Author Interview & Giveaway: Melody Manful

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About the Author:

Melody Manful was born on June 8, 1994, in a town in Ghana called Tema. She started writing at a very early age and has been doing it ever since. Melody has two siblings and lives in Denmark with her family. She loves music, reading, and writing, and she puts a great deal into making her friends happy.

www.melodymanful.com

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9747943-dominion

http://www.facebook.com/guardiananagelsaga

@melodymanful

Do you plan everything or just let the story flow?

I go with the story flow and just let it carry me along, but of course I know where to end it.

Do your characters ever want to take over the story?

Oh yeah, they try that a lot!

What is your favourite food?

Peanut butter and bread.

Are you a morning person or a night owl?

I’m a night owl, I can’t do the morning thing.

Where do you dream of travelling to and why?

India! I want to go there because their culture fascinates me. I love their clothes, movies and some of the country’s history. I hope that one day, I’d be able to go there.

Do distant places feature in your books?

Yes, a lot of them. Places I’ve never been, and places I made up.

Do you listen to music while writing?

All the time. I can never concentrate on anything without music. I listen to it no matter what I am doing.

Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?

Dominion is a story about seventeen-year-old girl, Abigail, who thought she was on the ride of a lifetime when she find out that guardian angels existence, but her life started trembling down when she find out not all guardian angels were here to guide, and her ride was about to land with an explosion.

Who, or what, if anything has influenced your writing?

Reading a lot of books, and my editor, she has been a lot of help.

Anything you would say to those just starting out in the craft?

Write what you would like to read and inspires you. And always keep a backup of your files.

What are three words that describe you?

Opinionated. Teaser. Unpredictable.

What's your favourite book or who is your favourite writer?

Favorite books are Gates of Paradise by Virginia Andrews, and the Harry Potter books by J. K Rowling. Favorite writer is J. K Rowling.

Blurb of your latest release or coming soon book

I Dare You.

Look Over Your Shoulders.

Do You See Them?

They are behind you...

They are always behind you.

Abigail Cells had a nightmare the day before she met Gideon, the new guy in school who has every girl drooling just to be near him. In her nightmare, she was murdered by a magical creature. As she gets to know Gideon, she begins to remember pieces of her nightmare, and was shocked when Gideon turned out to be the creature from her nightmare. Who is Gideon really? Should Abby allow herself to fall completely for him, or is he the next disaster waiting to happen?

Any websites/places readers can find you on the web.

http://www.melodymanful.com/

Watch the Dominion Trailer

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Cover Reveal: Deceived byEve Carter

Deceibed by
by Eve Carter
Chloe's Revenge Part 3
Release Date March 15th

Blurb:

The steamy Deceived romance trilogy by Eve Carter, in the bestselling tradition of Fifty Shades of Grey by E. L. James and The Blackstone Affair by Raine Miller.


When Chloe Swanson, an innocent mid-western college graduate, lands her dream job in New York City, she doesn't realize what kind of a ride she's in for.

It doesn't take long before her boss, the charming and sharp businessman Patrick Collins, deceives her into being part of his plan to land the biggest account of his life.

However, he never expected that he would fall for her. Suddenly, he finds himself trapped between a ruthless billionaire client, who has her own eyes set on Patrick, and his deep affection for the beautiful Chloe.

What follows is a sensual and passionate journey of self-discovery, as Chloe faces the harsh reality of jealousy, love and money in the big city.

Stimulating, amusing and highly arousing, Deceived is a romance that will excite and titillate your senses.   Book 1 at amazon | Book 2 at amazon

Author Interview: Sally Dubats

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About the Author:

Sally Dubats is a published author of a non-fiction compendium on the practice of witchcraft called Natural Magick: The Essential Witch’s Grimoire. Her current project is an 8-book fantasy series, The Grimoire Chronicles. The first two books are complete, and Veil Between Worlds and Winter Shock have received critical acclaim. She has held editorial positions for green non-profit organizations, and was the editor of a metaphysical newspaper for several years. Sally is Wiccan and continues to practice and research the Craft.

Do you plan everything or just let the story flow?

I plan with plenty of room for flow. I get an initial idea for a story, plan it, and when something is just too juicy to pass up, the story can divert or merge or flow in the direction it needs to go. When I look at my initial idea, it’s there. The flowing, to me, is where the polish comes from.


Do your characters ever want to take over the story?

Want to? Yes. Do they? Yes. It’s like being in a passenger seat with a student driver. You know they should break sooner or wait to pull out into traffic, or turn in another direction, but you let them have their way for a bit. Then you get back in the driver's seat (back to the keyboard), and drive home. You say, “Whew. We made it.” But it’s still the experienced driver (writer) driving home.

What is your favourite food?

Oh, wow. I’m a complete, sensuous, unapologetic foodie. My favorite food is the one I’m eating! Try loving the moment, enjoying the taste, color, smell, texture, and you’ll be in love with every food too before long!

Nope, nothing could get me to love fish, LOL!

Are you a morning person or a night owl?

I’m medium, I think. I don’t like to get up early, but seriously, sometimes my characters wake me up, and that’s when I have my most productive writing. Eeeaarrrrly. As in, I can’t believe I’m awake, early.

Where do you dream of travelling to and why?

I want to visit all the really unusual, mystical places, like Machu Pichu, the pyramids, Stonehenge, and others. I want to feel the mystery of where we came from. I’ve been in almost every state in the United States, traveled to Mexico, Canada, the Virgin Islands, and would love to do more world traveling. I want to meet people from everywhere!

Do distant places feature in your books?

Yes! But it’s sort of a secret! There is a hint at the end of “Winter Shock”. Book 1 (“Veil Between Worlds”) takes place in Cassie’s small home town. Book 2 is a bit of a stretch for her as she travels with Trenton. The rest of the books are going to be mind-blowing adventures all over the globe. Ahhhh! I just spoiled it!

Do you listen to music while writing?

Yes. All kinds of music. During Book 1 I listened to a lot of modern Tangos because they really suited the feel of the relationship, the give and take, between Trenton and Cassie. Also, Gnarles Barkley’s “Crazy”, K T Tunstell “Suddenly I See”, Black Eyed Peas, Britney Spears (I love her new brown hair), Pink, Lady Gaga, Alicia Keyes. I’m all over the place with my music.

Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?

“Winter Shock” was a big risk for me. I knew I had to open up and write on a bigger canvas in order to tell the story. I let Cassie really find out what she was made of, how far she could stretch. I grew as a writer, and Cassie grew as a character. It takes place during the Pagan Sabbat Yule, and I’m overlapping our world today with the ideas behind Yule: The darkest night of the year where we go deep within ourselves that also marks the beginning of longer days and light. I used this theme as a backdrop for the rest of the books. Cassie and Trenton face their darkest selves so they can move in a new direction.

What have you learned about writing and publishing since you first started?

Oh, my Goddess! My first book was non-fiction, and I really enjoyed that. I think there are even more challenges to fiction, and that surprised me. A lot. With non-fiction, you have facts that you deal with. With non-fiction, the ENTIRE manuscript is a moving, alive thing. If you change one thing, like a date (which is one of the worst things you have to change because of the chronology), you have to go through and make sure it all fits together. It’s like a million-piece jigsaw puzzle. About publishing, whew... You have to learn every aspect and become an unexpected pro in a lot of areas. It’s fascinating, and I love it!

Is there anything you would do differently?

Yes. I decided to self-publish, and for those who self-publish, I would have more books ready to go to start with. If you have two or three to begin with, all of your marketing efforts can apply to more books, and you can make a little more headway, I think.

Who, or what, if anything has influenced your writing?

The books I love most also have a lot of heart, courage, and spiritual undertones. Even Harry Potter has a very spiritual undertone to me when Harry has to learn valuable lessons. Some of Dumbledore’s teachings are priceless and brought tears to my eyes. That’s what I’m talking about, really seeing ourselves because of what a character has gone through. I loved 2150. I also love the Sookie Stackhouse books because of the sense of humor!

Anything you would say to those just starting out in the craft?

Keep writing. Try your hardest to only hear the value behind criticism, and not the sting. Don’t let the sting keep you from the craft, and let the value be your guide. Write, write, write.

What are three words that describe you?

Loving. Open. Free.

What's your favourite book or who is your favourite writer?

My favorite writer is Hemingway. I think my favorite book is the same as food! I love the one I’m reading. I did really like “Rebecca.”

Thank you so much for having me as a guest on your website!

You're very welcome :)

Blurb of your latest release or coming soon book.

“Winter Shock” Book 2 in “The Grimoire Chronicles” Series.

“Trenton drugged and kidnapped me. I was powerless.”

Cassie’s neighbors have secrets, and she is one of them.

A Witch taken against her will to an isolated, frozen wilderness on an impossible quest, Cassie defends herself against Trenton who has gone over to the dark side. One minute he’s adorable and charming, and the next weird, uncaring, and hostile. And now, Cassie fears for her life.

Winter Solstice draws near, and Cassie performs magical spells to gain clarity. Instead she is shocked by visions and mind jumps into the lives of strangers on the brink of disaster.

Why is she in a hostile, threatening wilderness? What is causing the horrific visions? Cassie discovers there is much more at stake than her own survival. To survive, she must overcome impossible odds.

Book two in "The Grimoire Chronicles" series, “Winter Shock” is a paranormal fantasy novel that you’ll never forget! If you love paranormal romance, urban fantasy, Witches and Wicca, paranormal mystery, paranormal horror, action and survival, “The Grimoire Chronicles” series is definitely for you!

Book 1: "Veil Between Worlds"

List of previous books if any

“Veil Between Worlds” Book 1 in “The Grimoire Chronicles” Series.

Natural Magick: The Essential Witch’s Grimoire (non-fiction)

Coming soon: A Paranormal Comedy

Any websites/places readers can find you on the web.

www.sallydubats.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SallyDubats.Author

Twitter: @sallydubats

Author Interview & Giveaway: Rebecca Graf

http://www.fmbpromotions.com/2013/01/tour-schedule-deep-connections-by.html

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About the Author:

Rebecca Graf lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with her husband and three children. She worked as an accountant for 20 years before taking the plunge and write online for various sites and companies. Now she runs a publishing company, Silver Tongue Press, and writes full time while trying to keep up with all the activities of her children.

Do you plan everything or just let the story flow?


I plan very little. I have an idea of what I want to happen, but I don’t force it or make it go there. I start writing and let the story control it.

Do your characters ever want to take over the story?

Want to? They do. I tried to stop them, but they can make your life horrible when you don’t. I argue a little now, but they run the show. After all, it is their story. I’ll let them tell it.

What is your favourite food?

Depends. I love ice cream, but I love Chinese food, too.

Are you a morning person or a night owl?

I don’t know how to answer that any more. I used to be a morning person, but a few years ago I got to where I could not sleep. Now I am so mixed up that I have no idea what I am. Drives me nuts.

Where do you dream of travelling to and why?

I want to travel to Ireland. My family is from there, and I would love to see it.

Do distant places feature in your books?

Not yet. You never know though what might show up.  Most of mine are in the States where I am familiar with.

Do you listen to music while writing?

No. I have to have quiet. I tried having music, but I want to sing along. I need to lose myself in the story so music is out.

Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?

Deep Connections started off as a simple romance. It developed from there into a story of a woman who is caught in a love triangle at the same time she is stalked. The man that is after her seems to be something not human as he can do things no mere man can. He can get to her wherever she is and will kill if he has to. I can’t tell much more than that without giving it away.

What have you learned about writing and publishing since you first started?

I’ve learned that writing can be a lot of fun, but editing can be even more fun. I love to expand scenes and move things around to make it better. Even simple rewording can be a blast.

Is there anything you would do differently?

No. This is a learning experience. Even my mistakes are teaching me things to do better with the next book. It’s great.

Who, or what, if anything has influenced your writing?

Other authors have. I read a lot. I take note of how they do things that I am weak in. I try to learn from them and adapt it to my style.

Anything you would say to those just starting out in the craft?

Don’t worry about publishing or the final draft. Just write. The first draft will be garbage, but it is a start and will morph into something good. Write. Write some more. Keep writing.

What are three words that describe you?

Introvert, dreamer, helper

What's your favourite book or who is your favourite writer?

The Hunt for Red October by Tom Clancy.

Blurb of your latest release or coming soon book

Dark Connections, sequel to Deep Connections – Coming Spring of 2013

The demon still lives, but his sights are set on Slaton now. To possess Brenna, he has to kill Slaton. The only way to survive will come from the spirits. Dark Connections continues the love story of Brenna and Slaton and their quest for survival against a demon that was once a man. Learn who the demon is and watch love spread beyond the couple.

List of previous books if any

A Gift for a Mouse – a children’s book

Any websites/places readers can find you on the web.

www.rebeccagraf.com

https://www.facebook.com/RebbecaGraf

@rebeccagraf

Deep Connections is available in ebook and print format

amazon kindle | amazon print

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Book Review: The Silence by Sarah Rayne

The Silence
by Sarah Rayne
Severn House Publishing
Horror/Ghosts
5 Stars
Library copy reviewed

Blurb:

Stilter House, set in a remote part of the Derbyshire Peaks, is said to stand on haunted ground. Once there was a much older property there – a house in which the notorious Isobel Acton committed a vicious crime. But antiques dealer Nell West only knows the house as her dead husband’s childhood home, and is happy to value the contents.

In Oxford, Nell’s lover, Michael Flint is warned that Nell and her small daughter, Beth, must not go to Stilter House. ‘Because Esmond is still there…’

Soon after Nell and Beth arrive, Nell hears a piano being played somewhere in the house. But the music room is closed up, the piano is locked, and the key is missing. And clues left by earlier occupants suggest the music has been heard before…

As Nell and Michael are pulled deeper into Stilter House’s dark past, it becomes horrifingly clear that not only is the music bound up with Esmond, it is also tangled with Isobel’s macabre fate.

Review:

This is the third book in the Nell West/Michael Flint ghost series, even though Nell has a hard time believing in ghosts, and I loved it just as much as the other two. Although this is classed as horror, it's not in a gory sense. More in a scared out of your wits sense at things that go bump in the night, and in this case play eerie music that haunts the house and anyone who inhabits it. I had to read something else before I went to bed, something not so scary.

I have a soft spot for old-fashioned ghost stories, which I think this is. At first we don't know anything about the ghosts (for there are more than one) but gradually over the course of the book we find out about Stilter House's past and its past residents. What I loved and what is lacking in a lot of books in the genre, is that we find out things at the same time as the character's do. The reader is more involved that way I think than if they knew things beforehand that the characters didn't.

The writing is brilliant, it draws you in from the very first page and doesn't let up until the last page is turned. I devoured the book in two days, I needed to know what happened and the secrets just kept on coming. While Nell and Michael find out things from letters and deeds, it might have seemed a bit contrived, but here it worked and all the loose ends were tied up very satisfactorily.

Like with nearly all of Ms. Rayne's books, old buildings play a significant part and Stilter House almost becomes a character in its own right, the setting is so vividly drawn. You can almost imagine seeing the house yourself, or its spectral inhabitants.

An excellent read for those looking for an old-fashioned ghost story with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing right to the end.

Reviewed by Annette Gisby

Author Interview: Jack Remick

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About the Author:

I am a novelist, poet, short story writer, and script writer. I’ve taught fiction and screenwriting. I have a number of publications in national and local magazines including Carolina Quarterly; Portland Review; Café Noir Review.

Do you plan everything or just let the story flow?


In the early stages of discovery writing, I let it come. I practice timed writing—setting a timer for five, ten, fifteen or more minutes then write until the clock stays stop. I spend a lot of time “writing about the writing.” This is a process that precedes any scene writing but does go into backstory, time, and setting. For example in Gabriela and The Widow, my novel just coming out, I spent a couple of weeks working out the clothing details for Gabriela long before she ever appeared in a scene. Once I understood her character, I could map her clothing changes against character development. When I’ve gotten deep enough into the story through writing about writing, I then write a treatment. This is a technique I picked up from some screenwriters I worked with. After the treatment is fixed, I sequence the scenes to connect objects or characters. Here’s an example from Gabriela and The Widow:

1. We see Gabriela in Oaxaca through three changes—

A. She buys a real dress with blue and red flowers on it and she buys a pair of real shoes with laces. What we don’t see is that she has no idea how to tie laces.

B. Next we see Gabriela buying a pair of Nike running shoes like the shoes las Norteñas wear when they come to the shop where she works.

C. We are with Gabriela when she buys a pair of white shorts to go with her running shoes but this combination angers Nando who throws her out into the street—what we do know is that it isn’t the shoes and shorts that anger him, but Gabriela’s failure to give him a son.

2. On her own, Gabriela goes to Mexico City to work as a maid in a hotel. She now has bought a pair of Levis and two blue chambray shirts that she wears when she isn’t in her maid’s uniform. Her shoes are still the Nikes.

When the story has taken shape and I understand more about it, there’s not much need to plan anymore and this relates to your second question…

Do your characters ever want to take over the story?

They don’t take over the story, but I get out of the way and let them act and talk and get into trouble. What this means to me is that the “author” has to disappear. It’s their story, so let them tell it.

What is your favourite food?

It has to be what the Peruvians call “pachamanca.” In Quechua that means earth pot. You dig a hole, heat rocks, layer in pork, beef, chicken wrapped in banana leaves, lay in whole ears of Indian corn (choclo), cover it all and let it steam. A couple hours later, you unwrap this feast, spread it out on a table and you have one magnificent dining experience. Lots of beer is required.

Are you a morning person or a night owl?

I’m up at 5 or 6 each morning, but I stay up late. I like the quiet of both morning and late night. I do my best work then and there’s an added dimension—I’m working while everyone else is wasting their time in dreams. My books are my dreams so the sooner I can return to them, the happier I am.

Where do you dream of travelling to and why?

I travelled a lot early on, but now I’m content to mine my experiences to turn them into novels. I’m a note taker so I filled notebooks about my travels. Those notebooks now are good source material.

Do distant places feature in your books?

Yes. I lived in Latin America for years. I studied foreign languages and music in Quito, Ecuador. I have written three books with settings either in South America or France. I don’t do that to be “exotic” but the stories needed those locations. For example, my novel Blood, which deals with colonialism and natural resources, had to be set in South America. My book One Year in the Time of Violence finds a young American traveling in Colombia during a brief civil war. Gabriela and The Widow opens in Mexico then moves north.

Do you listen to music while writing?

It depends on what stage of development a novel is in. Early on I write longhand in cafes and coffee shops. I write on yellow lined paper and I use a timer (this is Natalie Goldberg’s “writing practice” as set out in Writing Down the Bones.) Later, while I’m typing up the writing, I listen to Bach. Bach is pure structure. I find that his music informs writing in the sense that in the fugues you hear patterns and transformations in much the same way that objects, characters, and action are introduced then developed in fiction. In the final stages of a novel, I need the quiet once again so that I can hear the words. I read everything aloud and I record or video myself reading. The is perfect feedback because I know this: if the words don’t fit in your mouth, they won’t fit in your reader’s brain.

Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?

Gabriela and The Widow is a novel about two women—a Widow and the young Mexican woman who comes to take care of her. It’s story about mothers and daughters and it’s a story about how the past being transmitted into the future. There’s a lot of pain and anguish, love and betrayal in this novel. It’s also a novel about story telling and the need to write down our histories.

What have you learned about writing and publishing since you first started?

The publishing world changed with the e-book, amazon.com, and create space. Writing and writing techniques have remained constant—Stories are told with action and image. Dialogue reveals character. I’ve learned more about the approach to a novel since I first started in that now I understand that Story is first. Then you look at Structure. Then Style. If I had known this earlier, I wouldn’t have stumbled around in the wilderness for so long. Now, I know to spend more time “writing about the writing” in the sense of discovering character, backstory, time, place, and setting before ever writing a scene. I think now that you don’t write a novel, you write scenes and in the scenes you find hooks that build into stories. I gave up thinking chapters when I discovered that the chapter is an arbitrary structure, just as a paragraph is an arbitrary structure in fiction. The basic unit of fiction is the scene. The basic unit of the scene is the sentence. Every sentence has to do double duty—reveal character and tell story. If I’d known all of that earlier…well, who knows?

Is there anything you would do differently?

I’m the product of all my mistakes. Without them, I wouldn’t be who and what I am today. One thing I would avoid is rushing into print. Early success can make it harder to accept the huge gaps between successes later. I’ve also learned that often our ideas are way ahead of our technique so some things you write early in your career would be better written if you waited a while. My first short story came out in Carolina Quarterly. Okay, I thought, that was easy. It took me five years of hard work to get the next one.

Who, or what, if anything has influenced your writing?

I’ve had three big influences in my writing life. Jack Moodey, a poet. Thom Gunn, a poet. Natalie Goldberg, a writer. All of these people in one way or another changed the way I write and think about writing. Natalie Goldberg gave me timed writing, what she calls writing practice—writing under the clock to put the internal editor to sleep. Thom Gunn taught me the discipline of the poetic line and the intense, compressed image. Jack Moodey taught me that every poem is an epic poem. He told me that the good poet finds the best line in a poem and then makes all everything else just like it. All of this carries over into my fiction—timed writing as a discipline that forces me to finish what I start. Moodey’s epic thinking forces me to turn every sentence into a model that can be the model for every other sentence. Thom Gunn’s discipline of compression and image leads to the realization that stores are told with action and image.

Anything you would say to those just starting out in the craft?

Write a lot before you try to publish. Take some writing classes. Study rhetoric. A useful book for this is Writing With Clarity and Style, by Robert Harris. Work only with writers who know more than you do. Beware of the phrase, “I really like your writing but…” Learn about timed writing as set forth in Natalie Goldberg’s Writing Down the Bones. Don’t be afraid to fail, and don’t let failure eat you up. Every writer has boxes full of rejection notices, so don’t dwell on them. Don’t wallow in success. And above all, when you do get in print, don’t read your reviews. Hemingway said: “You’re only as good as your last book.” Bill Russell, the basketball legend said: “Money and success only make you a bigger what you were before.” Jack Remick says: “Discipline is your obligation to the gift.”

What are three words that describe you?

Disciplined. Curious. Relentless.

What's your favourite book or who is your favourite writer?

Blood Meridian. Cormac McCarthy.

Blurb of your latest release or coming soon book

Gabriela and The Widow is a story of chaos, revenge, and change. Gabriela seeks revenge for the destruction of her village. The Widow craves balance for the betrayals in her life. In the end, The Widow gives Gabriela the secret of immortality.

List of previous books if any

Non-Fiction:

The Weekend Novelist Writes a Mystery, with Robert J. Ray

Fiction:

Blood

The Deification

Valley Boy

The Stolen House (out of print)

Josie Delgado—A poem of the Central Valley

Lemon Custard—Novella and Screenplay

Black Madonna in Blue--screenplay

Throwback and Other Stories—short fiction

Terminal Weird—short stories.

Any websites/places readers can find you on the web.

http://jackremick.com | http://bobandjackswritingblog.com   Thank you, Jack and good luck with your books :)

Book Blurb Blitz: The Divinities Series by Lia Davis

Over three hundred years ago children were born to an elite group of witches that were unlike any of the other magical children. These children were born with a mark, a living tattoo of a single rose on the inside of the left forearm. They possess natural divine powers. The magical communities, called Covens, believed the children were gifts from the gods and called them The Divinities.

For decades the war between witches and demons seemed to diminish. Until recently. Two Divinities are missing. Three are dead, along with their spouses. The victims were among the Divinities appointed by Hecate to watch over the Sinew–the source of all magic.

Now it is up to the Divinities to keep the Sinew from the demons and protect magickin and the world from a fate far worse than anyone can imagine.

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Book One
Forgotten Visions
by Lia Davis
Urban Fantasy

Blurb:

Kalissa Bradenton isn’t your average coffee shop owner. Born to an elite witch bloodline with a rare genetic mutation, she’s a Divinity on a mission. The death of her parents sends her away from her Maxville, Florida, home and into an ancient war between witches and demons. When childhood friend Ayden Daniels comes to her aid after an almost fatal accident, visions of a past she doesn’t remember sparks an old flame and new desires. With the past slowly becoming clearer, she eagerly sets her sights on mending Ayden’s heart and gaining his trust–until a ghost from her past returns to claim her as his demonic mate.

Ayden, the new Sheriff of Maxville and grandson of the oldest living Divinity, is investigating a series of Divinity killings. When he comes face-to-face with the one woman he hopes to have little to no contact with, old pain rises, quickly followed by anger and resentment. Through his rare power of adaptability, he learns actions from the past may not be what they seem. Hope fills his broken heart and determination pushes him to do whatever it takes to win Kalissa’s heart once more before he loses her forever.

Together they must find the strength to mend their tormented souls, while fighting an evil out to destroy the world.

The ebook is available from amazon | b&n | allromance

Book Two
Death's Storm
by Lia Davis
Urban Fantasy

Blurb:

Technical genius and demi-goddess–aka Divinity–Khloe Bradenton relies on no one for help, and she definitely doesn’t need comfort from anyone other than her twin. After her parents died by the demons’ hands over two years ago, she has graciously stepped up to her place in the war between demons and witches. When a creature far more dangerous than the ones responsible for killing her parents claims he is her guardian, she is torn between her desires for the dark predator and the painful loss she has endured at the hands of her enemies.

One of the last death demons still in existence, Jagger has pledged his life to the Goddess Hecate. Charged with the guardianship over the Divinities, he is never to approach them, but to aid them from a distance. When the firestorm, Khloe, sacrifices herself to save her twin and best friend and becomes the prey, he has no choice but to reveal himself to her. He is taken by surprise when the need to claim her as his own emerges. A desire he has never felt before could be more dangerous than the demons out to destroy them.

The ebook is available from amazon | b&n | allromance

About the Author:

Lia Davis is a mother to two young adults and two very special kitties, a wife to her soul mate, a paranormal romance author, graphic designer, and co-owner to Fated Desires Publishing, LLC. She and her family live in Northeast Florida battling hurricanes and very humid summers. But it’s her home and she loves it!


An accounting major, Lia has always been a dreamer with a very activity imagination. The wheels in her head never stop. She ventured into the world of writing and publishing in 2008 and loves it more than she imagined. Writing and designing are stress relievers that allow her to go off in her corner of the house and enter into another world that she created, leaving real life where it belongs.

Her favorite things are spending time with family, traveling, reading, writing, chocolate, coffee, nature and hanging out with her kitties.

Visit the author:

website |  facebook | twitter | goodreads

Book Spotlight: The Trip by Tim Morgan

The Trip
by Tim Morgan
YA/Horror

Blurb:

Meghan is a senior in high school. For her senior summer, she’s planned the journey of a lifetime with her two friends: they will take a cross-country bicycle trip from their small Massachusetts hometown to Seattle, Washington.

Joining Meghan on the trip are Dave, who secretly has a crush on Meghan; and Chris, who has recently been diagnosed HIV positive as the result of a bad decision.

As they plan their journey, a previously unidentified flu breaks out in India, beginning a relentless march around the globe. By the time Meghan and her friends are halfway across the country, the horrible truth is known: this is not a flu virus. This disease turns its victims into flesh-eating zombies. And it’s here.

Scared, exhausted and alone, the three decide to head home in a desperate race through infected territory. Can they survive THE TRIP?

Official web site:
http://www.timmorgan.us/thetrip

The ebook is available from amazon | amazon uk

Book Spotlight: The Half-Hanged Man by David Pilling

The Half-Hanged Man
by David Pilling
Historical

Blurb:

"I will send you to meet the Wolf...

In the year 1395 the famous French chronicler, Jean Froissart, comes to England in search of tales of chivalry and warfare to complete his life's work, the Great Chronicle of England, France, Spain and Adjoining Countries. Disappointed by the decayed state of England under Richard II, he visits a tavern inside Eastcheap, where a beggar comes to his table and claims to be Thomas Page, the famous soldier of fortune. Thought to be long-dead, Page was otherwise known as the Half-Hanged Man or The Wolf of Burgundy.

Froissart challenges the beggar to recite a convincing version of Page's life, with money and food as a reward if his tale rings true. So begins a tale that encompasses the Hundred Years War in England and France, the Free Companies as they rampaged throughout Western Christendom, and the deeds and sins of the great mercenary captains of the late 14th century..."

Excerpt:

"Meanwhile, Charles de Blois was advancing from the direction of Vannes. Not wishing to be cracked like a nut between their two forces, we quit our quarters and re-formed on a slope on the right bank of the river, where we thumbed our noses and spat insults at Du Guesclin’s troops drawn up below the castle.

Montfort called his captains together. Although he was the titular commander-in-chief, the army was in reality under the direction of Chandos, as the far more experienced and able soldier. He was also a trifle too vain and headstrong, in my view, but I didn’t fret overmuch. Chandos may have been no Hannibal, but he was in a different class to Charles de Blois, whose military career had consisted of losing battles and pretending he had won them.

Chandos strutted like a peacock before the knights and squires of Brittany, just to let them know their lord had delegated command to an Englishman..."

The Half-Hanged Man is available from amazon

Book Spotlight: From Man to Man by D.E.M. Emrys

From Man to Man (Wrogue Elements)
by D.E.M. Emrys
Fantasy Short Story

Blurb:

"I’ve traded my old enemies for just this one…’ The axe thundered home. ‘I miss the old ones.’


Every man has a past, none more so than Draven Reinhardt. Abandoning his old life to settle down as a villager, he struggles to fit in, let alone hold down a job. When opportunity offers the much needed coin, Draven is torn between a promise and a purpose.

But, what’s one last job if you’ve already got blood on your hands?

‘From Man to Man’ is the story of how one man can change – or not – for the best. Prequel to the upcoming novel ‘It Began With Ashes’, the short (6400 words) introduces the reader to a world of suspense, intrigue, and action. Free ebook
BONUS MATERIAL:

Exclusive preview chapter from ‘It Began With Ashes’.

Excerpt: 'I never meant to let you down.'

Draven lifted a stray curl of his wife's hair from her face. She smiled in her sleep as if knowing he was there. As silently as he could, he leaned over the bed and kissed her softly on the cheek.

'I've tried everything.'

Rising slowly, as quietly as he could on the wooden floorboards, Draven retreated from the bed. By the fractured light from the shutters he made for the bedroom door. The walls of the house were thin and he heard a creak from the neighbouring room.

'Best be off before Kale wakes.'

Reaching for the door behind him, still facing the bed and his sleeping wife, Draven paused. Drawn, painfully drawn like poison from a wound, he found his eyes stray to the chest at the foot of the bed. Shut away from the world under key and lock, he lingered a moment longer.

The chest stared back blankly.

'I promised…'

The chest never gave up staring at him.

A stained apron had been discarded atop the chest. He had tried being a server at the tafarn, only to start a bar brawl. A pair of muddy boots sat before the chest. He had tried being a hand at the farm, only to get into a punch-up over accidentally letting the chickens out. A horseshoe, a misshapen pot, a scattering of nails – proof that he had let her down.

The chest never once looked away.

'…I gave you up for her.' Draven looked to his wife, to the chest, to his wife, and back again a hundred times or more. 'I've known your way of living too long, it's time I left it behind.'

Even though he turned his back on both his wife and the chest, Draven had chosen between the two. Trembling, he opened the door. A cold breath greeted him as he stepped from the room. It coiled along his neck, curled at his chin. It bid him to reconsider. He glanced back over his shoulder.

"No," Draven said to the chest.

Silence.

'Good.'

He snatched the axe from its resting place against the wall and left. This time he did not look back.

Get your free copy from amazon | amazon uk

 

Book Spotlight & Offer: Silent Screams

Silent Screams
by Annette Gisby
Psychological Suspense with some romantic elements

Blurb:

Jessica Miller is a young woman with secrets, dark secrets that she feels she can't tell. Referred to a psychiatrist after a failed suicide attempt, she is reluctant to reveal the reasons why.

The truth emerges over several sessions and it soon becomes clear that Jessica isn't the only one with secrets. Some of them should have remained buried... Not all monsters are under the bed.

Excerpt:
Prologue:

The bedroom was dark. A shaft of light fell from the half-open doorway to illuminate the small figure on the bed. The little girl could hear the splash of water from downstairs as her mother washed up. She sat huddled on her bed, her knees drawn tight against her chest. The front of her party dress was covered in food from the party. It was a colourful creation of birthday cake, jelly and orange juice. Her new dress was ruined. That was why she had been sent to bed early. She didn't mind about the stains on her dress. There were worse stains. Stains on her soul.

She was eight today. A big girl now, her parents had said. If she was such a big girl, why did she feel so frightened? Because he would come to her tonight. He had been at the party. She had been naughty and he would punish her. He liked to punish her, you could see it in his eyes. The alarm clock by her bed ticked louder and louder, in time with her heartbeat. How soon would he come? She hoped it would be soon. Then it would be over.

Footsteps. Footsteps on the stairs. She heard the last stair creaking. Any minute now. She jumped from the bed and dived underneath. It was useless to hide, she knew he would find her, but she wasn't going to make it easy for him. As her bedroom door squeaked open, she held her breath and peeked out. First she saw the shiny black shoes and then the bottoms of black trousers. She had always wondered about the black, she had always assumed that the devil would wear red.

“I know you're in here! Come out this instant!” He seemed to be looking everywhere, everywhere except where she was hiding. The girl held her breath for as long as she could, but it was no use. She spluttered, trying to get some air into her straining lungs, and he heard her. He yanked her roughly from under the bed, and threw her on top of it.

“How dare you hide from me! That was very naughty! You know what happens to naughty girls, don't you? They get punished!”

She tried to scream, but no sound escaped from her locked throat.

Her screams, as always, were silent.

Like to read more? You can get your discounted copy from smashwords


Just enter the code below at checkout to get your discount :)
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Book Spotlight: Hearts and Flour by Tara Lain

Hearts and Flour
by Tara Lain
M/M Contemporary Romance
Etopia Press

Blurb:

The Vegan and the Cupcake Baker

To Micah Truveen, raw, vegan food is his religion. So when his devoted customers show up with white flour cupcakes, Micah could kill. Then Micah comes home to find his boyfriend, Dharamaram, in bed with someone else. He throws the rat out and agrees to go to his friend’s orgiastic anti-Valentines party where he meets a gorgeous cross-dressing guy who gives him a night to remember.

Southerner Quentin Darby wishes he could stop wearing women’s clothes. He so wants to live up to his grandmother’s glowing opinion of him, he’s never even told her he’s gay. And now there’s Micah who makes him wish he could just be who he is. But Micah finds out that Quentin is the baker responsible for the plague of cupcakes afflicting the community! And Dharmaram adds a little blackmail to the mix. Can two hearts rise above the flour?

Excerpt:

Gasping for breath, he stopped outside the store. Locked. Of course. It was only eight thirty in the morning. At least Dharmaram’s class didn’t start until nine. If only Quentin would come here to the shop right after he dropped off his grandmother. Or maybe even before. Oh God. What if he went in and Dharmaram confronted them together? No warning. Just a smack in the face. Maybe he should run to the yoga studio? He took two steps down the pavement—

“Micah?”

He turned back to see that beautiful face. A beautiful face and body—dressed in men’s clothes. He’d seen Quentin as Queen. He’d seen Quentin naked. But this was the first time seeing him as a man.

“Wow.”

Of course, that masculine image was slightly compromised by the fact that Quentin wore an apron over his jeans and T-shirt. An apron covered in flour and dough. Micah wanted to lick it off. The first processed food he’d had in years.

Quentin wiped his hands. “What did you want?”

His eyes wouldn’t focus. He just wanted to keep staring at that loveliness.

“Maybe I could get one of your raw cupcakes?”

“You came here before opening for a cupcake?”

Micah shook his head. “No. I have something to tell you. Something pretty awful.”

Quentin frowned. “Something more awful than you going back to your yoga teacher a few hours after we had sex?”

Micah breathed out hard. “It’s related to that. Where can we talk?”

“There’s people baking in the kitchen. You know, baking that poison I make and force on people?” He stood very upright.

“I’m truly sorry for that. Just, please, let me tell you what’s happened.”

“OK.” Quentin stepped aside and pointed to the back. Micah walked into the shop, assailed again by the sweetest of smells. No second sweetest, after Quentin.

Quentin walked through the door that led to the kitchen and Micah followed. He turned right and stepped into a small office with a desk, computer, and a filing cabinet. Quentin pointed to a straight-back chair across from the desk. He took the desk chair. “So what did you want to tell me?”

Whew. Face-to-face, this was tough duty. His heart beat so hard he could feel it in his toes. “I, uh, I really care about you.”

Who knew Quentin’s face could get that angry. “You sure have a unique way of showing it, sugah.”

“Wait. I’ve done a bunch of dumb things, and I’m not sure which is dumbest. First, I did that whole priggish song and dance about the cupcakes being poison when I should have been telling you how much I admire you and appreciate how you take care of your grandmother. And I really want to know why you created those raw cupcakes—” he held up a hand “—but first I have to tell you about my other idiot moves. The reason you saw me with Dharmaram is because he was blackmailing me. He figured out that the beautiful woman he saw me with is the grandson of his most proper southern lady student, and he threatened to tell Mary Beth about you if I didn’t take him back in. What you saw was him moving his stuff into my guest room. That’s guest room.”

Quentin’s mouth literally hung open. “But why did you do that? Why didn’t you tell me?”

Micah shrugged. “I knew if I told you, you’d immediately come out to your grandmother, and I didn’t want to force you to do something you didn’t want to do.”

“So you’ve been hosting that snake in the grass on account of me?” The blue eyes widened to saucer expanse.

Micah shifted in the chair. “I was. But that’s why I ran here so fast this morning. I just couldn’t do it anymore. I woke up this morning and he was climbing in bed with me. I threw him out again.”

“Good.”

“Not good, because he’s going to go straight to Mary Beth and—”

“Who’s going straight to me, darling?”

The soft southern voice came around the partly closed door followed by a curly head and blue eyes that sparkled just like her grandson’s.

He would have smiled but fear seemed to have frozen him solid. What could they say? All he could do was follow Quentin’s lead.

Like to read more? The ebook is available from ARe | amazon | B&N

Visit the author online:

website | blog | twitter | facebook | goodreads |  bookblog

Book Spotlight: Panoptemitry by Sarah Baethge

Panoptemitry
by Sarah Baethge
SF

Blurb:

With a goal as high and lofty as the unspecified pursuit of knowledge, there may not be a clear point at which to stop. Acting as one has been taught to can seem to hold just as much purpose as the actual reason for taking those actions. When the growth of technology begins to hold the same powers as religious doctrine has declared divine, does the simple recording of events become blasphemous? Who's to say we even understand that 'so-called' divinity?


On a research mission to provide information for a great galactic computer network (called S.Y.M.A.C.), Emilija Lithuan and her assistants run up against the higher ranks of the Caytalan Church. The punishment that these religious leaders try to stick them with, could possibly have a greater effect than was ever intended.

When their escape saddles them with a famous outlaw, a careful reassessment of what is right and wrong can't be avoided. How much of what is 'common knowledge' is even actually true?

And if it's not, just how much preceived reality is built upon a lie?   Read an excerpt after the jump:

Book Spotlight: Kaleidoscope World by Tomica Scavina

Kaleidoscope World
by Tomica Scavina
Psychological Thriller/Myster
Free at amzon Feb 21&22

Blurb:

A collector of kaleidoscopes and lousy relationships, Dahlia Kasper leaves her possessive alcoholic mother and moves from New York to Barcelona. In search of lost bits of her childhood, she starts living in an apartment where her father was murdered when she was four. As soon as she enters the apartment, strange things begin to happen.


Her favorite “me-you kaleidoscope” becomes a gateway to another dimension where she encounters a ghost of a famous physicist from the 19th century who tries to persuade her that reality is like a moth-eaten sweater – full of holes. He needs her to help him plug up these holes and save the world from vanishing, while the only thing Dahlia really wants to save is her sanity.

This is just a part of Dahlia’s problems. An elderly cello-playing neighbor turns her emotional world upside down and her longing for lost home takes her further than she ever imagined she could go. To collect all the scattered kaleidoscope-bits of her life together, Dahlia needs to go through an intense inner transformation that takes courage and a sharp sense of humor.

Excerpt:

Copernicus figured out five hundred years ago that we are in orbit around the sun, but Dahlia Kasper’s world was still a flat plate on a tortoise’s back. In her Dahlia-centric solar system, the sun had stopped mattering years ago. When? She couldn’t remember... She’d been told it was when she was four. Early trauma. Screwed from the get-go. Her father was shot under unexplained circumstances. A single bullet. To the heart.


While she dragged her suitcases along Carrer d’en Roca, sweat trickled down her forehead, temples, and back. She stared up at the four-story buildings with their stone façades and little balconies with sinuous, iron railings. Getting ready for this had taken years. Although it took her less than three hours to pack, her psychological preparation had been going on for far longer. A week before, she had announced to her mother that she was leaving for Barcelona and would be staying there for at least three months. Her mother was so shocked that she downed almost an entire bottle of Jack Daniels and sent her six text messages in a row: Luv u kid luv u lots. Plz dontgo 2 Bcrelona, the apt cursd, mattr soaks up negtive enrgy. U + me we gotta b tothegr 2 b safe. Yr dads in heavn, alwys with u, enrgy nver dies, u will pray + feel him near. This is hrad 4 me, crying, u r all I gt, see, stay hr, luv ties us, dont knw how Ill mnage if sthng hppens 2 u. Dontgo if u luv me.

Dahlia’s answer was more concise:

Sober up, Mom. Your baby girl is 28. I’m going. Period.

And off she went.

While disoriented tourists clutching ice cream cones were staring up at where old women were nestled among the hyacinths and freshly washed laundry, Dahlia came to a stop at the front door of the building where she had spent the first years of her life. There was an old-fashioned barbershop on the ground floor, where a swarthy, portly barber with a Dali-esque moustache was shaving a gray-haired gentleman.

“En que et puc ajudar, maca?” the barber asked, catching sight of her in the mirror.

Dahlia spoke a little Catalonian. Maca she understood. In Catalonian for Beginners, she had read that it meant beautiful. Her reflection in the mirror had her thinking that the barber had an odd sense of beauty. Pale and slender, with large dark-blue eyes, she saw herself as a blonde, longhaired grasshopper, the result of some bizarre genetic mutation. She was as beautiful as David Bowie in the movie The Man Who Fell to Earth. Though only after he’d shed his artificial skin, contact lenses, and wig and shown himself as he truly was – an alien from the planet Anthea. There were, of course, some guys who liked her looks, who had nicknamed her Pixie. Others found her strange, which led to her other nickname – Eel.

Download your free copy here at amazon

Author Interview: Maria Hammarblad

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About the Author:

Born in Sweden in the early 1970's, Maria showed a large interest for books at an early age. Even before she was able to read or write, she made her mom staple papers together into booklets she filled with drawings of suns and planets. She proudly declared them, "The Sun Book." They were all about the sun. She also claimed, to her mother's horror, that her being on Earth was a big mistake and that her alien family would come and bring her home at any moment. This never happened, but both the interest in space and the passion for bookmaking stayed with her.

As an adult Maria's creativity got an outlet through playing bass in a number of rock bands, and through writing technical manuals and making web pages for various companies and organizations. She did write drafts for a few novels, but the storytelling muse was mostly satisfied through role playing online on Myspace. It was here, while writing stories together with people from around the globe, she stumbled onto Mike. They started talking out of character, and she moved over to Florida to him late 2008. Today the two are married and live in the Tampa Bay area with three rescue dogs.

Besides writing and playing bass, Maria enjoys driving off-road, archery, and Tameshigiri.

Do you plan everything or just let the story flow?


I usually start with a pretty good idea of what should happen, but it never turns out like that. I write the beginning and the end, and the middle never becomes what I thought it would be.

Do your characters ever want to take over the story?

All the time. I joke about having a bunch of imaginary people living in my head, and they often wake me up in the middle of the night to pitch ideas. Sometimes the intended couple hates each other, the heroine falls for the wrong man, and the bad guy wants to be good… It’s chaos in my brain, hahaha.

What is your favourite food?

I love Thai food. Unfortunately my husband hates it so we don’t have it often. I let my characters feast instead. Also, I can’t live without coffee. Without caffeine I’d slow to a crawl.

Are you a morning person or a night owl?

I hate getting out of bed, but once I’m up I work much better in the mornings. I like to potter about at night, but I’m not particularly productive at that time. I guess my body is a night owl but my mind an early bird, that’s not good, LOL! Hmm, maybe I ended up in the wrong body when I was born?

Where do you dream of travelling to and why?

I want to go to Siberia. That sounds really strange to a lot of people, but I have a mental image of a stunningly beautiful landscape and I want to go see what’s it like in real life. I also want to go back to Italy; I’ve been in northern Italy once and absolutely loved it.

Do distant places feature in your books?

Yes… I mostly write science fiction romance, but also some contemporary novels, and in these I usually send the characters travelling. I’m Swedish originally and have been around a lot of Europe before I moved to the US in 2008. I think the culture-mix seeps through in my writing. I also like to send my characters to more exotic places, where I haven’t been. I use it as an excuse to do research and stare at photos on my computer for hours.

Do you listen to music while writing?

If I’m alone I like to have the room quiet. This rarely happens, and I use noise-cancelling headphones with music to silence the world around me. It’s hard to write to the sound of Family Guy on TV!

Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?

My latest release was a self-published science fiction romance balancing on the edge of being a spoof. It’s called Embarkment 2577 and is a series of novellas about a girl ending up on a spaceship in the future. At least the first book shouldn’t be taken too seriously; I giggled when I wrote it. Most readers understand it’s written tongue-in-cheek when the heroine encounters a hologram of a rock star, but others don’t share my sense of humour and write angry e-mails. Some people seem to really love it, and others hate it.

What have you learned about writing and publishing since you first started?

I have learned so much. As a few examples… When I started writing, I thought editing was mainly about spelling and getting the punctuation right. Now I know that’s the little part. I used to think getting published was the major hoop to jump through. Now I know marketing is the real needle eye. I have learned so much about style, voice, and point of view, and I’m still learning. The most important lesson for me has been to learn to network. Getting to know other authors, finding support, and learning from each other is invaluable. As with any profession, it takes time and practice.

Is there anything you would do differently?

I don’t know… I am who am I today because of past mistakes and every day is a learning experience. I mean, if I’d known everything I do today three years ago I would have done things differently, but I might say the same thing in another three years. LOL!

Who, or what, if anything has influenced your writing?

Christy Elkins and Gail R. Delaney. The former is a great author and a good friend who gently pushes me in the right direction. Every time I’m stuck, I turn to Christy. If I think my ideas suck or I can’t find the word that’s just right, I ask Christy.

Gail is… fantastic. She’s a writer, editor, and publisher, and she has taught me more than I can give her credit for if I type all day.

Anything you would say to those just starting out in the craft?

Keep writing! Try to get into a habit of writing every day, even if you don’t feel like it. It doesn’t have to be relevant to your current project, but write something.

It’s easy to give up, or to think the day isn’t right, the setting isn’t right, the coffee isn’t hot enough, or the sun is coming in wrong through the window. There’s always an excuse not to write, but just thinking about writing won’t make a book.

What are three words that describe you?

Optimistic, friendly, and talkative.

What's your favourite book or who is your favourite writer?

My favourite book right now is Parallel by Christy Elkins. It is about a girl who dies and sees other versions of herself live out their lives. It’s thought provoking, and heart wrenching at times.

Blurb of your latest release or coming soon book

My next book is called Flashback and will be published by Desert Breeze Publishing on June 21st.

Blurb:

Steve Petersen is a Very Troubled Man. Sole survivor of a Taliban POW camp he often thinks only parts of him returned; his sanity appears to have been left behind. He seeks solace in alcohol and drugs, but nothing helps block the images from his mind for more than minutes at a time, and he is trapped in horrifying flashbacks.

He is more than surprised when he wakes up in a bright and merry bedroom that turns out to belong to the widow Anna, a woman he has rudimentary memories of meeting. Knowing he should leave isn’t the same as doing it, and before he knows what’s happening, he finds himself pulled into a world with real life problems, such as folding laundry, and what’s for dinner.

Whiskey is no longer his first priority, and not being alone in his waking nightmare is a relief. That is, until Anna disappears. Steve finds himself forced to return to Afghanistan, a place where he’ll have to face both external enemies and himself.

List of previous books if any

Kidnapped

Courage and Retribution – a Kidnapped prequel

Undercover

Embarkment 2577 (Brand New World, High Gravity, and Adam & Eve)

The Goddess’s Saga

Upcoming in 2013:

Flashback

Operation Earth

Borealis XII

Any websites/places readers can find you on the web.

Website: http://www.hammarblad.com
Blog: http://www.scifiromance.info
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariahammarblad
Twitter: @mariahammarblad

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Author Interview: Mona Ingram

About the Author:

Mona Ingram was born in Ontario, Canada. Her family moved to British Columbia when she was twelve, and she can't imagine living anywhere else. In recent years she has lived in the Okanagan Valley and on Vancouver Island. In addition to reading and writing, traveling and bird watching are among Mona’s favorite pastimes.

Mona writes contemporary romance novels and takes great delight in creating unexpected twists and turns in her story lines. She frequently sets her books in areas which are familiar to her, immersing the reader in the setting. One reader recently commented that “after reading Fixing Freddie, I felt as though I’d been on a trip to Vancouver”.   Do you plan everything or just let the story flow?

Before I sit down to write, I’ve thought about the story for a long time. Various things prompt me to write a story; something someone says, a song lyric, a news story, or often I can be inspired by a location. The characters are next, and then I let it flow.

Do your characters ever want to take over the story?

All the time! Some days I’m surprised at where we end up. That’s what makes it so much fun.

What is your favourite food?

We’ve all had those days when we’re finally alone and get to eat what we want. At least I hope most people get a day like that once in a while. When that happens to me, I go for Spam and rice and eggs. I spend six years in Hawaii when I was younger and we often ate Spam when money was tight. It brings back memories – plus of course Spam is one of the food groups in Hawaii!!

Are you a morning person or a night owl?

In the summer, I’m a morning person. I live in a long, beautiful valley with a lake, and when the sun comes over the hills in the morning, it’s magical. The rest of the year, I play it by ear.

Where do you dream of travelling to and why?

Three places. Back to London for a couple of weeks, where I’d spend more time at the National Gallery. Those paintings by Turner are breathtaking. I’d also like to go to Africa for the elephants, and the many remarkable birds. I enjoy bird-watching. And lastly, I’d like to go back to the Cook Islands. I didn’t make it to Aitutaki the last time I was there, and I’d love to go back and snorkel.

Do distant places feature in your books?

Sometimes. I prefer to ‘know’ the area I’m writing about. There’s something about the small details that draw a reader into the book.

Do you listen to music while writing?

I wish I could. No, I have a dedicated quiet area for writing. Come to think of it, it might be too dedicated. There are days when I rarely leave.

Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?

My latest is called Listen To Your Heart. It’s the story of two women, both of whom work in the hotel industry. They move to Whistler, B.C. (think 2010 Olympics), and work for a European-owned boutique hotel. Their love stories are unique, and touching.

What have you learned about writing and publishing since you first started?

A new independent writer needs the necessary skills to craft a story, but must also recognize a terrific cover design, know how to promote the book, and keep up with changing trends. It requires a far more difficult skill set than most people would imagine.

Is there anything you would do differently?

I’d have started twenty years earlier.

Who, or what, if anything has influenced your writing?

I read constantly, and across all genres, so I can’t say that any one author has influenced me. I’d say my biggest influences are my life experiences.

Anything you would say to those just starting out in the craft?

Grow a thick skin.. Don’t publish rubbish. Good luck.

What are three words that describe you?

Determined, open-minded, intensely private. Oops, that’s five. Sorry.

What's your favourite book or who is your favourite writer?

Bryce Courtenay. The Four Fires.

Blurb of your latest release or coming soon book.

Listen To Your Heart

Morgan Dempsey has always wanted to work in the hotel business. Acceptance in the concierge training program of a boutique hotel chain means she’s closer than ever to her dream. But on arrival at Whistler, she learns that the position has gone to Adrian, a quiet young man from Switzerland who has a strange aversion to skiing. Morgan’s disappointment is tempered by her attraction to Rob – a ‘bad boy’ ski instructor. Will she fall under Rob’s spell, or will she and Adrian discover that they have more in common than their love of hotels?

List of previous books if any

Blogging From the Heart
Deception
Fallen Angel
Fixing Freddie
Fool Me Once
Full Circle
Gift Wrapped for Christmas
Moonlight Dancer
Promise Me
The Lure of Love
Then Came Love
The Shell Game
The Reluctant Rockstar
But Not For Me
Brush With Destiny
The Gift

Any websites/places readers can find you on the web.

Mona’s Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/monaingram.com

Mona’s website: http://monaingram.com

Mona’s Blog: http://monaingram.blogspot.ca

Mona’s Facebook Page: http://tiny.cc/h6gfnw

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MonaIngram1

Thank you, Mona and good luck with your books :)