Guest Post: "Do You Believe?": Dianne Hartsock, Author of "Alex"

Today we have Dianne Hartsock, the author of "Alex" visiting with us! Welcome, Dianne!

Do You Believe?

            ALEX is the story of a reluctant psychic. I’ve always been fascinated by the paranormal and wanted to create a character who, by his very nature, could suspend disbelief for the duration of a novel.

            It’s not that I don’t believe a person can be psychic. I’ve had a few unexplainable happenings in my life. There was a time several years back when I was out shopping with my sister. Right in the middle of the mall we stopped and looked at each other. For some inexplicable reason we were suddenly worried about our brother. A few days later we learned that he had been in a hospital in Mexico, deadly ill, and had returned home to convalesce.

With ALEX, I wondered what extreme circumstances could lead to his ‘gift’. I decided it would have to start with his childhood. Alone and isolated, living with the anguish of abuse, perhaps a person’s mind would expand, seeking escape from the sadness and loneliness of life.

            I believed his isolation would also make him hypersensitive to the people around him. He’d be empathetic to the point where he could sense and sometimes see the emotions of others. Their thoughts would leap to him in a wave of a sympathetic connection.

            Here’s one example:

            “Doctor Beckett’s here. Will you let him take a look at you?”

He widened his eyes in alarm. “What?”

“It’ll be okay, I promise. Will you do this for me? I called him because I’ve been worried about you.”

He looked closely at her. She seemed tired and stressed. “Okay. But will you stay with me?” He regretted sounding like a child. “Forget I said that.”

She nodded and called the doctor. When Beckett entered the room, Alex stared unwittingly at the angry swirls of purple and blue radiating from him. His thoughts became entangled in a web of the doctor’s own. He saw the images of a tiny girl with enormous blue eyes and a bleeding heart. “Megan,” he whispered, tears in his eyes for the little girl on the cold table.

Beckett gave him a piercing look but said nothing.

And again:

A knock on the front door disrupted their kiss. They both looked up and Jane reluctantly stepped from his arms. “Come in.”

The screen door creaked open and Ben joined them. There was strain around his eyes. He ran a hand through his hair, not meeting anyone’s eyes. Alex began to ask a question but fell silent when Ben glanced up. The man’s eyes were dark with emotion and his thoughts leaped to Alex in a wave of anguish.

“No,” Alex said.

Ben’s shoulders sagged. “Sally had a stroke this morning.”

“Oh, no,” Jane murmured.

“She doesn’t remember me.” He made a visible effort for self-control, folding his arms across his chest.

Alex cleared his throat. “Can we see her?”

“She’s in the ICU.” His armor cracked. “I can’t talk about her right now.”

“But …”

Ben cut him off with a sharp gesture, his voice bitter. “I don’t want to know what you see.”

Alex has many such experiences throughout the book. Can a person truly be psychic? I hope that with ALEX I’ve shown one way it could be possible.

LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW AND TOMORROW 9/13/11 ON DIANNE'S POST AT CLU'S ALL NIGHT PREVIEW FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A PDF COPY OF "ALEX"! WINNER WILL BE DRAWN 9/14/11.

ALEX

Solstice Publishing: http://www.solsticepublishing.com/products/Alex%252d%252dPDF-EBOOK.html

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Alex-Dianne-Hartsock/dp/1463718918/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1309572449&sr=1-8

Alex is twenty and confused.  He always is.  The world presses on him with its horrors and pain, with scintillating auras that pierce his eyes and drive the migraines deeper. He hears the cries of children, the screaming women. He sees the brutal images of the tortured victims. He feels out of control and his mind slips...

 Severely abused as a child, he is left with horrible scars on his body and even worse scars within his mind. Even though it puts him in danger, he’s compelled to help those who call to him. He’s driven, motivated by his visions to rescue them and uncover the killer. When he can, he helps the police; yet some detectives suspect he’s the cause of the problem, not the solution. Often, Alex finds himself alone and afraid in a world he doesn’t always comprehend. 

Dianne Hartsock

Blog: http://diannehartsock.wordpress.com/

Alex’s Musings: http://diannehartsocksalex.wordpress.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/diannehartsock

Facebook Author page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dianne-Hartsocks-ALEX/107985445959828?v=wall

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/diannehartsock

Guest Post: "Inspiring Ideas": Grace Elliot, Author of A Dead Man's Debt

Today we have a guest on the blog: Grace Elliot, author of A Dead Man's Debt. She's sharing where she gets her inspiration. Don't forget to comment on this post for a chance to win a PDF copy of A Dead Man's Debt!

Grace:

Ask a writer what question they are most frequently asked – and most will answer, “Where do you get your ideas?”

Now, I’m a veterinarian by day and an author by night, and so it might seem odd that my thoughts turn to writing historical romance…but that’s why I love it…because it uses a different part of my brain. Dealing with the science of medicine and surgery in my working day, it’s a relief…a de-stress if you like, to let the creative side take over, and inspiration comes in many forms and some strange places.

It may sound bizarre but the idea behind ‘A Dead Man’s Debt’ sprang from seeing a portrait of Emma Hart (who became Lady Hamilton and then Nelson’s mistress.)  The painting by George Romney shows an innocent yet lush young woman, scantily clad with a hint of bosom, brazenly staring out of the canvas with an allure that is quite hypnotic. It struck me as sensational for an 18^th century work, that the sitter was not prim, proper, straight backed and starchy. It must have been utterly scandalous at the time! But who would be bold enough to commission such a portrait? (As it happened Emma Hart was ahead of her time and loved to flout convention…but that’s another story.)

What a delicious idea for a story! What if the woman in the painting wanted to shock? What if, years later, this rebellious streak threatened to disgrace her family? What if only the son she despises can save her reputation… but at the price of his secret love? 

So, if you want to forget your worries for a little while, why not read ‘A Dead Man’s Debt’ (just $2.99)

FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A PDF COPY – PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT.

‘A Dead Man’s Debt’ by Grace Elliot

Celeste Armitage has a plan…and that plan doesn’t include marriage.

After deliberately humiliating a suitor, Celeste’s despairing parents exile her to the country. But once there she discovers a sketch book of daring nude studies and is shaken to find the artist is her hostess’s eldest son, Lord Ranulf Charing. This darkly cynical lord is exactly the sort of dissipated rogue she despises most…if only her blood didn’t heat at the thought of him…

Nothing is as it seems. Lord Ranulf’s life is a façade. Only he can save the Charing’s from disgrace as a blackmailer seeks to ruin his late brother’s reputation. But just as Ranulf dares to open his heart to Celeste, the fury of his nemesis is unleashed… facing him with the stark choice between true love and family duty. However when Celeste guesses the truth behind his rejection, Ranulf underestimates her resolve to clear his name and in so doing places the woman he loves in mortal danger….

Here's an excerpt from "A Dead Man's Debt":

So be it. Ranulf gritted his teeth as he grasped the leading leg and pushed. It was like fighting against a brick wall, the calf barely moving. A lamb was difficult enough, how much more so a calf? Just as he was wondering if one man was strong enough, a shower of pebbles rattled down the bank. Concentrating on the calf, he barked.

“Don’t just stand there. Get down here!”

“I beg your pardon!” A woman’s voice answered.
With a flash of annoyance Ranulf glanced upward.

A wide eyed young woman in a straw bonnet peered down. “I say, is everything all right?”
“Does it look all right?” Muttering under his breath, all he needed was some sensitive Miss fainting on him. “Go! Fetch help from the house.”
He saw her hesitate, biting her top lip. “But you need help now.”
A contraction clamped around his arm as the cow's tail switched across his face, stinging his eyes like a cat-o-nine-tails.
In a flurry of muslin and lace the Miss slid down the bank, landing with a thud in the ditch.
“Ouch.” She rubbed her ankle. Ranulf glared back, dark eyes flashing.
“You should have gone to the house.” Damn it all, she could make herself useful then. “Hold the tail aside.”
Pulling a face she limped over. Ranulf's eye lingered for she merited a second glance. Of middle height with a tidy waist and curves where God intended them, she appeared quick witted and bright eyed. Without further ado, she stripped off her gloves throwing them onto a bramble bush. Long, sensitive fingers grasped the muddy tail. Practical, Ranulf thought, silently impressed.
“Why didn't you go for help?”
“There wasn't time.” Her bonnet slipped backwards, revealing a quirky face with a pointed chin, her lips finely drawn with an arched cupid's bow. The sort of face an artist could lose himself in, all shades of the sea to be found in deep emerald eyes framed by a tangle of chestnut hair.
Ranulf tightened his grasp and pushed. Sweat beading his brow. The calf retreated an inch.
“What are you doing?” Her voice was gentle and calm, if somewhat deep for a woman. Ranulf guessed it would be husky in bed, whispering over a pillow after a night of passion. Her eyes were on him - deep green eyes, lively and entrancing. Suddenly he remembered that he was undressed to the waist, her curious gaze on his skin as he was gripped by the idea of those lily white hands gliding over his naked chest, her almond shaped nails digging into his skin. He shook away the thought, trying to remember her question.
All innocence and interest she watched, blushing faintly in a charming way and yet, he realized, no wilting flower. He shook his head. The woman had asked a question, damn it. He would answer.
“The calf is breech.” He grunted, “I need to push her back into the womb to turn her…” He wanted to shock this stranger, to test how bold she truly was. She stared back, biting her top lip, exaggerating her snub nose.
“Ah!” Her gaze met his.
“Think of the calf as a carriage in a narrow driveway. To turn it around you push it back into the stable yard…”
“What can I do to help?”
“Nothing.” He growled.
Throwing him an angry look, she anchored the tail with a log and scrambled round to the beast's head. After a moment‟s thought, she placed her pelisse under the cow's head stroking the broad nose and crooning words of comfort.
“She's relaxing.” Ranulf's arm was numb from the contractions. He fell forward, as the first leg finally slid back into the womb. "That helps." His hair had come free from the ribbon, falling thickly about his shoulders. He glanced at the Miss. She was leaning forward, her bosom straining against a tight bodice, a satisfying cleavage between her breasts. He swallowed hard. She was odd looking, he decided, not exactly beautiful but eye catching none the less. Her face showed character, determination…and her complexion too healthy to be fashionable, rosy cheeked and peppered with freckles which with a hint of sunlight burst into a profusion.
The Miss was glaring at him now, her skin glowing bright pink. Had he been staring? His heart raced as he returned to the calving.
   

Here’s what reviewers have said:

“Historical romance at its best.” Once Upon A Chapter  5/5

“Totally engrossing…sensual and evocative writing.” Fiction Books. 5/5

“Breathtaking sensuality…page turning drama…a wonderful talent.” The Romance Reviews. 5/5

To find out more please visit:

http://graceelliot-author.blogspot.com (my blog is updated twice a week and is a blend of historical trivia, romance and cats!)

or

www.wix.com/graceelliot/grace-elliot.

“A Dead Man’s Debt” is available from:

Solstice publishing.

http://www.solsticepublishing.com/products/A-Dead-Man%27s-Debt-%252d%252d%252d-PDF.html

Amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/A-Dead-Mans-Debt-ebook/dp/B0046REKBS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=A7B2F8DUJ88VZ&s=books&qid=1293833253&sr=1-1

Smashwords.

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/26527

Fictionwise

http://www.fictionwise.com/ebooks/b115169/A-Dead-Mans-Debt/Grace-Elliot/?si=0

About the Author:

Grace Elliot leads a double life as a veterinarian by day and author of historical romance by night. Grace lives near London and is addicted to cats, acting as housekeeping staff to five mischievous moggies.

Grace believes intelligent people need romantic fiction in their lives as an antidote to the modern world and as an avid reader of historicals she turned to writing as a release from the emotionally draining side of veterinary work. Her debut novel ‘A Dead Man’s Debt’ is a story of blackmail, duty and unexpected love.

Now available from most eBook stores including Amazon, price $2.99.

To find out more visit  http://graceelliot-author.blogspot.com

Crow: A Mystical Creature-Guest Post from Gracen Miller, Author of "Pandora's Box"

CROW

A MYSTICAL CREATURE

By: Gracen Miller 

Howdy, folks! A super big thank you to Brea for allowing me to join you to promote my newly released e-book Pandora's Box, book one in the Road to Hell series, available now at Decadent Publishing (www.decadentpublishing.com)! When writing Pandora's Box I mixed things up a bit, sometimes crafting new, unheard of creatures from my imagination and at other times using mythical creatures with established lore behind them. The crow was one of the mythical creatures with a legend behind it. 
What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a crow? For me, aside from the black birds that scavenge, it was the mystical belief that they are omens of death.

In Pandora's Box, I needed something that could deliver a riddle from a higher power about the future. So, I did a little bit of research and my focus soon centered on the crow, which is similar to the raven. It appears in mythology as a soothsayer, as a creator and cleanser and as omens of death. Okay, so I wasn't completely wrong, but neither did I know near all of it.

Among the North America tribes the crow was considered as the guardian of the sacred law that could see not only the past, but the present and the future. Ah, just what I needed, a soothsayer that could easily be used in my story to deliver a riddle about future events.

In Celtic lore, the battle goddess Morrigan would shapeshift into either a crow or a raven and they were both seen as allies and companions.

Medieval fairytales saw the crow as birds of parental devotion and it was said that the crow led the migration of storks. Medieval Christians thought the crow was a sign of the devil because of its scavenging conduct, but it was also an icon of fidelity because it was thought that crows did not seek a new mate when its mate died. Magical properties were given to the crow as well, which included the skill to foretell the future, dismantle the past and to educate humans about how to mix humor, playfulness and love.

So, what do you think? Do you believe in the magical elements of crows? I had fun using the crow as a magical creature that shapeshifts into a beautiful woman with birdlike qualities and clothing made of feathers. To read how that turned out, scroll to the excerpt below. 
Leave a comment for a chance to win a Pandora's Box Coffee mug, but PLEASE leave your email address so I can contact you if you're the winner!!!  

Thanks for having me with you today, Brea!! 
Huggles,
Gracen
Where you can stalk me--not really!--but I would love to meet and interact with you:
Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/gracen.miller
Road to Hell series FB Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Road-to-Hell-series/112564408814796?ref=ts
Website: www.gracenmiller.com
Blog: http://madisonroadtohell.blogspot.com/

Pandora's Box Blurb:

Where does the road to Hell begin? 

What happens when your son turns homicidal overnight and your husband disappears on his way to work? Do you cower in fear or fight for your life? Madison Wescott fights against the odds. Distrustful of a God she doesn't believe in, she finds herself face-to-face with a world she didn't know existed and discovers her own soul is darkened with demonic connections.

With good intentions? Or by demonic design? 

Phoenix Birmingham bursts into Madison's life in a whirlwind of sarcasm and sexual appeal. A hero for the masses--and for her jaded heart--but few will ever know the sacrifices he has made or the sacrifices to come. Discovering her entire life has been influenced by multifaceted paranormal beings, Madison is determined to defeat the apocalyptic blueprint fate has decreed, but only one man dares to challenge the supernatural forces manipulating them. Even with Phoenix's aid, can destiny be denied? Or will demonic design prevail while they pay the crucial price with their souls?
In a small, sleepy Alabama town the battle for mankind's liberty has begun...
EXCERPT:
Madison sat up straight and her feet plopped to the wooden floor as a crow landed on the rail. Nix set the bottle of liquor beside his foot and moved to the edge of his seat. 
The crow shifted into a woman with almond-shaped eyes and long hair, both as black as a crow's feather. She possessed a body to die for, dressed in a black cat-like-pantsuit. Well, no, that wasn't quite accurate. The pantsuit wasn't made of cloth, but rather a seamlessly flowing feathery substance. A glossy, black feather floated across the porch and came to rest across Madison's bare foot. 
“You've been found worthy of the crows,” the woman said, her voice as melodious as a bird's warble. “Keep the feather secure, and if you ever need assistance, grip it in your hand and consider our help a one-time deal.” 
“Lucky me.” Pushing out of her chair, she heard Nix rise beside her. She palmed the dagger he had given her. In the paranormal world, things could turn on a dime, and she trusted no one. Not even a shape-shifting crow. She grew weary of feeling defenseless as each new supernatural entity arrived on her doorstep. Grew restless sitting and waiting on them to come after her. 
Crow shuddered like she'd seen a bird do, her feathery black hair buzzing with the movement. “I came with a message only.” 
“You're an omen of death,” Nix snarled, glaring. 
Startled, Madison peeped at him, his posture alert, pistol gripped tight in his hand.
“Sometimes, yes,” Crow agreed, looking him up and down. “You're cuter in person, Phoenix Birmingham.” 
“You….” He made a face of disbelief, “You know my name?” 
Crow clucked her tongue at him and swiveled her head to stare at Madison. She blinked slow, like a bird assessing its prey. “The boy has risen from the puppeteer's hell. Evil has been dismantled from his past. His future isn't set in stone. The choice is his. A blood-father born of Hell will test the mettle of his son again, yet the boy owns his future.”
Chills scattered across Madison's body. “What does that mean?” She glanced at Nix, feeling more than a little paranoid. 

~~~
If you wish to read more of Pandora's Box before purchasing it, go to my website to read the first chapter for free: www.gracenmiller.com.

Guest Post: Mary Duke, Marketing Director for Solstice Publishing

Today we have a guest on the blog! Mary Duke is visiting with us to talk about Solstice Publishing, where she is the Marketing Director.

Mary:

Solstice Publishing is the fastest growing mid-market publisher in the USA. With almost 80 authors covering every category of fiction and rapidly expanding into nonfiction, Solstice is quickly gaining a reputation for fast paced suspense thrillers, sizzling romance, action adventure, science fiction, and a spooky collection of horror and paranormal reads. Critically acclaimed authors have achieved top spots on best seller lists, become screenplays, and won movie deals with top Hollywood studios.

Solstice books are available in every available eBook format including ePub, MobiPocket, PDF, DjVu for every electronic reading device - Amazon Kindle, Apple iPad, Android tablet PC, Android phones, iPhone, Barnes & Noble Nook Reader, Sony eReader, Windows Mobile Phones, Onyx Book, iRex, WISEreader, and many more. 

Traditional print versions can be found in major bookstores throughout the United States and online at Amazon.com. Both print and ebooks are available right here on the Solstice website. Sign up for our newsletter to receive special coupons and discounts on your next great read!
Discovering talented new authors is a major focus for Solstice. Visit the submission guidelines to see how to submit your masterpiece for review. The Solstice editing team is tough, but fair, and committed to bring to the market outstanding stories that inspire, entertain, educate, and transport us to the far away reaches of our imagination. Check out our submisson rules and guidelines

 

As for contests and giveaways:

 

Enjoy this 10% off any EBOOK coupon Code: IZISQD37H

 

If you enjoy reviewing books and interviewing authors contact xchylerconn@gmail.com for a free reviewers copy.

 

Contest time: Merry Christmas

Win a Kindle Ereader on Christmas

Run time: July 6th - Dec. 24th 2011

Winner will be announced December 25th, 2011

To be entered: Buy any Solstice Publishing book and the email address used to purchase the book will be entered into the drawing. If you purchase a Solstice Book from another site then email us the reciept to solsticepublishing@live.com

Name will be drawn Dec. 25th and the winner will be emailed Dec. 25th. The winner has 2 weeks to claim their prize or it expires and a new name will be drawn and that winner will have 2 weeks to claim their prize and so on until we actually give the ereader away.

Good luck!!!!!

 

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