Authors, Book covers, ebooks, Kindle, kobo, Love a Happy Ending Lifestyle magazine, Novel covers, Novels, Publishing, readers, Reading, Writing

Anneli Purchase talks about her novel Orion’s Gift

January 27, 2014 Melanie 4 Comments

Authors are often asked what inspired them to write. For my novel “Orion’s Gift,” the answer is easy.

One winter, I was on vacation in Baja California, a state of Mexico, living in a travel trailer for three months. The sun and sea were glorious, and on days I didn’t feel like fishing, swimming, or snorkeling, I could go hiking in the desert. Life was easy and fun at this small beach where only about six other campers stayed.

One day an elderly woman arrived in a camper van with San Diego plates. She parked by the beach and never got out of her vehicle for the whole three days that she stayed there, preferring to sit in her van, smoking cigarettes and listening to audio tapes.

I wondered at her strange behaviour. Why would she drive all the way from San Diego and not get out of her van at this beautiful beach? Why was she inhaling that thick cigarette smoke when she had the cleanest air in the world right outside her door? What was she listening to? Maybe it was one of my novels on the audio tape and she just had to hear what happened next. I wish!

I had no answers and it bothered me that I couldn’t figure it out. I decided then, that hers would make a good story, if only I knew what it was. I imagined all kinds of scenarios and Orion’s Gift began to take shape.

Instead of this poor old strange woman, I created Sylvia, a young and beautiful California girl in her thirties. I gave her a reason for suddenly leaving her seemingly perfect life in Chula Vista, near San Diego. I couldn’t have her be without a romantic interest, so I created a man for her. While Sylvia and Kevin spent time star-gazing, watching the constellation of Orion, each kept a secret from the other. When the spouses they had deserted come looking for them, the young couple’s new love is tested and their lives are turned upside down

I still wonder about the woman from San Diego though. What was the real story? Probably, I’ll never know.

Orion’s Gift is available at all amazon outlets and at Smashwords.com.

Anneli Purchase has written two other books, “The Wind Weeps” and “Julia’s Violinist,” which are also available on amazon and smashwords. You can find out more about them by visiting Anneli’s webpage at http://www.anneli-purchase.com

bagpipes, haggis, Robbie Burns, Scotland, Tradition, whisky

It’s Robbie Burns Day – House of King style

January 25, 2014 Melanie 1 Comment

It’s Robbie Burns Day. Will you celebrate the bard today with haggis, champit tatties and bashed neeps?

Here at The House of King, we’ll be having a toned down version of previous Burns Night celebrations. Although I don’t have a wee haggis, I do have some frozen sliced haggis (great with a Scottish breakfast) so it will do, especially since I’m the only one who truly enjoys eating it here. I made Cock-a-leekie soup shortly after Christmas and it’s in the freezer and for the toasts to the lads and lassies afterwards, I have a bottle of 18-year old Glenlivet.

Address To A Haggis

Fair fa’ your honest, sonsie face,
Great chieftain o’ the puddin-race!
Aboon them a’ ye tak your place,
Painch, tripe, or thairm:
Weel are ye wordy o’ a grace
As lang’s my arm.

The groaning trencher there ye fill,
Your hurdies like a distant hill,
Your pin wad help to mend a mill
In time o’ need,
While thro’ your pores the dews distil
Like amber bead.

His knife see rustic Labour dight,
An’ cut you up wi’ ready sleight,
Trenching your gushing entrails bright,
Like ony ditch;
And then, O what a glorious sight,
Warm-reekin, rich!

Then, horn for horn,
they stretch an’ strive:
Deil tak the hindmost! on they drive,
Till a’ their weel-swall’d kytes belyve,
Are bent lyke drums;
Then auld Guidman, maist like to rive,
“Bethankit!” ‘hums.

Is there that owre his French ragout
Or olio that wad staw a sow,
Or fricassee wad mak her spew
Wi’ perfect sconner,
Looks down wi’ sneering, scornfu’ view
On sic a dinner?

Poor devil! see him ower his trash,
As feckless as a wither’d rash,
His spindle shank, a guid whip-lash,
His nieve a nit;
Thro’ bloody flood or field to dash,
O how unfit!

But mark the Rustic, haggis fed,
The trembling earth resounds his tread.
Clap in his walie nieve a blade,
He’ll mak it whissle;
An’ legs an’ arms, an’ heads will sned,
Like taps o’ thrissle.

Ye Pow’rs wha mak mankind your care,
And dish them out their bill o’ fare,
Auld Scotland wants nae skinking ware
That jaups in luggies;
But, if ye wish her gratefu’ prayer,
Gie her a haggis!

Enjoy your Robbie Burns celebrations no matter how/where your celebrate.

Authors, Blog Tour, Novels, Publishing, Writing, writing process, writing style

My Writing Process #mywritingprocess

January 20, 2014 Melanie 4 Comments

I’d like to thank my good friend, Scottish crime writer, Chris Longmuir for tagging me to take part in the #mywritingprocess blog post. I don’t have as impressive intro to my post as Chris does, but without further ado, I’ll tell you about my writing process.

You can read about Chris and her writing process at http://chrislongmuir.blogspot.co.uk/

What am I working on?

I have a few projects on the go at the moment. One is a time-travel romance which is the sequel to my debut novel, A Shadow in the Past. The other is a contemporary romance which I started a few years ago but put it on the back burner when events I had included in my book started happening. It was purely coincidence but it freaked me out so I’ve had to let it sit. What events were these you ask? I started writing this book shortly before the first helicopter ditched in the North Sea in the spring of 2009. Writing of such a thing, then it happening rattled me to know end, but at the same time it’s made the research on the subject much easier since it’s almost always in the news – especially when there have been other ditchings.

How does my work differ from others of its genre?

Imitation is a form of flattery but when it comes to writing, imitating someone else’s style and voice isn’t something I do. I think it’s my voice and the direction I come at things from that makes my writing unique. I live in Canada but write books set in Scotland – Aberdeenshire where my father was born. I think my love of the country and its people comes through in my writing.

Why do I write what I do?

Reading in any genre is an escape from the real world. I like to read romance in any form so that’s why I write it. It’s also a genre I feel comfortable writing. Although I like to read crime fiction, I know I could never carry off a full-length novel successfully.

How does your writing process work?

I’m what you call a plantster. I need to know the ending before I begin but otherwise, I don’t know where I’m going or how I’ll get there. I like the surprises that come from the unexpected directions I end up going in.

I don’t write every day and really should. I’m hoping to get back into that routine now that the New Year is here but so far it’s not gone quite according to plan. However, as an idea comes to me or I come across something in the news that will work in one of my works-in-progress, I jot it down in an email along with any pertinent links so that when I am ready to sit and write, I have my notes readily available.

~~~~~

In the coming weeks, you’ll be able to read these authors’ writing processes:

Gina Dickerson – Gina writes Young Adult and New Adult fantasy romance swirled with a huge dollop of adventure. She also writes romantic suspense, horror, short stories, and is a columnist for her local newspaper. http://ginadickerson.blogspot.com

Beverly Stowe McClure – Sometimes known as the “bug” lady, she is a former teacher who now writes stories for children and teens. http://beverlystowemcclure.blogspot.com

4RV Publishing, Awards, Book covers, cover reveal, Novel covers, Novels, Publishing

COVER REVEAL – Star of the Team by Beverly Stowe McClure

January 10, 2014 Melanie 3 Comments

I’m thrilled to be a part of fellow 4RV Publishing author, Beverly Stowe McClure’s cover reveal for her newest YA novel (January 2014 release date) – Star of the Team.

Blurb

A girl.
A dream.
An accident.
A dream shattered.

Ten-year-old Kate Taylor dreams of being the star of her basketball team, Angels. When Kate’s tooth is knocked out at one of the games, and her mother, who is also her coach, says she can’t play until the tooth the dentist replants heals, Kate’s dreams are in jeopardy. Add Emily, the new girl at school who claims she’s the best, and Kate faces a challenge to prove that she is the star.

Will Kate succeed? Or will Emily ruin Kate’s plans?

Short summary of Book:

Ten-year-old Kate Taylor wants to be the star of her basketball team, Angels, but when her tooth is knocked out at one of the games, her goal is in jeopardy. Even though the dentist replants the tooth, her mother, who is also her coach, refuses to let Kate play unless she can come up with a way to protect the tooth.

With the encouragement of her friends and teammates, Kate tries everything. She asks her sister, Zoe, how her boyfriend, Ray, protects his teeth when playing football. Zoe is clueless. Kate wears her friend Simon’s catcher’s mask to practice, but it’s too big and blocks her view of the goal. Kate stuffs cotton balls in her mouth and thinks she’s swallowed one. Nothing works.

To add to Kate’s problems, Emily, the new girl at River Bend Elementary, is great at basketball. Kate worries Emily will be the star of the team. On top of that, Simon, the school brain, as well as klutz, says he plans to join the Angels, even though boys are not allowed.

In the final game of the season, Kate faces a decision that will not only decide who wins the game, but whether she’s star of the team or not.

Publisher: 4RV Publishing

Links:

http://beverlystowemcclure.wordpress.com
http://beverlystowemcclure.blogspot.com

Author’s Bio:
Beverly Stowe McClure is the author of picture books, early readers, middle grade and teen novels. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, both national and North Texas. A fourth generation Texan, she lives in the country with two cats, and a variety of wild critters.

Authors, Book covers, cover reveal, giveaway, Kindle, LAHE Lifestyle, Love a Happy Ending Lifestyle magazine, Novel covers, Novels

Cover Reveal ~ SHANNON’S LAW by Emma Calin

January 6, 2014 Melanie 2 Comments

SHANNON’S LAW – cover reveal

Thanks so much for hosting the Cover Reveal for my forthcoming contemporary romance SHANNON’S LAW. This is the second in my ‘Passion Patrol Series’ – steamy action-romances that feature sassy female cops who solve crimes, catch crooks and always get their man.

Blurb

Wild child inner city cop Shannon Aguerri walks a dangerous line between her methods and justice. When the bosses lose their nerve, after yet another maverick mission, she is transferred to green pastures to play out the role of a routine village cop. When she encounters signs of people and drug trafficking she homes in on serious millionaire criminals. As a loner she has attracted men but nothing has stuck. When she meets Spencer, the hunky and widowed Earl of Bloxington, there is an immediate rapport between them. Their social differences mean nothing to their passion and need. Already in the mix is an upper class female rival – who has long plotted her way into the Earl’s bed. The jealousy is an evil shade of green and the anger is a violent scarlet. Often inhibited by a sense of duty and honour, Spencer is slow to reveal his feelings. When Shannon confronts him with the need to choose between her word and that of her rival, he does not immediately support her. All the same, when they are forced together to carry out a desperate rescue mission, their love is stronger than everything ranged against them.

Shannon’s Law USA | Shannon’s Law UK

(Pre-order paperback only at this stage)

I will be revealing snippets from the story, photos of places and people that inspired the venues and characters on Pinterest during my pre-launch book tour. There are already some scrap-book cuttings posted:

http://www.pinterest.com/emmacalin/shannons-law-launch-reveal-on-pinterest/

There is also news about the book on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/ShannonsLaw

(‘Likes’ are always appreciated…..)

I’m having two launch parties “Afternoon Tea At Bloxington Manor”. The first is online on the 28^th February on Facebook and the second is LIVE at the English stately home that inspired the home of my hero on Sunday 2^nd March. A local favourite venue for me, Avington Park in Hampshire is steeped in history and tradition. (Think genuine Palladian style rather than Downton Abbey neo-Jacobean). The private owners have kindly agreed to open up for us with a tour of the house and then tea and cake – oh and launch the book of course!

Shannon’s Law Cover Reveal Draw

$30/£20 Amazon voucher

A pair of tickets to my Avington Park Launch Party 2^nd March (UK only)

3 Advanced Review Copies of Shannon’s Law

EVERY entrant will receive a FREE gift of an audiobook of my short story Escape to Love.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/Mjg1OTEwYzI5YjYwMjA3ZWY2Y2EzZDEzODljNmNjOjE4/

About Emma Calin
Emma Calin was born in London in 1962. She currently lives in France and the UK.
She has been writing since childhood and has won numerous local, national and international prizes for poetry and short stories.

“Knockout!” is the first of the “Passion Patrol Series” a stand-alone love story set against a backdrop of international gambling corruption and deception. Interpol cop Anna Leyton finds herself torn between love and duty when her professional and private life intersects. This book is now available in both paperback and Kindle formats.

“The Love in a Hopeless Place Collection” is a bargain anthology of 5 short stories and novelettes, available in paperback and digital formats.

“Sub-Prime” is a prize-winning hard hitting short story about courage, exploitation and love. It is a raw and brutal exposé of life at the bottom in the aftermath of recession.

“The Chosen” is also a short story, set in modern times where working people struggle to keep their dreams alive. A world where the promise of love motivates desperate measures.

“Escape To Love” is a ‘novelette’ (longer than a short story but shorter than a novella), a gritty urban romance with suspense and mystery but a love story at it’s core.

“Angela” a short story about a late-night taxi journey.

“Love in a Hopeless Place” a novelette about a middle-aged woman striving to find her true identity.

Amazon links to books by Emma Calin

Shannon’s Law USA Shannon’s Law UK

(Pre-order paperback only at this stage)

Knockout! (Passion Patrol Series)

The Love in a Hopeless Place Collection

Love in a Hopeless Place

About.me page: http://about.me/emmacalin

Emma Calin Blog: http://www.emmacalin.blogspot.com

Emma Calin Website: http://www.emmacalin.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/emma.calin

and book page: http://www.facebook.com/ShannonsLaw

Twitter:https://twitter.com/EmmaCalin

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/emmacalin/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4915751.Emma_Calin

4RV Publishing, Authors, Awards, Book covers, Books, bookstore, Children's author, ebooks, illustrators, Novel covers, Novels, Publishing, Writing

Preditors & Editors Readers’ Poll is now open

January 1, 2014 Melanie Leave a comment

Preditors & Editors Readers’ Poll for 2013 is now open

Once again my publisher – 4RV Publishing – is nominated in the Preditors & Editors Readers’ Poll in a number of categories. Voting is easy. Click on the link beside each category listed below, select the 4RV title/author/artist etc., then scroll to the bottom of the page and enter your name and email address. And to confirm you’re not a spammer, enter the author’s name in the box beside the thumbnail of the book cover that’s there. You’ll receive a confirmation email with a link in it. Simply click on it to confirm your vote. (My debut novel, A Shadow in the Past, finished 3rd in its category in the 2012 P&E Readers’ Poll.)

4RV Publishing is nomininated in the following Preditors & Editors Readers’ Poll categories:

Other novels:

A Wandering Warrior by Harry Gilleland – http://critters.org/predpoll/novel.shtml

Young Adult novels:

Taking the High Ground by Amy Alessio http://critters.org/predpoll/novelyoungadult.shtml

Children’s books:

I Like Pink by Vivian Zabel http://critters.org/predpoll/novelchildrens.shtml

Book/eBook cover art:

A Wandering Warrior Aidana WillowRaven http://critters.org/predpoll/bookart.shtml (Aidana did the gorgeous cover for A Shadow in the Past)

Author:

Vivian Zabel http://critters.org/predpoll/author.shtml

Print/electronic book Publisher:

4RV Publishing http://critters.org/predpoll/ebookpublisher.shtml

Artist:

Ginger Nielson http://critters.org/predpoll/artist.shtml

Print/eBook editor:

Carla Ralston http://critters.org/predpoll/bookeditor.shtml Carla was my editor for A Shadow in the Past and we had a great editor/author relationship.

Bookstore

4RV Publishing http://critters.org/predpoll/bookstore.shtml

It would be great to see 4RV finish first in each category but in order for that to happen, they need your votes. Only one vote per category, too. The Preditors & Editors Readers’ Poll closes January 14, so don’t delay.