRYHWDL" target="_blank">Forgotten Truth</a></span></i><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> by Dawn Cook (aka Kim
Harrison)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316021792/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0316021792&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=YQEGS35DI5X4BZL3" target="_blank">The Gaslight Dogs</a></span></i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316021792/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0316021792&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=YQEGS35DI5X4BZL3" target="_blank"> </a>by Karin Lowachee<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0441019412/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0441019412&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=LPR4YSCL7WRS4Z4K" target="_blank">Killbox</a> </i><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by Ann Aguirre<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1477825851/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1477825851&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=ALM3NLPLFXKYE47Y" target="_blank">Marked</a> </i><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by Sarah Fine<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0451463374/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0451463374&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=5XFHZBZIYSNA73CN" target="_blank">The Adamantine Palace</a></span></i><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> by Stephen Deas<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Any
recommendations of which I should read first?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What
do you recommend people see/read/hear?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
See:
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">T<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1179025/" target="_blank">he Extraordinary Adventures of AdèleBlanc-Sec</a></i>. It’s so much fun!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Read:
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0515138819/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0515138819&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=JZHRAXQROYM4LJ5K" target="_blank">Sunshine</a></i> by Robin McKinley<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hear:
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004SQ4TQ8/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004SQ4TQ8&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=EEPI7K72V5NTFW7A" target="_blank">Why My Third Husband Will Be a Dog</a></i> by
Lisa Scottoline (the audio version is read by the author)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Want
more Rebecca? Find her online at her </span><a href="http://www.rebeccachastain.com/" target="_blank">website</a> or <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5660379.Rebecca_Chastain" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>. And you can <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rebeccachastainnovels" target="_blank">Facebook</a> friend her or <a href="https://twitter.com/Author_Rebecca" target="_blank">Tweet</a> at her.</div>
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karen grecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05851373104245546133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6932701192752594405.post-31127348285062452152015-01-26T04:30:00.000-08:002015-02-23T09:15:18.119-08:00Author Interview: Clarissa Johal (STRUCK)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaG9cBAnwjQNTIPL7En3f0GeNBKVjGydBBv3DFGxF34KMLIYQmZMsMQd6oF520fP-h8ajUHD1u7-p-U0iclOKoiTakNKcq3cB4-B7lEuxnBkJ5IQkdF-KOgacldHLaKWHbZZRCWe_pTWE/s1600/Struck+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaG9cBAnwjQNTIPL7En3f0GeNBKVjGydBBv3DFGxF34KMLIYQmZMsMQd6oF520fP-h8ajUHD1u7-p-U0iclOKoiTakNKcq3cB4-B7lEuxnBkJ5IQkdF-KOgacldHLaKWHbZZRCWe_pTWE/s1600/Struck+Cover.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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We are at the one year release anniversary of Clarissa Johal’s spectacularly creepy novel <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Clarissa-Johal/e/B003KVTMPK/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1424699622&sr=8-1" target="_blank">STRUCK</a>. She’s hanging out with us today to talk about her writing inspiration, her love of thunderstorms, and how doing a few plies keeps her writing mind nimble! </div>
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But first, here’s the synopsis:</div>
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After a painful breakup, Gwynneth Reese moves in with her best friend and takes a job at a retirement home. She grows especially close to one resident, who dies alone the night of a terrific storm. On the way home from paying her last respects, Gwynneth is caught in another storm and is struck by lightning. She wakes in the hospital with a vague memory of being rescued by a mysterious stranger. Following her release from the hospital, the stranger visits her at will and offers Gwynneth a gift--one that will stay the hands of death. Gwynneth is uncertain whether Julian is a savior or something more sinister... for as he shares more and more of this gift, his price becomes more and more deadly.</blockquote>
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And now to the interview! (Honestly, I found my self nodding and yes-ing so much of through this interview, it's like Clarissa is my spirit guide. But not in a stalker-y way. I swear I am not <i>that</i> creepy.) </div>
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<b>Tell us a bit about STRUCK.</b></div>
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STRUCK is my second paranormal novel through Musa Publishing. I was inspired to write STRUCK during a terrific thunderstorm several years ago. I was out running and wondered what it would be like to be struck by lightning in the paranormal sense. I went to bed that night with the idea kicking around and ended up having a nightmare. When I woke, the whole of the book was in my head. I started doing research and interviewed several lightning strike survivors. The aftermath of a lightning strike can be pretty devastating. </div>
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<b>And God this book sounds creepy! I love the idea of Julian sort of straddling good and evil. Where did you come up with the idea for him?</b></div>
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Thank you! I aim for creepy. Julian came to me as most of my characters come to me—completely formed. He had his own ideas about what he would and wouldn’t do in my story. My characters always seem to have their own agendas, I just write it down.</div>
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<b>What supernatural entity is he, or would that be a spoiler?</b></div>
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Julian has been claimed by dark entities that live within the “particular” energy manifesting as a lightning strike. He isn’t a demon but more of a dark soul. Telling you more than <i>that</i> would be a spoiler, but I will say this—the cycle has been going on for quite some time.</div>
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<b>Can you tell us why was Gwynneth chosen by Julian?</b></div>
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There’s a part of Julian that feels a kinship with Gwynneth; she’s an artist and he <i>was </i>an artist. But initially, Gwynneth was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. It’s only as the story progresses that Julian struggles with his initial intent.</div>
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<b>You have some wonderful side characters. What do you love about writing sidekicks?</b></div>
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Thank you! I love to make them as interesting as the main character. My side characters have lives and back stories of their own. I always try and write with the idea that, if I wanted to, I could turn them into main characters and write another book just as interesting. </div>
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<b>Weather clearly plays a huge part in this story. Do you have a favorite weather event? I love anything with howling wind. (Except sleet, because that’s when I want precipitation to make up its damn mind!) </b></div>
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I LOVE thunderstorms. Love them. Howling wind is always a plus, but if you’ve got lots of thunder and lightning going on, I’m usually outside playing in it. </div>
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<b>How old were you when you saw your first horror movie? What was it?</b></div>
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My parents were pretty strict about the television and movies I watched. I was a pretty sensitive kid, so that was probably a good thing. It wasn’t a horror movie, but I remember watching the 1971 version of <i>Omega Man</i> with Charlton Heston. I would have been about seven years old. I have no idea why my parents thought it was okay for me to watch, other than it was billed as science fiction. The afflicted albino mutants scared the crap out of me. I had nightmares for weeks! I’m good with most horror movies but once you start messing with the eyes, I’m done. The eyes are the windows to the soul. </div>
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<b>What drew you to gothic horror?</b></div>
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I started out writing fantasy. I was working on a trilogy when I was hit with the characters of Cronan and Lucas from BETWEEN. They wouldn’t leave me alone. I would wake with their back story in my head, I would get flashes of their homeland and people they knew—I felt like I <i>knew </i>their lives inside and out. It was weird. It took me about a month to write the rough draft, which never happens, it usually takes me much longer. I joke I was pulled into the Otherworld with BETWEEN because it changed my life. I’ve been writing paranormal and gothic horror ever since. </div>
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<b>Do you have a favorite gothic horror novel?</b></div>
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I really enjoyed Brom’s <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/006209565X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=006209565X&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=UITHXUBBIQ2F2L2T" target="_blank">Krampus: The Yule Lord</a></i>. He was able to portray Krampus as a sympathetic antagonist, which is always a plus. I just read <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0451239253/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0451239253&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=4KHSSNOCR6GY75RB" target="_blank">An Inquiry into Love and Death</a></i> by Simone St. James and enjoyed it. Anything by Neil Gaiman is instantly on my “to read” list. I have a bit of a writerly crush on him. </div>
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<b>What are you working on now? Any new books on the horizon?</b></div>
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Yes! I have a paranormal psychological horror VOICES coming out May 19, 2015 through Permuted Press. I’m also working on THE ISLAND which should be ready to submit to my publisher by January.</div>
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<b>Do you have any writing rituals?</b></div>
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No secrets here, I’m OCD when it comes to my writing day. First, I’ll start with coffee. Coffee is a must. Two cups of Gevalia French roast in the morning. Then, I get my daughters off to school. From there, I hit the gym, come home, have breakfast and do some ballet (I’ve been dancing for about 20 years). After I get my body in gear, I write. By noon, I’m slumping so I have to eat almonds because I’m addicted to them. Blue Diamond Honey Roasted almonds, to be exact. Then, I write some more until it’s time to pick up my daughters from school. My day in a nutshell, haha. </div>
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<b>Where is your favorite place to write?</b></div>
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I have a chair in the living room that reclines. It’s my favorite chair because it’s beside the fireplace and I can look out the window. If I’m feeling restless, I’ll write upstairs in my dance studio so I can <span class="s1">plié </span>between scenes. I can’t write when other people are home, though. It messes up the energy. </div>
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<b>What inspires you to write? </b></div>
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Art inspires me. I’ll see a painting or some relic an anthropologist has found and stories will come to me in a rush. It’s almost painful not to write them down. A lot of times, characters speak to me and tell me their stories. I just write them down. That sounds weird but writers are a weird bunch. </div>
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<b>What 5 books are on your bookshelf right now?</b></div>
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Hmm, I just bought <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1250057159/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1250057159&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=ZOCS644I42TUGCXX" target="_blank">The Boy Who Drew Monsters</a></i> by Keith Donohue. I’m excited to read that. I’m also reading <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1451698852/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1451698852&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=LUQVPWGGA5LKOZDS" target="_blank">Doctor Sleep</a></i> by Stephen King and <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JFVKDD4/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00JFVKDD4&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=SPWB2TQIS532JFKJ" target="_blank">Last Stand of Dead Men</a></i> <i>(Book #8 in the Skullduggery Pleasant Series) </i>by Derek Landy. I generally can’t read “for fun” when I’m writing because it has tendency to change my writing style. Right now I’m reading (for research): <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1933665378/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1933665378&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=S65QEP6HIDMPK3KU" target="_blank">Darkness Walks: The Shadow People Among Us</a></i> by Jason Offutt and <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1570981388/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1570981388&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=WQSEIWIMCOMWBOP3" target="_blank">The Banshee: The Irish Death Messenger</a></i> by Patricia Lysaght. </div>
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<b>What do you recommend people see/read/hear?</b></div>
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To see (out and about): My recommendation is to go to an art museum. Look at pretty things. Take a friend or take your child, but just go. There’s something special about art. </div>
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To see (at home): I rarely watch television, but I’m really into <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OQUZQZO/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00OQUZQZO&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=PCMZLQZTBG272IWG" target="_blank">American Horror Story: Freakshow</a></i> right now. There’s some great writing going on with that series. I would love to collaborate with those writers. </div>
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To read: I think any of the books I’ve mentioned are worth a read but people have different tastes. </div>
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To hear: <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007ZEOWI/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0007ZEOWI&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=4EJOVXFBJEEIGWRK" target="_blank">Corvus Corax</a></i> is a great band but not to everyone’s tastes. If you like bagpipes and neo-medieval type music, give them a listen. </div>
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<i>If you want to stalk Clarissa along with me online you visit her <a href="http://www.clarissajohal.com/" target="_blank">website</a>, or hook up with her on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/clarissa.johal.9" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/ClarissaJohal" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/clarissajohal/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>.</i></div>
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karen grecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05851373104245546133noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6932701192752594405.post-56984639636313447222015-01-23T04:30:00.000-08:002015-01-23T04:30:00.668-08:00Book Review: Henge<div class="tr_bq">
I know, I know, I am not a fan of reviewing but here I am with my second review this week! But I'm letting my kid take this post, since is a YA fantasy. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhgR_HbGffj3932dzeKwL8TR2-eFiV2psxhR4cMAahpqtHKlUXg-noh4wcp1xW6jcsZmiINYNZeH-RSZ1JGZAUeXLOFcORDqhegBLYeXHTl7XrbVwdnUtsk3lvJY0nkKwuaO6ibXJ-bs/s1600/LeFay_HENGE_Cover_byRealmL_lowres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhgR_HbGffj3932dzeKwL8TR2-eFiV2psxhR4cMAahpqtHKlUXg-noh4wcp1xW6jcsZmiINYNZeH-RSZ1JGZAUeXLOFcORDqhegBLYeXHTl7XrbVwdnUtsk3lvJY0nkKwuaO6ibXJ-bs/s1600/LeFay_HENGE_Cover_byRealmL_lowres.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
But first, a bit about the book. <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1503258386/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1503258386&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=QNNFIFNTYJS72ESX" target="_blank">Henge</a></i>, by Realm Lovejoy. is the first book in the LeFay series. The book not only retells the King Arthur myth through the eyes of Morgan LeFay but it also sets it in modern day. Very cool stuff. Here's what my daughter thought:<br />
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Morgan wants to become Maven (a protector) to Prince Arthur. She enters the “Arthur’s Round,” a competition to become the Maven. She runs into a series of magical problems at the camp, while making friends (and enemies). </blockquote>
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Morgan is magical—she can conjure fire in her hand and use it to do all different things. </blockquote>
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Her mom got executed for using magic when she accidentally killed someone, but Morgan saw it and knew that her mom was protecting herself. </blockquote>
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I am a fan of the King Arthur story, and I loved that the book told it from Morgan’s point of view. I thought it was a neat twist to set the story in the present time with cell phones and cars and other modern things. But they still have Knights, and I am glad that they are in there.</blockquote>
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I loved that there was a lot of action and the book kept my attention. I definitely want to read the next book in the series. </blockquote>
You can find Realm Lovejoy online at her <a href="http://www.realmlovejoy.com/index2.php" target="_blank">website</a> or <a href="http://realmlovejoy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blog</a>, or hang out with her on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/authorrealmlovejoy" target="_blank">Facebook</a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/realmlovejoy" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.<br />
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Enter the giveaway for one signed paperback copy with swag, four paperbacks
and four eBooks.</div>
<br />
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karen grecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05851373104245546133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6932701192752594405.post-64539262209456581462015-01-20T04:00:00.000-08:002015-01-20T04:00:04.396-08:00Book Review: A Heart for Copper
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgseefwviJGx50ra0Bc5DmevxrStdih3qzaGA2KFBBbBZRWYckGSNs0IkCUOBGDOQflJtSzfTYdQte_jWOgUHzJp7ByrXXgAXfMJHB75USYphoYpp6yJqGvPAkXIQhqsXr_4xMkd6jw1Vc/s1600/HeartForCopper_SharonLynnFisher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgseefwviJGx50ra0Bc5DmevxrStdih3qzaGA2KFBBbBZRWYckGSNs0IkCUOBGDOQflJtSzfTYdQte_jWOgUHzJp7ByrXXgAXfMJHB75USYphoYpp6yJqGvPAkXIQhqsXr_4xMkd6jw1Vc/s1600/HeartForCopper_SharonLynnFisher.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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I am not a fan of reviewing other authors. Writing is tough enough without the criticism, and, like all art, book appreciation is rather subjective. But <a href="https://www.silkwords.com/" target="_blank">SilkWords Publishing</a> is building their reputation as the go-to publisher for a “chose your own adventure” style novellas (aka “branched fiction” or "pick your path"), and I could not resist checking out their latest release, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LDYFKQ6/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00LDYFKQ6&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=BSLHZWY5XQBDCGPM" target="_blank">A Heart for Copper</a></i>. </div>
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SilkWords is doing the 21st Century version of the old “hypertext” books. Hypertext cropped up at the very early stages of the internet as we know it. But they did not live online—they were purchased on CD and then read on your computer. It was cumbersome. If you are the type that likes to unwind on the couch or in bed with a book, hypertext was impossible unless you had a laptop. But it was created for a niche (and academic) market, and there it remained. </div>
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Fast forward 20 years. The new sophistication of eReaders make the promise of choosing your own adventure a reality for millions who use Kindle and Nook (devices or apps). SilkWords is driving this new way of reading. </div>
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Sharon Lynn Fisher's<i> A Heart for Copper</i> is a steampunk romance about Copper, an automaton created by a young inventor. When he implants a heart into Copper, she comes to life. But whoever holds the heart’s key decides Copper’s fate. Will she become human or will she remain a automaton? Will she find true love with her creator, or will she strike out on her own to find more like her?</div>
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Here the reader decides.</div>
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I took several paths, curious to see the story play out differently as many times as I could. It was a fascinating way to read, although I missed the author’s guidance. She knows her characters better than I do. Most authors, myself included, have backstories for their main characters — and mine can get very specific. So it felt strange to make Copper’s decision for her. I kept wondering who the author would have wanted to take the key. But I had to chose—did I want a love story, or one of empowerment? I chose the road I assumed would be less taken. </div>
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This direction I took introduced me to a magical world filled with other automatons as she searched for the alchemist that created the heart that brought her to life. It was a world I wanted to spend more time in and get to know better. Depending on the road you take, you may not spend much time here. But even with taking the path that explored this world more, it felt like I was leaving too soon. I wanted more time there. </div>
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The writing itself was beautiful, with lush descriptions that helped create this fantastical steampunk world. In a way, that felt like the antithesis of the reading medium. I was so engrossed in the world, and the characters that Sharon Fisher created, that I wanted her to guide me through the story she wanted to tell. </div>
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That said, I think “branched fiction” is something to keep an eye on. Culturally, the signs are pointing towards audiences that want to be more involved in the art they are consuming—the rise of interactive theater, the appeal of “virtual reality” gaming (once again, Oculus took CES by storm), audiences want to experience their chosen art and entertainment in a very personal, individual way. </div>
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Check out SilkWords' <a href="https://www.silkwords.com/" target="_blank">website</a> for more offerings, where they offer loads more branched fiction stories as well as "reader vote" stories, where readers decide where the book goes next. <i>A Heart for Copper</i> is definitely Rated PG, but their other stories are very much for the over 18 set, many are downright steamy. </div>
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For more on SilkWoods their work in branched fiction, check out <a href="https://jillarcherauthor.wordpress.com/2015/01/19/silkwords-branched-fiction-grows-up/" target="_blank">Jill Archer's terrific interview</a> with Sharon. There's some great info in there about the future of their company and upcoming website changes (including heart shaped "game currency") to boost reader interaction even more. </div>
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karen grecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05851373104245546133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6932701192752594405.post-50380798923522923282015-01-04T04:30:00.000-08:002015-01-04T04:30:00.882-08:00Cover Reveal: The Fire Mages<div class="p1">
I really enjoy epic fantasy, but full disclosure, I often prefer movies because the visual impact is so sensational. Like <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007ZQAKHU/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B007ZQAKHU&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=Q4IXJTDQOVUEQO3C" target="_blank">The Lord of the Rings</a></i>—the book frustrated me, but the films captivated me. </div>
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I doubt it was failure of writing, since Tolkien’s <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/054792822X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=054792822X&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=37JHMI4KZB7SD654" target="_blank"><i>The Hobbit </i></a>remains one of my favorite books (not my favorite movies though). And I love Martin’s <i>Game of Thrones</i> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0345535529/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0345535529&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=5L4NDWNQUTHTLQOY" target="_blank">books</a>, even more so than the HBO <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008CLI4N4/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B008CLI4N4&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=JEYKU3RX3PJLSGO2" target="_blank">series</a>. I think it is partly because I find his world building less visually opulent, which leaves more room for story. And with Martin’s work, there is plenty of story.</div>
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And this is turning into an awful way to intro a cover reveal for a new epic fantasy adventure! So let's get to it.</div>
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<i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QXSSEHE/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00QXSSEHE&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=CIO2UD7RQXM72M3F" target="_blank">The Fire Mages</a></i> by Pauline M. Ross is about mages and powers and wielding magic. And the cover is awesome. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEiOkaT3FFXzZiKAYaxFqgBQgKNu0cthj5zWdjfPq_5BikuC1OizCI4Jy_SOVSp8dqeyQxWXBjHrsT2xzYUIFZZDe1Nq9CRPpVx-CVN0ehLH8xkPJzSSz1sZaCS17f6JmEB0naOIgmd9M/s1600/The+Fire+Mages+-+Cover+500x800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEiOkaT3FFXzZiKAYaxFqgBQgKNu0cthj5zWdjfPq_5BikuC1OizCI4Jy_SOVSp8dqeyQxWXBjHrsT2xzYUIFZZDe1Nq9CRPpVx-CVN0ehLH8xkPJzSSz1sZaCS17f6JmEB0naOIgmd9M/s1600/The+Fire+Mages+-+Cover+500x800.jpg" height="400" title="" width="250" /></a></div>
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Here’s the official blurb: </div>
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Kyra has always been drawn to the magic of spellpages. She is determined to leave her small village far behind and become a scribe, wielding the power of magic through her pen. Halfway through her training, she has a mage as patron and her ambitions are within her grasp. But a simple favour for her sister goes disastrously awry, destroying Kyra’s dreams in an instant.<br />Devastated, she accepts an offer from a stranger to help her find out what went wrong. The young man sees growing power within Kyra, potentially stronger than spellpages or any living mage. The answers to unlocking that power may lie within the glowing walls of the Imperial City, but its magic is strong and the unwary vanish without trace on its streets. Thirsty for knowledge and desperate to avoid another accident, she feels compelled to risk it.<br />While she focuses on controlling her abilities, a storm of greed and ambition boils up around her. Kyra is a pawn in the struggle for dominance between unscrupulous factions vying for rule of her country. Trusting the wrong side could get her killed–or worse, the potent magic she barely understands could be put to unthinkable evil.</blockquote>
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Cool, right? I am excited to dive into this one.</div>
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Author Pauline Ross is from the Scottish Highlands, and I am convinced that it is the perfect location to write epic fantasy. The view from her office is “Moray Firth and the Black Isle to the mountains beyond.” So, yeah, this is going to be good. </div>
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And about that cover? Pretty damn perfect.</div>
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You can find Pauline over at her <a href="http://paulinemross.co.uk/" target="_blank">website</a>, where she reviews tons of epic fantasy, so fans of the genre may want to pay repeat visits. Or connect with her via <a href="https://twitter.com/paulinemross" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.</div>
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And you can purchase <i>The Fire Mages </i>via <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QXSSEHE/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00QXSSEHE&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=CIO2UD7RQXM72M3F" target="_blank">Amazon</a>. (And it’s on sale for .99, so not even a splurge!)</div>
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karen grecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05851373104245546133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6932701192752594405.post-20071517443538154792014-12-27T04:30:00.000-08:002014-12-27T04:30:00.931-08:00Author Interview: Gustavo Florentin (The Schwarzschild Radius)<div class="p1">
I'm stepping away from the paranormal today to feature the contemporary thriller, <b> </b><b style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/162007611X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=162007611X&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=OKJXW2G63MJP6QCU" target="_blank">The Schwarzschild Radius</a></b>, set in my fair city.<i> </i>When Rachel's sister goes missing, the 18-year-old Columbia University student falls into a violent underworld of child pornography, snuff films, and other horrific crimes. In searching for her sister, Rachel finds herself in the crosshairs of a killer who "auctions the deaths of young girls in an eBay of agony." This book is not for the faint of heart, with trigger warnings galore, but it's getting some terrific reviews, and worth a look if you like exciting but unsettling reads.</div>
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You can visit author Gustavo Florentin over on his <a href="http://www.gustavoflorentin.com/" target="_blank">website</a>, connect with him on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/GustavoFlorentinAuthor" target="_blank">Facebook</a>. And look for the giveaway at the end of the interview -- it's for a $50 Amazon gift card!</div>
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<b>Tell me about <i>The Schwarzschild Radius</i>. </b><b>What inspired you to tell Rachel’s story?</b></div>
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<i>The Schwarzschild Radius</i> had its genesis decades ago when I attended the Bronx High School of Science. I met so many brilliant young people there and a few years later I thought it would be a good idea to write a story about some geniuses who solve a mystery using their wits. </div>
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<b>What type of world is the New York City that you have created in the book? Is it similar to the NYC we know, or are there certain elements that you created? </b></div>
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The New York City in the book really exists, though it may not be something most people are familiar with. The abandoned subway tunnels, for instance, go back to the Civil War, and there really are people living in some of them. They are called “mole people." (Ed note: For those interested, there's a great book from the early 90s, about the homeless that live in the abandoned subway tunnels, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/155652241X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=155652241X&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=J45BUBLWK5RGT3TB" target="_blank">The Mole People: Life in the Tunnels Beneath NYC</a>) </div>
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<b>What drew you to writing thrillers? </b><span class="s1"> </span></div>
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I started out reading the classics when I was young. Later, I came to admire devices like plot twists and surprise endings. There are many more of those in thrillers than in <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0374528373/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0374528373&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=NPLAUMFSX4W76H62" target="_blank">The Brothers Karamazov</a></i>, for example. I really liked <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0451239377/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0451239377&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=7Q35QQPAQRBJI7PP" target="_blank">The Day of the Jackal</a></i>. Forsythe combined research, suspense and a beautifully elegant writing style into a blockbuster and that book really set the bar for me. </div>
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<b>Many of the reviews for this book focus on how frightening and dangerous the world is that Rachel dives into. And that the “monsters” are real rather than paranormal creatures make it all the more horrific. Is it difficult to write “human” monsters? How do you get into their heads? </b></div>
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I can identify to some extent even with the bad guys, but at some point, I simply have to use a lot of technique. These antagonists are SO evil that it’s hard to get into their skin. I find that making them intelligent and at times reserved is more effective than making them act over the top all the time. That would get tiresome and the evil would lose its impact. </div>
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<b>You have a fascinating, very technical day job! Is it tough moving between engineer and writer? How do you balance the two? </b></div>
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One has nothing to do with the other, it’s true. Sometimes when I’ve had a really stressful day I have to unwind before writing by listening to music or playing the violin for a while. When you’re doing one job, you really have to forget the other. Needless to say, I would rather be writing than solving IT problems. </div>
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<b>Now that <i>The Schwarzschild Radius</i> is released, what is next for you?</b></div>
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I’m working on my next thriller, but I find that marketing <i>The Schwarzschild Radius </i>takes more time than I thought it would. Marketing is not something you give much thought to when you start writing. I don’t really care for self-promotion, but it’s a reality of the writing life. My new novel is a political thriller where the main character is John McKenna, the detective in <i>The Schwarzschild Radius</i>. I needed someone with his background and he fit the bill perfectly, so that saved me the trouble of creating a new protagonist. </div>
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<b>Do you have any writing rituals?</b></div>
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Yes, I tend to read first. I’m usually reading four or five books at a time and I’ll read a chapter of each to get into the groove. Then I’ll read what I wrote yesterday, then I’ll start writing my day’s quota, which is 500 words during the week and 1000 to 1500 words on the weekends. It’s a tough regimen between my day job, marketing <i>The Schwarzschild Radiu</i>s and having a life. </div>
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<b>Where is your favorite place to write?</b></div>
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I do all my writing on a home-made lapdesk in front of my fireplace. I have a really nice office which I use for my engineering work, but when I quit for the day, I don’t go back in there. </div>
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<b>What inspires you to write? </b></div>
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I like originality. I’ll always look for an original premise and I have to be able to condense it into a great pitch under 30 words. Above all, the idea has to move me. I have to get the feeling that this story HAS to be told. Only then can I commit a couple of years of my life to writing it. </div>
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<b>What 5 books are on your bookshelf right now?</b></div>
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It’s all over the map. <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0857683462/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0857683462&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=LNUFD3JZEBE5PN4Q" target="_blank">Money Shot</a></i>, by Crista Faust, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1480060208/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1480060208&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=OM5JCPDNWE2TBZAJ" target="_blank">The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna</a></i>, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0143105515/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0143105515&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=UGYTGTUG4FRZGL6V" target="_blank">The Snow Leopard</a></i> by Peter Mathiessen, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0375708758/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0375708758&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=2GWAP7WIBAASVHSS" target="_blank">Hollywood</a></i> by Gore Vidal and an Agatha Christie collection. </div>
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<b>What do you recommend people see/read/hear?</b></div>
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Well, certainly if you’re into fiction and drama, immerse yourself in it. Find an inexpensive playhouse and see plays whenever you can. Read history, classics and the modern works. I watch a lot of foreign films on Netflix. Get a feel for what’s been done, so when you get an idea, you’ll know if it’s worthy. </div>
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<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="9ef3535b212" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/9ef3535b212/" id="rcwidget_z5vup7tm" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>karen grecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05851373104245546133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6932701192752594405.post-24165214149102688382014-12-22T06:07:00.000-08:002014-12-22T06:12:33.905-08:00Waking the dead<div class="p1">
<b>SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER</b>. I have both a <i>Walking Dead</i> and <i>Tainted Blood </i>spoiler after the jump! You have been warned! </div>
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Looks like the producers of AMC’s <i>The Walking Dead </i>are <a href="http://thewalkingdeadpodcast.com/2014/12/16/amc-agrees-to-bring-beth-greene-back-to-life/" target="_blank">seriously entertaining</a> bringing Beth back to life. </div>
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I was bummed that she was offed. After being the least interesting—and most cloying—character at the farm house, she became less grating at the prison and then grew into her own on her road trip with Daryl. By the time she ended up at the hospital from hell, I was totally Team Beth. So, of course, they killed her. (And I actually have not watch that ep yet, but I oddly actively seek out spoilers, which kind of drives my husband crazy.)</div>
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But now they have killer’s remorse. A growing “bring back Beth” fan movement is making the producers consider writing her character back in.</div>
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Oh boy.</div>
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I killed off a character in <i>Tainted Blood</i>. I killed off a very much believed character. And I broke a lot of reader's hearts doing it. The chapter where this character gets it still makes me cry. It was not an easy decision to kill this character, and I totally almost wimped out of writing it countless times. </div>
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Nina can communicate with ghosts, so there is potential to resurrect this person. But it took nerves of steel to kill this character. Bringing this person back from the dead, even in spirit form, feels like such a cop out. I made a ballsy move, one that propels Nina forward as a character. I can’t backtrack now.</div>
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I love that <i>The Walking Dead</i> makes difficult decisions and kills off characters we’d rather keep around for the sake of the story. Hershel, Lori (eh, maybe not so much her), Andrea, Dale (remember him?) and so many others have been part of the show’s body count. By making Beth’s death “all a dream,” (yes, that’s apparently one idea!) the writers will turn the show into a punchline. </div>
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So Beth, I’m going to miss the hell out of you, but please stay dead. </div>
karen grecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05851373104245546133noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6932701192752594405.post-55747009769614842012014-12-17T04:30:00.000-08:002014-12-17T04:30:00.201-08:00Author Interview: H.D. Smith (Dark Awakened)<div class="p1">
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H.D. Smith had me at “demon.” </div>
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Seriously. </div>
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I am in the plotting phase of two new books and both are about demons. And I have a demon in the <i>Hell’s Belle</i> series (good old Bertrand) that is slowly becoming my favorite character to write. So, these days I am obsessed with demons.</div>
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Now, add in that H.D.’s heroine works for The Demon King, and, just like your boss, he doesn’t offer dental. Needless to day, I am in book love and thrilled that H.D. is going to hang out with us today.</div>
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(By the way, there's a Rafflecopter giveaway at the end of the post. Enter to win both books in the Devil's Assistant series, and a $75 Amazon gift card!)</div>
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<b>Tell me about <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1942030029/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1942030029&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=NKCXZONDEARKC45N" target="_blank">Dark Awakened</a> </i>(Book 2 in the Devil’s Assistant series).</b></div>
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<i>Dark Awakened</i> picks up right where <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00M3J601E/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00M3J601E&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=A7ZO76NCNRCDBJL7" target="_blank">Dark Hope</a></i> left off … in the elevator with Death!</div>
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Claire has just walked away from the Devil’s protection … to live free or die … but unfortunately she can’t avoid the Bounty Hunter sent to return her to Purgatory, or her fate in being “the girl” in the prophecy.</div>
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<b>What’s a typical work day look like for a devil’s assistant?</b></div>
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Claire doesn’t spend much time in the office in book 2, but in book 1 her duties included processing “early retirements” (HR inside joke for calling a human’s debt due), handling maintenance’s requests for dental (no one gets dental), and passing along bad news from senior leaders at the company (like the IRS audit the VP of Finance refuses to report).</div>
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<b>Did you work as an assistant? Okay, what I really want to ask is, did working as an assistant spark the idea for the series? (Was your boss a devil?) </b></div>
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Well … I’ve never worked for the Devil, but my last boss was known for his willingness to handle employees on a plan (read about to be fired), he had horns that someone gave him as a joke after the third firing (before my time at that job) … of course when he read an early version of book 1 he couldn’t stop hearing my voice as Claire … so of course I told him he was “The Boss” :)</div>
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<b>Can you tell us a little bit about Claire and her powers?</b></div>
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Claire is twenty-one. Her life was interrupted five years ago when the Devil called in her mother’s debt, which apparently she’d inherited. At the beginning of book 1 Claire thinks she’s just an unlucky human, but after a trip to Purgatory, her powers are awakened and she starts learning who she really is. By the end of book 1 she has unbound her powers and is able to use astral projection, a bit of touch magic, a form of persuasion, and null spells (almost any spell that is directly cast on her). She can also see through most veils and with the help of an embedded translator, hear and read almost anything as English. Her powers change in book 2, she gains a few new skills and enhances her existing powers in new and exciting ways.</div>
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<b>Death is a character in your book. Can you tell us about him? And what’s Claire’s relationship with him?</b></div>
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Claire gets really bad news at the end of book 1. Although Death is cursed to love another, he has the ability to make her feel loved. She has the ability to remind him of his lost love … not exactly a relationship made in Heaven, but something they both need … or so she believes, which is why she agrees to let him hide her from the Devil. Unfortunately that doesn’t work out very well for either of them. </div>
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<b>Now that <i>Dark Awakened</i> is released, what’s next for you?</b></div>
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I have four books planned in the Devil’s Assistant series. Originally it was going to be a trilogy, but there is a very strong “4” theme in the books, and I always wanted to write four books for this series (one for each contender). I have started reworking book 3 (major rewrites ahead after editing books 1 & 2), and I have a plan for book 4. In between all of this I’m working on a new edit of my novellas. I learned a lot editing <i>Dark Hope </i>and I want to show my earlier works some of that love :) While my main focus is four books for the series, that doesn’t mean I won’t revisit the world again … you never know which character may get its own book.</div>
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<b>Do you have any writing rituals?</b></div>
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Not any rituals, but I absolutely CANNOT “plan” a book … it is the kiss of death if I try to outline. I usually have a game plan and I go from there … pantser here, all the way! </div>
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<b>Where is your favorite place to write?</b></div>
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My day job occasionally means my “office” is onboard a cruise ship … which isn’t as exciting as it sounds (trust me) … during my downtime (what little there is) I have been known to lounge around on deck 4 with my feet up and my laptop open writing as the ocean waves float by. Back in the real world, my favorite place to write is at my <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=sit-stand-treadmill-desk&oq=sit-stand-treadmill-desk&aqs=chrome..69i57j0.162j0j4&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=91&ie=UTF-8" target="_blank">sit-stand-treadmill-desk</a> (google it … it is the most awesome thing ever).</div>
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<b>What inspires you to write? </b></div>
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I get these crazy stories in my head and I’m compelled to archive them for future generations ;) … seriously, I just like telling complicated stories that could twist in on themselves at any moment and implode … or unwind in a way that is pure magic. </div>
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<b>What 5 books are on your bookshelf right now?</b></div>
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I almost never have real books anymore. Most of the ones I have are from a conference last year … I’m an audiobook-a-holic … I love audiobooks. I’ve just started reading (listening to) the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I8UKC0C/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00I8UKC0C&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=GEQVDKUITPPUIFRE" target="_blank">Imp</a> series by Debra Dunbar. I have an absurd number of audiobooks on my “shelf” … according to audible the count is 979, 271 of which are from this year … I listen at 2x speed, always buy my credits in bulk, and absolutely love the new “professional narration” option when you purchase ebooks that have an audiobook available.</div>
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<b>What do you recommend people see/read/hear?</b></div>
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I hear the Devil’s Assistant series by HD Smith is awesome ;)</div>
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Some other favorite audio series to consider are:</div>
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- <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0451462807/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0451462807&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=ZLCDCBD6ZV7H7PVP" target="_blank">Jane Yellowrock</a> series by Faith Hunter</div>
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- <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001ULOPRW/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001ULOPRW&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=LWGNCEACI6BTUKR5" target="_blank">Jane Jameson</a> series by Molly Harper</div>
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- <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0441014895/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0441014895&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=CRIPOUTNYO6VO44O" target="_blank">Kate Daniels</a> series by Ilona Andrews</div>
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- <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006J8QBH8/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B006J8QBH8&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=U2A2IKDRH2ZWIWHF" target="_blank">Elder Races</a> series by Thea Harrison</div>
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- <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0425226921/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0425226921&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=WB52SQUPUOP4N5JR" target="_blank">Guild Hunter</a> series by Nalini Singh</div>
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- <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007X5ZEBU/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B007X5ZEBU&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=I7QJZCS63DQM2F65" target="_blank">Psy-Changeling</a> series by Nalini Singh</div>
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- <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005HQF8TK/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005HQF8TK&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=X5G6DI6Z7HIZS7R6" target="_blank">New Species</a> series by Lauren Dohner</div>
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- <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1439147973/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1439147973&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=CXUQLTIVGFENQKOL" target="_blank">Elemental Assassin</a> series by Jennifer Estep </div>
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karen grecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05851373104245546133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6932701192752594405.post-59125919385925841002014-12-15T05:55:00.004-08:002014-12-15T05:55:43.827-08:00Author Mix Tape: Ashlynne Laynne's Progeny Playlist <div class="p1">
<i>Music is a huge part of my writing—songs can inspire a mood or a scene or even a character. So I love learning about what other writers are listening to. </i></div>
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<i>Last month, <a href="http://www.ashlynnelaynne.com/" target="_blank">Ashlynne Laynne</a> <a href="http://karengreco.blogspot.com/2014/11/author-interview-ashlynne-laynne-progeny.html" target="_blank">introduced us</a> to her Progeny series. I am thrilled she came back to share a Progeny mix tape for the release of the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Q6Y0LNK/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00Q6Y0LNK&linkCode=as2&tag=thes0c-20&linkId=DO35PBVPONEYFVBV" target="_blank">Blood Bewitched</a>, the fifth book in the series. She gives us the scoop on the music that inspires her writing. </i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Today I am beyond thrilled to
share some of the songs that have both influenced and inspired me while I’ve
been writing my Progeny Series. My musical choices are much like most things in
my life—eclectic and varied. I was a songwriter and poet before I ever got the
inclination to write a novel. I have written lyrics for pop, rock, and crossover
country music. Yes, I said country. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">*Shauna
Rousseau fun fact: Shauna’s favorite singer is Adele.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Collide by Howie Day.</b> This is Ascher
and Shauna’s song. I first allude to it in <i>The Progeny </i>the first time the
couple makes love. Ascher despises most things contemporary, but he is learning
to bend. Having a young wife has been good for him. They share their first ever
dance to this song in Blood Bonds. It was also mentioned in <i>Blood Bewitched</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">2. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Bring Me to Life by Evanescence.</b> This
is one of my favorite songs and it really speaks to the way Shauna brings
Ascher out of himself. The poor guy was engaged seal to a full-blooded vampire
that he abhorred. It was only after he met Shauna that he felt his heart and
really began to live a fulfilled existence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">*Ascher Rousseau fun fact: Ascher’s
favorite musical decade is the 80s.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">3. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">These Are the Days by Van Morrison.</b>
There is a very touching scene in <i>Blood Promise</i> where both Ascher and Shauna
sing this song. Shauna listened to this type of music growing up when she
visited her grandmother Amy, and Ascher, of course, was a man when it was made.
It was a unique scene to me because it shows that even though there are decades
of age difference between the two of these characters, they still connect on a
deep, spiritual level that has absolutely nothing to do with a physical
attraction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">4. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Justify My Love by Madonna, S&M by
Rihanna. </b>I actually listened to both of these songs on a continuous loop
while writing this hot scene from <i>Blood Promise</i>. Mr. and Mrs. Rousseau have
quite the naughty time while Madonna is playing. I love steam with my romance
and enjoyed writing this scene between the couple. Besides the obvious, this
scene also had significance. It was the beginning of a power shift in the
couple’s relationship and the start of Shauna’s journey into the next phase of
her life. Those who have read the books will know exactly what I mean.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">*Ashlynne fun fact: I love Bruno Mars. He
appears on every playlist. His music is new but harkens back to an earlier time
when things were a bit simpler. His voice can be raw and gritty, but also
incredibly soft and sweet. This mix of tones makes his sound truly unique.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">5.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> You Can Leave Your Hat On by Joe Cocker. </b>This
song was an inspiration to me while writing Ascher’s little striptease scene in
<i>Blood Bewitched</i>. I have loved this song since I saw it on <i>9 ½ Weeks</i>. It always
elicits thoughts of someone stripping for the person they love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">6. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Gorilla by Bruno Mars, Unfinished Sympathy
by Massive Attack</b>. There is a really heated hot scene between our hero and
heroine in <i>Blood Bewitched</i>, and I listened to a loop of these songs while
writing it. As I mentioned above, Bruno Mars songs are either rough and raw or
smooth and soft. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Gorilla</b> is
primitive and primal with the drum beats and naughty lyrics. My iPod is full of
Mr. Mars and his wonderful music. I first heard <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Unfinished Sympathy</b> in the movie <i>Sliver</i> with Billy Baldwin and
Sharon Stone. Again, this song screams uninhibited sex and wild abandon. I’m
sweatin’ just thinking about it. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br />
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify:user:karengreco:playlist:5HyWsLrv0pQGtuHojNsIyl" width="300"></iframe>karen grecohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05851373104245546133noreply@blogger.com1