by Angela Smith | Mar 6, 2014 | Books, Guests
Welcome to today’s Virtual Blurb Blitz Tour!
The author will be awarding a $25 Amazon Gift Card to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.
So be sure to comment, and click the banner to follow the tour for more chances to win!
Blurb:
Thirteen-year-old Derek’s cool snowboard adventure does a dangerous rewind, because his Burton Hero board holds the key to an unsolved crime.
Two Degrees From Zero is a story that opens up the world of snowboarding and surviving hazardous winter conditions in Keystone, Colorado.
Derek, his mom, and teen friend Janae (The Clan) are invited on a snowboarding vacation by his mom’s new romance Thomas. A blizzard hits during a sleigh ride and dinner at an isolated yurt miles from Keystone. The Clan accepts an offer from two arrogant snowmobilers for a way home. But to The Clan’s dismay instead of going home, they are abandoned in a creepy backwoods cabin.
Derek and Janae sneak out of the old cabin and make a dangerous trek across a white wilderness to find help while the snowmobilers are on the loose. Just as the teens find temporary shelter in an old car, another blizzard rages all night, leaving them hopelessly stranded. And their adventure has only begun.
Derek and Janae must escape the frozen ravages of the blizzard. Derek’s determination to save The Clan while outwitting the thieves is unstoppable. And the thieves are just as determined to find Derek’s snowboard because of the valuable information hidden on the board.
Excerpt…
“You know we’re missing an ultimate powder rush, because we have to ride in this goofy sleigh,” Derek said to Janae.
“Here you go,” Janae said. “Ruining this amazing experience because of your grumpiness.”
“Not grumpy on the slopes today,” Derek said. “Thomas spent lots of bucks on this trip, but I wish he’d stop acting like my dad, or really my Fake Dad.”
“Be nicer to your mom’s friend.”
“Easy for you to say,” Derek retorted. “Want to do the rails with me tomorrow?”
“Maybe. You were so full of yourself ripping through the pow,” Janae teased. “You’re a hucker, and you’ll try whatever trick you see another guy doing. You charge fast, fly through the air, and sometimes you even land upright.”
“I’m not a hucker. Wish I could lay down some cool tricks like the pros do,” Derek said.
“I saw you rolling down the windows a couple of times,” Janae said. “I’ll stick to the jumps.”
“Guess you’ll do anything to catch your balance. I like my cool Burton board I got at the rental shop. Except the left strap gave me trouble,” Derek complained.
“So that’s your excuse for not landing tricks,” Janae said.
Author Bio:
M.J. Stewart is a Colorado author and lives in Colorado Springs. Her love for the outdoors has provided many exciting adventures and include downhill skiing, biking, hiking, camping, and nature photography.
I’m on facebook at: martha.lancaster@facebook.com
I’m on twitter at: @hike4ski
Amazon.com buy link: http://www.amazon.com/Two-Degrees-Zero-Snowboarding-Adventure-ebook/dp/B00GODMSJS/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1385687435
by Angela Smith | Mar 4, 2014 | Guests
Today I’m featuring Ute Carbone and her newest book, Dancing in the White Room!
Here’s more about the author and her story:
Dancing in the white room is slang for skiing or boarding in deep powder snow. The dancer is PD Bell, one of the best extreme skiers on the planet. Mallory Prescott, the woman who lives with him and loves him, is used to Bell’s exploits. A patrol woman at Whiteface Mountain near Lake Placid, New York, Mallory is no stranger to risk. But this time Bell is taking on the West Rib of Denali, highest and most dangerous mountain in North America. It’s a descent that has never been done, though it’s been tried. Five years ago, Bell had tried it. The attempt nearly killed him. Five years ago, he promised Mallory he wouldn’t try it again.
Over the six weeks in which he’s gone, Mallory begins to question her relationship with Bell. Does he really love her? Is he in it for the duration? What has loving him cost her? Mallory’s life choices are thrown into stark relief when her daughter Emily takes a terrible fall. Together with her life-long friend Creech Creches, she must work her way through a maze of uncharted territory at a hospital miles from home.
Dancing in the White Room is the story of the love we keep, the price we pay for that love, and the forgiveness it takes to hold on to what is precious.
Ute Carbon Biograhy:
Ute (who pronounces her name Oooh-tah) Carbone is an award winning author of women’s fiction, comedy, and romance. She and her husband live in New Hampshire, where she spends her days walking, eating chocolate and dreaming up stories.
Books and Stories by Ute Carbone:
Blueberry Truth
The P-Town Queen
Afterglow
Searching for Superman
Sweet Lenora
The Lilac Hour
To The Wind
Dancing in the White Room
For more about Ute and her books, Please Visit:
Web page: http://www.utecarbone.com/
Blog: http://ute-carbone.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ute-Carbone/234417796596443
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Wildwords2
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5114798.Ute_Carbone
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Ute-Carbone/e/B005G7U8RM/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
Love Stories (available daily via Paper Li): http://paper.li/Wildwords2/1355247882?utm_source=subscription&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=paper_sub#
What were you like at school?
I was kind of shy, and a little geeky.
Were you good at English?
Yup. I’ve always loved to read and English was one of my favorite classes.
What are your ambitions for your writing career?
Hmm, to keep writing. And to write the kind of books my readers will fall in love with.
Which writers inspire you?
It’s a very long list! I love to read and will read just about anything, including junk mail. There are so many great writers out there. If I had to pick, I’d say Willa Cather had a huge influence when I was younger. I also love Anita Shreve and Anne Tyler and Alice Hoffman. That’s just skimming the surface, though.
So, what have you written?
Quite a bit. To date, I have five novels out in the world—
Blueberry Truth, my debut novel, is upmarket or ‘book club’ fiction as is my brand new release, Dancing in the White Room.
I also have three romantic comedies out. The P-Town Queen is the most ‘decorated’ of my books (maybe because of the queen in the title?). It was selected as Champagne Books novel of the year last year, got a five star rating from InDtale and was nominated for a RONE award. It’s followed by two more—Afterglow and Searching for Superman, the latter of which got five stars from reader’s favorite. Another comedy, Confessions of the Sausage Queen, comes out in July.
I have an ongoing historical novella series, called Anton and Lenora. The first two novellas, Sweet Lenora and To the Wind, are currently available. Part three, All Things Returned, comes out in April. I’m currently working on part four.
And then there are some short stories—The Lilac Hour is a trilogy of linked short stories, currently available. Shroedinger’s Cake is part of the Wedding Anthology of stories about (you guessed it) weddings and Life at Full Speed is part of another anthology collection called Shared Whispers.
I also have lots of poems out in the world from my early days as a poet. Some of these are in anthologies—Poems from the Cranberry Room and Poet’s Unbound.
Where can we buy or see them?
My website has a page for each book which includes buy links–http://www.utecarbone.com/-books-and-stories.html
Give us an insight into your main character. What does he/she do that is so special?
Dancing in the White Room has characters that are near and dear to my heart. I grew up around skiing in the Adirondacks and the book is set in Lake Placid and the characters are all professional skiers. Mallory, my main character, is a strong woman, very competent, the kind of heroine I love to write about. Bell, her boyfriend, is an extreme skier and he’s gone for most of the book. It was a challenge to write a love story with one of the characters not in the picture. Then there’s Creech, a ski coach who is Mallory’s best friend and also her ex. I have a kernel of a book, an idea, that features Creech as the romantic lead, because I kinda fell for him while writing him.
What genre are your books?
That’s a tough one to answer, though I guess they all broadly fall into the category of women’s fiction. More specifically, some are romantic comedies, some are upmarket fiction and some are historical. There’s romance in most of them, though it isn’t always front and center. They are, though, all about love in one way or another.
What draws you to this genre?
I love stories that are about relationships and all of my stories reflect this, whether it’s the relationship of a mother to her child, a romantic relationship, or friendship, these things interest me and they are at the center of what I write.
Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?
That’s really a tough question. I can picture Bell and Mallory, but not the actors to portray them. Bell is tall, lanky blue eyed and with blond hair long and tangly enough to pull back. Mallory is athletic and compact, with smooth dark hair that she wears long also. Creech has a boy-next-door kind of quality, dimpled smile, short dark hair, eyes the color of evergreens. Maybe you could help me out with casting…
How much research do you do?
Quite a bit, actually. With White Room, I knew some things about skiing. I grew up with a small ski area in my backyard. (or just about). And, in my college days, I worked on ski patrol—so I knew a bit about that. But I had to look into extreme skiing and racing, which are a whole world unto themselves.
When did you decide to become a writer?
I’m a late bloomer. I began writing when my kids were small. It was something I’d always wanted to try.
Why do you write?
That’s a million dollar question. On good days, I’ll answer because I love everything about it, the way words flow together, the characters that come to life, the painting of scenes and on and on. On bad days I wonder why I don’t just open a bagel shop because it seems like that, or just about anything else, would be easier.
What made you decide to sit down and actually start something?
I started with poetry. I joined a poetry group and, much to my surprise, they like my stuff. From there, I got involved in a creative writing workshop. I started out wanting to become a better poet and discovered I loved writing prose, go figure. I began writing short fiction pieces, the pieces got longer until one day I had to admit I was writing, gulp, a novel. I finished one and wrote another and then another. To date, I’ve written nine books, with more in the works. There are just too many stories for me to get to, so I don’t see myself stopping anytime soon.
Do you write full-time or part-time?
At the moment, I’m writing full time—or working at writing full time at any rate.
Do you have a special time to write or how is your day structured?
Not as structured as I’d like it to be. I struggle to find balance. Ideally, I spend an hour each day working on new stuff, but it doesn’t always pan out that way.
Do you write every day, 5 days a week or as and when?
Every day if I can manage it.
Do you aim for a set amount of words/pages per day?
About an hour. I’m not super fast, so that gives me a thousand words, give or take. But some of the words aren’t great,so I end up deleting and re-writing them.
Do you write on a typewriter, computer, dictate or longhand?
I write my first drafts long hand. They are terrible and messy. Then I re-work them onto the computer. It’s a back and forth kind of process.
How do you think you’ve evolved creatively?
I’m a better writer today than I used to be, technically speaking. Which, I think, allows me to do things I wouldn’t have attempted in the past.
What is the hardest thing about writing?
Sitting down and doing it.
What was the hardest thing about writing your latest book?
White Room’s emotional tenor was tough. I’m kind of a method writer– I like to imagine myself in the character’s shoes and get right inside their heads. My main character, Mallory, is, for parts of the book, in some pretty uncomfortable places emotionally speaking and it wasn’t always fun to take myself to those places so I could get the feeling right. But, spoiler alert, she does get her happy ending, so all’s well that ends well.
What is the easiest thing about writing?
Having written. Actually, if I can get myself into ‘the zone’ and the center of my story, it gets to be kind of fun. Like skiing fast, LOL.
Do you ever get writer’s Block?
I have had it from time to time, yes.
Any tips on how to get through the dreaded writer’s block?
Often, the best cure is hair of the dog. I just write anyway and tell myself that I have a trash can and a delete button. Sometimes, I challenge myself to write crap, which takes off the pressure of trying to be perfect. Sometimes I’ll start my writing with a list of ten reasons why I shouldn’t write. And then I’d write anyway to defy myself.
For your own reading, do you prefer ebooks or traditional paper/hard back books?
I used to be a confirmed print book reader. I liked trade paperbacks, because I could stick them in my purse and take them with me. Then I got a Kindle Fire and I love it. I read almost everything in e-book these days.
What book/s are you reading at present?
I just finished What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarity, which was wonderful and fun. Currently, I’m reading Michael Chabon’s The Yiddish Policeman’s Union. I have a bad case of metaphor envy, Chabon uses them so well. My favorite read so far this year was “Tell the Wolves I’m Home” which made me cry. A lot.
Tell us about the cover/s and how it/they came about.
The covers are designed by the houses. I have some input as to what I think might work on the cover. I love the cover for White Room—it has nice clean lines and a lot of energy. I just received a cover for All Things Returned, romantic and very pretty, I’m not quite ready to share but I’m in love with this one, too. My favorite is probably the cover of Blueberry Truth. I wasn’t sure what I wanted and suggested something like a swing set, because the book is about adopting a child. The cover has a little girl doing a cartwheel. It’s exactly right and perfect for the book.
How do you market your books?
Not well enough, LOL. Seriously, I’m on social media, I blog and do guest blogs like this one. I usually do a blog tour when a new release comes out. And I try and get reviews wherever I can and network with other writers.
Why did you choose this route?
The small houses give me the best of both worlds. They’re small enough so I’m not swallowed up and forgotten—I know authors who’ve had that experience with big houses. And they give me editing and cover art and so on, so I don’t have to go it all alone the way self-pubbed authors do.
Do you have any advice for other authors on how to market their books?
Not really. It’s a changing market, so I think we’re all trying to figure it out.
What part of your writing time do you devote to marketing your book?
Quite a bit. I do try to set an hour or more aside for actual writing—no disruptions, no e-mail, no social media. After that, I spend another three or four hours working on promo and edits.
What do you do to get book reviews?
I usually ask for them. There are a few people I’ve established relationships with. I’m always on the lookout for new book bloggers. I also list my books on Good Reads.
What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews?
I’ve had both. I’ve actually had both for the same book. I try not to let it turn me around. Reviews are someone’s opinion and not everyone is going to love your story. That said, a great review always does make me feel great. And a bad review can make for a bad day.
Any amusing story about marketing books that happened to you?
I found one of my books listed on a site that was advertised as a clearing house for refrigerators. I’m still scratching my head.
What do you think of “trailers” for books?
They are one more tool in the box. I like them, though I think they’re only good in conjunction with other marketing.
Do you have a trailer or do you intend to create one for your own book/s?
(* please provide a link to trailer if you have one)
I have trailers for all my books. If you’re interested, you can find them on you-tube: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfjFxYyboGoxKL3JWG3Q0TA?feature=watch
Note-some of the stuff here isn’t mine. I love the ski videos.
How do you relax?
I like to read. I also love to hike and ski and just walk around in the woods. I love plays and movies, too.
What is your favourite book and why?
I don’t know that I have a favorite. If you press me, I’ll probably have to say To Kill a Mockingbird.
What is your favourite quote?
“I think it pisses God off if you walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don’t notice it.”
― Alice Walker, The Color Purple
What is your favourite film and why?
So many come to mind. I loved “One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest.” And “Dr. Zhivago”
Where can you see yourself in 5 years time?
I’ll still be sitting here, writing up stories. I’ve got lots to tell.
What is your favourite movie and why?
Recently? I loved August Osage County. I had seen the play earlier and the movie was even better.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Be yourself and don’t worry so much about what others think.
Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?
Albert Einstein. Maybe he could explain relativity to me.
If you could have been the original author of any book, what would it have been and why?
I don’t know I’d have want to have written someone else’s book, though I do admire some writers and wish I could do what they do or did. Willa Cather is a great example. Her descriptions are so real. I want to do that. And Michael Chabon writes perfect metaphors. I want to do that, too.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Read a lot. And then sit down and write a lot. Don’t think about writing and read about writing and talk about writing. Just write. Don’t expect to be great at first. Like everything worthwhile, good writing takes practice.
Where do you see publishing going in the future?
Shoot, if I knew that I’d be worth millions, LOL. Seriously, I think we’ll see more e-books, though I don’t think print will go away anytime soon.
Is there anything else you would like to add that I haven’t included?
My Books–
Blueberry Truth
The P-Town Queen
Afterglow
Searching for Superman
Sweet Lenora
The Lilac Hour
To The Wind
Dancing in the White Room
Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to take part in this interview.
by Angela Smith | Mar 3, 2014 | Guests
Knockout! by Emma Calin is free at Amazon this week only!
Emma will be awarding an autographed copy of Shannon’s Law to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Click banner or follow here!
Blurb:
A Mafia conspiracy. A female undercover cop. Her target: international sportsman and playboy Freddie La Salle.
Can she fake it? Can she nail the gangsters before her cover is blown? What happens when his charm kicks in, passion takes control and she falls for this charismatic suspect?
KNOCKOUT! The No 1 Kindle Bestseller from Emma Calin
Interpol cop, Anna Leyton, spirals down into a hopeless vortex of sexual and emotional turmoil as she fights to keep her professional cool. But who is deceiving who in this fast moving ride across continents? What motivates the art loving prize-bull of a lover Freddie La Salle?
An action-filled pulse-pounding adventure novel. A tense and erotic romantic affair. Can a relationship survive when it is founded on deceit? Can she prove her man is innocent? Can she escape with her life and her love?
The power of love and trust stands against greed and crime as conflicting forces grapple for that KNOCKOUT punch.
Authors note: This book is quite ‘strongly flavoured’ and features uninhibited, but straightforward steamy sexual scenes between consenting adults and true-to-life street language that would occur in high-stress situations.
Excerpt:
He looked at her with a caress in his brown eyes. The cab was at Hyde Park Corner, just a short way from the Hilton. Her heart hammered. Soon he would step out into the night and never see her again. It had to be that way. You could dream but your story was your story. Better just accept and live it out any way you could.
“You have to sell boats tonight?”
“No… but…”
“So sell me one over a drink at my hotel!” he urged leaning forward, “Surely you want to close on a deal like this?”
She tried to pull herself together. This was fantasy trash with an impossible guy – but what was she afraid of? She could handle this smooth operator, maybe even rough him up a bit.
“But I – I don’t have any brochures with me…”
“Then you can tell me… I’d rather look at you in any case!”
Anna gulped as the cab pulled up. This was pure snake oil and she had a juicy apple in her pocket. He looked at her with questioning eyes that ran between her and the opened door. She followed, feeling as if she had gone into free fall from a plane rather than stepping out of a taxi into the busy swirl of Park Lane.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Author Bio:
Novelist, philosopher, blogger, poet, would be master chef. A woman pedaling between Peckham & Pigalle, in search of passion & enduring romance.
Emma Calin writes romance novels and gritty short stories about love and survival in the 21st century. She has published a number digital and paperback books which are available from Amazon worldwide.
She blogs about her dual life in St-Savinien sur Charente in South West France and Romsey, a market town in England. She feels extremely lucky to be able to experience the world and life through these two, very different, lenses. She spends any time she can, when not writng, on her tandem exploring the countryside.
Emma also records and produces audio books and plays the trombone (although not at the same time).
Find Emma Calin online:
Mailing list for latest launch news: http://eepurl.com/Jfhxr
Blog: http://www.emmacalin.blogspot.com
Website: http://www.emmacalin.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emma.calin
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EmmaCalin
Amazon UK page: http://astore.amazon.co.uk/realifaccto02-21
Amazon USA page: http://astore.amazon.com/realifaccto09-20
About.me: http://about.me/emmacalin
by Angela Smith | Mar 1, 2014 | Guests
Welcome Cassandra Ulrich on my blog today! I’ve interviewed her about her novel, Love’s Intensity. But first, a bit about her story:
Brad loves fast horses, cars, and bikes. Life would be perfect if his stepmother could only mind her own business. Instead, his father hired a longtime friend and her family to work in their home, turning his world into a feudal mess.
He wants to hate the new arrivals and it doesn’t help that Kressa, daughter of the newcomers, is the most gorgeous girl he’d ever laid eyes on. With a scent that draws him to her, Kressa causes him more internal conflict than he ever dreamed possible. He falls for her so deeply, he tells her a secret he’d never even told his best friends – that he’s training to be a ninja warrior.
Kressa adores her country and loves hanging out with her many cousins. News of the move to Massachusetts comes as a shock to her. She refuses to be happy in this new place working as a servant for a rich man and his mean son, who had the nerve to be cute. And why does her skin tingle every time her hand brushes against his?
Despite her efforts, she finds herself desperately longing for a friendship with the one boy who scowls at her. Matters are only made more complicated when his family and hers clash. When he goes on a dangerous mission, she wonders, will he return so she can tell him he’s won her heart or will their families manage to keep them apart?
What intrigues you about your book “Love’s Intensity”?
I am intrigued by the complex and realistic characters in “Love’s Intensity”. It’s not easy to make characters multi-dimensional, but it’s worth the extra effort.
Who or what is your greatest writing influence?
My fifth grade teacher encouraged me to write after reading one of my stories. I didn’t act on it then, but I’ve never forgotten. I’m glad I took his advice albeit many years later.
When did you absolutely know that you had to be a writer?
I didn’t. Writing books happened to me. I didn’t know what was going on until I talked to a couple of good friends who encouraged me to write a chapter and let them read it.
What was your favorite part of writing “Love’s Intensity”?
Letting the characters take over my mind so I could capture their essence on paper. I got to know each of them very well over a nine month period.
What is your favorite aspect of reading a novel?
I enjoy being sucked into the world created in the story. It’s thrilling when the author writes characters I wish I could meet.
Are you a plotter, a panster, or both?
I am definitely a panster. Only after much of a story is written do I write down character details and such. I’m driven by inspiration.
Do you have a certain theme in your writing?
Love. Love can heal broken hearts and wounded souls. Love can lift the spirits but the lack of it can tear apart a life. People fight to have it, protect it, or steal it. I’ve written inspirational, romance, and adventure stories, but the central theme in them all is love.
Do you have a specific writing style?
Perhaps the best description is periodic. My stories tend to have a few climaxes with increasing intensity.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
That both our words and actions affect others, for good or for bad. The specifics are depicted in the stories.
Do you ever use your life experiences in your novels?
Absolutely, but not in the exact way they happened. It’s more like taking a puzzle piece, cutting it up, and combining them with other pieces to create a different picture.
If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only take one book with you, what would you take?
The Bible. There are so many juicy stories in there about human interaction. I never get bored.
If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only take one song with you, what would you take?
Happy by Pharrell Williams.
Are you working on any projects right now?
Yes, a few stories concurrently. However, I hope to focus on a story about a South African girl later this year.
Do you see writing as a career?
I do. Although I’m just getting started, I treat it like a business. Now that I’ve had a taste, I don’t want to stop releasing books, stories and poetry.
If you had the career of your choice, what would you choose and why?
At this point in my life, I’d like to be an accomplished author.
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I started writing poems in grade school. This continued on through my college years. I actually have four unpublished poetry books that I intend to release over the next couple years.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Keeping pov straight when writing in 3rd person. Thank goodness for editors who catch those errors.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Never stop reinventing yourself. It’s tons of fun if you don’t mind adventures.
Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?
I would like to meet Queen Latifah. She seems like a really neat, down-to-earth person.
If you could have been the original author of any book, what would it have been and why?
Wow, that’s a tough one. I enjoy many kinds of books, but if I wrote them, they wouldn’t be the same story. I think I’ll abstain.
How can readers discover more about you and you work?
Website: http://cassandraulrich.com/
Blog: http://cassandraulrich.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CassandraUlrichAuthor?bookmark_t=page
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CassandraUlric1
Lnkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/cassandra-ulrich/62/866/6b3
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/288793394825730035/
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Cassandra-Ulrich/e/B008H7H6SW/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1393121477&sr=8-1
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6925111.Cassandra_Ulrich
by Angela Smith | Feb 28, 2014 | Guests
Today I have Beverly Bateman on my blog, author of A Cruise to Remember, with her guest post about characterization. I loved this post. It cracked me up (especially the sex scene part) because as an author, yes I have been asked that question millions of times, and I love her commentary. So, without further ado, here’s what she has to say! And be sure to check out her book and buy links at the bottom of her post.
Is Your Character Based on you? by Beverly Bateman
How many times have you heard that question? Or what do you base your sex scenes on? (Wink – wink) I always love that one. But that’s okay, if they think my husband is the model for my sex scenes who am I to ruin that image.
But seriously, how do you decide on you characters? Do you base them on someone you know? Or as a reader what do you like to see in a character?
I have used people I know, occasionally. Usually it’s because they’re irritating or have done something that I would like to get even with them for – so I give them small parts in my book and torture them or kill them.
But most of my characters come out of my mind, as do my plots. Being a plot based writer I come up with a plot I love, then I decide what type of heroine would work in that situation. I do a character chart to develop her background.
My hero has to be her opposite so they can accent the positives in each other and bring them to view for my readers. They also need to complement each other to help each other grow and reach their goals. And of course they have to have a strong physical attraction for each other. They may not be prepared to admit it yet, but that’s part of the mystery of love.
In A Cruise to Remember I came up with an amnesia victim who people were trying to kill. Then I had to have a motive for why someone would want to kill her. I slowly worked through who would be the best character to be the heroine in this book.
Ah, and then we had to find a hero worthy of her. I hope I managed both.
My villain should be someone who understands either/or the heroine or the hero. He needs to be their match when to motivation and the plot. He needs to bring out the hero/heroine’s best points and he needs to have a motive that people can relate to, even if they don’t agree with what he does.
The really hard part is to make my character come alive for my reader, make them someone they can relate to and root for. And nope, none of my characters are based on me, or my husband. I know others use characters based on themselves or individuals they know well and it works for them. Every writer uses their own individual technique that’s what makes so many diverse good books.
I’d love to hear your comments on how you develop your characters, or what you think about the character development when you read a book.
BLURB
An amnesia victim, found by the side of the road is befriended by an older woman with early Alzheimer’s. The woman takes the victim, Hallie, with her as a companion on a Caribbean cruise, Eric is an Interpol agent working on breaking up an international jewelry theft ring. He’s undercover as the ship’s doctor on a Caribbean cruise. Sparks fly when Hallie and Eric meet, but as the cruise progresses he’s thinking Hallie might be the thief stealing from the passengers. His reasoning is amnesia and Alzheimer’s make a good cover, and Lillian keeps coming up with pieces of jewelry passengers have dropped or lost. To complicate everything someone is trying to kill Hallie and she has no idea why. Eric. Lillian finds an older cowboy a who she’s interested in and then there’s the sleazy man who keeps hitting on Hallie. As the cruise progresses Hallie gradually starts to regain her memory. Eric decides she’s not a thief but has to find the real one and their romance heats up.
BUY LINKS
Amazon http://amzn.to/LyJLHh
Nook http://bit.ly/1bfHaeQ
Kobo http:// bit.ly/1fGw4z4
iTunes http://bit.ly/1hcBTVM
http://beverleybateman.blogspot.com/
by Angela Smith | Feb 27, 2014 | Guests
Today I feature Jacqueline von Zwehl and her book The Prayer, a Love Story. Be sure to follow the tour and enter for your chance to win.
One randomly chosen commenter will win a $50 Amazon/BN.com gift card.
Blurb:…
Do you Believe in Miracles?
Do you Believe in Eternal Love?
Do you Believe in Answered Prayers?
YOU WILL
The Prayer, A Love Story is the inspirational true story of one woman who discovers the secret to living a life filled with miracles, unconditional love and answered prayers.
The journey begins with a divine promise, continues with unforeseen life challenges, and eventually leads to Jerusalem. Inside the Old City, a prayer will unlock the key to a life of miracles. This journey is proof heaven is real and its gifts are available to you now. Whether you have stopped believing in God or not, God believes in you.
The journey holds a promise for everyone. No matter how much darkness exists in your life, it cannot diminish the flicker of even the tiniest light. That light will lead you to your destiny and it will change your life forever.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Excerpt:
Destiny
As soon as I got in the car, I almost changed my mind. I was exhausted. It had been a long week and, quite frankly, I was not in the mood for a party. Still, I had to go. I’d just say hello to Todd and leave early, I decided. I fumbled around in the dim light, looking for the directions. I had gone to Fort Lauderdale only a handful of times, and I still wasn’t sure how to get downtown.
Todd and I had known each other for years. He was the friend from Long Island who had organized the dismal raft-up that made me decide to leave New York. He was one of the most sociable and fun people you’d ever meet. Once you get on his email list, you’re a friend for life. That’s how he is. Todd was one of the last people I said goodbye to when I moved to Boca.
The previous Tuesday night, he had called. In his classic, larger-than-life style, he said he knew a guy who had a house in Fort Lauderdale, and he and a big group of friends from Long Island were flying down to stay there for the upcoming boat show. They were throwing a huge party on Saturday night, and I just had to be there.
I was not in the mood even early in the week. I was working long hours at the time, and I was men- tally drained. I also didn’t look forward to partying with a bunch of single guys from Long Island. If it had been anyone else but Todd, I would have politely declined, but we hadn’t seen each other in over a year and a half.
Reluctantly, I accepted, but I added one little white lie. I told Todd I had a boyfriend. The last thing I want- ed was for any guy at this party to think I was single. I did not want to get hit on by any out-of-state guys on vacation. I’d just make a quick appearance and get home early, I told myself.
I pulled up to the house a little after dark. It was a spectacular, newly constructed mansion on the inter- coastal in the Las Olas Isles of Fort Lauderdale. The home was impressive and stately, surrounded by stunning landscaping tall palm trees and a gated entrance. Although the house was huge, it looked quite warm and inviting, as well.
Suddenly, something odd hit me. There didn’t seem to be a party. In fact, hardly any cars were parked on the street. I double checked the address and checked the number on the gate.Yes, it was the right house.Was I too early?
Flashbacks of the cancelled raft-up went through my mind. The last time I got an invitation from Todd for a supposedly huge event, it turned out to be a small disaster. I swore that if Todd had invited me to this house and there was no party, he was going to owe me big time.
As I started toward the gate, my doubts took over. What was I doing there? I couldn’t hear any music. I considered turning around and getting back in my car, but just then, someone on a Harley parked next to my car. He spotted me right away and made his way towards me. I thought I would look foolish if I turned around and got back in my car.
The tall man from the Harley approached.“Hi, I’m Joe.”
“Hi, Joe, I’m Jackie.”
“Hey, Jackie. So, how do you know Chris?”
“I don’t know Chris. My friend Todd invited me.” “Oh. I have no idea who Todd is.”
I was starting to feel a bit awkward, but there was no turning back by then, so Joe and I walked in togeth- er. From a grand center hall foyer, we stepped down into a sunken living room accented by a vaulted ceiling and twenty-foot floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
The first thing I noticed was the angel above the fireplace. It was a stunning, hand-carved, six-foot- tall wooden angel with a four-foot wingspan. I stood there staring at it, mesmerized. He was beautiful. For a moment, I completely forgot where I was or how I got there.
I began to notice my surroundings. This was not the house of a bachelor, as I had assumed. It was defi- nitely a family home. Family photos were everywhere, adults and children covering every wall and counter. In the foyer, an ornate antique Bible and a pile of rosaries graced a coffee table. Crosses and religious pictures adorned every wall. I could see that this home had been decorated by a mother, a woman of faith. It was a gracious and welcoming home.
The moment we walked in, Joe had left my side and slipped through the sliding glass doors leading to the back deck. Obviously, he’d been there before and knew the house well. I’m not sure how long I stood there, taking in my surroundings.
I quickly realized there was, in fact, no party. I was standing in a stranger’s home, completely alone. No crowds, no music, and definitely no party. Once again, I contemplated discreetly leaving. Then I heard a voice that seemed to be addressing me.
“Hey, there. I’m Carlos. How do you know Chris?” I followed the voice and walked through a break-fast room to get within view of whoever was talking to me. The voice had come from the kitchen. A casually dressed guy was seated at the island, enjoying his din- ner, and I guess he had noticed me standing by myself in the living room. I probably looked ridiculous just standing there, staring at the angel.
“Hi, Carlos. I’m Jackie. I don’t know Chris. I was invited by my friend Todd.”
“Who the hell is Todd?” Carlos blurted out.
At that point, I definitely felt like I had just crashed someone’s home. What was I doing there? Nothing about this made any sense. Why had Todd invited me to that house? Why had he told me there would be a party there that night? Why didn’t anyone there know who he was?
I needed to leave, and by then I didn’t care whether anyone saw me walk out the front door with no explanation. However, as I made my way back through the breakfast room and across the living room, I was intercepted.
A dark-haired man in blue swim trunks barreled through the sliding glass doors into the living room. He didn’t have a shirt on, just a towel wrapped around his shoulders. He was soaking wet, obviously just out of the pool. Oh my goodness, but he was cute! He was also half-naked and smiling at me—and that smile was melting me.
Full of excitement and exuberance, he put his hand out to shake mine and announced, “Hi, I’m Chris.”
Author Bio and Links:
Jacqueline von Zwehl, is a faith based relationship expert. She holds a BFA from New York University and a MBA from Pennsylvania State University. Jacqueline travels the country as a motivational speaker encouraging singles on the path to finding their soul mates. She has appeared on Nite Line, The Harvest Show, EWTN, TCT TV, Victory TV, CatholicTV, Telecare, Changing Lives, CatholicLife, That’s the Spirit, The Church, The Cardinal and You, NPR, and more. Jacqueline lives in Fort Lauderdale, FL with her husband Christopher, their two daughters and dog. The Prayer, A Love Story is her debut book. Jacqueline von Zwehl, is a faith based relationship expert. She holds a BFA from New York University and a MBA from Pennsylvania State University. Jacqueline travels the country as a motivational speaker encouraging singles on the path to finding their soul mates. She has appeared on Nite Line, The Harvest Show, EWTN, TCT TV, Victory TV, CatholicTV, Telecare, Changing Lives, CatholicLife, That’s the Spirit, The Church, The Cardinal and You, NPR, and more. Jacqueline lives in Fort Lauderdale, FL with her husband Christopher, their two daughters and dog. The Prayer, A Love Story is her debut book.
Read Jacqueline’s Blog at www.jackievonzwehl.com
Become a Fan: www.facebook.com/JackieVonZwehl
Follow: www.twitter.com/JackieVonZwehl
Author Profile: www.goodreads.com/jackievonzwehl
Amazon Paperback
http://www.amazon.com/Prayer-Love-Story-Jacqueline-Zwehl/dp/1939819008/ref=la_B00DY9W62Y_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1383163807&sr=1-1
Amazon Kindle
http://www.amazon.com/Prayer-Love-Story-Unconditional-ebook/dp/B00G8QTDKI/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1383164024&sr=1-3&keywords=the+prayer+a+love+story
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by Angela Smith | Feb 25, 2014 | Relationships
If you’re mad at your spouse, boyfriend, or significant other, tell him why, get over it, or tell him you need some time before you can talk.
Maybe at first, acting standoffish works. Maybe. But it’s selfish, immature, and usually always falls back on you.
My husband has always known when I’m upset with him. And he’s always known why. When he’s upset with me (he gets extremely mad when I yell, even if I’m only yelling at the cats for fighting) he’ll usually tell me, or get over it pretty quickly. Of course he’s right, yelling does nothing, and I try to respect his wishes and realize my own faults. But doesn’t mean I really like him for saying so when I’m in the moment.
I always cringe when I hear these words: Oh, he’s gonna know how mad I am. Or, I haven’t spoken to my husband in days. Really? Contact me in a few years, when you need help finding a marriage counselor.
I have known people who won’t look at you or talk to you because they’re mad or upset and they WANT you to ask them what’s wrong. That never works on me. Maybe it does for others, and maybe it works in your relationship. But if you catch yourself doing that, I say STOP NOW!
Maybe when you’re first in a relationship, those subtle hints, those don’t text him or call him first, wait for exactly 1.1 hours, they might work. But ignoring him never ever works. Waiting for him to ask you what’s wrong might work in the first few months or years in your relationship, but that type of attitude is never healthy.
And if someone is ignoring you, I’d say run. Maybe it means they aren’t interested or mature enough.
Sorry to be so harsh, but that is a pet peeve of mine. Yes, anger is real and there are moments when you don’t want to talk to your spouse or someone significant to you. But if you’re mad and you say nothing whey they ask you what’s wrong, maybe it’s time you say I’m upset right now but don’t want to talk about it.
by Angela Smith | Feb 20, 2014 | Guests
Designed by: Melissa Stevens (Website)
Publication Date: April 1, 2014
Series: Orc Saga, Book One
Genre: Fantasy (18+)
After nearly a decade as the king’s whipping-girl, Princess Arianna has no intention of going quietly into marriage to some treasonous noble, or serving obediently as the king’s spy until her death is more convenient. When she discovers a handsome orc, chained and trapped inside a magic mirror, Arianna cannot help but see a lasting freedom from her father’s abuse.
Left to rot inside a mirror by the king, Bolthorn never imagined his prayers would be answered by a princess. Nor did he ever expect to meet so worthy a woman after knowing her father’s cruelty. He needs her help to escape the mirror before the king marches against the orcs, but all he can offer Arianna is ice and darkness in exchange for her aid.
If Arianna can free the monster behind the glass, perhaps she might free herself, as well. But once they cross the mountain, there will be no return, and the deadly winter is the least of what threatens them on the other side. Romance blossoms in this gripping fantasy adventure.
EXCERPT
He knew these woods, sparse as they had become, and when they broke, he knew the tundra of the foothills too. Just before dawn, he found the outcrop beneath which he had made a shelter his first night beyond the mountains, and though he did not dare to light a fire, the sedge made a soft bed.
After a meal of apples and cheese, the last of their food, Arianna curled against his side, sharing the fur, and rested her head on his shoulder. He tested her forehead for fever and breathed his relief when she did not burn against his palm.
She tugged his hand away, a small smile curving her lips. “You worry overmuch. There are still two days of warmth before I must fight your cruel winds. I will be well enough for your mountains by then.”
His fingers lingered against her skin and her smile faded. He traced the clan-markings on her cheek and her lips parted, her heart thrumming in his ears.
Up the bridge of her nose and over her eyebrow, the umber flaked from her skin, coloring his fingertip. Down along the line of her jaw, to the pulse point beneath. Her breathing hitched. He only wished the marks had reached her collarbone, to give him some excuse to trail his fingers across the smooth skin there.
“You make a beautiful orc.”
“Not a Vala?” she asked, her eyelashes sweeping across her cheek.
“The Vala cannot marry.” The sunlight caught in her hair, flashing reds within the rich brown and he smoothed the soft, wild strands from her face. “They cannot bear children, or know the touch of any kind of man after they have made their vows. They know only the ancestors and the mysteries they reveal.”
Oh. It was the first thing she had ever said to him, trembling against the stone. She trembled now, too. As she should, he thought, knowing herself within the arms of an orc. He closed his eyes and drew his hand back. This was a dangerous game to play with her so near, so vulnerable.
“Sleep well, princess,” he said, his jaw tight against his need. “You’ll want your strength.”
She made a noise in the back of her throat, but when he glanced at her, she had turned away.
About the Author
Amalia Dillin began as a Biology major before taking Latin and falling in love with old heroes and older gods. After that, she couldn’t stop writing about them, with the occasional break for more contemporary subjects. She lives in upstate New York with her husband, and dreams of the day when she will own goats–to pull her chariot through the sky, of course.
Amalia is the author of the Fate of the Gods trilogy from World Weaver Press, and the soon to be released Orc Saga, coming April 1, 2014. You can learn more about her work at www.amaliadillin.com
GIVEAWAY
by Angela Smith | Feb 19, 2014 | Books, Guests
Kiss of Fire
by Rebecca Ethington
Joclyn Despain has been marred by a brand on her skin. She doesn’t know why the mark appeared on her neck, but she doesn’t want anyone to see it, including her best friend Ryland, who knows everything else about her. The scar is the reason she hides herself behind baggy clothes, and won’t let the idea of kissing Ryland enter her mind, no matter how much she wants to.
The scar is the reason she is being hunted.
If only she knew that she was.
If only she had known that the cursed stone her estranged father sent for her 16th birthday would trigger a change in her. Now, she is being stalked by a tall blonde man, and is miraculously throwing her high school bully ten feet in the air.
Joclyn attempts to find some answers and the courage to follow her heart. When Ryland finds her scar; only he knows what it means, and who will kill her because of it.
Are you ready to witness the awesomeness of this book trailer?
CHECK IT OUT!
For a limited time only get book two and three for 99¢
Also available on Barnes & Noble, iBooks, and Kobo Books.
Book three was just recently released on February 17th
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by Angela Smith | Feb 18, 2014 | Writing
A while back I posted about semicolons and how much I dislike them. Ever since, it seems they’ve been taunting me as they pop up in people’s posts, even my own, and overused in books. I thought I might try to learn to appreciate them, albeit reluctantly, but it’s still a work-in-progress.
I’ve never really cared for the suckers, but imagine my surprise when I was reading Spunk & Bite and came upon the chapter titled The Art of the Semicolon. Again, I say, they are taunting me.
I had been reading the book for a while but when I came upon this chapter, I set aside the book for months. I didn’t care about the mark and knew I couldn’t get into this article. And maybe I wouldn’t have appreciated it at the time I set the book down, which is why I picked it back up now.
I had forgotten about the book, saw it one day (in the bathroom), and picked it up to open it at the bookmark. And, because semicolons had been on my mind a lot lately, I decided to see what this author had to say.
I’ll start off my saying that I’ve never liked semicolons. Anyone who knows me well knows that. So when an editor blasted my book with semicolons, I cringed and went on something of a … well, panic attack. If you ask the author of Spunk and Bite, he might tell you that some would say it’s because I don’t understand them. “I exist, ergo, figure me out” he says of semicolons.
But I do; I do understand them; I just don’t like them.
This chapter gave me a new appreciation of this dreaded punctuation mark. He talked of its history and spoke of long-ago authors. Dickens loved them and Twain made ample use of them. Then he spoke of how some authors overuse them. Yes, thank you thank you, I agree with that. After all before I (somewhat) learned to appreciate them, one was too much in my book.
Arthur Plotnik of Spunk and Bite calls the semicolon an art. Although I wouldn’t name it as art, I couldn’t have said his words better myself. Yes, the semicolon has grammatical rules, but they are often overlooked nowadays. I know some who would say only fools overlook them, but to each his own. I believe, as this author believes, that the semicolon should be used as “certain nuances felt by the writer, certain gestures and whispered messages.”
“With the semicolon, there is a split second tease,” Arthur Plotnik says.
I love how Arthur Plotnik describes them as this: “How do I want to orchestrate the sense and cadence of my writing?”
To me, semicolons aren’t about being grammatically correct. They are about constructing your words, your sentence, your story, just as this author describes. And, like anything, they can be overused.
You can use semicolons to orchestrate your writing. Use can use them to act as mortar, a separator, expression, or clarity. In my opinion, of course, you wouldn’t want to overuse them, even to separate two separate sentences where a period could be used, unless the novel calls for it. It’s not about the sentence or the grammar, but about the novel as a whole.
And I say of a semicolon: to thine own self; be true.
by Angela Smith | Feb 17, 2014 | Books, Guests
HAPPY RELEASE TO SOUL OF FLAME BY REBECCA ETHINGTON!
About Soul of Flame…
Book Four in the Imdalind Series, expected release December 2013
The Time for the final battle has come.
Edmund’s armies have surrounded the Rioseco Abbey, trapping the few survivors inside. The sight that Ilyan was given a thousand years ago is about to come to pass.
If only Joclyn was able to fight.
Joclyn is tormented by the hallucinations that Cail’s mind has left her with, her magic an uncontrollable torrent that even Ilyan cannot control. Her moments of lucidity are broken by fears of dripping pipes and bleeding walls, and a desire to kill Ryland that she is having trouble trying to ignore.
The sight has shown her power, shown her success, but it has also shown her death – The end of her life something she is not quite willing to give up on yet.
Even past her death, the sight has shown her love, and that love may be the only key to her sanity, to her strength, and to Edmund’s death.
That love may stand in her way, and a single choice may tip the scales and secure their future, or destroy their fate.
AVAILABLE ON:
JOIN THE RELEASE PARTY ON FACEBOOK
WHERE REBECCA ETHINGTON WILL BE GIVING AWAY EVEN MORE AWESOME PRIZES!
SMALL TEASER
“You deserve to die!”
The tanned skin of his face slowly faded to white before the red of his lips painted blue. He clawed at his neck as an invisible force squeezed the life out of him. I only smiled as I watched him fight it, knowing it was pointless, knowing I wouldn’t let him get away.
Other books in the series…
Kiss of Fire Available on
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Scorched Treachery Available
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HELP US REVEAL THE BOOK TRAILER TO KISS OF FIRE ON WEDNESDAY 2/19
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Good Luck!
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Rebecca Ethington is a story teller and author from Salt Lake City, Utah. She has been telling stories since she was small. First, with writing crude scripts, and then in stage with years of theatrical performances. Rebecca’s first stint into the world of literary writing, The Imdalind Series, was released in October 2012 and since its release each book has been found in several top 100 lists on Amazon. Rebecca is a mother to two, and wife to her best friend of 14 years. Her days are spent writing, running, and enjoying life with her crazy family.
Rebecca Ethington is also a featured author at Chapter by Chapter BookRave in NY on September 20th! YA BOWLING, ADULT/NEW ADULT Mingling party! Get your tickets today! Book Signing FREE and open to the public.
by Angela Smith | Feb 13, 2014 | Books, Introspective
I was feeling a little discouraged and restless today. Dealing with a sick hen, a sick cat, and me still being somewhat sick on top of work-related issues. Work issues are never fun. And just having too much to do, you know? I mean, too much personal stuff on a day where the sunshine is beautiful and the weather is a perfect 70-something degrees while I’m stuck in a stuffy office building with no windows.
But I received a message that a reviewer had posted her review to Burn on the Western Slope and that she LOVED it. So I click on the link and reading her review made my day, week, and year. It’s a great feeling when a perfect stranger says such nice things about the story you put so much hard work in!
Then I come home to receive a beautiful package from a dear friend (a late birthday present) and I got to visit with my aunt whom I don’t see but for once or twice a year.
And of course I have to mention Valentine’s Day. Whether you love it or hate it, I like that it gives couples who otherwise don’t express their love enough to have a day for themselves. I also love that it can be a day for kids, and for you to express your love to your kids. Yes absolutely that love should be expressed every single day, but it’s nice to have a day set aside, even if it has been overrun with commercialism. So whether you hate it or love it, I hope you enjoy it.
Crimson Romance is celebrating Valentine’s Day throughout the month of February by offering all their first and second year titles for $1.99!
Burn on the Western Slope is part of that special. The story has a Valentine’s Day scene and, to celebrate my awesome review and the fact Valentine’s Day is on a Friday for the first time in years, I have a special excerpt to share with you! Unless you’ve read the book, this is the first you’ve seen this! I hope you enjoy and remember, it’s $1.99 all month long! This excerpt also features Chayton and Naomi, and we see more of them next month in Fatal Snag!
Read the excerpt and don’t forget to head over to Romances with a Little Kick to read from a reviewer who says: “I am excited to have read a new author that has so much power in her writing skills she gave me chills”. Burn on the Western Slope is a recommended read!
EXCERPT:
The décor wasn’t set for sweet. It was set for sexy.
Chayton stood behind the bar with a bright red jersey shirt advertising the number sixty-nine. Only he could look good wearing a shirt like that. With extra help, he tended a flurry of customers. The other bartender was the woman she knew as Simone. The lights flickered off blonde and cherry streaks to make it appear outrageous in an appealing way.
Just the kind of woman Chayton would like. Reagan perceived Naomi’s sigh more than she heard it.
“Ladies, ladies, welcome.” Chayton retrieved two glasses hanging above the counter. “What can I get you? You want to try my Valentine Rose?”
“What’s that?” Naomi asked.
“My specialty. You have to try at least one.”
“Hit me,” Naomi said, and glared when Chayton winked. And here Reagan thought they were getting along.
“And you, Reagan?”
“I’ll try it,” she said, trying not to be too conspicuous as she searched for Garret. Even if it was best he didn’t come, she longed to see him. It wouldn’t be hard to blend in here. Masses of people swarmed the bar and the dance floor brimmed with patrons.
Reagan watched Chayton concoct the beverages. Naomi focused her attention away from the bar.
“I thought you and Chayton were friends,” Reagan said.
Naomi nodded. “We are.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
Chayton returned, furnishing their requested beverages.
Reagan popped a couple bucks in the tip jar. “What’s going on tonight?” she asked.
“Entertainment night. Tourists and locals play music, tell jokes, karaoke, whatever they want to do onstage as long as it’s legal. Gets pretty crazy but it’s loads of fun.”
“Where’s Garret?” Naomi asked, as if she knew Reagan was dying to ask but wouldn’t.
He nodded behind them before turning to another customer.
Reagan swiveled her chair to look. Garret stood on stage, a guitar strapped around his neck. The loud music overhead stilled and Garret sat on a chair in the middle of the stage. The lights dimmed.
Reagan swallowed. The pulse in her throat ached. A bright flash of panic seared her eyes. She blinked.
His hair, mussed to perfection, coasted across his forehead and curled at his neck. She resisted the urge to jump him, right there on stage. Her thoughts grew naughtier as she imagined the stage lights illuminating their bodies as they made love.
Reagan gripped Naomi’s hand. “Ohmigod. He sings.”
“That’s yet to be determined,” Naomi said.
“He’s a Greek God.”
“Yes, he is.”
“And I haven’t slept with him yet.”
Naomi coughed as her drink sputtered to her nose. Reagan slapped her back with the palm of her hand. Okay, not the best move if her friend had been choking, but whatever.
“Yet?” Naomi asked.
“I should live a little dangerously, right? I can’t help that the first guy I see is fine, intelligent, and sings. Remember, I’m being wild? Leaving my safe little past behind?”
“Okay, so you’re ready to make the first move?”
“Give me a few more of these,” Reagan said as she held up her drink, “and I will.”
Link to $1.99 Amazon Burn on the Western Slope Page
