When you have to say goodbye to friends

The gift of friendship has always been mysterious to me. I've always liked the idea of a home having an 'open table', where anyone can come and join in a meal of fellowship and encouragement any time, surrounded by the laughter and love of family, having a 'when you're here, you're one of us' kind of slogan. In much the same way, my heart very much has had an open policy, willing to accept others as they are, and work toward building lasting and strong foundations.

But what if you know your friendship will have an end date? That it will have to come to a close, separated by international borders?

My answer: do it anyway. You never know who may need those connections.

Case in point: my friendships with the international students to whom I teach faith-based ESL.

I've met some incredible, vibrant, courageous, curious and loving people I'm happy to call my friends. Even with language barriers, you can still make meaningful friendships.
I am always excited to meet students from Korea that are brand new to the U.S. Having been abroad to Europe, Africa and Asia, I completely understand that disorienting feeling. Everything's new or different, the headaches you get from translating all day long, the squeezes of your heart as you lie in bed at night and think of home.

Those people are the ones my heart has been drawn to, and in return, I've found that you may very well be the person needed to make an international student feel as at home as possible while they're in the US.

You make connections, you share moments, and forever that time will be a part of their memories as a portion of their time in our country. I still remember those with open hearts to me in Ethiopia, and while time has moved on, I've never once forgotten their kindness, their faces, or their smiles.  Likewise, I'll never forget the loving kindness of my friends from Korea.

With these students-that-became-friends, there comes a point when they have to go back home. And my heart aches. I've grown to love them as little brothers and sisters, proud of their accomplishments and excited to see what their future has in store. But the goodbye still hurts. I don't know if I'll ever see them again, though we always promise to one day meet again, either here in the US, or in Korea.

What words could I possibly use to share the depth of my feelings as I have to say goodbye?   This is where I start to fumble, even as a part-time wordsmith, and my tears begin to fall.  

So, To Garam, Jane, Amy, Julia, Yoonah, SooYoung... even those students not pictured like April, Kevin/SungJae, and David:

I want each of you to know how very proud I am of the young adult you are. Each day you were here in the US, I prayed for you. You've all become very special to me and my children, and each of you are endeared to my heart forever. Be strong and courageous, keep seeking to find out more about the things we discussed in class, especially the faith stuff, and don't be afraid to make new choices, even if it's different from your friends or earlier generations. And keep in touch. Many here still love you very much - my family and I included.

I'll be praying for you everyday, dear ones. Until we meet again....

Reading and Things 12 Days of Christmas Event

Hello all!

Some of you are new to my blog, and some are not.  Welcome to all! :)

I am a busy mother to four small kids, and I love every moment of my time with these amazing littles!  I also am a part-time instructor in the psychology and child development fields.  But my heart definitely belongs to my writing, and so here we are! I am an indie author of three books so far, with many more in the works and hopefully release dates very soon!

Today's question for the Reading and Things 12 Days of Christmas is....

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CHRISTMAS SONG?

Oooooohhhhh.... this is a toughy!  I have SO many I just adore!  I love The First Noel, which is also my daughter's middle name. Little Town of Bethlehem, and Mary Did you Know?   I also love the Rat Pack, Perry Como, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole.... all the oldies. :)

However, in the spirit of love, I think the most fun romantic Christmas song is Baby It's Cold Outside!  In honor of my novel Watchmen for Morning being set in Italy, here's Dean Martin's rendition!




Don't forget to join me tonight on the facebook event while I take over - come to WIN some PRIZES!!! :)  Here's the link to the event:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1505122686441402/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming

See ya tonight! <3 Much Gratitude and Respect ~ J.M.P.

New cover for Watchmen for Morning (yes, again!)

I feel like this does a fabulous job as a cover!

Hi again

Woah, it's been a crazy whirlwind since I last posted.  I added the role of "event planner" and "fundraiser" to my resume as we prepared for A Night for the Necessary Ones, which went beautifully.  We didn't meet our fundraising goal for The Baby Box Ministry/Kindred Image, but as books continue to sell (all proceeds of Folded go toward Pastor Lee) hopefully we'll make up for that. The film, The Drop Box, which we previewed that night was incredible - go see it in theaters in March!

(The Consulate General of the Republic of Korea sent flowers to our event!!)

In other news, I didn't quite meet my NaNoWriMo goal, which was only 30,000 words.  I wasn't surprised or let down by this, since A Night for the Necessary Ones was in November as well, and we had to hit marketing pretty hard.  I have a novella, Unlikely Places, that is nearly done, and I was trying to write it's sequel during NaNo, but my brain went haywire.  So, new project :)

Exciting stuff in store... stay tuned!

Much gratitude and respect ~ J.M.P. :)

What's Being Said about Folded (and a little update) :)

My life couldn't be crazier than it is right now. I run my kids around to this or that everyday, plus their schoolwork.  We're remodeling our home.  Not just a small project, mind you, but our entire kitchen, and it's the biggest headache I've ever experienced. (AH! - could you hear my exasperation!?)  :)

Oh, and then there's the planning for our upcoming event, A Night for the Necessary Ones, which is an official Christian Alliance for Orphans event.  We're so very excited to be hosting a pre-release screening of the documentary called The Drop Box, which chronicles Pastor Lee Jung-rak's service in Korea with The Baby Box (click to view trailer).  My team and I are continuing to seek out community and business sponsors to help raise money for Pastor Lee Jung-rak's Baby Box Ministry.  Specifically, we're trying to help him build a Rescue Center.  It's going slowly, but we're trying to build awareness of this very special cause.  Ultimately, if it spurs someone on toward adoption, not just from Korea but anywhere, then I've done my job.

At that same event, I'm releasing my nonfiction adoption book entitled Folded: The Forging of an Adoptive Family.  It's succinct, but jam-packed with research and anecdotal evidence supporting the finding that the relationships a person has matters, especially with attachment figures such as parents.  And moreover, it starts at birth.  ALL PROCEEDS of my book go toward The Baby Box ministry!

I was thrilled that the President of MPAK-Georgia (Mission to Promote Adoption in Korea), Karen Lim, wrote the foreword for my book!  And the English Liaison for the Baby Box Ministry itself, Ellie Oh, also endorsed the book (see below)!

But don't just take my word for it... here are some endorsements for my book! :)

Folded is a heartwarming declaration of the 

power of love and what it means to live a Christ-centered 

life! If you are considering adoption, this book will 

encourage, inform, inspire and challenge you! 

~ Tara Fairfield, Ed.D.

Licensed Psychologist, Author, and Speaker

***

Folded puts a face with the idea of adoption, 

showing the simplicity and complexity of the issue at 

once. With an eye on the real challenges adoption brings 

and an ear toward the cry of orphans around the world, 

Jennifer inspires readers to care for children who are 

eagerly waiting for a family in which they can fit. 

~ Sarah Kornmann, MA

Adjunct Professor, 

Western Iowa Tech Community College

Foster and Adoptive Parent

***

There is no ministry closer to the heart of God 

than adoption. He adopts us in Christ, and calls us to care 

for the orphans. Jennifer Pitkin has a heart for adoption, 

and it's open for you; the joys and struggles in this calling 

and command to love the children. 

~ Dan Barnes, MA

Foster and Adoption Advocate, Pastor

***

This book allows me to realize how imperfection 

turns into perfection through adoption. Providing a loving 5

nest to a child who is born to be loved is one of the most 

blessed works that we can ever do under God. 

~ Ellie Oh

ESL Teacher for Korean Students, Author,

English Liaison for the Baby Box Ministry, South 

Korea

***

Parenting is a blessing! It can also be a challenge 

sometimes. Adopting kids from another culture is also a 

blessing; but it comes with some additional challenges. 

This book gives a realistic picture of what both the 

delights and difficulties look like, and points us to the 

One who can forge a family together in a beautiful way. 

"Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who 

build it," (Psalm 127:1). 

~ Pastor Dave Sowers

Morningside Baptist Church

***

Jennifer Pitkin offers an insightful glimpse into 

the world of parenting adopted children in Folded. She 

shares faith-based experiences and stories that help us to 

better know the supports that are needed for adopted 

children and their adoptive families. 

~ Amy Denney

Elementary School Principal

***

Folded does a fantastic job of explaining the 

importance of relationships showing that emotions, love 

and attachment don’t end at infancy. A powerful read for 

those in “nontraditional” families, because what family is 

“traditional” what is the “right way” to have your family, 

but through love. Families come in all shapes, ages, 

colors, and of course biological and/or adopted. Folded is 

powerful, educational and above all else reminds us to 

open our hearts and love. Ms. Pitkin writes this piece as a 

great resource from both an anecdotal and clinical 

neurobiology perspective.

~ Sadie S. Gehlsen, MSW, LISW

Will YOU join us at our special event?  Here's the flyer!  It's Saturday, Nov 22nd, 6pm, at Sunnybrook Community Church in Sioux City, Iowa.  It's OPEN TO ALL!!!!

Much gratitude and respect ~ J.M.P. :)

Clean Indie Reads Blog Hop

In celebration of the Clean Indie Reads Fall Sale (click here to check out all the lovely books!  Mine should be joining shortly!), we're doing a fun, autumn-themed blog hop!  All the authors are answering the following question:

Q. Do the changing seasons influence your writing and/or choice of books to read?

A. It definitely does.  I am so busy during the summer that when the weather finally cools down and the leaves begin to change, all I want to do is get cozy with a book!  I have certain books I read at certain times of year.  For example, in the fall, I feel drawn to more serious books that give me something deep to ponder about.  Around Christmastime, I always want to read Sarah Sundin's books.  And for when I'm running around after my four kids, I enjoy the more lighthearted, clean romances, or quirky YA or NA that can balance the serious aspects of life with some humor, like Bria Quilan's books!

In addition to reading, I also edit for a Christian business blog and another author.  I keep busy beta-reading for some fabulous people, and then, of course, I try to do my own writing!

I have three books slotted to be released soon.  First up, however, is a Christian nonfiction book about adoption entitled Folded: The Forging of an Adoptive Family.

  

It combines my research in the field of Interpersonal Neurobiology (a study of how the physical structure of the brain is impacted by the relationships a person is in), and attachment with encouraging testimonials from both adoptive families and adult adoptees.  It's my hope to inspire, inform, and encourage anyone considering adoption or touched by the gift of adoption!  As both an adoptive and biological mom, and having done humanitarian work in Ethiopia, I'm really passionate about speaking up for those who have no voice, for children to be treated respectfully and lovingly in the context of a family. :) 

Folded is set to be released during a very special event, A Night for the Necessary Ones, on Saturday, November 22nd, with all proceeds going toward the Baby Box Ministry of Seoul, South Korea.  (Check out kindredimage.org!)

I also have a YA Christian Romantic Suspense entitled Unlikely Places coming up this spring, about two young missionaries that fall in love over social media.  Finally, the third and final release is Of Fire and Fury, the sequel to my novel Watchmen for Morning (Mafia/Crime, Romantic Suspense).  

So, if you're read all the way to the bottom of this post because you're awesome, and would like to enter to win a FREE COPY of Watchmen for Morning or an ARC of Folded, click here to head over to my Rafflecopter giveaway!

Want to check out the other awesome authors participating in the CIR Blog Hop? Click HERE for the schedule!  There are so many talented people in our group! #CR4U

As always, thanks for reading and supporting me on this adventure! Much gratitude and respect ~ J.M.P. :)

Review of Amethyst Eyes by Debbie Brown

(The first book cover photo is from the latest version on Amazon)

The Blurb:

The biggest thing on 15-year-old Tommy's mind is convincing Mom to let him go to the drive-in, but when an accident claims his mother's life and puts him in the hospital, the arrival of his estranged, alien father brings more changes than he had bargained for. It doesn't take his father long to figure out that Tommy knows nothing about who or what he is. Without any explanation, Tommy finds himself onboard his father's spaceship where he is forced to trust a man he does not know in a world he knows even less about. 

Adapting to his new life seems overwhelming, and his father's solution may prove to be Tommy's finest challenge yet...Jayden. A few months younger than Tommy, high strung and always in a mood, the doctor's daughter definitely didn't like being 'told' to help Tommy fit in. Jayden is not the most welcoming or patient of tutors, let alone a friend. As fate would have it, Tommy quickly learns that none of these things compare to the peril that comes from being born with amethyst eyes.


My Review:

Tommy's mother, with whom he had been very close to, died in an accident in the very beginning. His grief was quite believable, but suddenly his dad, who's an alien, appeared and Tommy's stoic reactions surprised me.  

The universe Brown has created is thrilling and unique. I love the dynamics between Tommy & his father's, aka the Commander's, alien race. It's interesting to also see how she incorporates Native American and farming cultures with the alien race & technology - it's a fascinating comparison. I found it especially poignant and timely how she showed toward the end of the book Earth might be the next planet that may come to an end soon.

I did feel that while Brown is a good storyteller, she needed to make sure she "showed" the reader what was going on, rather than "telling."    

Overall, it was an interesting story I'd say would be a good fit for a person seeking a MG or YA sci-fi that has some left political leanings.


My Rating:

Three out of five stars 

(I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review)


Find the Author:

You may find Debbie Brown at:

Amazon
Facebook
Twitter: @amethysteyes01
Goodreads
http://welcometomywritingworld.weebly.com/

Iowa Author Fest

I had a fantastic time yesterday in Des Moines for the Iowa Author Fest.  I made friends with some amazing authors, learned about new books that I just HAD to add to my already looooong TBR pile, and met really great readers who had come for the event.  I was thankful to have been a part of such a special day!  This about wraps up our book tour for Watchmen for Morning as we shift gears to focus on the release of Folded: The Forging of an Adoptive Family! Stay tuned for our very special release event coming up on Saturday, November 22nd, called "A Night for the Necessary Ones." :)  Exciting stuff is happening!!!

Writing Inside Scoop with Nicole Flockton

I have yet another fun author interview today, with my friend Nicole Flockton! She's a dear friend and fellow "Bookworm"!  #pickedbyAngie :)  Today she releases her book Masquarade, so everyone give a big hurray for Nicole's Book Release Day!!!!

JMP: Tell me a little bit about yourself?  

NF: Well I’m from Australia but I live in Houston, Tx where everyone drives big trucks and the roads are really scary. After five years I’m still not used to traffic. I’m married to a  wonderful man and have two kids plus a fluffy cat and the cutest Pomeranian dog. I work remotely for the job I have in Australia before we moved to Houston and then I fit in writing all around that.

JMP: What inspires you to create the stories you do? 

NF: Hmm sometimes it could be a passing comment someone says that triggers and idea. A couple of times I’ve had a scene hit me or a character pops in my head. I’ve not usually used pictures or music but the last book I wrote I found a picture while I was looking at a stock photo site and it just screamed at me that it was this particular character. With that same story I actually created a playlist of about 10 songs and listened to it over and over. I’ve now decided that’s going to be my writing playlist. I thought music would distract me but it actually made me focus.

JMP: Any real life inspiration for any of your characters - protagonists or antagonists? 

NF: Yes and no. Elements of some people who have crossed my path have made their way into some of my characters. I’m now really careful with names too. I don’t want people to think I’ve named a character after them. It’s lucky I don’t write suspense when characters get killed off. In my current WIP I have named a character after a good friend and told my friend about it. She thought it was pretty cool.

JMP: How do you balance motherhood, a full-time job, and being an author? 

NF: I don’t balance it very well. You’d think after all this time I would have worked out the secret to balance it all but I haven’t. Some days I think I’ve got it all sorted other days I’m all over the show and get nothing done.

JMP: What writing and/or publishing advice would you give to any author (small press, indie, etc.)? 

NF: Take that leap, whether it be submitting to an agent or publisher for the first time. Entering a contest or deciding to self-publish. But also listen and learn. If you get a rejection and man it stings, but if it’s a detailed rejection, read it over a couple of times. Take the advice that rings with you. Be open to everything, no matter what.

JMP: What have you published so far and what's coming up next? 

NF: I’ve published five full length novels and 2 short stories. I also had a novella in an independent project which is now off Amazon but I’m planning to add more words and put it back up early next year. I have my first book “Masquerade” in the ‘Sexy in the City’ boxed set which goes on sale 22nd September and it’s only 99c so great value for 9 books. Then on 22nd October 2014 I have “Bound by His Desire” releasing. This is the follow up to my book “Bound by Her Ring”. I’m excited about this book. Nick is broody and sexy and totally alpha. But he is thrown for a loop when Pam steps into his life. They head off to New York so I used my experience of visiting NYC when I wrote Pam’s reactions. 

JMP: At the end of these interviews, I'd like to give my readers a writing prompt (readers: you can submit your story to be on the blog if you wish!)  So, help me finish this prompt: A mischievous little girl and her stubborn brother decide to go on an adventure... 

NF: ...to visit their grandma. She lived a on the other side of town but the little girl was desperate for a piece of Grandma’s chocolate cake.  

Here are Nicole's links:

Facebook.com/NicoleFlockton

Goodreads.com/NicoleFlockton

Amazon.com/Nicole-Flockton/e/B009MQPJNG

@NicoleFlockton

I think something awesome is happening...

In these weeks leading up to my next release, Folded: The Forging of an Adoptive Family, I have to say I'm humbled by the amount of support, encouragement and generosity.  When I get to talk to people from all over the US about the book, when I talk to local business about our big upcoming event (more details to follow, but keep an eye out for A Night for the Necessary Ones), I am floored that SO many people care about the orphaned, the abandoned, and the vulnerable.  Then, the endorsements come in from people highly educated and respected in their field...  I could seriously cry with the wonderful things being written about this book!

I'm pretty sure this isn't happening to me.

Everyone who's met me knows my passion... I live, breathe, and wear it openly.  But I've always felt very small compared to the very great need, the need of 147 million orphans (though I've seen other figures saying this number can go up to 163 million).  I can even feel small with the very great needs of four kids, one of whom we've adopted and he fights everyday to overcome and/or cope with his special needs.

Yet, this is really happening.  Folded's release is going to be amazing - and it's all because of each of you.

Some of you know my story, and understand why it's so important to me.  When I talk to anyone encouraged by what I've written, you in turn inspire me to press on to be a better writer, a better advocate, and most importantly, a better mom.

My hope for this book?  That we take this concept of adoption and orphan care, and turn it into reality.  Let's get boots on the ground, let's get moving, let's do this.

More details to come.  But for now, as I always sign off: Much Gratitude and Respect ~ J.M.P. :)

Writing Inside Scoop: Author Interview with Laura Gibson

Today I have such a fun interview lined up.  My dear friend, and fellow author, Laura Gibson is with me for today’s blog post Writing Inside Scoop!

JMP: So, Laura, how many years have you walked around with voices… I mean characters in your head?

LG: Well, I was a huge fan of escapism as a child and always found myself making up stories that seemed more interesting than my regular every day life. So, I guess I could say that I've been writing ever since I could... write. haha

JMP: Tell me a little bit about your first release, And Then There Was David.

LG: David was a very personal story for me to write. It was started in 2007 and then finally completed in 2013. It deals with depression and not feeling adequate, which are two things that I've struggled with most of my life. I poured most of my soul into the two characters of David and Caroline and I really let them tell their own story of healing and moving forward. It was quite the experience.

JMP: You just released your second book, Kelly Hill.  What gave you the inspiration for that?

LG: A show! lol No really, I was at a show for The Dear Hunter and Naive Thieves was the opening band. There was something about the feeling of the music that I wanted to bring to life in a story and so the characters of Kelly and Rachel were born. It took me a while to really figure out what they were supposed to do, but once I did it turned into a pretty fun story.

JMP: What would be some advice you’d give aspiring authors?  Where do you get your writing mojo?

LG: Advice I'd give aspiring writers... don't force it. And where do I get my writing mojo? Ummm well. My over active imagination?

JMP: I know that you work full-time.  How do you find time to follow your passion to write?

LG: I have to make time for it. It's as simple as that. I look at what's more important in my life and what I want to spend time doing and then I schedule accordingly.

JMP: What’s your next project, and how soon can we expect to see it?

LG: Well, my next project is the sequel to Kelly Hill, titled 'Alice'. It should be out later this fall.

JMP: At the end of these interviews, I’d like to give my readers a writing prompt.  So, Laura, help me provide a set-up for them.  If you read a story about a guy who could cliff jump into anywhere in space, where would you want him to go and why? (Readers – you get to finish this story!  If you feel so inclined, send it my way and I’ll post it on my blog!)

LG: That's a toughy! It all depends on the guy, I suppose. Like, what's his motivation for jumping off the cliff in the first place? Is he an explorer or an adventurer? A wayward teenager looking for an escape?

Too many options for me to pick just one! haha

Cover Reveal! Worth the Fall by Caitie Quinn

Worth the Fall by Caitie Quinn

(Brew Ha Ha #2)

Publication date: Fall 2014;  Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Kasey Lane is having a bad week.

Understatement.

Her idea of success never involved losing her job, man, and apartment in 24-hours. Now, with nowhere to go and no way to pay for it anyway, Kasey decides it’s time for a fresh start. That means a new apartment, a new career, and…no men.

But as a magnet for ridiculousness and absurd brushes with the law, her start goes from fresh to stale in record time. It doesn’t help that Mr. Wrong keeps showing up during her adventures gone awry and taking over. Now, as Kasey plans her way to independence she has to decide if the only path to success is going it alone...or if maybe a partner in crime can make the journey sweeter.

Add this to your TBR List today! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22732442-worth-the-fall

For more updates on this author, go to @CaitieQuinn or www.caitiequinn.com!

Meet My Character Blog Hop Tour!

Everyone loves a Character. Are you ready to meet some interesting ones?

I'd like to thank Zelda Benjamin for inviting my to take part in this fun blog hop. I've been introduced to some fabulous authors and their great characters, and now you will, too!

Zelda Benjamin was born in Brooklyn, NY. The people and their neighborhoods inspired her Love by Chocolate series. She writes sweet sensual romance. When not writing, she's usually out in the garden with the dog, working as a nurse, or eating chocolate (not necessarily in that order). Visit her website to find out more. www.zeldabenjamin.com

MEET MY CHARACTER

Q. What is the name of your character? Is he/she fictional or historical?

A.) Today I'd like to introduce you to Zoey Lewis, a brave and slightly snarky college girl from Cincinnati, Ohio!  Her character is fictional, of course, and one of the protagonists in my upcoming novella, Unlikely Places (due out this winter/early spring!).  The location of her humanitarian aid trip, however, is very real: The Baby Box ministry, located in Seoul, South Korea.

Q. When and where is the story set?

A.) It's a contemporary tale.  Zoey is a US citizen on a humanitarian service trip, working in the controversial Baby Box Ministry.  She meets online another humanitarian working in Ethiopia, named Jake Rogers... and the rest you'll have to read about :)

(The real life Pastor Lee outside the Baby Box, Seoul, S. Korea)

(Photo of Pastor Lee in his home-turned-into-orphanage, The Baby Box)

Q. What should we know about your character?

A.) Zoey is very kind-hearted and passionate, but still relatively young.  She has never been outside of the United States before, and we get to laugh with her as she tries new cultural things in Korea and experiments using a language foreign to her, but familiar to her hosts.  

Q. What is their main conflict? What messes up her life?

A.) As innocent as the tale begins, Zoey quickly finds herself in the politics of a country still seeing the work of the Baby Box as shameful.  Through each crisis that occurs, she finds her strength within... and in an unlikely place - online with Jake Rogers, who also goes through turmoil as he serves in Ethiopia. 

Q. What is the personal goal of your character?

A.) Survival of the fittest!  Just kidding! :) She wants to see the Baby Box Ministry prosper, and wants to help bring about cultural and social change, one person and child at a time.  She never thought she'd fall in love, and that only helps bring her life into a very clear, purposeful focus.

Q. Is there a working title for this novel, can we read more about it?

A.) Yes!  Unlikely Places currently in progress, due out soon!  We're still shooting for this winter, but could be early spring 2015 as well - between four kids, remodeling our home, work and two other writing projects, life gets busy! :)  Connect with me online to stay updated - via this blog (authorjenniferpitkin.blogspot.com), Facebook, or Twitter.  I always respond to everyone!!!

Next Fun and Fabulous Tour - September 4th!

TERESA WATSON

The first story I wrote was on the back of old homework papers in the fifth grade. I'm a voracious reader, so it makes sense that I grew up to be a writer. My favorite genre is mysteries. I always knew who did it on "Murder, She Wrote" fifteen minutes into the show!
I try to incorporate humor into my stories because of my wicked sense of humor. Laughter is the best medicine in the world! Throw in a good mystery and you've got the makings for a very enjoyable experience!
The reason there is more conversation in my stories than description is because I want the reader to feel like they are a part of the story. I want you to feel like you are sitting in the room, right there, listening to it as it happens. My mother, who is also a mystery lover, is the main reason I write my stories the way I do: with no graphic violence, no overly descriptive love scenes. Just a good old fashioned mystery with as much humor as possible.  If this is what you are looking for, you've come to the right place! Give my stories a try. I promise you won't be disappointed!

LINKS:
Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Teresa-Watson/e/B009OH84HQ/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorTeresaW
FB writer's page: https://www.facebook.com/teresaleewatson
Blog: http://myfunnyviewoflife.com/

MARTY DONNELLAN

Marty Donnellan is a lifelong resident of Atlanta, GA. She is a writer and illustrator, dollmaker, skater and skating teacher, nursing home art teacher, grain growing enthusiast and founder/director of Joy Community Kitchen, Inc., a 501(c)3 non-profit food charity.

She is the author of six books. Four are stories set in the imaginary world of frendibles, and two are non-fiction "how-to" manuals. One teaches dollmaking and the other, roller skating! Her current WIP is a genre-switching murder mystery under the name “Beckley Marks”.

LINKS: 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Frendibles-Place/1422993351287739

http://www.amazon.com/Marty-Donnellan/e/B00BLVJLM0/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

https://twitter.com/MartyDonnellan

email: marty@martydonnellan.com

www.martydonnellan.com

www.thefrendiblesplace.wordpress.com

https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/MartyDonnellan

T.C. RAVENSCRAFT

T.C. Ravenscraft is a pseudonym for a team of two women who share a mutual love of word-smithing and family. Individually, their interests encompass far flung subjects ranging from aviation to vampires, and appaloosas to werewolves. Although they live in different states and rarely meet face to face, their novels always come together as a seamless whole, so that even they are unable to tell who wrote what. Their motto: "When we're writing, we aren't 'us,' we are T.C."


LINKS:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TCRavenscraftBook involving my character: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AGB37VCAmazon Author Central: http://www.amazon.com/T.C.-Ravenscraft/e/B00IHORY0ABlog: http://tcravenscraft.blogspot.com/

FRANKY BROWN

Franky Brown is from South Carolina and has an English BA from the University of South Carolina. Writing has always been her passion. She is the author of Julia the Secret Keeper and a gluten-free recipe blog, "Julia and Me, Gluten-free". She is currently at work on a sequel to her debut novel. She lives in Alabama with her husband and son. Visit her website at www.frankybrown.com.

LINKS:

Website www.frankybrown.com. 

Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/Franky-A.-Brown/e/B00LNCAXQK/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1409361408&sr=8-1

MARIANNE SCIUCCO

Marianne Sciucco is not a nurse who writes but a writer who happens to be a nurse. A lover of words and books, she dreamed of becoming an author when she grew up but became a nurse to avoid poverty. She later brought her two passions together and writes about the intricate lives of people struggling with health and family issues. Her debut novel, “Blue Hydrangeas,” an Alzheimer’s love story, is rated 4.7 stars on Amazon and has 60 5-star reviews.  It’s hit number one in Kindle’s medical fiction four times, is IndieReader Approved, a BookWorks Book of the Week, a Reader’s Favorite, and winner of IndieReCon’s Best Indie Novel Award. A native Bostonian, she lives in New York’s Hudson Valley and, when not writing, works as a campus nurse at a community college. She loves books, the beach, and craft beer, and especially enjoys the three of them together.

LINKS:

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Hydrangeas-Marianne-Sciucco-ebook/dp/B00CHU571S/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1389745973&sr=8-2&keywords=sciucco

Barnes and Noble

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/blue-hydrangeas-marianne-sciucco/1117247346?ean=9780989559201&itm=1&usri=9780989559201

iBooks 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/blue-hydrangeas/id731472206?mt=11&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

Kobo

http://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/Search?Query=sciucco

Nook 

http://productsearch.barnesandnoble.com/search/results.aspx?WRD=sciucco

Twitter 

https://twitter.com/MarianneSciucco

NICOLE FLOCKTON

On her very first school report her teacher said ‘Nicole likes to tell her own stories’.
It wasn’t until after the birth of her first child and after having fun on a romance community forum that she finally decided to take the plunge and write a book.
The stories she writes are contemporary romances with either a medical setting or in the boardrooms of high powered businesses. She enjoys taking two characters and creating unique situations for them.
Apart from writing Nicole is busy looking after her very own hero – her wonderfully supportive husband, and two fabulous kids.

LINKS:

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/NicoleFlockton

Facebook: www.facebook.com/NicoleFlockton

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Nicole-Flockton/e/B009MQPJNG