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.

Charade Read Along ~ Week Three

 

Chapters 14-20

 

Host Blog ~ Rainy Day Ramblings

 

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.

 

 

Charade Read Along - Week Two

 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.

 

Charade Read Along ~ Week One

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)

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!

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!!!

 

Click here to find Cameo Renae on Facebook

Click here to find Cameo Renae on Goodreads

Click here to find Cameo Renae on Amazon

Click here to add Hidden Wings to your Goodreads list

 

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.

 

Click Here To Purchase In My Dreams on Amazon

Click Here To Add In My Dreams To Your Goodreads

 

 

 

 

 

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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?

 

Find Nicole on Facebook Here

Find Nicole on Goodreads Here
www.BornImmortalTheBeginningOfForever

 

 

 

 

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Cover Reveal & Giveaway ~ Purgatory Reign by LM Preston

 

Peter Saint’s life stinks. But things are about to get much worst.

First, his parents are murdered in front of him. Then another victim

dies in his arms. Visions plague Peter with warnings that something

wants him for a sinister cause. It desires the one thing that Peter

refuses to give—his blood. Peter carries within him the one gift or

curse that could unlock a secret to destroy the human race. On the run

with Angel, a scruffy kid, Peter starts to unravel the mystery. It’s the

one treasure the heavens sought to hide from the world. Unfortunately,

when Peter finds the answer that he hopes will save the girl he loves,

he opens the door to a great evil that happens to be salivating to meet

him.

 

 

 

Click Here For A Read Sample

 

Release Dates:

eBook (March 2013)

Print (May 2013)

Pre-Order:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Purgatory-Reign-Series/dp/0985025131/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344012202&sr=8-1&keywords=purgatory+reign+by+lm+preston

 

 

 

 

 Connect with the Author LM Preston

Facebook

Twitter

Blogspot Blog

Wordpress Blog

Godreads

Amazon

 

 

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Book Review and Giveaway ~ Birth of the Nyxian by Amanda R. Browning

This is a story about a young woman that is well studied, fairly alone, and strong minded. One night while walking home from work she comes face to face with death and he was hot as hell. Harlow’s fascination with vampire stories and the looks of the man before her, seemed to cancel out any fear she should have had. Harlow finds love and adventure while flying around the globe running from Hades himself. The book ends with just enough of a cliff hanger to leave you wanting more.  

I felt like the relationship moved way to fast between Harlow and Aiden in the beginning of the book. I would have liked to have had some more time to yearn for them to be together. The dialog was a little bit unrealistic at times, in my opinion. With that being said Amanda does a great job in the romance department. Her love scenes were written with taste and just the right amount of heat. The bond that Harlow and Aiden develop is uncrushable. It is hard not root for them.  

The beginning of the book moved a little slow, but once you get past the back story the book is full of action and suspense. Amanda had my jaw drop on occasion.

This is an author who does her research! It is evident that Amanda spent countless hours researching everything for this book. She is able to really set a scene and take the reader to places they might not otherwise visit.  I love the way Amanda integrates long standing mythologies into her vampire world. Amanda showed a lot of thought and creativity when writing in her mythological creatures we are all familiar with. 

While reading this book, I felt like I could see this writer growing as an author. I am looking forward to reading her next book and believe that it will be even better than this one. If you love vampire books, this is one to add to your shelf for sure.

Thank you so much Amanda for sharing this awesome giveaway!

 

Amanda R. Browning on Facebook

Brith of the Nyxian on Amazon

The Immortal Choice Web Site

 

 

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Cynthia Lucas ~ Guest Blogger and Giveaway

DRIVE....The Path To Passion, or is Passion the Path?

So many new and aspiring authors and writers in the literary field and songwriting circles have questions about how to write and what drives the writing process. What is that exact thing that brings an idea to fruition for a writer and makes it come to life?

Being a musician, and award winning lyricist/ songwriter for most of my life, and an author in recent years, I've had a lot of experience in bringing ideas to life whether in print or in song. Earlier in my career, I took a lot of advice from 'experts' telling me what to do in music. Some advice was helpful but most was more damaging than constructive, and I found that whenever I listened to the 'experts', they always led me astray! Why? Because they have a set idea based on what they've 'seen or heard' or 'what will sell'...or 'what's already been done too many times.'

Well, I have news for the 'experts'...one could easily say that LIFE has been 'done too many times' if one wanted to. But it certainly hasn't and each and every life (and lifetime) is a new and wondrous adventure and story. If we forget this, we become jaded and lose our ability to get excited about those stories and to pour our passion into them. (This by the way, is the difference between a CRITIC and an ARTIST. A critic knows everything with little experience save personal opinion based often on their own insecurities and a jaded view of life. The writer..the musician..the artist knows nothing except the wild abandon and joy of creation based on their own drive, purpose and a desire to share what's in their imagination with the world.)

Bottom line: for every new generation that comes, a story that is 'old' is now new, because they have not experienced it yet, and there's ALWAYS a new way to tell a story. Each one is a unique, individual and special experience that will communicate to someone out there. I can't speak for everyone, but for me personally, I don't push or force the process. And I don't waste time on ideas or stories that I don't feel passionate about.

Sometimes an idea will come to me, whether it's a general plot for a story, or for a specific scene or chapter in a book I'm already writing...but it's something I allow to simmer and boil to the surface when it's ready. Some would say, "Well what if that takes too long?" And that's a valid question, and one that can mean the difference in getting a book written or not! If I have an idea that I am uncertain about but it's just sort of sitting there, sometimes I will do things to help it along.

If it's an idea for a book, sit down and think about how the story would go if it were real life....would it be exciting to you? Would you want it to happen to YOU?

And from a fantasy/diversion stand point: this something that YOU personally would watch or be interested in if you saw it on television or in a movie? Or if another author wrote this, would you read it and enjoy it? If not, then it's probably not something you're REALLY passionate enough about to create a story.

Sometimes I will have an idea that starts one way...and then morphs into something else, because of that very process of letting the story boil to the surface. My book BLOOD FROM A STONE started as something entirely different than the way it ended up. The original idea had a more tragic ending to it...but somewhere along the way, I realized that I wasn't feeling passionate about the idea anymore and I had to rethink it. Is it the idea of this or is it the story I am writing around it? Once I got that right, the fire turned back on and I knew EXACTLY where to take my characters and how to evolve their personalities and how their story was going to turn out. It flowed effortlessly and I actually cried when I re-read a couple of scenes I'd written. And I KNEW that I nailed it. It was completely from the heart. I'd poured my passion into every word.

I think that for all writers our happy ending always comes from never following a strict pattern, or trying to write something you think would be 'popular' or trying to make a story into something it's not meant to be. Instead LISTEN to that little voice inside your heart and let your soul take you where you know it's supposed to go. Don't worry about what anyone else thinks...because in all things art and creative, YOU are the one in the driver's seat, the blank screen is your open road....the keyboard is your vehicle. Throw away the map...look out there to the horizon in your soul and find YOUR adventure.

Most importantly remember: there is no road that leads to your passion....your passion IS the road that leads you wherever you want to go! So.....grab the keys, drop the top....and cruise!

Copyright 2012.
Cynthia Lucas, Author: When Lightning Strikes (2010)
Blood From a Stone (2012 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Awards Second Round Pick)
Musican/singer/songwriter. Nominee NORTH 2 SOUTH: "All Messed Up": Country Song of the Year 2004/2005 JPF Music Awards. 4th Place Winner Best Lyrics; "Ka'Blam" 2005/2006.)

Connect with Cynthia Lucas on Facebook

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Book Review ~ When Lightning Strikes by Cynthia Lucas

Why have you not read this book yet? That is a question you will ask yourself after you read When Lightning Strikes. Cynthia approached me and asked if I would be interested in reading and reviewing one of her books. I was not sure exactly what the genre was and the cover was not that intriguing to me. But, I LOVED this book. Where the cover image lacked for me at first look the story makes up for tenfold. (After reading the book the cover made more sense.) 

Sara Douglas travels through time to find a love she didn’t even know was missing from her life. Sarah has the boxes checked on how perfect her life will be. On the eve of her union to her father’s business partner’s son she receives a special gift from her mother. Apprehensively Sarah keeps the good-luck coin, galbi, with her all night as directed by her mother.  

Could her mother have known that a strike of lightning would shoot her back in time to the rugged landscape of Medieval France in the fourteenth century? Burned and alone under the night sky a mysterious dark, handsome, and pompous Dominic du Barbaronne comes to her aid.  

I am already missing being a part of Dominic’s band of Romani gypsies. This book is full of action, adventure, betrayal, jealousy, brotherhood, love and lust.  Cynthia is able to find a great balance between romance and adventure to satisfy both male and female readers. Although Sarah is the main character it is Dominic that I really got to know. His character development through out the story is delicately woven amongst both love and action scenes alike.  

There is so much I want to say about this book, but do not want to spoil the adventure for you. If you like a little romance combined with action and adventure you will love this book! I sure did. I love when I finish a book and keep wanting more.

 

When Lightning Strikes on Amazon

 

Cynthia Lucas on Facebook

Cover Reveal ~ Tirade

This is the third book in the Heven and Hell series. The book will be released November 30,2012

Betrayal burns. Death hurts and the clock ticks…

Minutes and hours stretch into days. How long can Sam survive being confined in Hell? I have a plan… a plan with a lot of holes. I need someone who can make up for my weaknesses, someone who possesses the power that I lack. Riley is supposed to be off limits. He’s dangerous, he’s mean and he’s not to be trusted. But I do.

Beelzebub is on a tirade, bent on revenge. I took what he wants and sent him into the flames. I will wear the scars of his punishments forever. But scars don’t scare me anymore.

On my way to free Sam I find my true path, a secret place and new allies. But in Hell nothing is easy… and everything is cruel. The only thing left to do is survive.

 

Cover Reveal ~ Bewitched



Working out was for jocks. Homework was for nerds and I wasn’t a jock or a nerd. Yet, here I was, sweating through my favorite Victoria Secret yoga pants and tank with a headache the size of Macy’s. Learning about my powers was hard work. I thought it would come naturally. My brain was hurting from concentrating and my muscles were actually sore from effort. I thought longingly of the potion in the green bottle that Hecate had given me—a little sip would make it that much easier to use my powers, but she took it away. Apparently, I had all the power she wanted me to have. It kind of pissed me off.

   In fact, I was feeling pretty disgruntled all around.

   I was hot, I was sweaty, my head hurt and my hair was frizzy. Not to mention I had been wearing sneakers far too long. Thank goodness Hecate was gone. I actually had been glad not to be alone after the “bone incident,” but now I was ready for some alone time. I felt stronger.

   Feeling strong plus feeling disgruntled equaled somebody was gonna get hurt.

   I was standing in my yard near the lake and I glanced up at the moon before heading inside. It was low and swollen tonight—a haunting moon. It sent a shiver up my spine. I thought briefly about going to Heven’s and treating her to a little of what she deserved. I even looked toward the driveway as I walked, but I wasn’t going anywhere looking like this.

   I went into the house and began climbing the stairs. Halfway up, I heard a noise in the kitchen and I paused. My parents were still out of town. It wasn’t the maid’s day to be here… unless she came early. Another thud in the kitchen had me spinning on the stairs to see what it was.

   “Mary?” I called out. “Is that you?” Maybe she switched her schedule around and I didn’t know about it. Maybe I could get her to make me a latté.

  No one answered, and the noises in the kitchen fell silent. I stopped at the bottom of the stairs and listened, wondering if I had heard anything at all. “Hello?” I called again, this time more unsure. This time a fine chill raced up my back.

   Suddenly being alone in this big house was scary.

   Clink, clink, clink.

   Okay, I wasn’t hearing things. Someone was there.

   I stepped off the stairs and walked through the foyer in the direction of the kitchen. I heard the cat hiss and I paused again. Clover was too lazy to hiss at a mouse. Something in my stomach turned cold and hard.

   I looked over my shoulder at the massive front doors to the alarm keypad and the distress button.

    But it was too late for pressing buttons.

    Clover burst around the corner with a hideous screech and barreled into me, hitting me in the knees and causing me to stumble. The cat didn’t even stop. I could hear his claws scraping frantically across the tiles. “What the…” I began as I straightened, but then something lurched around the corner after the cat.

     It was hideous.

     It stood about a foot taller than me with wide shoulders that were uneven looking—one was lower than the other—and a wild mane of bushy orange hair that seemed to create a cloud around its pasty, white face. Its lips were black and it had a nasty row of teeth that had seen a lot of decay. It had large purple circles around its eyes, which seemed to have no color at all.

    It looked like a psychotic clown.

    I screamed and took a step backward, and the thing grinned. I went running but it lunged and caught me around the wrist, pulling me back. I struggled, kicking out, but it was no use, his grip was too strong.

     Without any warning it reached up and snatched my silver pendant right off my neck. “Hey!” I screamed as it shoved me away. I fell onto my butt and stared up at the glittering silver heart as it dangled from the nasty clown’s hands.

    Cole had given that to me. It was the last gift he had given me before we broke up.

    Anger surged into my chest, making me hot. “Give that back.”

    Freaky Clown gave me another frightening grin and ran back into the kitchen, disappearing from sight. I ran after it, running into a solid wall of… offensiveness.

 

Cambria Hebert Interview and Giveaway

Someone suggested I reach out to Cambria Hebert in reference to my pursuit of writing. I vaguely remember liking her page real quick so I wouldn’t forget. Funny thing I can’t seem to find the email or message that contained this information. Maybe it was just destiny. She and I started corresponding on facebook and before you know it her first book Masquerade was on my Kindle. I read it in less than a week and can’t stop thinking about what Sam and Heven are up to now.

Personally I would love to know more about Cambria and her journey to writing five star novels and novellas.


Aww! Thank you! I didn’t know all of that! I am so glad we could talk and get to know each other! So glad you liked Masquerade!


Was there a particular book or author that inspired you to take the leap to writing your first book?

You know there really wasn’t. Although if I wanted to (and I guess I do, cause I’m still yapping about it, lol) I could say that perhaps my love of storytelling came from when I really started to love to read when I was younger. I credit that to R.L. Stine. His Goosebumps and Fear Street books were so fun for me to read. I loved the imagination behind them. When I wrote my very first book (a middle grade book still unpublished) I remember thinking that I wanted it to be like his books.

How long did it take to write each of your books?

Each book varied. Masquerade took a little longer than the others in the series. I wrote Tirade (book 3) in a month and I remember walking around with a notebook and a pen babbling about God and demons. I would call my husband at work and say outlandish plot points and ask him if they made sense. LOL. That poor guy. Tirade is my next release and I went in to edit it and I changed some stuff and rewrote a lot of the ending though... so I guess it took a little longer than a month.

Do you write in a linear fashion?

No usually. I wrote Masquerade and Charade out of order. I would write the scenes that came to me or the scenes that seemed to be loud in my mind and then I would work backwards or forward to piece the book together, it sort of made me crazy. I made myself write Tirade in order... I was still crazy, lol.

When do you do most of your writing?

Now that both my kids are in school I do it then when they are at school. Sometimes I write a night when they are in bed. I find that most of my ideas flow better in the early morning though before I get involved in other things during the day. 


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

I yoddle. Bark like a dog and wear a toboggan. LOL! No, I don’t do any of that. That would be weird. I don’t really need anything but sometimes some hot tea or coffee is nice to have around. I also keep my notebook and pen nearby to take notes.

Can you tell us a little about your editing process?

Well, I have an editor, Amy Eye. She is really great and she does a fab job of keeping my books plot tight and reminding me of little details. Before I send her my book for editing I sit down and read the book and I correct errors as I go or if something reads funny I rewrite the sentence or two. Also, since I know the ending and everything that happens I can add little things to the beginning to maybe tie it all together more. Then it goes to Amy and she will fix grammar and commas and things. She also makes notes (in the margins) about plot points and details that I then go back in a rewrite or change if needed.


What do you think about the idea of your book on the big or little screen?

I think that is the best idea ever. LOL. I would LOVE to see it as a movie. I hope that happens some day.

Is there a series or trilogy you wish had not ended?

Hmmm, that’s a tough question. I don’t think so. I think it’s always good for great books to come to an end. If they didn’t people would get tired of them and they wouldn’t be so great anymore, you know? I do sometimes wish that Stephanie Meyer would write a spin off of Twilight about Jacob and Renesseme. (I have no clue if I spelled that name right...)

I know that you are a fan of Vampire Diaries as am I. If you could go on a date who would you chose Damon Salvatore or Ian Somerhalder? 

OMG, how can you ask that?! LOL. Aren’t they the same person? NO? Sigh. Actually, I would pick Ian Somerhalder. From what I know about him he is really great. He involved himself in really worthy causes and he seems to really care about the people around him and his fans. He seems really grateful to have the life he does and that makes me really like him.

What is the best piece of writing advice you ever received?
Just keep writing. No matter what. Oh and “butt in chair” because nothing gets written if you don’t put your butt in the chair and write. 
What do you enjoy doing when you are not writing?

I like to watch TV, movies, spend time with my kids and my husband. I used to paint a lot but I haven’t done that in a while.

Besides writing books wheat else has your writing led you to?

Good friends. If I hadn’t started writing I never would have met Amy, my editor. But she is also a really good friend of mine. I can’t imagine not talking to her now. I have met a lot of people I am so glad to know bc I started writing. It’s also made me realize I can do a lot more than I thought I could. 

Where can we find you on the internet?

Everywhere! LOL. Here are my links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Cambria-Hebert/128278117253138

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/cambriahebert 

Blog/Website: http://www.cambriahebert.com

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5298677.Cambria_Hebert

Youtube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/CambriaHebert?feature=guide 

Thank you for having me here today!



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Writing In The First Person

When I started working on this first novel. (That is going to need a name soon.) I needed to decide whose point of view I would be writing this story from.  

First person means writing from the “I” perspective.  All accounts must come from the main characters point of view. If the main character can not see, smell, taste, hear, or touch it then it can not be written in.

Perhaps this is why so many people are switching back and forth between two main pov’s. There is more to the story besides the experiences of the main character. What happens after he/she leaves the room? What kind of feelings or actions do the other characters have in reaction to the main character? If you don’t change pov or write in third person the reader can only speculate.  

Speculation can be a really good thing to keep the reader motivated to find out what happens next. Not knowing what the antagonist is planning or perhaps not even knowing who the protagonist is, can help create suspense. 

For me, I think the first person narrative will work best with this book. It will allow the reader to create a special level of intimacy with my main character.  Knowing the private thoughts of a character can strengthens the bond in a way that helps the reader feel like they are friends.  

Certainly there are things going on in the story that the main character will not have knowledge of. I can consider writing another pov that will come into play periodically or maybe I can consider writing a novella that can be a parallel experience of one of the other characters. Hmmmm… 

I want my readers to be able to identify with my character, love who she loves and hate who she hates, root for her/him to have the very best, and to win over all adversities.

A lot to think about and I am sure I will be exploring more about what person the narrative is written from and how it might best impact my story.

Book Review ~ Masquerade by Cambria Hebert

When I decided to read and review Masquerade I never even thought to read the description so I did not know what I was getting myself into. This made for a bit of suspense as far as not knowing what kind of supernatural creatures might be lurking in the dark. Although it takes almost three quarters of the book to really know what creatures might show face in this series they are written with a creative twist on some old mythologies.  

For me, sometimes the characters in YA books can be a little too “annoying” in an immature bubbly kind of way. There were some elements of the whiny teenage drama queen but it does work for the characters in this book. The main character Heven not only grows on you as the reader but she grows into herself. Heven faces her fears both real and imagined but you will need to read Masquerade to find out how for yourself. 

This is a true YA romance with just enough heat to keep us adult readers looking for more. Cambria is able to really bring back the rush and excitement of a new crush or a new boyfriend. And in this book the main young man has just the right amount of bad boy that every girl truly desires, but does he have enough of a good heart and good intentions? Again, you will need to read this one to find out. 

This book is written from multiple points of view. At times I found the sub characters pov’s a little confusing and needed to reread them to clarify who was speaking. In the end they all came together to make fantastic sense. Although I do still have my theories about whom one of them might be. 

As a female I loved reading the perspective of the main male character Sam. He really draws you into his world. Cambria had a skilled hand in knowing when to change pov. There was just enough overlap to give a rounded sense of what was happening without unnecessary filler of just repeating the same scene. 

This ebook is worth well more than what it is currently listed at. Just when you thought the book could be over it just kept giving. There are some twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. I wish I could say more, but I wouldn't want to spoil the adventure.

I would give this book as an adult reader 4.5 stars but if I was a teen I would probably give it 5. I truly enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I have the prequel short story Before waiting on my kindle now.

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