Showing posts with label author spotlight. Show all posts
Showing posts with label author spotlight. Show all posts

Thursday 22 June 2017

Guest Author Betsy Flak – The Impossible Creation #ASMSG



Three lives defy destiny.

A vampire with otherworldly ambitions.
A vampire hunter, adrift in a sea of grief.
And an oblivious girl, over whose fate they fight.

Devastated by grief, Lucy fled from her supernatural birthright as a vampire hunter. Now she pretends to be a normal college student. She goes to class. She works a part-time job. She hides her superpowers from everyone except her best friend--who happens to be a witch. But when a vampire enters her town and targets an innocent high school girl, Lucy must hunt again.

Can Lucy win a tug of war where the prize is a girl's life?

The Impossible Creation is a stand-alone prequel to the upcoming The Clan-Vampire Clash, a series of YA paranormal fantasy novels. If you like sinister villains, complicated superheroes, and supernatural suspense mixed with high school drama, then you'll love Betsy Flak's magical new series.

Check out The Impossible Creation today!


Buy the book at:



About the Author

Author Betsy Flak has always treasured compelling stories. As a child, she spent her free time lost in a book, whether upside down in a cozy armchair, in the bow of her family's fishing boat in Michigan, or on a bleacher during her brother's basketball games. As an adult, her ereader is her most trusted companion and almost never leaves her side, prepared for any spare moment.

This love, or obsession, depending on the perspective, led her to declare her intentions of becoming an author at the ripe age of ten. After a few years of writing fantastical short stories, she accidentally took a brief fifteen-year hiatus to become an engineer. However, she never stopped creating her own unique adventures, filled with supernatural abilities, heart-stopping action, the battle between good and evil, and, of course, romantic interests galore. When her husband was offered his dream job in Los Angeles, she took a leap of faith, trading her career as a biomedical engineer for one as an independent writer. She would like to claim she's never looked back, but that would be a lie. It was the hardest decision of her life and, at first, even harder to stick with.

Now, when she's not writing, editing, or reading, you can find her out on the flat track playing roller derby or curled up on a couch with her favorite purple blanket, husband, and two dogs.



Want to get to know Betsy? Join her readers group for regular updates on her books, activities, and even special offers!

Find Betsy Flak on Facebook and Twitter.

Thursday 15 June 2017

Guest Author Betsy Flak – The Unleashed Creation #ASMSG


Fire brings death. Fire breathes life.

Duncan lives in a world where it's kill or be killed, whether that's by his vampire allies or by the Clan's vampire hunters. But he wants something more. He wants freedom. When he stumbles across a rogue fire witch that the Clan has left to die, he knows it's his chance. If he can persuade her to switch sides, together they can unite the vampires and destroy the Clan itself. There's just one catch:

Can Duncan convince the witch before she kills him?

The Unleashed Creation is a stand-alone prequel novelette to the upcoming The Clan-Vampire Clash, a series of YA paranormal fantasy novels. If you like sinister villains, complicated superheroes, and supernatural suspense, then you'll love Betsy Flak's magical new series.

Check out The Unleashed Creation today!


Get your FREE book at:


About the author

Author Betsy Flak has always treasured compelling stories. As a child, she spent her free time lost in a book, whether upside down in a cozy armchair, in the bow of her family's fishing boat in Michigan, or on a bleacher during her brother's basketball games. As an adult, her ereader is her most trusted companion and almost never leaves her side, prepared for any spare moment.

This love, or obsession, depending on the perspective, led her to declare her intentions of becoming an author at the ripe age of ten. After a few years of writing fantastical short stories, she accidentally took a brief fifteen-year hiatus to become an engineer. However, she never stopped creating her own unique adventures, filled with supernatural abilities, heart-stopping action, the battle between good and evil, and, of course, romantic interests galore. When her husband was offered his dream job in Los Angeles, she took a leap of faith, trading her career as a biomedical engineer for one as an independent writer. She would like to claim she's never looked back, but that would be a lie. It was the hardest decision of her life and, at first, even harder to stick with.

Now, when she's not writing, editing, or reading, you can find her out on the flat track playing roller derby or curled up on a couch with her favorite purple blanket, husband, and two dogs.



Want to get to know Betsy? Join her readers group and get a free download of The Impossible Adventure, an interactive story where you choose what happens set in the world of The Clan-Vampire Clash!

Find Betsy Flak on Facebook and Twitter.

Monday 24 April 2017

My Fair Assassin by C.J. Anaya



It's not every day a teenage girl is singled out for assassination.

Crysta has come to accept the fact that she is freakishly different. Her shocking white hair, creepy powers, and weird eating habits have prevented her from fitting in with her various foster families. Now that she is fully emancipated and providing for herself, she hopes that life will settle down and become something halfway normal.

Her hopes are shattered when a dangerous man with lethal intent breaks into her apartment, but this enticing stranger isn't what he seems. Is he here to kill her or protect her from others who will?




My Fair Assassin is a romantic love story with elements of paranormal and urban fantasy woven in for an entertaining read. Adults and teens alike will enjoy getting lost in the pages of Crysta's story as she finally comes to accept who she is...or rather what she is.

My Fair Assassin is the first book in the series and free in all Amazon stores. Follow the link for your store: http://myBook.to/myfairassassin 

To get My Fair Assassin in other formats including B&N, Kobo, and iBooks, click here.



Did you enjoy this article? Join my tribe today, and I will send you a fabulous FREE book to get you started… (be warned, my vampires do not sparkle, and my wolves will bite!) 

Friday 8 July 2016

Visions of Zarua by Suzanne Rogerson

Today I welcome author Suzanne Rogerson with her new book Visions of Zarua. 


Two wizards, 350 years apart.
Together they must save the realm of Paltria from Zarua’s dark past.

An ancient darkness haunts the realm of Paltria.

Apprentice wizard Paddren is plagued by visions of a city on the brink of annihilation. When his master Kalesh dies in mysterious circumstances, the Royal Order of Wizards refuses to investigate.
Helped by his childhood friend, the skilled tracker Varnia, and her lover Leyoch, Paddren vows to find the killer.

The investigation leads Paddren down a sinister path of assassins, secret sects and creatures conjured by blood magic. But he is guided by a connection with a wizard from centuries ago - a wizard whose history holds the key to the horror at the heart of the abandoned city of Zarua. Can Paddren decipher his visions in time to save the Paltrian people from the dark menace of Zarua’s past?



Visions of Zarua is available to buy in the following places:


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About the Author

Suzanne lives in Middlesex, England with her hugely encouraging husband and two children.


She wrote her first novel at the age of twelve. She discovered the fantasy genre in her late teens and has never looked back. Giving up work to raise a family gave her the impetus to take her attempts at novel writing beyond the first draft, and she is lucky enough to have a husband who supports her dream - even if he does occasionally hint that she might think about getting a proper job one day.

Suzanne loves gardening and has a Hebe (shrub) fetish. She enjoys cooking with ingredients from the garden, and regularly feeds unsuspecting guests vegetable-based cakes.

She collects books, loves going for walks and picnics with the children and sharing with them her love of nature and photography. 

Suzanne is interested in history and enjoys wandering around castles. But most of she likes to escape with a great film, or soak in a hot bubble bath with an ice cream and a book.


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Find Suzanne in all the usual places on social media


Follow Suzanne on her latest blog tour, where you can see snippets from the new book, and catch up on her previous work.



Visions of Zarua Blog Tour 2016 Schedule

Mon 27th June betweenthelinesbookblog Promo Post
Tues 28th June rosieamber Review
Wed 29th June bookwraiths Indie Wednesday feature, Guest Post & Giveaway
Thurs 30th June aliasfaithrivens  Review & Interview
Fri 1st July TheTattoedBookGeek Novel extract & Promo Post
Sat 2nd July teripolen Promo Post
Sun 3rd July alinefromabook Review & Promo Post
Mon 4th July barbedwords Review & Post about Varina and her favourite recipe
Tues 5th July baubtaub Review, Interview and Giveaway
Wed 6th July shelleywilson Promo post
Thurs 7th July jenanita01 Review
Fri 8th July spookymrsgreen Promo Post
Sat 9th July thehappymeerkatreviews Review & Promo Post
Sun 10th July color me in Cyanide and Cherry Review
Sun 10th July Lucciagray Q&A



Friday 6 December 2013

Four Intriguing Questions #BlogHop

Hello and welcome to my entry for the fabulous frog blog hop! Thank you to Flossie Benton Rogers for inviting me to play…



1. What are you working on now?

My current work in progress is the fourth novel in the Redcliffe series. Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel) was published earlier this year and it concluded the initial trilogy when my heroine Jessica Stone met the Mason brothers. Now her story continues, although at this stage anything could happen as she becomes involved with the Redcliffe werewolf pack while trying not to fight with her vampire lover.

2. How is your current WIP different from others in the genre?

Mine are totally British for starters! I find the majority of paranormal romance novels in mainstream avenues seem to be American, which is fine but I wanted something I could relate to as a small-town girl from the North of England. So I wrote something set in Cornwall, which is actually in South West England, but hey-ho! At least my heroine is a northerner who moved down south, and we meet some interesting characters from Ireland as well as the native Cornish folk.

3. Why do you write?

It stops me from going insane with the madness that would otherwise accumulate inside my mind. Well, that and the fact that I can’t help but dream up my own stories in response to books I read and television I watch. It is just natural for me; I have to write.

4. How does your writing process work?

Hmm, I tend to use a method known as ‘free writing.’ I simply sit in front of the computer with a vague idea of my topic/subject/setting, and I just write. Often I have no idea what to expect from my characters, or even where the story is going, but it usually turns out very well. Actually, my characters like to surprise me with random twists and turns, which is very exciting!


To meet some other fabulous authors, check out their Q&A blog hop on 12th December on the following websites…

Alexandra Anthony

Alex Laybourne

Thursday 15 August 2013

White Heaven Women by Jessie B. Tyson #ReadMe #JT4a

Today I welcome author Jessie B. Tyson to my blog, to tell us about her debut novel which is on sale from 15th - 31st August as a special summer offer. 



☆‿↗⁀↘‿ WHITE HEAVEN WOMEN ‿↗⁀↘☆

A gripping tale set in Whitehaven North England 


WHITE HEAVEN WOMEN been in the top 100 paperbacks sold on Amazon Canada summer 2013!

It has also been #1 Suspense and Occult, twice!



Many people believe that we have all been here on earth before, with a different name, different life. Some live their current lives believing they’ll be reincarnated after death. This past life theme is prevalent in movies, television ad novels, including the new supernatural suspense White Heaven Women by British author Jessie B. Tyson.

White Heaven Women is a gripping tale set in Whitehaven, Cumbria, UK. Flashing between 1899/ early 1900s to 2000, readers are introduced to two sisters, Beth and Sarah, and the fate that awaits them.

In the year 1899, in Whitehaven, Cumbria, UK, Lady Constance Witherspoon, only 14 years of age, gives birth to twin girls during a tumultuous storm. Lady Elisa (Beth) is born with a diagnosis of demonic possession, while her twin, Lady Sarah, is crushed and killed when the ceiling collapses in the storm.

In the year 2000, Sally Witherspane returns home to Whitehaven and is haunted by relentless nightmares about demons and a baby crushed at birth. To discover the meaning of these dreams, she seeks the help of the local psychic, who instructs Sally to attend a past life meeting. It is there that Sally meets Beth Witherspoon.

Persuaded by a ghostly blue apparition, Sally documents a family history filled with deception, abuse and an ancient evil, and she must summon strength and faith to become the woman she is destined to be, one of the last descendants of the White Heaven Women.



This three minute You Tube video tells a true story why my ghosts are blue and not white like other authors spooks:-

 


Bio: Jessie B Tyson was born at Scalegill Place near Moor Row - a tiny village between the coast and the mountains in N.W. Cumbria England but lives in British Columbia, Canada. In what year? She's a senior and will not divulge that - ladies prerogative but she will be collecting a pension in a few years (grin.) She was educated in her natal area and moved to Canada in the year 2000. Jessie wrote children's and fantasy stories as a teenager. When she matured she moved on to writing adult stories. She has a great imagination and enjoys turning her vision-like dreams into enjoyable tales. Jessie considers herself as a Spiritual Christian who believes in the Power of God - but that doesn't stop her writing paranormal fiction with ghosts and demons! Jessie has a wonderful sense of humour, and loves to laugh and tease her friends. She has a generous spirit and will help anyone in need. She has an affinity with animals, especially dogs, cats, horses and dolphins. Jessie abhors all forms of cruelty to any living breathing creature. White Heaven Women is her debut novel.

You can find Jessie in the following places:

Facebook
Twitter
Jessie's Blog




Monday 24 June 2013

Guest Author Feature: Alexandra Anthony and The Vampire Destiny series

Today I welcome a friend from the Hump Day Hook author group, Alexandra Anthony, to talk about her new book in the Vampire Destiny series. Take it away, Alexandra!


"I’d like to thank Catherine Green for having me on her blog today.  I’m here to discuss the launch of my newest book in The Vampire Destiny Series, Ascend.  It’s the fourth book in the series…and I’m excited to answer a few questions and reveal a small excerpt from the book."

Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m rather boring outside of my little writing world.  I’m a mother to a wonderful nine-year-old that keeps me on my toes.  I’m also a vampire fan girl (along with having tiny obsessions with Alexander Skarsgard and Norman Reedus).  Ok, maybe tiny is an understatement.

What book are you reading now?

You’ll laugh.  The Encyclopedia of Conspiracies and Conspiracy Theories.   It’s research for a stand-alone novel I’m working on.  I also happen to love conspiracy theories, so it’s a win-win.

What motivates you to write?

I suppose it’s just the enjoyment of writing.  It’s the freedom to create your own world and be in total control of fates, lives and love.  It’s almost a power trip!

What was your inspiration for your latest book?

Ascend is the fourth book in The Vampire Destiny Series.  My inspiration is Stefan (my hero of the series).  I enjoy “seeing” him in action!

What are your favorite type of scenes to write?

I’d like to say dialogue, but I’d be lying.  My favorite scenes to write are the sexy, smutty scenes.  I enjoy writing reactions and drawing the reader into the story.

Who is your most popular character? Why do your readers like or dislike this character?

I’d have to say Stefan is probably a favorite.  I also think a few fans would be partial to Nick Hart from my other series, The Dark Hart Chronicles.

What are your current projects?

I have a lot on my plate.  I’m working on a novella from Stefan’s POV (due out late summer), Book 2 of The Dark Hart Chronicles, Book 5 of The Vampire Destiny Series, and I’m working on a non-paranormal, erotic thriller.  It will be a stand-alone book with a kick-ass female!



Excerpt from Ascend (The Vampire Destiny Series Book 4)


Did he regret that I'd no longer be so fragile?  Would he miss the small remaining human part of me…my blood, my heart beat?

"Never."  He vowed, reading my unspoken worries.  He tilted my head back to gaze into my eyes.  His face was streaked with pink tears, standing boldly out against the paleness of his handsome face.  "I was terrified that you would not wake. I could only sense your pain in the bond until you touched me.  You were a complete void to me."

I felt my lips tug up at the corners.  "As if you could get rid of me so easily.  You're stuck with me, Stefan.  Forever."

His face relaxed and the soft smile he reserved for me relaxed the
tenseness of his lips.  "There us nothing I want more than that.  Jag alskar dig."

His large hands smoothed my hair away from my face as his bright blue eyes searched my face.  "I did not think it would be possible for you to be more beautiful.  Yet you are."

His soft words made me smile, and if I could have blushed, I would have.  Looking up at him through my eyelashes, my vampiric eyes took him in.  I saw details I couldn't have seen before with my much weaker human vision.  He was more beautiful than my human eyes and mind could ever comprehend.  The flawless skin of his face glowed, the intense blue of his eyes sparkled.  The prominent arch of his high cheekbones tapered to the sharp square of his jaw.  My fingers traced the contours of his face, relishing the satin of his skin under my fingertips.  My thumb dragged across his lower lip, aching to feel the powerful sensation of his mouth against my own.

"I love you too," I whispered.  He was always perfect to me, but he'd never looked this stunningly gorgeous. Studying his face even closer, I could see more than the light blue of his eyes; there were tiny flecks of green that I'd never seen before.  I noticed the feathery laugh lines that seemed more prominent.  His flesh was smooth, his once hard body pliable under my hands.  I placed my fingers against his cheek and smiled as he leaned into my touch.

"You are back with me.  The way it should be." He touched his lips to mine, slowly, tentatively.  I melted against his powerful body, my lips working in tandem with his.  Wrapping my legs around him, I squeezed him closer and heard him grunt softly in pain. “You are stronger now.  Unbreakable.”

“Unbreakable?”  I echoed, loosening the grip my legs had around him.  My mind whirled into overdrive as I thought of all the things I no longer had to fear.  No illness could touch me and I’d walk away from a car crash literally unscathed.  No human death could take me away from him.

“Yes.  You are unbreakable.”  His mouth began a slow descent down my neck.  His tongue circled over the now silent pulse point.  “And you are perfection.”

A moan slipped from my lips at his words.  As his mouth continued to nip at my throat, his hands roamed over my clothes, lingering over the heaviness of my breasts.

“You know what I want, Stefan.  I want you to take your time with me…I want you to show me what you’ve been holding back from me.”  I laced my fingers through his and squeezed his fingers around mine, tightening his hands around my breasts.  My head rolled back and hot desire clawed at me, sharp and begging to break free.

[END]



Ascend (The Vampire Destiny Series Book 4) is available from:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Smashwords

Other ways to find Alexandra Anthony

E-mail: alexandraanthony80@gmail.com

Website

Facebook Author Page

Facebook Book Page

Twitter:  @AlexAnthony80

Blog

AuthorGraph

LinkedIn

Indie Author Network

Scribe Trailer

Feedburner/RSS

Shelfari 

Goodreads

Your Book Authors

Kindle Promo

Alexandra Anthony YouTube Page

Amazon Author Page

Smashwords Author Page

Saturday 15 June 2013

Guest Author Feature: Diaries of a Dwarven Rifleman


Today I open up my blog and introduce guest authors Michael and Linda Pearce, with their new novel Diaries of a Dwarven Rifleman. Take it away Michael! 


"This is our first full-length novel. I spent a year playing with the concept and developing the world of the story in my head before we seriously began writing. My wife and I refined our writing process over the course of writing the Foreworld Saga Novella The Shield Maiden and that experience stood us in good stead writing this novel. We come up with ideas and plot-lines together, I do the 'gruntwork' of writing, then we go back over it together and Linda rewrites my tortured verbiage into something that a person might like to read. Works a treat. Funny thing is, we set out to write one kind of book and the characters, the world and the logic of the story took the book away from us and launched it in a whole different and better direction. Diaries of a Dwarven Rifleman was written as a stand-alone book (and it is,) but as we tossed around ideas and brainstormed it became obvious that it is actually part of a series. You can look for the next book some time around late summer- it's already well underway!"

Book Description Diaries of a Dwarven Rifleman:


"It may seem a fine thing in song or story to be ankle-deep in the blood of your enemies but in reality it's slippery, smells bad and is nearly impossible to get out of your socks afterwards." From the diaries of Engvyr Gunnarson

In Diaries of a Dwarven Rifleman magic, science and technology work hand-in-hand to create a new kind of fantasy world with an underlying logic that makes it as real as a handshake from an old friend. Told with humor and humanity, it is a story of sweeping events seen from a 'ground-level' perspective by real people living and helping to shape the unique history of their world.

Engvyr's father gave up on the miner's life to move the family back to their ancestral home in the far north. But the journey is fraught with perils the young dwarf has never imagined, and when tragedy casts him in the role of hero, well, what's a dwarf to do? The events of that fateful journey have shaped and ruled his life, but now Engvyr wants nothing more than to make a place for himself, perhaps settle down and raise a family. But when a new enemy rises in the North he finds himself at the center of the conflict, with not merely the freedom of his people but the fate of all of humanity hanging in the balance... and the habit of heroism is a hard one to break.

Available from Amazon and Smashwords

About the Authors

Michael Tinker Pearce is a veteran of the US Army, an ex-police officer and has been a professional knife and sword-maker since 1992. He has written extensively about his profession, including a book, ‘The Medieval Sword in the Modern World.’ He lives in Seattle with his wife and co-author, Linda Pearce.

Linda S. Pearce has worked extensively with at-risk youth and in the field of dog, cat and horse rescue. She has been employed as a project coordinator and in the field of IT for nearly thirty years. She has trained as a theatrical sword fighter with the Seattle Knights. Her interests include reading, particularly fantasy and detective fiction, horseback riding, target shooting and her pets.

You can follow them on Facebook and on their webpage.



Excerpt from Diaries of a Dwarven Rifleman


“We dwarves do not know the nature of our creator. Whether The Maker was a man with the powers of a god, a god in truth or some other thing no living person can say. For all the long centuries of his dominion over our people we can say only one thing for sure: He was not bullet-proof.”

- From the diaries of Engvyr Gunnarson


“Well, this is fun,” said Taarven as two crossbow bolts stuck in the log he was lying behind and a third ricocheted off.

Engvyr was lying flat on his back next to him looking up through the forest canopy with his long-rifle across his chest.

“I've had fun before,” he said mildly, “And I don't recall it feeling just exactly like this.”

Spotting movement from the corner of his eye he looked to his left and saw a goblin moving down the hill to flank them. He estimated the range and adjusted the big rifle's vernier sight. He took a deep breath, letting it half out as he rolled onto his side, quickly drew a bead and stroked the trigger. Whack! A split second later he heard a dull metallic 'ponk' as the heavy slug hammered through the target's breastplate. The goblin threw up his hands with a cry and fell out of sight.

Engvyr rolled flat again as another crossbow bolt slammed into a tree next to the toe of his boot. He looked at it sourly.

“I'll allow as I have had better times my own self,” Taarven admitted, “But at least the company is good.”

“That's three, by the way,” Engvyr told him.

“Oh are we keeping score now?” Taarven rose up and snapped off a quick shot with his carbine. As he fired a bolt skipped off his breastplate and tore the sleeve of his shirt. He rolled aside and flattened behind the log again. Glancing at the tear he said, “Damn, I liked this shirt.”

Engvyr had reloaded the rifle- a singularly awkward process while lying on his back. He took another deep breath and rolled to one knee and fired. Taarven heard a scream from up the hill and swore as Engvyr dropped flat on his belly.

“Don't you ever miss with that damned thing?”

Engvyr looked at him and grinned. “That's four.”

“Oh shut up.”

Monday 10 June 2013

Guest Article - The Redcliffe Novels; Wild Cornwall

Today I am a guest author over at Annamaria's Writing Corner, talking about the Redcliffe novels and my inspiration for the story setting from the rugged coastline of wild Cornwall, UK. Go and take a look, find out more about the adult paranormal romance series, and get to know my work a little better!

http://www.annamariabazzi.com/2013/06/10/the-redcliffe-novels/


Sunday 7 April 2013

The Liebster Award – I’ve Been Nominated!


I had a wonderful email yesterday from James A. West, who informed me that he had nominated my author blog for the Liebster Award. I admit I have seen this award on a couple of other blogs and I felt slightly envious that nobody nominated me, so now I am a very happy bunny!


For those who are not familiar with the Liebster Award, it is available for bloggers with fewer than 300 followers. The nominee must link back to whoever awarded them, write 11 random facts about themselves, answer the 11 questions from the award giver, and then nominate another 11 bloggers and make up 11 questions for them to answer. It is fun, informative, and an excellent way to network and grow your audience.

Here are 11 random facts about me:
  1. I am pregnant with my second child, due in July 2013
  2. I have auburn hair (definitely not ginger!)
  3. My husband is a slightly obsessed waste manager by trade, so our house often resembles a recycling facility in progress!
  4. Aside from a 2-year-old daughter, I am Mummy to Baxter the Staffydoodle, Duck the Cumberland Slider turtle and Ashton the Yellow Bellied Slider turtle.
  5. My professional writing career only began at around the time I first got pregnant, and now I have 3 published novels!
  6. One day I will own a camper van. I just have to.
  7. I love chocolate, especially Dairy Milk.
  8. I am a ghost hunter, and have done overnight investigations in Scotland, England and Wales during the last 7 years.
  9.  I read Tarot and Oracle cards.
  10. Someday soon I would love to go on a solo writer’s retreat for a whole week, bliss!
  11. When I make my millions, I will buy a lovely old house in the Cheshire countryside and a seaside home in Cornwall.


My answers to the 11 questions:

  1. What is something you have always wanted to do but haven't done yet?                                        Obtain a camper van and go on a road trip round the UK.
2. If you were a Star Trek character, who would you be and why? (If you don't know Star Trek, don't admit it! Just make something up!)
I would have to be Spock. He is a legend!

3. What is one of your favorite movie scenes, and why?
In Ghostbusters 2, when the goo goes crazy, and the Titanic arrives down at the docks. Cracks me up every time!

4. Why did you choose writing? What drew you to it?
I was never going to escape it. English, especially creative writing, was my best subject at school and I lived in a dream world of imagination and fantasy (in fact, I still do).

5. What is your favorite book?
Ooh, tough question! Hmm, I will choose a fiction one, and say Matilda by Roald Dahl. It has always been a favourite.

6. Besides writing, do you do any other art? 
I enjoy creative card making and crafting bead jewellery.

7. What is one of your craziest travel stories?
Well, a few years ago I went on a road trip to France with my Mum and younger sister. Our car was stopped at Dover for an inspection, but Mum opened the boot, the guy took one look at our crammed in suitcases, and he just waved us on to the ferry! Then we got lost a couple of times, Mum forgot she should drive on the other side of the road and go the opposite direction on roundabouts, and finally we reached our destination in a remote rural village. It was a great holiday though!

8. Skiing or lounging on a beach?
Lounging on a beach, but with a book and magazine for company.

9. Coke or Pepsi?
Coke

10. Do you play a musical instrument? If so, which one? If not, do you want to?
No. I used to play the clarinet but gave it up when I left school. Sometimes I wish I hadn’t, but I have a lot of activities now so I’m not too upset.

11. Do you have any new writing projects that you can share with us right now?
Yes. I am currently finishing the first draft of a story about a vampire hunter who lives on a canal boat and travels the UK completing her jobs. Her life is turned upside down when she meets an ancient vampire who means more to her than she understands. It turns out they have a history that goes back centuries, and she has a lot to rediscover about her true self…


My 11 questions to pass on:
  1. Do you have a motto and what is it?
  2. Why did you start your blog?
  3. Why should we read your blog?
  4. Do you have an unfulfilled ambition and what is it?
  5. Do you prefer dogs or cats?
  6. Were you a geek, a jock, a weird kid or something else in school?
  7. What is your favourite music and band?
  8. What is your favourite movie?
  9. Sweet snacks or savoury?
  10. What is your passion?
  11. Who do you admire?

My nominees:

Congratulations nominees, and I look forward to seeing your responses!

Saturday 30 March 2013

Guest Author Feature: Catrina Barton

Today I welcome fellow author Catrina Barton to share a little about herself and her new book Dangerous Temptation. Take it away Kitty!


Catrina Barton is a real go-getter, who in 2006 turned her avid reading addiction since she was three, into a vigorous passion for writing. Especially Young Adult Romances. She draws on her knowledge as a Kung-Fu Instructor to make her fight scenes both realistic, and action packed. When not indulging her fertile imagination to craft stories for your reading pleasures, she enjoys hiking with her family, and amateur belly dancing.
Her love of writing, and her family, rival her exhilaration from helping fellow writers. She is a proud member of many writing, and marketing groups, and an active participant at Critique Circle, and several other critique groups. Catrina  also writes reviews for Safari Heat, and Satin Sheets Romance.
 
Favorite personal quote:
“An author cannot grow without both constructive criticism and encouragement.”

 
Dangerous Temptation:

Seventeen year-old orphan Kaitlin Sinclair’s world gets turned upside down when she’s forced to move half way around the world to Indonesia with her uncle she never knew existed. Things get worse when the demons she left behind in America follow her to the land of intrigue.
Her uncle forces her to attend a celebration where she meets Cadmon, a mysterious, captivating stranger, who reveals that he knew her parents. She uncovers secrets that in the wrong hands could destroy his endangered clan of were-tigers and the entire world.
When Kaitlin dives into a foreign culture, full of mystique and dangers everywhere she turns, keeping her heart safe might prove as impossible as staying alive!

Excerpt:

The clearing fell silent as a man with shaggy, dirty blond hair which reached his shoulders, approached with a wide, purposeful stride. His shoulders were back, head held high and chest out. Piercing green eyes zeroed in on her. Kaitlin inhaled a sharp breath and felt as if his eyes stared through to her soul. She shifted on the balls of her feet, and licked her bottom lip. Eans body went rigid. A look of caution crossed his face as the man approached them.

“Evening,” the stranger greeted with a lazy drawl. His eyes never left her face. “Who is this exquisite young lady?”

His eyes settled on Eans hands on her hips. To Kaitlins chagrin her cheeks heated.
“Why are you here?” Ean moved Kaitlin closer to his body. 

She braced her hands on his chest and gasped. “Whos this?” She pulled back.

“Cadmon Quinn, madam.” He bowed. ”It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He grabbed her hand and brushed a kiss on the back of it.

Her eyes widened. Butterflies brushed inside her stomach. 

“Smooth.” She slipped her hand free and rubbed it down the side of her dress to stop the tingles and shake off the electric jolt.

“She’s charming.” A corner of his mouth tilted. “Perhaps she will save me a dance?”

“She has a name.” She removed Ean’s hands from her hips and then turned to face Cadmon. “Its Kate. Use it.” She raised her chin and planted her hands on her hips.

“Call me Cade.” He flashed an amused smile.

“What do you want?” Ean stepped between them and squared his shoulders.

“Couldn't resis introducing myself to your lovely cousin.” Cadmon sidestepped Ean with a smile, and then twirled his forefinger through one of her banana curls. “Interesting choice.” he gave it a loght tug. Her pulse quickened.

“I won’t let you, or my father put her through anything else.” Ean took Kaitlin by the elbow and stormed away.

She glanced back at Cadmon, who continued to watch her as he swaggered over to the elders, and picked up a tall glass of red wine. He saluted her with the drink, then sipped. Kaitlin swallowed and turned around to break the eye contact. Was he a natural charmer, or was it an act? She hadnt seen him talk to anyone else, so maybe he was the silent type? Ean pressed a cool glass against her hand.

“What did you mean?” Her gaze locked with his as she sipped the fruity drink.

His brow rose.

“Why would they want to hurt me?” She took another sip.

“He and Father are not on friendly terms.” Ean scowled and sipped his glass.

“Why so defensive?” She placed her glass on the table and rested her hands on her hips.

Ean placed his glass down and grabbed her by the arms. “Hes dangerous, and will only bring you trouble.”

Cadmon appeared harmless, but the sheer magnetism of the man told her otherwise. What interest would he have in a girl like her? Was he one of those rich playboys? She frowned.

“Hungry?” Ean's fingers relaxed around her arms.

“I’m going to take a walk.” The thought of food made her stomach queasy.

“Stay on the path, Katie.” He frowned. “Want some company?”

“I need to clear my head.” She walked along the small dirt path that led over to the river. Inhaling the damp air she sat, and tucked her dress beneath her.

She closed her eyes and allowed her fingers to glide through the cool liquid, wishing she could peel off her dress and swim. Her eyes opened and she frowned at her reflection. Laneca would give her a serious earful if she saw how heavy the bags were under her eyes.
 
“You shouldn’t be here alone.” Cadmon held out a plate of food.

“I shouldn’t be here at all.” She stared at the food, then looked away.

“You need to eat.” He passed her the plate and a glass of wine.
 
“Why are you so interested in me?” She sat the drink and plate on the grass.

“Eat.” He sat beside her with one leg stretched out and the other knee bent, with an arm resting on his bent knee.

“I’m not–” her stomach rumbled. She closed her mouth, cheeks stained.

“When is the last time you let someone look after you?” He picked up his plate and bit into his meat.

She twirled the meat-kabob with her fingers.

“Why so quiet?” He raised a brow.

She bit into her meat and closed her eyes as the combined juices of the roasted boar, a hint of ginger and oregano danced over her tongue. She hadnt realized how hungry she was until she stared at her empty plate.
He chuckled.

She stared at the trees and wondered how the eagle nest back home was. The eggs should hatch any day. One more thing to add to the growing list of things shed miss.

“How about that dance?” He stood up, holding out his hand.

After a moment she placed her hand in his. He pulled her to her feet and into his arms, then spun her around.
“Why so interested?”

“Are you always this suspicious?” He swayed their bodies to the music and kept one arm around her waist as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Shed never been held so close while dancing. It felt good to be held again, even by a stranger. She closed her eyes. Something felt familiar about him, as if shed met him before, desppite that shed never seen him till tonight. How odd…
 
Inhaling she tried to figure him out. Maybe he wanted a young debutante to hang off his arm? She scowled. It would explain why hed chosen her to talk to out of all the more sophisticated women in attendance. Was it because she was Eans cousin?

“You always this evasive? She gazed into his eyes. They were the most unusual green she’d ever seen, yet seemed to suit him.

He spun her away, then pulled her back, and dipped her as the songs tempo increased. Her heart rate sped up. She clung to him.  Definitely a first. Shed seen that move in some of the old movies, but had never experienced it until tonight.
 
“Kaitlin!” Her uncle’s voice caused heat to crash on her face as Cadmon righted her.

“Hello, Nigel.” Cadmon kept his arm around her waist, with her pressed tight against his side.

[END]

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