Saturday, July 31, 2010

New book coming along well...

Thanks for popping in to check this out. Yes, book three is started and the edits I'm working on are making the story even better. From the comments I've received so far, the readers love it and say they're pulled right into the story and they can't wait to find out what happens.


If you want to check out the first two chapters, head on over to my portfolio at Writing.com. I've not yet uploaded the edits to correct what I want but I'll be doing that soon. The chapters that are there are the unedited version but still give a good taste of the story. I hope you enjoy the beginning and want more!

The story takes place in the beautiful city of Wilmington NC. If you've not been there, check my website on the 'About Me' button and it will take you to more info on Whispers at Ghost Point. Those links should give you a good feel of where my characters will be roaming around. Please enjoy the links and the chapters.

Leave me a comment here along with any questions you might have on the story. If you have an idea or thought about what you'd like to see in the story, let me know here and I might tell you if that's included or maybe....I just might include it in the story! Let's have fun with this!

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope to hear from you!

Thursday, July 29, 2010


Congratulations to Caroline!
She won the prize package from Michele!


     Thank you for stopping in to meet my guest author today. We’re chatting with Michele Paiva, a dynamic personality with a book that is sure to attract public interest. Please grab a fresh cup of coffee and join us!

Deanna: Michele, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to be with us today. I absolutely love the cover of your book but we'll discuss that later. Great job! Please tell our readers a bit about your upcoming book and yourself.

Michele: My newest book, Fattitude: Lose your F in Attitude is supposed to be shocking and edgy because well, I feel our society needs a wake up call. We need to lose weight, overcome symptoms such as Fibromyalgia, thyroid, stress, insomnia… all of these plus more; these are often doable to overcome and so far no one has combined a system that helps you not only look better but feel better, even diagnostically. I have. I’m excited to share this information and hope it helps each reader who chooses to try the program.

Deanna: I think we’re all ready for a change with summer upon us. Tell us a bit about YOU that your readers might not know.

Michele: Most people do not realize I was once overweight and diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. They assume that I’ve always had it “easy” in the wellness department and that is not the case. I had to overcome quite a bit, including a rape in my early twenties, which all have made me stronger and able to help others even more so. I use challenges and obstacles in the same way you would for self defense; use the energy of the enemy to your advantage; be it the enemy is a wellness challenge or actual attacker!

Deanna: Did something happen in your life that made you want to become a writer?

Michele: I honestly have always wanted to be a writer for as long as I could remember, but also wanted to do SO many things, from being a scientist to being a lawyer. Writing was a venue that allowed me to explore all of the topics plus more that I enjoyed. It’s a passion.

Deanna: Do you write under a pen name?


Michele: No, and that is a great question. I wish I did, and I highly suggest to any new writer to do so. It saves you from being stalked, which I have been, and gives you an enhanced sense of privacy.

Deanna: Did your emotions play a part in the writing of this book?

Michele: It is very hard to write about sensitive topics that hit some people to the core. My current book does this in a way that no other book I have written does. As far as ease, the more generalized I write the better. This was the hardest book I’ve ever written, in terms of the emotional ties I felt to it.

Deanna: Do you read in the same genre that you write in?

Michele: Yes, but I read a lot of genres. I really love books like “Gravy Wars” by Lorraine Ranalli. She has a way of captivating the reader with anecdotes from her life and the lives of others, in a way that makes you feel you are having a conversation with her. I also enjoy the author, Michelle Andrews, who wrote “A Child of Compromise”… one of my favorite up and coming authors. I tend to go for science reading, and one of my favorite science/medical writers is Dr. Sharon Moalem. Of course, I’m big into Ted Talks also; do transcripts count? 

Deanna: What do you usually eat or drink while writing?

Michele: I tend to drink water or my acupuncturists medicinal tea. As far as eating, I eat leftovers during breaks or, just munch on raisins. Sometimes I do natural chocolate chips, raisins and a dash of salt.

     In the winter, I tend to go with a slice of Italian bread, with a little melted butter on top… little luxuries.

Deanna: You look great, Michele. Staying fit and healthy is a job in itself but so rewarding! In health and fitness which is subjective, do you find it hard to be objective?

Michele: No, I don’t. Which is why I feel that this book is revolutionary; it does not assume anything. I feel that has been the problem with almost all of the former programs, diets, books, plans, and so on. It’s impossible to be objective if you assume, and all of the previous programs I have seen assume you can “get rock abs in six weeks” or “lose ten pounds in two weeks”. That is just insane. I customize via a phased system where there is a guide but not a plan per se. The reader is the master of their plan, not me. I only educate and guide.

     I must also say that I do not feel wellness or fitness is subjective; there is a certain level of wellness that most people

Deanna: Do you have anything in the book that would be applicable or interesting for kids?

Michele: This book is to be read by an adult; there is an adult tone and adult situations within the book that a child may not understand. However, an adult can surely utilize this book and increase the wellness for the entire family, from infant to live-in parent or grandparent.

Deanna: What is your best time to write?

Michele: I tend to write in the morning and evening, and often if really in the flow, I just write as much as possible with only necessity breaks! It can get frantic with kids around so I write when I can…

Deanna: I’m assuming you have a home office or space; how do you deal with a frantic home life with a family?

Michele: I have teenagers now and they’ve grown up with me as a writer; so they know when I am writing to only direct a question or gripe if it is a necessity. Overall, I enjoy writing from home and would feel very smothered in an office setting. I take breaks as needed and resume as needed. That being said, I’ve burned my share of meals while being in a writing flow; when time becomes limitless … well, until the fire alarm sounds!

Deanna: Why would someone trust you over a doctor or personal trainer?

Michele: I am not asking anyone to raise me higher than their physician or trainer but unlike either of them, I have nothing to gain by the person being Unwell. A trainer and a doctor both pretty much work with a demographic of need and repeat business. I am hoping for the book and program to create empowerment. I want testimonials that this has worked for people, not repeat business unless I can take them to a new level or make their life easier.

     I’ve interviewed countless doctors, scientists, wellness professionals and have been immersed in the business myself. I’ve been able to glean the best from the best, research and check facts, and look at things in a different light than someone who is working with blinders on or under a contractual agreement to work in a particular way. I do not have the contractual binds nor blinders on, which enables me to be more open to the reader.

     In whole I’d like thank you for this time; it’s so important for me to get the message out that people need not diet, yo-yo diet, kill themselves at a taxing workout or suffer a myriad of symptoms that our society is increasingly OKing… it’s NOT OK to feel horrible or to feel that you look horrible. It is your choice to take that first step and change your world. I am able to provide a doable solution for 99.9% of the readers and I’m very accessible to interact with online for help, support, tips.

     I have great chefs who work with me, to help give my readers ideas on delicious, hearty meals. No need to give up on luxuries and no need to fear food.

     I have a fantastic forum starting up and I’ve love people to join (you don’t need the book to take advantage of the forum)… my website has a lot of interactive features, so do visit!

Thank you, Deanna and I hope to report back to you with a lot of your readers of your blog being success stories!

Deanna: I know there is a story behind the cover of your book. Would you tell us about that…please?

Michele: Hhmm... a tidbit about that cover. I was trying to figure out a shot that would have attitude but be friendly... my daughter is a photographer and she was taking the photos... she said something to me to push my buttons and I shot her a dirty look and she captured it on film... it was the shot she liked best and by vote on Facebook, that was chosen to be the cover. So, though I look like Mommy Dearest now, if you know the story, that is sort of a funny tidbit about the cover shot!

     For the record, I am thankful I have a daughter with talent like this that can do the photos for the book...she's an amazing young lady :)

Deanna: Now that is a cute story. Michele, your website is so full of information! I had a field day hopping through your site; it was lots of fun and informative at the same time!

Readers – Michele is giving away a copy of book and is choosing a winner from those who leave a comment today but she has some things she’d like included with the comment in order to be in the drawing.

The contest:

     Please comment on what you have battled or are battling - something you have or hope to overcome in terms of weight, pain management, anxiety, insomnia or thyroid... anything goes as long as you are being open and sharing.

(1)Anyone who comments here is eligible
(2)tweets or repost it (with a link sent to you) can be eligible for a drawing for a free book and tracker book.

     Good luck everyone. Michele will be around today and Friday to comment back to you so please make her feel welcome and be sure to hop over to her website! You won’t be sorry! Thanks Michele!

Monday, July 26, 2010











Thank you for stopping in to visit with us in the garden where we're talking with Kim Upstone, owner of A New Day A New Vision, which is not only the name of her company, but her life's philosophy. Kim believes that each new day we can create a new vision for ourselves, home and environment. As an author, motivational speaker and intuitive designer she resides with her family in Scottsdale, Arizona. With a background in interior design and interest into the effects of environment upon individuals, accreditation in staging and feng shui soon followed. In addition, she has studied  neuro- architecture. Her first book Step by Step To Sold and Feng Shui to Sell are reflections of those principals. Both books were written as guide for home sellers looking to prepare their home by combining Feng Shui and Staging techniques.

Feng Shui for Special Needs, her second book, is given out as a free e-book for people with life and learning challenges. Based on her personal experience, the books help those who work with special needs children and adults to make enhancements to their environments all in an effort to allow them to flourish.

Her new book All I Want Is Everything released in December 2009 is drawn from her life’s journey of searching how to find her everything and learning to dance in the storm. All I Want Is Everything is a guide to help women reclaim happiness and peace in the search for their everything.

Deanna:  Kim, tell us a bit about your philosophy. I love your concept!

Kim:  Thank you for having me here today, Deanna. I'm excited to be able to share so much with your readers. When you pick up my books, there are a few questions you should ask yourself. What do you want from your life? Do you want to discover for yourself what your everything is and then be able to live each day of your life with happiness and joy no matter what the circumstances. Do you want to have each day a realization of the gift you have been given to be here. Do you want to create for yourself the vision of who you want to be?

I wanted everything, too and from the outside, it appeared that I had everything, a loving husband and two beautiful healthy children and strong faith. I have great house and all the things that go along with it. But even with all of those things I still felt something was missing. There was piece to the puzzle I needed to find. If I could locate that missing part I would then be complete and happy. 

My search led me to look in many different directions, mostly outside of myself for the answers. It wasn’t until out of desperation I asked for guidance and received it that I learned all the answers were all within me waiting to be discovered.

All I Want Is Everything, A Guide to Love, Peace and Happiness is my journey to find my everything. What I found was so much more than I could have ever hoped for. They were the questions that lead me to the answers only I could answer. What I have created is a guide for your journey. Questions for you to answer that will lead you to your everything.  You too can discover the secrets hidden safely, waiting inside for you to choose to bring them into the light.

Deanna: What a beautiful way to look at life and what you want. Tell us a bit about YOU that your readers might not know.

Kim:  Well if we begin with what I am, you can say that I am married, mother of two grown children, I care for my sister who is special needs and Frank our cocker spaniel. My professional background in intuitive design and feng shui lead me to write my first book Step By Step To Sold. Which is a step by step guide to preparing your home for sale using Staging and Feng Shui .

If you want to know who I am that is a different story. I am all those things wife and mother etc. My life was blessed with things that from the outside would appear was everything you would need to be happy and fulfilled. I found myself searching for something, a missing piece. I believed that piece, once I found it, held the key to all the answers, those answers once discovered would allow me to feel complete and happy. My latest book “All I Want Is … Everything, A Guide to Love, Peace and Happiness” is my journey to find “my everything” but it is also a guide for others to follow. Through journaling and contemplation it can help them find their “everything” too.

Deanna:  How did you come up with the name of your company A New Day A New Vision?

Kim:  It is my life philosophy. I believe that every one of us can create a new vision of who we want to be each day and then work to become it. No matter our age, wealth or status the sun will rise each morning. It is a gift we are given, another day on this earth and even though today may not have been so good, the sun will rise again tomorrow and you will have another opportunity to begin again.  

Deanna:  You've certainly filled your life with love and empowerment. What do you like to do when you're not writing?

Kim:  I love to do so many things it’s hard to pick a few, but I’ll try. I love to blog, I get to add humor and sarcasm and that is always fun. I love to sew, quilts and baby caps for newborns in South Africa. I also love to nap. I’m sure it’s inherited, I have heard about many generations of my family needing an afternoon rest. I don’t get to nap each day but when I do I really enjoy it!

Deanna: What happened that made you want to become a writer?

Kim:  I wrote my first two books as a result of a constant stream of requests by realtors and homeowners to teach them how to transform their houses.

I realized after both my son and daughter began asking questions about why we are different in our thinking and attitude than other people and families they were meeting. It was then that I realized my children had lived almost their entire life in the brightness of the light from what I learned on my journey, but they did not know about my journey. So “All I Want” really began as a letter to my children. It was important for me to explain it to them, so that they could share with their children. They needed to understand how to get back to the trail, should they ever lose their way.

After writing that letter to my children it occurred to me that that writing this series of books would be the fulfillment of the guidance I had received. The trail being my original journey and the path writing the books for others to share, a trail to happiness for those who choose to venture with me.

Deanna: What does your family think of your writing?

Kim:  My husband is a pretty successful sports writer and believe it or not, we are not into telling each other how wonderful we are. We just do what we think is best for ourselves and can serve the world at the same time. That is what propels us forward; it became our motivation. It’s hard to understand but those of you who have worked through this first book can grasp what I am trying to explain. When the ego is not involved and you know that you are loved and that you can love unconditionally, everything becomes uncomplicated and purpose and passion becomes your inspiration. 

Deanna: Do you write under a pen name?

Kim:  No, it’s all just under my name.

Deanna:  Do you read in the same genre that you write in?

Kim:  I love any book that inspires and motivates me. I am reading Jack Canfield’s Success Principals again right now.

Deanna:  Do you write on a computer or with pen and paper?

Kim:  I write with notebook paper and a pen by hand, but I always write the width of the paper across the lines from edge to edge and I don’t spend any time worry about spelling and punctuation. I have my reader’s journal the same way. I think for conventional thinkers it puts you a bit uncomfortable and forces you to think outside the box slightly. When writing from emotion it feels better and gets to the heart much quicker than worrying about being proper and staying within the lines. 

Deanna:  What was the hardest part about writing this book?

Kim:  This book was a very personal experience for me. It was very painful to reread all my old journals, written prior to and then during my journey, but it was an important part of being able to create that path for others to follow. To go back and see how the darkness of unhappiness and negativity encompassed my world at that time was a sobering experience. What if I had not asked for guidance or missed the message the angel delivered to me, I understood quickly that my life would have been very different than the life I have lived.

Deanna: Is there a message in your book you want readers to grasp?

Kim:  I hope they embrace as much as they are ready to grasp.

If there was one thing in particular I would hope that everyone understands is that nothing of value comes free or naturally. It all takes work. Happiness, a peaceful heart, love, great relationships, raising children that are wonderful citizens of the world, these are all things that take hard work. These are also things that we were never given a guide for. We end up just repeating what we have seen our parents do or living day to day dealing with the results. This is the result of not having a clear direction, life without a map and compass. The work you will do is not physical work but mental work with awareness of the choices you are making.

I also want them to see that all the hard work they do in these areas of their life also creates great value for these very things. It is much harder to give up on all those things you have put much time and effort into. Things like relationships, happiness and love and a joyful life are all worth the effort. 

Deanna:  Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

Kim:  I do hear from them all the time. I ask people to let me know how they are doing. I want them to keep going, keep searching. I want them to see the joy and happiness in my life and let them know that this too can be their reward when they do the work and find their “everything”.

I knew I had been successful when I received one very special note; it was one of the first letters I received shortly after the book was released. A wonderful woman explained that she did not think she could find happiness again, but that she had worked very hard and followed the book, writing page after page in her journal. She explained that she had never written her thoughts down before and after she began writing, she could more easily see  that she had been living a life of conditions. Her quote to me was “you have taken my life from ordinary to extraordinary and nothing changed but my thinking”. That was my moment.

Deanna: What would you like readers to go away with today?

Kim:  I would love people to understand their importance in the world and what a gift we have been given to be here.  Each of us was put here for a reason and if you truly believe that then suddenly everyone has value. Each of us needs to seek out for ourselves, in whatever way works best for us, that purpose and passion that lies within us. To find the answers to allow us to have our “everything” and inspires us to live our life with passion. To take the time to work on those things that you decide are most important to you.

Deanna:  What are your current projects?


Kim:  The second of the “All I Want is Everything” series on relationships is almost ready for editing and I have started to write the third book on raising children. I write a blog each week as well as numerous articles so those, along with promoting all my books, are what keeps me pretty busy.

Deanna:  Where can our readers find you and your books?

Kim:  I'd love them to visit my website and I'd like them to know that my books are also for purchase there. I will give a donation for each book purchased to Global Orphans Project.

To purchase my book on Amazon:


Deanna:  Kim, it's been a joy to have you here today. Readers, feel free to leave a comment, ask Kim a question, and also if you leave a comment and want to be in her drawing, please also be sure to leave your email address so she can contact you should you be the winner! Kim is giving away a signed copy of 'All I Want Is Everything'. Good luck and I hope all of you had fun meeting Kim. She will be around to answer your questions so check back often. Thanks to all of YOU for joining us today!

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Never Surrender - time travel romance excerpt

 
 
Here is a teaser to give you a taste of the book. Do you fall for the heroes you read about? I knoooow!! Me too! LOL Taima is a blue eyed warrior and leader for his tribe. Unknowingly, he's pulled Kate back in time with him but will their personalities keep them apart?






Excerpt of Never Surrender:

Keeping his gaze trained ahead of him, Taima strode past a group of giggling young girls, wishing Ahanu would catch up with him. He needed to talk with Sakima and inform him of Kate’s presence and why she was here, though the older man had probably seen her arrival in one of his visions. Sakima’s knowledge always seemed to astound Taima. For one individual to know so much of what the spirit gods sent their way proved fact enough that Sakima was their chosen shaman.

He sat cross-legged before a fire, wrapped in a buffalo hide. Wise beyond his fifty summers, Sakima’s dark eyes met Taima’s. Their gazes never broke as Taima sat across from him at the fire, next to Ahanu. The three sat in silence for a long time.

“You are troubled, my son.”

Taima looked into the fire, then poked at the glowing embers with a stick. “Noshi...father...capturing the white woman has disturbed memories I would rather not dwell on.”

“Sometimes the spirits know more than we do. Perhaps they think it is time you did dwell on your memories. Perhaps now, it is time to think of the past again.”

Taima gazed into the older warrior’s profound, dark eyes, not wanting to stir his own painful thoughts. “Noshi, please . . .”

The shaman nodded slowly. “Nechan...my son...I, too, have memories of your mother. She came to mean more than life to me. But from the Great Spirits, I’ve learned we must often face the past in order to carry on into our future.”

Taima sighed and stared at the early stars. “Have your Great Spirits advised you how to deal with the sorrow of dredging up what’s better left in the past?” He glanced back at his father, trying to read his thoughts through the seasoned dark eyes that gazed back at him.

“Yes, Nechan...and you will always feel a tug on your heart whenever you think of your wife or mother. But you have dealt with these emotions before and though our group here is small, our people look to you for strength and guidance. You’ve never disappointed them in this task. Now it is your turn to learn to pull strength from those around you.”

This time, Ahanu poked the fire with a twig. Taima watched the tip dig through the glowing embers, feeling his heart burn with pain, as though the coals were within his chest.

He fought against the memories that never disappeared from his thoughts. The vision of his slender wife, her dark eyes gazing from a delicate, oval face, never disappeared from his mind’s eye or the memory of her hair’s silkiness when he ran his fingers through its length, nor the softness of her warm, naked flesh against his own. His heart ached to be with her, something he wished for daily. Because of the white man, he would never again see or touch her...and he could not allow a white woman to replace those thoughts and memories.

The white man had also robbed him of a mother with more tenderness and spirit than three women put together. Her loving blue eyes would forever haunt his dreams.

The fire before him blurred as Taima blinked away the tears that threatened to fall.

Kate was white...and beautiful, but that was not her fault, and he honestly couldn’t hate her for it. What he did not want was to fall in love with her, to have her memory invade his thoughts. Those tender thoughts were reserved only for his wife. He knew he couldn’t be around Kate but to release her into the wilderness after the raid would have been the same as murder.

Ahanu’s wife, Aiyana, could see to her training. Kate would be a needed worker, one to help with the meat and hides of the coming hunt. She would be kept too busy to cause anyone problems, especially him.

“Your anger and hatred are easily read in your eyes, Nechan. You must learn to control your emotions. I, too, am angry at the white man for taking my woman from me.” His father paused a moment before continuing. “How are you going to deal with this new woman?”





I hope I've teased you enough to want a copy of your own! Authors are only as popular as our readers make us so I really need your help to get the word out to other readers. Can I count on your help?  Pretty please? Thank you so much! Feel free to forward this site to your friends. My books are available on my website or Amazon and B & N!


Thursday, July 22, 2010


 Ahoy, mateys!
We're so glad you 
stopped in to join us! 
arrgghhh!





Congratulations - the winner is:  Sue Beckman!!

 

Today we're on location in the South Pacific, surrounded by a sandy beach and palm trees in what I'm sure was, at one time, a bustling pirate cove. Please have a seat on one of the treasure chests in our circle here while we chat with historical author, Marti Melville.





Deanna:  Marti, I'm so thrilled to have you join me and meet all of our readers. You'll be new to some, but that's why I do this...so our readers can add new, exciting authors to their shelves. I know my To Be Read pile is way to high! Now, you write about one of the things I love in historical romances, although I can't put my finger on just what it is I like about pirates. Your career has been as an Emergency Nurse. What caused you to shift to writing a novel?

Marti:  I’ve always loved to write. I have a collection of one-page stories that really are a journal of my life perspective on random events. Writing this novel however, was the highlight.

Deanna: So what was the motivation to write a full novel?

Marti:  I love history and the “story” that creates an individual’s life. I wanted to pass that love of history on to my children and grandchildren. This book was supposed to be the story of my great-great-great (keep going with the “greats”) grandmother but evolved into a different story.

Deanna: What caused the evolution into this story?

Marti:  There is some question as to the last name of one of my great grandfathers. I researched the name in question, looking for a sailor with that same last name, Philip. It was then I stumbled onto the not so famous pirate, Captain John Phillips of the Revenge.

Deanna: Why Captain John Phillips? Why not Blackbeard or another well-known pirate?

Marti:  Well, the first reason is his name which caught my interest. There’s something intriguing about the idea of having a grandfather who was a pirate. John Phillips’ story is just too good to pass up. I’ve said many times, “You just can’t make this stuff up!” His story was my novel waiting to be written.

Deanna: You have to love it when that happens! Your book has been called a paranormal romance and a historical fiction. So which is it?

Marti:  A little of both. I think the reincarnation piece makes the book slide into a paranormal genre. The history is in the story of the Revenge and her crew. All of the male characters, with the exception of Seth, are actual crew members who served under Captain Phillips. He, of course, is an actual pirate who had quite a reputation in the 1700’s Caribbean

Deanna: Are all of the characters in your book based on real people?

Marti:  No. The male characters really lived (except for Seth). However, the female characters are all fictional. Morrigan and her sisters are based on ancient Celtic folklore.

Deanna: "Midnight Omen Deja vu" is an intriguing title. What does it mean?

Marti:  There is one part of the story in which an omen lies on the moon. Deja vu is something everyone experiences at some time or another. It’s the feeling you get when you are in a place or situation that feels keenly familiar, like you’ve been there before. You can gather the title’s meaning now.

Deanna: Your website mentions possible real people you know who your characters are modeled after. Who is Kathyrn?

Marti:  That is true for a few characters but not all. I suspect all authors write about what or who is familiar to them. I am no different. Kathryn is modeled after both my daughters. One daughter has mesmerizing sapphire blue eyes. The other has a feisty personality with long dark hair.

Deanna: So who, then, was your inspiration when you created the persona of Captain John Phillips?
 
Marti:  Ahhh...Captain Phillips’ persona is modeled after someone I know, but just who that is will stay with me.

Deanna: With a nursing career, attending the university and being a single mother to five children, how did you make time to write?

Marti:  I would walk my dogs in the early dusk. By the time we rounded back toward home, the sun would be set and the moon on the rise. It was during those walks that I would plan out each chapter. My laptop would come out and I would put those ideas into words late at night. Frequently, I would get up before anyone else in the house was awake and steal quite moments to write as the sun rose. I love those times!

Deanna: Sounds like the typical writer's life for sure! Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

Marti:  Don’t waste time trying to be perfect at first. Just write, write, write! Get your ideas on paper (on your computer). Write something every day. Talk to other authors and attend writer’s conferences to glean from the experiences of the “experts”. Stay with it and don’t get discouraged.

Deanna: Where and at what events can the public meet you?

Marti:  I will be sharing in the launching party for “Midnight Omen Deja vu” this summer in Salt Lake City (date to follow). On August 7th and 8th, I will be signing books at the Barataria Pirate and Faerie Faire in Sprinfield, Missouri. In September, I will be in Denver for the Buccaneer’s Bash and in October, the Tall Ship’s Festival on Catalina Island, California. There are several other local events in and around Salt Lake as well.

Deanna: Wow! I had no idea you had all that scheduled! How exciting for you; it sounds like a great time. How can the public find out more about these events?

Marti:  All of the events and book signings are listed on my website.

Deanna: Are you available for public speaking engagements or book club meetings?

Marti:  Absolutely! I enjoy the opportunity to spend an evening with readers and authors alike.

Deanna: How is the best way to contact you?

Marti:  I can be reached through my website or by phone at 951-216-4411.

Deanna: Where can we get a copy of "Midnight Omen Deja vu"?

Marti:  Orders are now being taken directly through my publisher, Publish America, on their site. You can also order through my website. Mention this interview in an email to me (martimelville@gmail.com) and receive an additional 10% off your order.

Deanna: Will there be more “Deja vu”?

Marti:  There will always be Deja vu moments. “Midnight Omen Deja vu” is not the last of Captain Phillips and Kathryn.

Deanna: Are you saying there is a sequel?

Marti:  Yes. The sequel is currently being written.

Deanna: Will Kathryn and her pirate Captain be reunited ever again?

Marti:  Perhaps. You never know what can happen in a lifetime (especially in a previous one). I suspect Kathryn will meet her Captain once again but when and how is something you’ll just have to read to find out.

Once again, here are my site links:

My Website            My Blog Site         Publish America       Author's Den

Deanna:  Marti, it's been an absolute pleasure chatting with you. I hope our readers enjoyed your interview but I can't believe they didn't find you fascinating! Thank you so much for your time and for being available to answer questions today.

Readers - Marti is giving away a signed copy of Midnight Omen, a gift card, plus a few other goodies you won't want to miss out on, to one lucky commenter so leave her a comment telling her what you enjoy most about pirate novels! The winner will be drawn Saturday afternoon so be sure to leave your comment! She loves to hear from readers; join in the conversation!

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Blogmania - Sept. 15 & 16



 


Did you participate April 30th? No? This time it has been expanded for TWO days because the response on the 30th was so overwhelming - PLUS - in September we'll have close to 200 blog sites for you! How exciting is that? Now, you need to clear your calendar for these two days so you can hop from one blog to the other, check out the giveaways on the sites and enter if you want a chance to win those items. Some of our blog sites have prize packages of over $500 worth of items they're giving away. Why would you want to miss this chance? Pass this info on to your friends so they can hop, too, and see who wins!

 


As a teaser, I'm proud to announce that my partner sponsor for this event is: Cowgirl Chocolates!

 



 


I'd like to thank them for coming on board with me for this fantastic event. I happened to be lucky enough to taste their latest flavors of SPICY chocolates! OMG! If you love hot, spicy foods and chocolate...then you are going to LOVE this taste sensation. Their spicy chocolates, caramels and truffles are to die for; I kid you not! I've posted their logo and link on the left over there. Click their site and check them out. Better yet, place your order and they'll ship it right to your door! A chocolate lover couldn't ask for an easier way to get their fix!

 


I'll be giving away a prize package to FOUR lucky winners for the September event and yes, chocolate is a part of the prize package but you'll have to come back on September 15 to see what is up for grabs. Remember, there are 200 sites, each with a minimum of $100 in prize packages. Some are giving away multiple prizes so you're going to want to be a part of this. You certainly could win more than one. I'm told these will post about 12:05 am EST for those who want to take full advantage of the 48 hour event. If you want to keep tabs on what's happening, you can visit a few sites: FaceBook Blogmania, Book Blogs Blogmania, Blogmania Event, or search the net for other Blogmania links to find out more.

 


Here is a word from our PR dept at Blogmania:

 


Blogmania bloggers are all about building relationships - between our blogs, our cherished readers, the online community and business owners. We value each other's opinion as we all are endeavoring to make the best choices for our home life. So it seemed natural to partner up with The Lane Real Estate Team and Breebee's blog to bring you our first ever twitter and blog blast party.

 


The Lane Real Estate Team is all about building relationships through communities - specializing in Kennewick Homes for Sale. And Bree is a blogger - and a mom - trying to think outside of the box and help build community ties in NW Columbus OH via her Kid event website! Our other twitter party sponsors also offer items to help strengthen and maintain relationships - from stationary to hand stamped sentiments.

 


Our Party Theme: "Building toward Blogmania with The Lane Real Estate Team" [http://www.joelane.com/]

 


Pass the word, share my site link, tell your friends and maybe the participant count will be over 15-20,000 hoppers! Let's help make this the biggest NET event to explode the internet highway!

 


We can do it!

 


How many 'Like' votes can we get below? Like this post? Click it for me!



 

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Author Interview - Nicola Cornick



 
Drawing Winner is:  Sue B - Congrats!


Thank you for joining us today to chat with Nicola Cornick, Regency romance author from the UK. We are both pleased that you stopped in with so many other sites out there loaded with information. We’re on location in the parlour at a local English castle and glad you joined us dressed in the Regency period gowns. You all look fabulous! Please help yourself to refreshments, chocolate covered strawberries and the champagne fountain is bottomless!




Nicola:  First of all, thank you very much indeed for inviting me to your blog! I am very excited to be here!

Deanna:  Nicola, I love anything English and love the historical romances so I'm delighted you're here...and your accent is fun to listen to. Tell us a bit about yourself that our readers might not know.

Nicola:  Something about me that readers might not know… Well, one of my passions is traveling particularly if I discover places I might use as settings for my books. I have driven myself across Africa and Central America, I’ve climbed a volcano in Iceland and I’ve encountered polar bears in the Arctic!

 Deanna:  I didn’t know you’d done all that! How exciting, that’s a lot of travel and adventure for sure. What's all the commotion about? Someone new has joined our party! Oh my, he is sure to keep the ladies company today!


Nicola:  That's Alex, the hero from my next novel. He said he might stop by today. He's absolutely charming in his Navy uniform and looking a bit unshaven I'm afraid.

Deanna:  That doesn't seem to matter in the least!

Nicola: (holding up her fan and leaning toward Deanna) He's been travelling across country from the coast for several days. He looks a bit rough and ready to be in a lady's parlour since wrestling polar bears is more his thing. But he's frightfully charming so he will soon soothe the ruffled sensibilities that his unexpected arrival has caused. Plus he's Scottish so they will love his accent!

Deanna: He's on his way over here, Nicola. Now yes, he is definitely easy on the eyes.

Alex:  Nicola, how nice to see you here. I said I'd stop by when I arrived and I came straight to your party. I do hope that is agreeable. May I say, you do look ravishing today!

Nicola:   Alex, you are a charmer. I'm glad you stopped in. They all wanted to meet you. This is Deanna.

Alex:  My pleasure to meet you. I don't wish to interfere in the interview so I'll wait at the refreshment table until you finish. As I promised, I'll stay and chat with all of you later. Deanna...(Alex nodded before heading to take refreshments)

Deanna:  (fluttering my fan) He IS a distraction. How'd you get any writing done? Oh my! Now where were we? Sorry ladies, you can chat with him shortly, we promise! Nicola, did something happen that made you want to become a writer?

Nicola:  I became a writer by accident really. It was never a conscious decision and gradually my hobby took over from my day job. I was an only child and read a lot and also I was an observer. I love people watching. Characters fascinate me. And like so many other people I have had my share of difficult emotional experiences to cope with in life, which I find myself drawing on to give depth to characters and situations.

Deanna:  Do you write under a pen name?

Nicola:  No. Right from the start I used my own name.

Deanna:  Is there a certain type of character that is easier to write than another?

Nicola:  Ooh, interesting question! I like that. I do find that I tend to gravitate towards writing very honourable heroes, probably because I admire men with the qualities of strength and courage and integrity. My editor frequently tells me my heroes are too nice and I have to go back and give them more edge. Generally, though, I enjoy exploring all sorts of different characters in my writing.

Deanna:  Do you read in the same genre that you write in?

Nicola:  Yes! There are a lot of Regency historical authors that I enjoy reading very much. I never read their books when I’m writing though. I read them as treats when I have finished a manuscript! When I’m writing I read historical biography (at the moment I’m reading about Bess of Hardwick, the second most powerful woman in Elizabethan England). I also enjoy historical fiction, crime novels and thrillers.


Deanna:  Bess was indeed an interesting woman. Why did you choose to write in the Regency genre?  What was the draw for you?

Nicola:  I love the Regency period because it was a time of huge changes and contrasts, with all the glamour and squalor of the Georgian period merging into an age of massive change in politics, arts and technology. You have the high society and the underworld and all shades of people and backgrounds between. So much to explore as a writer!

Deanna:  What do you believe are the most important ingredients in a historical romance novel?

Nicola:  I think that the relationship between the hero and heroine needs to be really strong. They must be people with compelling backgrounds and pasts. I like the story to be set against an interesting historical background as well. Authentic historical detail is important to me as are humour and adventure, and I enjoy novels that explore the less familiar aspects of a period.

Deanna:  Which aspect of your research do you enjoy the most?

Nicola:  I love traveling to places like Scotland for my research. That’s no hardship! I absolutely love visiting country houses and historic sites and draw on them heavily for inspiration. To be honest, I like everything about historical research, from visiting costume museums to trying my hand at driving a carriage!

Deanna:  Do you listen to music when you write?

Nicola:  I don’t actually listen to anything when I write because I can’t work well with noise around me, but for each book I have a song or series of songs that sum up for me the theme of the book or the characters. I often post about this on my blog and website.

Deanna:  I know you’re on FaceBook and you have a newsletter they can sign up for on your website. Where else can readers find you and your books?

Nicola:  My website is at www.nicolacornick.co.uk and my blog, where I chat about history and writing is www.apassionforhistory.blogspot.com  I also blog with the Word Wenches at www.wordwenches.com and I love nothing more than chatting with readers about books, writing, history, and anything else we like!

Deanna: Thank you so much for allowing us an insight to you as an author. I love introducing authors to readers who may not have read you yet. We get quite a few comments telling us they’re glad they found another new author!





Nicola is doing a giveaway on Saturday and will pull the winner from those who leave a comment here. The winner will receive a signed set of the Brides of Fortune trilogy. The rules are listed below and please feel free to ask Nicola a question or two, she’ll be around Thursday and Friday to chat with you! Oh, don't forget Alex is around here somewhere also!

Contest Comment Rules: Tell us in your comment here which book won the 2009 Cover Cafe Contest? (Hint, visit her website, in a new window, for the answer then come back here) Be sure to leave your email addy so Nicola can contact the winner.