Thursday, February 28, 2013

The Secret Of LeCeau House by James Griffin INTERVIEW

1. Can you tell us a little about Your Book without giving away too many spoilers and what inspired you to write it?

The name of my book is The Secret Of LeCeau House, and it was inspired by an old plantation home called LeBeau that sits in ruins in a place called Arabi, Louisiana.
I'm a big fan of the band Evanescence. One cold day in February of 2007 I visited the house, and when I got back, I downloaded some of the new Evanescence songs.
While I was listening, I was thinking of the house, and I began imagining a ghost coming out of the front door of it. Somehow, Amy Lee, the singer for Evanescence, became that ghost in my imagination. Over the years, as I listened to Evanescence, I thought of the old ruins and the ghost and came up with more scenarios with them. Before I knew it, I had a whole story. So, I decided to write a book.

2.
Is there a historical angle you can share with us?

There is. I find the War Of 1812 really interesting. The last battle of that war was fought not far from me, and I often visit the battlefield. It's known as the Chalmette Battlefield, and it's where Andrew Jackson commanded the troops, and some say the pirate Jean Lafitte, against the British. It later became private property, and the son of the Civil War general PGT Beauregard lived in a house that's still there. I mention these things in the story, and that's where part of it takes place.



3. When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I've always wanted to be a writer. The thing I can remember first wanting to be was a comic book artist. But, the first story I ever wrote was about a ghost of fire in a blazing truck terrorizing people on a lonely Arizona highway. I was about 12. After writing it, I knew I wanted to write more.

4.
What do you love most about writing?

Writing is a way to live out a fantasy that you wouldn't ordinarily be able to do in reality. When I write, it's like being the main character. I think you can call it escapism as well.

5. Have you had any personal experiences with ghosts?

No. I've never seen a ghost. I don't necessarily believe in them. But, I love ghost stories, and I read books on them all the time. One of my favorite authors on the subject is Elliot O'Donnell. He was a ghost hunter at the turn of the last century, and he investigated mostly British ghosts. Those are my favorite kind. British ghost stories seem to have a different feel to them. Maybe it's because the houses are older. And then, there's the castles. I'm a big fan of those.

6. Tell us a bit about other creative outlets-music, drawing, photo restoration.

I started playing guitar when I was 11. I love music, and to create it has always been something that I just love doing. I've been working with a singer from Austria that has a great voice. I don't really like singing on my songs, but I finally decided to ask someone else to do it, and she did a really great job on my last two songs.
I am a big fan of comic books, too. And, when I was a kid I wanted to draw them. That's how I became an artist. I love drawing that sort of thing, and it's just fun to create in that way for me.
I also love photo editing, especially photo restoration. It's just great seeing old photos that seem to be beyond repair come back to life. I've worked on some really hard pictures and have had great results. Not always, but most of the time. Some pictures are just too far gone.
 


7. Anything else you wish to share?

Thank for the interview, Catalina. :)
 
Thank you James you are such a diverse and creative individual we wish you the greatest success in all your endeavors.   For all our wonderful visitors you can buy James Griffin's book for only $2.99 here is the link.




Here's the link to my art: http://jamesphotoworksandart.weebly.com

 










A link to my Youtube channel: http://www.youtube.com/griffinmatter
 
 

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

IN POLYESTER PAJAMAS by CATHERINE DOUGHERTY



When women talk, they talk about EVERYTHING . . . Jean and Rosie, opposites in every way, are dealing with different aspects of their lives when they find themselves working side-by-side in the same real estate company. Despite reluctance, they also find themselves teaming up for some new mid-life adventures filled with excitement, romance and plenty of drama. As they become better acquainted, a friendship begins to form. They laugh, cry, and even fight together. Until finally, during a slumber party and while sporting polyester pajamas, they entrust their lives completely to each other and share their deepest, darkest secrets. Through it all, they discover how truly wonderful having a best friend, at any age, can be. If you’ve ever had or needed a best friend, have wondered what life was all about, have been ashamed of something you’ve done in the past, or if you’ve ever lost someone you loved with all of your heart, then you MUST read this book! Praise for in Polyester Pajamas: “In Polyester Pajamas is at once gutsy, poignant, tear-inducing, and wickedly funny. I recommend this book to anyone who has experienced love, loss, heartbreak, happiness, and new beginnings. In short, In Polyester Pajamas is for everyone. It’s a brave, ballsy, brightly colored novel by a brave, ballsy, brightly colorful writer. Bravo, Catherine Dougherty.” —Jennifer Niven, author of Velva Jean Learns to Drive, Velva Jean Learns to Fly, and Becoming Clementine

BUY BOOK ON AMAZON


Biography

Catherine Dougherty, a New Hampshire native, is a former newspaper reporter, columnist, photographer, and Real Estate/Business Broker. For several years, she served as the Lakes Region Coordinator of The Cozy Cap Project, a project she began in 2007 resulting in many volunteers making and donating thousands of hats for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. She was editor of The Cozy Cap Project Newsletter for three years, and currently volunteers as writer/editor of a newsletter for The Greater Lakes Region Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

Besides writing, Catherine enjoys reading, knitting, and browsing through bookstores. She lives in the Lakes Region area of NH with her husband, and is a member of the NH Writers' Project.


 
Heroines With Heart is a massive blog tour that runs throughout 2013, that features books with strong female protagonists. We have authors from several different genres, including young adult, mystery/thriller/suspense, romance, sci-fi/fantasy, and Christian fiction. We are also giving away fun digital prizes and sharing new and noteworthy books throughout the year. Want updates?
 
 

Magical Ventures of Loli and Lenny (Trumpets in the Wild)

 
 
A fantasy novella for children and middle grade Published by Flugel Publishing House, Essex, UK.

Description :
*********************************************************************************************************
With global warming, animal poaching, deforestation, exploitation and crimes rising at an alarming rate the future of our planet looks very grim. An organisation that works secretly in the North Pole chooses eight-year-old Loli and her cousin Lenny to be a part of their mission. Mission to help and heal planet earth
.
Destined to be the saviours of our soon to be new age earth, Loli and Lenny’s only weapon against the deadly hazards is magic! And they must learn the craft very fast to save one of the most precious but endangered animals on this planet. From Ipads, tennis and school assignments to wands, cauldrons and powerful spells, their lives change forever.
 
 
 
 
 

Excerpt:
“But why are they called the Paladins?” Loli asked curiously.
“A Paladin is a defender of a cause. He maybe a knight, a warrior or a champion known for his heroism or chivalry. . .”


**********************************************************************************************************

Links:
 
 
magical ventures of loli and lenny picFantasy author Pratibha R DH believes that she has had this connection with the fairies right from the tender age of seven. The fairies in her world loved telling her stories about the fairy cosmos and their acquaintances – the dragons, unicorns, witches and the wizards. Her parents and siblings refused to believe her, so she promised the fairies that she would publish their stories one day and the world would know about them.
In course of time, to get respite from the endless goading from her parents and her teachers about how she must stop day dreaming, she enclosed all her stories in a sealed file. And then studied with a vengeance to pursue a master’s degree in Economics, a diploma in Computer Networking coupled with certifications from Cisco and Microsoft (MCSE, CCNA). Life became busy what with her job as a Content Specialist, when the bond with the fairies was revived again and she was reminded of her promise. From then onwards, her life was one balancing act with the major part of her work in the day consisting of content writing for websites, SEO copywriting, article writing, blogging and web designing, whereas by night she recommenced her childhood promise of writing about the fairy realm.
Some say that her novel “Magical Ventures of Loli and Lenny,” is roughly inspired by the real life accounts of the fairies. Rumour also has it that except for her two little boys, no one from her kin knows about this secret pact with the fairies. Not even her husband!
 

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

4covert2overt in 33 Days: THE MAGIC WARBLE by VICTORIA SIMCOX GIVEAWAY

4covert2overt in 33 Days: THE MAGIC WARBLE by VICTORIA SIMCOX GIVEAWAY: ABOUT THE MAGIC WARBLE Dwarfs, gnomes, fairies, talking animals, and an evil queen – all these and more can be found in The ...



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**** MARCH 3rd ****** SHADOWS of the PAST


Sword & Illusion by Nancy S. Brandt



MOONRAZER was already a famous warrior when she drove the Navin from her homeworld, wrested the Sword of Justice from dragons, and became the first Exalted Warrior of the Sarl in seven generations. But now, as she is approaching her 40th birthday, she faces her most terrifying challenge of all--finding a mate and conceiving a child.

PRINCE
VARIAN of Tellan needs an heir to his throne before the Festival of the Dragon Moon or the Dragons will kill him and his sisters. Twice, he has taken Dragonmarked wives to beget such an heir. His first wife, Violetta, ran away from him and after years of searching, he declared her dead and took another wife. Five months ago, his second wife and child were found dead. Now, Violetta has contacted him on her own deathbed to tell him he had a daughter sixteen years ago.

When he learns that his lost daughter may be living among the Sarl, and that the Exalted Warrior of the Sarl herself is looking for a mate, he discovers two chances to save his kingdom.

Together, Moonrazer and Varian must deal with intrigue, treachery, and even an assassin to help each other and save their kingdoms. However, even love may not be strong enough to save either world from destruction.
5.0 out of 5 stars amazing!! October 14, 2012
Format:Kindle Edition
This was an amazing work of fiction. I love to read and I read this book twice. I can not wait for the second book in this series. I was totally in love with the character Greenblade. Waiting for Sword and Incantation is harder than waiting for the next Jim Butcher book. And I LOVE his writing. Maybe I have found a new favorite fantasy author!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nancy is a stay-­‐‑at-­‐‑home mom and full-­‐‑time writer/editor for a small epublisher. She is an Army veteran, kidney transplant recipient and cancer survivor, as well as a long time member of Weight Watchers. She'ʹs been writing romantic fiction for over 20 years and has had two books published prior to this one. Her hobbies include many kinds of needlework, digital scrapbooking and making jewelry. She likes to say she "ʺlives"ʺ on Facebook.
 
 
 
 
 
Heroines With Heart is a massive blog tour that runs throughout 2013, that features books with strong female protagonists. We have authors from several different genres, including young adult, mystery/thriller/suspense, romance, sci-fi/fantasy, and Christian fiction. We are also giving away fun digital prizes and sharing new and noteworthy books throughout the year. Want updates?

Prelude and Fuge by Laura Haley-McNeil

 

Olivia St. Claire accomplishes her dream to become a pianist, but didn’t count on falling in love with the man she can never have.

 
Prelude and Fugue wattpad link: http://wattpad.com/LauraMcNeil
 
 

Laura Haley-McNeil has studied piano, violin, organ and ballet. She has served on the boards of two community orchestras. She currently lives in Colorado with her husband.

1)            Can you tell us a little about Your Book(s) without giving away too many spoilers and what inspired you to write it?   Prelude and Fugue is about Olivia St. Claire who once had a dream to become a pianist. Now she unburies that dream, but with the dream comes Liam Wallace, the married man she can never have. I wrote this book because I hear so often, “If only I had done. . .” So I created a character who said the same thing and realized she still had an opportunity to not only say what might have been but to reach out and accomplish something, though not without the pain and pitfalls that occur when we reach beyond our comfort zones.
2)            Which character do you like the most? Why? I like Olivia St. Claire, the main character. She says and does what she wants when she wants to, which I am afraid to do. She usually says things that get her into trouble but she accepts that as her lot in life and keeps pushing ahead.
3)            When did you know you wanted to be a writer?  I have written stories since I knew how to pick up a pencil. I shared a room with my sister and I told her stories. I guess you could say that I love to make things up.
4)            Are there any new authors that currently interest you? Kate Morton, an Australian author, is my current favorite. The House at Riverton was fascinating. It’s three stories that merge at the end and it’s a great mystery that isn’t solved for the characters but is for the readers.
5)            What kind of research did you do for this book? I’m at an advantage because my husband and I are both classically trained pianists and most of our friends our serious musicians. Whenever we attend a concert or meet with friends, I keep track of what everyone is doing, the composers, the violinists, the conductors, and think of ways to incorporate their way of life into a book. To me it’s an intriguing background that few people know about. I hope you agree.
6)            What's a typical working day like for you? When and where do you write? Do you set a daily writing goal? I try to start writing as soon as I get home from work. My goal is at least three pages a day. Some days are more productive than others. I set up a corner in the family room because the sofa is more comfortable than an office chair. I pull my laptop into my lap. I try to read a little before I start to write because that inspires me.
7)            What is the hardest part of writing for you? Because I have a day job, I’m usually tired when I get home and I’d rather surf the net than write, but then I start thinking about where I left off during my previous writing session and think that I need to keep writing and eventually the story starts to pester me and so I start to write.
8)            What are you working on now? My current book is called Rhapsody in Blood, which is a murder mystery. The main character is Vanessa Sterling, a famous concert pianist with a terrible secret that she thought she buried long ago. Now someone else knows her secret, someone who will stop at nothing to destroy her.

Monday, February 25, 2013

SHADOWS OF THE PAST will be here on March 3rd



Blood of Ancient Kings by V.J.O. Gardner

 

Blood of Ancient Kings; a medieval story of love, honor, and courage.

 
As a young prince grows up and advances through the military ranks, with his true identity unknown to his friends, he meets a young girl and they become friends. As the years pass their friendship blossoms into true love, knowing that she already has an arranged marriage and he being royalty most certainly has one as well, they still continue with their relationship. As their friendship progresses he must be courageous as he goes through many trials, testing his love for her, his loyalty to the kingdom, and in doing what’s right as an officer and a gentleman. The story spans multiple generations, their families deal with many problems, going from the pain of death, to the joy of birth as they feel the blood of the ancient kings running through their veins.
The book was written with young adults in mind, however with no foul language, graphic sex or violence they are appropriate for reader’s as young as ten. The author allows the reader’s imagination to fill in between the lines with their own experience, so even parents and grandparents will enjoy them.
The story begins with King Burkhart, who is an evil tyrant of a king, holding his beloved wife and queen as she is dying from giving birth to his first born. Suddenly the door is kicked open! Colonel Langward from his own army, now fighting to take the kingdom from him, is standing there with his bloody sword in hand. As King Burkhart kneels at his conqueror’s feet hoping for death so he can join his beloved wife, his only true love, he hears the cry of his new born child!
The new king has compassion and instead of killing him, allows him to live to raise his daughter but he must live among the very people he abused as king. He is given only what he can carry with him and taken to a small village. On his first night there he wakes to find the tiny house on fire. He grabs his infant and the bag with their few belongings only to find the door will not open, it’s blocked! He breaks through the door to find the enraged villagers that are burning the house, he runs trying to find a place to hide as he is pelted with rocks. He runs to a bridge over a brook and crawls under it, into to the mud to protect his infant knowing he must survive, if only for her. For the first time in his life he is truly afraid of death, but not for himself, for his daughter.
V.J.O. Gardner was a voracious reader as a child and in college took Fantasy Lit and writing classes. After years of writing as a creative outlet, she began publishing her medieval fantasy novels beginning with Blood of Ancient Kings. She enjoys doing book signings at renaissance fairs in costume and even at local book stores in Utah. For more information on her novels and contact information visit www.vjogardner.com
 
 

Sunday, February 24, 2013

The Dragonfly Saga Book 1: Green Pearl by Juliann Troi


A new book dynasty begins with the monumental novel, The Dragonfly Saga, Book 1: Green Pearl. A nation torn and bleeding: China, 1923, a once-glorious land is slowly being blown to pieces by revolution. Ruthless warlords have overthrown the divine Imperial system and claimed dominion, carving China up to satisfy their own selfish designs. Political intrigue and betrayal are the only rulers now. In the wrong place at the wrong time: Caught between two warring forces and taken prisoner, Kathryn Hopewell's life hangs in the balance. An impossible choice: To save Kathryn, the daughter of a powerful American trade lord, would cost Ty Wang his life. To let her die could ignite a bloody civil war that would destroy his beloved China. Destinies intertwined: Bound together by a love as strong as it is forbidden, Ty and Kathryn must overcome impossible odds to boldly embrace a great and terrible purpose that could ultimately change the fate of a nation ... and destroy them both. Follow the couple's amazing journey in the next book of the series, The Dragonfly Saga, Book 2: Sunrise in Kweilin. About the Author: Juliann Troi lives in Edmond, Oklahoma, with her husband and two teenage children. While her love of crafting allows her to express her creativity through art in all its forms, it is writing that gives wings to her dreams.
 
Publisher's Website: http://sbpra.com/
JuliannTroi Author's Website: http://www.thedragonflysaga.com
 

 
 
Image of Juliann Troi
Formerly an elementary school teacher, Juliann Troi turned stay-home Mom but soon began crafting and writing to maintain her sanity. She also became actively involved in charity work, even starting and running her own charity for a number of years. She has been able to turn her passion for crafting and writing into successful and satisfying businesses.
She continues to write and publish with her latest work being the epic Dragonfly Saga.

Heroines With Heart is a massive blog tour that runs throughout 2013, that features books with strong female protagonists. We have authors from several different genres, including young adult, mystery/thriller/suspense, romance, sci-fi/fantasy, and Christian fiction. We are also giving away fun digital prizes and sharing new and noteworthy books throughout the year. Want updates?

On Tour with Read Between The Lines THE ROAD THAT LEADS TO HOME by Jaimie Hope


Title: The Road That Leads To Home
Author: Jaimie Hope
Genre: YA Romance
Self-Published by  Jaimie Hope
Release Date: December 2012

Synopsis:
Sara always knew she was different from other girls, but she never knew how much. She'd been having dreams all her life. It didn’t bother her when they played out in reality the next day. After all, that happens to everyone sometimes, didn't it? When the phone rings one morning with devastating news she knew was coming she could no longer ignore her gift. She also couldn't help wondering if she could have changed the fate of those she loved if only she would have spoken up sooner.

Book Excerpt

“Why are you fighting this?" James groaned. "I know what you said, but I don't buy that. I've seen the future, and it's me. You know we belong together. Nothing else matters." 

"You remember James Clements, don’t you? He’s Dad’s right hand man these days.” Then with a laugh she said, “Guess it wasn’t you he was interested in getting his hands on, it was the inn.”
                Shows what she knows. He did get his hands on me and on more than one occasion, Sara thought to herself. Back then, she thought he was the man she would spend the rest of her life with, but it wasn’t meant to be.
 Taking a deep breath she said, “I decided last night after talking to Becca. I wanted to sleep on it to be sure that it was what I wanted, and it is. I haven’t contacted anyone in Florida about this yet, but I will. As for my stuff, I will have to go back and sort through it to see what I’ll be able to keep and what I’ll wind up getting rid of. I’ll go back some time after Dad gets home so you’ll at least have Mom to help out.” 
 “If I need to do some extra work to help out while she’s away I won’t mind.” James said to Becca before turning his attention back to Sara. “I have one more question for you if you don’t mind.” 
 “Sure. Shoot.” “Will you marry me?

 BUY PAPERBACK ON AMAZON HERE
E-Book Here on AMAZON 
 
 
   Jaimie Hope was born in 1976 in New York. As a child, she loved story time and when she was old enough to read on her own she always had a book. When she wasn't reading, Ms. Hope was writing and making up stories to amuse children and adults alike. Perhaps that's why nobody was surprised when she announced she wanted to be an author. Jaimie Hope is the author of The Adventures of Baby Jaimie series. She also has also written novels/novellas in the YA genre, and has released her autobiography.

 

                    Jaimie Hope's Website

                                                                 BLOG

                                     Meet Jaimie on Facebook
 
                                      Tweet away with Jaimie

                         Find Jaimie Hope on Goodreads


                            TOUR STOPS


 

Saturday, February 23, 2013

SHADOWS of the PAST here on MARCH 3rd 2013


MURDER & MAYHEM GOOSE PIMPLE JUNCTION by AMY METZ


When Tess Tremaine starts a new life in the colorful town of Goose Pimple Junction, curiosity leads her to look into a seventy-five-year-old murder. Suddenly she’s learning the foreign language of southern speak, resisting her attraction to local celebrity Jackson Wright, and dealing with more mayhem than she can handle. 
A bank robbery, murder, and family tragedy from the 1930s are pieces of the mystery that Tess attempts to solve. As she gets close to the truth, she encounters danger, mystery, a lot of southern charm, and a new temptation for which she’s no. t sure she’s ready .

 

Amy Metz is the author of Murder & Mayhem In Goose Pimple Junction. She is a former first grade teacher, and the mother of two sons. When not actively engaged in writing, enjoying her family, or surfing Facebook or Pinterest, Amy can usually be found with a mixing spoon, camera, or book in one hand and a glass of sweet tea in the other. Amy lives in Louisville, Kentucky.


 

Thursday, February 21, 2013

From Addictions to Motivations Gary Goldstein's Jew In Jail

 
 
"Gary Goldstein is a refreshing presence to the literary world. He's accomplished what so many continue to seek - that rare ability to create magic with nothing more than a pen and paper. [Goldstein is] a rising star!"
- David L. - Best-selling author of Over Your Dead Body, Chalk Outline Confessions, My Life Is A Movie and Represent




 
 
 
Author Bio -

I came into the world on October 18, 1961. John F. Kennedy was President of the United States. The film West Side Story was released, and would go on to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards. Major League Baseball was celebrating Roger Maris of the New York Yankees, who hit a then-record 61 home runs that season.

I was an excellent student, although a bit of a class clown too. I spent a majority of my time playing sports, but fell in love with newspapers, which was how I was initially introduced into
writing and storytelling.

While attending Kingsborough Community College from 1979-1981, I served as editor-in-chief of
the school's paper, and then joined the staff at Long Island University's Seawanhaka for my junior and senior years. At L.I.U. where I earned my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism in 1983, I was also a selected member of Sigma Delta Chi, as well as Who's Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges.

My last year in college included an unpaid internship at WCBS-TV, Channel 2 in New York City, where I learned so much about the television business. Upon graduation, I landed a job at the network, starting as a news clerk for The CBS Morning News with Diane Sawyer, and also weekend shifts for The NFL Today with Brent Musburger.

After quickly rising in the ranks to producer, my life suddenly went on a downward spiral due to
addictions to alcohol, drugs and gambling, which ultimately led to nearly six years behind bars for robbery.

My time incarcerated gave birth to my first published book, Jew in Jail, which tells my true story
of how I finally decided to deal with my addictions and turn my life around, all the while under the toughest conditions imaginable of being a minority in the prison system, forced to fend for myself.

Writing Jew in Jail - as I was doing my time - allowed me to become very introspective, and realize that I could help others in similar situations of being an addict and/or living with low self-esteem.

Today, I still reside in my hometown of Brooklyn, New York, where I am working on my next book
project, continuing to promote Jew in Jail, and always helping other addicts through my motivational and inspirational speeches, and one-on-one consultations.

You may contact me at
Gman18NYC@aol.com for signed copies of Jew in Jail, questions or
comments, or to come speak.