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Friday, September 28, 2012

Touching Eternity - Scavenger Hunt Cover Reveal







LET THE GAMES BEGIN!!!

Welcome to The Hunt! This event will run for the entire length of October. The rules are simple. Airicka will post 3 blog links on her Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/airicka.phoenix) every morning. Your job is to go through each one of the blogs and find the blog with the button (sample button provided below). Only one blog will have a button each day and it will be hidden in one of their 2012 posts. Each button has a letter that will, in the end, spell out a message.(You might want to save each letter to win a separate prize if you guess the message before the game is over). When you find the button, copy the link above and go to Airicka’s website (
http://airickaphoenix.com/Author/?p=1967) and put the link into the raffle-copter. Easy right?

Don’t want to go searching through posts and blogs? Well, there is an app for that… no I’m kidding, but there is a free pass.

Follow each blog, leave your name and email address on their rule post in the comment box and the person who has the button will email you back with the link. Then, all you have to do is go to Airicka’s website (http://airickaphoenix.com/Author/?p=1967) and drop the link into the raffle-copter.


Now for the really important rules.

 
RULES


~ Everyone & anyone can participate.
~ The link MUST be put PRIVATELY into the raffle-copter on this page. Do Not publicly display anywhere else!if I find that people are sharing the buttons/letters/links, they will be disqualified from the games.
~ Do NOT share the link with anyone. Same as above.
~ Do NOT tell anyone which blog you found that day’s button on. I’m repeating myself? I know. This is the biggest deal breakers for me.
~ If you guess what the letters spell before the game is over, please do NOT share the answer. Privately message me and collect your prize!
~ Please DO tell others about The Hunt.
~ Please DO ask questions if you have any.
~ Most importantly, HAVE FUN!


Airicka Phoenix author of TOUCHING SMOKE & TORRID Find both on amazon.
  


Good luck! 


Thursday, September 27, 2012

Behind the Mind of Amber Garcia - Book Blogger



Second interview in the Behind the Mind of a Book Blogger Series.


Welcome to my blog, Amber from AmbersSupernaturalandYAReviews. I’ve been a guest on your blog a couple of times, so now I’m turning the tables. I thought it would be awesome if you stopped by mine and let my readers get a little acquainted with you and some of the wonderful things that you do for us authors. Because without wonderful book bloggers like you, we’d be lost and unknown, struggling to find readers for our beloved creations.



Me: You run a very colorful book review blog. Can you tell us how you got started?

Amber: 
I was hesitant at first, thinking I wouldn't be any good at it but once I started it just took off. I had some help though, I must admit, I spoke to a few bloggers who were very helpful from the beginning.

Me:  What is it that you love most about blogging?

Amber: 
Being able to share my love of books with not just authors but with other readers and bloggers too. I have met a lot of amazing people, the community of bloggers, authors and readers are amazing.

Me: What are your favorite genres to review?

Amber:
I love anything Paranormal and YA.

Me:  Are there any special requirements that you need in order to review a book?

Amber:
Well, first off it must be within my genre. If they send in a review request with links to where I can get more info on their books so that I may consider them, the next step would to be to send me a print or ebook copy.

5.  What happens when you’ve agreed to review a book but it turns out to be the book from hell?

I have only run into this once, however, when I review a book I always post my reviews on Amazon, B&N, Smashwords, and GoodReads. I will only post on my blog if it's rated at a 3 or higher. I hate giving "bad" reviews, especially knowing how hard authors work on their books. I try to give positive criticism while being honest at the same time.

Me: How long does it take you to set up a blog post?

Amber:
It really depends if it's just a simple promo post or cover reveal then it takes no time at all. Now, if it's for a review or a big blog tour then it may take me a day or two to put together.

Me:  Some book reviewers like this and some don’t. Do you like when an author comments on your reviews?

Amber:
I love it!! It makes me feel all giddy inside when an author comments on a review or post I have done for them, especially if it's a compliment or words of encouragement.


Me:  You have a beautiful blog, Amber’s Supernatural & YA Reviews. Did you design it yourself or did you have help and how did you come up with the name?

Amber:
Thanks!! I did design the blog myself. The name I had help with, a fellow blogger came up with Amber's Supernatural Reviews and I added YA. We came up with the name because those are the genre's I mostly read, and it just stuck. Now I have a new rating system and that was designed by another blogger as well.


Me:  Do you have any special plans for the future of Amber’s Supernatural & YA Reviews?

Amber:
hhhmmm....should I reveal that just yet???

Me:  Can you tell us a little about what you offer authors?

Amber:
I try to offer as much as I can. I do promos, reviews, trailer or cover reveals, author and book showcases and whatever else you can think of to put in a post to help I will do, including giveaways!!

Me:  How many books do you read in a month. Approximately.

Amber:
I use to be able to read a book in a day or two but since I am doing reviews now, it’s more about two maybe three books a week sooo...probably close to about 8 or 9, not as much as I would like.

Me: If you were on a desert island, what book would you like to have with you, knowing you’d be reading it over and over again?

Amber:
Anything Shakespeare, I love his work. If it could be a book full of Shakespeare that would be awesome. However, if I had to choose only one of his stories then it would be King Lear.

Me:  What do you like to do when you are not blogging or reading?

Amber:
You mean to tell me there is life outside of reading??? LOL
 I am a pretty boring mostly I just try to spend time with my husband and two beautiful daughters.


Me: I know exactly what you mean. :)

Do you have any book boyfriends? If so, who are they?

Amber:
I have too many!! I am a bookwhore!! Let's see...
Top Five In no typical order
Ren from Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck
David from Creatura by Nely Cab
Stark from House of Night by P.C. and Kristen Cast
Troy from The Broken Destiny by Carlyle Labuschagne
Gavin from Amaranth by Rachael Wade


Here are some silly and fun questions to let the readers get to know the real you.

Do you know anyone who is famous?

Me!!...oh shoot....that's all in my head isn't it??

Chocolate or Vanilla?

Both!!

Beach, Lake or Pool?

hhhmm...how about hot tub, they're so much more relaxing.

What is your favorite adult beverage?

Frozen Strawberry Margaritas, and I don't mean just any kind either, I mean the really good kind made from the Mexican Restaurants, where they add a LOT more alcohol to them, where they are made just right.

What is your favorite food?

My fave food is cheese, any kind really but mostly swiss cheese.

Thank you, Amber, for sharing a little about yourself here on my blog today. The things I am learning about my wonderful little book bloggers. Yay! I’m lovin’ it.

Thanks Susan for having me. I loved you're questions, this was fun!!!


Thanks for Reading!!


Thursday, September 20, 2012

Behind the Mind of a Book Blogger


Ever wonder why book bloggers do what they do? So do I. That's why I've decided to interview a few. Please join me for this very first Behind the Mind of a Book Blogger series of interviews. Here is the first one.

Please welcome the awesome, beautiful, and always delightful Anna Dase to my blog.
Anna is a book blogger. She reviews books and helps authors promote their books. She does not get paid to do this. Book bloggers never get paid to review books. They do it out of the goodness of their BIG hearts! And today I salute Anna Dase.

I've been able to pull Anna away from her own blog, which is Read Between The Lines, by the way, to come answer some questions I thought might help authors get to know her and why she does what she does.

Welcome to my blog, Anna. I’ve been a guest on your blog several times, so I thought it would be awesome if you stopped by mine and let my readers get a little acquainted with you and some of the wonderful things that you do for us writers. Because without wonderful book bloggers like you, we’d be lost and unknown, struggling to find readers for our beloved creations.

1.  You run a very lively book review blog. Can you tell us how you got started?

First, I would like to thank you for the compliment. I work hard maintaining it. To answer your question, one day I was on twitter tweeting with the awesome Jennifer L. Armentrout and she gave me a copy of Daimon to read and to let her know what I thought. 

Yep, Anna really does now Jennifer, see? Lucky lady. Sorry for that little interruption, I'll let Anna continue...

Well like everyone else I loved it and told her I could put a review up on Goodreads if she liked, because I did not have a blog. This was October of 2011. She said I should get a blog and I told her I did not even know where to start and that is when she told me I needed to get one because she knew I could run a good blog. So, I started looking into setting up a blog. I first tried Wordpress and was not at all impressed so I gave Blogger a try and found that I liked it. Maybe a week after starting my blog—still no post at all on it—I received an email from Stacey from Entangled Publishing saying she heard about me through Jennifer Armentrout and was wondering if I wanted to participate in a blog tour for Jus Accardo with her book Touch. I said sure what do I need to do? I am new at this. The rest is history. I will be blogging 1 year on October 28 2012.

2.  What is it that you love most about blogging?

I love meeting new authors and the interaction with other readers and bloggers. I have had a love for reading ever since I was a little girl and if you ask my friends and family, I live in a library lol so I guess I should have been blogging way before I ever started.

3.  What are your favorite genres to review?

I love Paranormal and just about all of the sub-genre that fall under that. I enjoy reading steampunk and dystopian and here lately I have been reading more and more erotic and finding that I really enjoy that genre as well. My favorite will always be Paranormal though whether it is Adult or YA. I love my supes.

4.  Are there any special requirements that you need in order to review a book?

When asked to review a book I always want a synopsis sent with the request not just the cover. I do not want opinions from someone else I like to form my own opinions. As for special requirements no, but I do not guarantee I will except all review inquiry’s. I will never ever guarantee a 5 star review I am sorry. I will give you my honest opinion at all times.

5.  What happens when you’ve agreed to review a book but it turns out to be the book from hell?

In this case, I will contact the author via email. I do not believe in bashing anyone. I have been bashed before and it is very hurtful. I do not condone negativity of any sort. I was bashed when I first started blogging and just recently when I gave a 3.5 rating and I wanted to quit blogging.

So glad you didn’t. It would have been a sad day on planet earth and a great loss to the writing community. Authors depend on wonderful bloggers like you, so please, please, never stop!

6.  Some book reviewers like this and some don’t. Do you like when an author comments on your reviews?

Actually yes. I do like it when the author leaves a comment. It means that at least they stopped by to see what you have done for them.


7.  You have a beautiful blog, Read Between The Lines, and I know it was designed by Always Purrty Design, but how did you come up with the name?

Once again, thank you. Autum @ AlwaysPurrty Designs is extremely talented. As for the name, I was brain storming for a couple of days before I came up with this name. Finally I said to my husband people need to read between the lines for there is always some sort of hidden context in everything you see. So that is how I got the name Read Between The Lines.

8.  Do you have any special plans for the future of RBTL?

Actually yes I do. I am starting a blog touring service for authors and publishers. RBTL’s World Of Books Blog Touring Services where I will offer authors and publishers blog tour services at affordable prices. Of course, I promise to share with the world one book at a time up and coming authors as well as established authors.

9.  Can you tell us a little about what you offer authors?

I offer Reviews, Author Spotlights, Book Spotlights, & Interviews. Just about anything to help promote their work.

10.  How many books do you read in a month. Approximately.

Wow, this is a tough one because it depends on many aspects but generally I can do 3 - 6 books a month if not more.

11.  If you were on a desert island, what book would you like to have with you, knowing you’d be reading it over and over again?

This is not fair because I could not take just one book I would have to take my kindle LOL that way I can have many books. But I guess if it has to be just one (this is probably going to come as a shock) considering what my favorite genre is… are you ready for it…? The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Tom Sawyer. I read that book in the 4th grade and I loved it. That book took me on the journey of a lifetime going down the Mississippi River.

12.  What do you like to do when you are not blogging or reading?

Actually I love spending time with my husband and my teenage daughter when I can get her out of her room, but blogging is a full time job LOL. So there is not much down time. I also enjoy doing crafts and drawing which is something I have not done in a while.

13.  Someone asked me this question a while ago and I thought it was a good one, and since I know your favorite number is 13, I had to ask one more. Someone has given you a time-machine. What period of history do you go back to first, and why?

The Victorian Era just because I love it. I think that is why I enjoy reading Steampunk I just love that era.

Here are some silly and fun questions to let the readers get to know the real you.

Chocolate or Vanilla?

Vanilla

Beach, Lake or Pool?

Hmmm… I love the water so all three sound good to me.

What is your favorite adult beverage?

I love Margaritas

What is your favorite food?

I love seafood and anything that my honey cooks for me. My husband is a very good cook.

Thank you, Anna, for sharing a little about yourself here on my blog today.


Thank You for having me it was a pleasure spending time on your blog. Happy Reading !!!!



And Happy Reading from me,




COVER REVEAL - SARA'S PROMISE



Title: Sara's Promise
Author: Deanna Lynn Sletten
Series: Stand Alone
Genre: Romance/Women's Fiction Release Date: December 10, 2012

Goodreads description:



Does love last forever, even after your soul mate dies?

When William lost his wife Sara, he thought he'd lost his forever. Then he meets Annie and strange coincidences begin to occur. Can Annie help him find true love again?

By author Deanna Lynn Sletten, author of MEMORIES and WIDOW, VIRGIN, WHORE.


Check out Sara's Promise on Goodreads and be sure to add it to your reading list. 

You can learn more about Deanna Lynn Sletten here:




Happy Reading!




Tuesday, September 18, 2012

MaryLynn Bast - Author Spotlight & Excerpt








Title: No Remorse
Author: MaryLynn Bast
Genre: Paranormal Fantasy
Publisher: Werewolf Tails Publishing
Ebook - Pages: 221
Paperback - Pages: 250

Description:

Due to her unusual birth, Amber has abilities no other werewolf has ever possessed. On the run since childhood, the lone wolf avoids contact with other werewolves at all cost, continually moving, constantly looking over her shoulder and always alone. Everything changes when Amber saves a werewolf from the mere brink of death, Blake, the only werewolf to ever protect her. Love blossoms, but not without tribulations when Amber realizes she must help her new pack rescue a member who is being held hostage by a rival pack. Warring with emotions of going from lone wolf to the pack leader’s mate, Amber must decide if she is willing to risk Blake’s life to know true family and friendship despite the fact that the Council is hell bent on locating her and will stop at nothing until she is found. Will Amber’s special abilities be enough to keep everyone safe?


Buy Links:

Amazon:

Ebook  




About the Author:

MaryLynn Bast moved to Las Vegas in 2010 from Texas, where she grew up. She works as a consultant with a contractor for the US Military, traveling from base to base across the US and around the world. Whenever possible, MaryLynn enjoys spending time with her husband, children and friends. In her free time she writes paranormal fantasies, loves to read and travel.

Contact Links





Enjoy this Excerpt from 
No Remorse


Amber recalled the night vividly. She stayed in her room while her mother and Byron argued over them leaving. She had listened intently when her mother warned Byron that Tommy would not believe that Amber was his daughter.
At the time, it hadn't made sense to Amber what she was hearing. Her mother had been raped by multiple werewolves and that any of them could be her father. Amber shook her head to clear her thoughts. Maybe her mother meant that he could be her father, not that he was.
Byron and Winona were still arguing about them leaving when Tommy returned later that night with reinforcements. Byron had called his brother Jason to come in for support, but that was not enough.
Amber listened as Tommy’s crew stormed the house behind the bar. Fists were flying while bodies hurtled through the air smashing furniture throughout the room. Winona screamed loudly as Tommy grabbed her. His men had knocked Jason unconscious and held Byron’s beaten and bloodied body to the floor.
Amber stood behind the closed and locked door of her room. She could hear everything. The words that Tommy snarled burned into her brain.
“By Council’s orders, I am here to return you, Winona Gray Hamilton, runaway pack member, back to the den. Council leader Isaac Whiting has ordered that your daughter be brought before the Council. You are a disgrace to your bloodline and your mutt will be dealt with by the Council.”
Amber heard her mother’s screams for her to run. She couldn’t let that man take her mother back to that place. Instead of running, she reached for the door to unlock and jerk it open when she was grabbed from behind. The arms were like a vice and the hand that slid around her mouth secured her scream. His grip didn’t falter when she struggled violently to escape, biting at the hand that was held firmly across her mouth. She hadn’t heard the man that had slipped into her room; she was so intent on listening to what was happening in the living room.
“Stop!” At the commanding sound of the voice Amber ceased struggling, but stood stiffly in his arms. The words didn't make sense to her. “Don’t scream or they will come. You have to get out of here.”
At her nod in agreement to not scream, the large hand was removed slowly from her mouth. She whispered, “What do you want?” She was terrified but stood still.
“I want my granddaughter to be safe,” the big man whispered in a broken voice.
Amber gasped, realizing that this was her mother’s father. He slipped something into her pocket and turned her towards him. She stared into the chocolate brown, sad eyes of her grandfather.
Tears were streaming down her face. Amber shook her head and tried to speak, to say something, but nothing came out. This was her family and her grandfather was sending her away? Amber couldn't wrap her brain around the fact that the pack wanted her mother to come back home, but they didn't want her. The Council was going to deal with her. She shook her head in denial that this could be happening. She could still hear her mother screaming in the next room. Her grandfather rushed her towards the other door that led to the back hallway and to the back porch.
She pushed against him, to turn back to her mother.
“Don’t fight, little one; you will die if you go back there. You must get out now. Go and don't look back,” he told her, hurrying her out through the darkness to the waiting car. He pushed her gently into the back seat, quickly and quietly pushed the door shut, tapping the top of the car. The driver didn't say a word to her, but took off and left the small restaurant bar behind. She was leaving her mother and the only family she had ever known.


Thanks for reading.

Susan

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Brief Interludes - Hits Amazon - September 12, 2012

Great news!


My collection of short stories will be released in Kindle format and ready for readers tomorrow, September 12, 2012.



Title: Brief Interludes
Author: Susan Griscom
Genre: Romance/fantasy short stories
Publisher: Amber Glow Books
Ebook - Pages: 35

Description:

A collection of six short-shorts—perfect for those quick-read moments. Most with twist endings that are sure to surprise you. 

Lover’s Leap
Young love and a life ended too soon. It’s always the ones left behind who suffer.

Everlasting Love
Unloved, undesired, brokenhearted ... Cole Murphy is about to end it all until the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen walks into his life. Cole’s dreams and hopes of love are renewed—but not quite the way he’s imagined.

The Water of Leith
Held captive for years, Naomi is given a promise of release if she can only turn an old brown rag into a beautiful white cloth. Can she do? Does she really believe?

Unbridled Love
Two hundred years ago, monstrous storms pummeled the earth destroying almost everything. Some humans survived, stronger, different, changed by the storms. A genetic disorder passed down from generation to generation, creating a new race. A race with … special gifts. Feared and forced into hiding, Solange and Roland must fight to survive when their talents are discovered.   

Stuck
Angela returns home from an exhausting business trip and wants nothing more than to relax. Her thoughts of relaxing turn to sheer panic as she walks in to find her entire house redecorated and she’d only been gone a week. Her husband Jack confesses how it all happened, but she has a difficult time believing it’s not all a joke when he tells her he didn’t win the lottery or inherit a huge amount of money from long lost relative. Jack manages to reassure her everything is okay. But is it?

Sweet Innocence
The headline plastered across the newspaper claimed they identified the body of a young woman. Jenna recognized the name instantly. Her friend Beth’s body had gone unidentified ever since its discovery in an alley near a 24-hour diner on a Saturday night in January of 1955. Today’s date was August 7, 2012. 

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Finding Autum - Always Purrty Design - Artist Sportlight and Giveaway!


ARTIST SPOTLIGHT and GIVEAWAY

Autum Bredmose - Always Purrty Design




When I was asked to participate in this super talented lady's blog tour I jumped at the chance. You see, Autum Bredmose designed the cover for my paranormal/romance, Whisper Cape (Book 1).


Autum was without a doubt the easiest person to work with and she is quick! I think she found that picture of the girl she used as Addison within ten minutes and I knew this was going to be a wonderful cover. Of course, I supplied the background picture from my original cover (I had to use my inspiration for writing the book somewhere) but the tint, the moon and the cloud covered sky are all Autum's. After she sent me the proof the first day, I had a new cover in two days.

Aside from book covers, Autum designs awesome websites, blogs, and a variety of swag for authors. Heck, you can just go here to see what she offers and get her very affordable pricing.

Be sure to check out those book cover necklaces she makes. I'm going to get some of those babies.

You can visit the rest of Autum's tour from the schedule below. Oh and don't forget to enter to win
A Blog Header with a Matching Grab Button


Sept 6 Here
Sept 12 Reading Romances 
Sept 14 Talk Supe


Monday, September 3, 2012

Guest Post and Interview with Miranda Stork





Title: Conner

Author: Miranda Stork

Genre: Paranormal Romance - Werewolves oh my

Released date: April 20, 2012

Publisher: Moon Rose Publishing

Source: Free Copy from Author for honest review

Description from Goodreads:

Erin is a young psychologist, with no time for anything but her work, and unable to remember anything about her past. She leads an uneventful life, but a lonely one, in which she secretly wishes for a soulmate...

Conner is an unusual patient who approaches her, thrusting her into a strange world of darkness that runs beneath our own. He believes himself to be a creature of legend-a werewolf. But he also draws Erin with a roguish charm, and an irresitible feeling that seems to bind them together...

Conner desperately tries to save her from an unknown evil that persues her with a relentless passion that crosses centuries, an evil that once took her very soul away, somewhere in Erin's lost memories.

As she becomes more entwined in a series of events that will remind her of who she really is, will she make it away from the oncoming darkness unscathed...?

The interview:


I’ve been Connerized!! Yep. Read Conner and you’ll figure it out why. This is a fantastic werewolf story like none other. A real treat. 

Welcome Miranda, I am thrilled that you’ve stopped by my blog to enchant us with your wonderful wit. (I love this lady).


Thank you for having me here! And you’re far too kind. *blushes*













1.   Please tell us a little about yourself.

I was born in Guisborough, North Yorkshire in 1987 and have lived in various places around Britain, including Newcastle and Glasgow.
My writing is inspired by various writers, including the vivid characters of Charles Dickens, the imagination of Stephen King, and the gothic imagery of Anne Rice.

My love of horror began at an early age, when I was only three or four. I could read proficiently at the age of three, and devoured fairy-stories, but I always had a bent towards the darker stories, such as the Brother's Grimm's tales...Red Riding Hood was always a firm favourite, although I always felt sorry for the wolf, despite him having tried to eat everyone!


2. Let’s go back in time for a short while. In your bio, you mention having had childhood nightmares. Can you tell us how these nightmares may have played a part in the creation of your stories, if at all?

Ooh, good question…I think some of them play a part in my stories, for sure. Although I would probably just call them ‘dreams’ now; they’re still weird, but I’m used to them. Sometimes a particular story just sticks in my head, and I have to write it down. I have lots of ideas noted down, and they may become proper stories in the future. 

3. What was your favorite thing to do when you were ten? What was your favorite thing to do when you were sixteen? What is your favorite thing to do now?

I’m not sure if I can remember! When I was ten, it changed every week, but I’m sure it settled somewhere between reading and being outside in the countryside with my friends. When I was sixteen, it still included reading, but it also became about…yes, boys. I’m sorry. *holds hand up* My favourite things to do now include writing, (obviously) but also spending time with my wonderful boyfriend, and our spoilt cat, going to restaurants when I can (as I’m a total foodie), and basically making a nuisance of myself on Facebook. *grin*

4. Could you tell us a little about how you progressed through the writing of your Conner? Did the story come to you wholly formed, or did it sort of construct as you wrote it? How long did it take to write?

I had an idea in my head for some time before I started writing Conner, as I did my degree in psychology, and have always been fascinated by it. Add to this a natural love of all things spooky and supernatural, and you’ve got…well, Conner. I toyed with the idea of a creature who was told he had a mental illness, when in fact he was real. There were times were Erin was going to be a journalist, or a reporter, but I settled on the psychologist. I’m a ‘by-the-pants’ writer, but I always have a basic framework in my head of how the story will progress. I like to get the shell written out, and let the characters take me where it’s going. It took me about two years altogether, as I wasn’t used to writing, and when I was writing ‘Erin’ it was a lot faster.

5. Conner is sexy, sultry and … well, although this question is asked a lot I love playing with the possibilities and want to hear your opinion. If Conner was to be made into a movie, which I can totally see, whom would you cast in your roles of Conner and Erin? 

You have no idea how many times I asked myself the same question! When I write, it’s almost like a film playing out in my mind, so I’ve often thought about it. While I would love to have some unknowns take the main characters, that wouldn’t be much help for your blog readers! I think the best fit in my mind for Conner would have to be Colin Farrell, as I can see him being able to pull off the twisted characters of Conner and…oops, nearly let the cat out of the bag there! For Erin, it would possibly be Catherine Zeta Jones, as I think she has that sweetness about her that can turn into kick-ass if needed, which would be perfect for Erin’s character. While I don’t want to say too much, there IS a plan to maybe get Conner made into an indie film, although I doubt we can get Farrell and Jones!

6. Conner is the first book in the series and I know the next book is Erin, which I can’t wait to read, can you tell us the names of any of the future books you have planned for this series?

Well, I’m afraid they’re actually not a series. I originally wrote just Conner, and never planned to have more. I realized there was still so much to explore with it, I decided to write Erin as well. While there won’t be any more from these two, *sob!* I have a new series coming out near Christmas, about a shadow demon and a feisty detective heroine, which will be called ‘Vigilante of Shadows’…

7. If you could go anywhere in the world for a month, with an unlimited amount of money of course, where would you go?

Aw, just one? Oh, okay…um…I think it would have to be Madrid. I haven’t visited there yet, but my grandparents on one side are from Madrid, and it would be wonderful to see somewhere that was a little bit of me.

8. Your bio reveals that you started reading at age three and began telling stories to your friends as a kid. Did you write them down then, if not when did you start to do that?

I don’t think I can remember a time I didn’t write stories in some form. I used to draw pictures first, and then put a sentence or two underneath to describe what was happening; I think that was my first ‘writing’. I started writing little stories when I was about five or six. I would fold A4 sheets of paper and draw and write on them, turning them into pretend books. But the stories I used to tell my friends were always based on urban legends floating around at the time, such as the porcelain doll story, which was always a favourite. So if you remember your child coming home crying and having nightmares, from that nice girl at school telling them a story, it might have been me. I’m sorry. I’m so not sorry, I used to find it funny! I think I was a very mischievous child in many ways. 

9. Here is that question that I’m sure you get asked all the time. What inspired you to write Conner? And how did you develop his character? Or did he just evolve as your fingers danced over the keyboard?

It’s a strange story…I had a friend at the time, who was going through a phase of wanting to be a writer. He wrote a chapter and put it up on a community writing site, and (he won’t mind me saying) it was pretty terrible. When I told him this, he challenged me to do better. As the idea for Conner had been rolling around for a while, I naturally decided to bang out the first chapter there and then. His character developed as I wrote more of the story, and the big twist about him came later as well, after I had wrote a little more about him. 

10. Can you tell us a little about the cover of Conner and how it came about?

I love the cover-which is really big-headed, because I did it. But I wanted something that was strong and dare I say it…sexy looking? Because both ‘Conner’ and ‘Erin’ are about the main characters themselves, I thought it would be perfect to really have them highlighted. The woodland came because a lot of features heavily in the book, and the colours were purely an ascetic choice. 

Let’s have some fun.

Beach or Lake? Lake, definitely.

Plane or Train? Hmm….going on our trains over here, I’ll say plane.

Favorite Beverage? G&T for an adult one, milk when I’m being good. ☺

Vacation spot – Sandy beach or Ancient Ruins? It would have to be Ancient Ruins, I love History.

I won’t ask about tea or coffee. I think we all know the answer. I’m English-it has to be tea!

Since Conner is a sexy beast, and I love the scene in the ------, let’s spice it up a bit. The most unusual place you’ve ever had sex. 

Ooh, in the gutter already? Let me find my favourite chair. I think the most unusual place would have to be…well, let’s just say I’m a member of the mile-high club ;) I’m NOT telling you the most unusual place, none of you would talk to me again, LOL!

That was fun. Dare I go on? Favorite sexual position – Just kidding. We don’t need to know this, LOL.  

Phew! People’s eyes can remain unburned then. :D

Miranda, thank you for sharing your most inner secrets with us. Please tell us where can we find you and your books?

Not at all, it’s been fantastic being here! 

Please read on as Miranda explains how a book would make a good move, then be sure to catch my review of Conner. 


Would Your Book Make A Good Movie?

Come on, admit it. You’re just like me, and you’ve often wondered who would play the perfect part of your main character. If it was made into a movie, that is. 
When I’m writing, it’s exactly how plots work their way onto my pages. In my head, all of the characters are acting, as though in a movie. And yes, there are often quite a few retakes in there. And whoever makes the sandwiches for the buffet table needs firing, because they’re always stale. But we’re going off track here, back to the movie. Thinking of it in this way always means that the characters voices are heard in my head, helping me to write down their dialogue in a vivid way.
But more than this, imagining it in such a way allows me to write it almost with the structure of a film. For example, when you are writing a film script, you use the following structure;
Stage One; The Setup.
 The first 10% of all screenplays have to draw your reader in. It’s no different in a novel. The first part of your book needs to draw people in, and hook them. You introduce the main characters, and must establish an identity with them. (For example, they are the likeable, funny student. Or the creepy yet smart FBI agent. Or the snarky, drunk unicorn. Whatever works.)Your setup should drag the reader from their normal world, and plunge them headfirst into yours.
Stage Two; The Opportunity.
Your character must next be presented with something that will make them have a new desire or goal. Perhaps they get offered the plans to the bank heist of the century, perhaps they are told how they can go back in time, or earn that raise. But something must shift in their universe to make them want something new, to set them down the path you want them to follow.
Stage Three; The New Situation.
This has to be the character’s reaction to the previous opportunity. They must get used to the current situation, and devise a plan or idea for it. For example, taking the bank heist idea, the character could work out a plan for it. Perhaps they look for associates to help them with it. Maybe they don’t want to do it at all. It make include a change of environment (which will definitely happen in a screenplay), and your character must go elsewhere to continue the story. But, as the situation continues, and your character gets closer to their goal…
Stage Four; The Change of Plans.
This is the point at which the opportunity presented in stage two becomes a defined need for the character. For example, imagine your character’s original motivation was to travel to another country, to help someone else get rid of the mafia. But then the mafia kill the character’s father. So now the opportunity is defined into something more personal for the character. This is also usually the point your reader (or audience) begin to really root for them to win through and reach their desire.
Stage Five; Progress.
This is the next large chunk of your story. Your hero or heroine works towards their goal, and the story moves on in this way. You can include conflict in this part, of course, but it must seem as though they are edging closer, and all is so far going well.
Stage Six; The Point of No Return.
This is usually the exact halfway point of your book (or screenplay, I’m confusing myself). Your character has fully committed to their goal, and have usually preformed a task, or done something which ensures they cannot go back from this point on. It is almost the point where they are taking the biggest risk of all in the whole book.
Stage Seven; Complications.
This is where the ‘spanner in the works’ comes in. The plot point that means your character’s journey is interrupted, and is usually either a set-back, or a threat in some way. They usually have much to lose now, and are thoroughly entwined in the plot. The stakes also become much higher, whether they win or lose. And success is getting closer, it seems, until…
Stage Eight; The Major Setback.
This is the point which should have readers at the edge of their seats, and something occurs which means that your character seems to have had the ultimate setback. For example, in a story where the boxer has been fighting in the ring, they get one hell of a right-hook from the opponent, and it looks as though they are going down. All hope will seem lost at this point, and they will have to make one final, all-or-nothing push.
Stage Nine; The Final Push.
Your character must now throw everything they have into the basket, count all their chickens, bolt the doors, and however many other references they can fit into one sentence. Your hero or heroine by this point will be broken down, beaten at all odds, and grasping for that last straw. They have to summon all their information learned throughout the plot, all of their courage, and head face-on to the….
Stage Ten; The Climax.
Lots of things have to happen here at once, the character has to face the biggest challenge of all, and determine what their fate will be. At the same time, their motivation, the desire of the whole book, must be resolved. However, the climax is not necessarily the end…
Stage Eleven; The Aftermath.
Depending on the type of book (or screenplay) you are writing, will depend on whether or not you will use this stage. If, for example, you have written a book where the character’s climax happens quite near to the end of the book (check out my novel ‘Conner’ for an example ;) ) then your objective is to leave your reader stunned or on a high. This is usually used if you want a sequel to your current book, no matter what genre. However, if you are writing a romantic novel or a thriller (if there will be no sequel), then usually there is an aftermath. For example, the hero has declared his love for the heroine. But then there may be a short chapter afterwards, describing how they get married, showing them content in their new life. The aim is not to put a full stop there, but to show how your character is now living in their new life now they have completed their goal. 

If you follow these steps, your book will read almost like a film, and also as a well-balanced storyline. And you never know, one day you may be getting a call…. ;)


You can find Miranda and her books in lots of places;




You can find Conner at Amazon

You can find Erin Releasing Today! at Amazon UK and Amazon USA

Here is my review of Conner:


“But Erin,” he said in his low, deep Irish accent, “Would you do all this if you weren’t attracted to me?”
~~~~
Thump.
It isn’t there!
Thump.
“It isn’t there! It isn’t there!
Thump!
IT ISN’T THERE!
Silence.
~~~
Ahhh…I’m not sure where to begin. My mind is still back in Ireland at Forest Hall … in the shower! LOL. I loved Conner. He’s sweet, sexy, sultry and dangerous, or is he? Hmmm… you’ll have to read to find out. I loved this book. It literally had me squirming in my seat. SQUIRMING! In a good way.  I even got up early in the morning to read because I couldn’t sleep until I finished it. Yeah, this book is that good. I’m not a morning person. I did have some difficulty with the author’s use of was before sat or stood, as in; “he was stood next to…” I wasn’t sure if it was intentional because a great deal of the story was set in Ireland and maybe they talk that way, LOL, but it happened throughout the entire book. It wouldn’t surprise me if this book makes the New York Times Best Selling List some day. Lots of twists. Thank you so much for allowing me to read this awesome book, Miranda. I’m looking forward to reading Erin. 


Thanks for reading!

Susan