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Monday, July 30, 2012

Contest & Interview with Author Tara Fox Hall





About the Author:  
Tara Fox Hall’s writing credits include nonfiction, horror, suspense, action-adventure, erotica, and contemporary and historical paranormal romance. She is the author of the paranormal action-adventure Lash series and the vampire romantic suspense Promise Me series. Tara divides her free time unequally between writing novels and short stories, chainsawing firewood, caring for stray animals, sewing cat and dog beds for donation to animal shelters, and target practice.


Interview Questions….

      1.       What inspired you to become a writer? When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I always liked to write, since I was a kid. As I got older, my short story subjects moved from unicorns to ghost towns to my life in the country. But I didn’t get serious about writing until my mom had a bad health scare.  I’d always wanted to write her a book, and now had a deadline of a year, at most. I began Promise Me that night. Six months later, her health issues had been resolved completely, and I had several finished books. She liked them so much, I kept writing them for her, sequel after sequel. And since the first books were already done, I decided to ask a professional editor for their opinion on whether to try to get them published or not.  If the editor’s assessment had been negative, I would have kept writing but never gone public with my stories.

      2.       What genre(s) do you write? Why do you write the stories that you write?

I write in a lot of genres, as you can see from my bio J. But I prefer paranormal stories, usually with some suspense and/or thrills, be it action or romance.  My short stories are often horror or scary tales, as they are usually pulled right from my nightmares.  Frightening stories come naturally to me, maybe from reading horror novels almost exclusively from middle school until I graduated from college (I still read horror, but my tastes have broadened since then).  I also watched most every horror movie, big budget and small, from the late seventies to the year 2000. That probably gave my subconscious a lot to pull from in the nighttime hours. As for the non-scary stories, I usually see something and think, “What if—?”

      3.       Where did the inspiration for your book come from?

Per above, I wanted to write a book for my mother. But all I had for a premise was an old vampire tale I had been working on half-heartedly for years. There was only about seven pages, with the typical flimsy vampire novel plot; vampire loves girl from afar, rescues her, she has a relationship with him, they decide they can’t stay together….then with a few plot twists, they live happily ever after.  I wrote a first chapter from my notes, printed it off, and gave it to mom. She told me that night that it was boring, unrealistic, and nothing happened, “and if I didn’t make it more interesting, she wasn’t reading any more.” I was crushed, of course, having written it for her. So I let everything else slide for the next week, took a hard look at all my plot points, and decided what I had so far was drivel. I needed a story she could believe in, that was as real as I could make it. So I thought, what would I do if I found a real vampire? How would I really act? What would really happen? Then I changed the setting to a rural farm that resembled my own place, gave the heroine a lot of my attributes and world views, and decided that she would rescue the vampire instead of him rescuing her. And Promise Me was begun. J

      4.       How long did it take you to put the story together?

I have spent more time writing and then reworking Promise Me than any other book. I have spent the time equivalent to writing four other novels, if not more. But being the first thing I wrote, the book needed a lot of work to be readable, much less exciting. I was so unsure of what I wanted to say, and rewrote the beginning chapter about five times. Originally, all the Promise Me books were long…upwards of 200K. Each had to be split into two books, and given new names, and also have added in sections in the first few, so that they didn’t just stop in the middle of the action, and new readers would be able to understand what was happening if they picked up the second or third books instead of reading in order of publication.

      5.       Can you share a little about your novel with us?  

Promise Me is the story of country woman Sarelle and Danial, a man she finds wounded and unconscious on her land. She helps him instinctively, then discovers he’s a vampire. While giving him her blood in an effort to awaken him, Danial attacks her. Sarelle gets away when he had drunk enough to heal himself, angry at her foolishness in hoping for some Hollywood romance when she should know better. She confronts him later that night, wanting answers. Danial is reticent, but very charming and polite.
There is chemistry between the two from the beginning, and Sar and Danial begin a sexual relationship in a matter of weeks. But while Sar is happy to enjoy Danial, she isn’t ready for her life to change. Danial also wasn’t looking for love, but when he begins to love Sar, he begins pushing hard for her to commit to him, and also move in with him. In a relationship with two humans, there is a lot to deal with in merging two lives to make one shared life. With Sar and Danial, there is much, much more; his blood donors that make house calls, his connections to the mob, his enemies, and other vampires, some of whom want Sar for their own amusement, his needing to keep out of the daylight, the cherished business he runs by night that takes a good deal of his time, and his long and painful past which impacts his present life. Promise Me is about how Sar comes to terms with these challenges with Danial’s help, and how they began to build a life together.
 
      6.       Who is your favorite charter in your novel and why? 

I love all the characters in Promise Me, especially Sar and Danial. But my favorite is Devlin, because he is so much fun to write, especially his dialogue. He says and does whatever he feels like, where my other characters have boundaries on what they would think was either polite or appropriate to do or say aloud.

      7.       Now that your book is getting ready to hit the stores describe how you feel in one sentence?

Scared to death and elated at the same time sums it up.

      8.       What has surprised you the most about the whole processes of getting your book on the market?

I am surprised that no matter how many times I go through the story and fix typos, there are always more. I think they must breed when I hit send that final time.

     9.       Would you like to share what the reviewers are saying about your book?

So far the reviews for Promise Me have been positive. Here is a recent review that just posted from NOR:

Sarelle had to help the man she found in the woods. Even after she discovered he was a vampire, Sar couldn't leave him to die. As Danial recovers, Sar experiences the first stirrings of attraction since her husband died. But Danial's life is drastically different and his world brings danger to hers. She can't deny her growing feelings but will Danial demand more than she give?
Firstly, this is a very engrossing story. The action is nonstop and there's really no good place to pause and put the book down. Danial and Sar's growing passion and romance is only part of the story, but a very steamy part of it. The evolving plot and fascinating secondary characters add quite a punch to the mixture. The story is told in the first person from Sar's point of view. As a rule, it's not something I generally care for but the author does a nice job of fleshing out all the characters. This is part of a series and I do wish there had been more closure for Sar and Danial. I'm not a big fan of books that leave you with more questions than answers. Even so, I really liked the story. If paranormal romance is your thing, this would be a nice addition to your collection and the beginning of a complex and sexy series.

Active Date: Jul 4, 2012
NOTE: If the Active Date is in the past, the review went live today.

Night Owl Reviews

     10.   How many books have you written?  

I wrote 2 novellas to start, and also a bunch of short stories, some of which were published in anthologies. I published an e-anthology Just Shadows in Jan. 2012, and my first novel Lash came out in April 2012. Promise Me came out in May 2012, and Midnight Thirsts 2 just published with some related Promise Me stories in June 2012.
Here is a list of books to date, not counting all my horror flash fiction and short stories:
"Origin of Fear" in Spellbound 2011:  Melange-Books.com/Origin of Fear "Spellbound 2011"   
"Kink" and "The Oath" in Wicked Christmas Wishes:  Melange-Books.com/Wicked Christmas Wishes
Just Shadows: Amazon/Just Shadows



                                                                  Lash: Amazon/Lash



                                                       Promise Me: Amazon/Promise Me






              "Night Music" and "Partners” in Midnight Thirsts 2: Amazon/Midnight Thirsts 2



     11.   What are you working on next?

The Promise Me series will continue for the next several years, with new books being released every 3-4 months. My paranormal action adventure series will also continue with Lash II, titled Shadow Man being released in late October from Bradley Publishing. I’ll also be doing other projects, like a collaboration with fellow Author Jenny Twist on Bedtime Shadows, an anthology due out in September from Melange Books. I’ll also have some flash fiction coming out in several horror anthologies this fall, like Quick Bites of Flesh from Hazardous Press. I like to keep busy.

     12.   What do you like to do for fun when you’re not writing?

Sleeping, chainsawing firewood, gardening, reading, swimming, and sewing are all enjoyable J

     13.   How can readers contact you?

Email: tarafoxhall@gmail.com




     14.    When does your book go on sale and where can we buy it?  

Melange-Books.com
Bradley Publishings




      15.   Last but not least is there anything that you would like to add?

Let’s have a contest!  
Leave a comment and/or send an email to Tara asking to join her mailing list, and be entered to win an e-copy of Promise Me!

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Contest Blood Bonds Release Day Blitz!







Title: Blood Bonds
Series: The Progeny Series, #2
Author: Ashlynne Laynne
Genre: Fantasy, Fiction, Paranormal, Romance, Erotica,
Publisher: Novel Concept Publishing
Release Date: July 23 2012
Paperback/Ebook
Pages: 320



Book Description:

“Forever. For always. For eternity.”

The ties that bind two hearts are powerful. For Ascher Rousseau and Shauna McCutchin, it’s more than just a blood bond. Their union is that of vampire legend. Their love is a predestined prophecy foretold centuries ago.

It’s a week before Ascher and Shauna's sealing and the couple is making final preparations for their eternity, but Ascher's ex has other plans. Ursula is hell-bent on revenge—revenge fueled by lover's scorn and her father's death—and she begins breeding a fresh army of newborn darklings to do her bidding.

When Ursula finds a new weapon—an ally with the capability to dismantle the Rousseau clan— Ascher and Shauna's bond is tested and they must stand together against Ursula or lose each other for eternity.


Book Trailer






Excerpt:

Shauna wavered dizzily as her sister’s words resounded in her head. She’d endured his ridicule and constant put downs for most of her teenage life. She’d begged her mother to move in with her when she left, but she decided to go back with him. Shauna thought back to the day she left—the last time he’d ever lay a hand on her. Unable to control the rage, she shook violently.

“Shauna!” Katy shouted. “Are you okay? Do I need to call Ascher?”

Shauna said nothing as she stood in silent shock, the repressed memories flooding her. Suddenly, she saw herself lying in the floor, her father standing above her cursing and screaming. “Son-of-a-bitch!”

The window flew open.

“Ascher!” Katy screamed, as she grabbed hold of her sister’s arm in an attempt to comfort her.

The floor shook beneath their feet and the walls vibrated with her ire. The memories washed over her, bringing the fury and wiping her mind clear of everything else.

The picture of Andreas Rousseau fell from the wall as the room continued to quake with her anger. A crystal vase of red roses flew across the room, shattering into glass powder. Shauna released an ear-piercing scream, as a crash of thunder boomed outside.

“Shauna?” Katy gasped as she now cowered in the far corner of the room.

Talking about their childhood really chafed Shauna. She knew that she’d have to bring closure to it for her sanity, but all she could think about when she thought of Gregory McCutchin was blood, destruction and fire. She wanted him to hurt as much as they did and to pay for what he’d done.

Goddesses as her witness, she’d make him suffer. “He will pay for what he’s done.” Her voice was shrill, menacing and multi-layered—like the voice of a demon in a horror movie. “Goddesses be my witness, he will pay with his life!”

Ascher yelled, “Shauna,” as he furiously attempted opening the locked door.

“Katherine, dearest, are you okay? Can you get to the door?”

“No, I’m afraid to move!” Katy replied.

“Stay out of here,” Shauna ranted, her mind hurling the desk at the door.

“She’s raging,” Katy shrieked. “It’s really bad!”

Shauna’s determined mind was insistent on keeping them out. She pointed towards the heavy wooded bureau, sending it flying across the room, wedging it on top of the desk and against the door.

“Gabe!” Katy called out with a freaked out look on her face and fear in her voice. “Oh God, Shauna. No.”

The bed levitated above the ground, hovering and twisting in the air before she made it zip out through the glass balcony doors.

Dizzy and dazed, Shauna’s body slumped, falling to her knees.

 “Shauna!” Katy screamed again.

Closing her eyes, her head pounded with pain as Shauna furiously chanted, asking for guidance and strength to control her rage.


 
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Wednesday, July 18, 2012

New Release Dream Dragon the Dark Side of Poetry by Leigh Savage


Dream Dragon the Dark Side of Poetry
  • Publisher: CreateSpace; 1st Edition edition (July 17, 2012)
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B008MHCAME
ISBN-13: 978-1478252115
ISBN-10:
1478252111








Dream Dragon the Dark Side of Poetry: Dream Dragon is a metaphor I use for depression, it’s whenever you seem like life is a dream and things aren’t really happening to you but instead happening to someone else only you never wake up; then you realize it’s real.
 
Sample Poem from the book:




 Sale Links:
Createspace
Amazon Kindle
Amazon Paperback 

Friday, July 13, 2012

Release Tour and Giveaway with Lorraine Nelson Author of Blessed Homecoming





 About the Author: 


 Lorraine Nelson was born in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada. She lives with an independent yet affectionate tomcat. When not at the computer crafting stories of romantic suspense, she can be found spending time with family, gardening, baking and, of course, reading.






Thank you for having me here today, Leigh!

Blessed Homecoming is a story that is close to my heart. My faith has seen me through plenty of troubling times over the years and I challenged myself to write a good, clean story. I’m proud to say that I accomplished just that. This is a book that mothers can share with their daughters and women everywhere can share with family and friends without worrying about content. My mother is already anxious to see it in print. J

Most of my other works are rather on the steamy side. Writing a book about love and faith was challenging for me as a writer. Having to watch every word, every detail, every conversation, every nuance, was tricky, to say the least. But I must say, it’s one of my best works to date.

I’ve received two reviews today already, and they are excellent. I couldn’t be more pleased. If you have a moment, click the links below and read what the reviewers had to say. Thank you for helping me celebrate my newest release.




Blessed Homecoming is a clean, sweet, non-violent, wholesome story that as Lorraine Nelson says; “This is a book that mothers can share with their daughters and women can share with family and friends without worrying about content.” I agree. Lorraine has combined a heartfelt story with just enough romantic suspense to keep even the ‘anti-faith/religion’ readers interested and loving it. Honestly, it was different from what I normally read and it was a welcome, refreshing change. This book gave a sometimes pessimist like me, a few moments of pause and reflection on my own outlook. Isn’t that what a great book should do?

I LOVED these new characters Lorraine introduced us to. Their inner and outer turmoil were realistic and believable. Immediately, I was hooked into the drama of this family. Their individuality and their voices were strong and made this normally smut-loving reader feel completely welcome in the Danforth story. The Danforth’s love for their daughter was inspirational and even made me a bit jealous. Who doesn’t want to have parents that love them unconditionally and always welcome them with open arms? Wendy’s family was picture-perfect. Jake Roberts was a man any woman would dream of falling in love with and his inner demons make him completely irresistible (in my opinion). The villain of this story resembled the many real-life, everyday villains many women have had the unfortunate opportunity to have cross their path. I’d love to hear more from all of them. The plot, characters, editing were all beautifully executed. All in all, it was a ‘blessing’ for me to read this book. Stories like this make my job a lot easier.







The hometown girl and the handyman both carry emotional baggage. Are they destined to remain friends or is there room in their hearts for more?

***

Wendy Danforth is preparing to be a single mom, her ex-husband in jail for spousal abuse.  She returns to her hometown, to renew her faith and to heal. Caught off guard by the handyman in residence, attraction hits, swift and piercing, but she quells her unruly emotions, in no hurry to get involved in another relationship. Besides, at almost nine months pregnant, she wasn’t exactly looking her best.

Jake Roberts, hired to renovate the Danforths’ house, took one look at his employer’s daughter and wanted to run far and fast. He hadn’t possessed an ounce of faith or been around a pregnant woman in three long years, not since his wife and unborn son died in an auto accident.  They become friends, and when her ex-husband escapes custody, he steps up to protect Wendy and her unborn child. Will the danger and close proximity test their friendship? Or will it lead to more? Can Jake regain his lost faith, or will it elude him forever?

 

Blessed Homecoming - Excerpt

Jake found it hard to believe what he'd overheard, what that sweet, caring woman had endured at the hands of a man who had vowed to cherish and protect her. He'd been heading down to retrieve a package of wood screws when he heard Wendy crying and didn't want to interrupt. He didn't want to eavesdrop either, but her pain-wracked voice kept him an unwilling captive as she relayed events.

Broken bones, cracked ribs, dislocated shoulder and bruising over seventy-five per cent of her body. Then to heal and find out she was pregnant! Why would she be so happy about having that man's baby? Surely, she couldn't still love him after all that.


Hearing her speak of her faith in the midst of all that suffering struck a rusty chord inside his gut. Somehow, deep down, her quiet acceptance and determination spoke to him in ways that expensive therapy had not. She was a survivor, he'd give her that, but if her friend hadn't found her—no, he wouldn't go there. He couldn't. Divine intervention, she'd called it.
He called it lucky.

She'd come home to heal and build a new life for herself and the baby. Surrounded by family and friends, she'd never have to fear for her life again. Although he'd barely known her twenty-four hours and had a definite aversion to getting involved in her problems, he'd do what he could to help her adjust to living in a small town again. If the gossips wanted to pair them off, so be it. He'd been through worse—much worse.


He sat on the step with his head in his hands, undecided whether to let her know he'd overheard or pretend ignorance. How could he ignore the pain she'd suffered? More surprisingly, he realized he wanted to be there for her, to prove that not every man was prone to acts of violence. Although, like her father, he'd had some thoughts on what he'd like to do to her ex if he ever had the chance.
She took the matter out of his hands when she sat a couple steps below him and, placing a hand on his knee, asked, "How much did you hear?"

His head jerked up and he searched her eyes, expecting to see anger and disgust at his audacity, but there was none. "Pretty much all of it. I'm sorry, Wendy. I didn't intend to eavesdrop, but I didn't want to barge in on you either."


"Are you all right?"

"You're asking me? After all you've suffered, I should be asking you that question."


"My suffering ended the day he was found guilty. All that's left now is the sentencing in two weeks' time and I don't need to be there for that."


"But you're expecting his child. How is that not suffering, considering what he put you through?"


"Every life is a gift from God. I don't always understand His methods, but at least I have one good thing resulting from a failed marriage."


"Did you love him that much?"

"At first, yes, very much. He was the man I'd always dreamed about, kind, caring and it didn't hurt that he was gorgeous to boot." She smiled at the memory, then sobered. "The love died a slow death when the abuse started. He always made me feel like it was my fault, until the day I ended up in the hospital with a broken arm and didn't go back. I realized then my dreams of a happy ever after were never going to happen."

"What did you do? Where did you go?"


"A social worker at the hospital made a couple of calls and arranged a bed in a shelter for abused women. My arm being broken meant I couldn't work for a couple weeks, but when I returned, I found out from my boss, Emma, that he'd been haunting the place, waiting for me to show up. She'd had to call the police on a couple of occasions.


She became my best friend. Emma encouraged me to lay charges and file a restraining order against him, which I did. I also filed for divorce. He didn't show up in court, didn't contest it, so the judge granted the petition based on the abuse."


"I would think so," he huffed in agreement.


"I saw Clyde around from time to time after that, and he never made any effort to approach me, for which I was thankful. But the night before the divorce became final, he showed up after I got home from work. The rest, as they say, is history."

"Can you really put it all behind you that easily?"


"Believe me, Jake, it hasn't been easy. Easy started yesterday when Mama met me at the bus stop with her arms wide open. Until then, I'd hoped, but wasn't at all certain of my welcome, circumstances being what they are."


He placed a hand over hers where it still rested on his knee. "For what it's worth, I'm glad you're here. You are one remarkably strong lady and I'm honored to be your friend."


"My faith is what's strong. I had to believe the Lord has a purpose for me in this life. That's when I decided it was time to come home. I'd been away too long." She gently disentangled her hand and rose to her feet, slightly wobbly at first, causing him to reach out and grab her upper arms to steady her. "Thank you."

Contest: 
 
Thank you for helping me celebrate this new release. Please follow along on my blog tour and comment daily for several chances to win a free download of Blessed Homecoming. Remember to leave your email address so I can reach you. :) Winner to be announced on July 31st.
I so love hearing from my readers! It’s important to know what works and doesn’t work for them as I continue to craft stories of love and mystery. You can find me at:

http://www.lorrainenelson.weebly.com
http://www.lorrainenelson.wordpress.com
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads
Amazon Author Page

Purchase Link:

breathlesspress


Upcoming Tour Schedule:  Link to all Blogs on the Tour
Date Host/Hostess Blog url









15th Krista Ames http://www.apassionforromance.blogspot.ca/
16th W Lynn Chantale http://wlynnchantale-decadentdecisions.blogspot.ca/
17th Isabella Olivia Ellis http://isabellaoliviaellis.blogspot.com
18th Laura Horwitz http://www.laurabhorwitz.com/roadnottaken
19th Marissa Dobson http://www.sizzlinghotbooks.net/
20th Krystal Shannan http://www.krystalshannan.blogspot.ca/
21th Pam Mongol Bitner http://kastil.wordpress.com/
22th Doris O’Connor http://thetardisscribbles.blogspot.com/