Musical Inspiration

Okay, yes, I'm being lazy. But it's because I'm being productive. I'm writing. I just crossed over the 15K mark on my third book. WOOHOO!!!

So, for your enjoyment, the musical selection tonight will be one of my favorites: I Choose You by Sara Bareilles. Enjoy!

 

 

 

Have a great day. Read a book and laugh!

Book Review: Through the Fire by Michelle Irwin

If you think your life sucks, met Evie...

Evie Meyers’ life is one spent on the run. Every minute of every day, her life is in danger if anyone should suspect the truth about her ancestry. Her father was willing to risk everything to keep the truth hidden, even from her, but the lies he fabricated were exposed when her high school crush, Clay Jacobs, inadvertently stumbled upon her secret. His discovery puts Evie at risk from a secret organization tasked with washing the world clean of nonhumans—and Clay is one of its deadliest soldiers. Forced into a war she doesn’t understand, all because of what she is, Evie is left with no choice but to flee with her father to escape persecution.

When Clay reappears in her life, battle scarred and mysterious, Evie is unprepared and terrified as he forces his way back into her heart. When the battle catches up with her, and a tragic accident tears apart the peace she discovered, she finds herself alone and without the protection of her father, or her lover. Now, she needs to keep her secrets hidden and learn to survive on her own in a world that wants her dead, all while searching for the missing piece of her heart.

My thoughts: This book seriously hit on so many elements that I love when reading. There was the obvious fantasy elements. Which Michelle does not dive right into. As the reader, you understand from her lifestyle that there is an underlying cause that is not "natural" but she weaves the actual revelation into the story. Brilliant! There is a portion of the book that is pleasantly more fantastical than other parts, mostly in the middle, and I enjoyed these portions, too. But the backdrop of the entire story might be the romantic relationship between Evie and Clay. The relationship between these two characters drives many scenes in the book - and even when he is absent from the page physically, the readers are always reminded, through Evie, of Clay and I really liked that. The book was paced well, no errors that I noticed, and great characters with good chemistry. And the end left me wanting more but this could easily be a standalone novel. But I don't think it will be.

I highly recommend this book to those who love Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, and Romance.

Add the book on your Goodreads TBR!


Have a great day. Read a book and laugh!

Spotlight: Sabrina Quinn's Can't Love You More

Braelyn Withers has been best friends with Aiden McCluen since she was just eight years old. The two of them had a special bond that only grew deeper the older they got. Their love was one of a kind, no one could deny that.

Everything changes in a blink of an eye after Aiden blindsides her by committing the ultimate betrayal on graduation night. Braelyn decides that leaving town is the only answer, especially now
that she has a secret of her own. Little did she know that in doing so, she would change her own fate forever.

A year later, Braelyn decides to move back to her small Indiana hometown hoping to find that
happy, free-spirited girl she left behind. The girl she no longer knew. She also just wants to forget what happened in Chicago. No one back home  seems to understand why she isn't the same, which secludes her even more.

Gabe Murphy temporarily moved to Indiana in hopes to right his wrongs from his past in Georgia. Jaded from the life he knew, he no longer believed in love and had no desire to ever find it. All of that changed the moment those sad, icy blue eyes that belonged to the girl who lived above his new apartment met his. He was instantly drawn to her. After becoming friends with Braelyn, Gabe makes it his mission to help her out of the deep depression that has consumed her over the past year. He has seen first hand what it can do to a person and it is not pretty.

Will Aiden's confession now that she is back change things or will it ruin her forever?


Starting today thru Sunday Can't Love You More is free on Amazon.

Add to your Goodreads TBR.

Like her Facebook Page Author Sabrina Quinn!




Have a great day. Read a book and laugh!

What's in a Name?

As a writer, I'm tasked with finding names for my characters. Much like new parents must do when they have a baby. That can sometimes be a very challenging request. So I've compiled a list of do's and don't when it comes to naming your book characters.

1. Don't overcomplicate the name. If the name is too complex that even you can't pronounce it then it's probably not a good idea to give it to your character. For instance, Haoilmclj - would be a terrible name for a character. And I apologize if this is your actual name. But what the ?!%! is that. If you want to try and be unique study authors like Suzanne Collins and J.K. Rowlings - they've created timeless characters that have very unique names.

2. Don't start all your character's names with the same letter. In my series, Finding Me, I had to make a few changes to names after I'd written the book and a few of my beta readers stumbled on the names a few tines. I had Chris and Christa and Chloe and other "C" names thrown in there. It was too much. So, I went back and changed the names so each character would be totally distinct.

3. Don't give every single character a name. In our every day lives we encounter many people. Just standing in the grocery line I can strike up a conversation with someone but I never know that person's name. If a character is only filler, a small background person to set the scene, has no distinguishing story arc, does not advance the plot whatsoever, don't give them a name. Or give them a describer name. For instance, in my book Finding Me, my main character takes quick inventory of people standing in line in front of her. One such character never speaks a word but she describes her action, her noise is bleeding and she's holding a piece of tissue to it. And thus "nose bleed girl" is how she is referred to throughout the scene. She's only in this scene as filler, like background noise to set the mood but she has no significant role.

4. Do creative things with names. My series is urban fantasy so my characters names are common. But I gave many of them nicknames like, CC, Tee, Em... I also had other characters make up his/her own funny names for characters in my book Enlighten Me. For instance, he gave main character, Chloe/Amanda the name Sybil - because of the multiple personalities...later he even shortened it to Syb. He does this a lot and it's a great way to show how a character feels about another character in the story.



Do you have a unique spin on how you name characters? Do you enjoy to read books with characters that have difficult names?


Have a great day. Read a book and laugh!

Setting Myself Up for Success

I plan my goals each year and reflect on them every few months to see my progress. Instead of me calling the list I made a few days ago my list of resolutions, and even in place of the word "goal," I see this, list and time, as an opportunity to set myself up for success.

Did I accomplish all I wanted last year? No. But I did accomplish most and for that I'm happy. I do question why didn't I accomplish all my goals? The short answer is: not everything is in my hands. I had other people I had no choice but rely on and sometimes things came up. I couldn't control every aspect of everything. But I tried, I really did. And all that got me was heartburn and headaches.

Yeah, I got upset? Faster than the Grinch tried to steal Christmas. But I realized my errors (yeah, there were many). The main reason some of those goals failed was because I set the bar too high. I'm a short lady in stature and I had created goals that even my handy step-ladder wouldn't allow me to reach. Why? Because I was trying to push myself into a coma to be successful. I took on too much, too soon. There was never any way for me to accomplish all I'd tried to do without cloning myself. So all I really did was make myself unhappy and create unnecessary chaos in my already disarrayed madness (also known as my life).

Another thing I did wrong was, I focused on other people's goals too much. What I mean is, I read dozens of posts by other authors and tried to copy their goals. I figured if they were doing it, I should be, too. Wrong! A goal is a unique, individual thing. So what was right for that writer might just spell doom for you and me.

Okay, lessons learned. So, I went into this year with a level head, clear expectations, and a heaping of optimism (because what's the use of setting myself up for success if I don't even believe I can do it). I envision myself at the start line of a race. I look to my left and I see an opponent. I look to my right and I see another opponent. Each opponent has something in common: they're both me.

So, I'm not going to list my goals here today. They're mine. Get your own. But I will admonish you to be thoughtful in your setting. To be brave. And above also be uniquely you!


Have you set goals? How did you go about it?





Have a great day. Read a book and laugh.

My Favorite Things

 

 

This year has flown by at a breakneck speed. My oldest daughter graduated from high school and started college. My middle child, my son, started high school. And this year he is almost the same height as his father – 6’1. And he’s only 14. My youngest daughter started her last year of elementary school. And of course, I was a sobbing mess when I dropped her on the first day.  

Yes, it’s been a busy year.

But I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying many moments of it. It’s only a couple days away from Christmas and I know I should have probably sent this earlier…but I wanted to share a few of my favorite things from this year.  

Of course, everyone who knows me knows I love to read. That yes, I’m a writer but I was a reader first. I’ve always loved language, period. I even received a degree in English to solidify my love. So, I’ll start with my most treasured reads of the year, books:

Quanie Miller’s The New Mrs. Collins – an adult paranormal novel was awesome. I couldn’t put it down. The characters were so alive that I had to look over my shoulders a few times for the villain, Adira. The plot was compelling and the pacing was excellent. I’m not sure if there will be a second book but the way the first book ended leaves the impression that there could be another. You can read my full review here.

 

Kelly Hashway/Ashlyn Drake’s Into the Fire – a young adult paranormal romance. I’ve read a number of books from Kelly/Ashlyn and this is my favorite. The ending had me on the edge of my seat. When it was over, I wanted to email Kelly begging for the next book (hint, hint). I believe this is a three or four book series and I can't wait to read them all. You can read my full review here.

David Estes’s Fire Country (Country Saga book 1) – This book took me on the ultimate adventure. I loved it so much that I found myself speaking and thinking like the characters. That’s immersing yourself in your reading, right? David created this language unique to the book but that made perfect sense – at least to me. I loved it. Can you tell? You can read my full review here.

Dawn Brazil’s Enlighten Me – Yes, I’m including my own book to this list. Why? Because I can. No, I really did enjoy writing this one – more than any  book I’ve written. Why? Honestly, the villains were awesome. They’re humorous; I love humor in stories that are otherwise somber. They're also real people with beliefs that drive them. These beliefs give them the motivation to challenge others. It’s just as hard for them to understand why the “good guys” are doing what they’re doing. They think what they are doing will help others. Why would that be an issue you ask? Why are they the villains you want to know? Because their method of solving the problems will kill millions. Here is the link to it on Goodreads.

If you haven’t read these books I’d highly recommend them all!

After reading, the next thing I love to spend my hard earned money on is candles. Here’s the scoop on a brand I love:

Candles by Eden – One of my co-workers started her own business making candles. And I adore candles. I’ve got an entire kitchen cabinet full of them to prove it. These aren’t ordinary candles though. The candles are all natural and handmade. I’ve never had all-natural/handmade candles before so I wasn’t really sure how they would burn/smell. So, I bought a few of them in my favorite scents – Pomegranate, Peppermint Sugar Cookie, and White Tea and Ginger. Of course, I ordered more than three but these were my favorites. How did they burn? Great. Awesome. They smelled so good that my oldest daughter wants to buy her own. And my baby, who is the pickiest person I’ve ever met, gave them a thumbs up. There's nothing like the scent of a pomegranate candle wafting in the air, as you curl up in the tub, with soft music and low lights... Not that I EVER get the chance to do this anymore. I digress. You can read all about the Candles and Eden here.

 

Do you have any favorites that you’d like to share?

 

 

 

Have a great day. Read a book and laugh!

 

New Release Alert: Enlighten Me by ME

Today's the day - the release of Enlighten Me, book 2 in the Finding Me series. I'm so excited, and tired, and excited, and tired.... Did I say I was really tired. The life of an Indie Author, wife, mother of three, with a full-time job can be difficult.

But I'm not complaining. I wouldn't give up any of those titles.
 
Since Enlighten Me is the sequel to Finding Me, I'm sharing an excerpt from Finding Me:

I forced my eyes upward. My mind cascaded over all the things I could say. I knew I shouldn’t allow him to bully me. My thoughts scattered, the right words slipped away. “I…no…you are not–”

My head jerked back suddenly, casting a dozen sparkling stars across my eyes, and a bolt of electricity shot up my spine. The zap was so intense, I stumbled, face-first to the floor. The fall should have thrown me to the smooth, dry surface of the wood floor of the school hallway.

It didn’t.

My hands met moisture. My eyes bulged as I took in what lay beneath them: grass.

I lifted my head to scan the area, stunned to silence. A sea of green enveloped me. The urge to scream overpowered everything, but I fought it. I clasped my hands to my mouth to muffle the sound that escaped anyway.

The football field stretched before me.

How can I be here? This isn’t possible. I scrambled to my feet, spun around, and gazed at the school I’d been in moments ago. I shut my eyes tight. “Please let me be back in the school, about to have the biggest fight with Zack,” I said aloud.

My heart thrummed at my chest, but my eyes remained shut, afraid of what I might find once I dared a peek. But standing with them closed wasn’t an option. A crow cawed overhead to urge me on. My eyes sprang open. Confusion twisted away at my insides. Why was I still on the field? I swallowed back the lump in my throat and ran a shaky hand through my thick hair that continually blew into my face, obstructing my vision.

Straining against the glare of the midday sun, I tripped, my feet two cinderblocks in my boots. For late August, the Manhattan wind that kicked up seemed to scream winter and not fall. I tucked the unruly strands of hair, tossed about by the rebel wind, behind my ear and took another reluctant step forward. That was when I saw it. The crimson red thrust the emerald green of the field. The colors blended, reminding me of Freddy Krueger’s sweater in A Nightmare on Elm Street. There was a lot of blood in that movie. And I was pretty certain blood was the red part I saw on the field.

I gasped. My breath caught in my throat and the stench of copper invaded my nostrils. I fought against the urge to vomit, yet couldn’t contain the desire to move closer.

I’d never seen a dead body before.

 

Here is the blurb for Enlighten Me:

 

 

Sometimes carefully constructed lies can become the truth…

When seventeen-year-old Amanda reawakens, she is faced with the life Chloe lived for 17 years. The adjustment isn’t easy. But as she attempts to acclimate to a life that’s foreign to her, old friends become new enemies and bad habits are hard to stop. When she begins to doubt the story she’s been given to explain her travels through the multiverse, she knows she must find the answers before everyone else. Because if her weird dreams and visions are an indication of who she really was, everyone might just be in danger. But not from the enemy they think.

From her.

Enlighten Me and Finding Me are both on sale for $0.99 and can be purchased here:

Amazon

Smashwords

Have  great day. Read a book and laugh!

 

 

 

Cover Reveal: Enlighten Me by ME

I'm so excited to finally reveal the cover of my new novel, Enlighten Me. This is book 2 in the Finding Me series. Hope everyone loves it as much as I do!

Enlighten Me will be releasing on December 15th!!!


Have a great day. Read a book and laugh!

New Release: Soul Freedom by Miranda Shanklin

I have the awesome privilege of presenting the cover of Author Miranda Shanklin's new release, Soul Freedom.

With the stress of graduation and planning weddings, Annisa and her group of friends want to end things with the Counsel once and for all. They strengthen their bond to the strongest it can be and go on the offensive. After they achieve their goal, they find that was not their only problem. Now they have to figure out who will be the next Counsel, and how to deal with other realms that have found their way in.

While the group guards over the Origin, Annisa goes with members of the other realms to track down the wayward travelers, before they cause too much damage in our realm. To prevent this from happening again or any damage that may result, the group, along with their newly appointed Counsel, must come up with a system to allow other realms access to our realm, so they don’t have to constantly be on the lookout for trespassers from other realms.

Can it be done in time for Annisa and her friends to enjoy graduation, and Annisa's upcoming nuptials? With the help of friends and family, it just may be possible!


Have a great day. Read a book and laugh.

Randomness...Movie Version

I'm deep in edits right now so I couldn't think of what to write. So I thought I'd be random...talk about the first thing that crosses my mind. And for some reason, movies was at the forefront of my thoughts. Aside from books, movies are my next big thing.

Have you seen any good movies lately? I have.

Here's a rundown of the last movies I saw and what I'm anxiously awaiting to see next:

BEFORE I GO TO SLEEP

 

I had only seen one preview for this movie. It looked okay but I wasn't jumping from my seat to see it. But when I was at the movies with my hubby and some other family, this was the movie that was playing next and looked most promising. After watching it, I'd rate it a 4 out of 5 - because there is a killer twist. But it's slow at times...and Nicole Kidman cries through almost all of it. This movie is 50 First Dates (Adam Sandler/Drew Barrymore) meets Premonition (Sandra Bullock)... she can't remember once she wakes from sleeping but does she really want to... 

 

ENDER'S GAME

 

I had been wanting to see this movie for a while. I'm a sci-fi junkie and an action-a-holic...but for some reason this movie wasn't everything I'd hoped it would be. I do love the sci-fi elements, and Harrison Ford is always great, and the kid playing Ender was awesome but there was something missing for me. If I had to rate it, I'd give it 4 stars - for the acting alone.

 

HALLOWEEN

 

Of course, this movie really does not need an introduction. But Halloween can't pass without me watching my fav Halloween movie. Umm and that would most definitely be the old version. I loathe the new version. Michael Myers is one of the creepiest movie villains ever. I love him! If you've never seen this movie, shame on you. If you love horror then this is your movie. There is very little in the way of gore - which I love because blood and guts everywhere does not equal scary to me. Its a maniacal killer on the loose so stay indoors...well, maybe...

 

INTO THE WOODS

 

I did jump out of my seat when I saw this trailer. Merly Streep, Johnny Depp, Emily Blunt, I'm getting excited just thinking about the cast. But the actual movie is genius! Think twisted fairy tales, think scary Meryl Streep, and Johnny Depp in any fashion. This movie has not released yet. It is set to hit theatres on December 25th. And I most definitely cannot wait.

 

ANNIE

 

And finally, Annie. They're remaking this classic and it looks terrific. Jamie Fox, Rose Byrne, Cameron Diaz, and Quvenzhane Wallis...what's not to love with a cast like this. This movie releases Christmas this year and I'm going to absolutely burst at the seams... Okay, I like musicals...


Have you seen any great movies lately? What are you anxiously waiting to see?



Have a great day. Read a book and laugh!