Saturday, August 30, 2008

Interview with The Power Stones featured in Ancient Secrets


Hello Readers,
Before Ancient Secrets is released on September 1, 2008 I thought you might like a peek into the mysterious Beaded necklace that seems to have caused all the trouble in the first place. The Beads think you will not believe what they have to say - and I caution you they can be acerbic - but I'm sure they will increase your interest in the novel Ancient Secrets...So read on.
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Interview Power Stones of Ebony
Mortal, you cannot interview beads; you would never understand the language.

Are you up to a test about that?

Ask away.

How do you think I heard your first question if I couldn’t understand you. My sources tell me a pure heart and a heightened sense of the intuitive powers will get me with in range of your voice.
Why did you murder Mrs. Olenmurphy?


First off, she isn't dead, just in a coma, but she had the beads – its tradition. You handle the beads you die.Except her case is an exception - if you follow the story you will learn why.

Why does a person who can hear you not die?

They do

Then you mean because I have handled the beads I will die?

Did you touch them all?

Well, I don’t remember

If you touched them all you would be dead.

Okay so I must not have.
They are so beautiful though I can’t imagine anyone not wanting to rub them, fondle them wear them.
Does wearing them constitute touching them?


No, you must fondle each one separately.

But they will all be touching your skin simultaneously.

That is the trick simultaneously.

I see, so if a person picks them up and slips them on and all the beads touch the neck simultaneously they are immune/safe from the powers.

Oh you are a quick learner. Are you a college graduate?

No need to get snippy. I just wanted to be sure I read your message accurately.
Why are you telling me all this?


You’re a writer right? You may be able to convince the dimwits that I can actually, independently murder my victims with out old shaman Jahara being involved. Why should he get the credit for what I do. He merely wants to return the beads to their homeland.

Is there any thing else you want to tell me about the beads/yourself?

I hardly think you are ready to listen to the life we have had being shuttled from here to there, sold and resold, painted, glued and tossed in the garbage. Always someone sees our beauty and restores us to the light. It usually means their death because of course they have to polish us one bead at a time.

What kind of beads are you.
Colors indicate the bead: black is onyx, white is opal, blue is the Sapphire, green – emerald, yellow – cats eye (my personal favorite) Red is the ever blood red ruby and the diamond has no color only crystal appearance and no one believes even with its brilliance that it is truly a diamond. No one believes either that color indicates mood or emotional effect. I have a whole list of those too.

Okay give me the low down on the emotional end too—and how it affects the person holding them.
Black as you guessed is sinister. The white you would think is purity but it is not it is the supernatural, the spirit world. Blue the color of the ocean deep dark and mysterious – the water world where mermaids play and sharks eat intruders. Green the jealous emerald of Ireland, fiery and jealous of anything it is not or has not. Then come the yellow cat’s eye – sees all, night vision can see in the darkest regions of the human heart and make those dreams come true or at least nightmarish wanders intrude and never leave. Red, the blood red of satan himself. He spills the blood of innocent lambs to cover his vile deeds watch out for red. The only pure one is the diamond who has had the life compressed from her and compressed into her she is all, sees all, knows all, is all, diamond is power and light. Need I say more?

No, I guess I have it all now. Thank you for your time. I will try to portray you honestly if my class will believe it.

And why wouldn’t they. Are they skeptics? Other writers? Readers? They are all cut from the same cloth they will believe or I will have to make my presence known to them and they will see the power of the beads. Don’t call me death beads though. I am Life, Power, Love and Light. It is mankind, humankind that is evil and twisted and steals me to use for their own evil ends.

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Comments welcome!

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Barbara Edwards - Interview


INTERVIEW WITH BARBARA EDWARDS
Hi Barbara,
I’m so delighted to have this opportunity to chat with you. Pull up a chair, grab a cuppa your favorite beverage and let’s sit on the deck and enjoy the cooler fall evening as we explore everything we can about you and your writing.
Iced green tea and home-made almond cookies for me! I’ll try not to talk with my mouth full.
First off – I know every one will want to know who is Barbara Edwards when she is not the intriguing romance writer for some historical or contemporary tale? What do you do on your days when you put the pen down and the keyboard away for a bit?
Barbara Edwards is a married lady with a family and a very big dog. I have several pastimes. One is Civil War reenacting; the other is gardening. I love portraying a woman mourning her fallen soldier and describing life in the South during and before the Conflict. Gardening is more work, but I’m planting Antique roses as I find them. They are wonderful flowers with delightful aromas.
How long have you been writing and when did you think you’d like to become a published author?
I’ve been writing since I was a teenager. I started off with poetry, tried short stories but found they grew too big. I didn’t expect to be published then. It was a way to let out all that emotion. After I joined RWA, I realized writing was more than a hobby. It was important to me and I wanted the recognition of being published.
What is your favorite genre to write – Judging from your website and the books you have published so far I’m going with historical romance but I know that isn’t all you are writing. What genre haven’t you written in that you would like to explore and what genre can you never see yourself writing?
I love historical romance and have a couple bubbling on the back burner. To my surprise, my most recent novel turned into a paranormal. It started as a romance, but the characters went off on a strange journey and I went along for the ride. I can’t write inspirational, to my disappointment. It’s very popular, but I find myself slipping into sensual.
I admire anyone who can write believable historical novels. In my opinion getting the language and customs right is only one of the problems of writing in that genre, whether it’s romance, adventure, mystery or whatever. You need a really good ear and eye, or a really good editor that can catch inconsistencies or errors in wording etc., in my opinion. How do you manage this?
The secret is not a secret: its lots of research. I’ve always loved history so it’s not a chore. I even read historical non-fiction for fun.
You are a member of the Romance Writers of America, how does belonging to this group enhance your writing career? What benefits do you feel belonging to an organization of this proportion give you?
RWA is a great organization with access to editors and agents that you can’t find elsewhere. I’ve belonged long enough to see major changes, big squabbles and wonderful solutions. I’ve learned so much I would need an encyclopedia to list it all. The biggest benefit is the friends I’ve found. I can go anywhere in the country and have lunch with someone I know from RWA.
Teaching Romance writing is another one of your career threads – I’ve heard that when you teach you learn twice – do you feel that teaching the subject has enhanced your own writing, if so how? Have you heard from any of your students that they have sold a romance novel, or published a book?
I love teaching writing romance. The students always ask things I’d forgotten I knew. It helps to be reminded of the basics. Several students joined the local chapters and I know one who has submitted.
Can you tell us about Ancient Awakening your latest book due to be released by Wild Rose Press?
Ancient Awakening is a paranormal set in a small New England town. Police Officer ‘Mel’ Petersen investigates a death only she believes is murder. By disobeying direct orders from the Rhodes End Chief, she risks her career to follow clues that twist in circles to her backyard and lead the killer to her.
Her neighbor Stephen Zoriak is a prime suspect. Steve worked for a major pharmaceutical company where he discovered a weapon so dangerous he destroys the research. He is exposed to the dangerous organism. He suspects he is the killer and agrees to help her find the truth.
Say I’m an aspiring author, if you were to give me some advice on writing what would that be?
Write. Write every day. Write. Finish the book. Write. Learn how to make it better. Write.

You hear that writing romance is easy, and that the readers are all women with dreamy ideas about romance and happily every after. I know and you know romance readers are very selective, intelligent and discriminating readers — what would your answer be to someone who says writing romance like Harlequin books is fluff, not real writing?
I’d say the person was an illiterate know-nothing. And if they knew how to read, they’d recognize that romance authors are the best writers in the world.
What is the hardest part of writing in the Romance genre for you?
I believe in love being the strongest emotion, and I have to make my conflict reflect that.
What next for you? What are you working on now?
I’m working on a sequel to Ancient Awakening. Also, I have the outline for another historical romance, a humorous contemporary and the beginning of a romantic suspense. It’s like choosing chocolates from a box. Which one is next?

Where can my readers find out more about you and your work. Do you have a website, a blog, are you on any of the social networks such as Ning, LinkedIn, facebook, and the like?
I don’t have much social time, but belong to a number of writing loops.
Barbara Edwards
Coming soon from The Wild Rose Press: Ancient Awakening, a Black Rose
www.barbaraedwards.net
http://barbaraedwards.net/blog/blog.asp for Barb'Ed Comments
www.Wings-press.com for Annie's Heart, Another Love, Rachel's Rescue
Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us and do plan to come back again soon.

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Meet Dave Richardson



Hi Everyone,
Please come on in sit a spell take in a look see at Dave Richardson's book Vietnam Air Rescue - I'm sure you will get a new picture of history and life.

I need to work Aug. 1 won't be here to post but I hope you will leave a comment - check below for special information if you do.





I haven't been able to get a great deal of information for this book or author due to other commitments including some emergency doctor appointments for a family member - so please check out the tour schedule posted below - and do enjoy Dave, he has so much to offer.
==

SPECIAL NOTE

Each person who posts a comment on any or all of the blog tour spots will be entered in a random drawing for a copy of Dave Richardson's. In addition – the blog owner that hosted the winning commenter will also win a free copy of Vietnam Air Rescues. Share your thoughts and comments with author Dave Richardson. He will check in throughout the day to answer questions. You’ll learn more and you have a chance to win his book - if you haven't already read the book pick up visit his website today and order a copy www.vietnam-air-rescues.com.

For more information about Dave Richardson and his virtual tour, check the schedule at http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/07/vietnam-air-rescues-author-dave.html ..

Thanks for stopping by. See below for where Dave will be next.

Join us Tomorrow for Dave Richardson


Vietnam Air Rescues Tour Schedule for August

Eavesdrop—as a father recounts to his adult children his exploits as an Air Force “Jolly Green” combat helicopter rescue pilot in Vietnam

Be There—to see what it was really like…

Ride Along—and determine what you would have done when another man’s life was literally hanging in the balance…

Feel—what it meant to save a life…

Experience—heart pounding action in…Vietnam Air Rescues.


Join author Dave Richardson on his August blog tour to learn more about his life as a “Jolly Green” rescue pilot, picking up aircrew shot down in North Vietnam and Laos. This book is a real treasure with details of his 7 rescues of 9 men and over 30 anecdotes relating to his experiences. The book is profusely illustrated with more than 100 photos, maps and drawings. To order your copy visit his website at www.vietnam-air-rescues.com.

Author Dave Richardson
August Tour Dates

August 1 http://printedwords.blogspot.com

August 4 http://www.stevenbradley.blogspot.com/

August 5 http://joyceanthony.tripod.com/blog

August 6 http://joyceanthony.tripod.com/blog

August 7 http://joyceanthony.tripod.com/blog

August 8 http://joyceanthony.tripod.com/blog

August 11 http://newgreatbooks.blogspot.com

August 12 http://mommyreviewed.blogspot.com

August 13 http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Reverend-Don - Call in number (347) 326-9387

August 14 http://detailwithnikkileigh.blogspot.com/ - In Detail with Nikki Leigh

August 15 http://tristipinkston.blogspot.com/

August 18 http://itsallinthesetting.blogspot.com/

August 21 http://cfvici.blogspot.com

August 22 http://nikkisreviews.blogspot.com/

August 25 Dave & Kenny Interview on BlogTalkRadio with Nikki www.blogtalkradio.com/nikkileigh

3:00 – 4:00 EST – Call in number (347) 215-8201

August 27 http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/04/current-events-and-book-promotion

August 29 http://undergroundcontroversy.blogspot.com/

August 30 http://www.blogtalkradio.com/authorsread - Call in number: 347-215-8319. Time: 8-10 AM (Pacific)

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Come to Your Senses


This morning as I was reading a chapter of Lawrence Blocks Spider Spin Me A Web, A Handbook for Fiction Writers -- I am nearly at the end. All the articles are ones that he has written way back when - but they are still as current as new fallen snow. What impressed me was one where a young woman was worried about the decline of the publishing market. The midlist was shrinking, only the big names could get contracts - and so on. Well, that article was from back in 1980 something. Guess what folks, it hasn't changed - at least our perception of it.

Block says, "What advice do I have for you? The very best advice of all Stop Writing! Quit wasting your time. Instead of postage, and envelopes and typewriter ribbons [Author note: you can tell this is a tad old]put your money into something sound, like lottery tickets and Czarist bonds. Come to your Senses!" He does go on to say the only reason he would dare tell us that is because he knows we are writers and we can only continue to write, we cannot stop. So it fits even yet - instead of printer ink, or just your time when you send e-submissions - get a "real" job. LOLOL

Isaac Asimov still echoes in my mind "I write for the same reason I breathe, for without it I would die," I say Amen to that.

So Write Like the Wind, Write on, just write until you can't write anymore, and let it be it's own reward.

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Growing your Newsletter list


Having a newsletter or ezine is a great way to build your address list - But how do you do this? Well my guest blogger today will give you a few tips.

1. Send a Sample Copy

Send a sample copy to everyone in your database - clients, colleagues, and friends. Send out your first, or best, issue announcing your new ezine, and inviting them to sign up. Due to SPAM regulations, it's not a good idea to sign anyone up without their permission.

2. Sign-up Form

Have a prominent sign-up form near the top of your home page, and have a sign-up box on every page of your web site. People can enter into your web site at any page, so you want to capture them no matter where they land.

3. Signature Line

Promote your ezine in your signature line. Have a simple description of your newsletter topic and the benefit to readers in your email signature line that goes out at the bottom of all your emails. Include a *call to action* to subscribe to your ezine with a hot link that allows people to sign up directly.

4. Archive Back Issues

Offer a sample issue, or archive back issues at your web site. Many people want to see what they'll be getting before they sign up. They want to see your writing style and to know there will be value to them in subscribing. You might also have a sample issue available by autoresponder.

5. Tell a Friend

Encourage people to pass the word. Have a note in your ezine letting your readers know that you're building your subscriber list. Ask them to pass it along to friends and colleagues who might be interested in your topic. Provide an easy way for people who receive your ezine this way to sign up.

6. Business Cards

Tell people about your ezine on the front or back of your business cards. Let them know why and how they should subscribe. That way, everyone you meet can be potential subscriber.

If you're not currently doing all of the above to promote your ezine, commit to doing at least one thing this week to expand your subscriber base and the reach of your newsletter.


Want to use this article on your website or your own ezine? You're welcome to, however we do require that you include the copyright and the following bio with live web site link. Please also notify us where the material will appear.

© by Jan Marie Dore of Femalepreneurs.com.
Jan Marie Dore mentors coaches, speakers, consultants and other solo-professional women to work fewer hours and make more money with online business
building strategies. Get your free 'Professional Women's Success
Kit' and other marketing resources at http://www.femalepreneurs.com/ezine

Monday, July 7, 2008

B is For Basics--Background is Basic


You can’t beat a good character for making sure your readers get involved in your story. Not only that, but it gives you proper motivation for your story goals.

For instance, if you use the zodiac signs to chart your character traits—the simple ones that give general traits without worrying about sun signs, moon position and all that. You can find the perfect character with the traits you need to give your protagonist so she can act in appropriate ways. And you can find the perfect opposite to drive her crazy, create the conflict in a romance and/or the angst with the right villain.

While your protagonist is water (Pisces, Cancer, Scorpio) your romantic interest/or even your antagonist could be a fire sign (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius). The traits of those people, both strengths and weaknesses should give you enough individual conflicting traits to weave a great story.

Once you determine your characters’ Birthdate, you can dig further to define him or her. There are references to birthdates tied to tree charts. For instance, Aries birthday falls somewhere between March 21 and April 19, so we will pick April 3 (out of a hat) that makes her a Rowan Tree (The sensitivity) who is full of charm, cheerful, gifted without egotism, likes to draw attention, loves life, motion, unrest, even complications and the list goes on. I can pick and choose which traits I want to portray for my character. Certainly you can find an opposite for most of those characteristics, not that you need to use them all.

Another consideration for backstory would be where they grew up. Both parents alive living together or raised by a single parent, adopted or foster parent(s)? What about home life? Siblings, or an only child, what state, country, large or small town/city?

Look at your own background and that of your friends, and someone you dislike—even the choice of careers helps shape your character. An adopted daughter of a multi-millionaire family, living in Hollywood, California will probably have a completely different outlook on life than a girl born as the fourth child in a family of seven children in a small farming community in the Midwest where the land and the life challenges by the weather, amount to survival for the strongest. Throw these two together even without or in spite of their birthdates, they will exhibit different traits and may be polar opposites.

Your character’s background is an important part of your story worth telling. It makes him real. It helps your reader relate to him or her. Even if you don’t use all the information you have laid out in your character chart, you need to know it so your character behaves appropriately in every situation and hooks your reader.

===============

Billie A Williams is an award winning, multi-published author whose

characters are

accidental sleuths who solve crimes with

wit, wisdom and chutzpah.

www.billiewilliams.com

Characters in Search of an Author

ISBN 978-1932794151

Available anywhere or www.filbertpublishing.com