Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Christine Rains - Guest Post

When Christine Rains suggested a post on being a writer mom, my first thought was--yes, please! As a mom of four sons, I wanted any advice I could to help me in this writing venture.

Thanks, Christine, for guest posting! Take it away... 


BEING A WRITER MOM By Christine Rains

I just sat down in my office chair to write and something crunched. Standing up, I stared down at the Cheerios. A few of them were soggy. When? How? I don't know. I went into the kitchen to fetch a dishtowel and almost walked into the open cupboards. All the cupboards were open, and in each one, there were more Cheerios. Writing would have to wait.

This is the life of a writer mom. Things have a way of popping up to prevent you from writing. The characters in your head aren't patient either. They demand attention in the same way a toddler does: by talking really loud or leaving messes in your mind which keep you from focusing on anything else.

Being a writer and a mom requires strict time management. You need to grab what little free time you have and make the most of it. This includes a few minutes here and a few minutes there. It might also mean staying up later after the children are in bed or waking up before they do. Yet for those of you who don't like to miss any precious sleep time like me, you need to find alternative ways to gain time to write.

If you're lucky to have an understanding partner and/or family available to watch the kids, don't feel guilty for taking advantage of them. You can return the favor later on. Letting yourself indulge in some writing time allows you to find some level of sanity, and you're able to better cope with everything else.

Make a schedule and stick to it. I realize sometimes this is impossible, but having a schedule will allow you to focus on one thing at a time rather than having your mind scattered. For example, the morning is spent with the kids running errands and a play-date. After lunch, maybe the little ones go down for a nap and the older kids can watch a favorite show. That's your time to write. Just knowing that hour is coming up really helps get you through the day.

The best piece of advice I've been given by other parents is to carry around a notebook. I didn't think this would work for me. I'm not a note-taking kind of gal. I was certain I'd remember all my brilliant ideas and write about them later. Nope. Children will suck your brain clean. I'm lucky to remember which day it is sometimes.

Remember, you're not alone as a parent nor as a writer. Connect with other writers and find out what works for them. You can write a book even if you're chasing after a toddler all day. Good luck with your writing and finding all the Cheerios.


Title: 1301 – The Marquis
Author: Christine Rains
Genre: paranormal romance
Release date: December 13th, 2012

Blurb:
Life after Hell isn't more exciting than watching football and fixing a busted pipe. Once a powerful demon, Marc enjoys his quiet existence and a good cup of coffee. With big ambitions to gain his master's favor, a trickster demon named Vetis shatters Marc's peace and vows to deliver Marc's head to the fires of Hell. Not before he destroys everything Marc cares about, of course.

Marc's power has diminished over the years. Heaven will never grant him absolution, and he refuses to return to Hell. Running isn't an option. The city of Carmine is his territory. It's also home to his favorite cafe owner, Mae Hopkins. The dame has a lovely smile, but it's her heart and soul that shine bright.

While his city burns and his love is captured, Marc must decide to surrender or let hate and anger fuel him to become the fearsome beast he so loathes: The Marquis. If the Marquis rises, Vetis can be defeated and Mae saved, but Marc would be lost to his demon forever.

Author Bio:
Christine Rains is a writer, blogger, and geek mom. She has four degrees which help nothing with motherhood, but make her a great Jeopardy player. When she's not writing or reading, she having adventures with her son or watching cheesy movies on Syfy Channel. She's a member of S.C.I.F.I. The 13th Floor series is her first self-published series. She also has two novellas and sixteen short stories published.

Sites to find Christine lurking about
Goodreads

Purchase Links for 1301 The Marquis
Amazon
Smashwords
Kobo
B&N

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Express Yourself - Favorite Holiday Songs


The question Dani and I came up with for this week's Express Yourself Meme is....


What are a few of your favorite holiday songs?








I love music so this was hard for me to keep it under control. In no particular order, some of my fav holiday songs are:

Little Drummer Boy

We Three Kings

Silent Night

Jingle Bell Rock


What are some of your special songs you love to listen to during the holidays?



Monday, December 17, 2012

Cover Reveal - The Devil's Triangle


Toni De Palma's cover reveal for The Devil's Triangle is here! Take a look at it, and the book blurb. Amazing. I can't wait to get my hands on this!

The Devil's Triangle
by Toni De Palma

When 17 year old Cooper dies in an attempt to burn down his school, he finds himself in the afterlife. Lucy, the Devil's sister who has crossed party lines, decides to give Cooper another shot at heaven. The deal? Cooper returns to Earth and has to find a girl named Grace. The rest is up to him.
While Cooper figures out his mission, he's thrown into the life he's always wanted. Great parents, a spot on the Varsity football team and a real future are all within reach. But what he really wants is Grace, a feisty girl with an abusive boyfriend that can pound Cooper into pulp if he doesn't watch out.
While Lucy plays demonic-puppeteer, clues to an unknown past between Cooper and Grace start to unravel. Cooper discovers that what's keeping he and Grace apart is far more sinister than anything this bad boy could have ever imagined.

ISBNs
978-1-939173-03-4Devil’s Triangle print
978-1-939173-04-1Devil’s triangle Ebook


You can find Toni and The Devil's Triangle by clicking on the following sites:




Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Fraction of Stone - character interviews and cover reveal


It's time for Kelley Lynn's reveal for FRACTION OF STONE. I'm so excited for her! 

But first, a few words from Kelley and a fun interview with her characters....

Thanks for helping me out with my cover reveal Jackie! Hopefully you'll all like getting to know Rydan and Akara better, since Jackie was able to get them to stop for a few minutes on their journey. Jackie, take it away!

Jackie: Who's your celebrity crush?
Rydan: Hmm, this is a great question, Jackie. *winks*. In Casden there are quite a few celebrities. I would have to say one of my favorite is Siveen. She is one of the most talented gypsies I have ever seen.
Akara: *roles her eyes*
Rydan: *laughs* Why are you rolling your eyes?
Akara: No doubt her talent is beauty.
Rydan: *laughs* You know me so well. *nudges Akara and gets no reaction. Looks back at Jackie.* Siveen is quite talented too though.

Jackie: Do you have a favorite superhero?
Rydan: *Looks at Akara* She's not really that talkative. I'll go first again. I guess my favorite superhero would have to be the leader of my people, Hermiscus. He's a strong and determined man, always looking out for us. We had a little misunderstanding but after we iron out some things everything will be right again.
Akara: A little misunderstanding? He's trying to kill us.
Rydan: *nervously laughs* Akara, you're exaggerating. He is not.
Akara: ....
Rydan: How about the next question? 

Jackie: Of the two, would you rather snow ski or water ski?
Rydan: I have never heard of these. What is snow? I do like water. So perhaps I would like that better. What about you Akara?
Akara: *shrugs* I would rather just be left alone so we can continue on.
Rydan: Well... *smiles at Jackie* Sorry about her. Next question?

Jackie: What's your favorite Girl Scout cookie?
Rydan: *looks at Akara and shakes head after she doesn't answer* I have never heard of this particular kind of cookie, but the palace cooks make the best food. I'm not sure I could pick a favorite but they have to be warm. *smiles widely and gives Akara a friendly shake* Come now Akara, you must have a favorite cookie.
Akara: *Looks at Rydan, then at Jackie* I've never eaten what you two are talking about. 
Rydan: No way? You've never had a cookie? Well, we'll have to fix that later tonight.

Jackie: If you could, for one day, be a rock star or a doctor, which would you choose?
Rydan: A... rock star? I have never heard of this. *belly laughs* That is one of the funniest things I've ever heard. Is there a star inside a rock? Or a rock in the shape of a star? Do people do this as a profession? I am so confused *laughs, eyes sparkling*
Akara: *Shrugs at Jackie* Rydan actually makes a pretty good doctor.
Rydan: *laughing immediately stops* Thanks Akara. I think that might be the first compliment I've ever gotten from you.
Akara: We've only known each other three days.
Rydan: True. *laughs*

Jackie: Word association time! What's the first thought that comes to mind when I say the following:

**Hot air balloon
Rydan: What?
Akara: *Shakes head*

**Waffles
Rydan: Oh, how I wish I could have a good palace breakfast. Someday soon. *rubs stomach*
Akara: What are those?

**Romeo & Juliet
Rydan: I have never heard of these two. Are they your people, Akara?
Akara: *shakes head* Not that I ever heard.

**Christmas lights
Rydan: Hmm, must admit. I've never heard of this one either.
Akara: *shrugs*

**Canteen
Rydan: Water. *takes his off his horse* Would you like some?
Akara: We need that Rydan. 
Rydan: *brows scrunch* We'll find more Akara. She looks thirsty. *brushes hair out of his face and winks at Jackie*
Akara: *waits for Jackie to finish* Okay, now we really should go. Who knows who's looking for us.
Rydan: *nods* Good point. Well it was nice meeting you Jackie. Hopefully we'll have more time to talk after everything settles down a bit!


Fraction of Stone by Kelley Lynn
Release Date: March 21st, 2013 
by Sapphire Star Publishing
Genre: YA Fantasy
Book Description:

Wind tunnels, torrential rains and earthquakes tear apart Casden. The cause of the world’s imbalance is unknown, but the mounting occurrences suggest there’s little time before life ceases to exist.

Rydan Gale and Akara Nazreth are the only humans with the ability to wield magic. The tattoo on their necks and the discovery of an ancient book, dictate they are the key to the world’s survival.

But the greatest obstacle for saving mankind isn’t the bizarre creatures, extreme betrayals and magic-fearing men hunting them.

It’s that Akara doesn’t believe the world is worth saving. 


Goodreads

Book Trailer:

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About the Author:

Eventually the day came when the voices in Kelley Lynn’s head were more insistent then her engineering professor’s. So instead of turning to her Thermodynamics book, Kelley brought up a blank page on her computer screen and wrote. Somewhere along the way she became a Young Adult author.

Kelley was born and raised a Midwestern girl. She’s not afraid to sweat and fills her free time with softball, soccer and volleyball. (Though you probably don’t want her on your volleyball team.) She occasionally makes guest appearances as a female vocalist for area bands.

You can find Kelley hanging out at her blog, titled in her name, as well as the group blog she shares with her fellow critique partners, Falling for FictionKelley is a member of the Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators.

Kelley Lynn's LinksBlog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads




a Rafflecopter giveaway


Monday, December 10, 2012

Express Yourself - Dream Winter Getaway



The Express Yourself question of the week that Dani and I came up with is....

What would your dream winter getaway be?














This one is easy. A tropical island.

Yep, you read that right.

I don't want to go where there's snow, though I have been skiing long ago and it was fun. And, sure, romance surrounding a cabin and fire with hot cocoa sounds divine

But....



...warm weather is where it's at for me.

Beaches. Swimming. Sunrises and sunsets over the ocean. Tropical drinks. The smell of sunscreen mixed with the salty air. Warm, tingling skin.

I'm in heaven already.


  
(Photos courtesy of my wonderful beta. Aren't her pics gorgeous? The 1st one is in the Cayman Islands and the 2nd is in Curacao. Thanks so much, Kimmy, for letting me display them!)


How about you? What's your dream winter getaway?




Wednesday, December 5, 2012

IWSG - Dec Post #9


It's IWSG time. Its purpose is to encourage each other and share things that we're dealing with in our writing ventures, whether they be joys and struggles.
Alex J. Cavanaugh, the ninja host, states it best... IWSG is a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds. To join, click on the pic below and post on your blog the first Wed of every month.



Last week, I'd planned to get my query polished and sent out, but I was sick. No, really. For days, I tossed my cookies, and my head throbbed, like something was sitting on the back of my skull and neck. I have no idea what was wrong, but even after that, it's taken me a few days to get back into things. It's so frustrating, because I had goals and time frames and now I'm behind, but I am thankful that I'm feeling better.

What do you do to get caught back up when you've fallen behind? Do you have any suggestions? I've been drinking lots of coffee and staying up late, going on four hours of sleep a night. This is so dumb because I'm afraid I'll have a setback and get sick again. So any ideas are more than welcome. Thanks, blogging friends!

~ Happy writing!

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Character interview with Ian Hollister for The Truths About Dating and Mating Blog Tour


Congrats to Jaycee DeLorenzo, and her book release, The Truths About Dating and Mating!!!

I've been so excited to ask Ian Hollister some questions. Many thanks to Jaycee for letting him visit my blog so that I could drool...er, I mean, interview him. 



*What languages can you speak?
English and bad English.  Although, I have picked up some Italian here and there while hanging out at Ivy’s house.  Nothing I can really repeat, though.

*On a girl, do you prefer jeans or skirts?
Jeans.  I prefer seeing curves rather than skin. 

*Any hidden talents you'd like to share?
I’m told I give great massages.  Does that count?

*I hear you have some ink...
Quite a bit, actually.  It hides the scars.

*Right now, I'm totally diggin' Assassin's Creed 3. Are you a gamer?
No, I’m not a huge gamer. I’ll play Far Cry Vengeance with my roommate, Matt, but he tends to get a little possessive of the game controller. I have plenty of other things to keep me busy.

*Is there a movie you love so much so that you know it line for line?
The Boondock Saints.  Best movie ever.  Period.

*What's your "go to" snack at the movie theater?
Can’t watch a movie without some Red Vines. 

*What was your Halloween costume this year?
Sid.  Ivy was Nancy. 

*Of the three, would you rather be bitten by a vamp, a zombie, or a werewolf? Why?
Well, a zombie would eat my brains and I would die. A vamp would suck my blood and I’d either die or get turned into one, and I have no interest in living forever.  So I guess I’d have to go with werewolf.  Sure, it would make me a little harrier, and I’d probably have a change in diet, but at least I’d still get to be me most of the time. 

*What are your thoughts on PDA?
A little kissing and hugging, fine.  Making out?  Get a room.  No one wants to see that.

*Name something Ivy does that drives you crazy.
Man, the number one thing that drives me crazy about Ivy is that she has the hardest time admitting she’s wrong.  You can present all the facts to her, proving how wrong she is, and she will still insist she’s right. 

What's the first thought that comes to mind when I say the following ...
Strawberry – whip cream.
Tiara – Uh…well…yeah, I’ve got nothing.
Rubber ducky – You’re the one.     
Maroon 5 – Ah! No, no, no…la-la-la…too late.  Now I’m gonna be singing Moves Like Jagger for the rest of the day.  Thanks a lot. 
Ninja – Way cooler than pirates.  

Thanks for stopping by Ian, and thank you to Jaycee for writing such a great character!


The Truths about Dating and Mating
Author:  Jaycee DeLorenzo
Release Date:  November 21, 2012
Spunky Italian coed Ivy Rossini likes to talk and push the boundaries. She gets to do both as she co-hosts Riordan College’s radio program, The Truths about Dating and Mating, alongside her lifelong best friend, Ian Hollister.

Being the only girl who cares to see beyond Ian’s bad boy reputation has its advantages, especially when he’s scaring off the jerks who just want to nail the campus sex-guru. It’s when he’s “protecting” her from the advances she welcomes that she wants to lob him over the head and tell him to butt out. But Ivy feels like she’s the one who’s taken a hit when Ian almost kisses her at a party. She knows she should feel relieved when he pulls away, so why is she disappointed instead?

What’s worse, Ivy’s now getting aroused by Ian’s slightest touch and can’t stop entertaining thoughts of a romantic future. But Ian doesn’t do relationships, and she’s not interested in anything casual. In the end, Ivy decides it’s best to keep her growing feelings a secret and hope they’ll pass. However, when Ian begins hinting at wanting to take things to the next level, she’s forced to decide if a chance at something more is worth risking everything they’ve built.

With their friendship and her heart hanging in the balance, can Ivy follow the advice she and Ian give their listeners - to communicate, be honest, and trust in themselves - or will insecurity, stubbornness, and pride ruin any chance of their relationship getting off the ground?



About The Author:
Jaycee DeLorenzo hails from Tucson, Arizona, on the outskirts of the Saguaro National Park – which she believes to be the most beautiful spread of desert in the world.  By day, Jaycee is an English language teacher to elementary students. By night, she’s a wife, mother, writer, cover artist, website designer, and blogger.  In her spare time, she enjoys reading, cooking, singing (very poorly), catching up on her favorite T.V. shows, and researching.
The Truths about Dating and Mating is Jaycee's debut novel, and the first in a series centering around students of the fictitious Riordan College.


Find Jaycee DeLorenzo on the web:
Website  |  Blog  |  Twitter  |  Facebook  | Goodreads

Buy Links:  Amazon | B&N | Smashwords

Along with her tour, she's doing a rafflecopter giveaway!



Monday, December 3, 2012

Express Yourself - Most Memorable Holiday Gift

Express Yourself is a weekly meme. Its goal is to help our fellow bloggers get to know each other better, and even help motivate one another. What makes you, you? What inspires you to write? How’s the outside world influencing you? Whether it be a quote, a list of favorite things, a question, a song, and so on, Dani and I will find something different to post about. It'll correlate with writing, blogging, or just life in general. Then, we hope, you’ll follow suit and post, too.



The question this week - What's your most memorable holiday gift? 

Update: For this meme, Dani and I didn't list our children. Or our husbands. Or even the gift of life. Those things, above all, are the best gifts ever. 
But for this question, we're wanting to know what present someone gave you that you remember most.

On Christmas morning, when I was a little girl, I walked downstairs to a doll house with a red bow on top of its roof. It wasn't just any doll house. It was custom made by my parents. My dad had built the wooden house with four rooms--two on top and two on bottom, and the floors had beige shag carpet. My mom had made curtains for the windows and pasted wallpaper on the walls. I remember the "dining room" had a tiny, sparkly chandelier hanging from the ceiling, and the wallpaper matched the paper from our own dining room--muted greens and blues. 
I don't know who was more excited, me or my parents. But it was perfect!

What's a holiday gift that you remember most, that was special to you and/or your loved ones?


The EYM Banner for December....