Monday, April 29, 2013

A Few Lines From:


A Few Lines More...


Time again for a few lines from…

And today, let’s fly over the rainbow with Tess Ames of Miami Days & Truscan (K)nights…

Dalph stopped at the top of the hill. I turned my head around to catch his expression. It was full of fierce pride, of pleasure at his homecoming, of dedication. Johnny was absolutely right. Dalph lived for this country. And based on knowledge gleaned from my entire twenty-four hours of residency, I was sure that one day he would almost certainly die for it.
Johnny pulled up beside us.
“Well?”
“I ain’t in Kansas anymore,” I said.
He laughed. “Damn sure ain’t, baby girl.”

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Echoes from the Past


Wow! You’re Ms. Dowell?!!!! Lin Holmes told me you’d be nice, but she didn’t tell me you’d be cute as a button too, and that you’d blush brighter than a Sweetheart Rose!

I want to thank you for your generosity in opening your home and allowing me to visit a
nd tell you a bit about me and my part in LJ. Holmes (Lin’s…she writes using her initials…isn’t that adorable?) story ECHOES FROM THE PAST releasing from Muse It Up Publishing early in May 2013.

I’m sorta new at this. I suppose that sounds strange coming from a man as old as I am. Now I can see a huge question forming in those gorgeous eyes of yours. You wanna know just how old I am? You know I really don’t know! Kira, Dr. Kira Firebird, my cohort in the many misadventures throughout this book, once asked me the same question. Time is a weird concept when you’re dead. Have you noticed that? But then you wouldn’t have, since you’re not dead, would ya?

I did see your jaw drop dear Lady, which I can understand. It’s got to be difficult for you to sit there looking at me, seeing me as I appear to you, seeming quite…uhm…fleshy…but knowing I’m really…technically…dead...and that really IS…technically what I am, and have been for a very long time. I’m trying to think back to the last time death claimed me.

Do you happen to know when the people your Hopi Indians called the Anasazi Indians lived in the four corner sections of the American States? Course they weren’t really the American States yet, but that will give us a time frame to pinpoint my last death with.

Ooops..I see I’ve confused you, Dear Lady. I do that a lot. It drives poor Kira quite up the wall. Do forgive me. Let me think for a second here. Kira did tell me when we were in Lemuria about when that was. We were about to about to climb into the bubble. I
sorta had other things on my mind when we climbed into the bubble, I’m not sure I’ll remember…What can I say, I wasn’t dead then and thinking very much like a man, if you know what I mean? Oh yeah! Now I remember. I died somewhere around 1250 C.E. your time, and according to Kira, your guy Columbus? Right? Yeah, didn’t show up for another two almost two and a half more centuries later?

Anyway, I died before my people disappeared and long before your people appeared, which means I guess, I’ve been flesh and blood challenged for a really long time.

I can still see a ton of doubt in your gorgeous but skeptical eyes Ms. Dowell. Guess
you don’t meet too many ghosts in your day-to-day life do you, Hon? But Darling girl, compared to me, you’re a babe in arms. I mean Sweetie, my time with the Anasazi was just my latest incarnation. I really DID live back in Lemurai, and that’s actually the lifetime that’s the most important for this story. See Kira and her spirit guardian, a rather inept, but comical wolf Boomerang, must come to Lemuria and spend time there with me.

They must travel back through the warping mists of time to learn the secrets of a powerful device known only as THE SACRED COVENANT before Lemuria is violently cast into the crushing destruction of the ocean waves. If she doesn’t learn from the wise ones in my time how to locate and unleash the Covenant your future is doomed.

Unfortunately, someone else in your time is looking for it too…someone with less than honorable reasons for wanting it, who has no idea what it’s capable of and time is running out.

Ahhh you’re wondering if I’ll die in the past and will I come forward and have a future with Kira?

I died in Lemuria, but I also died in the Four Corners. Look at me. I’m dead, so I do not live a flash and blood life in your era. I can only appear here in spirit. I can only touch Kira, and yes you as a spirit, that carries no weight. To have a flesh life I would
have to be born again into the body of an infant—go through all the stages of maturing.

By the time I would reach an age appropriate for adult love and passion, Kira would be too old for me to mate with. So Kira and I both know we were not brought together this time around despite being soul split-aparts to share the passion that is ours throughout eternity. Our mission is higher.

Do we wish it were different? My soul lives inside hers and hers’ lives inside me. I ache for her every moment we’re apart, but we cannot change the realities of time and distance. Still—miracles sometimes happen—who knows what miracles the Great Universe has in store for us and can put into final motion? Pray for us. Nothing is done until it’s done.

Ms. Ro, Lin Holmes told me you’d be a gracious and beautiful hostess and she was so right. I want to thank you for sharing this time with me and allowing me to tell you about my world and my story. ECHOES FROM THE PAST, was written by L.J. Holmes with its phenomenal cover by Ms. Suzannah Safi releasing early in May from Muse It Up Publishing, Inc. and both women captured our story well.

Ms Holmes has asked me to offer to one of you readers who leaves a comment a free PDF copy of our book just as soon as it becomes available, chosen by you Ms. Dowell, and she also wants me to assure you a copy will also be made available for you as well for your generosity in hosting me, her very long in the tooth hero, It’s truly been an honor spending time with you.

From the bottom of my soul, thank you.

Friday, April 26, 2013

Friday's a few lines from:


THE FISHERMAN'S DAUGHTER
By Sydell Voeller

Available from Amazon

"So you're a cop, she said, meeting his stunningly blue yes, noting the breeze ripple through his hair. He certainly fit the stereotype. Broad shouldered and strong. Opened black leather jacket with the collar turned up. An incredible heart-stopper with his 
sophisticated good looks. But cops were the worst choice for a husband, she reminded herselfâ€"even if she were looking for one, which she definitely was not. Cops lived in the fast track. With violence. And danger. Cops were gunned down every day. 


Find out more about Sydell's books at: www.sydellvoeller.com

Make sure to visit again for a few lines from Ginger Simpson the week of May 3

Friday, April 19, 2013

Fridays, a few lines from Vijaya Schartz


A few lines from SNATCHED
By Vijaya Schartz

There, in the bright light, walked a tall muscular man, young, his long blond hair framing a tan face with icy gray eyes... The visage of Adonis on Hercules’ body.

Z
ania’s gaze roamed over the regular lines of his jaw, the full, sensual lips,
dimpled chin, down the expanse of his hairless pectorals, and stopped on the leather cod piece embossed with Tor’s hammer. That’s all he wore. So, he was a Viking.

Find out more about Vijaya’s books at:

Make sure to visit again for a few lines from Sydell Voeller, the week of April 26.

Vijaya Schartz
Blasters, Swords, Romance with a Kick
AZDREAMIN Readers Convention Phoenix May/June 2013

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Welcome, Chris Weigand



1: Thank you so much for being here, insert your name here, Chris
First up is the obligatory question. When did you first begin writing?
I’ve been writing since I was a child. But I guess things really started for me when I took a Creative Writing class in middle school.
2: What inspired you to write?
 I can’t really remember a specific moment that I said wow I want to write. I have always loved putting pen to paper and getting things that are bouncing around in my head out of there.
3: What do you like the most and least about writing?
Like most: That moment when the story takes over and just seems to flow through me.
Like least: The moments when the characters go on strike and I feel as if I will never write another word.
4: What do you for fun and relaxation when not writing?
 Spend time with my family and friends. I like to read and I volunteer at the school library as well as in some classrooms teaching kids how to write. Recently I got to do a writing workshop with my daughter’s girl scout troop. I also love to do Bible Study and help my husband with his theater pursuits.
5: Which authors do you like to read?
 Thanks for not making me pick just one. There are so many and I am constantly finding new ones. But to narrow it down a little: Bryan Davis, Wayne Thomas Baston, Donita K. Paul, Darlene Reilley,  Sarah Carr. That’s only the tip of the iceberg to use a clichĂ©.
6: What’s the one thing you’d most like people to know about you?
That first and foremost, before a writer, wife, mother and grandmother, I am a Daughter of God. All that I am, all that I do, all that I accomplish I owe to Him.
Secondly I am passionate about dragons and all things tea.
7: Tell me about your current novel, where I can find it and your website/blog.
 The first novel in the YA Christian Fantasy trilogy: Palace of the Twelve Pillars  will be released on April 26, 2013 through MuseItUp Publishing. The buy link is MuseItUp Publishing
When Prince Joachim is kidnapped and twin Brandan attempts a rescue, both will search their faith and familial loyalty.
My blog Palace of Twelve Pillars can be found at www.weigandchris.com

The second book: Palace of Three Crosses will be released in September of 2013.
The third book: Sanctuary of Nine Dragons is being revised and edited with a release date tbd.
8: Do you have any tips for aspiring authors?
Write, Read, and Write some more.
9: Do you base your characters on real-life people?
 Not intentionally. One book I wrote that is yet to be published was a middle grade story and I loosely based the main character on my twelve-year old daughter. The main characters best friend was based on my daughter’s best friend. The trouble I encountered was that my daughter had more than one best friend at the time and I got in trouble for not including her in the book. So now I steer away from intentionally using people I know. That doesn’t mean that some personalities don’t sneak in when I’m not looking.
10: Where do you get your ideas and what inspired you to write this book?
My first answer would be from God. After that I’m not sure how to define where my ideas come from. I guess since I write YA Christian fantasy, I would have to say from the young people in my life. Seeing the things that they will have to face as they mature and a desire to help them see the choices that are out there and how to make the right choice.
When I first started writing Palace of the Twelve Pillars, I don’t remember one moment that I said “Oh that’s a great idea. I want to write about it.” It was more like as I wrote Brandan and Joachim’s story the inspiration evolved and grew into the final product.
11: What are you currently working on?
Finishing up the trilogy. As I mentioned before Palace of Three Crosses is under contract for release in September, so myself and the editors and artists are busily preparing that for release.  I am finishing final revisions on Sanctuary of Nine Dragons so I can get it submitted by mid-May.
Between all those edits I am trying my hand at Urban Fantasy that is yet untitled.
12. Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you?
EXCERPT
The High Wisdom raised the crown from its golden case. A loud scream tore the silence in the tent. Joachim
turned to look at the entrance. A soldier fell through the opening, blood spurting from a slit stretched across his throat.
As he bounded off the dais, Waldrom screamed, “What’s going on here?”
A wild rush of wind ripped the tent flaps open, and a horse and rider burst through. Joachim gaped at the body of the dead soldier. His heart raced and leapt to his throat. His gaze traveled up the horse’s legs. A man’s black boots. A scream caught in his throat, and tears filled his eyes. He stared into blue eyes.
The horse pawed the ground and snorted. The rider dismounted and stood next to the dead guard.
Wriggling free of Waldrom, Lilia ran to the rider. She threw her arms around him. “Brandan, you’re here. You've come to free us.”
The prince pushed her aside. “Brother, I see you are trying to usurp me again. It appears I got here just in time.”
“No, you’re wrong. I have no desire to take anything rightfully belonging to you.” Joachim stepped toward his brother and reached out a hand to him. “I want to help you and see what we can accomplish together.”
Swatting his hand away, Brandan laughed. “Help me? You’re the one who needs help. Anything you have to offer is worthless to me. Now out of my way. The king and I have business.”
“No, listen to me. You can’t do this.” Joachim spun him around.
 He clouted Joachim, knocking him down. “King Waldrom, we need to talk. He’s deceiving you.” He spat at Joachim then turned and bowed to Waldrom. “I’m at your service, My King.”
Regaining his feet, Joachim pushed Brandan into the guard standing behind him. The guard wrapped his muscular arms around Brandan. “What should I do with him, Sire?”
Brandan flipped the soldier to the ground and put his black booted foot on the man’s chest. “The one you should be detaining is standing there, you fool.” He pointed at Joachim.
“What are you doing?” Lilia grabbed Brandan by the arm. “Stop this, or Waldrom will imprison us all. Why are you jeopardizing our lives?”
He looked at his mother. “Don’t worry, Mother. The only one in any danger here is the traitor you see standing before of you. First, he betrays me, next he kills Father, and now he would betray you and Waldrom. Guards, seize him!”
The king stepped forward and raised his hands to stop the guards. “What do you mean a traitor, and how do you know this?”
“Because I know my brother, and that’s the way he thinks. He’ll lie, cheat, and kill to achieve his own ends, and his goal is to have both countries under his to rule at any cost.”
“Why should I trust you over him?”
“Because I’m just like you,” Brandan responded.
Walking around the twins, Waldrom rubbed his goatee thoughtfully. “My boy, you present an interesting dilemma. How do I choose one over the other? How do I know which one to believe? Guards seize both of them.” Two guards stepped forward, and each grabbed a twin.
 “You’re wrong.” Joachim struggled to break free. “This is wrong. I’m not a liar. I only want what’s best, and that’s for us to be together.”
 “You’re the one who’s wrong.” Brandan pulled his arm free. “I’ve no use for you.” He turned to Waldrom. “Get him out of here, so we can finish.”
Joachim broke loose, stepped across the gap and grasped his brother by the tunic. Brandan jerked around and punched him. He rubbed his jaw and shoved Brandan, who fell to the ground “What happened to you? You’re not the brother I know.”
Standing up, the black prince pulled his sword. “Nothing is wrong with me. I just realized who I am and who truly cares about me...and it’s not you.” He rested the point of the sword on the cut Waldrom had given Joachim. As Brandan pushed the tip in the scratch, he re-opened the partially scabbed wound. Joa laid his hand on the side of the sword and pushed it away. Guards grabbed Joachim’s arms.
“Enough! I can see you two will not make this easy. I put before you a challenge, which will determine my choice. You will travel to the Cave of Njori and extinguish the flame of Asha. Melvane will accompany you and testify to its completion.”
Brandan replaced his sword and walked over to his horse. “I don’t see the need for this. It’s obvious I am the one, but I’ll go along if that is what you want.” He remounted his horse and reined it around to exit.
Still in the grasp of the soldier, Joachim yelled, “No, Brandan, stop! You can’t do this. We can’t. It’s the light of Asha, never to be extinguished. If you do this, you’ll destroy all hope and any chance we have of defeating this evil.”
Brandan laughed and kicked his horse. “All the more reason to get this done quickly. Guards, find a mount for my brother.”
“No, I won’t go. I can’t do it.”
The king raised his hand. “The choice is made. Guards, take Joachim to the prison tent. Brandan, we will deal with this inconsequential flame later. Right now, we have more important business to attend to.”
He signaled two of the guards to remove Joachim and then, as if it were his own idea, said, “I knew all along he was a traitor. I was only crowning him to draw out the true Prince of Sidramah. Brandan, thank you for arriving so soon and before these Wisdoms regretted what they did here today.”
As the guards dragged him from the tent, Joachim struggled and screamed, “No, he’s lying! Brandan, why are you doing this?” His cries echoed through the camp as Waldrom returned his attentions to those remaining in the tent.
 Bio:
Christina Weigand’s a writer, wife, and mother of three grown children and a middle school daughter. She is also Nana to three granddaughters. Chris lives with her husband and youngest daughter in Washington State after a lifetime in Pennsylvania. Currently, she’s working on fantasy novels and inspirational writing. Through her writing, she strives to share the Word of God and help people young and old to realize the love and mercy He has for everyone.
When she’s not writing, Chris is active in her local Church as a lector, Bible Study, or with the church theater group, volunteering at her daughter and granddaughter’s school in the library as well as helping the children develop a love for reading and writing. Jesus fills her home with love as she shares Him through her writing.  

Friday, April 12, 2013

Friday's a Few Lines From:


Here's a few lines from Roseanne Dowell's Deadbeat Dads



Does everyone start married life with rose colored glasses? I'm sure no one thinks their marriage will end in divorce. I certainly didn't. Mine was the perfect love, the perfect marriage. I was going to have the perfect life, and it was an absolutely perfect day for a wedding. The sun streamed through the window as I walked down the aisle on my father’s arm. Johnny looked so handsome standing at the altar waiting for me.  



Deadbeat Dads by Roseanne Dowell

Available from: http://amzn.to/YWDVBf

Friday, April 5, 2013

A few lines from Margaret Tanner


Fiery Possession:
Jo Saunders did to him what no other woman had done in years. Set his pulses racing, exciting him to the point where he nearly lost control.
Damn Jo Saunders. Damn her to hell. 

Please come back on April 12  to read Roseanne Dowell's exciting snippet.