Monday, December 26, 2016

The Things of Nightmares...Real or imagined?

Speaking of things that are not quite right... (See Carnival attractions via Red Rock Theater)



Did you ever pick up an item at an antique shop, flea market, or even in grandma's attic or basement and feel like you've suddenly trespassed where you are not welcome?  Somehow the otherwise innocent object feels all wrong. Perhaps it emanates a weird vibe or makes your skin crawl. I think we all know about Chucky (a movie I have never watched and never will--thank you ever so much) but what about things other than the plentiful stories of sinister dolls? Do you think these things only live in the minds of those who write horror fiction?

Did you know that on eBay there are numerous sites dedicated to possessed objects?  Pictures, jewelry, of course a doll or two can also be found.  Hmm... There is a story of a Dibbuk Box sold on eBay and based upon Jewish folklore.  A bibbuk box is a wine cabinet that is haunted by a restless evil spirit. They say it is responsible for haunting or even possession of the living. "Hog wash," you say? Maybe.

We also have the story of the Myrtle Plantation. Most everyone knows about the servant girl named Chloe who had a liaison with the master of the manor. She feared she would be removed from the house after he grew tired of her, so she began to poison Sara (his wife) and their kids. She intended, she said, to nurse them back to health and thus in gratitude, would forever be a prized member of the household. Unfortunately it didn't work out that way. She accidently killed them instead. Chloe, they say, has never left the mansion.



Friday, December 16, 2016

The old Red Rock Theaters - Something wicked this way comes...

Have you entered a building and something about it just doesn't seem quite right?  You can’t put a finger on it, or even define it exactly, but everything is just kind of "off."  Like...maybe...just maybe you’re being watched by something who's notice you'd rather escape?  Years ago in Las Vegas, Nevada such a place once existed, but it wasn't always so. Red Rock 11 Theaters--located in what is now, west central Las Vegas--was only a couple of blocks from the home in which I spent all of my teenage years. My family and friends watched a ton of movies there without fuss or incident...  



But then...

Thursday, December 1, 2016

Haunted Mammoth Caves...

I feel like it's been forever since I've written a blog and I have truly missed it. There are a million and one reasons for that, mostly life and the people who are most important in it... like my family. If I waxed poetic over the events of the past several months that kept me away from writing, I'd need a book, not a blog. Anyway, enough of that. Suffice it to say I'm back (hopefully)!

So without further ado...

Have you ever been inside a dank, dark, dusty, cave or mine?  If you haven't, let me be the first one to tell you that it's really, really dark in there. In fact, the darkness is total. If that doesn't put a shiver down your spine, know that caves are also full of sounds as well. There are echoes along with spooky and unexplained noises. Whispers are not uncommon. You feel the walls closing in around you, and not everything is “comfortably” right.

Cave south Australia: by Andrew McMillan

Saturday, October 15, 2016

Awaken from Death...Born from Death book 2 by M.S. Kaye!

I am really happy to share with all of you, M.S.Kaye's newest release, Awaken From Death!




Will they discover the truth of their ancient connection before it destroys them both?

Ilona continues to struggle with loss, as well as trying to find where she fits in with other people, if she ever really will. She starts taking dangerous risks.
Archer is desperate to protect Illona and discovers more about himself in the progress. When Ilona is in danger of being mauled by a dog, he desperately tries something that shouldn’t be possible. And yet he succeeds.
This is just the beginning of his discovery of who—what—he truly is.

Friday, September 9, 2016

Starr Fall Cover Reveal!


I am happy to take part in the Cover Reveal for Starr Fall, Book One, a Young Adult Romance Series by my Inkspell Sister, Kim Briggs. Published by Inkspell Publishing, this book will release on November 4, 2016.






Starr Fall 

Book One of the Starr Fall Series 

By Kim Briggs 

Release date: November 4, 2016 

Publisher: Inkspell Publishing 

ISBN: 978-1-939590-94-7

Thursday, September 8, 2016

Hell Hath No Fury by Tamela Miles!


I am so excited to take part in the cover reveal for Hell Hath No Fury, Tamela Miles' upcoming release! Isn't it gorgeous?  Let her know what you think! 



Coming soon in 2016!

Tamela MIles' Words of Wisdom:


Uh-oh. It's happened again, hasn't it? In fact, this is the third time this week that you can't type out a single word of your glorious WIP, in fear because it feels like you're writing crap that no one will ever read and enjoy. Fear not - you're not alone. Many of us authors are, by far, our own worst critics. My first bit of acquired wisdom is to not let fear cripple you to the point you're tempted to get up from your PC and escape into a good movie. No. Don't make that mistake. Keep your bottom in that chair and keep going. What reads like crap now just needs a little tweaking during revision. Another bit of acquired wisdom is this: Let it go sometimes, for the moment. Forget your current WIP and focus on another writing project. Shift gears to that other piece of work and lose yourself in it. One WIP often inspires another. Writing two or more WIP concurrently doesn't work for everybody but if you have the spirit of a multitasker, give it a try. Imagine your joy when you complete both projects a whole lot sooner!


Thursday, July 28, 2016

Strong As Death, by M.S. Kaye...

I am happy to welcome M.S. Kaye to my blog today as she tells us a little bit about her new release, the first of her dark paranormal, young adult series published by Inkspell Publishing!



Strong as Death
Born from Death book one
by M.S. Kaye

Ilona discovers what it means to have a mother who is a modern woman and a father who is a 19th-century gentleman ghost.

Thursday, July 14, 2016

The Ghost Ship Joyita...


Every now and then I have the pleasure of inviting a guest--who loves the paranormal as much as I do--to contribute a post. Today is one of those days. I am excited to welcome Summer Siquian, who will tell us a little bit about the Pacific ghost ship known as Joyita! 


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There is a great deal of mystery surrounding Joyita, a missing ship found partially afloat and void of any crew members. In time she became known as the Pacific’s ghost ship.




Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Who Inspired Me to Write? Not Who You Might Think...

Normally we deal with the paranormal around here, especially during a book tour. However, every now and again, I'll venture off on something else.

Today is one of those days.

One of the questions I'm often asked during interviews is: What author or authors inspired you to write? My answer is always the same. The person who must take the credit, or the blame -- according to your perspective -- is not an author. He is my beloved husband. He encouraged--and gave me the courage--to write down my stories and submit them for publication. When I finally received my first contract, no one celebrated my success more than he didand that's when it started!

What, you might ask, am I talking about? I'm talking about the thoughtful, special little gifts I received in commemoration of each book I wrote and published.  



Saturday, June 11, 2016

Cover Reveal for Dark Deliverance by Tamela Miles

I'm happy to participate in the Cover Reveal for Tamela Miles' upcoming release! Isn't it gorgeous? Drop Tamela a line and let her know what you think!



Blurb:
Elle Connor's life is as grim as she had always feared. Years of demon slaying have left her with nothing to show for her trouble. She's convinced a "normal" life was never meant for her. 
Patrick Holt wants nothing more than to be away from the holy wars and has lived quietly for years as an average human. The trouble is that he's anything but average--he's a fallen hybrid angel. 

When Tagas the guardian angel pairs them up to investigate the brutal slayings of young women in Los Angeles, Elle wants nothing to do with Patrick. As Elle and Patrick begin to understand each other, irritation is forgotten and fiery passion ignites between them. "No ties" is how they both live, but Elle soon begins to long for much more. As they become sucked deeper into the mysterious killings, Elle fears that, in this battle, Hell will win.
Author Info:


Monday, June 6, 2016

Whittington Inn and the Ghosts That Dwell Therein...

In the South Staffordshire District of Staffordshire, England, is a very lovely village known as Kinver. Within this village one can find The Whittington Inn. According to some, this old manor house was built in 1310 by Sir William De Whittington, knight at arms. Believe it or not, according to the genealogy charts, Sir William is a many times great grandfather of my husband. More than likely, okay very likely, this is why I chose to share the ghostly goings on at Whittington Inn... Well, that and the fact that my novel, Bound by Oath and Honour, now in Audio, begins in Staffordshire.

Whittington Inn, Photograph by Peter Broster
Anyway, as you might expect, the inn boasts a rich history. I'll give you just a few examples.

Saturday, June 4, 2016

Joe Cosentino talks China Doll, his fourth Jana Lane Mystery...

Award-winning bestselling author Joe Cosentino did an author interview with us for the release of PORCELAIN DOLL, the second Jana Lane mystery, published by The Wild Rose Press. He interviewed his sexy young congressman character, Sancho Ramirez, for the release of SATIN DOLL, the third Jana Lane mystery. Joe is back with us today interviewing his heroine Jana Lane for the release of CHINA DOLL, the fourth Jana Lane mystery.



Joe: Hi Jana. It’s funny to interview you since I know you so well.

Jana: Nobody knows me like you do.

Joe: Jana, you were America’s most famous child star with movies like Daddy’s Girl, Jungle Girl, School Spy, The Littlest Farmer, The Cowgirl and Bandit, Girl Detective, Pink Ballerina, The Cutest Scientist, and many more. Then at middle age, you made a film comeback in the steamy His Obsession and Madame Senator—for which you won a well-deserved Academy Award! You are still gorgeous at forty-one with your petite figure, layered blonde hair, crystal blue eyes, and porcelain skin. Do you have a beauty regime?

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

The Ghosts of Tutbury Castle






Since Bound by Oath and Honour begins in a creepy (inspired by Cannock Chase) forest in beautiful county Staffordshire, I thought it appropriate to write 
a little something paranormal in Tutbury...like the castle for instance.



Photograph of Tutbury Castle by Dave Harris


For a time, the great de Ferrers family called this castle home. Later it became a center for some very powerful earls and dukes, such as the great John of Gaunt, 2nd Duke of Lancaster. 

What? You don’t recognize the name? Well somewhere along the way you might have heard of his son, King Henry IV; his grandson, King Henry V; and his great grandson, King Henry VI.

Ahem... moving right along...

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Satin Doll: A Character Interview by Joe Cosentino




a Jana Lane mystery by Joe Cosentino, published by The Wild Rose Press

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am pleased to have Senator Sancho Ramirez of New York with me, a character from Joe Cosentino’s SATIN DOLL, a Jana Lane mystery, published by The Wild Rose Press. It’s an honor to interview a young senator from Washington, DC., Senator Ramirez.

Please, call me Sancho.

Welcome, Sancho.

Thank you. It feels good to leave Joe Cosentino’s computer for a while.

Joe describes you as extremely charismatic, handsome with effervescent dark hair and eyes, dimples like craters, a muscular physique, and dressed in expensive suits.

Don’t forget the red ties.

Are you single?


Wednesday, March 23, 2016

INTERVIEW WITH JOE COSENTINO author of PORCELAIN DOLL, a Jana Lane mystery, published by Wild Rose Press!

Hello and Welcome Joe! I'm happy to have you here and to learn a little bit more about you and your fabulous new book!



So tell us, what inspired you to become a writer?

           After college I became an actor in film, television, and theatre, working opposite stars like Bruce Willis, Nathan Lane, Rosie O’Donnell, Holland Taylor, and Jason Robards. Sorry to name drop! Morphing into writing plays and now novels seem like the perfect progression. I knew my novels would include show business in some way, since show business has always been such a huge part of my life. As an avid mystery reader, it was clear to me that my novels would also be page-turning mysteries with clever plot twists, engaging characters, romance, and lots of clues leading to a surprising conclusion. Since coming from a funny Italian-American family, I also knew humor would play a role in my novels.

Can you tell us a little bit about creating the Jana Lane mystery series?

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Goodreads Book Giveaway: A Thousand Yesteryears by Mae Clair #mystery #suspense #Mothman

I'm so happy to welcome back author MAE CLAIR, who has something very exciting to share with you!

A huge THANK YOU to Debbie Peterson for allowing me blog space to share some exciting news. Kensington Publishing is doing a Goodreads Giveaway for a paperback copy of my upcoming release, A THOUSAND YESTERYEARS. There will be two—count ‘em two—winners! 

The giveaway is open now through February 29th (how cool, a leap year). If you’re interested, you can enter here:




A THOUSAND YESTERYEARS is a tale of mystery and suspense centered around events that took place in Point Pleasant, West Virginia. You’ll discover a small river town plagued by tragic history and rumored sightings of the Mothman—a terrifying creature said to haunt an abandoned WWII munitions site. 

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Deep in Romania, the Spooky Forest of Hoia-Baciu

For all of those who have asked and asked (thank you so very much, you don't know how happy that makes me...) Bound by Oath and Honour, is now available in paperback, audio (narrated by the amazing Andrew McDermott) and ebook format, all published by The Wild Rose Press!


Beautiful Cover by Debbie Taylor!


And so it is with great pleasure I bring you the world's most haunted forest...or so they claim. And why not? In Bound by Oath and Honour, quite a bit happens inside a creepy forest in Romania.

Okay... here we go.


Very near the city of Cluj-Napoca, you'll find--if you choose--the Hoia-Baciu Forest. Now this particular forest is often referred to as the Bermuda Triangle of Romania. Over the passing decades, many people who have visited the woodland have reported some really bizarre paranormal activity and unexplained events.


Creepy, Crawly, Rustling, Bustling by Theodor Kittlesen


Like what you ask?

Monday, January 11, 2016

Cover Reveal! Heart of a Hunter by Tamela Miles!


I am so excited to take part in the cover reveal for Tamela Miles' first book, Heart of a Hunter, a paranormal romance to be published by The Wild Rose Press! 

Cover by Debbie Taylor!


Blurb:

Life has never been kind to teen, Elle Connor. With a troubled home life, the gritty, violent streets of Los Angeles have become her home. She never questions her superhuman abilities until she encounters, in a fight or die situation, a guardian angel Tagas, who reveals her holy origins as one in a long history of demon hunters. She also has her eye on her attractive classmate, Brandon. Problems arise when Elle finally realizes that life as a hunter is fraught with tragedies and is deeply lonely. Elle is presented with a choice - follow her calling from God as a hunter or live a "normal" life with love. Can Elle tip the scales in favor of what's good or will she become just another casualty in the eternal war between good and evil?