Friday, June 28, 2013

A Few Lines From....Magic of the Chimes by Pat Dale


Here’s your breakfast, Mr. Williams. Howie. I hope everything is done to your satisfaction.” She knew instantly her choice of words was wrong again when he leered up at her.



What is it with this guy and my chest?

His focus remained at that point when she set the food before him, random thoughts flitting through her mind.

“Oh, yes. Very much so.” Returning his focus to her chest, he added, “Full and firm, and very nicely formed.” He grinned and winked.

That did it. She’d begun to pour more coffee into his cup when her arm slipped. The hot brown liquid scored a bulls-eye in his lap.
Available from http://bookswelove.net/dale.php




Please stop back next week for a few lines from Shirley Martin.

Monday, June 24, 2013

Interview with Heather Greenis




1: Thank you so much for being here, Heather Greenis. First up is the obligatory question. When did you first begin writing?


I began around 10 years ago with this series. It hard to believe it’s been that long.

2: What inspired you to write?


I had a dream and couldn’t get the characters out of my head. I told my husband about the dream and he suggested I write about it. One of the many reasons I love him. He’s a smart guy.


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


Most - I enjoy the actual writing. Getting my thoughts on paper, researching facts, editing, and of course pondering. Trying to get the plot to unfold the best way possible


Least - anything that is out of my control. I’m not a control freak, but I am impatient. I want things to happen like clockwork. If only life worked that way. God tests me, regularly.


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


In the winter, I curl. I teach the sport two hours a week and play 2 to 3 times a week on adult leagues. My husband and I both play. Our Canadian winter speeds by.


During the summer, I putter in the flower gardens and tend to the veggy garden.


We enjoy traveling. I’m not the type to sit and relax on the beach, but explore the countryside or a city. What make this place tick!


I enjoy photography, taking pictures of critters and unique things. I also enjoy astronomy, but I’m far from an expert on the topic. I enjoy gazing into the night sky.


We own a dog and she likes to walk so out we go at least twice a day.


5: Which authors do you like to read?


I don’t have a favorite author. I love a good drama or an action with some suspense. I stay away from horror. A bedtime reader, I want to sleep, not dream about the creepy scene I just read.


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


That I am shy. You won’t see me at public events standing with a microphone in my hand reading a prepared speech.


Once you get to know me, and I’m comfortable in a small group, I can become a little chatter box



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


My novel is the first of a four part saga. Each book leaving with unanswered questions.


It actually started as one book but became too long so I split it into four sections.


Natasha’s Dream is a story that my character Keeghan is dreaming about. In Keeghan’s dream, Natasha dreams of a life different from the one dictated by her birth and status. The plot deals with life choices and consequences. Natasha rebels keeping secrets from everyone that knows her. Her diary is the only outlet for her fears, hopes and dreams. She lives in constant fear that the truth of her identity or her deception will be revealed.
Unfortunately, I don’t have a website or blog yet. I have played with a few templates, but I’m not getting results I’m willing to take live. I know I need a website, but I want a site I can be proud to put my name behind. I need to dedicate some time to it.

For now, I’m on . Facebook

My book will be available on my publisher’s site and on Kobo, Amazon and most other distributors.
MuseItUp


8: Do you have any tips for aspiring authors?


Don’t give up. Follow your gut. I wrote and allowed family members to read my effort. At the beginning, I really didn’t get comments. To me, that meant they didn’t like it. Back to the editing and rewriting. I finally asked my niece, an avid reader to read the book and give me an honest opinion. Don’t be afraid of hurting me. Make notes as you go along. I remember visiting the university student a few months later and her mom saying, be honest. My niece told me she liked the story line, but...


Boy, did we have a long talk. She gave me some great pointers. I went home and rewrote and edited it yet again. Without allowing anyone to read the new and improved version, I submitted the first book in the series. Nine months later, I received that glorious e-mail. MuseitUp was willing to publish my novel. Woohoo!


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

Not with this series. The plot dictated the characteristics of the characters. My original dream was the ending of the first book. My imagination had to backtrack to make the plot unfold. My husband wasn’t impressed with my ending and told me to keep going. The story grew.


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

Life. Conversations, something that happens, something I see, something I read. My imaginations combines everything into a wacky dream and I wake in the morning thinking about it. I don’t wake well rested too often. My mind is too busy to relax.


11: What are you currently working on?

I have a contract for three of the four books in the series.

Natasha’s Dream
Natasha’s Diary
Natasha’s Hope
Natasha’s Legacy.


I am doing the final edit on the fourth in the series, preparing to submit it for consideration. I’m expecting my first round of edits for the Natasha’s Diary any day now. In the back of my mind Natasha’s Diary will be with my second editor and Natasha’s Hope will be with the first editor.

Assuming Natasha’s Legacy is contracted, this schedule will continue. I’ll be busy.



12. Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you?
I’m a compassionate softy. I love and support anything environmental. I’m proud of the fact we have solar panels on our home.
I love critters. We have one domestic critter, a spoiled dog and we have more flying and four-legged ones than we can count visiting our home daily. Our wild bird food bill is atrocious.



Excerpt:

When Constable’s nose touched her thigh, Keeghan lowered her hand to rub her head. Only moments


earlier the dog had been drowning by her side. How was it possible she was dry? She touched her own yoga pants. Dry. Her ponytail was dry. How is it possible? What happened to me? Am I dead and in Heaven? If so, she didn’t like it. Heaven was supposed to be a wonderful place.


“Welcome,” the gentleman beside her whispered. “I hoped you would arrive earlier. Pay attention to the young couple.”


The man spoke as if she were a long-lost friend. She had no idea who he was or how she arrived at this place.


“Earlier? Where am I?” Keeghan screeched.


My voice! My voice is back!


“Shh,” the gentleman whispered.


“I won’t be quiet! Answer me,” Keeghan demanded, fighting back tears.


“Shh, listen,” the gentleman repeated.


She turned her attention back to young man in front of her who continued to stare at the floor.


“Stewart,” the woman whispered. “I…”


Keeghan was confused. The young couple seemed oblivious to her, but the gentleman beside her wasn’t. He must have some answers and could help her and Constable find their way home.


“Who are these people? Who are you? Where am I? I want to go home!”


“Allow me to escort you outside,” he whispered, sounding discouraged.


“Who are you?”


“In a moment. Madam, if you would be so kind as to follow me.”


Keeghan was apprehensive, though sure Constable would protect her. However she might have arrived in this room, there had to be a better, easier way home. She wanted to go home,


now. Without another option, she gripped the dog’s collar, turned, and followed the gentleman to the door. Once outside, he led the way through manicured grounds, where the sky was a wonderful shade of blue, the grass was green, and wildflowers were in full bloom. They passed an immaculate flower garden before the gentleman stopped under a large oak tree and sat on the grass. Keeghan looked back to see a three-story yellow stone building, around which were gathered a multitude of young men and a few women. All were dressed in the same style of clothing as the young couple she had just seen. Nothing looked at all familiar.


“Where am I? Who are you? Why…?”


“We are in Kassima,” the gentleman replied, his tone still very relaxed. “Neither you nor your dog will be harmed. My apologies, I have forgotten my manners. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Alexander.” He gave a slight bow.


The name Kassima meant nothing to her. The only thing she wanted was to return to the comforts of her own home before Will returned from his golf game. Although the man was friendly enough, it was obvious he wasn’t in any hurry to assist her.


“You have to help me. Please help me find my way home. My husband, my parents. Will’s parents…I’ll be missed.”


“Shh. I’d like you to listen to a story. You have my assurance neither you nor your pet will be harmed or missed. Please allow me the privilege of your attention.”


“But—”

“Madam I assure you, your family will not fret. Please, I must ask for your full attention.”

Friday, June 21, 2013

A Few Lines from Kissing Maggie Silver by Shelia Claydon



“I’m sorry,” he said. “I didn’t mean that to happen.”

Her face was flushed, her lips still slightly parted as she looked up at him. “I know you didn’t,” she said, her voice and her gaze steady. “I
know you are going away again Ruairi, and I know there won’t be a place for me in your life when you do but…but can’t we pretend it’s not like that, just for today.”

At a complete loss for words, he stared down at her. She was keeping whatever was going on inside her head to herself. All he could see reflected in her wide grey eyes were his own feelings of desire and frustration. It brought him to his senses and, his heart heavy, he shook his head.

“You know it doesn’t work like that Maggie. If we take today, then we’ll want tomorrow too, and the day after that.”

“And would that really be so terrible,” she whispered, her face pale now, her body rigid in the circle of his arms.

"Yes, because then I'd break your heart."

The buying link is: http://amzn.to/10hfmBq

Next week it's a few lines from…Pat Dale

Friday, June 14, 2013

A Few Lines From A Knight For Love by A.M.Westerling


“I am Warin de Taillur,” he said simply. He gestured with his chin to the fresh mound and crudely fashioned cross. “Your traveling companion is now in a better place.” 

Alyna nodded, mute in her misery, the words slowly penetrating her mind. Traveling companion. David. She blinked hard, once, twice, against the tears, forcing them back. She had no time to cry anymore.

She sucked in a huge, ragged breath. How rude the man must find her. First she had hailed him, now sorrow over David’s death held her tongue. In truth, she hadn’t expected the knight to stop but he had. She opened her mouth to thank him and lifted her gaze enough to finally look him full in the face.

And froze, mouth yet gaping.

He radiated power. It emanated from his every pore, permeating the area around him with a tangible force she could almost reach out and touch.

http://www.amazon.com/A-Knight-for-Love-ebook/dp/B00C8HC146/

Stop by on June 21 for A Few Lines from Sheila Claydon!

Monday, June 10, 2013

A Page straight from

Culture Shock by Ginger Simpson

Tag Line: Faulty wiring can cause a lot more than a power outage.


Log Line: Cynthia Freitas moves to San Francisco for a new job and more excitement in her life.  What she doesn't bargain for is only being able to afford an apartment in a rundown building with a serial killer lose in her neighborhood offing women who look like her. A shocking kiss shared with her handsome law enforcement neighbor sends her on a whole new adventure...saving Alex before he becomes the next look-alike victim.

crimson stain caught his attention. "Oh my God, what's wrong?"Despite his heart climbing into his throat, he managed to draw in a deep breath. The cause of the blood dawned on him, he was having a period. "Oh for Christ's sake, I don't believe this." He looked upward. "Why do you hate me?"
The annoying alarm sounded. Alex awoke with a terrible stomachache. Not the start to the day he had hoped for since he spent all evening helping Cynthia clean up the mess from the break-in and crimson stain caught his attention. "Oh, my God, what's wrong?"
listening to her berate his actions. Hopefully, the crime had been the act of a random burglar. He'd
worried all night it might have been more, but his concern at the moment was this awful pain. He
grasped his belly as the aching intensified.

Forcing himself out of bed, he stumbled to the bathroom. When he used the toilet tissue, a 



Luckily, he wasn't totally ignorant. After all, he'd lived with a woman before, and there was
absolutely nothing that wasn't advertised on TV these days. Nothing was sacred. How many times had he been forced to watch tampon commercials and other feminine hygiene products?

Rummaging under the sink, he searched for whatever it was Cynthia used during her monthly.
He found the very item he'd seen advertised so often. Pulling a cylinder from the box, he grimaced and began reading the instructions on the back of the carton.

He squinted at the small print. "Warning: Do not insert cardboard cylinder." That seemed rather
obvious to him, but then hairdryers came with warnings not to use them in the bathtub or shower.
Obviously there were some ignorant people in the world.

But ... what the hell did he do with the string? He dangled the tampon in the air and studied it for
a moment, then following the diagram, he propped one foot on the closed toilet lid, but hesitated. "I can't do this" How did a woman...especially one with long talons ?"  

Reality gave him a stern reminder. Using the tampon was a necessary evil given his situation.
With clenched teeth and squinted eyes, he probed for an opening and inserted the cotton torpedo, leaving the string dangling for removal. A queasy feeling seized him, and he plopped down on the commode.

This was the last time he was going through this torture. He had to find a way to get back into his own skin and the comfort he missed so much.

***
Cynthia stopped by on her way to work and found Alex, still clad in a bathrobe and, curled in a
fetal position on the couch. She arched a brow at him. "Why aren't you ready to go?"

He glared up at her. "You started your period. My stomach is killing me."

"Oh, is that all?" She clucked her tongue against her teeth. "It's called cramps. Now you know
what it feels like. Get up and get dressed."

He adjusted his position and closed his eyes. "I'd prefer not to. I think I'm dying."

She bent over and shoved her face close to his. "No one ever died of cramps. Get up!"

"I can't," he whined.

"You're pathetic!" She straightened and shook her head. "Good thing you aren't pregnant. I've
always heard that if men were the child bearers, every family would only have one. I don't think you'd live through the first birth. I never realized what a wimp you are."

You can find this book along with others by Ginger at http://www.amazon.com/author/gingersimpson

Friday, June 7, 2013

A Few Lines from Jamie Hill



This week enjoy a few lines from Books We Love author Jamie Hill’s novel, Family Honor.  
 
He pulled a bigger knife from his pocket. “I know you’re gonna be whoever I want you to
be. I’m gonna call you ‘Mama’, and you’ll call me ‘Dickie’. If you don’t like it, our little game will end a lot sooner. It’ll be disappointing for me, but I can live with it.” He smiled. “Not sure you can.”


Family Honor by Jamie Hill
Available here:
Find Jamie’s other titles here:
 
Come back next week for A Few Lines from BWL author A.M. Westerling.