Monday, September 22, 2014
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
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
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. :)
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. :)
Thursday, September 11, 2014
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
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
Monday, September 8, 2014
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!
Monday, September 1, 2014
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
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 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-
Twitter: https://twitter.com/
FB writer's page: https://www.facebook.com/
Blog: http://myfunnyviewoflife.com/
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
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-
Twitter: https://twitter.com/
FB writer's page: https://www.facebook.com/
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:
email: marty@martydonnellan.com
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/
LINKS:Facebook: https://www.facebook.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-
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:
Barnes and Noble
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/
iBooks
Kobo
Nook
Twitter
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.
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
Review of Makai King by Fairfield
Description:
A new queen reigns beneath the sea in the underwater kingdom of Moku-ola. Armed with a sense of destiny, and friends loyal and true, Queen Tessa faces her greatest challenge ever as the ruler of sharks threatens her kingdom. Her heart has chosen one man to become her king, but another seeks to take it by force. Can her strength and resolve endure? Will her faith in the Creator’s plan and protection remain? In Makai King, second book in the Makai Series, Christian psychologist Tara Fairfield continues the adventures of Tessa in the whimsical world of Moku-ola, which began in Makai Queen, showing readers the power of forgiveness and understanding your identity as a child of God.
My Review:
Immediately magical, this fantasy novel lets the main character Tessa swim under the depths and walk on land, talk to people and communicate with animals and sea life as she reigns as the Queen of Moku-ola, a little world under the surface, in the ocean. My attention was immediately grabbed by the Hawaiian theme, tongue, and tribal legends made to seem as though they were real-life. The ocean/water motif was wonderfully woven throughout the entire book. Tessa communicates with all of the water life and it’s so fun to read how this author incorporates the culture and common, day-to-day life of Hawaii with the sea creatures native to around Maui. She describes the sayings, dress, even the plant life in exquisite detail. The Creator of all the kingdom is woven throughout, and being written by a Christian psychologist, it was a fantastic way to insert scripture references and promises God has given to His people.
The story picks up where I assume Makai Queen left off, which - disclaimer - I have not yet read. Because of that, I would recommend reading Makai Queen first as I do not believe Makai King was meant to be a standalone. A lot of characters seem to reprise their roles.
Tessa, the Queen, and Kupua, the king and Tessa’s love interest in the book, stand with Kele and Alkalei as they battle against the evil Moho, who also happens to be Kupua’s brother. Moho desires to be in Kupua’s throne, and does just about anything to get to that - including suspicious deaths of fish and other sea creatures, being abusive toward others, power-hungry, bitter, prideful and seemingly selling his soul to Lua Pele. Moho involves twins, Henry and Sam, in his evil schemes.
The religious allegory to each character’s role in the book is fantastic, especially when it comes to Tessa giving life and love, while Moho destroys and spreads hatred. Even though Moho proves to be a formidable enemy, seeking likeness with the evil sharks of the ocean, Tessa and Kupua still feel love for him, and a desire for him to return to his family.
What Moho goes through in his dark quest for power is poignant, and not without warning to readers as it draws its parallels to biblical concepts and battles.
The love story is light, sweet, and noble and is very Creator-focused (the Creator chose for them to be together). It’s not truly a big focus as the fight for good vs. evil takes center stage, however. Tessa, Kupua and the rest of the cast go through big and small battles for power… and you have to read to the end to find out who wins :)
Favorite quotes:
* “In the darkest places, the Creator’s light shines the brightest.
Courage, not borne from myself, strengthened me as I absorbed my
surroundings,” (pg 96)
My Rating:
Four Stars / A- for uniqueness, exploration of morality in an understandable way, and the flow of the story
Find the Author:
Tara's works can be found on Amazon, and she can also be found on Facebook!
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