Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Garden Dreaming and the New Year~

Here it is the dead of winter and I'm already dreaming about next summer's garden. If only this place weren't infested with rabbits. I feel like Elmer Fudd. If I want a garden, I've got to get serious about my rabbit problem.



Seems brutal, I know. But when you're driving down the driveway early in the morning and you see jackrabbits the size of small dogs running from your garden patch, you know sh*t just got real.  All I really want are some tomatoes and a couple of squash. Is that too much to ask?? I just gave up last summer, hoping the winter would kill them off, but it doesn't seem to be happening.



I've got the most amazing salsa recipe! And an Italian friend gave me an awesome pasta sauce recipe. I just want to grow the tomatoes. So here I am, trying to draw plans for a rabbit-proof garden, which I'm thinking is basically a rabbit-proof cage for vegetables.  If you've got ideas, I'm all ears!! And I have a few months to get it figured out.

Where's Wile E. Coyote when you need him?


Monday, December 21, 2015

A Reading Year in Review~

Happy Winter Solstice!



I've been reading up a storm this year. I've read 24 books, if you count A Christmas Carol, which is more of a long, short story. I know there are lots of readers who go through way more than 24 books in a year, but it's more than I've read in a long time. I made a concerted effort to read diverse literature with diverse protagonists or by under represented authors. Some of the books I enjoyed and others I didn't, but I still feel like I learned something from each book, even if it was just what I don't like in a book. Many of the books featured young protagonists, but not all were classified as Young Adult. Here are some of the best:

Books that Moved Me:

All the Light We cannot See by Anthony Doerr - while technically not YA, the book features two young people, a blind French girl and a poor German boy, living through World War II. Heartbreakingly beautiful work.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie - about a young Spokane tribal member growing up on a rural reservation in Washington State. Funny at times, but heartbreaking too.

Books that Made Me Think:

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot taught me a lot about genetics and tissue sampling I didn't know and actually made it fascinating.

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jaqueline Woodson  and I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou were two memoirs I read, both about young girls growing up during pivotal points in history. They shared so much in common, I wrote a blog about it here.

Books That Made me Laugh:

None really, which makes me think maybe 2016 should be the Year of Funny Books. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens warmed my heart. If you've never actually read it, you should. I'd never read it before and it's absolutely charming. It's rather amazing that the moral of a story published in 1843, that wealth alone cannot bring you happiness in this life, is still a universal truth people need to hear today.

On this shortest day of the year, I'd like to close by wishing all readers, both young and old, will find real, true, lasting peace in their lives. Many thanks to my readers and reviewers. I wish you all the best for 2016~  Happy Reading!



Monday, November 30, 2015

Book Club Discussion Questions for Vessel



I recently crafted a short list of discussion questions about Vessel that are suitable for book clubs, book reviewers,  bloggers, and anyone else who likes to think about and/or discuss fiction. These are only to get the conversation started, but here’s what I’ve got:

1.   A catastrophic solar storm destroyed all electrical devices on Earth in Vessel. Do you think the human race could survive such an event? How?
   
2. In the future world of Vessel, Alana is a slave. We know slavery has been around for a long time and is still going on today. Could slavery ever be eradicated or is it part of the human condition forever?

3. Kinder behaves in strange ways throughout the story of Vessel. Do you believe his motives are benevolent or malevolent?

4. In Vessel, the Reticents “teach” their students by implanting a microchip in their brains and downloading information. Do you think such a thing might be possible one day? Why or why not?

5. Recks asks Alana at one point in the story where she wants to live. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?

6. What do you think happens in the sequel to Vessel?

Obviously, there’s no right or wrong answer to these questions. They’re meant to spark discussion, but I’ll give you my take on the answers.

1. Since I wrote the book, it’s probably already clear I think there’s a chance humans could survive a solar storm, but I think life would return to more of a hunting and gathering lifestyle. Things we take for granted, like modern medicine and life-saving drugs, would disappear. As a result, a lot of us would perish. There are many places that would be difficult to live without a reliable power source in the winter, which might favor people living closer to the equator. I also think its possible small pockets of humans could survive in very different regions, totally isolated and unaware of each other.

2. Regarding slavery, it seems like it’s been around in one form or another for a very long time. I wish I could say it could be eradicated, but it’s hard to see how.

3. Kinder was a fun character to write for several reasons. You never quite know what he’s up to or if he’s even a threat at all. He’s not 100% honest with anyone in the book.

4. Implanting a memory chip in your brain would be handy, don’t you think? Seems like it would be impossible, but scientists are already implanting electrodes in people to help stimulate paralysis victims’ muscles. I’ve even heard of studies where electrodes have been used to stimulate the brain to improve cognitive ability. I’d say anything is possible where human ingenuity is involved.

5. If I could live anywhere at all and money was no object, it would be on a beach, preferable a warm one with lots of tide pools, colorful fish, and gorgeous sunsets.

6. The story definitely continues after the events of Vessel, but that’s all I’ve got to say about that!

If you haven't read Vessel yet, you can find it on Amazon~

Sunday, November 22, 2015

Giving thanks~


It's been a crazy-busy year for me with lots of good happenings, but with set backs too.

My family and I were able to travel this year and had a lovely time.  My garden suffered terribly due to voles and rabbits. It produced almost nothing.

I worked very hard on publishing and writing this year - Vessel was published by a small press, and I self-published The Color of Water and a print version of Storyteller.  I also finished writing two new books and a rough draft of a third. I've queried far and wide, but no takers so far.

I've seen friends get married, welcome new babies, and say goodbye to loved ones forever this year. I've seen things in the news on television/radio/social media that make me question the sanity of the human race sometimes. It's troubling, but that's life. Change comes to all things and all beings. It's not necessarily good or bad; it just is.

Autumn is a natural time of change and it seems fitting that we take this time to think of the good in our lives and to give thanks for it. I wish you a season of love, the warmth of home and family, and above all, peace in your heart and in the world~


Sunday, November 15, 2015

Fantastical thinking~


I've been reading a high fantasy novel series lately. While I'm enjoying it, I'm struck by the amount of killing in it. The protagonist is a fifteen year old girl, but she acts like an adult so it bascially reads like adult fantasy.

The story actually jumps around several characters' points of view, all of whom are involved in life threatening situations that require fighting and lots of killing. One of the characters is a professional assassin that's apparently killed hundreds of men and continues to do so in these books. And of course, there are large battle scenes described in great detail, which again result in lots of deaths. 

Maybe I'm just not accustom to this kind of fantasy, but the level of killing is getting a little distracting and I find myself skimming past the chapters that describe the battles. They really aren't developing any characters anyway. Is it just me that finds all the battling and descriptions of killing a thousand different ways a bit dull after awhile?

What kind of fantasy do you like to read? Is the gore a necessary element? Does it come from the video game/role playing realm? I'd really like to know.

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Claire Daly: Reluctant Soul Saver by Michele Brouder ~ Blog Tour


Welcome to my stop on the Reluctant Soul Saver Blog Tour!
Please read on down the page to learn more about the book and the author~

~About the Book~

Claire Daly: Reluctant Soul Saver by Michele Brouder
Publication Date: September 2015
Genre: YA, Paranormal Romance


When seventeen year-old librarian wannabe Claire Daly is dragged kicking, screaming and cursing from everything she loves—her mam, her cozy Irish village and the dreamy boy next door—to take up arms in the battle of good versus evil, she learns the hard way that sometimes you don’t get to choose your own destiny, destiny chooses you.

Claire’s life plan is simple: head off to university to get her degree in library studies, summon up the courage to tell her best friend Chas that she loves him and live happily ever after. She never once entertained the idea that she might possess divine powers, that she might be predestined to battle Hell’s demons, or, to complicate matters further, that another love of many lives past might turn up on her doorstep. But life doesn’t always go as planned, and when a co-worker is viciously attacked by a demon and her own family threatened, Claire must face the truth: she is called to a higher purpose and has no choice but to answer. Claire sets aside her dreams and begins learning how to deal with the Unholy once and for all. Armed with only a crash course in soul saving and her wits, she gears up for the ultimate show down in Hell. But will it be enough?

Find Claire Daly on Goodreads~

Purchase Links:
BAM | Amazon | B&N | TBD

Don't miss the .99 Countdown Deal on Amazon from Nov. 12-19!


~About the Author~


I was born in western New York, the oldest of 5. I've loved reading since I was very little. From the age of 9, I've wanted to be a writer. In high school, I wrote a lot of angst-ridden civil war dramas ala Gone With The Wind, knowing more about the Battle of the Bull Run than a normal teenager should know. I dabbled in writing after that but didn't get serious about it until 2006, when I decided that this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
I've had many interesting jobs but my passion has always been writing.
I lived in Ireland from 2006-2013 with my husband and 2 boys. We moved back to the US and settled in Florida briefly (2 years) before returning back to Ireland in August 2015.


Connect with the Author:  Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest

Enter the giveaway!
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Giveaway Information: Contest ends December 4, 2015
· One (1) winner will received a $25 Amazon Gift Card, a copy of Claire Daly: Reluctant Soul Saver, a book mark, a coffee mug, and some other stuff for 'readers' from the author (INT)
· Three (3) winners will receive a copy of Claire Daly: Reluctant Soul Saver by Michele Brouder (INT)


~Author Guest Post~

I asked Claire to tell us a bit about what inspired her book. This is what she said:

There was so much 'superhero' fiction out there- Harry Potter, Percy Jackson series, Skulduggery Pleasant to name a few. I suppose I was reading all of these books because of my son, who wouldn't have particularly been drawn to a girl (yuck) series. I started thinking about how I wanted to read about a girl with her own set of superpowers and I wanted her to be Irish (after all, it is where I live, it was my way of saying thank you to my adopted homeland). I wanted to read something along those lines.
· the main theme of good vs. evil on all levels, the battle within ourselves to do what is right even if it means sacrificing something that is important to us and of course the ongoing of good vs. evil on a much bigger scale

· faith - how faith can grow where there is none and how it can shine in a very dark hour

· loyalty - to the people we love: family & friends

· how you can make a connection with some people and it makes you feel like you've known them since before forever

· how humor can be it's own weapon: to protect yourself and to disarm other people


Monday, October 26, 2015

That Spooky Time of Year~




Of all the holidays, I think Halloween is my very favorite. I love the magical, fantastical element of it. I love ghost stories, spooky Gothic tales, and even the odd paranormal romance here and there. It's no surprise the first book I wrote begins in October, just before Halloween. I think I might have started writing it at that time of year too. Fall is an inspiring time to me. It's a time of change - the leaves on the trees change color, the nights grow cooler, and the sky becomes gloomy, foreshadowing the shorter days to come. The long winter's night is coming.

I thought I'd take this opportunity to share some of my favorite spooky books with you. I'm not crazy about horror, but I do love me some creepy suspense. If you need any reading recommendations this Halloween, pull up a chair.



One of my all time favorites is Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. If you aren't familiar with it, it's the story of a young woman who's hired as a governess and goes to live and work in an old mansion called Thornfield. Thornfield is creepy. Her boss, Mr. Rochester, is creepy. His secret in the attic is even creepier, but Jane is absolutely fearless. She's a fabulous character.

I recently read Who R U Really? by Margo Kelly about a girl who faces an Internet stalker. It gave me the creeps so bad I almost had to put it down. Stalkers are a special kind of awful. Yikes!

Another book I've read within the last year is Fingers in the Mist by O'dell Hutchison about a girl who goes to live with her dad and finds herself in a creepsville cult. Thanks a lot, Dad!! You could have warned her. Geesh!

Another author who seems to have a special brand of creepy is Neil Gaiman. Try The Graveyard Book about a boy raised by ghosts in a cemetery. It's a beautiful little story. That and The Ocean at the End of the Lane have a wonderful, fantastical element I love reading. Not terrifying, but weird, scary, and even touching in a fun way. Gaiman is simply enchanting.

For a creature feature, I recommend The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker. These aren't your usual vampire/werewolf type monsters and they aren't out to kill everyone, but they are supernatural beings in trouble. I bet you never read a book about either, have you? Put two star-crossed, supernatural creatures together in turn of the century New York City, and what's not to like? It's a unique tale with a wonderful historical flavor.

So there's a few options for your spooky reading enjoyment. Grab a warm, fuzzy throw blanket, your favorite hot beverage, a great book, and enjoy your Halloween!

Sunday, October 18, 2015

Spooky Story for Halloween~





In celebration of the upcoming All Hallow's Eve, I thought I'd share an excerpt from my newest paranormal novella The Color of Water. Set on the North Carolina coast, it's the story of Samantha who loses her dad at sea and finds herself trying to protect her mom from a supernatural beast most everyone else believes is a real human. Enjoy~



~from Chapter 8~



On the sidewalk in front of us, a man leaned on an iron fence, half hidden in a bougainvillea vine. I smelled him before I could really see him, a weird mix of pipe smoke and alcohol and something salty like seaweed. The silky voice told me who it was before he leaned forward into the light of a nearby house.

“Pardon me, miss. Didn’t mean to frighten you,” he said, reaching out two nut brown hands to Karla. As Teach caught her hands in his own, I saw a tattoo on his forearm in the moonlight – a blue demon stabbing a heart across his rippling muscle. He gently steadied Karla, ignoring me.

“It’s fine,” Karla said. “I should watch where I’m going.”

Teach stood there, holding onto Karla’s hands, staring deep into her eyes like a lover. No one was allowed to look at my mom like that, not while I was standing there.

“Do you mind taking your paws off my mother?” I said, forgetting any warning Matt might have given me.

“I’m only trying to help,” he said, releasing her finally. “Perhaps I can make it up to you?”

“No really, its fine,” insisted Karla, trying to move past him. He caught her by the shoulders, holding her close to him.

“Can I see you again?” he begged in an urgent whisper.

“Let her go, you creep!” I yelled.

“A little something to remember me by,” he purred in her ear, a chunky gold bracelet emerging from his jacket pocket draped across his thick fingers. I was sure it was the exact same bracelet I pitched in the ocean weeks ago. He moved to lay it over her wrist. Without thinking, I snatched it away.

“Run Karla!” I yelled as I pushed my mom’s shoulder. She took off toward home as Teach turned his eyes to me. Even in the dim moonlight, I could see his crazy eyes, aqua blue like some stormy Caribbean Sea.

“Give it back, Samantha,” he said like a parent to a naughty child, patient but annoyed.

“How do you know my name?” I stalled.

“I know many things about you. I know you foolishly meddle in things you know nothing about, for instance,” he said, moving toward me, his eyes locked on mine. His words stung me.

“What is this thing?” I said, holding up the chain. If it wasn’t Louise’s bracelet, it was just like it. “Do you give it all the women you plan to kill?”

Teach laughed, a low chuckle, still coming toward me as I backed away, stumbling over the cracked sidewalk into the street.

“You might say that,” he admitted. “But I don’t give it to anyone who doesn’t welcome it.”

“Who welcomes death?”

“You’re young. I wouldn’t expect you to understand. Now give it to me,” his tone growing more insistent. I held the bracelet behind my back.

“Not until you promise to leave my mother alone,” I said, my voice quivering like a leaf in the wind. The energy radiating off Teach now burned my skin, like standing too close to an open fire.

“I don’t make bargains with little girls. What’s mine is mine,” he snarled, his skin tightening over his skull and then evaporating to reveal the bones underneath. His blue eyes burned like coals in the darkness, inhuman and unnatural. The heat felt like it would scorch my eyebrows off. I fell as he swung at me, screaming.


Happy Halloween!!

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

The Minotaur Blog Tour



Welcome my stop on the Minotaur Blog Tour! Be sure to scroll down and read the author's guest post about what inspired him to write the book.


~ABOUT MINOTAUR~



Minotaur by Phillip W. Simpson

Publication Date: September 29, 2015

Publisher: Month9Books


“Where shall I start?” asked Minotaur.

Ovid made an expansive gesture with both hands. “Where else but the beginning of course.”

Minotaur nodded his huge head. “Yes,” he said. “Yes,” his eyes already glazing over with the weight of thousand year old memories. And then he began.

So begins the story of Asterion, later known as Minotaur, the supposed half bull creature of Greek legend. Recorded by the famous Roman poet, Ovid, Asterion tells of his boyhood in Crete under the cruel hand of his stepfather Minos, his adventures with his friend, Theseus, and his growing love for the beautiful Phaedra.And of course what really happened in the labyrinth.

This is the true story of the Minotaur.


~ABOUT PHILLIP W. SIMPSON~



Phillip W. Simpson is the author of many novels, chapter books and other stories for children. His publishers include Macmillan, Penguin, Pearson, Cengage, Raintree and Oxford University Press.

He received both his undergraduate degree in Ancient History and Archaeology and his Masters (Hons) degree in Archaeology from the University of Auckland.

Before embarking on his writing career, he joined the army as an officer cadet, owned a comic shop and worked in recruitment in both the UK and Australia.

His first young adult novel, Rapture (Rapture Trilogy #1), was shortlisted for the Sir Julius Vogel Awards for best Youth novel in 2012.

He is represented by Vicki Marsdon at Wordlink literary agency.

When not writing, he works as a school teacher.

Phillip lives and writes in Auckland, New Zealand with his wife Rose, their son, Jack and their two border terriers, Whiskey and Raffles. He loves fishing, reading, movies, football (soccer) and single malt Whiskeys.

Connect with the Author: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway Information: Contest ends October 23, 2015
- Five (5) winners will receive a digital copy of Minotaur by Phillip W. Simpson (INT)

~Author Guest Post~

I’ve always been fascinated by monsters, an interest and love nurtured by countless books on myth and legend. My focus was always ancient Greece and in particular, their monsters.

History (or ancient history) is written by the victors. The story of Theseus and the Minotaur was disseminated by the Athenians who were the most powerful city state in Greece after the fall of Crete. Why then wouldn’t they paint their hero Theseus in the best possible light and the Minotaur as some horrible monster?

My latest YA historical novel, Minotaur, is a reimagining of the ancient myth. Did the Minotaur exist? If so, was he the monster that the myths insist he was? I like stories about underdogs, particularly ones from their perspective and this is Asterion’s (Minotaur’s story) told in first person perspective to the Roman historian, Ovid.

In terms of my journey as a writer, I submitted stories to magazines when I was a boy but never got anywhere. My teachers always thought I’d do something writing related as I was such an avid reader and did pretty well in the subject.

I completed a BA in Ancient History and Archaeology and an MA in Archaeology. I joined the army as an officer cadet. I then completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Museum Studies. I worked as a curator and archaeologist before travelling overseas. I fell into the I.T and banking recruitment sector in London and then Australia. It was when I was in Australia that I started writing fiction 15 years ago.

I was in my late 20’s then. I travelled a lot and used to email my escapades back to my friends. A few of these friends told me I should write a novel. I did just that, hiring a cabin in the woods (Wollombi, Australia) from my brother. But the novel (adult sci-fi) wasn’t very good.

I then completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Teaching and have been teaching for 13 years now. I started writing kid’s fiction to be used in schools. The publishers I work for like the fact that I’m a teacher and writer. It’s also good practice for writing novels.

I’ve had over fifty chapter books and four young adult novels published. My first young adult novel, Rapture (Rapture Trilogy #1), was shortlisted for the Sir Julius Vogel Awards for best Youth novel in 2012. Minotaur is actually my sixth novel. At the writing of this, I have just completed my eighth novel as part of my Masters in Creative Writing. This one is also a Young Adult novel based on Greek myth.



Monday, October 5, 2015

The Fact behind the Fiction of The Color of Water


Everyone's heard of Blackbeard, right? The terrible pirate? Hollywood staple pirate character? But did you know that Blackbeard was a real person named Edward Teach? I remember as a kid thinking he was just a cartoon-ish character and being amazed to learn he was real. You can read all about him on Wikipedia.  Born in 1680, he only lived to be about 35 or 40 years old because he was finally captured and beheaded in 1718. Perhaps because it was so long ago, he's become the stuff of legends? Even his flag is kinda creepy.


The ghost of Blackbeard is the main baddie in my new novella The Color of Water. He was such delicious fun to write, re-imagined as a modern day biker. Here's a sneak peek of my heroine, Samantha, unexpectedly seeing Blackbeard, aka Teach, on the streets of Beaufort ~


    The summer sun was still hot enough to make me sweat, but it was cooling down as the shadows got longer. The rain had left steamy puddles along the sidewalks, but the sky was clearing just like Matt said it would. Seeing nothing unusual at the Queen Ann’s, I kept walking, turning down an alley to avoid all the tourists on Front Street. That’s where I saw them – a man and a woman having a hella fight in the alley. My heart jumped up into my throat when I realized it was Harley man – Teach.

    I ducked behind a dumpster and tried to blend into the back of a building. It didn’t seem to matter to Teach and his lady friend because their screaming argument suddenly dissolved into a groping, kissing thing. I couldn’t stop staring at them. Teach’s beefy, tattooed arms wrapped the woman like an octopus’s tentacles, his fingers snaking through her God-awful, red-orange dye job. She didn’t seem to mind. She kissed him like she was starving and he was a steak dinner. After coming up for air, they stumbled back inside the building.

    I saw the door was printed with ‘No one under 21 admitted’ as I hurried past. If he was going to kill her, he would have done it right there, wouldn’t he? I resolved not to tell Matt about it, since he obviously didn’t want me anywhere near Teach. I didn’t want to risk making him mad again. I picked up my pace, running a few blocks so I wouldn’t be late.


You can find The Color of Water in print and ebook on Amazon and Goodreads! Enjoy~

Thursday, October 1, 2015

YA Scavenger Hunt Strikes again! #YASH


Hey! Welcome to my stop on the YA Scavenger Hunt Trail!


YA_ScavengerHunt_WebBanner


This bi-annual event was first organized by author Colleen Houck as a way to give readers a chance to gain access to exclusive bonus material from their favorite authors…and a chance to win some awesome prizes! At this hunt, you not only get access to exclusive content from each author, you also get a clue for the hunt. Add up the clues, and you can enter for our prize–one lucky winner will receive one signed book from each author on the hunt in my team! But play fast: this contest (and all the exclusive bonus material) will only be online for 72 hours!

Go to the YA Scavenger Hunt page to find out all about the hunt. There are EIGHT contests going on simultaneously, and you can enter one or all! I am a part of the TEAM PINK–but there is also a red team, a gold team, an orange team, a teal team, a purple team, a green team, and a blue team for a chance to win a whole different set of signed books!

Team Pink
If you’d like to find out more about the hunt, see links to all the authors participating, and see the full list of prizes up for grabs, go to the YA Scavenger Hunt page.

***THE SCAVENGER HUNT FINE PRINT***
Directions: Below, you’ll notice that I’ve listed my favorite number. Collect the favorite numbers of all the authors on the indie team, and then add them up (don’t worry, you can use a calculator!).
Entry Form: Once you’ve added up all the numbers, make sure you fill out the form here to officially qualify for the grand prize. Only entries that have the correct number will qualify.

Rules: Open internationally, anyone below the age of 18 should have a parent or guardian’s permission to enter. To be eligible for the grand prize, you must submit the completed entry form by October 4, at noon Pacific Time. Entries sent without the correct number or without contact information will not be considered.

scavengerhunt450

LET THE HUNT BEGIN!

~MEET KELSEY KETCH, AUTHOR OF NAME OF RA~
During her high school years, Kelsey Ketch could always be found tucked away in a little corner of the hall or classroom, writing her fantasy worlds and creating illustrations and maps. Today is no different, except now she’s writing in the break room at her office building or at the tables of the Barnes and Noble Café in Cary, North Carolina. She is also an avid reader, a part-time book blogger at Ketch’s Book Nook, and lives with her two orange tabbies and awesome and humorous flat-mate. Daughter of Isis is her debut novel.

For more information, please visit her site at kelseyketch.com.

~ABOUT NAME OF RA~

Name of Ra (Descendants of Isis #3)“Set has risen.”

After being on the run from a psychotic cult for a week, Natara “Natti” Stone has finally come to realize she and Seth are the only two people standing between the Sons of Set and the secret name of Ra. Holding a part of the key that unlocks Ra’s power, they relocate to a more isolated location in the California mountains. While laying low, Natti becomes even more determined to understand her mother’s bloodline and her blessing from the goddess, Isis. But when she starts seeing the truth behind her destiny, she begins to doubt her role in the events that are about to unfold.

Then the unthinkable happens . . .

All Seth O’Keefe wanted was to get Natti as far away from his father and the Sons of Set as possible. Unfortunately, after hearing of Natti’s destiny from Isis’s own lips, he realizes they have bigger issues to worry about. Especially when one stupid slip up leads the god of chaos himself straight to their doorstep. Now Natti is the god’s prisoner, and Set holds the key to unlocking the location of the secret name of Ra. Can Seth save Natti from her own destiny and thwart the demented god’s rise to power?

*Note: Content for Upper YA*


~DAUGHTER OF ISIS~
Start the series with DAUGHTER OF ISIS, only 99 cents!
Daughter of Isis  (Descendants of Isis #1)

AMAZON

~SNEAK PEEK~


Seth flexed his stiff fingers from their white-knuckle grip on the steering wheel. He couldn’t believe he didn’t think of this before. He had been so focused on getting Natti out of California—and out of the country—that he didn’t think to hide right under his father’s nose. Best of all, the cabin would provide everything they need, including a place to train. Perfect, per Natti’s latest request. Though honestly, he wasn’t exactly happy with the agreement. It might be selfish, but he wanted to be the one she turned to for protection. He wanted to be her savior. It was her touch that changed his mind, enveloping him in the cold hard truth of their situation.
The same thing had occurred before, back in the Death Valley tomb. Back when she was putting her life in danger, and in his rage, he threatened to wipe her memory if she didn’t obey. A stupid threat made when his temper and beast were unhinged. He was now thankful her touch had saved her from his rage. That it forced him to see what was meant to be. It prevented him from making the biggest mistake of his life.
Glancing at his mother’s ankh, Seth’s thoughts turned over to the other three women he failed in the past couple of weeks. None of them had a chance against his father’s power. He had no control over his mother’s death. Mandy’s fate had been helped along by his charm, ripening her mind for the taking. And then there was Ashley, a lamb Seth had unknowingly led to the slaughter. His grip tightened even more on the steering wheel. If teaching Natti how to defend herself meant the difference between life and death, then there was no reason to argue the point. Besides, it might actually be fun making her work her pretty little butt off for a change.
He glanced over at Natti, a mischievous smile twitching at the corners of his lips. She was studying the flail for the eighth time during the seven-hour drive from Nevada. Her slender fingers gently tracing the few lines of hieroglyphics carved into the staff. That intense focus and the twinkle in her eye when she lost herself to the magic and mystery of the ancient symbols were just two of the things he loved about her.
“Would you put that down for a minute?” Seth half-laughed, taking the flail from her—which felt oddly warm to the touch—and placing it in the back seat with the one bag of groceries they’d picked up on the way. Just the basics: bread, milk, butter, eggs, tea . . . The cabin would be stocked up with any other shelf food and drinks they might need. “You’ve been staring at it on and off for most of the trip.”
Natti offered him a weak smile. “Sorry. I’m kind of dying to know what it says. After everything that happened, I’m curious where Ra’s secret name might be hidden.”
Seth flinched and grimaced in guilt. He hadn’t told her about the prophecy. That she was destined to be the one to carry the power of Ra, and there were two completely divergent paths her life could go in: to either destroy Set or rule by his side. Neither were exactly what Seth wanted for her. He wanted to create a third path. One where she was entirely his. No gods. No flail. No secret name. Just him and Natti, on the road and on the run.
“I promise I’ll translate it once we’re settled in.”
“And where is it exactly that you’re taking me?” She glanced around at the changing landscape.
Seth looked out the window, taking in the barren mountains, bush-like vegetation, and a few palm trees. Almost every single house was visible from the road. The ones that weren’t, lay beyond a long, hidden driveway surrounded by thick bush-like trees.
“A place called Springville,” he replied. “There’s a cabin just outside of town.”
Natti’s tension instantly relaxed. “And Sean won’t find for us there?”
Seth shrugged. “My father never took an interest in where I went or what I did, unless it interfered with my training. He never asked, I never told.”
Natti’s eyes were filled with pity when they flashed his way. Honestly, she shouldn’t bother. She came from a caring family filled with love and concern. And sure, even some of the Sons actually took an interest in their kids’ lives, like Jacob with Q and Mikael with Ky. But in general, the Sons only cared about themselves.
That was just his life.


Add up all the favorite numbers of the authors on Team Pink and you’ll have the secret code to enter for the grand prize! I've always been pretty good at keeping secrets.
I could probably tell you 8 secrets right now. ;)


YASH PINK TEAM 2015

Welcome to my stop on the Black Beauty Tour




Black Beauty

by Constance Burris


ISBN: 978-1515275893, 1515275892
Publisher: Self-Published
Pages: 182
Genre: YA/Fantasy/Horror


~About the Book~


At Vista Apartment Complex, life drastically changes for four of its residents when they decide to do business with Crazy Jade—the supposed voodoo witch who can grant your wish for a price.

Shemeya wants the confidence to stand up against the girls bullying her at school, but she soon has to choose between keeping her dreadlocs or living a normal life. After catching her boyfriend cheating, Latreece just wants to have the same curves as all the other girls. Ashley will do whatever she can to have “White Girl Flow”, but takes her pursuit too far when she steals from Crazy Jade.

Everyone who comes into contact with Crazy Jade soon learns the true price of her magic—and how horribly wrong it can go.


~Find Black Beauty Online~

Amazon: Purchase Link

Itunes: Purchase Link

Barnes & Noble: Purchase Link

Goodreads: Connect about it on Goodreads!

Book Depository: Pick up internationally!










~About the Author~ 


Constance Burris is on a journey to take over the world through fantasy, horror, and science fiction. Her mission is to spread the love of speculative fiction to the masses. She is a proud blerd (black nerd), mother, and wife. When she is not writing and spending time with her family, she is working hard as an environmental engineer in Oklahoma City.
Author Links

Website: Official Blog

Facebook: Constance Burris

Twitter: @constanceburris

Goodreads: Author Profile

Amazon: Author Profile



There is a tour wide giveaway for the book tour of Black Beauty. These are the prizes you can win:

- One of Two $10 Amazon Gift Cards(US) or One of Two ecopies of Black Beauty.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~Author Guest Post~
Black Beauty’s Beauty Issues

Black Beauty is a weird name for an urban fantasy. I probably should have thought harder on the title. But the title came to me before the story did. Through Black Beauty, I wanted to write a series of stories that explored black beauty standards. Because I'm a spec fic author it had to fantastical, and because I'm twisted, it had be horrific.

Below are Four issues horrified and fantasized in Black Beauty:

Natural Hair (Shemeya)

I don't think this is as bad as it used to be, but once the natural hair exploded (again) some of the relaxed ladies felt like the natural hair ladies were looking down on them. But I wanted to point out… that just cause you relax your hair, it doesn't mean you don't love yourself. And just because someone has natural hair, it doesn't mean they are not vain as hell.

Interracial Relationships (Andre)

Real talk. Back in my single days when I was like 'woe is me I can't find no man', I resented the brothas who seemed to jump over sistas real quick for pale-skinned women. But I got over that isht. Love is love no matter what skin colors involved. Through Black Beauty and Andre's story, I was able to explore interracial relationships.

FYI, I actually heard a young brother say that he thought "black girl look like cockroaches."

Good Hair (Ashley)

I was home one random day watching the Tyra Banks Show, and they were doing the mandatory good hair show. There was a girl on there who's goal in life was to have White Girl Flow. The term alone screams self-hatred. But is the pursuit to have straight hair a racial issue or beauty issue?

If you're black and you live in an area where most everyone is trying to have straight hair, does it mean you're trying to be white or trying to fit in?

Real Women have Curves and Lines (Latreece)

I'm dark and a little on the chubby side. My daughter is light and thin. I always thought skinny yella girls had it easy. But seeing my daughter struggle with the same issues I had growing up, let me see that yella aint betta and skinny isn't all it's cracked up to be. They have the same insecurities.

What do you think? How did you cope with good hair vs natural hair, curvy girls vs skinny girls, would you cut your hair to live a normal life?

Monday, September 28, 2015

How an internet meme can help you write a better story~


I'm sure you've read a million quotes on the internet by now. Some of them are great advice, but you've read them so many times you don't even notice them anymore, do you?

One of the most ubiquitous is "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle you know nothing about." or some variation on that idea. I saw it again the other day, but I had to google it to find out who actually said it. (It's Ian Maclaren for the record.)

Obviously, it's always good to be kind, but what does the saying have to do with writing? Its the second truth in the quote that struck me - "everyone is fighting a hard battle."

When you craft the characters of your novel, each one should be fighting their own secret fight, whether it's obvious what that is or not. Even better if its a secret that's revealed to the reader along the way.

Think of all the people you know, in real life and online. All of them have secrets they're keeping for some reason. They may desperately love someone who doesn't know. They may be hiding a mental illness or a sexual orientation. They may have unhealthy addictions or even harmless ones. The point is, you don't really know, do you? But these secret struggles or preoccupations are the motivation for our actions and behaviors, whether we admit it or not. They form the fabric of our character.

So if you want to create a living, breathing fictional character, it makes sense to ask yourself "What secret fight is my character fighting? Do their friends and family know what it is? What would happen if they found out? And how does that affect the plot?

Steven King says a good book doesn't give up all its secrets at once. Neither does a good character.



In my latest southern Gothic novella, The Color of Water, Samantha is fighting many battles with herself and her past. I hope you'll check it out on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

Thursday, September 24, 2015

M9B Two for Thursday Book Blitz: Dead Jed series by Scott Craven with Giveaway #T4T


T4T-Banner
 
Welcome to this week’s Two for Thursday Book Blitz #T4T presented by Month9books/Tantrum Books!
Today, we will be showcasing two titles that may tickle your fancy, and we’ll share what readers have to say about these titles!
You just might find your next read!
This week, #T4T presents to you the:
Dead Jed series by Scott Craven!
Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!
 
Dead-Jed-Cover
Dead Jed is Shaun of the Dead meets Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Jed's not your typical junior high geek. He is, to use the politically-correct term, cardiovascularly-challenged. And while his parents have attempted to shield him from the implications of being 'different' for as long as they could (Jed was 8 and at a friend's sister's birthday party when he blew his lips off onto the cake in front of everyone, finally prompting the “Big Talk” from his parents and an emergency SuperGlue repair by his dad), 7th grade at Pine Hollow Middle School as a target of Robbie the supreme school bully and his pack of moronic toadies is rapidly becoming unbearable.
From being stuffed in a filled trash can as “dead meat” and into a trophy case as the bully's “prize,” to literally having his hand pulled off in the boys' room (Jed's always losing body parts. Luckily, a good stapler and some duct tape and he's back in the action) and a cigarette put in it and try to frame him for the recent reports of smoking in the school, Jed's had enough and is ready to plan his revenge. Besides, it's awesome what you can do when you're already dead!
add to goodreads
 
WHAT READER’S ARE SAYING:
 
DEAD JED is amazing. It takes true talent to write a book that's witty and has such clever humor. That's exactly what DEAD JED has.” – Courtney, Author
 
I’m entirely convinced this series is going to be as big and popular as the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, if not more. It might be aimed at middle grade readers, but I will highly and happily recommend it to readers aged 9 to 99!”Angie, Books4Tomorrow
 
“Middle Grade humor at its finest.” – S.A. Larsen, Author
 
Dead-Jed-2-Cover
The first part of seventh grade was rough on Jed, but things are looking up now that Christmas is almost here. As with past Christmases, Jed asks for the one thing he’s always wanted–a dog–and again, his parents tell him they’re not ready. But fate has a different plan when Jed sees a dog get run over by a car. Then, it happens. Jed suddenly has a pet, Tread, a zombie dog bearing his namesake–a tire tread down his back. Jed may have gained a dog, but he loses his best friend Luke, who fears the way Jed created his undead pet.
When Jed returns to school, he finds a mysterious group called the No Zombies Now Network spreading rumors of the dangers the undead pose to normal people. Forced to disprove Hollywood stereotypes, Jed has his work cut out for him as stories of a zombie dog begin to circulate. Jed could be expelled if he can’t expose the NZN Network as a fraud. Jed needs help from his kind of girlfriend Anna, especially after he discovers Luke has joined the shadowy group.
Once again navigating the treacherous waters of middle school, Jed does his best to stay in one piece. Only this time he’ll need even more duct tape and staples than usual.
add to goodreads
 
WHAT READER’S ARE SAYING:
 
“Like its predecessor Dead Jed, Dead Jed 2: Dawn of the Jed is an incredibly cute and fun read!”Angie, Books4Tomorrow
 
“This is a fun story, which was written very well for the age group. I can imagine the series being a huge hit, especially with zombies being so popular at the moment.”Bri, Natural Bri - Pursuits of Life
 
“…just read it, you will love it and it sooooo funny” – Michelle, Because Reading
 
about-the-author
 
Scott-Craven
Proud graduate of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, have one son who will turn 18 in March 2013, now a features writer for The Arizona Republic.
 
Connect with the Author: Website | Twitter
 
Giveaway
Complete the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win!
 
 
Chapter-by-Chapter-blog-tour-button
 

Monday, September 21, 2015

A Tale of Two Memoirs~

So, quite by accident, I ended up reading two memoirs this year. Last spring I read Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson and now I'm reading I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou



I picked them both as part of my diversity reading challenge. Caged Bird was published in 1969, when no one even batted an eye at the use of the word Negro. I had heard of it, but never really knew it was a memoir. Obviously, reams and reams have been written about it and my opinion hardly matters, but something has struck me about the book (and I'm not completely finished reading). 

As with Brown Girl Dreaming, there's a sense of drifting as a young child from grandparent to parent, back to grandparent.  Maya's story starts in the 1930's and 40's. Jacqueline's story is from the 1960's and 70's, but there's still the same upended life on the move, from place to place to place. Maya's description of parents she really doesn't know and finally meeting them is especially heart wrenching to me. I can't imagine how hard it was on those children to be shipped around. We think grandparents raising children is a new phenomenon, but obviously it's not. It will continue for as long as we refuse to educate children about sex and how to care for and protect themselves before they need to know.

Much has been made of the early rape and the later sexual experimentation in the book, but it is an honest, thoughtful portrayal of real life for these children. To ignore that is to ignore reality. Deny that it happens if you'd like, but that doesn't change the fact that these things go on.  The social outcome won't change until we can all have open, honest discussions about sex with our children in preparation for adulthood. I applaud Angelou for having the bravery to be so honest in a world where so many are still kidding themselves.

Sunday, September 6, 2015

Storyteller: The Complete Trilogy now available in Print



At long last, the Storyteller Trilogy comes to print! My very first e-books have been brought together in one hefty paperback volume with a beautiful new cover.


If you've ever wanted to hold Storyteller in your hand, now's your chance. And if you've never read Storyteller, you're in for a treat!

The Storyteller Series tells the story of a young fairy hidden in the human world who has to save her home world- The True World- from forces that threaten to destroy everything. It's an epic middle-grade tale to appeals to all readers that's been compared to The Chronicles of Narnia and Fablehaven.

~Praise for Storyteller~

This story blew me away. As a middle grade story, it's a success with plenty of social strife and a little innocent romance. But what really gets me is the world building, the fantasy and the adventure. Plus, there is an element of danger that soon builds into quite a gripping story, nothing at all what I expected in the early chapters. The writing is smooth and easy to read without being simplistic. The plot development is solid, and I really enjoy the unique way Lily learns about her mother.

The character development is also noteworthy. Each person, friend or foe, is unique and believable. The good guys aren't perfect and the bad guys are scary, but not invincible.

Overall I loved this story because it's exciting and reminds me of The Neverending Story. It's one I know I'll read again and again. I recommend this to young and old, anyone who loves fantasy and modern fairy tales. ~ Goodreads reviewer


Find it now on Amazon!
Or if you prefer e-books, the entire series can be found on
Smashwords.

Follow me on Goodreads for updates on all my books. Enjoy!