Say hello to Rosemary Morris

Roseanne thank you very much for inviting me to participate in your blog tour.

1: Thank you for being here and welcome, Rosemary Morris. Tell us, when did you first begin writing?

My mother said when I was a toddler I memorized stories, and people thought I was reading. My love of reading and my imagination grew together. Along with these loves I enjoyed history. My early world was filled with people from times past.

2: What inspired you to write?

From an early age I made up stories. The characters in them seemed as real as my family and friends. At primary school I enjoyed writing compositions so I suppose that sooner or later writing novels became inevitable.  

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

I enjoy the research for historical fiction, studying non-fiction and visiting places of interest. I like creating characters and writing the first draft of a novel.

By the time I have revised the novel three or four times and am working with first a copy editor, then a line editor and finally checking the galley I am impatient for my book to be published.

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

My grandchildren and I have fun together. For relaxation, I garden organically, cook vegetarian meals, knit and enjoy other creative crafts.  To relax after long sessions at the computer I swim and visit a health suite where I enjoy the Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. 

I watch television costume dramas, and I found Downtown Abbey absorbing and am looking forward to the next series.

5: Which authors do you like to read?

The works of A.C.Bhativedanta Prabhupada, amongst which are his translations of The Bhagavadgita As It Is and The Srimad Bhagavatam. I am fascinated by the Indian classics such as The Mahabharat and The Ramayana, both of which rival The Iliad and the Odyssey.

I also enjoy the King James Version of the Bible more than any other because of its beautiful language.  

Apart from these, there are too many to list. I admire and enjoy Elizabeth Chadwick’s mediaeval novels. I relished both Helen Hollick and Rosalind Miles’ Arthurian trilogies. Baroness Orczy, Georgette Heyer, Elizabeth Goudge and M.M. Kaye remain old favourites. I’m partial to some of Frances Parkinson Keyes novels. Amongst classical authors I particularly like Sir Walter Scott’s Ivanho, Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the D’Urbevilles, Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and Charlotte Bronte’s Jan Eyre.

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

I do my best to capture the past in my historical novels which are not about 21^st century people dressed in costume. 

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

Tangled Love is set in England during Queen Anne’s reign. Alone and penniless after her father flees to France and her mother dies, the heroine, Richelda, treasures her father’s ruby ring.

She’s determined to honour her vow to regain ownership of Field House, lost to her family after Charles I’s execution.

With the help of her childhood sweetheart, Dudley, Richelda hopes to find the treasure rumour claims was hidden in Field House by her ancestor. However danger threatens and Richelda is forced to choose between Dudley and the viscount her wealthy aunt wants her to marry.

You can read The Prologue on my website or blog.

www.rosemarymorris.co.uk

http://rosemarymorris.blogspot.com

Tangled Love is available

from://http://museituppublishing/bookstore, Amazon kindle usa & uk,Barnes & Noble, Bookstrand-Mainstream,Sony-e-reader,Kobo,Smashwords & elsewhere.

8: Do you have any tips for aspiring authors?

Most authors receive many rejections. The important thing is to persevere and while doing so to perfect the art of writing through books on How to Write, on line critique groups, Writing Circles etc.

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

There are real life people mentioned in my novels but most of my characters are imaginary.

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

Incidents in history provide a wealth of ideas.

The inspiration for Tangled Love was James II’s flight to France, after which first his son-in-law, William, and daughter, Mary, and then his daughter, Anne, became Queen.

When James II ascended the throne after the death of his brother, Charles II, the peers swore oaths of allegiance to James, an unpopular king. After his flight to France, the nobles were expected to swear oaths of allegiance first to William and Mary and then to Anne. Some of them refused to do so for as long as James lived.

What, I asked myself, happened to children of honourable men who followed James to France?

My novel, Tangled Love, is about Richelda left in England when her father went to France, and Chesney who accompanied his father to France.

I also have two new releases set in the Regency era being published by MuseItUp publishing. Sunday’s Child in June 2012 and False Pretences in October 2012

11: What are you currently working on?

I’m working on a new novel set in the reign of Charles II, and revising two other novels, one set in Queen Anne’s period, the other set in Edward II’s reign, which is the first of a trilogy.

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

I am indebted to my family who give me so much love and support, as well as to all those who have helped on my path to publication.

 

 

Tangled Love

 

Prologue

1693

Nine year-old Richelda Shaw sat on the floor in her nursery. She pulled a quilt over her head to block out the thunder pealing outside the ancient manor house while an even fiercer storm raged deep within. Eyes closed, remained as motionless as a marble statue.

Elsie, her mother’s personal maid, removed the quilt from her head. ‘Stand up child, there’s nothing to be frightened of. Come, your father’s waiting for you.’

Richelda trembled. Until now Father’s short visits from France meant gifts and laughter. This one made Mother cry while servants spoke in hushed tones.

Followed by Elsie, Richelda hurried down broad oak stairs. For a moment, she paused to admire lilies of the valley in a Delft bowl.  Only yesterday, she picked the flowers to welcome Father home then arranged them with tender care. Now, the bowl stood on a chest, which stood beneath a pair of crossed broadswords hanging on the wall.

Elsie opened the great massive door of the great hall where Father stood to one side of an enormous hearth. Richelda hesitated. Her eyes searched for her mother before she walked across the floor, spread her skirts wide and knelt before him.

Father placed his right hand on her bent head. ‘Bless you, daughter, may God keep you safe.’ He smiled. ‘Stand up, child. Upon my word, sweetheart, your hair reminds me of a golden rose. How glad I am to see roses bloom in these troubled times.’

Richelda stood but dared not speak for she did not know him well.

 Putting an arm round her waist, he drew her to him. ‘Come, do not be nervous of your father, child. Tell me if you know King James II holds court in France while his daughter, Mary, and William, his son-in-law, rule after seizing his throne?’

‘Yes, Mother told me we are well rid of King James and his Papist wife,’ she piped up, proud of her knowledge.

With a sigh, Father lifted her onto his knee. ‘Richelda, I must follow His Majesty for I swore an oath of allegiance to him. Tell me, child, while King James lives how can I with honour swear allegiance to his disloyal daughter and her husband?’

Unable to think of a reply, she lowered her head breathing in his spicy perfume.

Father held her closer. ‘Your mother pleads with me to declare myself for William and Mary. She begs me not to return to France, but I am obliged to serve King James. Do you understand?’

As she nodded her cheek brushed against his velvet coat. ‘Yes, I understand, my tutor told me why many gentlemen will not serve the new king and queen.’

‘If you remain in England, you will be safe. Bellemont is part of your mother’s dowry so I doubt it will be confiscated.’

If she remained in England! Startled, she stared at him.

Smiling, he popped her onto her feet. ‘We shall ride. I have something to show you.’

*****

Before long, they drew rein on the brow of a hill. Father pointed at a manor house in the valley.  ‘Look at our ancestral home, Field House. The Roundheads confiscated it soon after the first King Charles’ execution.  Richelda, I promised my father to do all in my power to regain the property.’ Grey-faced, he pressed his hand to his chest. ‘Alas, I have failed to keep my oath,’ he wheezed.

Richelda not only yearned to help him keep his promise to her grandfather, she also yearned to find the gold and jewels legend said her buccaneer ancestor, Sir Nicholas, hid.

She waited for her father to breathe easy before she spoke. ‘If we found the treasure trove you could buy Field House.’

 ‘Ah, you believe Sir Nicholas did not give all his plunder to Good Queen Bess,’ he teased.

 ‘Elsie told me legend says he hid some of his booty in Field House.’  The thought of it excited her.  In his old age, when Sir Nicholas retired from seafaring, is it true that he put his ship’s figurehead, Lady Luck, in the great hall?’

‘Yes, for all I know she is still above a mighty fireplace carved with pomegranates, our family’s device.’

‘I would like to see it.’

 ‘One day, perhaps you will. Now, tell me if you know our family motto.’

‘Fortune favours the brave.’

‘Are you brave, my little lady? Will you swear on the Bible to do all in your power to regain Field House?’

To please him and excited by the possibility of discovering treasure she nodded.

Did you ever have a feeling something bad was about to happen?

 You know kind of a premonition, intuition, omen or whatever you want to call it? When it happens, goose bumps run up your arms and the hair on the back of your neck stands on end. You try to pass it off as a coincidence, but deep down you know it’s not.


We’ve all experienced ESP, haven’t we? You know, you even finish each other’s sentences. Nothing unusual in that, is there? Not at all. At least I never thought so. My friend, Allison, and I do it all the time. We just laugh about it. When we were growing up we used to do the jinx thing.

But this is different. I’m experiencing something with a stranger. Oh, by the way, I’m Rebecca Brennan, can’t expect you to know that, can I? I have this rare connection to someone’s mind. Seriously, I hear what he hears, feel what he feels, and sometimes I even know what he’s thinking. It’s pretty scary. Sometimes I feel his contentment or pride in an accomplishment. Those things aren’t too bad, but when I woke up in the middle of the night with severe pain and even felt like I was bleeding, well let’s say I wasn’t too thrilled.

So, Allison talked me into seeing a parapsychologist. I was pretty leery. I just didn’t believe in these things. But something was happening to me, and I wanted to know what. Actually, what I wanted to know was who shared my mind.

Under hypnosis I kept saying the name Morris and came up with the name of a boot factory. I thought that was odd, but it gave me a place to start. My search led me to a small Victorian town.

All of this happened to me in Connection of the Minds. I have these strange visions about someone else’s life. Some might think it’s a unique gift. Believe me, it’s not.

Connection of the Minds is available at

http://bit.ly/ConnectionoftheMinds


You can find out more about my author, Roseanne Dowell, at http://www.roseannedowell.com/


Here’s an excerpt from the book.

“No!” Rebecca sprang up in bed. Hot searing pain bore into her shoulder. What was happening to her? A warm sticky substance flowed from her shoulder. Oh God, there was going to be blood. From the feel of it, lots of blood. Half afraid to look, her hand trembled as she slowly brought it in front of her face and looked at it. Dry, no blood. What was going on? These kinds of things happened way too often lately. Okay, they were dreams but still. They were so damn real.

Rebecca eased off the bed. Her feet felt like lead weights as she walked to the kitchen and poured a glass of water. After a big gulp, she hurried back to bed. Shivers racked her body even with the blanket pulled up to her chin. A minute ago sweat soaked her skin. Now she couldn’t get warm. Someone’s life had invaded her mind. She didn’t know who or where they lived. And she sure as heck didn’t like it. These were more than dreams. Most of her visions happened while she slept, but they were real. Besides, too many occurred during the day.

The pain eased, but fear and danger lingered. Curling up, she pulled the blanket tighter, closed her eyes, and willed herself to sleep. Strange visions played in her mind. Red, white, and blue flashing lights, fire engines, and ambulances, and police rushed around calling instructions, trying to control panic and hysteria at the scene.

Rebecca rubbed her eyes, trying to erase the visions.

“If only I knew how to find this person. Maybe then I’d find out what these dreams and visions mean.” Her voice startled her in the quiet room. Snuggling deeper in bed, pushing the thoughts away, she tried to sleep.

But sleep wouldn’t come. Her mind wouldn’t be still. The visions persisted. Was she going crazy? Maybe Allison was right to force her to see a parapsychologist.

"I think you’re experiencing a psychic phenomenon." Allison had suggested. "Like ESP or something."

Welcome, Lianne Simon

Thank you so much for being here, Lianne Simon.

It's my pleasure.

1: So, first question, what genre do you write?

I write young adult fiction dealing with social issues.

2: That sounds interesting. How long have you been writing?

In August of 2010 I woke with a story running through my mind. Since then I've been trying to learn how to write.

3: Yes, it’s a continuing process. We’re always learning. So, what do you like the most and least about writing?

The process is cathartic. It allows me to see how I might have handled life under different circumstances or as other people. The down side is I tend to feel everything my characters experience, so sometimes my mood has more to do with what's going on in the story than in my life.

4: Yes, it’s difficult sometimes to separate our lives. Tell us, what do you do for fun and relaxation when not writing?

I enjoy shopping, cooking, and reading. I try to walk every day to work out the stress.

5: I think all authors love to read. So, which authors do you like to read?

I enjoy history, fantasy, and science fiction. My favorites include JRR Tolkien, Neal Stephenson, Branden Sanderson, and CJ Cherryh.

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

I'm a Christian and try to write in a manner that glorifies God. I'm not sure how well I succeed, but that's my goal.

7: Okay, tell us about your current novel, where can we find it?

CONFESSIONS OF A TEENAGE HERMAPHRODITE is the coming of age story of a child with a genetic condition resulting in short stature, a pixie face, and a sexually ambiguous body. When Jamie was five, her ethereal face and small size convinced her she was an elven princess. Her parents assured Jamie that minor surgery and a few years on testosterone would make him a normal boy. At sixteen, the four-foot-eleven soprano leaves a sheltered home school environment for a large university. The elven princess can live in the books Jamie reads and nobody in the dorm has to find out he isn't like other boys. When a medical student tells Jamie he should have been raised female, he decides to be a girl for a single day to see what her life might have been like. CONFESSIONS is scheduled to be released as an e-book by MuseItUp Publishing in September and a paperback by FaieMiss Press shortly thereafter.

8: Do you have any tips for aspiring authors?

Lay aside your dignity and pride, share from the heart, and risk as much as you dare for your story. Write first and worry about the rules later.

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

They say you write what about you know. I draw personality traits for my characters from the people around me, blending them to build a new character. Jamie's personality traits are based on people I know with that intersex condition.

10: How did you come up with the idea for this book?

I was already familiar with intersex conditions, but I was kind of blind-sided by the whole book thing. I wrote down the story in the hopes I'd be able to shake it. When I quit my day job to work on my writing full-time, my husband encouraged me to see it through until someone published my novel.

11: What are you currently working on?

I have a couple of story ideas brewing, but I'll keep editing CONFESSIONS until someone slaps my hand.

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

My writing flows from a concern for the kids about whom I write. I spent more than ten years answering inquiries on behalf of a support group for the parents of children such as Jamie. I'm hoping, in some small way, to contribute to their welfare.

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

My blog is at www.liannesimon.com.

Say hello to Kristin Battestella

Have you chosen yet? Fate…..or Fangs?

When we visited with Roseanne in early December, I proclaimed the whirlwind for Fate and Fangs: Tales from the Vampire Family-my ongoing series with Muse It Up Publishing- was showing no signs of slowing down. After the holiday revelry, we’re indeed back and steam rolling into the series’ conclusion! Book 6 Humanity: A Letter from Gaston came out the first week of January, and we’ve been back under the horror hypnosis since! Whew!

Professor James’ next account is a contemporary letter from Welshire son Gaston as he tries to move on with his life now that the Vampire Family is human again. Unfortunately, his sister Victoria cannot cope with the change and succumbs to drugs, depression, and sex binges with her former fledgling Caine. Their pregnant sister Samantha comes to London to help-but such a peace-keeping journey could be disastrous to her unborn children….

I’m really pleased Humanity takes the time to look at the post vampirism consequences. Neutered pale hotties has been done to death- hee, no pun intended!- and I much prefer the serious mirrors and drama the faint line between good and evil brings. Is a bad human worse than a bad vampire? Can a good vampire be more humane?


Here’s a snip from A Letter from Gaston:
The surgeons wrapped Samantha in a canopy of blue sheets and hooked her up to machines.

“Scalpel,” The masked doctor ordered.

The shiny silver glinted in his hand, then it dove in. Blood soaked the sheets and dyed them purple. Through some of our lost magic still remaining, I spaced out of the operating room. Memories not my own, thoughts and recollections of my Father I still held. From his dying breath to his most treasured moment, I saw my Mother. I saw my mother giving birth to me.

Antonio had been there, and there I was small and bloody and screaming. The vision was black and white, but red blood was everywhere. My mother’s eyes were fading, yet she was lovely, angry, happy, and sad all at the same time. She gasped her last breath, and I heard my own baby cry.

But of course, the blood really stains the lips for our big Book 7 finale this February! Resurrection: Stephanie After the Lilithanfocuses on the state of the Welshire enemy and that unobtainable vampire allure. What wouldn’t you do to be a vampire if Mestiphles came courting you?

Former Lilithan vampire and newly divorced scientist Stephanie can’t get over how much she misses being a vampire in this final tale from Professor James. After a harrowing car accident, Stephanie meets Mestiphles, the giver and taker of vampire power on both sides of the coven wars. His charm and seductive powers sweeten the demonic offer he extends, but will Stephanie accept his dark opportunities?


Here’s an early treat from our finale Resurrection!

I don’t know what made me think of her…No, that’s not true. You can admit it to yourself, Stephanie. I’ve been thinking about Lilith a lot lately; ever since we left her company, in fact. As to why I’m thinking of her now as I drive home, who knows? Its dark; the rhythmic drizzle is rapping on the car windows in time with the steady wipers. Up, down, left, right again and again- day in, day out the same dreary monotony. Only Lilith’s deceptive white light could cease such conundrum I suppose. Sometimes, in the banal ho-hum of the day, I even think I see her. Is it really Lilith stalking the streets, taking the face of the store clerk for a moment, or passing me by as that one pedestrian on the crosswalk? The ceremonial policeman upon his bay horse was Lilith not two days ago. Her long white gown draped over the steed’s rump down toward the pavement-until I blinked and she was gone.

Which Fate and Fangs touches your world? Love, Punishment, Struggle, Debauchery, Lust, Humanity, Resurrection? Find us in the darkest bowels of the internet and tell us what twists your soul and sharpens your teeth!!
http://vampfam.blogspot.com/

http://jsnouff.com/kristin

http://kristin724.livejournal.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Vampire-Family/157922293588

http://www.myspace.com/kristinbattestella

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/kristinbattestella/

http://www.facebook.com/kristin.battestella

http://museituppublishing.com/bookstore2/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=307&category_id=64&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1&vmcchk=1&Itemid=1

Say Hello to Heather Haven

Hi everyone! And thank you so much, Roseanne, for having me over for a visit. Currently, I am having 31 days of guest bloggers during the month of January over on my site, http://heatherhavensays.blogspot.com/. Roseanne was gracious enough to start Blogging Into 2012 off January 1st. That’s our gal! When Roseanne asked me to guest on her blog site, I was thrilled. It’s charming, well done, and saturated with romance. Just like Roseanne’s writing! I write mysteries, myself, but our Roseanne always manages to throw in ‘what’s going on?’ into her writing.


As for my writing, I’m very exciting these days. The final edits for the 3rd book of the Alvarez Family Murder Mysteries, Death Runs in the Family, were finished several weeks ago. Now I await the cover artist, Delilah K. Stephans, to start creating the cover for the book. After seeing the first two, I know the one for Death Runs will be just as darling.
For those of you not familiar with the Alvarez Family Murder Mysteries, let me welcome to the Family. You’re one of us now! And when the Alvarez clan is not is not solving murders, they run Discretionary Inquiries, a successful Silicon Valley agency that normally deals with the theft of intellectual property and computer software.

Murder is a Family Business, A Wedding to Die For, and the soon to be released Death Runs in the Family are part of the humorous mystery series revolving around Lee Alvarez, a combination of Sue Graftonʼs Kinsey Millhone and Janet Evanovitchʼ Stephanie Plum. Completing the Alvarez Family is Leeʼs Never-Had-A-Bad-Hair-Day aristocratic mother, Lila; computer genius brother, Richard; beloved uncle “Tio;” and her energetic orange and white cat, Tugger. While ferreting out the bad guys, these whodunit novels explore familial love -- the good, the bad and the annoying.



“Heather Haven makes a stellar debut in Murder is a Family Business. Highly recommended.”

Sheldon Siegel. New York Times Best Selling Author of Perfect Alibi.



“Heather Haven has done it again with the second in the Alvarez series [A Wedding to Die For]. Just when I thought she couldn't best herself, she did.” Ginger Simpson, Dishin’ It Out with Ginger


Murder is a Family Business, Book One

Just because a man cheats on his wife and makes Danny DeVito look tall, dark and handsome, is that any reason to kill him? The reluctant and quirky PI, Lee Alvarez, doesn't think so. The 34-year old ½ Latina, ½ WASP and 100% detective has her work cut out for her when the man is murdered on her watch. Of all the nerve.

A Wedding To Die For, Book Two

by

Heather Haven



A groom arrested for murder can put a crimp in anybody’s nuptials, no matter who designed the wedding gown. So when the wedding of Lee’s best friend is threatened by his arrest, thirty-four-year old Lee Alvarez heads to Mexico in search of the real killer and the best tasting tamales ever.




Death Runs in the Family, Book Three

by

Heather Haven

The man Lee divorced with joy in her heart and a gun in her hand has jogged back into her life, only to disappear again. But the -ex takes with him the secret of her cousin’s death as he hit the finish line of a footrace. Who will be next? Lee is in a battle against time to stop the Alvarez Family’s 12K race with death.

Heather is a story teller by nature and loves the written word. In her career, she’s written short stories, novels, comedy acts, plays, television treatments, ad copy, commercials, and even ghost-wrote a book.

One of her first jobs as a writer was given to her by her then agent. It was that of writing a love story for a book published by Bantam called Moments of Love. She had a deadline of one week and then promptly came down with the flu. She wrote "The Sands of Time" with a temperature of 102 and delivered some pretty hot stuff because of it. Later on, she wrote short comedy skits for nightclub acts and ad copy for such places as No Soap Radio, where her love for comedy blossomed. Many of her short stories have been seen in various publications, as well as 2 one-act plays produced in Manhattan.

Her first two novels of the Alvarez Family Murder Mysteries, Murder is a Family Business, and A Wedding To Die For were published by MuseItUp Publishing. The 3rd of the series, Death Runs in the Family, will be out in May 2012. Heather says they are a joy to write. She gets to be all the characters, including the cat! She lives in San Jose, California, with her husband and, yes, two cats.


Heather@HeatherHavenStories.com

http://www.heatherhavenstories.com/

Heather's blog at: http://tinyurl.com/4nensnp

http://www.facebook.com/

Twitter@HeatherHaven

Twitter@PILeeAlvarez

Say hello to, Sue Perkins

It's very kind of you to invite me to your blog Roseanne.

Here in New Zealand we celebrate Christmas in the summer. The birds are singing in the sunshine outside making it difficult to concentrate on writing. On days like this I would prefer to sit in the garden with a good book, but writing commitments take priority. Writing this post isn't a chore though, it's a pleasure.
I had two books released over the Christmas period. One for Young Adults, and one for Middle Grade. Both are fantasy, the genre I love to read and write. Dragons also hold a place in my favorites as they are such wonderful animals, even if they are mythical.

Here is an excerpt of each book. I hope you enjoy.

On 30th December MuseItUp Publishing released "Reva's Quest" set in the magical land of Fey. Reva's garden gnome insists she go with him to Fey to save the world from an evil menace they have called Malice. The magical creatures of Fey believe Reva is to blame for the evil and believe she must be the one to destroy Malice.

Excerpt:
“Where are we going?”

“To sort out the mess you've made.” The gnome kicked grumpily at a dandelion. “You humans never think of consequences when you meddle in things not your concern. This time it’s gone too far, and you’ve got to put it right.”

They reached the pond, and Gareth stopped, waiting expectantly. Reva, not sure what he wanted, shrugged and sat down to pull on her trainers.

“Well go on,” the gnome said as she tied the laces. “Hurry up before the portal closes.”

“What portal? I’m not sure what you want me to do.”

“Humans!” He snorted derisively. “The portal in the pond of course. Jump in and pass through to the other side. You go first, and I'll follow.”

Reva looked dubiously at the pond. The scummy mess still sat on its surface, and it smelt even worse than when she’d first found it. Some horrible disease probably lurked in the depths, waiting to infect her.

I’m going to tell him to forget it. I’m off back to bed to wake up from this bad dream.

The look on the gnome’s face changed her mind. He stood, arms crossed with one of his little feet tapping impatiently as he waited for her to move.

A slow smile crossed her lips. If this was a dream, jumping in the pond wouldn't hurt her. With a shrug she began to untie her shoes.

“No need for that.” The gnome snapped. “You'll want them on the other side.”

With a grin, Reva pinched her nose shut with two fingers, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath. Feet first, she jumped into the murky depths.

Buy Link: MuseItUp Publishing http://tinyurl.com/revasquest


Desert Breeze Publishing released Dragon Flame a fantasy romance for Young Adults on the 1st January.

Talei's home settlement is burnt by flying dragons leaving her the eldest survivor. They join with survivors from other settlements. Talei is contacted telepathically by a dragon, and with Adri at her side she sets out for the other continent to solve the dragon problem. Failure means the end of dragons and humans on this new world.

Excerpt:

Crawling under the wagon, Talei peered out at the devastation unfolding across the field. Moments before gaiety and bright colors pulsed in time with the music as the colonists celebrated their anniversary. Now the field resembled a battlefield. The only color in the dark clouds of smoke rolling across the ground came from bursts of flame, as the dragons scorched the earth beneath them. Here and there intermittent smaller bursts indicated a few colonists trying to return fire with laser guns.

Darth stirred beside her, and thinking he moved to comfort her, she turned toward him. To her horror she saw him crawl from beneath the wagon and move toward a laser gun which had fallen from the hand of a dead defender.

"Darth, no," she hissed. "Don't be stupid."

He picked up the laser, and still lying on the ground he looked toward her, pride glowing in his eyes.

"I'm not stupid, Talei. I'm going to protect my home and people in the only way I know."

Without another word he wriggled forward until he reached the dance floor. Talei watched helplessly as he stood. Alone in the center of the dance floor, he fired at a dragon strafing the tents along the eastern side of the open space.

The beast turned. Without appearing to aim, it launched a stream of fire at Darth. He didn't even have time to cry out as his body burst into flames. When the blaze subsided only a blackened husk remained. Talei watched in horror as the residue of her childhood friend fell lifeless to the ground.

Buy Link: Desert Breeze Publishing http://tinyurl.com/dragonflame

Webpage: http://www.sueperkinsauthor.com/
Blog: http://sueperkinsauthor.blogspot.com/

Say hello to Rosemary Morris

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

When I was a child.

2:That seems to be when most of us began. So, what inspired you to write?

Reading and my interest in history.

3: Ah, yes our love of reading. Tell us, what do you like the most and least about writing?

I most enjoy the anticipation of the journey ahead when I begin a novel.

I regret that there are never enough hours in the day to devote to writing.


4: Oh to have more time. Seems to be a consensus with authors. And, what do you for fun and relaxation when not writing?

Spending time with my family and friends. Reading fiction and researching my novels. Growing herbs, fruit and vegetables throughout the year in my organic garden. Visiting places of historical interest. Arts and crafts, knitting, embroidery, patchwork etc.
5: We seems to have some of the same interests. Tell us, which authors do you like to read? A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada’s translations of classical Indian literature such as the Bhagahavadgita. Translations of the Indian classics such as The Ramayan and Mahabharat. Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, Charles Dickens, Sir Walter Scot – particularly Ivanho, Elizabeth Chadwick, Georgette Heyer, Helen Hollick, M.M.Kaye, Margaret Mitchell’s Gone With the Wind, Rosalind Miles, Colleen McCullogh’s Thorn Bids and too many others to list.
6: Wow, that’s some deep reading. What’s the one thing you’d most like people to know about you?

I try to treat others as I would like them to treat me.


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

Historical Background to Tangled Love. When the outwardly Protestant Charles II died, he left a country torn by religious controversy and not legitimate children. The throne passed to his Catholic brother James.

It was an anxious time for the people, whose fears increased when James II became to unpopular that he was forced into exile. In 1688,Jame’s Protestant daughter, Mary and her husband, William of Orange, became the new king and queen.

Some Protestants, who had sworn allegiance to James II, refused to take a new oath of allegiance to William and Mary and joined him in France.

Tangled Love Loyal to his oath of allegiance, ten year old Richelda’s father must follow James II to France.

Before her father leaves, he gives her a ruby ring she will treasure and wear on a chain round her neck. In return Richelda swears an oath to try and regain their ancestral home, Field House.

By the age of eighteen Richelda’s parents are dead. Grief-stricken she believes her privileged life is over. At home her only companions are her old nurse and her dog. Clad in old clothes she dreams of elegant dresses and trusts her childhood friend Dudley, a poor parson’s son, who promised to marry her.

Richelda’s wealthy aunt takes her to London and arranges her marriage to Viscount Chesney, the new owner of Field House. Richelda is torn between her love for Dudley and her oath to regain Field House, where it is rumored there is treasure. While trying to find it will her life be at risk or will she find true love?

Forthcoming releases from MuseItUp Available from MuseItUp Publishing.com/bookssstore2/… Amazon Kindle and elsewhere.

Tangled Love January 2012
Sunday's Child June 2012
False Pretences October 2012
http://www.rosemarymorris.co.uk/
http://rosemarymorris.blogspot.com/


8: Wow, sounds like you did a lot of research for this one.Do you have any tips for aspiring authors?

However busy you are set aside time to write. If you write half a page every day you will finish a novel in a year. Join off or on line writer’s groups where you can mix with other writers, receive encouragement and encourage others.

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

Some historical figures feature in my historical novels but I do not base my characters on real-life people.


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

I am inspired by incidents small and large in history. This novel was inspired by the turmoil created by James II. I asked myself: What if a young girl suffered as a result and wrote Tangled Love.


11: What are you currently working on?

I am revising two novels, one set in Queen Anne’s reign and the other in Edward II’s reign. I am also writing a new novel set in Charles II’nds reign.


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

I am grateful for my many blessings.

Prologue

1693

Richelda Shaw stood silent in her nursery while thunder pealed outside the ancient manor house and an even fiercer storm raged deep within. She pressed her hands to her ears and, eyes closed, remained as motionless as the marble statues in the orangery.

‘Nine years old and you’ve not yet learned to be neat!’ Elsie, her mother’s personal maid, pulled Richelda’s hands from her ears. ‘Come, your father’s waiting for you.’

Richelda’s hands trembled. What was wrong? Until now Father’s short visits from France meant gifts and laughter. This one made Mother cry while the servants spoke in hushed tones.

Followed by Elsie, Richelda hurried down the broad oak stairs. For a moment, she paused to admire the lilies of the valley in a Delft bowl. Only yesterday, she picked the flowers to welcome Father home. After she had arranged them with tender care, she placed them on a chest, which stood beneath a pair of crossed broadswords on the wall above.

Elsie opened the massive door of the great hall where Father stood to one side of the enormous hearth. Richelda’s eyes searched for her mother before she spread her skirts wide and knelt before him.

Father strode forward and placed his right hand on her bent head. ‘Bless you, daughter, may God keep you safe.’ He smiled. ‘Upon my word, sweetheart, I vow the colour of your hair reminds me of a golden rose. How glad I am to see roses bloom in these troubled times.’

Richelda chewed her lower lip again. She did not know him well and dared not speak. Therefore, when he sat and beckoned to her, she hesitated.

Putting an arm round her waist, he drew her to him. ‘Come, do not be nervous of your father, child. Now, my daughter, do you know King James II now holds court in France and that his daughter, Mary, and William, his son-in-law, seized his throne?’

‘Yes, Mother told me we are well rid of King James and his Papist wife,’ she piped up, proud of her knowledge.

With a sigh, Father lifted her onto his knees and held her close. ‘Richelda, I must follow His Majesty for I swore an oath of allegiance to him. Tell me, Richelda, while the king lives how can I with honor swear allegiance to his disloyal daughter and her husband?’

Unable to think of a reply, she lowered her head.

Father held her closer. ‘Your mother pleads with me to declare myself for William and Mary and begs me not to return to France, but I am obliged to serve King James. Do you understand, Richelda?’

She nodded. Her cheek brushed against the softness of his velvet coat and she breathed in his spicy perfume.

‘If you remain in England, you will be safe. Bellemont is part of your mother’s dowry and I doubt the Crown will confiscate her estate.’

If she remained in England! Startled, she stared at him.

Smiling, he popped her onto her feet and stood. ‘Come, we shall ride. I have something to show you.’

Before long, they rode away from the house and estate. They drew rein on the brow of a hill. At its foot lay Field House, their ancestral home seized by the Roundheads soon after poor King Charles I execution.

He pointed at the Elizabethan manor house. ‘Richelda, I promised my father to do all in my power to regain the property.’ Grey-faced, he pressed his hand to his chest. ‘Alas, so far I failed to keep my oath and now I cannot,’ he wheezed.

Richelda yearned to help him keep his promise to her grandfather. She also yearned to find the gold and jewels legend said her buccaneer ancestor, Sir Nicholas, hid.

After her father breathed easy, she ventured. ‘If we found the treasure trove you could buy Field House.’

‘Ah,’ he teased, ‘You believe Sir Nicholas did not give all his plunder to Good Queen Bess.’

‘Elsie told me legend says he hid some of his booty in Field House,’ Richelda said, excited by the thought of pearls and rubies, diamonds and emeralds, gold and silver bars and coins. Less shy of him, she asked. ‘In his old age, when Sir Nicholas retired from seafaring, did he put his ship’s…’ she broke off for a moment in an attempt to remember the word and continued triumphantly, ‘…his ship’s figurehead, Lady Luck, in the great hall?’

‘Yes, for all I know she is still above a mighty fireplace carved with pomegranates, our family’s device.’

‘I want to find the treasure.’

He chuckled and wheeled his thoroughbred mare round. ‘Come, time to ride back to Bellemont.’

‘Do you know our family motto, Richelda?’

‘Fortune favours the brave.’

‘Are you brave, my little lady? Will you swear on the Bible to do all in your power to regain Field House?’

To please him, she nodded.



Forthcoming releases from MuseItUp
Tangled Love January 2012
Sunday's Child June 2012
False Pretences October 2012

http://www.rosemarymorris.co.uk/
http://rosemarymorris.blogspot.com/

Interview with Penny Ehrenkranz

Today, my guest is author and editor, Penny Ehrenkranz. Thank you for joining us, Penny.  

1. What qualifies you to be an editor?

My job as an editor is that of line editor.  When I get a manuscript, it has already been seen by a content editor several times.  I look for grammatical errors, punctuation, spelling, and continuity. I am also on the lookout for anything the content editor might have missed.  For example in one manuscript, the author described her character as always wearing a certain color.  Then a few chapters later, she has her don a sweater which is the wrong color.  I pointed it out to her and she changed it.  An editor needs to be able to keep track and notice when something is off.  Another example comes from the book I’m editing now.  The author switched her main character’s name and used the name of a main character from a previous book.

I have a strong background in the English language, with English my main area of study in school.  I spent a number of years as an executive secretary where I needed excellent grammar skills.  I’ve also been a published writer since 1993, so I have a lot of knowledge. 

Before I became an editor for MuseItUp, I took an exam which tested my skills.  I know some people who applied failed the test.  When I got my job at another publishing house as an editor, it came about after I reviewed a book and found a number of errors.  I wrote to the publisher and jokingly told her if she needed an editor to let me know.  I sent her a copy of the book with my highlights, and she quickly responded with a contract.

2. How much input do you have in accepting a story that’s submitted to MuseItUp Publishing?

All of the editors have an opportunity to read submissions.  The manuscripts are loaded onto a forum.  Whoever has time, and all are encouraged, read the submission and comment as to the quality of the writing, including POV shifts, grammar, content, readability, and whether it is a good fit for our house.  The publisher has the final say, but she takes into account all of the input she receives.  If she decides to reject, she sends our comments to the author.

3. Who decides which editor gets which story?

We choose by ourselves. Sometimes it’s based on our own work schedule. Other times, we choose based upon our own interests. For example, I rarely, if ever, choose to work on a book of erotica. It’s not a genre I read, and so I’m not familiar with it.  I don’t feel it’s fair to the author for me to work on something I don’t really understand. 

If an editor begins with an author on a series, we try to keep the editor with the author for the entire length of the series.  Also, if the editor works well with the author, we try to keep them together even when it’s not a series.  Building a good working relationship helps the editor know the author’s voice and style.

4. What do you like best about being an editor?

Being paid to read.  I love reading, and this is a job where I can read all day long, and no one tells me I have other work I have to do.  I’m already doing it.  I also enjoy the interaction with authors from around the world.  Some I feel have become true friends. 

5. How do you handle a situation where you suggest a change and the author refuses?

I think most authors understand why a change needs to be made. When they do refuse, however, my method is to offer a compromise.  For example, I’ll let them ignore a grammar rule in dialog, but they agree to correcting it within a scene.  Since I started doing this a couple of years ago, I’ve only had one or two authors I remember who stuck their heels in the ground and refused to budge.  I think most authors can understand the need for a change if it’s explained properly and not shoved down their throats as a command. I try to be respectful when I make suggestions and listen to the author’s reasons why he or she doesn’t want to make a change.

6. Do you have a particular genre you prefer editing?

I love to work on fantasy and science fiction, since this is what I read for pleasure.  I also enjoy working on sweet romances, middle grade, and young adult.  I’ve found I like cozy mysteries, too. Besides erotica, there’s very little I don’t want to edit.

7. What’s the one thing you wish authors would avoid?

Point of view slips are the most annoying.  They will take me out of the story, and I stop and ask myself: “Who’s story is this?”  “Wait a minute, what happened there?” 

It’s okay to switch point of view chapter to chapter or scene to scene, but it doesn’t work when the author jumps back and forth between two characters within the space of one scene.

8. Do you have a job other than editing? If so, what do you do?

I retired from my day job in 2008.  I was the Office Manager/Chief Legal Secretary for the Columbia County District Attorney.  Now, I can devote myself to writing, blogging, and editing full-time.  Although I have to admit since I’m retired, I also give myself the luxury of spending time with my family, my pets, my garden and my craft projects, like crocheting.

9. What do you like about editing? What don’t you like about editing?

Since it’s difficult to edit my own work, I like being able to find problems and tighten up a manuscript in someone else’s story.  I wish I could do the same as easily with my own!  I also like that I get paid royalties for book sales, but I don’t have to do the marketing. 

I enjoy getting to know the authors.  I often invite them to be guests on my blog, having them answer questions about their work, and learning about their latest releases.

When I worked with my other publisher, I didn’t like that I only had one opportunity to go through a manuscript.  I have a bad habit of getting caught up in the story initially and missing subtle mistakes.  Having the chance to go through it more than once, allows me to find errors I didn’t find the first time. I have since “retired” from that publishing house.

About the only other thing I don’t like is when I get a manuscript later than I should, and I feel rushed with the edits.  I don’t believe this is fair to the author, however, it happens sometimes.  Life gets in the way, and earlier deadlines are missed.  Fortunately, this doesn’t happen often.

10.          What’s the difference between a content editor and line editor? Which would you rather do?

A content editor has the tough job of finding overused words, making sure the story makes sense, tightening up, and eliminating material which isn’t necessary to the story.  As I mentioned above, the line editor works on the grammar, spelling, and punctuation, as well as checking for anything the content editor might have missed.

I am very happy being a line editor.  I believe this is where my strengths lie.  Since I find it hard to chop and discard my own words, it’s difficult for me to do content edits on other people’s work, too.  I’ve done a few content edits, but I definitely prefer being a line editor.

11.           You're an author too, how difficult is it to edit your own books? Tell us about your book and please add an excerpt.

I’ve talked about this a bit above. I find it difficult to edit my own manuscripts.  As authors, we become “wedded to our words,” and divorcing them is very hard.  I’d much rather work on someone else’s edits than my own.

I have two books which I’ve been promoting recently.  They are romances released by MuseItUp Publishing.  Lady In Waiting came out in November and Mirror, Mirror will be released at the end of December.

TITLE:  Lady-in-Waiting

Tag Line: Through a series of misunderstandings, Mabriona is forced to live a lie, but when the man she loves awakes from his coma, will she confess her deceit?

Blurb: Mabriona is cousin to the beautiful and spoiled Princess Alana.  When Alana is forced to marry a man she despises, Mabriona is torn between her loyalty to her cousin and her attraction to the handsome Prince Blayne.

Tragedy befalls the cousins on the way to Prince Blayne’s castle.  Servants, believing Mabriona to be Alana, refuse to listen when she tries to explain.

While she waits for Blayne to recover, Mabriona meets his equally handsome younger brother, Madoc, a bard.

When Blayne awakes, will Mabriona choose life with a future king, will she be sent home in disgrace because of her inadvertent lies, or will Madoc win her love with his poetry?

Excerpt:

LADY-IN-WAITING

“Today’s the day, Mabriona,” Princess Alana said as Mabriona entered the chambers.  She wiped tears from her eyes with an embroidered linen. “Prince Blayne will be here, and soon I’ll be his wife.  I think the worst part of being father’s daughter is marrying someone I’ve never even met.”

“You’ve always known your marriage would be arranged for the benefit of the kingdom, Princess, but I’m sure he’ll be very nice,” Mabriona replied as she opened the heavy drapes covering the windows. She looked at her cousin and sighed.  She wanted to feel sorry for Alana, but they’d had this discussion so many times. Mabriona was tired of it.  Alana had known from the time she was a child that she would not wed for love.  Why can’t Alana just accept her fate? Outside the day was as wet as the one before and the one before that.

“Nice?  Who wants nice?  I want someone handsome and dashing.  A knight in shining armor who will love me forever.  I certainly don’t want someone like my father who will make me do everything I don’t want to do.”

TITLE: Mirror, Mirror

Tag Line: Lindsay Baker’s purchase of an antique mirror sends her back in time to salvage a love torn apart by class restrictions.

Blurb: Lindsay Baker is intrigued by everything about the middle ages, but when she purchases an antique mirror and a costume to attend a Renaissance Faire, she suddenly finds herself transported back in time.  There she finds she’s been called by a witch to right a terrible wrong. 

Graham loves Prudence, but he can’t marry her because he’s landed gentry, and she is only the baker’s daughter.  Before Lindsay can return to her own time, she must convince Graham to marry against his father’s wishes.  Unfortunately, she also finds herself falling for the handsome gentleman.

Can she find her way back to her own time, or will she be stuck in a time when women had no rights?

Excerpt:

After Stefany left, Lindsey adjusted the water spigots on her tub.  A few drops of bubble bath went into the water, and the soothing scent of lavender filled the moist, steamy air.  While the tub filled, Lindsey tried on her Renaissance outfit for the upcoming Faire. She couldn’t believe her good luck at finding the perfect pieces.  She tested the bath water to be sure it was the right temperature. Then she picked up her antique mirror to get a better view. Was this a scryer’s mirror at some point in time? It slipped from her wet hands into the bathtub.

“Nuts,” she mumbled as she leaned over the tub.  She pulled one sleeve up on her blouse and fished around in the bubbles for the mirror. When she pulled the mirror from the water, spots appeared in front of her eyes, and she felt faint.  While she watched her reflection in the old mirror, the background changed.  She no longer saw the inside of her bathroom.  She closed her eyes as the room around her went black.

Buy link: https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore2

https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore2https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore2

Muse Family Feud

IT’S TIME TO PLAY…..THE MUSE FAMILY FEUD!

Okay all you game-player lovers,  Karen Cote’& I  decided to take the Family Feud on the road and bring it home to our own family to create the very first Muse Family Feud. In light of keeping it all-in-the-family, we polled the entire Muse-Staff, i.e. editors, cover artists, and yes we pulled in the big fish, Ms. Lea, to get her answers as well.

Our design, since we are one-big-happy family here, is to create something fun and inviting. So…what do you say? Wanna play? We’re giving away some big prizes…or at least, Lea is. LOL. Three lucky winners will win a book of their choice from the MuseItUP Publishing Bookstore.

All you have to do is look at the questions below and then visit www.karencote.tv/call-me to privately leave your answers (the answer link will be provided below the questions). Each question has a corresponding score and the three people who score highest in the answers polled, wins a book of their choice in our fabulous bookstore.

Are you ready? Set… Go!

For a total of 150 points, we polled the Muse Staff for the top 5 answers on the board.

1. Name something a woman might do that drives her husband crazy. (50 points)

2. Name something women wear that men don't. (40 points)

3. Name a man's body part that is bigger now, than when he was 16. (30 points)

4. Name a reason a man might send his wife flowers. (20 points)

5. Name something women borrow from each other. (10 points)

Double the points for a total of 300 points we polled the Muse Staff for the top 5 answers on the board.

1. Name an article of clothing you can't wash in the wash machine (100 points)

2. Name a recreational activity traditionally done in hot weather (80 points)

3. If you met the real life Prince Charming, how would you know it was him? (60 points)

4. Name something that a man had better not take along on his honeymoon (40 points)

5. Name something a customer might do to annoy a waitress (20 points)

Triple the points for a total of 450 points: We polled the Muse Staff for the top 5 answers on the board

1. Name a food that has one or more holes in it. (150 points)

2. Name something you mount. (120 points)

3. Name something you lose when you get older. (90 points)

4. Name something you would play with in the bath. (60 points)

5. Name something a man reaches for after he climbs into bed. (30 points)

Bonus question worth 100 points: We polled the Muse Staff for the top answer on the board:

Name something a woman might leave her lipstick mark on. (100 points)

DO NOT PLACE ANSWERS HERE! Visit www.karencote.tv/call-me to list your answers. Good luck!  Winners will be notified and announced on Roseanne’s blog Dec. 105h.

Comments are welcome as long as they’re not answers. You don’t want to give anyone hints.