Sunday, December 30, 2012

Mini Update

It has been almost two months since I have been on my blog of facebook page. November I spent all of my free time working on my first novel. My current word count is 53,000. I am probably about 70-80% done with the rough draft.

I will probably attempt to dive into writing the second installment in the series before I begin editing. That could change at moment though. I am excited to share this book with people and that can not happen until it gets a good dose of revision.

I have a few book reviews I need to write up and post. Last night I finished my first book in two months.

As I come closer to finishing my book I am debating what I will do with this blog and my facebook page. I will probably need to start an author page and an author blog. It is time to sharpen my skills or find some help getting my social media in order.


Monday, November 19, 2012

Charade Read Along ~ Week Three

 
Cambria Hebert




Chapters 14-20
 
 
1. In these chapters the characters go to Italy. Where is one place you would like to travel that you haven’t been?
 
I would love to go to Montreal to go eat at Chuck Hughes restaurants Garde-Manger and Le Bremner. I hear he is not the only beautiful thing there to see. (hehehe) If you don't know who he is check out his web site http://www.chuckhughes.ca/
 
2. Where is your favorite place that you have traveled to?
 
My favorite places that I have traveled to are in Arizona and New Mexico. There are so many beautiful things to see there. NM truly is the land of enchantment. For example: Grand Canyon, Sedona (my favorite Boynton Canyon), Petrified Forest, Painted Desert, Santa Fe National Forest, White Sands, Glen Canyon...the list is almost endless
 
3. Kimber betrays Heven in these chapters. Do you think that Heven should get even or just write Kimber off? What would you do?
 
Heven is not the type to get even. I think her feelings are more hurt than she is angry. I think she just wished for a way to put their friendship back together. I would have tried to find a way to patch things up. If it did not work, I have learned life is too short to chase around friends.
 
4. Gemma and Cole seem to be attracted to each other but don’t really want to admit it. Have you ever had a crush you never told anyone about?
 
Lol...maybe in high school or junior high. Unless you count all of my celebrity crushes. lol
 
5. Who is your favorite character in this series so far and why?
 
Sam of course!!! How can you not love him. He is hot, tough, sensitive, trustworthy, and of course fireproof.
 
 

Monday, November 12, 2012

Charade Read Along - Week Two

Cambria Hebert Chapters 7-13

Host Blog ~ Love Of Books
 
1. Heven’s mom has a new boyfriend that Heven doesn’t really like. Have you ever disliked a boyfriend/girlfriend of family member’s significant other? Did you tell them or just try to get along?
 
I have always voiced my opinion. There are times I wish I could go back and take it back. And there are other times I wish I made my point more clear. What can you do?
 
2. Kimber is acting weird… weirder than usual. Any predictions? Have you ever known anyone like Kimber?
 
We all know at least on person like Kimber. I went to a large high school so we probably had clicks of Kimbers. One thing I can say about Kimber is that she knows what she wants. She is stubborn and is not afraid to let people know how she feels. The problem with being too stubborn is it can blind you to the truth. Kimber might just be her own worst enemy.
 
3. Heven is getting a new “supernatural” power. If you could have one which would you choose?
 
That is a hard question there are so many cool ones out there. So instead of having to choose I will revert back to my childhood and tell you the two I always wished for. First was that I wished that if I spun around fast enough I would turn into super woman. The second of course if that I wanted to be able to wiggle my nose like Samantha from Bewitched and be able to do her magic.
 
4. In this set of chapters we find out something about Cole. Were you surprised?
 
I don't know how surprised I was, but boy was I relieved. I loved the way he was worried about her and wanting to protect her. I hoped that she wouldn't get in a position where she developed romantic feelings for him. What would have happened to Sam with their mind bond?
 
5. Heven has someone invading her dreams. What is the scariest or wackiest dream you have ever had?
 
This one I don't even want to really think about. When I was a kid I would always have dreams about car accidents and of my sister falling out of a car. One day on our way to church in a family friends car for some reason she decided she was going to open the car door while it was moving. I don't know if seat belts were as popular back then. I was so scared she was going to fall out. Luckily we were just barley moving at a light. The dreams stopped after that day.
 

Monday, November 5, 2012

Charade Read Along ~ Week One


Cambria Hebert
Chapters 1-5
1. Charade begins with Heven cutting off a lot of the hair she used to hide behind. Her haircut turns out really good. Have you ever had a bad haircut? A bad dye job? Tell us about it. And SHOW PICTURES! LOL!

About a week before my wedding My girlfriend died my hair. It was so he very wrong color. It was almost 9 years ago, but I remember it being almost a purple dark reddish brown. Like the way old ladies like to wear their hair. Thank goodness I found a miracle worker and after a hand full of cash and a very long day of hair products I was back to a better version of me. You better believe there are no pictures! Only hats until it got fixed.

2. What do you think about Heven and Cole’s relationship?
Right now their relationship makes me uncomfortable. I feel bad for the stress and anxiety it is causing Heven. I was so nervous that she would kiss him back. I love the way way he wants to protect her. I am very curious about his special aura and his mothers weird reaction towards Heven. Some obvious foreshadowing, but to what?

3. A new character is introduced in these chapters. Gemma. What are your thoughts on her? Any predictions?
I thought or imagined The lady who sold Sam the bracelet to be an old witchy looking lady for some reason. I am still trying to figure out how old she is or looks. Since she technically would have no age. I think that there is something between her and Aris, a bone to pick. She know she has to help Sam and Heven, but on her terms not Aris's

4. There are a lot of demons running around in Charade. What do you think would be the best weapon to fight them?

Some thing to destroy their hearts. Large calibre gun, steak, a crossbow maybe. But Heven will need to find something more realistic to carry with her. Maybe she has a power waiting to come to the surface. 

5. Sam is very close with his brother and feels responsible for him. Do you have any siblings? What is your relationship with them like?

I have a younger sister that lives 10 hours away. She is my best friend. We talk often and wish we were closer. (in distance that is)

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Book Review of Purgatory Reign By LM Preston

Purgatory Reign ~ LM Preston
 
This is a YA paranormal adventure. I was lucky to have the opportunity to receive an ARC copy of this book. There were a lot of great things happening in this book. Along with the exciting adventure that Peter Saints there are many young adult issues that we all face. The issues are subtle but make the characters easy to relate to.
This was one of those books that I went into reading with no expectations and came out loving it. The book was action packed from beginning to end.
Peter think that he just brings death to those around him. His intentions are to journey to secret locations on his own but can’t help but make some powerful connections along the way. Searching for the truth about whom he is and what has happened to those he cares about he finds himself caught up in the world of secret orders and bad guys galore. Or should I say gore? There is enough blood, murder, and action to keep even the busiest of teenage boys interested in this story. You’re not a teenage boy you say? There is just enough romance in this book to hook any avid YA romance reader.
I can’t believe this book is not getting released until March 2013. How long will I have to wait for the next installment of this book? At least it will be worth waiting for!

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Cameo Renae Spotlight and Giveaway

 
Cover Reveal For
Hidden Wings by Cameo Renae
Release Date January 18, 2013

 


 
Publisher: Crushing Hearts & Black Butterfly Publishing
Cover Designer: Regina Wamba / www.maeidesign.com
 




 
Seventeen is a life changing age for Emma Wise.

As her family's sole survivor in a car crash, she is left with a broken arm and a few scrapes and bruises. But these are only outward marks; inside, her heart is broken and the pieces scattered.

Whisked away to Alaska, to an aunt she’s never met, Emma starts over. Secrets unveil themselves and now…she doesn't even know who or what she is.

A centuries old prophecy places Emma in the heart of danger. Creatures of horrifying and evil proportions are after her, and it will take Emma, her aunt, and six, gorgeously captivating Guardians to keep her safe. But, if she can survive until her eighteenth birthday...things will change.
 
 
 
 
 





Interview with Cameo Renae
 
I know you moved from Hawaii to Alaska, wow what a change! Obviously you were inspired by the landscape in Alaska as that is where In My Dreams takes place. Did you first start writing when you moved to Alaska?
Actually, I had lived in Alaska for two years, and then moved back to Hawaii after my mother-in-law passed away. A few years later (in Hawaii), I started In My Dreams. 
 
How long did it take you to write In My Dreams?
It took a total of a year. I had three jobs at the time, and two kids in high-school. Both were involved in sports. Now that I look back, I really don’t know how I had the time to write a novel!!! 
 
When you started to write In My Dreams did you have the intention to publish?
I wanted to publish it and queried many agents, but they all turned me down. That’s when I looked into self-publishing. I’m glad I did. I’ve learned so much since then.  
 
How far into your first book did you get before you let anyone read it?
No one read it until it was finished. My daughter was the only one that read it, and she said she loved it. I trusted her judgment and decided to publish. 
 
Do you have any special quirky things you do or need when you sit down to write?
I need my caffeine near, my headphones on (to help get in the zone, and tune everything else out), and I need it quiet and dark.  
 
When do you do most of your writing?
I only write at night, and usually start around 11pm-12am.  
 
What advice can you give to new writers?
Never give up! Write a little every day, even if it’s only a few hundred words. Sooner or later you’ll end up with a novel! I did!  
 
What do you enjoy doing when you are not writing?
I love to go out for drives. Alaska is such a beautiful place and I never get tired of the scenery.  
 
What is the last book you read?
The Vampire Hunter by Jennifer Malone Wright 
 
I know some authors have done short stories published in anthologies, did you ever do that? Where can we find them?
No I haven’t YET, but I am considering one soon.  
 
Can you tell us a little bit about how you chose your publishing company or how they chose you?
I self-published In My Dreams. My new novel, Hidden Wings, was submitted to CHBB. I heard about Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing on Facebook. I loved the name, what they were producing, and noticed how all of the authors seemed to help each other out. I submitted my next novel, Hidden Wings to them, and a few days later got an acceptance letter.  
 
You have a new trilogy being released in January 2013. Is there anything you can tell us about what the series will be about?
It’s set to be a trilogy, but I have a feeling it will turn into a series. Let’s just say it will be a ride!!! 
 
Thank you so much for having me!!!
 
 
Cameo Renae’s Debut Book
 In My Dreams
 
It was happening again. The dreams. The nightmares. It was something seventeen year-old Elizabeth "Lizzy" Hayes thought she'd outgrown...dreams that would come true...detailed premonitions of how people would die. But this time, she dreams about her boyfriend, Michael Young, and soon discovers that he's been found... dead.
Michael hasn't crossed over because he was murdered, and now, his murderer is coming for Lizzy. His spirit won't rest until she's safe. As a newbie spirit, the easiest way for him to make contact is through Lizzy's dreams. When she dreams, it's as if he's still alive...still with her...and that gives her strength.
But Lizzy must learn to pull on her own inner strength to survive horrifying events. Meanwhile, in the spirit world, Michael learns everything he can about his supernatural gifts to help. But will it be enough to save her?
Review of In My Dreams

I really liked this book, a lot! It was a truly youthful tragic love story. It was easy to connect with the main character. Cameo takes the reader on an emotional rollercoaster. (I shed a few tears) I also loved that the setting was in Alasksa. 

This was a fast paced and suspenseful paranormal romance. Even though Lizzy is remarkably independent and self sufficient she has a void in her life. Her boyfriend Michael is someone special that fills that empty place in her heart. He showers her with the love she has missed out on most of her life. After he is taken from her by the hand of another she has to know what happened to him only to find out that the same man is hunting her.
 
Cameo writes in a way that has you right along side Lizzy on a heart breaking adventure of loss, murder, suspense and romance. She hooks you from the very beginning and keeps you hooked with unexpected twists till the very end. 

This book left me as a Cameo Renae fan and I am eagerly awaiting her new book Hidden Wings.
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Book Review, Interview, and Giveaway. Midnight Blood by Nicole PenceYanski


 


Book Review of Midnight Blood 
by Nicole PenceYanski 

I absolutely loved this YA paranormal romance. Nicole wasable to bring a fresh twist on the sometimes mundane world of vampires. Whenreading this book the characters are what come to life and the supernaturalelements just add an exciting twist.  

Shayna and Melina are fraternal twins. Melina doesn’t knowjust how different they really are. Shayna knows that when she turns eighteenthings are going to change, but she has no idea how much. When a new boy Caincomes to town an introverted and studious Shayna suddenly starts spending allof her time with him, Melina and Shaynas best friend Noah start to getsuspicious. 

Shayna longs for answers she was left with when her fatherdied, or didn’t he? She searches for clues in a new book store filled with oldparanormal books and finds more than she hoped for. The store keeper is Cain’s“Aunt,” who seems to have a few secrets up her sleeve as well. 

The romance in this book is full of the nervous and anxious lust of a new love.  Thecontinued build up waiting for the explosive electricity of a first kiss isdelivered with a punch. This story keeps you on the edge of your seat withsuspense and action. The pages of this book turn effortlessly. I read it oneday.

This is an author to keep an eye on I am looking forward toseeing her career flourish. In addition to the wonderful entertainment you getfrom purchasing this book, a portion of all salesfrom the e-book Midnight Blood will be donated to Angel Ambassadors of PetoskeyMichigan.  www.angel-ambassadors.org

Purchase Midnight Blood on Amazon here

 
Interview of Nicole Pence Yanski 

How long did it take you towrite Midnight Blood?

It took me from October of 2011-March of 2012to write Midnight Blood 

Was there a particular author orbook that inspired you to write your first novel?

No particular books, just gotreaders block…. 

Who was the first person to readyour book in its entirety?

Cassandra Lockhart (my righthand girl). She read Midnight Blood along with me, as I wrote it, and was thefirst to read the, first ever, totally revised (story location moving fromOregon to Michigan) printed manuscript 

When you started to writeMidnight Blood did you have the intention to publish?
 
I am not really sure,when, I actually started thinking about publishing, but I definitely wantedpeople to read it. 

Can you tell us a little bitabout what influenced you to write Midnight Blood?

I had gotten readers block, andwanted something to read really bad, but didn’t know what to read. I had read13 books in a 2 month time period, and nothing sounded good to me. So I wrotemy own.
 

Do you have any special quirkythings you do or need when you sit down to write?

I like to write LATE at night onthe weekends, when my family is sleeping, while listening to some good ole’Rock-n-Roll

Do you write in a linear fashion?

HUH??? lol 

When and where do you do most ofyour writing?

Whenever I can, and where evermy notebook happens to be lying around. 

What do you enjoy doing when youare not writing?

Spending time at home with my family,beading, and learning how to play the guitar.
 

I read this on your Facebook page. “I have finally typed 200, of my written pages, ofBorn Immortal, on my computer. 115 more pages to go, uughh!!” Did you handwrite this whole book? Can you tell us a bit about that experience?

Uughh!! Lol. Theeasy part was writing the book. I could take it with my almost anywhere, orleave it lying around to open up and write (quickly) when walking by. Thepainstaking part was wanting to sit down and type it. Uugghh!  

What is the last book you read?

Now it is; Shiver (Wolves ofMercy Falls) by Maggie Stiefvater ( I started it in July and finished it inSeptember, I have only read 2 books since starting Midnight Blood…I feeldeprived… 

When will the next book befinished? Or released?

Hopefully (and that’s a BIGhopefully) this winter.
 
Can you tell us about yourcharity and why you chose it?

Angel Ambassadors is a localMichigan organization that strives to meet the needs of our American troops andtheir families. I didn’t choose Angel Ambassadors they chose me. My book isdedicated to a great friend Timothy Hoffman, who was a Iraq Veteran. I lost myfriend in January, and him being a veteran had A LOT to do with his passing. Iwanted to do something great with Midnight Blood, and every sign that was shownto me was Angel Ambassadors. 

Where can fans find you on the internet?
 
 
 
 
 
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