CarolOates

Happy New Year

2012-01-25T00:21:00.001Z

Yes, I know we are well into the year already and my absence has been notable over the last month. I’ve been putting my New Year’s resolution into action.

I’ve been keeping busy. Initially, my plan was to take two weeks over Christmas to read and relax. It didn’t quiet work out that way. I did manage to sneak in some reading and I also got some work done on a couple of projects I’ve had on the back burner for a while. I submitted the Ember sequel to my publisher. Not exactly sitting on my laurels but not far off it either.

Sadly, Eric didn’t engage with the Christmas spirit as much as I’d hoped he would. He finally emerged from his room at 11.50 Christmas night, peeked under the tree and shuffled off to bed again. He has yet to open a single present. Despite ordering a roast beef dinner, he decided on chicken nuggets on the day.

That aside, we had lots of family round and plenty of Champagne.

As soon as Christmas was over, I set about organizing an office. I don’t work well in clutter and this has been a problem for me over the last year, part of the reason I tend to write in the dining room rather than at a desk. I’ve spend a vast amount of the last month clearing clutter form my life. This involved a lot of heavy lifting furniture and being brutal about letting go of items I’ve hoarded for years. Yep, I’ve finally come out from under years of denial. I’m a hoarder. I like to keep that top I bought in 1985 because I never know when it will come back into fashion. Until recently, I had always thought I was good at not holding on to useless stuff but I think it’s the kind of thing that crept up on me when I wasn’t looking. One minute that box of keepsakes was empty and the next time I looked, I couldn’t lift the thing and it had spread like an Ivy plant, creeping into every crevice of available space in the house.

So, it’s all gone, gone, gone. Old journals mooning about life, love, faith and heartache(incidentally, my journals are as purple as my fiction writing.), hard copies of stories I wrote in school, clothes, video cassettes I never intend to subject myself to watching again, pictures of people who were once important but are no longer relevant to my life. It’s all gone. Replaced by a spacious room I didn’t know existed.

There are still some last minute adjustments to be made but after that, I shall sit down at my shiny new desk and throw myself into editing Shades of Avalon. New Year resolution complete.

2011 in Review

2011-12-22T14:34:00.001Z

It’s been a good year for me and words. Ember was released in July after a lot of hard work with Team Ember from my publisher, Omnific Publishing. I wrote a short for The Summer Lovin’ Anthology with proceeds going to Save the TaTas. I was one of the judges for the My Vamp Fiction original short story contest. I finished the sequel to Ember and the first rough draft of the sequel to Shades of Atlantis. I also got to work with some very talented authors on their projects and promotions. It’s been a busy year.

I need to give a special mention to the lovely Janice Foy from The Blog Bakery, who re-designed my blog. Also, to Amanda Tromley for her very special original artwork of Sebastian and Draven from Ember.

Somewhere in there I managed to read a few published books. Usually I’m pretty easy to please, I can take something good away from every book I pick up. This year has been exceptional for discovering reads I simply couldn’t put down. There were so many excellent books. With that in mind, I’d like to share a few of my favorites in no particular order.

Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia : I have to include this one. I’ve been going on about it to everyone who will listen. This story will break your heart and make you laugh out loud. It’s also got a very surprising first kiss.

EverBlue by Brenda Pandos : I was a pre-reader for EverBlue and so got a sneak peek before release. The world building in this underwater YA adventure blew me away.

Open Minds by Susan Kaye Quinn : Speaking of world building, the future world of this author’s imagination left me reeling and wondering, what is a human being capable of if they can control minds.

AshFall by Mike Mullin : This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and I wasn’t disappointed. Set in the aftermath of a volcanic eruption at Yellow Stone Park, I was hooked after I read the preview chapters on the author’s site.

The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson : I cried my way through a lot of this haunting story and immediately recommended it to my best friend.

There you go. I could go on and on, mentioning practically every book I picked up this year and there are already several YA and MG titles I’m looking forward to next year.

Destiny’s Fire by Trish Wolfe

Ashen Winter (Ashfall #2) by Mike Mullin

Unraveling Isobel by Eileen Cook

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

After all that book talk, I’d like to take the opportunity to wish Happy Holidays to each and every one of you.

Embrace Release Day

2011-12-20T05:38:00.001Z

Congratulations to Cherie Colyer on the release of her YA novel Embrace

Goodreads

Madison is familiar enough with change, and she hates everything about it. Change took her long-term boyfriend away from her. It caused one of her friends to suddenly hate her. It’s responsible for the death of a local along with a host of other mysterious happenings. But when Madison meets a hot new guy, she thinks her luck is about to improve.

Madison is instantly drawn to the handsome and intriguing Isaac Addington. She quickly realizes he’s a guy harboring a secret, but she’s willing to risk the unknown to be with him.
Her world really spins out of control, however, when her best friend becomes delusional, seeing things that aren’t there and desperately trying to escape their evil. When the doctors can’t find the answers, Madison seeks her own.
Nothing can prepare her for what she is about to discover.
Dangerous, intoxicating, and darkly romantic, Embrace is a thriller that will leave you spellbound.

World Book Night

2011-12-15T15:11:00.001Z

Have you heard of World Book Night? If you haven’t, you will. It’s an initiative launched across the UK in 2011 and in 2012, it will be celebrated in the UK, Ireland and America. The aim of World Book Night is for passionate readers to introduce their love of books to the people around them in their community and to get a book they love into the hands of someone, who otherwise, may never have picked it up themselves.

The best bit – And this really is fantastic, April 23, 2012, International Book Day, WBN is giving away one million books across the UK and Ireland and one million books in the US.

In the US there is 30 books and in the UK and Ireland, 25. These include, Winter Girls, The Hunger Games, the Time Travellers Wife, Misery and many, many more.

How can you get involved? Well, you can become A Giver. A Giver is someone who will receive a number of copies(depending on your country) of a book they are passionate about from the list to hand out to readers.

For More information on World Book Night and how to get involved, please visit the relevant site for your country:

US Site

UK and Ireland Site

Speaking of free books, Omnific Publishing is offering a $100 Amazon gift card to one lucky winner and there is still time to enter. Entry closes 16th December. For more information on how to win, visit the Omnific Publishing Blog.

Still more free books here! I’m giving away 2 e-copies of Shades of Atlantis and 2 e-copies of Ember. Enter before midnight EST 16th December. Click on the image to enter.

Interview with Jennifer M. Barry

2011-12-10T22:18:00.001Z

Today, I’m delighted to welcome Jennifer M. Barry, author of The Kingdom and Side Effects, to my blog.

When did you catch the author bug?

I don’t know if I caught it, or if I was born with it. I’ve always enjoyed art - creating and performing - but most of my energy was focused on the stage. Looking back, I was always scribbling little stories or playing them out in my head. I have notebooks full of “novels” that date back to fifth grade, and my mom swears I started telling tales when I was in Kindergarten.

After I started writing The Kingdom, I sent a few pieces of it to a friend. She encouraged me through the remainder of the book and then dared me to find a publisher for it. I’d never considered publishing before, so I was really clueless about the whole process. I’m really still learning as I go, but I’m super thrilled with Martin Sisters Publishing, my new publisher. They’re a new company, but my editor has been incredibly supportive. They help me remember why I love writing in the first place.

We share a love of Ireland, can you tell us a little about the connection and how Ireland has influenced your work?

Most who know me have heard of my husband, Liam, who is screaming at Manchester United on TV at the moment. He grew up in Cork, Ireland, and moved to the States about ten years ago. I’d always been interested in Irish culture, since many of my ancestors came from there. It wasn’t until my first visit that I really understood the magic of the country - the incredible beauty and amazing history. On a bus ride to Galway, there was this saucy little kid sitting behind us, kicking the seat and spouting profanity. My silly author brain imagined him as this fantastic being who’d been trapped on Earth for thousands of years, and Ciarán was born. I didn’t know how to write a whole book about a snotty little kid, so I then had to create a hero and heroine. I made Rioghan and Lily a little snotty, too, because it’s just so fun.

Many of the characters in the book are based on people I’ve met in Ireland - specifically Liam’s family and friends. They’re some of the fiercest, funniest, and most loyal people I’ve ever known, and I’m proud to introduce them, piece by piece, in the characters I write.

What Irish location has been your favorite to visit and did it make it into you first book, The Kingdom?

On our first trip, we passed castle ruins on the side of the road between Shannon and Cork, and I was so fascinated that I built several scenes

around it and the nearby town. I wish I could say that I’ve been inside, or even near the castle, but I’m afraid it sits on private land and is often surrounded by sheep.

I also included a lot of places in Cork, like Scott’s Pub, The Old Oak, and SoHo, which are places we go every time we visit. I had to feature Stephen’s Green in Dublin, the Cliffs of Moher, and a few other iconic attractions. Mostly, I just wanted the country to live and breathe - to be as much a character as Rioghan or Lily.

I seem to be entrenched in the supernatural. Even when I start a story without a supernatural element, it sneaks it. You seem to have shifted from Paranormal to Contemporary effortlessly, is it part of your plan to write all kinds of fiction or is it an organic process?

I see stories everywhere, and I try to write them down when I can. The most important thing to me is that they speak to someone, anyone. Supernatural is fun, but it’s important to remember that real life is still going on around us. Side Effects was inspired by a short story, and that story was extremely important to me. As someone who suffered from anxiety disorder, I wanted the chance to share my experiences with others and show them there is hope.

I have plans for The Kingdom. The second book in the series is complete, and the third is well under way. The Morning Star will be released early next year through my new publisher. I also have another paranormal series in the works, though this one features ZERO fairies, vampires, werewolves, angels, demons, etc. The Oracles of St. Ambrose will be about humans doing superhuman things. Even with all of this magic going on in my head, I can’t ignore real life. Side Effects will have a follow up novel featuring two new characters, focusing on learning disorders and the effects of music therapy.

Can you tell us anything else about your writing process?

Most of the time, I just try to grab some time wherever possible. I write marketing articles, web content, and blogs on a freelance basis, so sometimes it’s hard to find the will to write fun stuff. To get in the mood, I spend some time thinking out the scenes I want to write, getting a feel for the characters again and maybe testing out some dialogue. Then I put on some music that fits the story so I can block out any other distractions (*cough* Liam *cough*) and try to lose myself in the world I’m trying to create.

I don’t really work by a solid outline, though I do plan out the story from beginning to end. Sometimes I write the first and last chapter before I do anything else. Then I fill in a skeleton with the most important scenes first before connecting everything together. There are a few dangers to this, but I find it helps me keep the same style throughout the book - to keep the same voice. But then sometimes, I just sit down and write one straight through. I guess what I’m saying is…it just depends.

What has seeing your name on the cover of your books meant to you?

Of course, it’s incredible to see my name on the cover of a book. It never once occurred to me to use a pseudonym, to be honest. I mean, how would my mom tell everyone that I wrote a book? How would that guy I had a crush on in seventh grade know I was published? There’s something just…magical about seeing my name right there on the cover. It’s the same feeling I got when I saw my name in the program for concerts, musicals, and operas. I accomplished something! I started it and finished it. I hope to write a hundred books and put my name on them, and I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of that thrill.

What next?

What isn’t next? I always have huge dreams and ideas, and I like to encourage others to find theirs, too. I’ll continue writing my books, working as an editor, boosting other authors, listening to music, laughing at my husband, sharing my experiences, and smiling.

As for what’s in the works, I mentioned previously that I’ve completed the second book for The Kingdom series, I’m a few chapters shy of completing the Side Effects spin-off, and I’m putting the final touches on the first book of a new series. I have some books for adults in my head and scattered across papers, but nothing has taken a solid shape yet.

I love what I’m doing, and I hope to keep doing it for as long as I’m physically and mentally able.

Rioghan has been trapped here on Earth since the fall of Lucifer. He spends his days toying with the emotions of the lowly humans while his father, the High King, wishes for him to grow up and accept his royal obligations. When Rioghan meets Lily, the daughter of a famous opera singer, she is nothing but a shiny new toy to him. Lily has a very firm mind of her own, however, and can't be bothered by one more person professing undying love for her when they haven't even taken the time to get to know her. The harder she resists Rioghan, the faster he falls, until he realizes that she has become his reason to be.

Amazon Barns & Noble Goodreads

High school can be Hell on Earth, a fact that Isaac Matthews knows all too well. How is a guy supposed to deal with Anxiety Disorder, adolescent hormones and college and career choices all at once?
On top of all that, he meets Grace—the beautiful, outgoing new girl who shakes his very foundation and grounds him at the same time.
What he does is try the medication that’s supposed to make him better, knowing that there’s a chance he could just get worse.
Warning: Side Effects may include increased heart rate, dry mouth, interrupted speech, elevated body temperature, and dizziness or lightheadedness upon seeing her smile.

Amazon Barns & Noble Goodreads

Thank you for stopping by, Jennifer. It was great getting to know you a little better.

Find Jennifer M. Barry:

Blog Twitter Goodreads

E-Book Giveaway

2011-12-09T14:03:00.001Z

It’s been a while since I’ve had a givaway for my books. It’s almost Christmas, so this the perfect time to offer some e-books of Shades of Atlantis and Ember. To top it off, I'm making this super simple. All you have to do is comment. Leave a preference for which ever book you would like to win and an email if you can’t be reached through clicking on your avatar. There are 2 copies of each up for grabs.

Drawing open until Midnight EST 16/12/11

Since the death of their parents, Triona Pryor and her brother, Ben, have lived with their aunt and uncle in Camden, Maine. Now in her senior year of high school, Triona loves her family and friends, but she has always felt that she didn’t quite fit in…in Camden, or anywhere else.

Enter Caleb Wallace, the devilishly handsome man who has recently moved to Triona’s small town. While their attraction to each other is instantaneous, it also proves to be dangerous…and deadly.

Amazon Barns & Noble Omnific Publishing Goodreads

When Candra Ember wakes up in hospital after a dangerous encounter with a red-haired woman, she is shocked to discover that seeing a winged boy wasn’t her imagination. Candra is exposed to a world of rivalry and sacrifice she never knew existed, and the aftermath of a war to save humanity thousands of years ago. Soon she finds herself relentlessly stalked by Sebastian, a beautiful and arrogant Watcher Angel and romantically pursued by his darkly seductive rival, Draven. Ultimately, dubious about her own goodness, Candra’s very existence compromises a tentative peace in the city of Acheron

Amazon Barns & Noble Omnific Publishing Goodreads

Good luck!

Poughkeepsie Blog Tour ~ Review and Giveaway

2011-12-01T11:55:00.001Z

He counts her smiles every day and night at the train station. And morning and evening, the beautiful commuter acknowledges him—just like she does everyone else on the platform. But Blake Hartt is not like the others . . . he’s homeless. Memories of a broken childhood have robbed him of peace and twisted delusions into his soul. He stays secluded from the sun, sure the world would run from him in the harsh light of day.

Each day, Livia McHugh smiles politely and acknowledges her fellow commuters as she waits for the train to the city. She dismisses this kindness as nothing special, just like her. She’s the same as a million other girls—certainly no one to be cherished. But special or not, she smiles every day, never imagining that someone would rely on the simple gesture as if it were air to breathe.

When the moment comes that Livia must do more than smile, without hesitation she steps into the fray to defend the homeless man. And she's surprised to discover an inexplicable connection with her new friend. After danger subsides, their smiles become conversation. Their words usher in a friendship, which awakens something in each of them. But it’s not long before their bond must prove its strength. Entanglements from the past challenge both their love and their lives.

Blake’s heart beats for Livia’s, even if her hands have to keep its rhythm. Love is patient. Love is kind. Love never fails. Love never fails, right?

My Review

First, Debra and I share a publisher. Second, Poughkeepsie is an adult story and it’s not for the faint of heart. There is violence, abuse, mental illness, death and sex. Having said that, it’s a book not to be missed.

I read Crushed Seraphim by Debra Anastasia earlier in the year and absolutely loved it, so I was beyond excited to hear Debra was releasing a second novel. I spoke to her on many occasions in the run up to release and got to know some of the main characters a little though my part in helping to create the trailer.

Everything I learned only increased my enthusiasm for Poughkeepsie, but still I tried to keep from ruining the story for myself so I think I’d better do the same for you. I will say that I was surprised at every turn and gasped out loud when Blake’s secret was revealed. Even now, I’m choking up just thinking about it. When I finally got my hands on my copy, I intended to save it for the weekend. That plan didn’t work out too well.

After allowing myself one chapter, I finished the entire book. I simply couldn’t put it down and that is no exaggeration. I didn’t sleep and spent most of the next day ignoring my own revisions and bumping into furniture because my eyes were glued to my kindle. Debra has such a way with characters, she is a natural talent when it comes to tapping into raw emotions and this shines though Poughkeepsie. Each character is realistically flawed and is the end result of elaborate histories. This is not a simple happy ever after story, it a tale of damaged individuals existing in a world where they must make the most of what they have and create their own happy ending from troubled pasts. There is no perfect for any of them, but there is an absolute sense that each gets an ending that is both realistic and meant to be, leaving the reader entirely satisfied. For me, it was a privilege to share their journey.

To sum up, Poughkeepie is stunning and without doubt, my favourite release of 2011.

Giveaway (CLOSED – winners Rachel Triska and mostly a lurker)

Now, on to the good stuff. Debra has provided 2 E-copies of Ploughkeepsie. To enter, simply leave a comment with a contact through your google account or a valid email. The giveaway will be open until Midnight EST 3rd December.

Find Poughkeepsie

Omnific Publishing

Amazon

Find Debra Anastasia

Twitter Blog Website Goodreads

Poughkeepsie Release Day

2011-11-22T13:56:00.001Z

It’s finally here, the eagerly anticipated second novel by Debra Anastasia. Debra wowed me with her first release Crush Seraphim and has done it again with Poughkeepsie.

ADULT

Format: Paperback or eBook
ISBN: 978-1-936305-94-0

Blake’s heart beats for Livia’s, even if her hands have to keep its rhythm. Love is patient. Love is kind. Love never fails. Love never fails, right?

In an interwoven tale of unlikely loves and relationships forged by fire, Debra Anastasia takes readers into the darkest corners of human existence, only to show them the radiant power of pure adoration and true sacrifice. Complicated families and confused souls find their way to light in this novel, which manages to be racy, profane, funny, and reverent all at once.

Copy and Paste Code

Find Poughkeepsie

Omnific Publishing

Amazon

Find Debra Anastasia

Twitter Blog Website Goodreads

Ananchel and Lofi

2011-11-14T19:03:00.001Z

I’m a visual person. When I read, the words disappear from the page and I am immersed in the story. It plays out in my mind’s eye like a movie. When I write, something similar happens. I see the story in my head just like a movie and I then have to find the words to describe what I see. I often make mock up covers for writing projects or short videos. Ember had a number of trailers before I produced the final version.

The very talented, Amanda Tromley produced the graphic image I use as a background for my twitter page based on my description of two characters.

I’ve recently discovered a fabulous sites called Doll Divine. It’s sort of like the dress up paper dolls I loved as a kid. I’ve been having a ton of fun playing around with it. I’ve recently finished writing the sequel to Ember and I’ve been using some of the character who show up again and some of the new characters as inspiration for my dolls.

Ananchel Lofi

Autism ~ I wouldn’t change it if I could

2011-11-08T02:10:00.001Z

First, a little disclaimer. As always when it comes to the discussion of autism, this is my opinion based on my experience and I don’t expect everyone to agree. It’s becoming easier to talk about my experiences and feelings about autism but they are not always pleasant.

On several occasions I’ve come across parents of children on the Autistic Spectrum stating if they could cure their child tomorrow, they wouldn’t. I have to be honest. I don’t understand this at all. Maybe I’ve become jaded after sixteen years of caring for a special needs child and the prospect of continuing indefinitely, possibly for the rest of my life. If I could wave a magic wand and cure my son this minute, I would. I would do it in a fraction of a fraction of a half-heartbeat. I would do it with the knowledge he wouldn’t be the same in more ways than I can imagine now. Frankly, it’s a sacrifice I would happily make.

I struggle every hour of every day, my entire family does. I’m terrified about the future and how I’ll cope with the endless attention my son requires. Sometimes I want to tear my hair out because of the constant noise. The verbal stimming -- repeated words, phrases and questions -- is relentless every moment he’s with me and gets so bad I can’t think straight. I hear his voice in my head on repeat even when he’s not around. Perhaps that’s the reason I relish silence so much and escape to the countryside when I can.

I’m one of the lucky ones. We have great services for now and my son is high functioning and extremely verbal. I’ve spoken about his achievements before, Special Olympics, his writing, his music and now he is a regular guest on local radio. My son has so many more dreams for the future. I’m told with a lot of support some of these are achievable. I don’t want that for him. I don’t want limits other than the ones everyone has. Like any parent I don’t want my child to struggle. When I see him struggle, I want that thing that is in his way gone. For my son, that’s autism.

Before you go thinking that I’m an awful, selfish mother and it sounds like I’m having a moan, or this post is all about me. I believe if he could change, he would. ‘Why’ is a question always on his lips. He watches the world from behind the glass wall called autism. Most of the time he’s happy, other times he’s not. So yeah, I would break down that wall and bring him into the world. I don’t actually have a magic wand, so we’ll keep availing of treatments and hoping the world will adapt and see him as an individual human being with hopes, desires and talents instead of something weird to be stared at, or worse, laughed at.

When I think of a cure, I wonder if there is some guilt involved for parents? Do some believe that by saying we would change our child, it means we don’t love them as they are. Does saying autism only occurs in families able to cope with the challenge give some comfort? Do we really believe special needs children arrive into the world as some test of faith? If so, is admitting we would change the child akin to admitting defeat?

At the same time we spend all our time changing the child but we call it helping them to adapt to the world around them. Some would say it’s because we can’t change the world to suit the child. In reality, if parents of an autistic child could change the world to suit the child, would we? Would we really give up on the prospect of a child hugging us, or playing with siblings, or hearing a chorus of happy birthdays. Would we really leave them be on their side of the glass?

I tend to believe autism stems from an unfortunate set of circumstances and is not a test of my strength as a person by some higher power. To me, autism is not a gift, it’s something debilitating and ugly. Although it seems contradictory, I love my child exactly as he is, but I would change him if I could. I would sacrifice some of the things that make him who he is for all the things he could be. Does that make me a bad parent? No, I don’t believe it does.

Winners

2011-11-02T16:00:00.001Z

It totally escaped my mind to announce the winners of the Romance Girls Gone Wild prizes.

I’ve very sorry.

Congratulations to

kimyunalesca

and

Jess @ The Romanceaholic

Your emails have gone off to my publisher and you should receive your ebooks soon.

The Story of Jack!

2011-10-28T20:52:00.001+01:00

Welcome to the Romance Girls Gone Goblin Halloween Hop!

You probably know the story of Jack already and how he earned his lantern? No. Okay then.

Those carved pumpkins we see everywhere at this time of year didn’t start out as pumpkins. They actually started like this.

Not very attractive, right? This is a turnip and it’s from The Museum of Country Life in County Mayo, on the west coast of Ireland. It’s part of the National Museum of Ireland and a Turnip is a traditional Irish root vegetable.

So, one version of the story goes that Jack was a bit of a blaggard, a drunk and an egit, as we say in Ireland. He was a farmer and by all accounts a lazy so and so. He knew he’d been living his life under the greedy, watchful gaze of the Devil, who was only too eager to get his hands on Jack. He also knew his lifestyle hadn’t been paving the way to heaven but had been pushing him to an early grave, so Jack formulated a plan.

After one of several drinking sessions together, the Devil informed Jack his time was up. Jack agreed to go willingly but had one final request. As they passed under an apple tree, Jack pointed to one of the top branches and begged the Devil to allow him one last taste of the fruit. There is probably a certain irony in the Devil being tempted by an apple, nonetheless he conceded and climbed the tree to retrieve the fruit.

While the Devil was high in the branches, Jack got to work. He surrounded the tree with crosses and even carved some into the trunk of the tree to trap the Devil. Jake refused to release him until he agreed to never take Jack’s soul to Hell.

Years past and Jack lived out his life the way he always had. He lied, cheated and stole his way to his deathbed. Finally, he died. Remembering his deal, Jack attempted to enter Heaven but was refused and directed to the Gates of Hell. The Devil turned him away just as he promised. When Jack asked the Devil how he was supposed to find his way through the world, he tossed Jack an ember from the flames of Hell.

To this day Jack wanders the earth with his ember in his makeshift lantern carved from a turnip as a warning to all. You can’t outsmart the Devil.

When the Irish and British sailed to America in their droves, they brought with them the story of Jack. Turnips were hard to find and so they used Pumpkins to carve Jack ‘O’ Lanterns.

Now we have these:

To celebrate Halloween and in conjunction with the story of Jack and his ever burning ember. I’m going to give away two E-copies of EMBER.

When Candra Ember wakes up in hospital after a dangerous encounter with a red-haired woman, she is shocked to discover that seeing a winged boy wasn’t her imagination. Candra is exposed to a world of rivalry and sacrifice she never knew existed, and the aftermath of a war to save humanity thousands of years ago.

Soon she finds herself relentlessly stalked by Sebastian, a beautiful and arrogant Watcher Angel and romantically pursued by his darkly seductive rival, Draven. Ultimately, dubious about her own goodness, Candra’s very existence compromises a tentative peace in the city of Acheron.

To enter leave a comment and email. Winners will be selected November 1st.

Thank you and Happy Halloween!

Create a FaceBook Landing Page

2011-10-27T16:16:00.001+01:00

Last night I finally made a landing page for my Official Author Page on Facebook. It’s easier than I thought and there are two ways to do it. So, today I thought I would set out some easy instructions.

Creating the information

First method This is the easy way. It uses photoshop or any other photo manipulation software. Basically it involves creating an image of what you want to appear in the main section of your page and saving it. In order for it to it be clear it needs to be a decent resolution. I suggest 96 dpi or higher and between 500 to 520 pixals in width. For example:

Next, upload it somewhere online, either your file storage on your site or wordpress. I use PhotoBucket but anywhere that can provide a direct link is fine.

Second Method This is for the slightly more adventurous. It uses HTML coding but I am going to walk you through some examples. Simple coding isn’t as scary as you might think. Create only a header and upload or if you prefer the title can be written in code too. All other information can be written directly to the page.

Add the Welcome Page

This is the same for both methods. Go to the Facebook you want to add to. Click Edit Page – Apps. This will take you to a list of apps. You want to find Static FBML. If it’s not on your list, use the search. It will bring up a page with you simply click add app. Go back to your list.

Mine says Welcome because I’ve already changed it but you get the idea. Hit Go to application. This takes you to the page where you will fill in the information. Change the Box Title of the page to Welcome or whatever you like.

First Method In the FBML box use this code

<img src="INSERT DIRECT LINK TO IMAGE”>

Save changes. Go back to your page. You should now see your welcome page on your list.

Second Method

If you are using an image header add it in the same way as the fist method. If you want to use code, skip it.

Now for the coding. There is one important thing to remember when wrapping text in code. That is to open and close. <> open and </> close. If you don’t close the format will continue onto the next line of text.

The simple coding I used.

Font Color text goes here LIST

Font Text text goes here If using an unusual font add a second as a back up in case the first doesn’t show on some viewing devices.

Font Size text goes here

Bold insert text

Italics insert text

Center Text <center>text goes here</center> To align left leave this out.

Other coding required

Return line 

Space between lines 

Image code <img src="INSERT DIRECT LINK TO IMAGE”>

Link <a href="Link to destination">Text to show or Image code as above</a>

The best way to get the look you want is to play around. Here are some easy examples based on what I used.

<center>Welcome and thank you for visiting my official facebook page. Please take a moment to click the "Like" button above. </center>

Welcome and thank you for visiting my official facebook page.

Please take a moment to click the "Like" button above.

<center>Reviews</center>

Reviews

If you want only one word in italics or bold, place the code only either side of the word or words.

Carol’s love of writing about anything not entirely “human” emerged, and the premise for her debut novel, Shades of Atlantis, was born.

Carol’s love of writing about anything not entirely “human” emerged, and the premise for her debut novel, Shades of Atlantis, was born.

<a href="http://www.CarolOates.com"><center>Visit me at CarolOates.com</center></a>

Visit me at CarolOates.com

So there we go. Easy enough. I hope. Before we go on to setting the home page add new profile picture. If using a long image like mine, remember FB will only pick up a small square of it.

Setting as a Landing Page

Now we have the welcome page you want it to be the first thing people see. When going to your own page it won’t be. Again we go to EDIT PAGE or EDIT INFO and then Manage Permissions.

Set Default Landing Tab to Welcome or whatever you named your page. Save changes.

Giving your Author Page an individual User Name

Have you ever noticed how some pages have a string of numbers after the page name. Well, now there is a way to change that. You will need 25 likes for this to work.

This is easy and even if you don’t add a welcome page, everyone who can do this should. It makes the URL cleaner.

http://www.facebook.com/username/

Use the drop down menu to select your page and check for available names. Save changes. *This can only be done once for each page, so be sure you are happy with your choice*

On to the Bounce

Here's how this works:

If you are an author, click on "Get the Code Here" to get the link. Copy and paste that link in your blog post. Then hop right on and add your blog url to get added to the list.

If you are a reader, you get to bounce from blog to blog and meet some great new authors and maybe find some new books to read.

So everyone hop on and go for a bounce!

Shades of Avalon - Scouting Locations

2011-10-13T18:39:00.001+01:00

When I’m writing I tend to alternate between fictitious settings and real places depending on the requirements of the story. All the settings in Shades of Atlantis are real places and were chosen for specific reasons. I wanted to keep that up for the sequel.

I’ve had a lot of questions about how that’s coming along, when will it be finished and what’s it about. Basically, the manuscript is still a work in progress. The story picks up a few weeks after the first book ends and goes deeper into some of the Arthurian mythology. Once again the story begins in Camden, Maine and moves onto London before leading to mystical Ireland. It’s two of the Irish locations I had problems with. More specifically the home of one of the characters. None of the places I picked felt right and I couldn’t see it in my head. If I can’t see it in my head, I can’t write it in a way I’m happy with.

Over the last few months I’ve spent a lot of time driving around Dublin and Wicklow with my son. We got lost a few times and travelled some pretty deserted places, including the Dublin mountains at night. I admit that was kind of fun, especially when we saw flashing lights that Eric thought was an alien ship and came across a film crew in the middle of nowhere. Some of the places we’ve been.

Do you sense a theme with my photos? Apparently I like to take pictures of roads. So let’s use Wiki photos instead:

Bray Roundwood

Enniskerry

Powerscourt

Vartry Reservoir Ashford

Devils Glen

We’ve also been to Avoca, Glendalough, Mount Usher Gardens, Excalibur drive, Blessington Lakes and spent a few hours exploring Phoenix Park in Dublin yesterday evening.

Let’s make this interactive, for those who write, what extreme have you gone to for the perfect location?

2011 European Year of the Volunteer

2011-10-10T17:52:00.001+01:00

This is not the post I had originally planned for today about scouting locations for one of my WIPs. That can keep. I thought it was more important to share this video.

A while back I did a post about Childline here in Ireland, the importance of their work and how they struggle to meet the financial obligations of keeping it running:

‘I Can't Wait To Grow Up' - Support, Empower and Protect Children

As the mother of a special needs child I can appreciate some of the difficulties faced by children and young people trying to make their way in a world they sometimes don’t understand. It can seem scary and huge, something bewildering and beyond their control. A lot of the special needs children I have met struggle to find a voice to express themselves even when there is someone there desperately trying to listen.

Then there are those children and young people who exist in a world that is equally as scary for other reasons but have no one there to listen. That is when Childline and the volunteers who give their time come in. They are there to listen with an unbiased ear. They are the hand that reaches out and tells that young person they are not alone. I am very proud to say my brother is one of those people. Here we have a video from some of the volunteers, including my brother, talking about the difference volunteering has made to their lives.

Not everyone can spare the time to volunteer to a charity such as Childline, but if you can spare two minutes, please visit Better Together and vote for this video. Your vote could help the organisation win one of three 3,000 euro prizes or up to 10,000 euro. That cash could go a long way to helping funds.

Haunted Halloween

2011-10-03T23:01:00.001+01:00

Today I’m over at A Life Bound By Books talking about the spooky and gruesome in Dublin, as part of the Haunted Halloween event. The event is running over two blogs all through October with tons of author guests and prizes. Stick around to find out about a very special giveaway announcement later in the month and a chance to get your hands on a genuinely unique memento from a number of authors.

Turning 30!

2011-10-02T16:06:00.001+01:00

My friend, Hannah Downing, author of Pieces of Us is hitting the big 3-0 this month and as part of her celebration she is hosting a birthday blogastravaganza. To help her celebrate I am over at her blog today talking about how turning 30 affected me, my outlook on life and my writing.

You can pop by and say hi here. Why not hang around to wish Hannah a very Happy Birthday!!!

Do Vampires Pee?

2011-09-22T15:43:00.001+01:00

With just over a month to NaNoWriMo, some of you may remember how I started a dark vampire novel and then spectacularly failed to get my 50,000 words finished. That' doesn’t mean that particular story has been discarded. Every now and then I make notes on scenes and characters. I’ve brought it up to almost 40,000 words over the year. It’s on my writing schedule to finish next year.

The vampires in that novel are predators, they feed on human blood. As part of my research I did quite a bit of thinking on the digestion system of vampires. Basically what goes in must come out. Inspired by an answer I gave to another writer, this is basically what I came up with before deciding on the physiology of my vampires.

To start with, Vampires would have to have some form of digestive system in order for the blood to process through their system. They would most likely have to at least pee at some point, otherwise have some other system for fluid and waste removal from the body, ie. evaporation through the pores by sweating.

It really depends on the vampires. Are they dead or turned? Are they genetic abnormalities born as vampires and so not strictly speaking the living dead? Is vampirism a disease that brings the human to the brink of death and transforms their cells into something else?

It's all very well to say classic vampire, but is there really such a thing? Different countries have different vampire legends. Here in Ireland we have a place said to contain the body of the original Irish vampire. He was described more as a demon and so was never human, it makes sense his body never functioned as human and didn't require human digestion, and so he possibly didn't have the ability to consume human food. The place is said to be cursed to this day. Did you know Bad in Irish is droch and blood is fola, sound familiar? In other countries vampirism spread like a disease through all walks of life including royalty. A princess who died of a blood disease was said to have lived a secluded life while raising wolves. So it may be unclear if she lived as a vampire before her death or became a vampire after when her body was disposed of under unusual circumstances.

Throwing up the human food later is what the vamps in Twilight do. It sits in their stomach and is never digested. I've seen the same process used in several other books. I think if a body was once human at any point and still requires the ability to digest liquid in the form of blood it isn't a stretch to say the vampire would have the ability to process food, even though it would have no nutritional value. Since their senses are heightened, if they live among humans, they may even enjoy certain foods and the experience of eating, textures, smells... or it could go another way, food is abhorrent to them because of the same heightened senses.

Their predator nature could also influence digestion, but this could go both ways too. As a predator living among their human prey, they may want to blend as a way of hunting. An ability to consume human food without the need to get rid of it later could be helpful. Otherwise they may train their body not to reject the food. Although as a creature higher up on the food chain, would they need to circulate among prey to hunt or simply snatch their food from the shadowy recess of a dark alley or street?

Alcohol would most likely prove no difficulty in it's purest forms, gin, vodka. The higher the alcohol level the better since it would absorb into the blood stream and be removed with the rest of the liquid. Vampires could go to a bar and drink happily I think.

The important thing to remember when writing vampires is to remain consistent in the universe created for them. Because vampires aren’t real, no one can say what a vampire will or won’t do, how they live or act. They can say a writer isn’t abiding by the mythology but as I’ve already explained, the mythology covers a lot more than vampires being the soulless living dead and surviving on on blood.

Now it's time to BOUNCE!!
Here's how this works:
If you are an author, click on "Get the Code Here" to get the link. Copy and paste that link in your blog post. Then hop right on and add your blog url to get added to the list.
If you are a reader, you get to bounce from blog to blog and meet some great new authors and maybe find some new books to read.
So everyone hop on and go for a bounce!

Where YA meets Adult ~ Guest Post with Nicki Elson

2011-09-16T10:38:00.001+01:00

I’m delighted to welcome Nicki Elson, author of Three Daves, to the blog today.

Jennifer Whitney was the last American virgin. At least that’s what she felt like in 1986 as she began her sophomore year at Central Illinois University. She was proud of her decision to wait for the right guy, and yet she was getting restless. It seemed like everyone around her was doing it... and having fun doing it, too. She didn’t want to become the campus slut or anything, but surely there was a difference between a trashy skank and a nice girl with a little experience. Perhaps it was time to stop relying on fate to guide her and instead take matters into her own hands. And with that realization, Jen decided to find “the one” and lose her virginity, although not necessarily in that order...

I write YA fiction and Three Daves is marketed towards Adults. Around the time I read Three Daves we got talking about the line between YA and Adult fiction. Where is that line exactly? Or is there one Exactly. Here’s how it went:

Nicki: When writing Three Daves , a Chick Lit/ Romance set on a Midwest college campus, I was acting out of pure inspiration and didn’t give a thought to publication until it was finished. Therefore, I hadn’t really planned ahead for which genre it would fall into. Okay, how about a more brutally honest answer—I had no idea how many different genres were even out there! I simply wrote what I wanted to write without consideration for marketing.

I did, however, think while writing that the story might be good for girls in their upper teens to read before becoming sexually active. I’m not saying the book contains any sort of ultimate wisdom or anything, just that it offers up a unique perspective on the balance between being a good girl, and, well, being human. So I wrestled with one particular issue—fade to black or no? I went with no for reasons described in my very first blog post ever, but the bottom line is that getting into the detail of the sexual encounters was right for the story. And so the Young Adult/Adult decision was easy—Adult.

But then I started to wonder…are there other things in Three Daves that keep it from being Young Adult? I came to our friend Carol to find out, and she was immensely helpful. Here’s what she has to say:

Carol: I agree with you that this is absolutely a coming of age story. Even so, the industry standard for a YA protagonist seems to be cut off at 18 regardless of content, although a few are now starting to sneak through. Mainly though, a YA story should deal with the issues faced by teens moving from childhood to adulthood. Generally readers read up in age. It's expected college students will read adult books. The YA main character is kept below 18 so the YA reader can relate better. Although, we all know none of that is strictly true.

There is a new genre called New Adult, currently only used by St. Martin's Press. YA, New Adult, MG... it's all basically for marketing and who the book will be directed at. I think I would consider my books New Adult or Young Adult Crossover rather than YA because of the age of the characters, but since Omnific Publishing doesn't market New Adult it ended up in YA. I've also seen my books described as upper YA.

Three Daves slightly steps over the line with the description of the sex acts. But the scenes could have been left in with a little editing. The discussion of sex, drugs and drinking as well as swearing is all acceptable in YA.

The rule of thumb for authors on YA threads is anything real teens do is okay to be included but it all comes down to the guidelines of the publisher. Some publishers are more inclined to push the boundaries than others. For example the 'F' word is included in Ember. At a few points in the story one of the guys is aroused, another time the female MC mentions him 'pitching a tent'. One of the angels has the ability to elicit euphoric sensations in both men and women, and the description is similar to how someone might describe orgasm. I think I'm probably walking a fine line a lot of the time with what is generally accepted in YA but that type of content is not limited to my books.

Back to Nicki: Thanks, Carol! And thanks for your recent review of Three Daves (you'll notice I've gotten a spiffy new cover since then).

Carol: And thank YOU for stopping by. I love the new cover. If you’re interested in "New Adult" Chick Lit/Romance, Three Daves and other school-related titles are only 99 cents in Kindle, Nook, eBook, and ePub until September 30 as part of the Omnific Publishing Back-to-School Sale. If you’re a book reviewer, A Tale of ManyReviews has just opened up sign-ups for a Three Daves paper book tour. Have a great weekend!

Blog Bounce– Ember Tour Update and Prizes

2011-09-08T17:14:00.001+01:00

It’s Thursday and that means it’s time for the Author! Author! Blog Bounce hosted by Omnific Publishing.

Before we get to that I want to give an update on the Ember Blog Tour hosted By YA Bound.

I’m please to say Ember has been getting some fantastic reviews this week, both on the tour and by several other blogs. I’ve been humbled by many of the comments made about Ember and about me as a writer. Seriously, sometimes thank you seems inadequate to readers who spend almost every moment of their spare time sharing their thoughts about the books they read and promoting authors who would otherwise remain virtually unknown. I will say it regardless - Thank you.

So onto the good stuff, the prizes. For anyone who follows along with the tour there are a few prizes to talk about. Six random blogs on the tour will be giving away ebooks of Ember. There will be a runner up prize consisting of a paperback copy of the book and a pretty tote bag.

For the grand prize there is something very special lined up. The winner will get an Ember ebook, a tote, but they will also receive this.

As you can see, there is a butterfly on the cover of Ember. The significance of the cover to the story is explained here. This silver pendant necklace is from Newbridge Silverware’s Vintage collection here in Ireland. I swung by Newbridge to pick up this beautiful piece. Celeb’s associated with Newbridge silverware include Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, Yasmin LeBon and Linda Gray.

Good Luck everyone and if you want to check out any of the blogs already visited. Here is a list.

September 1: I Heart YA Books – Review

September 2: Tamara’s Book Ramblings – Review

September 3: Lisa is a Bookworm – Character interview (Candra)

September 4: Windowpane-Memoirs - Excerpt

September 5: Imaginary Reads – Review

September 6: Amateur Voice KP – Review

September 7: Stuck in Books – Character interview (Draven &Ananchel )

September 8: Alison O’Neill Hess – Review

One last thing, if you haven’t already checked out the guest post from Carey Corp, author of the Halo Chronicles, you can find it here.

For the Blog Bounce. Authors can pick up the code here and readers, please follow along with the links and hopefully you may get to meet some new to you authors.

Guest Post From Carey Corp

2011-09-06T01:41:00.000+01:00

I am delighted to have Carey Corp, author of The Halo Chronicles – THE GUARDIAN, here today. When I read this book one of the character who really stood out to me was Derry. You can read my review here. I asked Carey if she would like to stop by and give us some insight into Derry and how he came into being.

I wish I could say Derry is inspired by true people or a composite of kids I’ve know, but he’s 100% made up. His situation, however, is based on some kids I used to ride the school bus with back in high school.

The Boy: Derry has grown is in foster care, in less than ideal situations. When he shows up in THE GUARDIAN, he’s been searching for the main character Alexia. Alex and Derry have been best friends since they were twelve, but foster family placement has separated them. To get into the same community Alex is in, Derry allows a family with less than stellar motives to take charge of him.

I think what makes him so relatable is he’s vulnerable on many different levels.

Despite growing up in the system, fifteen year old Derry is not worldly. As a coping mechanism he’s retreated into himself, so he’s a bit childlike and sheltered. He often doesn’t have control over whether his clothes fit or what he eats, so he can’t afford to let those types of things impact who he really is. While naturally open and trusting, Derry has developed counterintuitive measures to protect himself. It’s almost as if his true self is hidden away—safeguarded until he encounters the right environment.

Once he’s reunited with Alex and in a somewhat safer situation (both emotionally and physically), he reverts back to a more open state. He also starts to close the maturity gap.

The Situation: When I was in high school a couple of kids in the same foster family used to ride my bus. All the girls shared a bedroom, as did the boys. I remember them talking about how strict their foster parents were. How they had to look after the littler kids and didn’t get to watch t.v. But what I remember most is the kids’ resigned acknowledgement that those particular foster parents were doing it for the money. That kernel became the inspiration for Derry’s foster family, the Eccles. They take Derry in because they want a teen to tend to their younger foster kids and they don’t like the look of any of the available girls. Derry accepts this because the Eccles serve his ultimate purpose. (NOTE: Alex’s foster family contrasts the Eccles as people who care deeply about those they take in.)

Like all my characters, Derry began telling me early on what he liked and didn’t like. Some of it I can trace back to people in my life, other bits are all him. Here are some of the main characteristics influenced by others:

· Star Wars geek (hubby and son)

· Prefers t-shirts & jeans; shirt slogans are more important than labels, slogans = identity statement (hubby and son)

· Eclectic taste in music, likes screamer bands (17 year-old-neighbor Ashley)

What’s next for Derry: The second book in THE HALO CHRONICLES is THE KEEPER. Although the story is still in Alex’s point of view, the title refers to Derry. Derry really blossoms in this book. He knows a lot more than he lets on, so he’s my keeper of secrets. THE KEEPER is also a reference to the quintessential nice guy and the kind of love that one builds a life around. Derry is not Alex’s first love, but he’s her soul mate. Unfortunately, he’s trapped under Gabriel’s shadow, which means there are lots of obstacles to overcome for a shot at happily-ever-after.

When I started THE HALO CHRONICLES series, I always wanted to explore the love that comes after first love. Often, it’s a much quieter, more profound love. But competing with the shadow of first love is never easy as Derry is about to discover. How do you compete when your girlfriend’s ex is literally God’s gift?

THE HALO CHRONICLES: THE GUARDIAN

High school sophomore, Alex Grabovski, is cursed with a gift: the ability to see the goodness and evil in her fellow human beings in the form of halos—rings of light or darkness—that surround the body. Her goals in life are to keep moving, find her best friend, and to remain invisible. A new foster family and new school offer her a real chance at a normal life. But in order to stay, she must accept that her gift, The Gift of the Saints, has been bestowed for a purpose and confront the overwhelming darkness she fears.

Then he appears.

When their school erupts in violence, Gabriel and Alex realize why the guardian has been sent. But can they rise above human emotions to fulfill their destinies, even if it means the outcome will rip their fragile world apart?

For more about the origin of the story and Alex’s first love, Gabriel, click here.

Buy THE HALO CHRONICLES: THE GUARDIAN (a 2010 RWA Golden Heart® finalist for young adult fiction) Now in Print and eBook at Amazon Barnes & Noble Smashwords and iBookstore

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Originally from California, Carey currently resides four miles from downtown Cincinnati with three badly behaved pets, two delightfully challenging children, and one incredibly supportive spouse. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America (RWA) and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). In May of 2011, she published her edgy guardian angel story, THE HALO CHRONICLES: THE GUARDIAN (a RWA National 2010 Golden Heart finalist forYA fiction) and is hard at work on the sequel. Visit here at www.careycorp.com

Thank you, Carey. I look forward to reading the next book in the Halo Chronicles.

Introducing Author! Author! Blog Bounce

2011-09-01T14:33:00.001+01:00

Today is the first blog bounce hosted by Omnific Publishing. It’s open for all authors and for readers, all you have to do is follow along and hopefully meet some new to you authors. Seen as it’s September and the kids are gone back to school, Omnific Publishing is celebrating with a back to school sale.

September also means it’s time for the Ember Blog Tour and it kicked off with a 5 star from I HEART YA Books. Make sure to follow the tour to be in with a chance of winning some very special prizes.

Operation Get Up and Move

2011-08-30T00:07:00.001+01:00

You may have already seen this blog button on a few sites already and know what it’s all about. If not, Operation Get Up and Move is the brainchild of Lisa Sanchez. Lisa decided a few months ago it was time to get fit and now she’s inviting the rest of us to join in. Authors are inclined to spend a lot of time sitting down, readers too. After all, what’s better than curling up on the couch with a good story? Maybe a story and some chocolate? If you are anything like me, you are in need of some motivation to get moving.

I was a the top of my fitness four years ago. Seven days a week I ran six kilometres, swam three kilometres and followed that up with either an hour of weights or yoga. I’ve experienced extended bouts of depression sprinkled with periods of extreme highs as long as I can remember. Exercise helps a lot but the last few years have been a personal minefield and I realized I was trying to be everything to everyone around me. I split myself into little pieces and as a result nothing got 100% from me. When demands on my time grew, one of the first things I allowed to slip was exercise. I haven’t been to my very expensive gym in eighteen months. Six months ago it came to my attention that there isn’t thirty five hours in a day and no matter how hard I try, there never will be. I made a life changing decision to reprioritize my life.

It’s taken this long to put my decision into action. From the 5th September I will be at home full-time with my son where I’m needed most. So what better time to take my health in hand. Taking care of him requires a lot of energy and he will need me around for a very long time. I’m making a commitment to take part in some form of exercise for one hour per day from the 6th September.

Lisa set up a Facebook group where people can come and support each other over the next few months, share stories of successes and seeks commiseration on the days we would rather eat a cupcake than walk a mile.

Review ~ The Halo Chronicles: The Guardian

2011-08-24T21:22:00.001+01:00

Kindle Paperback Nook

The Halo Chronicles: The Guardian is a 2010 RWA Golden Heart® finalist for best young adult fiction.

High school sophomore Alex Grabovski is cursed with a gift: the ability to see the goodness and evil in her fellow human beings in the form of halos-rings of light or darkness-that surround the body. Her goals in life are to keep moving, find her best friend, and to remain invisible. A new foster family and new school offer her a real chance at a normal life. But in order to stay, she must accept that her gift, The Gift of the Saints, has been bestowed for a purpose and confront the overwhelming darkness she fears.

Then he appears.

Gabriel is a Seraph, a guardian angel sent in the mortal body of a sixteen-year-old boy to protect Alex at the time in her life when she needs it most. Although he is as old as time, Gabriel's teenage form reacts to Alex in an unexpected, unprecedented way. He falls hopelessly in love with her.
When their school erupts in violence, Gabriel and Alex realize why the guardian was sent. But can they rise above human emotions to fulfill their destinies, even if it means the outcome will rip their fragile world apart?

My Review

Although this story started out typical enough with the new girl trying not to fall for the hot supernatural guy, the delivery was very original. I finished this quickly and spent some time mulling over what I wanted to say.

In truth this story effected me, both while reading and afterward. It’s one of those that you wake up and find some detail is still swirling around your brain days later. I enjoyed reading and will certainly keep reading the chronicles.

If you are looking for happily ever after, this is not the book for you. What started out for me as a YA angst story with supernatural elements quickly turned very dark. Corp sort of blindsided me. The reader is prepared for part of the ending all through the story, with one of the characters warning as much. Toward the end I certainly saw hints on who the villain was and why. It is obviously the eternal optimist in me that hoped for a slightly different ending. I commend the author for staying true to the characters and heart of the story.

I would highly recommend this excellent book and will be keeping my eyes open for more from Carey Corp.

One of my favorite characters was, the still very childlike, Derry. I hope to see more of him in the next part of the story. I’m delighted that Carey has agreed to stop by with a guest post on the 6th September to talk more about her characters.

Find Carey Corp

Website Twitter Goodreads Blog Facebook

Guest Post~Hannah Downing

2011-08-16T11:51:00.001+01:00

Today we have a special treat. Hannah Downing, author of Pieces of Us has come over to visit. Thank you, Hannah for stopping by to talk to us and for including an excerpt of your book for us to enjoy.

When Carol posted on her Twitter that she was opening up her blog to guest posters I jumped at the chance. Carol and I are published by the same publishing house and have grown a wonderful friendship and supported each other over the months. So, thank you Carol for allowing me the opportunity to take over your blog for today!!

I wasn’t sure of a topic to write about and asked Carol for some guidance. She posed a very interesting topic that not only inspired this blog post, but also allowed me to see my writing and my current novel differently, which a wonderful gift.

Her question to me – “How is writing your second novel different from writing your first?”

It took a few days for me to really think about the vastness of this question, I had two immediate and contradicting answers and I had to decide which was more accurate. My first thought was that the process was completely different... but at the same time it was also very similar. Let me explain...

When I wrote my first book, it wasn’t for publishing. I was writing it for myself because the story was in my head and it wouldn’t leave me along. I had to write it or I would go mad with the dialogue and characters fighting in my head. So, I wrote it out and gave it a group of friends to read, who all loved it and encouraged me to pursue publishing.

So, my writing process there was very raw. I allowed the story to pretty much write itself and wasn’t thinking about format or structure, just the plot. This of course made the editing process more gruelling. I wasn’t a professional writer, I had no idea what a publisher would be looking for and that wasn’t my end goal anyway so I just wrote and let the characters do what they wanted.

For my second novel, which I am writing now, I don’t necessarily know that it will be published, but I hope it will so I am writing with that in mind. I still allow myself to be creative, I have to otherwise the story would be horrible. But, I have been through the editing process now and I know some little tricks to make my writing better.

I would not say that either way of writing is easier than the other. On the one hand, the free writing is easy because there are no boundaries, but there is more work in tidying it all up afterwards, whereas minor editing as I go makes the initial writing harder but the drafts are better and will need less work in the future... I guess it all evens out in the end.

The other difference with my writing now is just that I, and my skill, have grown. I have written a novel, had it edited and been through the whole publishing process. I know what to expect, what they are looking for and how to craft my words. So, the writing that I produce now is of a higher quality (I hope).

Another difference from then to now isn’t about HOW I write but more what makes me write. Getting tweets, emails, comments etc from people who have read my first novel really encourages me to write more. Having someone say that a certain section touched them or affected them in some way is a great motivator to try and recreate that effect for people who might read my new novel (one day, I hope).

My writing process has stayed the same, but grown. For my first novel I had a small notebook that I would scribble ideas in for each chapter. Now, I have several that I use to write all different kinds of ideas. One has a detailed plan for each chapter in the book, one is full of character descriptions, background information, profiles and sketches and one is full of photocopies and print outs of research that I have done.

My writing is much more structured this time around and instead of just writing, I have taken a lot of time to work out who my characters are, how they would react in certain situations and what the cities and places are like, that I am writing about. It is a much more in-depth process and I am enjoying it immensely.

The other change I’ve made with my writing is that I don’t try to force it. With my first novel, I would sit there and try to push through writers block and the words that came out where never what I wanted. I would then spend hours reworking them. Now, I write when my muse is strong and the result is always very satisfactory. Sometimes I will sit down to write and ten thousand words will just spring out of my fingers with no effort. If I don’t feel like writing one day, that’s okay. I don’t push it.

For new writers, I’d say go with what works for you. Don’t try and be too structured until you know what the editing process is like because you might put in a whole lot of work that turns out to be wrong and needs to be redone. Write because you love it and enjoy the time you spend writing. If writing starts to bore me or I’m getting frustrated with it, I stop. That’s time to turn off the computer and take a break. Only write when you love it and the results will be so much better... well, that’s what I’ve found in my writing.

Some notes about me –

I’m almost 30 and this thought both terrifies and delights me. I am excited to enter a new chapter of my life where people older than me don’t look down on my because I’m “just in my 20s” and I think I am mature enough now to enjoy what my 30s will bring me but at the same time, there is a part of me that just thinks... am I really THAT old already?? Where is my life going? I hope the answer is that it’s been used to create beautiful words that captivate people and bring some joy to their lives. If that’s the case then bring on 30 and even 40, and many more books!

I was born in the USA but moved to Australia when I was young child. I am proud of my Australianisms and while I do try my best to remove them from my novel writing, my tweets are full of Aussie slang!

You can follow me on Twitter here – www.twitter.com/HannahDowning

You can like me on Facebook here – www.facebook.com/HannahDowning81

You can read my blog here – www.hannahdowning.com

You can email me at – hannahdowning81@gmail.com

My debut novel, Pieces of Us, is available now from the publisher – www.omnificpublishing.com or from www.amazon.com / .co.uk by searching “Hannah Downing”. Below is a small excerpt on Pieces of Us.

I love you. I had such a wonderful time last night xxx

I read the text message from Lucy on Cam’s phone over and over, each time hoping the words would change. My brain just couldn’t comprehend the message — sent from my best friend to my husband. I put his phone down on the counter and walked through the house in a daze. In the living room, I stood in front of the Christmas tree, which mocked me with its illusions of joy, love, and family. This would be only our third Christmas together — was my marriage already over?

I felt numb as I bent down and gathered the presents I’d bought for my husband and carried them out of the room. I placed them next to the front door, neatly stacking them so their shiny red and green bows wouldn’t be crushed. I stood there staring, trying to form a coherent thought. But the only thing in my head was the fact that my best friend was in love with my husband. I heard the shower turn off, and I automatically went to the bedroom and opened Cameron’s closet door.

“Babe, can you grab me something to wear?” he called.

I stepped into the walk-in closet, looked at his clothes hanging neatly in front of me, and selected a pair of dark-wash jeans and a navy blue t-shirt from one of the shelves. Pulling open his top drawer, I grabbed a pair of black boxer-briefs and stood by the bathroom door for our morning ritual.

I knew I should be yelling and screaming at him, yet I couldn’t bring myself to do anything but stand and wait for him to leave the bathroom. My heart thudded in my chest, my hands shook slightly, and I heard a weird static in my ears — as if my brain had tuned out.

Right on cue, the door opened slightly, and his hand stuck out. I placed the clothes in his grasp. He pulled them in and closed the door loudly.

I selected his clothes every morning. He said he liked that I dressed him, and if he’d dressed himself, he’d look like a vagrant. I didn’t mind this little quirk, and normally I enjoyed the task. But today I realized I’d been selecting the clothes Lucy had seen him in — and maybe even removed from his body.

The bathroom door opened fully, and he walked out, looking every bit as handsome as I knew he would. His dark hair was still wet and gleamed under the bright bathroom light. He gave me a smile as he kissed me lightly on the cheek.

“Thanks,” he said on his way out of the room and down the hall.

I couldn’t move. He was acting so normally, and yet my whole life had changed. I felt like I was standing on the edge of a cliff where a strong wind threatened to blow me over the edge, and there was nothing I could do to stop it.

“Charlotte, did you move the coffee? I can’t find it anywhere,” he called from the kitchen.

Bile rose in my throat, and I swallowed hard before taking a few deep breaths, wanting to stay in control. I walked slowly down the hallway, like an inmate to her execution. I caught a glimpse of him out of the corner of my eye, but I stayed focused on the cupboard behind him, afraid that if I saw his face, it would all become too real.

Tears welled in my eyes, and my heart continued to pound. I needed to talk to him — needed him to tell me Lucy was some crazy stalker and he wasn’t cheating on me. But I couldn’t get any words out. If I opened my mouth, I might vomit.

I looked down at the beautiful diamond ring on my left hand and choked back a strangled sob. We’d only been married for two years. Was he already bored with me? I pulled the ring off and placed it on the kitchen counter, then proceeded to remove my earrings, necklace, and watch — all gifts from Cameron. I set them carefully next to the wedding ring.

Tears streamed down my cheeks, and I could see Cameron staring at me in confusion.

“Charlotte?”

I picked up his cell phone from the counter and handed it to him, the offending message still on the screen. His face paled as he read it, and he looked up at me nervously. The loud static in my ears was back, and I was starting to feel extremely hot.

“Fuck!” he yelled, throwing the phone against the wall. It clattered to the floor undamaged, unlike my heart.

We stood staring at each other for a moment, neither of us saying a word. Then his eyes broke from mine and slowly moved down to my jewelry, abandoned on the counter.

“Charlotte,” he said softly, moving toward me with his arms outstretched, as if to pull me into a hug.

“No,” I whispered, stepping backward and out of his grasp.

His face fell, and he stood still, staring at the floor.

“Do you love her?” I choked out between sobs. I felt the warm tears flowing over my cheeks as I watched him think about his answer.

He was silent for a moment, and his shoulders sagged.

“I feel something for her,” he said sadly.

I sank to the floor, sobbing uncontrollably. The numbness that had been clouding my heart suddenly lifted, and the pain of what was happening hit me all at once. There wasn’t a single part of my body that didn’t hurt. I watched as my tears dripped onto the polished wood floor. Cameron’s shadow moved toward me, but I held my hand up to stop him before he could touch me.

“Do you love me?” I whispered, looking up at him.

“Yes, very much!” he insisted, dropping to his knees in front of me. “I’m so confused. I know what this looks like, but I want you, Char. I love you — ”

“I think you should go,” I whispered, cutting him off. As much as I wanted to hear something that would explain away his infidelity, I couldn’t listen to him right now.

“What?” He leaned closer to hear me.

I glanced up and looked at his eyes for the first time since I’d learned he was cheating on me. He must have seen something reflected back because despair washed over his face.

“I want you to leave,” I replied a little louder.

~oOo~

Thanks so much for reading, and thanks Carol for hosting me.

Meet an Author Blog Hop Monday

2011-08-15T11:15:00.001+01:00

Hello there,

This week the bog hop is coming to you from Ireland, land of Leprechauns, Guinness, The Blarney Stone, Oscar Wilde, William Butler Yeats, Jonathan Swift, CS Lewis, U2, The book of kells, over four and a half million people who love the craic… and me. :-) This is my first time to host the blog hop. For those of you who’ve been joining in over the last few months, you know what to do. For anyone new to the hop, this is how it works.

For Readers -

Follow as many authors as you like. Just follow the Linky list and hop from author to author. The idea is to find as many "new to you" authors as you can, and hopefully some great new reading material as well. Leave a comment as you hop from blog to blog! We'd love to chat with you!

For Authors -

Have a book out? Are you under contract for publication? Make sure you join in the hop. This is a great way to network your blog and let readers know who you are. The more you promote the hop, the more successful it will be. Tweet, Facebook and blog. Let’s get the word out.

Follow the Meet an author Monday host (Carol Oates) along with any of the wonderfully talented authors on the list.

You will need to enter your name and blog url into the Linky tool.

Grab our super cute button and place it in a post. (THIS IS IMPORTANT!) If you don't create a post for the hop, your readers won't have a place to comment, and the hop will stop with you. So create a post, paste in the Linky code and start hopping!

The purpose of the hop is to meet "new to you" authors and discover great new reads. Follow as many authors as you can. Leave a comment and introduce yourself!

If you'd like to share the Linky list in a post on your blog ( Please do!) just follow the link and grab the code.

Check in tomorrow when I will be hosting Hannah Downing, author of Pieces of Us.

My short, Unfinished is now available free on Smashwords.

Three Daves

2011-08-14T22:48:00.002+01:00

                                                                       Omnific Publishing - eBook edition
                                                                                    Some sexual content
Jennifer Whitney was the last American virgin. At least that’s what she felt like in 1986 as she began her sophomore year at Central Illinois University. She was proud of her decision to wait for the right guy, and yet she was getting restless. It seemed like everyone around her was doing it... and having fun doing it, too. She didn’t want to become the campus slut or anything, but surely there was a difference between a trashy skank and a nice girl with a little experience. Perhaps it was time to stop relying on fate to guide her and instead take matters into her own hands. And with that realization, Jen decided to find “the one” and lose her virginity, although not necessarily in that order...
My Review
I enjoyed every single page and read it over two days. I turned eighteen at the end of '91 so I didn't get to live out the 80's the way the characters in this book did, but I do remember it fondly and what I can remember as a teen, this took me right back to.
I really didn't know who was meant to be the hero. I knew guys like all three of the Dave's in my youth. I honestly couldn't say who I wanted to Jen to end up with, if she was to end up with any of them. Nicki Elson does a fantastic job of making everyone more than a character, she makes them feel human, warts and all. I couldn't dislike any of the guys. They were very normal and real.
Despite the fact I considered myself a good girl as a teen, I think the main character of Three Daves wouldn't have been impressed with my behaviour. Jen is no angel. Regardless, she is quite critical of her friends' morals and actions but I was glad to see she was able to turn that microscope on herself by the end.
This really is a coming of age story. The reader travels along with Jen as she explores the type of girl she is and the woman she wants to be. Filled to the brim with nostalgia, temptation, passion and sometimes heartbreak, I loved my short trip back to 80's.
Nicki will be joining me here next month for a chat about where Young Adult fiction ends and Adult fiction begins.
Find Nicki Elson
Website   Twitter   Goodreads   Blog

Unfinished

2011-08-08T17:43:00.005+01:00

Two very short announcement today.

Jonas is already raising eyebrows at his new school and Cathy's day isn’t going much better. Everyone is acting as if she isn’t there, her twin is usurping her friends and her occasional boyfriend is moving on. Can she convince Jonas to help her before it’s too late?

Unfinished was written as an original short story for The Fandom Gives Back Autism Speaks fundraiser earlier this year. It has since been re-edited and extended. I will be making it available as a free e-book through smashwords and this blog at the end of the August.

You can find Unfinished on Goodreads here.

I’m opening up shop for guest posts. The first will be from author, Hannah Downing. If you would like to stop by sometime, drop me an email and we can discuss when suits you.

The Meet an Author Monday blog hop is underway, hosted by Killian McRea.

New Look

2011-08-05T22:32:00.005+01:00

I want to say a massive thank you to Janice over at The Blog Bakery for creating this fabulous new look for my blog. Isn’t it pretty? I practically jumped up and down when I saw the first draft. Janice deserves extra thanks for putting up with my total indecision on the theme. We didn’t set out to go for a Celtic feel. In fact, I had no idea what kind of a look I wanted. I said I would be happy with anything at all. Janice helped me go through other sites and blogs to get an idea on what I prefer. I was drawn to either neutral or dark themes, so the next step was to get ideas for graphics. Strangely, I thought I would go for supernatural creatures but I didn’t. Apparently I like Celtic inspired images… who knew?

The image is header is Celtic Woman and is used courtesy of Rosa Sinmas. It’s absolutely beautiful and I’m thrilled and honoured to display it on my blog.

After this, Janice put the blog together with little to no input from me. She checked with me at each stage but there was no need for me to say anything other than ‘I love it’. Janice had already done a wonderful job at working out what I didn’t know I always wanted my blog to look like and delivered perfectly. The entire process was quick and painless. I can’t stop looking at it.

Now that my blog is looking pretty I am opening up to guest posts and interviews. If you would like to stop by for a visit, please send me an email and I would be happy to host you.

If you are looking for a blog revamp, I would encourage you to give The Blog Bakery a try.

In other news, the details on the Ember blog tour hosted by YA Bound have been finalized and you can see the list of blogs and the prizes by clicking on the tour banner in the sidebar.

Everblue Release Day

2011-07-31T15:29:00.003+01:00

Best friends share everything with each other. Or do they? Seventeen-year-old Ashlyn Frances Lanski is tired of her boring, single life. Spending time with her best friend Tatiana, dreaming about kissing Tatiana's twin brother Fin, and swimming competitively are her only sanctuary. The girls plan to leave their drab lakeside town far behind for college. But when Tatchi fails to return home after a family emergency, and no one knows where the family has gone, Ash chooses to do something drastic to find them.

Ashlyn is about to discover what she’d thought to be true her whole life, wasn’t, and the truth, too fantastical to imagine. Secrets lurk beneath the deep blue waters of Lake Tahoe, secrets that will change Ashlyn's life forever.

My review

I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek before release and I loved it. In fact I gushed so much I was given the wonderful opportunity of putting my thoughts on the back cover of the book. I can’t tell you how excited that made me.

“Dive into a thrilling new world – fantastic”

-Carol Oates, author of Shades of Atlantis

Seriously, how cool is that? Thank you to Brenda and to Obsidian Mountain Publishing for the privilege.

Without giving anything away, so much happens in this book…

The plot is well thought out, the world building is wonderful and the characters are varied and interesting. Brenda Pandos does a fantastic job of guiding the reader, allowing them to absorb the history and social structure of the Mers within the universe of Everblue without it being overwhelming and distracting from the story.

I found myself smiling at some points and at other times holding my breath to get through a scene. At the end of each chapter I couldn't wait to start the next right away. As a result I finished this book much too soon. Everblue is an absolute must read for anyone who enjoys something a little different in YA.

I gave Everblue 5 stars on Goodreads.

Find Brenda:
Blog Twitter Goodreads Facebook

My Writing Process, Bill and Ted Style

2011-07-24T16:41:00.012+01:00

Authors! Have a book out? Are you under contract for publication? Make sure you join in the hop. This is a great way to network your blog and let readers know who you are!

Here's how it works:

READERS:

Follow as many authors as you like. Just follow the Linky list and hop from author to author. The idea is to find as many "new to you" authors as you can, and hopefully some great new reading material as well. Leave a comment as you hop from blog to blog! We'd love to chat with you!

AUTHORS:

Follow the Meet an author Monday host (Lisa Sanchez) along with any of the wonderfully talented authors on the list.
You will need to enter your name and blog url into the Linky tool.
Grab our super cute button and place it in a post. (THIS IS IMPORTANT!) If you don't create a post for the hop, your readers won't have a place to comment, and the hop will stop with you. So create a post, paste in the Linky code and start hopping!
The purpose of the hop is to meet "new to you" authors and discover great new reads. Follow as many authors as you can. Leave a comment and introduce yourself!
If you'd like to share the Linky list in a post on your blog ( Please do!) just follow the link and grab the code.

Authors! The more you promote this hop, the more successful it will be. Tweet about it. Post a link on Facebook. Talk about it on your blogs. Let's get the word out!

On to my post!

I’ve been asked about how I write on several occasions. Each writer has their own quirky behaviours, their own rituals and methods of getting the job done. Every fiction writer is on a different train with the same destination. We all want to end up with a finished piece we can be proud of.

I’ve talked a few times about my Bill and Ted process of writing. Basically I like to foreshadow, even if I’m the only person who realizes it is foreshadowing. I begin with paper and pen, my preferred tools are a blue ball point Parker pen and an Embellished Manuscript Journal from PaperBlanks, meet Edgar…

Edgar contains most of the scrawled sequel to Ember, currently titled, Lilith. And this is Charlotte…

Charlotte holds notes and scenes from Shades of Avalon, the sequel to Shades of Atlantis. Investing in good quality paper and ink makes me feel I am investing in the story.

Generally the finished manuscript will end up nothing like the writing on these pages. It’s an out of order, rough, basic and almost illegible stream-of-consciousness type of writing.

From here I move onto a word file. I attempt to decipher my hand written scenes and shape them into a form that will, in some way, resemble they way I see it happening in my head. This is my second draft and it’s never in story order. I work on key scenes going back and forth to add and remove details as needed (Bill and Ted) to make the plot flow and the characters three dimensional(I hope).

Then it’s onto third draft, this is an important one. This is where I add transitions from one scene to the next and add any minor scenes required to make the story as seamless as possible. At this point everything is still rough but is slowing forming.

I will go through another couple of drafts to get the story as clear as I can before I move into editing. By now I’m usually on draft six or seven, sometimes more. This is when I pay attention to active voice, spelling, grammar and punctuation.

The next step is for someone to read it, in my case my brother and sister-in-law get first viewing, then a couple of writer friends I trust. I go through everything again… and then again… and then again until I’m happy. Then I find something else to tweak. Eventually though, it’s time to send the manuscript off into the world.

On both Ember and Shades there was a lot of work still required during the editing process once they were picked up for publishing. Creating a manuscript to submit is only the first step. Writing is hard work, anyone who says any different usually isn’t a writer. All we can do is our best and hope readers don’t hate it.

Having said all that, the pleasure of holding a book in my hands or hearing someone say that something I saw in my head and put to paper brought them a few hours enjoyment is enough to make it all worthwhile.

YA Bound will be hosting a blog tour for Ember. If you are interesting in reviewing Ember as part of the tour, this is where you can sign up.

Evelyn Oates

2011-07-22T01:02:00.001+01:00

Evelyn Oates

10th November 1943 – 22 July 1999

Death is nothing at all

I have only slipped away into the next room

I am I and you are you

Whatever we were to each other

That we are still

Call me by my old familiar name

Speak to me in the easy way which you always used

Put no difference into your tone

Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow

Laugh as we always laughed

At the little jokes we always enjoyed together

Play, smile, think of me, pray for me

Let my name be ever the household word that it always was

Let it be spoken without effort

Without the ghost of a shadow in it

Life means all that it ever meant

It is the same as it ever was

There is absolute unbroken continuity

What is death but a negligible accident?

Why should I be out of mind

Because I am out of sight?

I am waiting for you for an interval

Somewhere very near

Just around the corner

All is well.

Nothing is past; nothing is lost

One brief moment and all will be as it was before

How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again!

Henry Scott Holland

MyVampFiction Original Fiction Contest

2011-07-18T17:04:00.001+01:00

This year I was delighted to be invited to be a judge on the MyVampFiction Original Fiction Contest. Submissions will open September 1st. This is the second annual contest and comes with great prizes.

1st prize: $100
2nd prize: $50
Judges Choice: $25 Amazon Gift Card (this award will be chosen from the field of non-finalists)

For full details on the guidelines and rules visit the contest page.

See here for a full list of judges including Kevin James Breaux and Rachel Caine.

I recently had a long middle of the night chat with Susan from MyVampFiction about writing, Shades of Atlantis and the people in my head. You can read it here.

Finally, congratulations to Brenna, winner of the Shades of Atlantis giveaway. Also to Damaris and Elenariel who each won an Ember ebook. Thank you to everyone who stopped by during Blogfest 2011. Today on the Omnific Publishing Blog you will find an exclusive first peek inside Ember.

BlogFest 2011

2011-07-15T14:46:00.002+01:00

This weekend I’m taking part in Blogfest 2011 hosted by A Journey of Books. BlogFest is a huge collection of giveaways with over a hundred blogs participating. Each blog will host their own giveaway with their own rules, along with links to the next few blogs taking part. Just to make it extra easy there is a unique tracking system created by the resident IT Guru at A Journey of Books. To get to the tracker, extra chances to win and the full list of blogs click the Blogfest Link.

Now, on to the giveaway.

Since the death of their parents, Triona Pryor and her brother, Ben, have lived with their aunt and uncle in Camden, Maine. Now in her senior year of high school, Triona loves her family and friends, but she has always felt that she didn’t quite fit in…in Camden, or anywhere else.
Enter Caleb Wallace, the devilishly handsome man who has recently moved to Triona’s small town. While their attraction to each other is instantaneous, it also proves to be dangerous…and deadly.

I giving away a signed print copy of Shades of Atlantis. To enter leave a comment on this post with a contact before July 17th at 11:59pm EST

When Candra Ember wakes up in hospital after a dangerous encounter with a red-haired woman, she is shocked to discover that seeing a winged boy wasn’t her imagination. Candra is exposed to a world of rivalry and sacrifice she never knew existed, and the aftermath of a war to save humanity thousands of years ago.
Soon she finds herself relentlessly stalked by Sebastian, a beautiful and arrogant Watcher Angel and romantically pursued by his darkly seductive rival, Draven. Ultimately, dubious about her own goodness, Candra’s very existence compromises a tentative peace in the city of Acheron.

Ember will be available from 19th July 2011. I will be drawing two random names from my followers at the end of the blogfest. The winners will receive their ebook after release. To be entered, click the follow button for this blog.

The next five blogs for BlogFest 2011

Hope. Dreams. Life... love

The Wormhole

Kim Bowman Author

Got Romance Reviews Muse

Felicia Rogers

*** Thank you to everyone who has commented and followed. For those who have asked, all my giveaways are international.***

Sizzling Summer Author Extravaganza

2011-07-14T14:33:00.002+01:00

I’m over at Lisa Sanchez Romance Author today talking about Beltaine and my story in The Summer Anthologies, The Summer Prince. I’m also giving away a signed copy of Shades of Atlantis.
Remember to follow this blog for information on upcoming giveaways for my next release, Ember.

Ember Trailer

2011-07-13T20:32:00.002+01:00

I’m very pleased to be able to show you the trailer for my newest release, Ember. This paranormal romance will be available to buy from 19th July 2011.

Ember on Goodreads.

When Candra Ember wakes up in hospital after a dangerous encounter with a red-haired woman, she is shocked to discover that seeing a winged boy wasn’t her imagination. Candra is exposed to a world of rivalry and sacrifice she never knew existed, and the aftermath of a war to save humanity thousands of years ago. Soon she finds herself relentlessly stalked by Sebastian, a beautiful and arrogant Watcher Angel and romantically pursued by his darkly seductive rival, Draven. Ultimately, dubious about her own goodness, Candra’s very existence compromises a tentative peace in the city of Acheron.

Drop into the Omnific Publishing Blog Monday for a sneak peek inside the book.

Special Needs and Independence

2011-07-02T21:53:00.001+01:00

Today, as so many of my friends prepare to celebrate American Independence day, I have been thinking about independence and what it means to me on a more personal level.

Lots of you already know about my son and have read some of my previous posts about our lives and living with Autism in the family. For families like mine life is an up hill struggle every day toward independence. Everything I do and every choice I have made for well over a decade has been underlined with the silent question, “How will this affect Eric?” This is all done with the ultimate goal of having some level of independence for my son. I know I’m not alone in this battle. I share it with lots of people around the globe.

You see, the thing about AS is there are so many unknowns. But, there is one thing we know for sure and that is education and therapies work. A person living with AS does have the ability to learn and adapt. In a lot of cases AS can work to their advantage in learning because they can be so determined. They will do it over and over until it comes right. Sometimes a task will take longer. More patience and more assistance is required but isn’t it worth it to help any child reach their potential? To help them realize the dream of independent living?

The other thing about AS is it doesn’t get better on it’s own. An AS child will not grow out of their behaviours or become active and independent adult members of society on their own. If they don’t, what happens to them then? Surely it’s easy to see how important it is for governments to invest in their future now, so that in that future a significant portion of these children can have that independence that means they can give back to society.

In Ireland right now many parents are hearing that the government don’t agree. Just one of the services hit by cutbacks is Special Needs Assistants from schools all over the country. Children are losing access to that vital lifeline they need to help them achieve all they can be.

The last Government decided in December 2010 to cap the number of SNAs at 10,575. There are currently 10,802 posts, which is 227 over the cap that has to be reached by the end of 2011. That reduction will take place by the end of the year. 277 doesn’t seem like a lot, but in a country the size of Ireland where schools are already struggling to provide for special needs children, it is huge.

Aristotle said that education is the best investment for old age. Yes, money is tight and times are harsh but how will that improve by having a generation of children whose potential to give back to society is ripped away? Surely our children are worth the investment.

For any Irish people reading, there will be a protest at Dail Eireann from 15.00 to 21.00 on the 13th July 2011.

To my American friends and family – Happy 4th of July Weekend!

Sebastian

2011-06-22T20:39:00.002+01:00

Image by Amanda Tromley

Say hi to Sebastian, one of the main characters in my forthcoming novel, Ember. As you can clearly see from the pout, Sebastian can get particularly bad-tempered and moody when he doesn’t get his own way. Don’t let his big brown eyes fool you. He is complicated and stubborn, and his dark past has left him with a serious chip on his shoulder. This is one angel not to be trifled with.

Coming Soon

2011-06-16T21:40:00.002+01:00

While we are waiting for the official cover and release announcement for Ember from Omnific Publishing, here is a little something to wet your appetite. Created by the fabulously talented Amanda Tromley.

Tempt Me Tuesday – Lilith Teaser 2

2011-06-07T22:00:00.001+01:00

Wanna participate? Here’s how:

Authors both published and unpublished can share a bit of their WIP, or feature a snippet or "teaser" from one of their published books.
There are no rules as far as how big or little your teaser should be, however, do try to keep them at a reasonable length. People may tune out/lose interest if you post half your book on your blog. Just sayin'.
To participate:

Create a new post for your Tempt Me Tuesday entry
Post your teaser for the week

This week I will be sharing another teaser from one of my current WIPs, Lilith. Lilith is the sequel to my next release, Ember. Here we have Draven attempting to explain love.

~o0o~

“All you see is this, the plant, the pretty bloom. Except flowers don’t exist in isolation. You need to go further, look deeper. This is only a tiny part of the plant.” He reached into the soil and scooped a handful before letting it slip through his fingers again. “Love is just like the flower, it has hidden depths that we rarely ever see. Beneath the surface lies a network of roots. You can admire the flower for what it is, or you can dig deeper. The more you dig, the more you will find. The real reasons we love a person sometimes exist in the darkest and deepest part of us, the part that knows no logic… or rationale.”

Teaser Tuesday – Lilith

2011-06-01T00:37:00.002+01:00

Tempt Me Tuesday is a new hop on a weekly basis from Lisa Sanchez.
Authors both published and unpublished can share a bit of their WIP, or feature a snippet or "teaser" from one of their published books.
There are no rules as far as how big or little your teaser should be, however, do try to keep them at a reasonable length. People may tune out/lose interest if you post half your book on your blog. Just sayin'.
To participate:

Create a new post for your Tempt Me Tuesday entry
Place the button on your post with a link back here. (If people get lost along the hop, they can click on the button and find the master list here)
Post your teaser for the week
Enter the link to your post into the linky list.

Voila!
Last week I gave you a snippet of Shades of Avalon. This week it’s the turn of my other WIP, Lilith. This is the sequel to Ember. Ember will be released later this year.
In order to keep from giving too much away I won’t be naming this male character.

~o0o~

She healed him in ways he was completely incapable of expressing. He was trying, but he had buried his emotions so long and so deeply. He wasn’t entirely sure he could make her understand the sheer violence of his love. It ripped through him every second of every day and night, crawling under his flesh and plucking at his nerves as if he was merely an instrument being played for her amusement. He would die for her in less than a heartbeat and it was becoming increasingly likely.

Now it’s your turn.

The Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award

2011-05-28T23:36:00.003+01:00

This is my first post using Windows Live Writer. I’ve seen a few blogger talking about this in the last couple of days, so I thought I would give it a try since I already had the program. So far so good.
I have been awarded The Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award by the lovely and talented, Jennifer Lane.
I am supposed to tell you you some things about myself but I’m sure you sick of hearing about me so instead I’m going to show you some of my latest sweet creations.
My nieces were visiting today before they travel to America for the summer. We had some after dinner treats.
These were for Eric’s bowling party a few weeks ago. The chocolate slices had popping candy inside.
A joint effort with my sister-in-law. This cake was over two feet tall and at least twenty pounds of sponge cake, buttercream and fondant. It had a one inch wooden dowel running up the centre to support the structure engineered by my sis-in-law. Each brick was individually indented and painted, and the roof sparkled.
My niece's first birthday cake. Sugar free carrot cake and vanilla cream cheese so minus the sugar paste the kids could indulge just a little.
On to passing the award. As some blogs are award free there is no pressure to join up.

Book Review - With Good Behavior

2011-05-25T22:20:00.002+01:00

By Jennifer Lane

Published by Omnific Publishing

Available in print and e-book
Adult themes

In a world gripped by organized crime, family dysfunction, and dim hopes of redemption, can true love persevere? For Sophie Taylor, a beautiful psychologist who lost everything when she violated an ethical boundary, and Grant Madsen, a handsome naval officer who sacrificed everything to protect a loved one, finding that love may carry an unbearable cost.

Starting their lives over in Chicago, both are fighting influences from their family and running as fast as they can to escape the past. When their paths cross outside the parole officer's door, the attraction is instantaneous. But a hidden connection may not only shatter their fledgling love, but prove deadly to them both.

My review

Disclaimer: Jennifer Lane is a friend and we are published through the same publisher. This hasn't influenced my review in the slightest. I wouldn't recommend a book unless I believed it worth the review.

I'm giving this book five stars because, when I absolutely had to stop reading I found it very hard to drag myself away. First of all this book is long, very long with plenty of reading in it. I loved the complexities of all the major characters individually and the interactions between them. They felt very real to me. Normally I can guess the ending of a book from a few pages in. Something that struck me with this book was that I didn't even try. I found myself involved with each page and chapter to the extent I was happy to sit back and let the tale unfurl naturally. Jennifer Lane certainly took me on a wild ride. I cried and laughed out loud at a few different points in the story. All in all, With Good Behavior was a thoroughly enjoyable read.

Buy the book here.

For more on Jennifer Lane check out her website.

Tempt Me Tuesday

2011-05-24T19:41:00.001+01:00

Tempt Me Tuesday is a new hop hosted by Lisa Sanchez on a weekly basis.

Authors both published and unpublished can share a bit of their WIP, or feature a snippet or "teaser" from one of their published books.
There are no rules as far as how big or little your teaser should be, however, do try to keep them at a reasonable length. People may tune out/lose interest if you post half your book on your blog. Just sayin'.

To participate:

Create a new post for your Tempt Me Tuesday entry
Place the button on your post with a link back here. (If people get lost along the hop, they can click on the button and find the master list here)
Post your teaser for the week
Enter the link to your post into the linky list.

Voila!

My teaser is from from one of my current WIPs. It's the sequel to Shades of Atlantis, tentatively titled, Shades of Avalon.

Ben POV:

“When the flow of destiny is interrupted, it creates a new path. Fate does not tolerate her plans being altered.

“So you are saying that mark means John is a new path or a variable in fate’s plan?” I asked dubiously.

Gwenivere stood and bent at the waist to brush grass from her jeans. Her long braid swung down between us and obscured her face partially.
“I’m saying if Triona had destroyed Zeal, Caleb would still be here. Every choice we make has a consequence. Even the smallest mercy can be a tiny ripple that grows to a massive tidal wave. When Triona made that choice, fate led her back to John and made damn sure he could protect her if Caleb could not. Every queen needs her champion.”

The Summer Prince

2011-05-23T18:13:00.000+01:00

Today I wanted to give a quick mention to the forthcoming release of the Summer Lovin’ anthology books from Omnific Publishing. The books will be released July 1^st and will be available until the September 30^th with proceeds donated to Save the Ta-Tas during Breast Cancer Awareness month in October.

During my mid-twenties I found a lump in my breast after a self-check. It was small, something I wouldn’t have noticed if I hadn’t been looking. I spent a few days pretending it wasn’t there and eventually told my sister-in-law and sought a specialist. Fortunately it turned out to be nothing serious but many women are not so fortunate.

I wrote The Summer Prince specially for the YA anthology. I would describe it as a hint of sleeping beauty combined with a healthy dose of celtic lore and true love.

On the eve of her sixteenth birthday, Niamh sneaks out to attend the festival of Beltaine. Not long into the celebration she encounters a mysterious young man named Regan. When Niamh has to choose between running deeper into a dark forest with a supernatural creature that shouldn’t exist or facing an unknown threat chasing her, Niamh discovers she will have to rethink everything she knows about the Fae.

On to the hop!

Authors! Have a book out? Are you under contract for publication? Make sure you join in the hop. This is a great way to network your blog and let readers know who you are!

Here's how it works:

READERS:

Follow as many authors as you like. Just follow the Linky list and hop from author to author. The idea is to find as many "new to you" authors as you can, and hopefully some great new reading material as well. Leave a comment as you hop from blog to blog! We'd love to chat with you!

AUTHORS:

Follow the Meet an author Monday host (Cali Cheer Mom) along with any of the wonderfully talented authors on the list.
You will need to enter your name and blog url into the Linky tool.
Grab our super cute button and place it in a post. (THIS IS IMPORTANT!) If you don't create a post for the hop, your readers won't have a place to comment, and the hop will stop with you. So create a post, paste in the Linky code and start hopping!
The purpose of the hop is to meet "new to you" authors and discover great new reads. Follow as many authors as you can. Leave a comment and introduce yourself!
If you'd like to share the Linky list in a post on your blog ( Please do!) just follow the link and grab the code.

Authors! The more you promote this hop, the more successful it will be. Tweet about it. Post a link on Facebook. Talk about it on your blogs. Let's get the word out!

The Onyx Talisman Cover Reveal

2011-05-20T15:26:00.001+01:00

I’m taking part in the cover reveal for The Onyx Talisman today. This is the third and final book in The Talisman series by Brenda Pandos. Scroll down for a catch up on the first two books before checking out the stunning cover for the new book.

The Emerald Talisman

To be normal, sixteen-year-old Julia Parker would shed her empathic gift in a second. Life has been difficult since her mother's mysterious disappearance ten years earlier - an event she witnessed, but can't remember. Julia's situation becomes more complicated after a near death experience from a blood thirsty stalker. As high school students go missing it is clear there is a connection to her own experience--past and present. Someone has to stop the madness and a chance encounter with a creepy psychic foretells that only Julia is the key to stopping the madness, but it may require the life of the one she loves.

The Sapphire Talisman

With the local vampire coven decimated, Julia and Nicholas try to begin a somewhat normal life together. Bound by secrecy from a shape shifter determined to see Julia’s world-saving prediction come to fruition, Julia isn’t allowed to tell Nicholas the leader survived, ransacking her happiness with guilt. When Alora returns, bent on revenge, the reunion forces Nicholas and Julia to choose what they are willing to live and die for.

The Onyx Talisman

Release date 16^th November 2011

Obsidian Mountain Publishing

Spoiler Alert!

All was perfect in Julia’s life until Nicholas had his vampire blood-lust activated by his mother Alora, her immortal enemy, turning him evil and bent on revenge. Heartbroken and out of choices, Phil and Julia ran away in the middle of the night, with Scarlett on foot, to Orange County to warn and plead Nicholas’ Godfather for help. Once arriving at Harry’s though, the local coven accosted them and they narrowly escaped.

After they returned home, there was a huge showdown between Phil, Nicholas, Scarlett, Alora, Katie and Julia. Alora almost got what she wanted—Julia’s vampire warding talisman—but Preston, Nicholas’ father, and Harry came to the rescue. They escorted Nicholas and Alora back to Beverly Hills, pledging to return Nicholas free from his blood-lust. But all Julia’s received in the past four months is a letter stating Nicholas missed her along with some song lyrics and promise of a quick return. That was a month ago.

Now Julia awaits Nicholas’ return with the Fab Five Coven: Phil and Katie—the sober vampires, Scarlett—the half-vamp/shape-shifter, and Tyler and Julia—the inducted humans. She’s stuck in Scotts Valley with Phil as her self-appointed chaperon and no way to return to Los Angeles to check on Nicholas. Only Scarlett and Julia know her fate ultimately involves the demise of all vampires, possibly including the ones she loves. When the time comes, will she even have a choice?

Find Brenda Pandos here:

Twitter

'I Can't Wait To Grow Up' - Support, Empower and Protect Children

2011-05-19T22:58:00.001+01:00

I have debated with myself about blogging this because I know it has the potential to distress or upset some people. After listening to a radio show on the subject today I have been inspired to stand up for my convictions. I no longer feel it’s enough to say I support this campaign. I need to show I support it by posting the video to my blog.

Childline is a charity, and part of the ISPCC, set up to take calls, emails and text from children dealing with difficulty in their life when they feel they have no-one else they can turn to. This includes issues from school life, friendships and the everyday stresses of being a child in the 21^st century to the most brutal cases of child abuse, self-harm and even suicide. They are there to support, empower and protect children.

Recently the ISPCC launched their summer campaign entitled ‘I Can’t Wait To Grow Up’. The campaign has caused controversy with calls for the video showing a young boy being beating while reciting the campaign message to the camera to be withdrawn. Some say the message that every child deserves a childhood that is happy and safe is lost in the graphic brutality of the video. The video is posted on Youtube, on the ISPCC’s homepage and airs on national television after the watershed(safe harbor).

While I was fortunate to grow up in a home where I never had to experience abuse, not everyone in my family was as fortunate and I have seen the effects abuse can have on a person first hand. This is an article from the Irish Examiner with a quote from a Childline volunteer.

Disclaimer: Alan is my younger brother and his qualifications are a three year Degree in Anthropology and a two year Higher Diploma in Psychotherapy. He is just one of many who give their time freely and selflessly to this worthwhile cause.

Just to stress again that Childline is not just about abuse. Any child in difficulty is invited to contact them.

Sadly, 35% of calls go unanswered due to lack of funding. More than 2,300 contacts are made per day. 837,552 calls and 27,710 texts, emails and webchats. 13% of calls are linked to abuse and welfare issues. They have an annual budget of €7m with only €600,000 coming from statutory funding. The rest is made up by fundraising. This year there has been a drop in donations by 4% but contacts have risen by 15%. €4,563,018 was raised in 2009.

Quote from ISPCC director of services, Caroline O’Sullivan.

“Our [financial] reserves are now as good as gone. We are okay for this year but Childline may not be around next year.”

It’s worth noting again that 239 contacts per day from children in a tiny country the size of Ireland are related to abuse and welfare issues. Maybe seeing those statistics it can be understood why the ISPCC took the decision to use this campaign video.

The boy in this video is seven-years-old and is not an actor but this is acting. This boy is not a victim of abuse but this scene is being played out every day all over this country and other countries around the world. It is graphic and may be distressing.

For those who wish to hear the message behind the campaign but do not want to view the video, here is Saoirse Ronan speaking on behalf of the ISPCC about what it means to be a child.

Websites

Childline

ISPCC

Publishing Explained (sort of)

2011-05-16T22:25:00.001+01:00

I’m starting with a big disclaimer. I believe there is no form of publishing that is inherently bad if the author knowingly chooses it. I make no discrimination against model, content or category of publisher as long as the author is educated going into the process on what is involved in producing a readable, quality product and knows what to expect from the publishing path they have decided on. It is up to each author to decide what is best for them as an individual in the end.

So let’s talk some publishing definitions and what they mean. We’ll start with basics.

Big Six – These are the major publishing houses such as Random House and Harper Collins who have many, many subsidiaries or Imprints between them.

Independent Publishers – Sometimes called Small Press. Smaller Publishing houses, normally not part of a larger group although some may have one or two Imprints.

Micro Publisher – Micro Press, these are the small time publishers selling a tiny number of books per year.

E-Publishers – Publishers who only operate through the electronic book format and do not make use of any type of printing.

What all of the above have in common (presuming they are not a scam) is that they require no payment upfront from the author towards any part of the publishing process. They take a cut of profits and will be advance and/or royalty paying. It is always up to the author to research and be sure they are signing to a reputable publisher.

Vanity Publishing – Assisted self-publishing. Vanity publishers will handle things like editing, cover-art and distribution for an upfront fee. There is no submitting process. A vanity publisher will accept all-comers and is often used by authors who wish to self-publish but lack the all-round publishing knowledge to do so.

Scams – There are a lot of less reputable vanity presses masquerading as small and micro presses. Or presses that make their money from selling books only to the author. There is little to no editing and in some cases errors are placed in the manuscript. Avoid, avoid, avoid… a red flag is the request for money after a manuscript is accepted through a normal submission process.

Self-Publishing – When the author is their own publisher either under their own name or a Publisher’s title. They are responsible for writing, editing, cover art, marketing and distribution. This requires a lot of work and dedication to do well. There can be a lot of expense involved to achieve the same production grade as experienced, established publishers. How expensive and how well produced can vary wildly.

Now things get a little more complicated and definitions begin to overlap. We will talk about publishing models. That is the technology used to create the end product— the book, audio book or e-book.

E-books – A lot of people equate e-publishing with self-publishing due to the recent rise in self-published authors using this format only. This is wrong. E-books are publishing model and not a route to getting published. E-books such as Kindle and Nook can be and are produced by Big Six to Self-Published and everyone in between.

Off-Set Printing – When a number of book copies are printed off by a printing press with a view to distribution. Normally it runs from low hundreds to tens of thousands. Generally micro presses won’t have a need to use this type of printing. Self-published authors sometimes use off-set to produce their hard-copies.

POD – Print-on-Demand. An electronic book file is used to produce one off copies of a book as required. Again this is utilized by all types of publisher. It requires no storage but individual copies usually are more expensive than those created with off-set. Larger publishers use this to print out of print books as required and smaller publishers use it to keep overheads down.

Last but most important is the Author.

Indie Author – In the past an Indie Author was a writer published by an Independent Publishing house. Some Self-Published authors have adopted the title for themselves as Indie or Independent Author. This is in most cases unintentionally misleading by the earlier definition. Let me explain.

As said above a self-published author is an author who publishers their own book. A small number of self-published authors are very successful and want to share that success by helping others to publish. They set up small houses for their own books and others becoming an Independent Publisher. So while the other authors signed to them become Independently Published or Indie Authors they remain Self-Published because they are still putting out their own books. Therefore an author cannot be both Self-Published and Independently Published for the same book as the same time. That is the traditional definition as I’ve learned it.

Publishing is always changing and adapting. As I’ve said already there is no right or wrong way to go as long as a writer takes the time to learn what they are getting into and what they can realistically expect in return. It’s a big playground, there are bullies who will steal your lunch money and the meaningful kids with the big hearts who will always look out for you regardless of if you want them to. There are the brave kids hanging from the top of the monkey bars, the less brave waiting to see if they fall before climbing. There are timid ones waiting on the sidelines the entire day that never get to play because they are afraid to join in and sadly the few who run around blindly and never get a turn on the swing set. There is room for everyone, so play nice.

On to the hop!
Authors! Have a book out? Are you under contract for publication? Make sure you join in the hop. This is a great way to network your blog and let readers know who you are!

Here's how it works:

READERS:

Follow as many authors as you like. Just follow the Linky list and hop from author to author. The idea is to find as many "new to you" authors as you can, and hopefully some great new reading material as well. Leave a comment as you hop from blog to blog! We'd love to chat with you!

AUTHORS:

Follow the Meet an author Monday host (Cali Cheer Mom) along with any of the wonderfully talented authors on the list.
You will need to enter your name and blog url into the Linky tool.
Grab our super cute button and place it in a post. (THIS IS IMPORTANT!) If you don't create a post for the hop, your readers won't have a place to comment, and the hop will stop with you. So create a post, paste in the Linky code and start hopping!
The purpose of the hop is to meet "new to you" authors and discover great new reads. Follow as many authors as you can. Leave a comment and introduce yourself!
If you'd like to share the Linky list in a post on your blog ( Please do!) just follow the link and grab the code.

Authors! The more you promote this hop, the more successful it will be. Tweet about it. Post a link on Facebook. Talk about it on your blogs. Let's get the word out!

Editing

2011-05-04T21:05:00.001+01:00

I’m not a natural writer by any stretch of the imagination. I have been writing for as long as I can remember but it isn’t something that comes easy to me. I slave over each line and it’s a good day if I hit a thousand words. Spelling, grammar and punctuation have never been my friends. After months of putting something that resembles a storyline together I have to go back over the manuscript and over it again and again….

After all of this I give it another read through and guess what? There are still a ton of mistakes.

I haven’t updated my blog for a while. That doesn’t mean I haven’t been working. I have been very busy writing sequels and… editing. Everything in publishing takes forever and that includes editing. I have heard it called editing hell but I can’t call it that. I’m actually one of those bizarre creatures who love the process of editing and I love working with editors. My favourite part is when the hard work is done and the novel is being polished to such a high shine that the reader will practically be able to see their own reflection when they open the pages.

Some say part of being a writer is the ability to self-edit. While this is true to an extent and we should strive to turn in the best work we can, there is no story that can't benefit from an extra pair of eyes. The best turned in manuscript can be improved on with some help and that’s what editors are there for. They make a book better. So, in the rush to get from first lines to first sale, it is a mistake to think proper editing can be disregarded or rushed without impact to the final product.

Book Tour link list and Video Interview

2011-04-20T12:54:00.001+01:00

The blog tour is coming to a close today. I want to say a massive thank you to Julie at A Tale of Many Reviews. Julie, you rock! It has been an amazing experience, thank you to everyone who took part and especially to all the reviewers who all took time to write a review and share their thoughts. Sometimes it is forgotten that bloggers are doing this on their own time and we all know time is precious, so I am very grateful that everyone, regardless of their feelings toward the book after reading,was so generous with their time. You all rock too!

Mundie Moms - 4.5 star Review
Once upon a Twilight - Guest Post
Good Choice Reading - 4 star Review
Frenzy of Noise - Interview with Ben and Amanda
Girls just Reading - 4 star Review

Books, Movies, Reviews Oh My! - 3.5 star Review

CSI: Librarian - DNF Review

YA Bound - 5 star Review

YA Book Blogger Blog - 4 star Review

The Reading Fever - 97.2 and rising Review

At Home Between the pages - Review

Books and Shtuff - 4.5 star Review

Bookworm Lisa - 4 star Review

Moonlight Book Reviews - Review

One Book Shy of a Full Shelf - 3.5 Jewel Review

Diva's Bookcase - 3 flower Review

Ticket to Anywhere - 2 star Review

The Crazy Bookworm - 4 star Review

A Trail of Books Left Behind - 5 star Review

A Tale of Many Reviews - 4 Star Review

To close the tour I did a video interview and that can be found here along with the entry form for the prize packs.

Tour catch up!

2011-04-09T14:15:00.001+01:00

It's been a busy week for Shades of Atlantis. The blog tour hosted by A Tale of Many Reviews is ongoing. Everyone involved has been lovely and I've been enjoying following along too. There will be a giveaway at the end of the tour and there are plenty of goodies on offer. The giveaway is open internationally and here is your chance to get involved.

Prizes:

1. Signed copy of Shades of Atlantis, a lined spiral notebook with SoA cover, bookmark, keyring, SoA 2011 calendar, and SoA mug.

2. Signed copy of Shades of Atlantis, a lined spiral notebook with SoA cover, bookmark, keyring, SoA 2011 calendar

3. eBook copy of SoA

4. eBook copy of SoA

To Enter:

In order to be chosen as a winner, all participants will need to leave a comment on each blog stop. Then the names will be chosen by random.org and the name chosen will be checked on comments. All giveaways are open internationally. Participants do not need to be followers to be entered.

This is an updated list of all the stops so far.

Mundie Moms : 4.5 star Review

Once upon a Twilight : Guest Post

Good Choice Reading : 4 star Review

Frenzy of Noise - Interview with Ben and Amanda

Girls just Reading : 4 star Review

Books, Movies, Reviews Oh My! : 3.5 star Review

CSI: Librarian : DNF Review

YA Bound : 5 star Review

YA Book Blogger Blog : 4 star Review

Coffee Time Romance also reviewed Shades of Atlantis this week giving it 5 cups - Ultra rare extraordinary read. Read the entire review here.

For an extra chance to win a copy of Shades of Atlantis there is also a GoodReads giveaway open for April:

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Shades of Atlantis
by Carol Oates

Giveaway ends May 01, 2011.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter to win

What is in a name?

2011-04-08T23:28:00.001+01:00

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet."

~ Shakespeare

This is where I must disagree with my good friend, Mr. Shakespeare because I happen to think that names are important. Have you ever met a person and said, "Well you don't look like a Jack, Tom or Dianne." I know I have and it's just the same with naming characters.

There are lots of methods that authors use for coming up with names. Some consult census for the year their character would have been born, visit baby naming sites or use family names. There are sites that have appeared over the years devoted to fantasy or gothic names and of course there are many names that are so unique that they must come from imagination. Certain names evoke emotions, for example the name Juliet often brings to mind romance and Confucius believed in the power of language so strongly that he believed a name given to a person had the ability to define them, and how others related to them.

As I've said before, my characters usually start out with some kind of a flaw or quirk in their behavior and develop from there. They need a name while I get to know them and sometimes by the time they have fully developed the name just doesn't fit. I can't see them in my head when labeled with a certain moniker. That's when I know it's time to change. Fortunately in the world of fiction it is a much simpler process than in the real world.

For instance in Shades of Atlantis, Caleb Wallace was originally called Ben. Caleb was initially a little softer around the edges and Ben seemed to suit but by the end of the first draft things had changed. There was a lot of going back and forth with my brother who was helping me decide. I tried sticking to Ben and even calling him Benjamin but, the only name that seemed to keep the character talking to me was Caleb.

For those who have read SoA, you're probably wondering about Ben Pryor, since that would have been confusing. Well, Ben started life as Kevin and Amanda as Kayla, although Amanda changed at editing stage. Triona (the 'o' is silent for those who have trouble pronouncing it) was always Triona.

Meet an Author Monday

2011-04-04T18:44:00.001+01:00

The Shades of Atlantis Blog book tour hosted by A tale of Many Reviews is in full swing. If you would like to catch up on the tour these are the posts so far.

Mundie Moms - Review

Once upon a Twilight - Guest Post

Good Choice Reading - Review

Frenzy of Noise - Interview with Ben and Amanda

It's Autism Awareness Month. Saturday was World Autism Day and as part of that I shared my experience dealing with my son's diagnosis here. I feel it's important to talk about autism now more than ever, especially in Ireland where more and more children, teens and adults on the spectrum are getting less and less support.

Finally, What better way to end Meet an Author Monday than to introduce a new author.
Congratulations to Hannah Downing on the release of her debut novel, pieces of us.

Pieces of Us will be on sale from 5th April 2011.

For more details visit Omnific Publishing or HannahDowning.Com

Meet an Author Monday Blog Hop, today hosted by Nicki Elson

Autism and grief after diagnosis

2011-04-02T12:25:00.001+01:00

As part of world autism awareness day.

I’m here today to talk about something personal I rarely share my experience of and that is the grief that came along with a diagnosis of autism for my son. I do talk about autism and my son very openly but there is a certain amount of unwarranted shame associated with grieving the loss of a child who is still living and physically healthy.

I was a single parent back then, although I did have the support of a close family. The process of assessment took a long time — over two years, and those were years that I lived with the sliver of hope that my instincts were wrong. You see, when my son was born and even before that, I imagined what his life would be. I imagined all his firsts, words, hugs, day at school, girlfriend. I worried about the first time he would drink and what college he would choose. I pictured him having a family of his own one day and bringing my grandchildren to visit me.

The first day I heard the words “official diagnosis of autism” that was all wiped out. For all intents and purposes the child I imagined was taken from me and replaced with this other little person who I didn’t know at all. A child whose future was so uncertain that there was no guarantee he would reach any of the normal milestones or live independently.

I was quite literally devastated, partly for myself but mostly for him as I wondered if there was something I did that caused this to happen. A close friend warned me I should pray, because it was a punishment for something I did. I couldn’t and still can’t grasp this mentality, why would anyone believe autism is a punishment? Others I knew treated the news as if he had caught the flu and would get over it. I cried to my friends because I wondered how anyone could ever love this little boy who was so alien to me when I struggled to love him and yet the idea of no-one loving him broke my heart further. I didn’t realize at the time that it wasn’t as simple as that.

He was a doppelganger, a changeling who had replaced the son I had spent 4 years raising. I made deals with God. I offered my life in exchange him being ‘normal’ and was bitterly jealous of my brother’s daughter who was born a few months later. I asked over and over why my son?

Tragedy struck two weeks later. I received a phone call from my brother telling me that I needed to get to the hospital. When I got there I was given the news that my mum had passed away suddenly.

The morning of my mother’s funeral I had to go to the shop. A friend who was taking my son for the day came along with me. Eric was sitting on some mats that had been laid out on the floor. When I was ready to go to the till I called to him, not surprisingly he didn’t come. So, I called him again. I was only a few feet away but I may as well have been the other side of the moon. He refused to acknowledge me. I refused to accept he couldn’t because I wasn’t in his world. For Eric the world was something that happened the other side of a thick glass wall. He was removed from it.

There was a man watching this exchange and decided to take it upon himself to point out that ill-behaved children were a product of bad parenting. I picked up my son and this man followed me the length of the shop calling my son a brat. I got angry and after several deep breaths informed him that my son was not badly behaved, that he had a disorder called autism and it meant he didn’t understand the world around him. The man was suitably mortified due to his rants drawing the attention of several shoppers. He didn’t apologize.

I walked out of the shop with my head held high and told my friend what had happened. I realized that day I had to be a champion for Eric, I also realized that I would have done anything at all for the little boy on the mat because he was the little boy I had all along. He hadn’t suddenly changed with the diagnosis. I had to let go of the other child.

I became conscious of something else too. It was the denial, hoping I was wrong. It was the same thing I did on the way to the hospital after receiving that call from my brother. I ignored my gut and made deals, I got depressed and angry. I saw the similarities between the two situations and began to understand what I was actually doing was grieving for my lost child. Once I understood it became easier. It wasn’t until much later I was given a leaflet on grieving and got to know that many parents went through the same process with their autistic child.

I have learned to live in the reality instead of the dream. But, the reality brings it’s own rewards. There have been many firsts and many milestones reached, and I’m sure there will be many more. Each goal reached is the equivalent of climbing a mountain and feels just as good. Eric is a bright, social, friendly boy with interests in music and writing. He’s 15 now and it is unlikely he will ever live independently but he is no longer trapped behind the thick glass wall. He has found places where the glass is so thin we are almost in the same world on my side of the glass for a little while. He has found ways to bring a select few into his world on his terms, through his love of football and foreign cultures, cinema and music.

I still think about that other son. Sometimes I look at Eric and imagine what he could have been. I still feel ridiculously resentful when I see a young boy or girl throw away their potential when they have opportunities Eric never will. They don’t understand the amazing gift they have been given by simply being able to communicate to the world around them. It’s heart-breaking. Then I have to stop myself and appreciate every little achievement with Eric and focus on all the things we do have instead of what we don’t.

Shades of Atlantis - What does it mean?

2011-03-31T01:52:00.001+01:00

The blog tour for Shades of Atlantis is about to begin and will include twenty blogs and prizes including books, keyrings, bookmarks and some other swag. The tour kicks off at Mundie Moms on Friday. You will find a full list of blogs taking part here.

To get you in the mood, I thought I could share with you the meaning of the title. It's a question that has come up a few times. I'm sure every writer has a method for coming up with their titles. For me it is usually a slow process. In the end sometimes the reason is obvious and sometimes it's not.I think Shades of Atlantis falls into the not category.

There are a couple of meanings behind Shades of Atlantis. The supernatural beings in the book are called Guardians and Atlantis was the home of the Guardians long ago. Simple so far, right? It was the Shade part that got me thinking.

meaning 1: Shades is an old world word for ghosts. So the title becomes, Ghosts of Atlantis. Ghosts refers to ghosts of the past as in our past being something that is inescapable and must be faced.

Meaning 2: Shade as a place somewhere between light and dark.Guardians, a supernatural race of beings, were once forced to flee underground from humans, who went on to exist in the light. Shade could describe a child born of both races.

Meaning 3: A person in the Shade can be under it's protection or it's muted light can keep that person from seeing something as clearly as it really is.

Finally meaning 4: Shades as in color. It is probably apparent to anyone who has read the book why color is important to one of the character's special gifts.

Before I sign off, I want to give a shout out to Lisa Sanchez on the release of her book, Obsessed from loose Id.

Congratulations Lisa!!!

Book Blog Tour Dates

2011-03-10T20:05:00.001Z

I'm very excited to tell you about the blogs taking part in the April book blog tour.

April 1: Mundi Moms

April 2: Once Upon A Twilight -

April 3: Good Choice Reading:

April 4: Frenzy of Noise

April 5: Girls Just Reading

April 6: Books, Movies, Reviews. Oh my

April 7: CSI:Librarian

April 8: YA Bound

April 9: YA Booklover Blog

April 10: The Reading Fever

April 11: Home Between Pages

April 12: Books and Shtuff

April 13: Bookworm Lisa

April 14: Moonlight Book Reviews

April 15: One Book Shy of a Full Shelf

April 16: Diva's Bookcase

April 17: Ticket To Anywhere

April 18: The Crazy Bookworm

April 19: A Tale of Many Reviews- A Trail of Books Left Behind

Women's day and more!

2011-03-08T23:38:00.001Z

Happy Women's day!

Did you know this week is read an e-book week? How cool is that? What better time is there for starting that book you've mean meaning to read for a while now. Speaking of books...

Congratulations to Jennifer Lane on the release of Bad Behavior!

For my next announcement, you may have noticed the nifty little countdown in my sidebar. I will be taking part in a book blog tour during April. The whole thing has been arranged by the lovely Julie over at A Tale of Many Reviews.

More details on that to come including those taking part and information on the prize packs.

Last but in no way least, I took part in The Coffee Time Book Brew yesterday. The theme of this months brew was the Celts. I was delighted to take part since I am from Ireland so I am a Celt. :-) Thank you to Coffee Time Romance for letting me take part and to everyone who stopped by to comment. If you get a chance check out some of the other authors who took part, and their wonderful and informative posts. These are mine.

Interview

Shades of Atlantis Excerpt #1

Celtic Magic

Hill of Tara

Shades of Atlantis Excerpt #2

If after that and all the other great posts you still haven't had enough of of the Celts, you could make your way over to Thoroughly Smitten and take a look at the post I wrote about the Irish tale of Deirdre of Sorrows.

Congratulations to Kimberly who won a signed copy of Shades of Atlantis.

Stage Fright

2011-03-03T22:13:00.001Z

I’ve suddenly found myself having dreams of my first contract laughing at me manically surrounded by rising flames and terrifying shadows.

‘You think I’m scary? You haven’t seen scary!”

Out of nowhere my second contract bursts forward and it’s bigger, and scarier. For some reason my contracts always has a Spanish accent… but I think that’s beside the point.

I have been suffering through a case of writer’s stage fright. Stage fright is different to writer’s block in that the writer knows what they want to write, everything is planned out in their head but they can’t get those words down on paper. Why? Because someone might actually read them.

It’s that scary place between releasing book one and book two. The reviews are coming in and they are kind, readers comment that they enjoyed the writing or story, or hopefully both.

The author knows the reader is interested, but can the author keep them interested? That is the big question.

In my much younger days I was a performer. I danced and sang on stage many times and never once got nervous before going on. One night before a charity performance I was backstage with a singer who is well known in Ireland. He told me I would never be an entertainer because I didn’t love it enough. At the time I didn’t let it show how much his words affected me. He wasn’t being cruel, just honest. That was my last dance performance.

Looking back now, he was right that I was never meant to be a dancer, mostly because I wasn’t very good. But, I still hold the hope that he was wrong about me being an entertainer. All these years later I hope my nerves show how much I really want to do what I’m doing now, that I want to entertain people through my books.

I think book two will show if I’ve got what it takes.

I’ve dipped my toe in the water and started what, I hope, will be a lifelong writing career. I’ve decided my stage fright is caused by my passion for writing, a passion that was never there for dancing and I have come to realize that all I can do is write the best book I can and hope people enjoy it.

Information and Motivation

2011-02-14T17:02:00.001Z

I would like to give a big thank you to the blogs who took part in the recent Shades of Atlantis blog Tour. I will be taking part in another tour this April hosted by the A Tale of Many Reviews, and will post more details on that as it becomes available.

I'm lacking the motivation to write over the last few days. I still write everyday, even if only a few lines. It isn't what I am supposed to be working on. I'm not blocked because I know what I want to write about. The story I'm working on is in my head and evolving hour by hour but, it seems to want to remain in my head and for my entertainment only. It seems to be suffering a case of stage fright.

This has never really happened before. I have heard other authors speak about how it never gets easier to put yourself out there with new work. I didn't expect it to get harder. The usual things I would try to tempt the story out and onto the page aren't working. I've tried music and silence, watching movies to relax and buying shiny new books as an incentive to reach the end.

I'm sure this is something that happens to writers in all forms of writing from New York Published authors to people blogging for fun. How do you deal with writing stage fright?

Don't forget to stop by Jen Lane Books Blog for my latest interview where I talk about publishing and Guinness.

Trailers, words, paper and ink...

2011-02-02T20:01:00.001Z

I'm very excited to be able to bring you the beautiful official trailer for Shades of Atlantis today.

I was in the office today for the first time since before Christmas. After I opened my Christmas cards and indulged in a few chocolates that had been left on my desk I missed being at home. So, to cheer myself up I planned a trip to the book store after work where I was embarrassingly giddy with happiness at spending €43.18 on a notebook and pen.

Sometimes I'm asked by friends and family why I do what I do when I hide away in a corner with a notebook or stick my earphones in and shut myself away from everything around me. The truth is that words are like oxygen to me. They make me feel happy and safe. A single words can capture my imagination and keep me thinking about it for hours, I can wrap a whole scene around a single word. Other times a word can make me want to rip my hair out with frustration, it feels all wrong or it doesn't say what I want it to. I am a writer.

I don't claim to be a good story-teller. I struggle, I get blocked and angry with myself when something doesn't work. My grammar and style is seriously flawed at times and I'm incredibly lucky to be surrounded by a group of wonderful people that call me out on every mistake in my stories. I'm still learning and I think that will never stop. I am human and I make mistakes, I will never know everything there is to know about writing. So, what makes me call myself a writer. It's simple - I write.

I write every day, regardless of if it's two words or two thousand. It's more than what I do, it's who I am, I am defined by my love of words and how it allows me to express myself in everything I do and the world around me, regardless of if it is a book, a birthday card or a simple thank you note to someone who did something nice for me. It's how I share my joy and heartbreak with the people I love. It is not divisible from the other parts of me. That's why I do what I do, because I am a writer.

Today on the Shades of Atlantis blog tour it is the second stop at Mel's Books and Info. There is a guest post by me and a giveaway.

Blog tour and other news

2011-02-01T20:24:00.001Z

I have a few announcements for today.

Firstly, if you look above you will see the lovely pink banner for Omnific Publishing's Anniversary Sale. If you love a bargain, now is your chance to get some great books and save some money at the same time.

Speaking of great books, I would like to draw you attention here to the lovely post about about my fabulous publisher and the authors signed to them.

But wait! There is more!

Omnific publishing books are now available at Coffee Time Romance. Look at the pretty gif displayed on their site.

Don't forget to enter the Web Hunt from the 1st to the 14th February, 2011.

It couldn't be easier. Just find the love heart on an author's site and match the saying to the author in the form on the Omnific site.

Last but not at all least, the Shades of Atlantis blog tour has started with a review 4 star review on:

Check in with Mel tomorrow too for a guest post from me and giveaway.

Meet an Author Monday - My Work Space

2011-01-31T16:56:00.001Z

Today on the bloghop we are doing our first themed post. It will be a monthly feature on the last Monday of each month. This month the theme is, My Work Space. A lot of the time I work wherever I happen to be, I spend a lot of time in Fermanagh and Cavan. Some of the scenes in Shades of Atlantis were written in the setting where they took place, for example, the coffeeshop scene in Dublin between John and Triona was written in a coffeeshop beside Trinity College and the Tara scenes were written at Tara in County Meath in late September when they took place.

Having said all that I do have a preferred working space and that is at the dinning-room table in Dublin. My actual desk upstairs is looking pathetically abandoned at the moment.This is me right now.

1. My notebooks, I write everything in my notebooks first and consider it my first draft. It's normally quite rough and sometimes I even have problems reading them myself.

2. My pencil, sometimes I make changes in my notes that I'm not sure about so I write them in pencil. I can erase and move them somewhere else if necessary. There is a pen hiding there between my notebooks and copies of my first book. I generally like to write with a nice pen. The one I'm using at the moment is red metal and gold with a rubber grip.

3. Copies of Shades of Atlantis. My brother called in just before I took this picture to collect three signed copies for friends.

4. Another notebook, this is my most important one and comes everywhere with me. It's a small hardback and contains short notes on Shades of Atlantis and it's sequel, Ember and its sequel, some random short story notes, a script that I have been adapting since late 2009 and my miscellaneous notes. They are things that strike me in real life or dreams that I don't want to forget and so I write them down straight away. It's my memory vault for things like names and obscure facts that I often later incorporate into my writing. Only the most important notes go into this notebook.

5. I think this probably doesn't need much of a description. At the moment I'm working off Windows 7 and Office professional 2010. I email myself and use dropbox as back-up. My favorite item on Windows 7 is the on screen post-its, they come in mighty handy. Sadly, I had a massive crash before Christmas and lost my external drive and my laptop died. I gave them a proper funeral, they served me well until their dying breath. We were together five happy years but I worked them hard.

6. Most important, we have fuel. My half eaten tuna melt. Bram's cafe is right across the street and there is far too much temptation to keep writing instead of cooking.

7. My Mocha is hiding at the edge of the screen.

On to the hop!

Authors! Have a book out? Are you under contract for publication? Make sure you join in the hop. This is a great way to network your blog and let readers know who you are!

Here's how it works:

READERS:

Follow as many authors as you like. Just follow the Linky list and hop from author to author. The idea is to find as many "new to you" authors as you can, and hopefully some great new reading material as well. Leave a comment as you hop from blog to blog! We'd love to chat with you!

AUTHORS:

Follow the Meet an author Monday host (Cali Cheer Mom) along with any of the wonderfully talented authors on the list.
You will need to enter your name and blog url into the Linky tool.
Grab our super cute button and place it in a post. (THIS IS IMPORTANT!) If you don't create a post for the hop, your readers won't have a place to comment, and the hop will stop with you. So create a post, paste in the Linky code and start hopping!
The purpose of the hop is to meet "new to you" authors and discover great new reads. Follow as many authors as you can. Leave a comment and introduce yourself!
If you'd like to share the Linky list in a post on your blog ( Please do!) just follow the link and grab the code.

CarolOates

Happy New Year

2011 in Review

Embrace Release Day

World Book Night

Interview with Jennifer M. Barry

E-Book Giveaway

Poughkeepsie Blog Tour ~ Review and Giveaway

Poughkeepsie Release Day

Ananchel and Lofi

Autism ~ I wouldn’t change it if I could

Winners

The Story of Jack!

Create a FaceBook Landing Page

Shades of Avalon - Scouting Locations

2011 European Year of the Volunteer

Haunted Halloween

Turning 30!

Do Vampires Pee?

Where YA meets Adult ~ Guest Post with Nicki Elson

Blog Bounce– Ember Tour Update and Prizes

Guest Post From Carey Corp

Introducing Author! Author! Blog Bounce

Operation Get Up and Move

Review ~ The Halo Chronicles: The Guardian

Guest Post~Hannah Downing

Meet an Author Blog Hop Monday

Three Daves

Unfinished

New Look

Everblue Release Day

My Writing Process, Bill and Ted Style

Evelyn Oates

MyVampFiction Original Fiction Contest

BlogFest 2011

Sizzling Summer Author Extravaganza

Ember Trailer

Special Needs and Independence

Sebastian

Coming Soon

Tempt Me Tuesday – Lilith Teaser 2

Teaser Tuesday – Lilith

The Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award

Book Review - With Good Behavior

Tempt Me Tuesday

The Summer Prince

The Onyx Talisman Cover Reveal

'I Can't Wait To Grow Up' - Support, Empower and Protect Children

Publishing Explained (sort of)

Editing

Book Tour link list and Video Interview

Tour catch up!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Shades of Atlantisby Carol Oates

Giveaway ends May 01, 2011.

What is in a name?

Meet an Author Monday

Autism and grief after diagnosis

Shades of Atlantis - What does it mean?

Book Blog Tour Dates

Women's day and more!

Stage Fright

Information and Motivation

Trailers, words, paper and ink...

Blog tour and other news

Meet an Author Monday - My Work Space

Shades of Atlantis
by Carol Oates