End of Summer Sale: Solstice Island by Mae Clair is FREE 8/31 and 9/1 #cryptidfiction #romance #adventure!!

I'm so excited to pass along this great deal from my good friend and fellow author, Mae Clair! If you haven't read one of her books, now is a GREAT time to begin!  Take it away Mae!

I know summer isn’t officially over until the autumnal equinox rolls around mid-September, but by the time the calendar reads August 31, I’m already thinking fall. My husband and I will be closing our pool this coming weekend, Halloween stuff is stocked in most every store I visit, and the days are growing noticeably shorter. I live in the northeast where summer is much, much too short. Blink and it’s easy to miss. I love fall, but I thrive on summer. So…I’m lamenting the demise of my favorite season with an end of summer sale on SOLSTICE ISLAND, my breezy romantic adventure novella.

Why should you read it (other than the fact it’s like a shot of summer wrapped up inside Kindle pages)? I’m glad you asked. 

The Top Ten Reasons Why You Should Read Solstice Island by Mae Clair:

Helen C. Johannes, Author of Bloodstone & The Prince of Val-Feyridge...

I am so excited to have the very talented Helen C. Johannes visiting with me today as she speaks a little bit about the craft of writing and gives us a look at her exciting fantasy romances!

I’m Helen C. Johannes and I write fantasy romance for The Wild Rose Press. Thank you, Deb, for kindly offering to host me on your blog. I’ve given some thought lately to the fine art of writing, and I have a point I’d like to discuss. I’d be delighted to hear your thoughts on this:

“Write what you know.”

That’s the advice given to aspiring writers. And it’s basically good advice. No one can write authentically about a career, place, time, or situation without having ‘knowledge’ of it. Aspiring writers of suspense and crime fiction, for instance, ought to know what a police detective or private investigator really does before attempting to write a story around such a character. Stories fall flat when the author’s ‘knowledge’ fails in the eyes of a reader or editor.

Sea Creatures and Solstice Island by Author, Mae Clair!!

I am so excited to have my dear friend Mae Clair, author of the very popular Weathering Rock and Twelfth Sun, drop by for a visit today! She is here to share a little bit about her current release, a book I've read and highly recommend...Solstice Island!

Thank you for inviting me to your blog today, Debbie. I’m delighted to be here to share my current release, SOLSTICE ISLAND, a romantic adventure novella that centers around the quest for an aquatic creature.

Sea beasts seem to come in two popular varieties: serpents and leviathans. There are exceptions, of course, (colossal squids, gargantuan octopi, and carnivorous mutant fish), but traditionally sea monsters tend to be classified as serpents or leviathans. When it came time to create a mythical oceanic creature for my latest release, SOLSTICE ISLAND, I tried to avoid using the word serpent as much as possible. I didn’t want the image of a snake-like creature.

Interview with Fay Klinger, Author of I Am Strong, I Am Smart...

The very accomplished author Fay Klinger, is treating us to an interview on today's stop of her Book Tour!  So, let's get right to it, shall we?

Tell me, Fay, or what are you grateful?

I am immensely grateful for my husband, who encourages me in building and sharing my talents and skills. Without him I could not have accomplished much in writing. My children are wonderful. By sharing with me their wealth of knowledge and skill, I have grown and felt supported in my endeavors.

At what age were you the happiest? What triggered such joy?

I was the happiest in my youth and teen years. My father built a cabin in the mountains for our family. We lived there almost all summers and many weekends throughout the year. There I was free. Free to explore. Free to just be myself. Free to enjoy my childhood.

We didn’t have many modern conveniences in the mountains. Life was very simple and calm. The happy memories are endless—catching frogs at the pond, climbing mountains, riding horses (with or without a saddle), attending western “stomp” dances, many hours of playing Double Solitaire with my mother and siblings . . .

What authors had an impact on you growing up and as an adult?

Two in particular. One was Richard Bach, the author of Jonathan

Livingston Seagull. He had a gift of telling a story that gave readers purpose in their own lives, a drive to do better.

The Writing Process - Guest Post by T. Michelle Nelson

Today, T. Michelle Nelson,  the fabulous author the of the Lily Drake Series, published by InkSpell Publishing, has stopped by to share a little bit about her unique writing process.  Her second book "Til Death Do Us Part" will be released April 24th, so add it to your TBR list and mark it on your calendar! You won't want to miss it!

I’m not writing this article about the correct way to go through the process of writing a book, I’m going to write about how I do it.  LILY DRAKE was my first book to be published and ‘TIL DEATH DO US PART is only the second in the series.  I’m by no means an old pro at writing, but I will tell you what works for me.

The Mystique of Old Homes by Mae Clair...

I am so pleased to have Mae Clair, author of  Weathering Rock, here for a visit and talk a little bit about her amazing book and her love for historic homes, (something we share in common).

I’m delighted to be Debbie’s guest today, and hope you’ll indulge me while I take a few moments to share my passion for old homes. I love properties that resonate with the ghosts of yesteryear, awakening memories with every squeaking floorboard and groaning door. That might be because I’ve worked in the real estate industry for the last 20+ years, but I like to think my fascination goes deeper than that.

 White Colonial Home

During my time in real estate, I’ve been through numerous properties, several B&B’s, some commercial buildings, farms reminiscent of a Currier and Ives print, multiple historic homes, and even a fully-equipped equine surgery center. It’s my job to dream up marketing for each of them, taking into account the characteristics of the property. Although I have an appreciation for contemporary style and design, there’s something about a house that has weathered the turn of centuries that speaks to me.

Perhaps that’s why I chose to title my debut novel, WEATHERING ROCK, after the historic home in the book where much of the action takes place. My lead character, Caleb DeCardian, has traveled through time from 1863 to the present where he meets my heroine, Arianna Hart. Caleb fought during the Civil War as a Colonel in the Union Army. Arianna teaches American history. Sounds like a match made in heaven, right?

Kristy Centeno talks about writing and her latest book, Enchanter...

I am so excited to once again, welcome Author Kristy Centeno!  This time she's going to share a few thoughts about writing and then give us a peek at her new novel, Enchanter...

What writing means to me.

Many authors might be able to relate when I say that writing is more of a hobby with many perks than a career. Though there are many who might disagree, for me at least, writing is by all means my favorite pastime. When I decided to venture into the art of storytelling it was never my intention to make a living out of it. My decision was based solely on my desire to accomplish a lifelong dream.

Though I’d been putting pen to paper for years, I hadn’t fully explored the endless possibilities of what my brain could actually come up with. This was put to the test back in 2010 when the urge to scribble down all those ideas, concepts, and characters that had been haunting my mind for years became suddenly too much.

An Interview with author Brooke Moss!!

I’m happy to once again, welcome the very talented Brooke Moss. This time, she has agreed to answer a few burning questions I know you all have! 

A Visit with Author Melissa Keir

I’m so excited you’re here!  Thank you for coming.

Thank you for having me visit your blog today.  I’m excited to share with you my writing and my thoughts.

So, tell us, what inspired you to write your first book?

Believe it or not, my mom inspired me to write my first book.  My mom passed away almost fifteen years ago, but she was a huge inspiration to me.  When I was a teenager, I remember my mom trying to get her manuscript published. She typed it up on the electric typewriter we had and then mailed copies off to publishing houses.

After my mom’s death, I began to get serious about my writing.  My poetry and my musings were ways to write about the feelings I had about facing life without my mom and trying to cope with my crumbling marriage. When I finally decided to write my first manuscript, I did it in her honor and really wished she could see me now.

The Carny - Free Book Giveaway!

"Sweet, subtle, heart-warming romance." --USA Today Bestselling Author, Nicola Marsh "Brooke Moss is a gifted storyteller. With a compelling plot and characters who will steal your heart, The Carny is a winner." -- Cate Lord, author of Lucky Girl.

Two people from opposite worlds, one unforgettable kiss. You can't judge a carny by its cover.

Interview with Author T.Michelle Nelson...

I am pleased to share a bit of blog space with the talented Novelist,  T.Michelle Nelson. She has consented to answer a few questions concerning her upcoming novel.

So tell us, how did you come up with the title for Life and Death of Lily Drake?
 


The title was actually one of the toughest things for me.  I had at least five really bad ones first… really cheesy.

Kristy Centeno's "Call of the Wolf"

I'm happy to present Kristy Centeno's exciting new novel, "Call of the Wolf," available through Tease Publishing

Blurb
When desire battles with the forbidden and passion overrules obligation, at the end of the night, which will win?
Victoria Bonvalet, a purebred werewolf, has no desire to mate to an alpha not of her choosing and after a one of a kind encounter with the mysterious blood lord Tristan Garland rattles her existence, she knows that she could never share any part of herself without love being the number one incentive.
Tristan, a vampire of over a thousand years, no longer cares much for the world or the creatures inhabiting it. But when he meets the beautiful she-wolf invading his deep woods territory, he realizes that it’s never too late to find your perfect match, even if she belongs to the opposite branch of all mythological beings. But even as they begin to explore their in-depth feelings for each other, can they find a way to be together without starting a war between two enemy species?

Tag...you're it!

So, the lovely, talented, Cecilia Roberts tagged me for The Lucky 7 Meme. (Thanks Cece!)
Here are the rules:
Lucky 7 Meme Rules:
1. Go to page 77 of your current manuscript.
2. Go to line 7.
3. Copy the next 7 lines (sentences or paragraphs) and post them as they’re written. No cheating!
4. Tag 7 other writers and pass the meme on.
So, I recently finished my latest novel, and right now, am knee-deep in research for my next. Therefore, in keeping with the spirit of the Meme, I’ll have to cheat a little and give you the designated excerpt from a novel not yet published.
Excerpt:
“I…I didn’t know Evan lived out here,” she stammered. “He never mentioned it.”
The laird nodded. “Until he wis aboot eighteen, Ah wuid think. Then he wanted to venture oot oan his own as most yoong people do. Fine lad. Fine lad, indeed.”
Mariah could hardly wait for the Scottish Laird to finish his visit and leave the premises. The minute the door shut behind him, she whirled around to face the knights. “Does Evan know who you are?” she asked, directing the question to Cailen.
He nodded. “Aye.”
“And I’m assuming he knows the rest of the knights as well?” she asked as she swept her hand toward them.
“Aye, Murriah, he knoos,” he replied.
“I just don’t understand then,” she said. “He looked at all my sketches before I even stepped foot on the grounds. He never said a word. If nothing else, you’d think he would’ve wanted to prepare me for meeting you, so it wasn’t such a shock. Why didn’t he tell me about your existence?”
Writers I’m tagging:
Aubrie Dionne
Lisa Voisin
Annabelle Blume
Stephanie Keyes
Naya Nikki
Alison Henderson
Brooke Moss

Interview with Author Cecilia Robert

I am very happy to welcome the lovely Cecilia Robert, the talented author of the newly released novel: "Truly. Madly. Deeply. You"

You are the very first author interviewed on this blog, so thank you for taking the time for us. Could you tell us a little about yourself?

Thank you Debbie. I am really, really honoured to be the first to appear on your blog. I’m a mother of two wonderful, albeit energetic children, living in Vienna. I work as an assistant nurse. My hobbies range from knitting, crocheting to Archery.


How does it feel to have brought yet another novel to life?

It feels really good to know that I’ve brought another novel to life. And the best thing about it is there are people who enjoy reading it, and that the story brought a smile on someone’s face.

What makes this story different from what you have done in the past?

Truly Madly Deeply You is more character oriented. How the two characters, who have been best friends, relate to one another. I’d say it’s more about exploring the feelings, how they feel towards each other. The other stories I’m writing revolve around the plot and characters.

I think the cover is beautiful, did you design it yourself, just have an idea of what you wanted or trusted the artist to create one for you?

Thank you. The cover was done by the very talented Najla Qamber. http://najlaqamberdesigns.blogspot.com/ The first time she sent me the first draft, I almost fell off my chair. She had literally designed the couple, exactly like I had them in my mind. Given that the Truly, Madly, Deeply, You is a sweet romance, the cover was ideal for this type of story.

I see you have several novels. How long have you been writing and what brought you to publishing your work? (I ask because there are so many people walking around with stories to tell, yet very few in comparison who actually write a book).

Do you have a favorite genre, either to read or write?

I don’t really have a particular genre I’d say is my favourite. I enjoy reading most genres. Same goes to writing.

Where do you find your inspiration?

It depends. For my contemporary romance, I found my inspiration from an aged couple while doing house visits. They first met and became friends, then got married some seven years later. (Before the second world war)

The second story I am working on is a YA dark fantasy with some Sci-fi elements. I work as an assistant nurse, therefore confront death very often. So I kept wondering what happens when they die. Where do the souls go to? That and sitting and relaxing inside one of my favourite places here in Vienna, the 11th century St. Stephen’s Cathedral allowed me to explore this idea.

What kind of writer are you, (structured with outlines and plans, take it as it comes?)

Oh, I am the ‘take it as it comes.’ I’ve really tried outlining and planning but ended up putting those aside and letting my fingers and mind direct the story. This way, the story takes me to places that weren’t even in the plot. I love it.

How did the reality of marketing your book hit you? Did you know what you were getting in to? Do you have someone to help with marketing (publicist)? Do you have any advice on marketing for other authors?

I have a publicist, courtesy of Inkspell Publishing. Even that is not enough. Being an author, one needs to put themselves out there. Mingle with the readers through social media (that’s easy now that there is the internet). There is only so much a publicist can do. The rest is upto the author. The advice I’d give to other authors is to interact with your readers through social medias, respond to emails from readers and fans, get into social medias networks. The competition is high. There are so many wonderfully written books out there and just as vigorous advertising. Link up with other authors and promote them. What goes around comes around.

What do you think about reviews and people who review books?

Reviews are important, if they are done correctly and unbiased. It depends on the person who does the review. Some are really quite honest, and some are generic reviews. Everyone is entitled to their own thoughts about a book. My thoughts are if someone doesn’t like the book, then be polite in doing sharing the thoughts about it. Maybe it’s not tailored for that particular reader, but someone else would enjoy reading it. I’ve read reviews that are really, really horrible, to the extent of saying bad things about the authors. Probably they get a high on trashing a novel to pieces, I don’t know. But it is good to respect the fact that the author spent time writing that story, no matter how horrible the reviewer finds it. Politeness is the keyword, and respect.

Book Excerpt

“You all right, Li?”

She nodded as her eyes swept the room, then back at him. “Really, Frey, you didn’t have to do all that. I was going to clean after the four days.”

He shrugged. “No worries, sweetheart. What are friends for?” He smiled and beckoned her to him with his free hand. She followed the delicious smell of food more than she obeyed him, and stood beside him. He smiled at her, and pulled her into one arm hug and placed a kiss on her forehead. “Feeling better?”

She nodded, peeking inside the pot. “Yes, I am,” she said, hoping her voice came out cheerful. She didn’t want to have him worried. “Smells good. What’s this?”

“Healthy food.” He turned his attention to the pot of whatever delicious concoction he was cooking and continued stirring.

Liese glanced around for something to do while he went about preparing the meal. She frowned, as her gaze zeroed in on the sofa.

“Er, Frey, what’s that?”

He glanced up from the pot, and followed her pointing finger. “Oh, that. My overnight bag,” he said nonchalantly. “Didn’t I tell you I’m staying here for those four days? No? Well, I am.” He turned, unconcerned, and continued stirring, dipped two fingers inside the array of bottles of spices in front of him, pinched small amounts and sprinkled dashes into the pot. He repeated the action a few more times before he grunted in satisfaction.

She glared at his back, watching the rise and fall of the muscles there. “No, you’re not.” She glanced up, then poked his arm with her finger to make her point. “You can’t do this to me, Frey. Another time, but not these four precious days. I need to be alone.”

Frey tilted his head slightly, his midnight blue eyes gentle and kind as they’d always been. “Sorry, I’m not leaving. Get used to the idea, Li. Besides, I have five votes from your mom and dad. We voted who should come over and stay with you. I won.” He grinned, and turned away to stir what she now saw was red sauce. The scent of mint filled the air, and her stomach grumbled.

She ignored it and twisted out from under his arm. He snatched her back and held her snug and tight against the length of his body. She leaned into his soothing touch, savouring the comfort of his fingers as they caressed up and down her arm. Her body began to relax. “If I needed you, I’d have called you and asked—”

“Eat, and then if you want to talk later, we’ll talk.” Frey pecked her on the forehead once again, then brought his hand to her face and tucked a few strands of her wayward curls behind her ear. He let her go. “Now sit over there like a good girl.”

She grunted in frustration and stalked away, well, as much as her weakened body would allow her to stalk without losing her pride. She plopped down on the sofa. “You’re no better than my parents.”

He chuckled. “You bet I’m not. I’m worse.”

Buy Links:
http://www.amazon.com/Truly-Madly-Deeply-You-ebook/dp/B007MNX5UU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1333725554&sr=8-1
Barnes and Nobles http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/trulymadlydeeplyyou-cecilia-robert/1108349496

All romance books http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-trulymadlydeeplyyou-761701-149.html

Editorial Reviews:
From Rae Lori/Author and Reviewer
My hats off to Ms. Roberts for steaming up my reader with the most sensually hot kiss I've read recently! The later scenes between Frey and Liese prove that with the perfect description, a kiss and some tension can go a long way in place of hardcore sexually explicit scenes.

From Brooke Moss/Author
She really captured Frey's thoughts beautifully, and I think he is my favorite character because of that. I absolutely cannot wait for more from Ms. Roberts. Grab this novella when it comes out, you won't be disappointed!

From Arlena Dean/Reviewer
I found Truly, Madly, Deeply, You by Cecilia Robert was a good sweet beautiful romance novel and I believe anyone who would like a quick short romance will enjoy this good read.

From Shilpa Mudiganti/Author of Always You
I LOVED this book! Sensual, sweet, sad and addictive is what I felt as I turned the pages.

Contact info:

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5263768.Cecilia_Robert
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CeciliaMRobert
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/CeCeMR
Blog: http://cecereadandwrite.blogspot.com
About the Author:
Cecilia Robert enjoys the play and weave of words that make up a good story. She enjoys creating fantastical worlds and getting lost in them. She often meets a prince, a princess, a pirate, ordinary and badass boy or girl who take her through the wonderful world of dreaming and fantasy.

She doesn't have particular leanings to any kind of story as long as it captures her attention She reads and enjoys urban/dark fantasy romance, paranormal, contemporary, sci-fi, mystery or horror as much as her children's school books.

Some nights, you can find her reading Puss in Boots for her daughter, or trying to understand how to read Manga comics from her son.

Thank you for stopping by Cecilia! It's been a pleasure!