Welcome, Sameena Bachmeier

Thank you so much for being here, Sam do you write? Historical Fiction, Young Adult.

2: How long have you been writing? I have always loved to write since I was a child. Recently in the past four years, I really began diving into writing and sending out submissions like crazy!

3: What do you like the most and least about writing? I love getting lost in the stories and the characters as I write. It's such relaxing creative outlet for me, like a zone I can get obsessed in. I least like edits. Thank God for editors!

4: What do you for fun and relaxation when not writing? I have three school age children so really anything from games to movies as a family with my husband as well and I'm a happy girl. We love to camp and fish as a family as well.

5: Which authors do you like to read? Roald Dahl since a young age has been and remained an all time favorite, now I read his books with my children. Also I enjoy Shel Silverstein a great deal.

6: What’s the one thing you’d most like people to know about you? I am dedicated in everything in my life. Dedicated to being the best mother, wife, daughter, auntie, friend, writer I can possibly be in my life.

7: Tell me about your current novel, where I can find it? Banyan is a historical fiction novella.

It is a tale about a teen named Kannie Irnest. She had the picture perfect life as a child until her father left her and her mother alone. It wasn't long before the world as she knew it began unraveling and creating a web of misery around her. Her mother was no longer the loving mother she knew, she had become bitter by the lonely days and Kannie sank into a depression. The only joy Kannie seemed to find was with her friend Kristopher. They were like two peas in a pod since a young age and when they were together it was as if the world around them didn't matter. Mysteriously one day on Kannie's way to school she is given a Banyan tree stick. She learns that it is a wishing stick. Although skeptical, Kannie is desperate to experience a happy life and she wishes on the Banyan stick to be anywhere but in that moment in her life. She awakens to everyday thereafter to a different historical event that lead her to experiences, places and people she had only heard about in books. The journey she embarks on teaches her to believe in herself, forgive others and appreciate the path that is laid out in front of her. She also now, must find her way back home.
8: Do you have any tips for aspiring authors? Take all rejections as simply not the right fit, nothing more. Keep sending submissions no matter what, I have hundreds of rejections and before some of the submissions finally found a home. Persistence is the key!

9: Do you base your characters on real-life people?

For the particular book, Banyan I did. I actually spent a great deal of time researching historical events and people involved and then threw in my spin and characters intertwined within the historical fiction story.

10: How did you come up with the idea for this book? I don't really brain storm in any way, I just have an idea or thought pop into my head and begin writing off of that one thought.

11: What are you currently working on?

I am currently sending out submissions for another children’s picture book I have written. I also am beginning my research for Banyan 2.



12. Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you? Banyan is set for release August 2011 it will be my first YA, novella publication.

13.Where can we find you? Website? Blog?

Sameena Bachmeier on Facebook & www.sameenassphere.com is a link solely dedicated to my children's picture book entitled Fairy Tales for Tucking in set to release January 2011. Also on Museitup's website under the authors section you can also find me.

________________________________________


UNEDITED- Banyan excerpt date of release Aug 2011

Kannie was taken to the dining quarters of the ship. Her and colonel Montgomery sat around a wooden table and awaited the cook to come dish them out. As they sat Kannie was admiring his rifle that hung gallantly around his chest.

“You like this?” He asked, pointing this rifle. He held it up towards her so she could have better look. “This is my baby. It's a musket rifle.” Kannie reached out and ran her fingers along the grooves that spiraled down the length of the entire rifle. “The groves create the mini balls that I load to spin, it makes them bullets go faster and shoot further than normal.” Kannie smiled at him in understanding.

The cook entered the dining room from the kitchen doors, which when opened alluded a heavenly smell. The cook bowed as he placed two cups of in front of each of them. “Beef Alamode in a musket.” he stated waving his chubby hand over the cup,

“Tea to quench your thirst too of course.” Kannie smelled the steam coming from her musket. She had never smelt meat so divine. Her stomach growled again with anticipation. It smelt heavenly compared to last nights hamburger surprise. “Thank you so much.” she nodded at the cook. “You are both very welcome. Enjoy.”

And with that the cook hurried back off to the kitchen. “So, this is a musket?” Kannie asked Colonel Montgomery as they began to eat. “You must have hit your head or something. Of course that's musket. We use it for drinks, cooking, and as a bucket even. Don't tell me you've never seen one of these?” he chuckled. “Oh, yeah, of course.” Kannie quickly played along, not wanting to look like a total idiot. “I think you're right, I must have hit my head or something.” wanting to change the subject she decided to ask him more about Harriet Tubman.

“So, Harriet. Can you tell me a bit more about her?” He continued to eat as he answered her, dribbling his Beef Alamode into his beard. “I can tell you what I know. I think she was born as a slave around 1820 in Bucktown, Maryland. She managed to escape from slavery around 1849. She worked as a conductor for the underground railroad you know. She did about nineteen trips.” Kannie continued to eat as she listened.

“What was the underground railroad.” questioned Kannie as Colonel Montgomery squished his thick eyebrows together forming one. “You sure you're alright? You really don't know about the underground railroad?” Kannie shook her head.

“Well.” he began “The underground railroad runs from South America you know, to North America. The slaves ride to escape from slavery, it's a dangerous ride but worth it for freedom. Some even go on all the way to Canada.”

Kannie was amazed. All this was really going on. Why hadn't she heard of this before. She'd studied history in school but it was never this interesting. Suddenly, the colonel Montgomery stopped eating. He scratched at his his profusely. “Damn lice.” he grumbled. “Where's my gosh darn haversack?” he reach down to the ground and grabbed a pouch that he had sat down on the ground next to him. He carried that pouch where ever he went.

He spoke aloud as he rifled through it pulling out miscellaneous items as he set them on the table. “Praise the Lord God Almighty for my trusty housewife.” he giggled to himself as he set on the table what appeared to be a sewing kit. 'Ah ha, here it is!” He smiled proudly as he pulled out a comb and began to comb his hair.

Kannie was suddenly not hungry anymore. She sat repulsed, suddenly questioning the sanitation of the table she was dining on as she watched him comb the lice out of his hair at the table. Suddenly a man rattled his was into the dining room. “I have to report sir.” he said looking at the colonel. “Go on” allowed colonel Montgomery, still combing away.

“We are near destination, and have picked off many confederate ships already. Also we have spotted a temporary platoon bridge that my just be our key to passage.” “That is perfect! Inform Mrs. Tubman at once!.” ordered colonel Montgomery.

Fall Has Definitely Arrived

The colors are really popping out. The reds and rusts finally joining the yellows. Many of the yellow trees have already lost most or all of their leaves. While beautiful, Fall is a sad time of year for me. I'm not sure why. Maybe it has something to do with the cooler temperatures, jackets or maybe because I know what is to follow. I don't much care for the bare trees and the colder temperatures. Not to mention the snow that's going to follow. I hate having to put on a jacket to go out.  I especially dislike wearing socks and heavy shoes.

Not that I like the heat of Summer. I don't. You can keep the 90 degree temperatures.  To me that heat is as bad as the freezing cold. You have to close everything up and although you don't have to wear a jacket, there's only so much you can take off.

Nope, give me Spring,  early Summer and early Fall any day .  I like when you can open windows, smell the fresh air and go outside without a jacket. 

But, alas, it's Fall and Winter isn't far behind. That's the way life goes and there's nothing I can do to change it. I'll live with it the same way I always have all these years.  And I'll actually enjoy the first snowfall and the beauty of a blanket of white. But I will soon tire of it. Winter lasts way too long.

I'll spend my time writing and waiting for Spring.

Welcome, Tonya Renee Callihan

My Road to Publication
Every writer has a path they take to become published. Whether they are still on that road to discovery, have just reached the top of the hill, or are basking in their glories at the top of the mountain.

Every writer has their own struggles, obstacles, triumphs and joys on that road. And every writer has a goal.

What has my road to publication been like?

A long one, a tough one. At times I felt like giving up. For about eight months I had given up.

I started writing during my Christmas break in 2000. I was thirteen years old at the time. At that point in my life I had only read children’s books and books for school. I’m not sure if I knew what a romance novel was. I can remember my mamaw would always bring my mom a box full of books every now and then. Whether she picked them up at a yard sale or they were given to her, as soon as she finished reading them she would bring them to our house.

I can remember my mom always had her nose in a book as well. She made sure us kids had books to read. I have to thank her for that and dedicate my writing career to her for that very reason. Without her pushing us to read and to be the best we could be…and for reading those romance novels, I don’t think I would be the writer I am today. Thanks mom!!

I snuck two books from her collection. One was a Harlequin Superromance, something about a Montana man and Montana Sky by Nora Roberts. I loved that book and to this day it is still one of my all time favorites to go back and read. I stayed up late at night reading both of these books and I feel in love before I was half way through the book. When I finished reading the novels I announced to myself, ‘hey I’m going to grow up to be a romance writer’.

For the past ten years I have been writing, pouring my heart and soul into these stories and my characters. It’s been my passion. I knew if I worked hard I would accomplish my goals.

But of course you have that road block that pops up from time to time. For a while it was hard to juggle everything and fit writing into the mix, but I somehow managed to set aside time a couple of times a week to write.

Then I discovered the online world of writers. At first no one would acknoweledge my presence. I was new, I had questions, I had never been published. Obviously I was a nuisance. So, I hid on the sidelines and read the other posts and learned from what ‘experienced’ authors had to say. Yes, I’m still a little bitter in this area. But I later learned I was definitely in the wrong groups and hanging with the wrong writers. I also learned that over half of them weren’t published themselves.

So I gave up for about eight months. Every now and then I would write, but mainly I wrote ideas, scenes, plots etc. I never really put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard and wrote another story. One night I had a dream…or more a nightmare. Twenty years down the road I was having a conversation with who I am assuming was my daughter, I was telling her how I regretted never writing again and telling her to never give up on her dreams. She told me I shouldn’t give up either that I should start writing again.



The next day I woke up and decided my dream daughter was right I shouldn’t give up. Therefore I began to research Yahoo groups and publishers and joined their groups. I asked questions I got answers. I made comments I got responses. I had problems I got encouragement. I was finally in the right place.

Within two months of starting to write again and believing in myself and my goals once more I got a contract with Secret Cravings Publishing for my book series, ‘Night Pleasures’. My first book Night Promises will be out January 5, 2011.

My advice to you as a writer is to never give up. Don’t be afraid to get out there and follow your dreams. No one can stop you but yourself.

My Links

http://www.tonyacallihan.weebly.com

http://www.tonyasramblings.blogspot.com

http://tabithablake.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/tonyawrites

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tonya-Renee-Callihans-Night-Promises/155567004477447?ref=search

http://www.twitter.com/tonyacallihan

Thanks so much Roseanne for allowing me this opportunity. I love to hear from readers, writers, etc. If you have any questions tonyacallihan@hotmail.com

Welcome, Barbara Ehrentreu

Until last February I lived in New York State except for one year in California. Now I live in Stamford, Connecticut with my family. I have over seventeen years of teaching experience and certification in Reading. When I got my Masters degree, I began to write seriously and have several stories published online. Currently I'm  still shopping my first YA novel. I've written two more YA novels. During NaNoWriMo last year I completed  my third YA novel and this year I wrote an adult romance novel. I recently became the NY Literature Examiner for Examiner.com and have written several articles for them. I also write a blog, Barbara’s Meanderings, http://barbaraehrentreu.blogspot.com/, which is networked on both Facebook and Blog Catalog. I host Red River Writers Live Tales from the Pages on Blog Talk Radio every 4th Thursday, http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rrradio/2010/09/23/red-river-writers-live-tales-from-the-pages-with-h

In addition, my children's story The Trouble With Follow the Leader and an adult story, Moondance http://www.moondance.org/2002/fall02/fiction/out.html  are published online. I also write book reviews for Authorlink.com, Amazon.com and several of my reviews have been on Ace Writers and Celebrity Cafe. I guess you can say writing  is my life.

Excerpt from: The Trouble with Follow the Leader - Story Station/Learning and Leisure

http://viatouch.com/learn/storystation/stories/troublefollowleader.jsp

"Move it, you flat leaver," Charlie poked Terry in the back forcing her to move faster. "Follow the line or we'll lose them."

Terry felt the sharp pain from Charlie's finger and the worse pain caused by the words he said. Flat leaver, that stupid expression they called you when you left the game too early. Gee, it was only follow the leader and she couldn't always do the stupid things the gang decided.

"See they're climbing onto the ledge and we're not there." Charlie said.
Terry hoped Charlie wouldn't poke her again. She turned to tell him not to poke her, but his size made her shiver and she kept quiet.

"Terry, follow me," Sally the girl in front of her said. Sally's hands were up in the air and she was getting ready to climb onto the ledge. In the distance Steven, the leader, was jumping down and running through the alley. Everyone else did the same thing.
"Come on, Terry, jump after me," Sally called out to her as she jumped. Terry gritted her teeth and leaped. Her feet hit the hard cement and for a second it hurt a lot, but she ran through the alley behind Sally.
"Run, Terry, or we'll miss them," Sally said panting and turning around to see Terry.
Sally ran onto the sidewalk and there in front of them was the whole gang. They had stopped in front of the scary apartment house in the middle of the street. The house had a big iron gate in front of it with sharp spikes on top of each railing. The kids played "Red Light, Green Light", and "Giant Steps" inside the gate all the time. Terry remembered the day she was walking by this place alone. An old woman who looked creepy had stuck her head out of the first floor window. She had straggly gray hair and a big sharp nose. Terry quivered and waited for her to go back inside before she walked past.
Why were they stopping at the gate? Terry hoped the game would stop so she could have lunch. Her stomach was rumbling and she wanted a tuna fish sandwich from Jake's on the corner. She looked up at the first floor window. It was closed. She let out her breath. There was an opening with a gate to let them in. But today they didn't use that gate.

"Hey, Terry, hurry up," Sally said as she ran to catch up with the rest of the line.
"What are we doing?" Terry couldn't see anything at all. She worried that her turn would come and she wouldn't be able to do what everyone else was doing. She wanted to leave, but then everyone would call after her, "Flat leaver, flat leaver," like the last time when she left before the game was over and the whole gang had yelled at her so loudly she could hear them halfway up the street. Today it had been her turn to be the leader, but the rest of the kids wouldn't let her go to the front of the line. So here she was stuck between Sally, the new girl, and Charlie, the loudest and toughest boy in the group.
"Hey, flat leaver, move it, the line is moving," Charlie was pushing her to go.
They were almost up to the gate and Terry still didn't know what they were doing. Then she saw one of the kids slide through the corner part of the iron gate. It looked easy. You slipped yourself through the little space and got into the inside of the gate where there was plenty of room for the whole gang. It was Sally's turn and Terry tried to watch, but Charlie kept poking her in the back to move and she had to turn around to tell him to stop. Again, no words came out of her mouth when she looked back at Charlie. But this time she managed to scrunch up her eyes and glare at him.

It was Terry's turn and she walked up to the corner of the gate. Almost all the kids were inside the gate except her and Charlie.

"Let's go already. " Charlie pushed her up to the gate. Terry could feel the scratchy metal on her fingers as she gripped the bars. How can I get through this little space? Terry thought in a panic.
Terry tried while everyone inside the gate yelled at her to get through.
She put her head through first and it just fit. Terry tried moving it a little more so she could get her body through too, but it wouldn't budge. She tried getting her head out of the gate, but nothing moved. Her head was stuck there.
"What's taking you so long, loser?" Charlie sounded angry and Terry was silent. The gang would never let her play with them again if she didn't do this and left.
The kids inside the gate continued to shout to her.
"Come on, you can do it. Just get your body in. You're almost there."
Terry wiggled her body as much as could, but she couldn't get through the bars. She was stuck. The iron bars were on both sides of her head and she could smell the bitter iron. Her stomach growled more. Her heart was pounding.
"No, I can't do it," Terry yelled to the crowd.
"You're just a big baby," Charlie mumbled to her and tried pushing her through to the other side.
"Leave me alone," Terry finally said to Charlie. Now that she was stuck in this gate, she wasn't as afraid of him. She had more important things to think about than Charlie.

Author Beware!4This page is dedicated to all the authors who have been screwed, and it’s for the up and coming writers seeking publication. Maybe you can avoid some of the mistakes other authors make.


“Pirates pilfer our work outright – We handed it to her on a silver platter and came back for more.” –Unknown Author

Unfortunately this statement is true of a lot of “publishers” out there. Your contract is only legally binding for your publisher if you can afford to take them to court. That’s right, I said it! There are some publishers out there that won’t abide by their own contracts, and what can you do if you can’t afford to take them to court? Not damn much.

So the trick is to not get caught with an awful publisher. You can’t always prevent it, but here are a few tips that will hopefully help you.

Google them. It’s easy to punch in a name and look at a couple websites to see exactly what you’re getting into, but you’d be surprised how many authors don’t do it. I understand, it might be your first offer for a contract, but do a quick celebration and then sit down and do some research.

Check with authors of that publisher or agent. I’d say ask a minimum of five authors if they have complaints. There is no maximum. Check until you feel comfortable signing that contract. And if after all that checking, you still don’t feel comfortable, then don’t sign. Go with your gut.

I’d love to be able to make my own site dedicated to giving the dirt on publishers, but I don’t have that kind of time. Here are a few resources to check to. They’re pretty reliable and spending five minutes looking up your prospective publisher can save you a world of pain in the long run. You might know about some of these, but I didn’t know about them until after I’d signed my first contract, so its possible you don’t either.
Piers Anthony

Preditors and Editors

EREC

I also suggest that you invest in a good author legal book. There are a lot out there. Just search ‘authors contract law’ on Amazon and you’ll come up with quite a few. I haven’t read any, but as soon as I have I’ll put some suggestions on this page.

To all authors with websites: Feel free to steal this page. You can copy it verbatim, I don’t care. Maybe if more authors had them then their fans who are just starting out would take these warnings to heart.

If you have any suggestions for this page, like resource sites or good author legal books that you’ve read, feel free to contact me at: honoriaravena467@yahoo.com

copied with permission from http://honoriaravena.com/author-beware

Welcome, Floriana Hall

1: Thank you so much for being here, Floriana Hall. First up is the obligatory

question. When did you first begin writing?

I was inspired in church when I was 68 years old to write my first published
poem LOVE NEVER DIES, which won the Editor’s Choice Award. It literally popped into my head when the pastor was giving his homily. Since then, I have won many prizes. I have written over 700 poems and have been published all over the world. It seems that most poems just pop into my head at 5 AM and I have to put them on the computer right away so as not to forget them. It usually takes me 20 minutes to write a poem.

2: What inspired you to write?

After I wrote some poetry, my fifth grade teacher daughter asked me to write
my first nonfiction children’s book. She could not find an exciting true story
about The Great Depression that included history and prices. I typeset SMALL
CHANGE and it sold well. The printer passed away a few years ago. THE
ADVENTURES OF FLOSSIE, ROBBIE, AND JUNEY During The Great Depression took its place and is read in many schools and libraries. I speak to the students after the fifth grade teacher reads the book to them. I have over 200 letters from the students saying that they learned not to take life for granted after reading THE ADVENTURES.

3: What do you like the most and least about writing?

I love to write and have two new books in the making. Perhaps I am not too
fond of promotion because I cannot, at almost 83, travel far.

4: What do you for fun and relaxation when not writing?

I love to get together with family and enjoy our great-grandchildren
immensely. I just had a total hip replacement so I continue to go to water exercise five days a week to help rehabilitation. I have always loved swimming, too. I love to read but mostly autobiographies and memoirs. I used to hike and perhaps will be able to do that next year. I have twenty-five shields for the Hiking Spree. I belong to several clubs including the Red Hats.

5: Which authors do you like to read?

As I said, I prefer autobiographies and really enjoyed Kirk Douglas’ THE

RAGMAN’S SON and Lauren Bacall’s JUST ME.Also, I like Debbie McComber’s style of writing, Lisa Wingate and Maeve Binchy for fiction.

6: What’s the one thing you’d most like people to know about you?

That I am a strong and positive person and always have been, even as a child growing up without enough food to eat or the necessities of life. I learned to work for what I have. My wonderful mother was a positive influence because she taught us morals, manners and cleanliness and to live each day to
our best ability with a smile on our faces.

7: Tell me about your current novel, where I can find it and your website/blog.

FRANCIS, NOT THE SAINT is the true story of my family’s struggle to overcome
adversity during The Great Depression and World War II. Our dad left our wonderful mother many times for jobs and for other women. We found out he had three families when I was sixteen years old. He had trouble juggling all three and constantly begged our mother for forgiveness. She, being a staunch
Catholic, would never have asked for a divorce. Francis lied about everything and we all learned that he could not be trusted. However, none of his children
wanted to be like him, and are not. FRANCIS, NOT THE SAINT has been translated into Spanish, FRANCISO, NO EL SANTO.

8: Do you have any tips for aspiring authors?

It takes a while to have your name known so be patient and keep on writing. The first book may never be picked up by an agent or publishing company, so try to publish it yourself.

9: Do you base your characters on real-life people?

Most of my books are nonfiction. However, I do change names in most of my stories in order not to be sued.

10: Where do you get your ideas and what inspired you to write this book?

After I wrote the first book, the children’s book, people asked me to write the continuation of the first book. Thus DADDY WAS A BAD BOY was published by Sterlinghouse Publishers.

11: What are you currently working on?

www.PublishAmerica.com asked me to write a new memoir, which will be titled

MISS FLOSSIE’S WORLD - Coping with Adversity During The Great Depression Then and the Recession Now. It should be on the market in 2011.

I have a trilogy of three young children’s books in the process, also. The trilogy is called SIMPLE PLEASURES.Twelve years ago, I founded and still coordinate THE POET’S NOOK a group of
local poets at the Cuyahoga Falls Library once a month. I am putting together the fifth book of poems by twenty poets titled POEMS OF BEAUTIFUL OHIO – Then and Now.

12. Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you?

My husband and I have been married for 62 years on Dec. 31, 2010. We have five children, nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

My priorities in life are church, family, friends, and helping people. My motto is THE SECRET TO LIFE IS NOT TO TAKE IT PERSONALLY.

Welcome, Jessica Chambers

First, Roseanne, let me say a huge thank you for inviting me on your blog today to talk about my debut release. Now available from Red Rose Publishing , Voices On The Waves is a sweet women’s fiction novel set against the stunning backdrop of rural Cornwall. When nine individuals from all walks of life win a two-week stay at a beautiful farmhouse retreat, they’re each hoping for some rest and relaxation away from the outside world. In fact, what they get is a holiday that will change their lives forever.


In this scene, Leah Shaw has an uncomfortable encounter with one of her fellow guests, the charming but unscrupulous Marcus Armitage.

urled in the arbor, Leah attempted to lose herself in her book. She stumbled across this spot during her first tour of the grounds. It struck her then that this would be the perfect place to come when she wished to be alone to think or to read, luxuries her home life permitted little time for.

Her attention kept drifting to that morning’s episode. How could she have let her guard down like that? The combination of the sunrise and Will’s drawing must have bewitched her. Yet, however talented Will might be, it made him no more trustworthy than any other man. She couldn’t afford to make that mistake again.
Lost in her own thoughts, she only became aware someone had approached when a voice murmured in her ear. “That book must be particularly riveting if it causes my presence to go unnoticed.”

Alarmed, Leah dropped her book to the grass and stared around.

Marcus chuckled. “I’m flattered. I’m used to having a certain effect on women, but as far as I know, I’ve never been responsible for making one drop anything before. Allow me.” Bending, he retrieved the book and held it out to her.
Leah took it from him and sagged against the bench, flushing at her foolishness. For one terrible moment she’d thought… But no, the very idea was ridiculous. And yet, that caressing tone had seemed so familiar.
“Angel, are you all right?” Marcus asked, sounding concerned. “You’ve gone almost as white as my teeth.”
Leah gathered her composure. “I’m fine. Sorry, I was miles away. You startled me, that’s all.”
“My fault entirely. I should have made myself known to you sooner. Do you mind if I join you?”

“Of course not,” Leah lied. In truth, she would have liked some time alone to recover, but she could hardly refuse.
Marcus draped himself over the far end of the bench, and for a while they sat in a silence Leah found rather discomforting. Gradually, as she breathed in the rose-scented air, her shock receded. She picked up her book again, though more for the solid comfort of it than from a desire to read.

“A pleasant spot this,” Marcus said at length. “Don’t you think?”
“Yes, very.”
“Hmmm, so peaceful and secluded. When Tiffany and I came across it a couple of days ago, it struck me how it seems to have been built purely with lovers in mind. Wouldn’t you agree?”
“I … I really wouldn’t know.”
“Come now, Leah, surely you’re not immune to the aura of the place? Can you not feel the magic in the air, the tingle of romance all around us?”

Leah grew hot with embarrassment. Without needing to look, she was conscious of Marcus’s gaze on her. She buried her face in her book to conceal her blush. What was she supposed to say? At that moment, the sound of hurried footsteps saved Leah the trouble of answering. As Tiffany walked towards them, Leah didn’t think she’d ever been so relieved to see anyone in her life.
“This looks cozy.” Tiffany threw herself into Marcus’s lap and kissed him. “Didn’t expect to find you here.”
“No, well, I was looking for you.” Marcus tugged playfully at an auburn curl. “But instead I came across young Leah here. Don’t worry, she’s been taking good care of me in your absence.”
“Not too much care, I hope. I don’t want competition.”
“A little competition might do you good. Keep you on your toes. So what did you want me for?”

“Who says it was you I was after, Mr. Vain? Actually, I came to borrow Leah.”
“Me?” Leah looked up in surprise. “How come?”
“You have to help me choose an outfit for tonight. Marcus is taking me out for this really posh meal and I ain’t got a clue what to wear.”
“I’m not sure I’m the right person to ask. I’m no expert on fashion.”
“You’ll do.” Dismissing Leah’s words with a wave, Tiffany stood. “Come on, we’d better get started if I’m going to look my best.”
“Angel, you’d look lovely in an old sack,” Marcus said.
Tiffany colored prettily.
Gathering up her book, Leah allowed Tiffany to link her arm through hers and lead her towards the house. She hadn’t gone far when the feeling of being watched made her glance back. She met Marcus’s eyes for an instant, and something about their speculative gleam filled her with unease.


Buy Voices ON The Waves now from Red Rose Publishing

http://redrosepublishing.com/books/product_info.php?products_id=85
Thank you again for having me, Roseanne, and to all of you for stopping by. Anyone kind enough to leave a comment here, or at any point during my blog tour, will automatically be entered into the draw to win a $15 gift voucher for either Amazon or Barnes & Noble, so don’t forget to provide an email address in case I need to contact you. I’ll be announcing the five winners at the end of my tour on October 31st over at my blog

http://www.jessicachambers.co.uk/blog
Tomorrow, the Voices On The Waves Blog Tour continues over at the home of Franny Armstrong’s character blog, where Leah will be telling her story. Hope to see you there!

http://paranovelgirl.blogspot.com/

I'm being interviewed

today at MuseIt Up publishing - http://museituppublishing.blogspot.com/ by Bonella. This is something you really don't wan tot miss. I mean seriously. Bonella is something else. How Lea allowed this skeletol bag of bones to interview everyone is beyond me. Bonella is rude, nasty and downright mean. And darned if I'd take her crap. No way. She actually had the nerve to call me a Bad A$%.  Even said my picture looked like a Bad A$% Momma. Ha! She ain't seen nothing yet. Worse than that, she picked on Lea. Leas is the publisher of MuseIt Up publishing and was nice enough to let Bonella conduct these interviews and how does Bonella repay her? She picks on her. I mean seriously how rude can you get?She keeps it up and I'm gonna fix her bony butt but good. 

I found a picture of her, yeah a full length picture. Not too bad, if I must say so myself. But still a skinny bag of bones. Wonder what she was like in real life. Bet she wasn't so skinny then. This one shows a bit more of her hat too.And check out that dress. Wonder what trash bag she found it in. But hey, it suits her, so what the heck. Besides, I'm not a fashion plate myself, so far be it for me to pick on her choice of clothes. I guess you wear what you can find. It's not like there's a shopping mall for skeletons, is there? At least I wouldn't think there was. But never being a skeleton walking this earth, I really wouldn't know would I.  So I asked Bonella if she'd agree to an interview with me.  Here it is. I'd say I hope  you enjoy but....well I think by now you all know Bonella.



So, Bonella, It's my turn to ask you some questions. HEHEHEH
BONELLA: Give it your best shot, Toots, I'm all bones...or like you 'alive' folks would say, I'm all ears.
How come you're so rude all the time? Didn't anyone ever teach you manners?

BONELLA: You're gonna make me weep...boo...hoo..bahumbagaboo...you seem to forget I live six feet under, walk around during October as a stretching period, and no sockets with eyeballs to allow weeping. Human emotions don't exist for the living night folks like me.
You mentioned I looked like a bad A$% momma. I'm curious, just what specifically in that picture makes me look that way? And by the way, have you looked in a mirror lately? Sweetie, your looks leave a lot to be desired.
BONELLA:Those glasses. You're covering the evil squint that only folks like me can see. There's that glint of trouble emanating through those specs humans can't see, but I clearly see the red pupils, Miss Devil Horns...oops...did I let the cat outta the bag now? Geez, sorry, no really...NOT! And as a matter of fact the mirror loves me. How many have you broken?
Why are you so interested in us authors and our thought process or how we come up with ideas? Are you thinking of writing a story yourself? Are you, huh? Or are you thinking of stealing someone's story? I wouldn't put it past you, you skraggy skeleton.

BONELLA: First, thank you for the compliment. Skraggy is in as opposed to...
LEA: Bonella!
BONELLA: What the heck are you doing here? It's my interview, my time, my...
LEA: I have the eraser and delete button.

BONELLA: Well, the truth be known it's that whacky publisher of yours who resurrected me for a book she's writing. From all things, a children's book. Can you picture me in a children's book? All those snotty kids telling me the right way of doing things. I'd rather stay in the fiery pit than have those goodie goodie two shoes teaching me virtues. YUCK! YUCK! AND DOUBLE YUCK!


Don't you think you owe Lea an apology? I mean seriously, she was nice enough to allow you to conduct these interviews, and you have the nerve to pick on her. Picking on me is one thing, Heck, I'm used to it. People do it all the time. Besides I grew up with three brothers and two sisters, if you want to see picked on, Ha, you ain't seen nothing. But Lea, well, she ain't done nothing but helped people, you shouldn't be so nasty to her.

BONELLA: And this deserves an answer because? By the way, my heart bleeds for you... oh wait, I ain't got a heart. HEHEHEHE But going back to your publisher. She knew exactly what she was doing. Drumming up interest for readers and, baby, I'm DA BOMBSTERNATOR of hosting. So no apologies. I ain't putting on no facade for no one. And if you think I'm bad...oh boy oh boy oh boy...wait until later this month when my pals begin to hop on. The show's about to begin!!

Well, folks there you have it. This skinny bag of bones just doesn't quit. But  what can you do? I tried. But there' just no being nice to this creature. Devil red eyes! The very idea! My eyes happen to be brown - very pretty brown matter of fact. Those were prescription transition glasses  and it was sunny.  Geez! The mirror loves you. Yeah right. What kind of mirror is she looking into? It's probably already cracked.  All I can say, is I'm glad my interview is over. I feel for the poor victims yet to come. Bonella is getting meaner and nastier with each interview and those friensds he's planning on brnging in. Well good luck to everyone.

Welcome, MuseIt Up Author, Janie Franz

First, let me apologize to Janie. She was supposed to be on my blog, Sept. 30th, but I never received her blog. So Ihad to reschedule her for today.

Hello, I’d like to introduce myself. I’m Janie Franz and I’ve been a published novelist for almost a year.

Though I’ve lived in North Dakota more than half my life, I still think of myself as a Southerner. I was born in east Tennessee, but raised in Cincinnati, and still have a trace of an Appalachian twang. Currently the place I live is probably one of the flatest and coldest places in the country, it is a rural state and that pervades everything, including commercials for farming equipment or Round Up during the news.
Recently, I went back to Ohio to spend sometime in Hocking Hills, a very magical place in the south central part of the state, full of gorges and waterfalls. That area reminds me of places I used to explore when I was a child visiting relatives in Kentucky and Tennessee. I snapped a lot of pictures and used them for two of my book trailers this summer. (You can find them at my new website—still under some construction—at:

http://janiefranz.fourfour.com/videos

The soundtrack for both book trailers was composed by Chris O’Brien of Enchanted Ape and Matthew Probst of Gyspy Lumberjacks, two Minneapolis bands. These talented musicians have offered to write the soundtracks for all of my trailers, including those that I’ll have published next year through Muse It Up and Muse It Hot! I’m just thrilled by their willingness to do that.
I met these musicians several years ago through my work as a freelance journalist. I have written thousands of articles over the past decade for over a hundred regional, national, and international publications (print and online). I’ve written about medical diseases and science, massage, yoga and relaxation, organic gardening, food and drink, paving and pavement maintenance, landscaping and irrigation, art and dance, ecological issues, writing, and, always, music. I’ve interviewed CEOs, chefs, contractors, manufacturers, scientists, environmentalists, doctors and therapists, artists, dancers, writers, and musicians. And, I do my own photography and was a prolific music and book reviewer.
Because I was so invested in music (I married a musician and booked and did PR for my son’s groove/funk band, booking two large national tours), last year I launched my own online music publication, Refrain Magazine (www.refrainmagazine.com). And I still have a regular column, Music Up Close with Janie at skopemag.com. Over the years, some of the people I’ve interviewed have been essayist Sam Pickering, Pulitzer Prize writer Robert Olen Butler, and musicians Arlo Guthrie, Marc Cohn, Charlie Musselwhite, Martin Simpson, John Doyle, Mickey Hart, Phil Lesh, Bob Weir (Hart, Lesh, and Weir were original members of the Grateful Dead), Dewey Bunnel (America), Jonny Lang, Tom Paxton, Peter Rowen, Gordon Lightfoot, Ralph Stanley, Ladysmith Black Mambasso, Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull), and BB King (for a radio interview).
I also co-wrote two books with Texas wedding DJ, Bill Cox (The Ultimate Wedding Ceremony Book and The Ultimate Wedding Reception Book), and self-published a writing manual, Freelance Writing: It’s a Business, Stupid! I also wrote seven chapters in Rick Baker’s 7-Minute Organic Garden book last year and have multiple entries in a number of Gale medical encyclopedias.
While I was building this career, I was still toying with the idea of polishing up some fiction and submitting it. Though encouragement by the Muse Online Writer’s Conference last year, The Bowdancer, was picked up by Breathless Press. That book launched the Bowdancer Saga, which now includes The Wayfarer’s Road (released August 6) and Warrior Women (out on November 5). I’m currently seeking another publisher to continue the saga because of the themes developed in the series.

On the coattails of that, I have new books coming out with Muse It Up and Muse It Hot! next year. Ruins: Discovery, the first book in her archaeology romance thriller trilogy, will be out April 1, 2011 under the Muse It Hot! division, first as an ebook and then in print. The other two books in the trilogy hopefully will past muster and be out shortly afterward. Sugar Magnolia, a contemporary romance about the music industry, will be published by Muse It Hot! in July 2011 for the ebook and print later. And, The Premier, a sweet contemporary romance, will be published as an ebook by Muse It Up in November 2011.

I’m very excited to be part of the new Muse It Up/Muse It Hot! family.

Welcome Diane Scott Lewis

Originally from California, Diane Scott Lewis grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. She has written since a small child and published poems and short-stories in school magazines. In high school she had a short story submitted to a literary festival. Diane joined the Navy at nineteen and met her future husband while stationed in Greece. After living overseas and raising two boys, the family settled in Virginia where Diane again pursued her love of writing. She joined a chapter of the Virginia Writers Club and works as a free-lance editor. Besides being a great friend, she's a treasured resource for author, Ginger Simpson and others for whom she critiques. You can find out more about Diane at http://www.dianescottlewis.com/


Blurb:

Forced from France by her devious guardian on the eve of the French Revolution, Countess Bettina Jonquiere must deliver an important package to further the royalist cause. In England, she discovers the package holds nothing more than blank pages. The address is false and she's penniless. Stranded in a Cornish village, Bettina toils in a bawdy tavern and falls in love with a man who lives under the shadow of his missing wife.

Excerpt:

“Trethewy isn’t going to be much help, I’m afraid. He never is, unless it benefits him. But he’s the only law in the area.” Everett assisted her into the curricle, his grip on her arm almost painful.

“I must agree.” The Justice bringing up Stephen upset her. But Everett had little reason to kill him and he’d been away, in London…hadn’t he? She rubbed a hand over her brow as if she could wipe away that thought.

The curricle and horses lurched up the steep grade to the main road. An edgy silence lingered between them. Bettina’s aggravation and confusion over the events boiled over. “I must find my horse. I planned to give him to—”
“You have to be careful from now on. You simply can’t go off unescorted. And never approach that man alone.” Everett snapped the reins and his team tossed their heads. “Trethewy should be reprimanded to do his duty.”

“I am leaving here as soon as I can arrange it, so I will not be a burden to anyone.” She struggled to keep her voice firm and shifted on the hard bench. “I wish that I had never come to Cornwall.”

Everett glared at her. “Don’t start sounding like Miriam.”

“Stop this carriage at once!” Bettina slid from the seat, forcing him to rein in the horses. She jumped down and ran toward the cliffs, not wanting him to see her angry tears.

Everett leapt from the curricle and chased after her. He caught her arm and swung her around to face him. “I didn’t mean that, I'm sorry. You don’t understand everything.”

“I do not understand anything!” She thrashed to free herself, but he wrapped his arms around her and pressed her to his chest. She refused to look at him. “I wanted you to love me.”