Archives for 2012

Categories: Contests, Curiosity Quills, My writing

Entry for Destiny Gift

The lovely Sharon Bayliss is hosting a great contest with Krystal Wade, one of the editors from Curiosity Quills.

And this is my entry for the contest:

Query:

Nadine Sterling’s world is covered in darkness.

Natural catastrophes, disorder, and crime run wild. Humanity believes God has abandoned them.

Even in this chaotic world, Nadine’s life is normal—NYU student, barista in a coffee shop, talented singer, and dutiful daughter—except for her visions of Victor Gianni, her imaginary boyfriend.

She has excuses for her visions: exhaustion, daydreaming, and hallucinations, but is forced to confront them when she bumps into a real Victor, one who doesn’t know her and shuns her away. After the encounter, Nadine’s visions change to those of eerie fates, gods she’s never heard of, demons with sharp claws they are not timid to use … and instructions.

To discover whether she’s losing her mind or involved in a larger, obscure scheme, Nadine must follow the instructions—with the real, rude Victor—before the evil behind the darkness catches up with them.

DESTINY GIFT is new adult paranormal romance complete at 70,000. It would be perfect as a stand alone, but I do have plans to create a trilogy called EVERLAST.

First 500 words:

If telepathy or soul-seeing existed, Dr. Larsen was using her powers and performing one of those, if not all, on me. Behind her cat like glasses, her eyes were uncanny and cold. She was analyzing me. My posture, my gestures, my eyes.

I averted my gaze from hers and sat on top of my hands, hoping they would stop shaking.

“Nadine Sterling,” she began, her tone almost caring. “What brings you to me today?”

The insanity of mind, I could say. Or that my regular psychologist was busy, and since I had to follow the university policy and have my weekly session today, I had no choice but to meet with her. However, there were no rules specifying I should open up to her, so I didn’t say anything.

“Nadine?” Her tone became more pressing.

I glanced back at her. Her knuckles were white around her pen, her foot swung rapidly from her crossed legs, and her hair was pulled back into a neat ponytail which gave me the impression she would freak if any strand fell loose. I didn’t like her. I didn’t feel at ease with her.

She sighed, leaning back on her chair. “I know it is difficult to trust someone you don’t know, but I’m here to help you.”

True, though that didn’t make confessing my sins any easier.

Should I try? I barely spoke about the insane things lurking in my mind to Cheryl and she was the psychologist assigned to me. She was more than that. Since I was accepted into NYU almost one year ago, when she became my therapist, Cheryl also became my friend.

More than once, an idea popped in my mind: our friendship hindered my chances of opening up to her. What if I told her about my problems and she pushed me away? I couldn’t afford losing her friendship.

My luck shone a little brighter when I thought about opening up to someone I didn’t know well. How could I lose a friend I didn’t have?

I let myself relax.

My mind took off to the place I most loved and, at the same time, most feared. “I have dreams.”

One of Dr. Larsen’s delicate brows cocked up. “Dreams? About?”

My eyes focused on the darkness coming through the large window behind her. It was afternoon and the sky was dark grey. In the distance, I could see the streetlights forming shadows over the tall decaying buildings that once formed famous Manhattan. A bat or two flew around. If I stood up and peeked down, over the university walls, there would be hookers and junkies and muggers milling the streets, and litter tossed through the lanes. If I were on the sidewalk outside the school, reek would invade my nose, making me gag.

“In my dreams, New York isn’t like that. The world isn’t like that.” I pointed toward the dark outside. “The world isn’t in chaos, the huge bats aren’t attacking people right on the streets, the agriculture isn’t in crises. In my dreams, the world is safe. The sun shines high up in the blue sky.”

And, because I love pics (who doesn’t?), here is Nadine:

Image by Suzanne van Pelt.

What do you think of my entry? Any suggestions to improve it?

Cheers,

Categories: Authors, Blog Tour, Guest post, Young Adult

Cast for the Destiny Series, by Laura DeLuca

I have Laura DeLuca today on the blog, talking about her new book, DESTINY UNVEILED, book 2 of the Destiny Series.

Gabriella and Darron thought their magickal battle was over when they defeated the evil warlock, Richard. When her Aunt Donna seeks Gabriella’s help in rescuing her catatonic daughter from the Dark Coven, Gabriella discovers that her cousin holds a power within her that would be catastrophic in the hands of the evil witches.

Gabriella’s coven sets out on a journey that may be their last. Along the way, they meet new allies, face devastating treachery, and battle not only the Dark Coven, but the darkness within themselves. When Gabriella finally comes face to face with the cousin she never knew existed, her true destiny is unveiled, and the fate of the mortal world is in her hands.

Read an except of Destiny Unveiled. Buy it on Smashwords or Amazon.

Take it away, Laura:

Cast for The Destiny Series

I think every writer dreams of the day they’ll see their books on the big screen. Even if that did happen with Destiny, I doubt I would have much say over the casting. But it’s still fun to dream, and to pick out the cast! I have been working on my cast for Destiny since I first started writing the books back in the 90’s. I’ve made changes as new faces have emerged, but there are a few that have stayed the same all these years. Today I thought I’d share by current picks for the main characters in Destiny & Destiny Unveiled. Some of these folks may already be too old to play teenagers, but it’s all in good fun.

Gabrielle DiPaola – Nina Dorbrev

I have been struggling with my pick for the lead of Gabriella for years. But finally, thanks to my husband’s love of the Sci Fi channel, I have made my decision. He was watching some movie about a werewolf and she was the star. Nina is exactly the way I envisioned Gabriella. She will need some colored contacts for the violet eyes, but I think Hollywood can pull it off.

Darron Zukawski-Evan Williams

Having a tween in the house has really helped with this task. I saw this guy in an episode of “Victorious” and I knew I had finally found my Darron. Looks like he has only had a few small roles, but I want to give him his big break as the male lead in Destiny.

Monte Holden – Andrew DiPalma

Believe it or not, this handsome young man is my baby cousin. He has been doing pretty well on the acting scene with some small roles in movies like “We are Marshall” and most recently, a hilarious part in an episode of “Cougar Town”. He just turned thirty, so we always joke that they need to hurry up and make Destiny into a movie before he’s too old to be in it. You can check out my cousin on his website. Wow, an actor and a writer! Aren’t we one seriously talented family?! LOL

Flora Zarfati-Heather Matarazzo

My daughter definitely had a hand in finding Heather. She loves the Princess Diaries, and Heather played Mia’s best friend. While I had to stereotype such a great actress into the dorky best friend role, she is definitely fitting for that part.

Richard Hodge-David Bowie

I always knew I wanted David Bowie to play Richard. He was the right look, and even the sexy British accent. And we all know he has that dark side to him after his amazing portrayal of the Goblin King in “The Labyrinth”. On a side note, Richard name was originally Gunther, but I decided to change his name after meeting one of the insurance underwriters I worked with from Lloyds of London. He wasn’t an evil warlock or anything, but he did have a hot British accent.

Adelaide DiPaola – Laura Bonariggo

I grew up watching “One Life to Live” with my grandmother, and Laura played one of my favorite characters, Cassie Carpenter. I always thought she was so beautiful when I was a little girl, so of course she would be my first pick to play the role of Gabby’s mom.

Hugh DiPaola-Kevin Sorbo

I have always been a huge fan of Kevin Sorbo ever since he was on Hercules (I know my dorkiness is showing again), so I had to squeeze him into the cast somewhere. He’s definitely too old play a teen, but I decided he’d be perfect for Gabby’s dad. But maybe that’s just because I want to see him in his underwear…

Linda Holden – Cassie DePaiva

Cassie is another “One Life to Live” star (I am so sad that they cancelled it). She is not only a fabulous actress and amazing singer; she’s also a really nice lady. I have an aunt with Downs Syndrome who adores Cassie, and she sent her a personal letter in her own handwriting , as well as a bunch of signed photos. It will also be really cool to reunite Cassie and Laura because they played cousins on “One Life To Live”.

Donna Brown-Sarah Alexander

If you’ve seen “Stardust”, you might recognize Sarah Alexander as one of the three witches. I chose her to play Donna because she actually has similar features to the real Donna, and the same small, pixie like stature. I would want her to darken up her hair for the role, but aside from that, she’s perfect. Donna is one of my best friends and coven sisters. She is also the one who encouraged me to make Destiny a series, so it only seemed fitting to make her a character.

Miranda Brown-Elizabeth Gillies

Miranda has an attitude from the second she comes on the scene, and Elizabeth Gillies has experience with attitude. She plays one of the characters in “Victorious” and I don’t think I ever saw her smile.

Of course, there are other characters who I’d like to cast, but I didn’t want to make this post go on forever. These are the main characters. Most of them are in both books, except for Donna and Miranda who make their first appearance in Destiny Unveiled. I really don’t watch much television or movies, so finding suitable actors is harder than you might think.

Did you read the books? Do you like my casting choices, or do you know of someone who might be a better fit? I’d love for others to share their casting choices for the Destiny series.

***Photos as seen on www.imdb.com***

About the author:

Laura “Luna” DeLuca lives at the beautiful Jersey shore with her husband and four children.

She loves writing in the young adult genre because it keeps her young at heart. In addition to writing fiction, Laura is also the sole author of a popular review blog called New Age Mama.

She is an active member of her local pagan community, and has been studying Wicca for close to eight years.

Find her at her Blog, Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

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Cheers,

Categories: Authors, Blog Tour, Entangled Pub

Cover Love: Succubus Lost

Today I have the honor of revealing the cover for SUCCUBUS LOST by Tiffany Allee, book 2 in the series From The Files of the Otherworlder Enforcement Agency, coming from Entangled Publishing.

First, let me present to you book 1, BANSHEE CHARMER, which I read last month and loved:

When she’s sent to a crime scene and finds her second dead woman in as many weeks, half-banshee detective Kiera “Mac” McLoughlin is convinced a serial killer is on the loose. Incubi are extinct, her boss insists. But what else can kill a woman in the throes of pleasure? When her partner is murdered after using witchcraft to locate the killer and Mac is thrown off the case, her frustration turns to desperation.

Certain the killer is an incubus, Mac works behind her department’s back to chase down slim, sometimes perilous leads. While the killer eludes her, she does discover handsome Aidan Byrne, an investigative counterpart from the enigmatic Otherworlder Enforcement Agency. Mac typically runs her investigations fast and hard, but with Aidan at her side, she’s running this one “hot” as well. But Aidan knows more than he’s letting on—something that could shatter their blazing romance and add Mac to the killer’s growing body count…

Now, for the cover of SUCCUBUS LOST:

Someone is kidnapping and incinerating otherworlders beyond recognition, and Detective Marisol Whitman, a succubus, races to find the murderer before he claims another victim. But her pursuit is derailed when her responsible younger sister vanishes. Marisol suspects foul play and enlists support from an unlikely source: an agent from the Otherworlder Enforcement Agency, Valerio Costa.

When the trail pointing to everyone from vampires to witches dries up, Agent Costa admits to knowing more than he’s shared. Marisol’s sister’s kidnapper harnesses more magic than she can imagine—and they’re running out of time. To find her sister before her powers are drained and twisted beyond recognition, Marisol must connect the dots between cases and put her trust in Costa, a salamander who may burn her before she can solve either case.

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Doesn’t it look great?

Cheers,

Categories: Authors, Covers, Crescent Moon Press

Cover Love: DENIED

Welcome Kinley Baker and her upcoming book, DENIED from Crescent Moon Press.

DENIED – SHADOWED LOVE, BOOK TWO

When invaders brutally massacred the women and children of the Varner, Caleb witnessed loss and destruction on a scale few can comprehend. As the leader of a race on the brink of extinction, his only hope for survival is gaining acceptance into the Shadow Shifter Kingdom. Struggling with new customs, he meets Tabitha, a woman who challenges his limits.

Refused the right to join the king’s guard because of her gender, Tabitha must be stronger than the men to prove she deserves to be the first accepted female Warrior in the kingdom. She believes Caleb will help improve her abilities, until she learns her goals conflict with the foundation of his culture.

When the realm is attacked, Tabitha and Caleb must come together not only to fight, but to find the strength to win against an evil with the potential to destroy everything they revere most–including each other.

Add DENIED as To-Read on GoodReads!

BIO:

Kinley Baker is the author of the fantasy romance novel, Ruined. She read her first romance at the age of thirteen and immediately fell in love with the hero and the genre. She lives with her husband and her dog, Joker, in the Pacific Northwest. As a firm supporter of all supernatural lifestyles, she writes fantasy romance, paranormal romance, and urban fantasy. You can find Kinley at her website, blog, twitter, facebook, and goodreads.

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Cheers,

Categories: #ROW80, NTS

#ROW80 and NTS Check-in 05/20

Hello friends! Welcome to another check-in for ROW80 and NTS.

Here are my goals and how I’m doing:

Organize my new home and my new schedule. Done.
Once my life is normal again (or almost), find a gym and exercise 3 times per week. Only twice. I was going Friday, but it was my daughter birthday, so I stayed home and played tea party with her instead. And I don’t regret it ;)
Participate on Crafting the Sensual Novella Workshop from April 9th to May 6th. Done.
Finish revising my novel, DESTINY GIFT. Done. (this goal might come back next week or so, and, if it comes back, I’ll explain why).
Start a new novel or novella and get as far as I can with it. Wrote just over 12000 words this week. For someone who didn’t write Monday (don’t even ask why …), I guess it went well. I’m working on a novelette (paused the assassin novella for now). It should be done by Monday or Tuesday next week, if everything keeps going well.
In June, participate of the JuNoWriMo. Waiting for June.
Read 5 books each month (year total = 60). On track.
Social network: blog at least once a week (not counting #ROW80 checkins), comment on blogs every other day, and tweet a little everyday. Done.

I’m getting better, feeling a little bit more motivated, though there are moments that I want to write so bad, but just stare at the damn monitor.

I saw a quote this week that I liked very much and decided to pass it on: “Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt.” — William Shakespeare

Support my fellow writers by checking out their blogs!

Cheers,

Categories: Entertainment, Movies, Music, Things I like

Can’t get enough …

Hello people!

I’m just dropping by to tell you that today is my daughter’s 5th birthday!

And to show you my new addiction:

I just can’t stop listening to this song … very loudly ;)

The production of the movie seems amazing. I hope the whole movie is amazing too.

What do you think?

Cheers,

Categories: Authors, Blog Tour

Chatting with Mary Martinez

Today, I have the honor of hosting Mary Martinez and her book, DISAPPEAR.

After two years undercover as an FBI agent to infiltrate a crime organization and discover the identity of a hit man, Tyler Beckett’s cover is blown. Tyler’s new assignment is to protect the only witness who can identify the mysterious killer. If only he didn’t find her so attractive. Each day it becomes harder to keep his objective, especially since he knows the interest is mutual.

Keira Cavanaugh is the only witness to a hit ordered by a crime boss. The safe house is compromised and the same hit man shoots Tyler. Fearing Tyler is dead, Keira plans revenge on the crime organization. She must fake her own suicide in order to survive.

When Tyler discovers what Keira plans, he realizes he must stop her before he loses her for good.

Trailer for The Beckett Series http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2C5UVaEEG60

Q: Welcome Mary. Why don’t you tell us a little bit about your book?

Mary: Thank you for having me today! And I love talking about my book. The Beckett’s are like my family. It started out with just Tyler, but as I wrote the first book, the rest of the family, just sort of moved into my head. Keira is a small town girl who moved to the city for advancement in her work, and more excited. She gets way more than she bargained for. However, the situation pulls inner strengths that she didn’t even know she processed. Because of this she managed to survive under impossible circumstances and fall in love with a Beckett. You’ll just have to read it to find out more.

Q: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

Mary: I’m not sure when, but I remember when I was in Jr. High writing stories. And since it was in the 60’s it was a bit beatnik-ish. Most of you are too young to know what a beatnik is, you’ll have to look it up in the dictionary.

Q: Are you a plotter or a pantster?

Mary: I’m most definitely a pantster. I have tried to plot and all my attempts are still unfinished. I write like I would read a book. The characters tell me where to go.

Q: What are you working on now?

Mary: At the moment I’m polishing Innocent and Quiet. But as for writing I’m working on a young adult/middle grade with my three oldest grandsons. It’s called History Mysteries. They each have their own character and power. We solve a 50 year old murder / bank robbery mystery.

Q: Do you have any suggestions for aspiring writers?

Mary: This is what I always say when asked this question. Join a writers group, find a critique partner/group and NEVER give up.

Q: What book or series can you read over and over again without getting bored?

Mary: Most of Kathleen E Woodiwiss’s books I can read over and over again.

Q: If you decided not to be a writer, what would your other dream job be?

Mary: An interior designer or a chef in a fancy restaurant

Q: What is the scariest thing you’ve ever done in your life?

Mary: Quit the day job to write full time. Of course, my husband was laid off four years before retirement, so he took an early retirement, and we need the benefits. So I’m back at the day job. I find it very hard to find time to write. But at least I like my job.

Q: Who is the one person that has singlehandedly inspired you the most in your life?

Mary: The person I knew was my dad. He taught me that you can do whatever you set your mind too. I’ve tried to instill that in my kids, I don’t know that it’s worked. As far as writing, there are two Stephen King and Nora Roberts.

Q: If you could take a trip to any foreign country RIGHT NOW, which one would you choose?

Mary: Australia.

Q: What is one talent that you’re hopeless at, but you wish you had?

Mary: Singing, when my daughter was two she said to me. “Don’t sing mommy.”

Q: What TV show are you most addicted to?

Mary: There are so many. I love Castle, Grey’s Anatomy, American Idol, So you think you can dance, Private Practice, Grimm, Once upon a time… I would need a few more pages. I DVR them, and watch whenever I can, I’m way behind. OH I forgot, the only Soap I still watch Days of our lives.

Q: If you were stuck on a deserted island, name three objects and three people you would want with you.

Mary: Electricity, computer, bathroom. Since I’m pretty sure you don’t want me to say my family. I’ll go writing related, Quentin Tarantino, Stephen King and Nora Roberts so we could write a screenplay.

Q: What is one trait or physical characteristic that you are proud of/love about yourself?

Mary: I’m very optimistic.

Thanks again for having me here today. What a fun interview!

About the author:

Mary lives in Magna, a little town west of Salt Lake City, Utah. Together with her husband, she has six grown children, and five wonderful grandsons and 2 beautiful granddaughters.

Mary and her husband love to travel, especially to the Caribbean for relaxing and Italy for the wine. With the experience from the exotic places she has visited, she is able to fill her books with colorful descriptions of cities, painting a colorful backdrop for her characters.

Mary and her husband are avid college football fans. They have season tickets to the UTES, University of Utah Football and they tailgate every game. They love tailgating so much, that they were married at a tailgating in 1999.

Mary is a member of the Romance Writers of America and several sister chapters. She has published several articles for her local Utah RWA newsletter. They have appeared in several other chapters’ newsletters.

Website – Blog – Facebook Fan Page – Facebook Profile – Twitter – Goodreads

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Thanks, Mary!

Cheers,

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