Friday, May 30, 2014

SUMMER READING - WHAT'S ON YOUR LIST?

Anytime is reading time for me, but many people have more free time in summer. Schools are out, vacations roll around, and people relax by the sea or a pool. Even though I’m stuck in my pink writing cave, I love to read.

Recently, I read several of the new Prairie Rose Publishing anthologies. I know most of the authors who contribute to these collections, and each is an excellent author. You can’t go wrong with any of the works. LASSOING A BRIDE and LASSOING A GROOM are just released.

I love Amanda Quick/Jayne Ann Krentz, and recently finished her latest, OTHERWISE ENGAGED. As usual, her story captured my interest from the first page. I love her books.


Geri Foster has released WRONG GUY, the second of her Accidental Pleasures series. She’s also in the boxed set, SPICE BOX. In addition, don’t forget OUT OF THE PAST, the novella about Zoe in her Falcon series. I’m eagerly awaiting OUT OF THE DEPTHS, the next Falcon book for non-stop action and romance.

Another author I love is Loretta Chase. Her descriptions and characterization are amazing. I’ve preordered her VIXEN IN VELVET, the third in her trilogy of dressmaker sisters. The book will be released later in June.


Sylvia McDaniel has released DESPERATE, a delightful prequel novella to her new Lipstick and Lead series about the Mackenzie sisters who turn bounty hunter to save their home after their father’s death. I’m eagerly awaiting the first sister’s story, which will be about Meg.

For those who enjoy stories involving Native Armericans, Mary Adair has new covers for her Passion series and has added RAVEN’S PASSION. The other two in the series are PASSION’S VISION and PASSION’S PRICE. Mary’s husband is descended from James Adair, author of the definitive book on Cherokee in the 18th century. She used James Adair’s book in her research.



Kathy Shaw’s latest release is BLONDIE AND THE HITMAN, a Darla Bodecker mystery. This is a fun read with a sassy heroine and a dash of romance. Kathy’s wicked sense of humor always makes me smile.



On my TBR list are MY KIND OF CRAZY by Katie O’Sullivan; AGAINST THE WILD by Kat Martin; SHAME ON YOU by Tara Sivec; ON THE HOOK by Cindy Davis; MAIL ORDER MISFIT by Kirsten Osbourne; and A TEXAS CATTLE DRIVE by Andy Adams. Those should keep me busy reading for a while, right? But new releases by Carra Copelin,  Paty Jager, Kathy Ivans, Jacquie Rogers (she's included in the Prairie Rose antholgies), and others will keep me adding to the list.

To your TBR stack, I hope you’ll add GABE KINCAID and THE MOST UNSUITABLE COURTSHIP, if you haven’t already done so.

Here are the buy links:

GABE KINCAID, book four of the Kincaid series


THE MOST UNSUITABLE COURTSHIP, book three in the Kincaid series



At the end of June, I’ll be releasing FINDING MY TEXAS HOME, book two in the Texas Home series, linked to HOME SWEET TEXAS HOME. Please watch for the release. To be certain you are notified of each of my releases, contests, giveaways, and other news, please sign up for my newsletter at the top of the right sidebar.

What are you reading?


Thanks for stopping by!

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

INTERVIEW WITH KAREN LOPP AND RELEASE OF SPLINTERED LIES




Splintered Lies
by Karen Lopp

INTERVIEW WITH KAREN LOPP:

Caroline: Tell us about growing up, Karen, and your family.

Karen: I grew up in the small town of Jones, Oklahoma on a farm. I had three older brothers who always managed to trick me into all sorts of mischief. Yes, I blame them.:)  We had cows, pigs, sheep and a very large garden. We also helped my grandparents with their garden. I always to stuck planting the potatoes. 

I school, I was pretty much considered one of the smart ones. But with older brothers in small school (my graduating class had 42 kids) no one dared bother me. The down side, was I didn’t get asked on dates. I had to wait until I could venture out of the town.

I met my husband at my first job and we have been married 34 years. We have three children and one grand baby. Another is on the way. I have to admit, grandbabies are a major distraction from writing.

Caroline: Oh, I envy you the grandbaby. Who are your favorite authors and favorite genres?

Karen: I love Tolkien, Mark Twain, Sherrilyn Kenyon and many others. I will read any genre except horror. I don’t mind Dean Koontz.

Caroline:  What’s your favorite way to relax and recharge? Hobbies?

Karen: A long walk is my favorite way to relax and recharge. Just being outside is calming and where I love to be. So digging in the dirt and planting flowers is one on my hobbies. I aslo sew, do a lot of experimenting with cooking since being diagnosed with Celiac.

Caroline: My youngest daughter is celiac. (Have you found Jules’ gluten free flour?) Do you have a favorite quote that sums up how you feel about life?

Karen: If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.

Caroline: How long have you been writing?

Karen: I have been writing for about seven years now, my how time files.

Caroline: Doesn’t it? Where do you prefer to write? Do you need quiet, music, solitude? PC or laptop?

Karen: I love writing outside on a sunny day, but most of the time it is inside right beside a window. Computer screens are hard to see in the bright sunlight. I have to have quiet, if there is music in the background I tend to start typing the lyrics and that just won’t do. I’d get into a lot of copyright trouble.:)J

I’ve included a picture of the little fish pond outside my window where I work.



Caroline: That’s why I listen to classical music or chakra aligning CD’s—no lyrics. ☺ Are you a plotter or a panzer?

Karen: Mostly a panzer, however I do have a lot of scenes figured out before I start writing.

Caroline: Do you use real events or persons in your stories or as an inspiration for stories?

Karen: I did in my westerns. I have some great stories passed down by my grandmother.  As for this book, no there were not persons or event’s that inspired it.

Caroline: Do you set daily writing goals? Word count? Number of chapters? Do you get a chance to write every day?

Karen: I have a very un-predictable schedule, so I try not to plan. I just take advantage to the days that are free and can slap out quite a bit on those days.

Caroline: What do you hope your writing brings to readers?

Karen: An enjoyable escape for the toils of life and a chance to be grateful for the comfortable live we have.

Caroline: What long-term plans do you have for your career?

Karen: Just to keep writing and encouraging others to pursue their dreams.

Caroline: Would you like to tell us what you’re working on now?

Karen: I have another western in the works and I have an FBI story half-way finished. I hope to get both of them done and published this year.

Caroline: What advice would you give to unpublished authors?

Karen: Never give up and keep writing.

Caroline: What’s a fun fact readers wouldn’t know about you?

Karen: I really enjoy a house full of people and having the time to make a great meal for them.

Caroline: Would you share something about you that would surprise or shock readers.

Karen: I really don’t have much to say to people. I tend to just listen most of the time.

Caroline: Is your book a series? If so, how long? Family saga, other?

Karen: No series yet, but I have been toying with the idea.

Caroline: Can you give readers a blurb about your book?

Karen: Detective Rissa Marten sacrificed her only chance for a normal life to put a drug lord behind bars. Now, her life in the shadows has to be brought to life to save the man she has secretly loved for years. With a price on her head can she risk letting him know?

Detective Jerah Qassem has built his career as an undercover agent in the dangerous world of drug cartels. But when a ghost from his past is resurrected can he overcome his bitterness in time to save her life?

Caroline: How about an excerpt?

Karen: Here is an excerpt of SPLINTERED LIES:

Jerah Qassem had never been more grateful for his years of undercover training than at this moment. Fingers tight around the tumbler to stop the tremors, he watched the apparition glide up to the bar, and wondered if someone had laced his drink with a hallucinogen. Mary was dead. He had nightmares or wet dreams about her most nights for the last eight years.

It wasn’t only the woman’s face that had his insides swirling like a hurricane. It was the way she moved. Long, smooth strides, shoulders straight and eyes darting around like a caged cat. Mary had always been casting looks over her shoulder as if she expected someone to jump out and chase her. But those legs were just as toned and shapely as Mary’s had been. She had been athletic and grabbed every chance she could to romp around the beach. Even the hair was the exact same color of ripened wheat and bounced just below her shoulders. Just like Mary had worn it
.
Chills erupted all over his body and cold fingers caressed the nape of his neck. Unable to blink, Jerah stared at the ghost of Mary. The girl he had sent to her death in a fit of anger. The girl he had fallen in love with, yet had been too proud and ambitious to acknowledge until she was gone. Forever.

Jerah closed his eyes against the jarring memory of two firemen holding him back from the charred remains of the building he had sent Mary into as three body bags were carried out. A shudder rattled down his spine. He had relived that day too often. When he glanced back at the bar, the woman had taken a seat and smiled at the bartender. Jerah knew that smile. The same smile that once had almost melted his resolve to not get involved. He had had a career to build. Mary had stirred up thoughts of forever and love, things he hadn’t been ready for. The temptation had been great. But somehow, he persevered and tossed away the best thing that had ever happened to him.

Air exploded from his chest and Jerah shook his head. He did not believe in ghosts. Prickles sprang up his legs as if his blood had decided to flow again. He tugged his leaden body from the chair and stalked to the bar. “Give me a shot of Wild Turkey.” Needing the fortification, he gulped down the amber liquid. Fire burned down his throat. Nope, he wasn’t dreaming. Hands braced on the edge of the bar, he turned to the woman at his side.

Caroline: Is there anything else you’d like readers to know about you?

Karen: I would love to hear from you, the readers. You are who I try to write for and would love to know more about you.


Karen will be awarding a $50 Amazon gift card to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

Splintered Lies
by Karen Lopp

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

SPLINTERED LIES Blurb:

Detective Rissa Marten sacrificed her only chance for a normal life to put a drug lord behind bars. Now, her life in the shadows has to be brought to life to save the man she has secretly loved for years. With a price on her head can she risk letting him know?

Detective Jerah Qassem has built his career as an undercover agent in the dangerous world of drug cartels. But when a ghost from his past is resurrected can he overcome his bitterness in time to save her life?


Another Excerpt of SPLINTERED LIES:

Blame the music, the twinkling lights, and the heady feel of Jerah’s hard body swaying with hers, Rissa lost her grip on any logical thought or reasoning. When he kissed her like a man on a mission, she melted right there on the polished dance floor.

When he nipped her lower lip and somehow managed to press closer, heat, hotter than the sun, sizzled in her veins. Heart pounding louder than the music, she poured all the pent up love she had into the kiss. He already had her heart and soul. Always would. But right now, she wanted to give him all of her, take all of him.

Give and give and give. Let him teach her what he wanted. How he wanted it. Learn and explore his body. Taste him. Have him. Know just one moment of pure unhindered love. If they weren’t in public she’d be stripping off his clothes about now.

The song ended and Jerah groaned as his fingers trailed down her spine before breaking off the kiss. Eyes darker than the moonless night sky, he gave Rissa a lazy grin and spun her around as the next song started. Even though the beat kicked up several notches, he always had a hand on her somewhere.

“I assumed you didn’t like to dance.”

“I didn’t.” With a gaze so hot it burned her flesh, he chuckled. “Until now.”

Karen Lopp, Author

Stories have always been a part of my life, from books to tales passed down from my ancestors that brought history to life. Danger, struggles and the will power to overcome are all found in the rich legacy of my family tree. Inspiration from their lives inspired me to write what I love. Branching out to contemporary suspense has been another dream come true. I hope my stories bring you entertainment and inspiration.

I live in the heart of the southwest. I love history of all times and places. And my second but equal love of suspense fills my books.





You are encouraged to follow the tour and enter at each stop:


Monday, May 26, 2014

SUSAN HORSNELL AND CAPTURING CHARLIE

Please welcome my friend, Susan Horsnell, to the blog. You may remember that Susan has been here before with others of her many titles. Her books have received notable professional reviews.

Susan is a retired nurse who lives in Australia, but more about that later in the post. I’m happy to say she and her husband will be visiting the U.S.A. in late winter of 2015 and has included a visit with my husband and me on her trip.Hooray! Her latest release is CAPTURING CHARLIE.

CAPTURING CHARLIE Blurb:

One week before he is due to marry, Charlie leaves the family who had given him a second chance at life. Orphaned at the age of 10, when his parents and sister are killed in a botched bank robbery, Charlie is taken in by his father’s best friends.

After being deceived by his fiancé, Charlie sets out on his own. He encounters an abandoned dog and the two become close companions as they travel over the mountain range in search of a new home.

After being shot at and thrown from his horse, he suffers a life threatening head injury. Josephine Platt takes responsibility for his care, after all, it was her crazy Grandmother who shot the poor stranger.

Will Charlie recover and lose his heart to the feisty girl or will past experiences leave him unforgiving and bitter?



CAPTURING CHARLIE Excerpt:

Charlie came in early from riding the fence line. The day was hot, the air thick with moisture, and he looked forward to a swim in the nearby creek. It would wash off the dirt and grime of the day as well as bring relief to his tired, aching muscles. Fixing fences was back breaking work and the only job on the ranch that he hated. The chore needed doing too damned often thanks to one very amorous bull.

He sighed as he dismounted near the barn and led his horse, Shadow, inside. Giggling and chatter reached his ears as he entered. Sounds like Lois. Wonder who she’s with? He led his horse into the nearest empty stall, patted his nose and closed the stall door.

Charlie strode towards the tack room at the end of the stable block, the area the sounds had come from. A smile graced his face. Maybe Lois will come swimming with me.

He pushed open the door to the tack room and froze. Lois squealed as she sat upright in the small bed, attempting to clutch the sheet to her breasts. Her top half was bared for Charlie to see. Her creamy white skin, small perky breasts and dark rose coloured nipples drew his eyes. The man she was with lay as naked as the day he was born, Lois was obviously the same.


Links:


Author Susan Horsnell

I was a Nurse, a career that spanned more than 35 years. During my career I specialized in caring for people with Alzheimer’s type Dementia, an area that fascinates me despite how heartbreaking it can be. My dear father-in-law is unfortunately afflicted with this disease and now resides in a Nursing Home. In the not too distant future I am hoping to pen a novel incorporating some of the stories I have heard from these amazing people. Part of my career was with the blind and I also cared for severely disabled children for a while too.
When I retired 4 years ago I decided it was time to get the stories out of my head and onto paper. From there I just hoped my stories were interesting and well written enough to attract readers.
I am married to the love of my life, we have 2 wonderful adult boys, and 5 amazing grandchildren. We also play substitute Mum and Dad to a beautiful, adopted young lady. We reside in sunny Queensland, Australia in the midst of a Blackbutt Forest. We are surrounded by the peace and quiet of Mother Nature and wildlife abounds. It is a dream come true location for us.  
For more information about me, I can be found at:
Twitter: @susanhorsnell

Thanks for stopping by!

Friday, May 23, 2014

NO HARD FEELINGS?



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Marta will be awarding a $25 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.



Some secrets can’t stay hidden, especially when they involve murder…

Liz Farrell is still reeling over the murder of her mother almost a year earlier at the hands of her father, Leo Bauer, when she receives the startling news that she’s inherited her estranged father’s sizable estate. Unable to come to terms with her father’s unspeakable legacy, Liz and her grandmother, Kate Stanton, visit Leo’s property in Benedict Canyon, desperately hoping to find closure. Instead, they find a bunker hidden under an old hunting lodge that had been used by Leo at one time to hold Liz’s mother captive. Horrified by the discovery, Liz immediately orders the bunker filled and the lodge destroyed but the ensuing demolition quickly comes to a grinding halt after a man’s remains are discovered in a shallow grave at the base of the old lodge. Once the press get wind of the gruesome discovery, rumors quickly surface, linking the remains to a murder spree that took place at the same address almost half a century earlier; a murder spree conveniently covered up by the governor at the time who also happened to be Leo Bauer’s stepbrother. Liz and Kate’s efforts to uncover the truth behind the murders are soon hampered by family secrets and a killer who’s intent on finishing the job started almost fifty years ago.


Enjoy this excerpt:

The older attorney looked at his colleague before placing a comforting hand over Kate’s. “We apologize for upsetting you … both of you. My colleague and I cannot even begin to imagine what you’ve gone through, and although we wish there was some way to avoid having this meeting, there isn’t.”

Kate blinked several times, forcing herself to remain stoic. “I understand. Please continue, Mr. Ludlow.” .”

He cleared his throat uncomfortably. “After your—Karl Bauer died, he left the bulk of his estate to his son, Leo. It appears that Mrs. Sanborn and Leo had had a falling out a number of years ago, and as a result, she left her family fortune to her older son, Irving. However, the bulk of her personal estate, valued well in excess of a quarter billion dollars, she has left to Maria Weaver.” .”

Liz’s head shot up. “But my mother’s dead!” she cried harshly. .”

Nigel Hawthorne held up his hands. “Yes, we are, of course, well aware of that. According to California succession laws, since the named heir to Mrs. Sanborn’s estate is deceased, the estate then automatically reverts to Maria Weaver’s children … in this case you, Ms. Farrell.” .”

At a loss for words, Liz stared at him blankly. .”

Nigel Hawthorne glanced at Kate, but she sat there holding her granddaughter’s hand, saying nothing so he forged ahead. “And your father, Ms. Farrell—”.”

“Please don’t call Leo Bauer my father!” The words were torn from Liz as tears spilled unwittingly down her cheeks. .”

The attorney reached into his breast pocket and pulled out a white handkerchief, which he held out to Liz. “We’re again very sorry to have upset you both.” .”

“It’s not your fault, Mr. Hawthorne,” Kate told him firmly. “My granddaughter and I realized coming into this meeting that it would probably bring up some very painful issues. Please continue.” .”

He nodded. “Ms. Farrell’s father, Leo Bauer, also left his entire estate to Maria Weaver.” .”

Liz jumped up. “Is this some kind of a sick joke?” she cried. “First, he kills my mother, and then he leaves her everything?” .”

“Leo Bauer’s will was executed back in the late seventies and was never updated,” he explained. “And again, because your mother is deceased,” he paused delicately, “you are your mother’s heir by succession.” .

Liz shook her head. “I don’t want it … any of it.”


About the Author


By the time Marta Tandori reached fifth grade, she was an avid reader and writer with a stack of short stories collecting dust in a box under her bed but it wasn’t until she began studying acting in her early twenties at the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York that Marta realized acting wasn’t really her passion – writing fiction was. What followed was years of writing workshops as well as correspondence courses in writing for children through the Institute of Children’s Literature in Connecticut. She credits the award winning author, Troon Harrison, as the instructor who helped her find her literary voice. Marta’s first work of middle-grade fiction, BEING SAM, NO MATTER WHAT was published in 2005, followed by EVERY WHICH WAY BUT KUKU! in 2006. With her more recent endeavors, Marta has shifted her writing focus to mysteries and suspense having “strong female protagonists with closets full of nasty skeletons and the odd murder or two to complicate their already complicated lives”. To learn more about Marta, please visit her website at http://martatandori.com, her Facebook Author Page at www.facebook.com/MartaTandoriAuthor, or https://www.blogger.com/null

Thanks for stopping by!

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

NICOLETTE ANDREWS SHARES DUCHESS, AN HISTORICAL FANTASY





To find her husband's killer, she will risk everything...



Publication Date: May 10, 2014
Genre: Fantasy (Epic and Historical)


When Damara, the Duchess of Florett, received a missive from the palace, she knew it could only mean one thing. Her husband was dead. She had prepared herself for this moment ever since he marched off to war. Following the news of her husband’s death, she comes face to face with her husband’s sister, the Queen. She has come to Damara with a request from beyond the grave. Writ on the aging vellum her husband left her instructions and a confession. He was not as he seemed. He was the king’s spy and he died to keep the king’s secrets. In his final letter to Damara, he asks her to find his killer and take his place as a palace spy. Only Damara can unravel the clues her husband left behind in order to find his killer and bring them to justice.  




Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble  |  iTunes  |  Smashwords



About the Author

Nicolette Andrews lives in beautiful Southern California with her husband and two daughters. She is the author of the Diviner's Trilogy and other works of fantasy. She's been know to often escape into world of fantasy and has happily been playing make-believe her entire life. When she is not writing, she enjoys gardening, spending time with her family and numerous outdoor activities, including hiking and camping. 


Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads  |  Pinterest

Thanks for stopping by!






Blast Info


Title: Duchess
Authors: Nicolette Andrews
Publication Date: May 10, 2014
Genre: Fantasy (Epic and Historical)

Synopsis
When Damara, the Duchess of Florett, received a missive from the palace, she knew it could only mean one thing. Her husband was dead. She had prepared herself for this moment ever since he marched off to war. Following the news of her husband’s death, she comes face to face with her husband’s sister, the Queen. She has come to Damara with a request from beyond the grave. Writ on the aging vellum her husband left her instructions and a confession. He was not as he seemed. He was the king’s spy and he died to keep the king’s secrets. In his final letter to Damara, he asks her to find his killer and take his place as a palace spy. Only Damara can unravel the clues her husband left behind in order to find his killer and bring them to justice.



Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Smashwords





Author Bio
Nicolette Andrews lives in beautiful Southern California with her husband and two daughters. She is the author of the Diviner's Trilogy and other works of fantasy. She's been know to often escape into world of fantasy and has happily been playing make-believe her entire life. When she is not writing, she enjoys gardening, spending time with her family and numerous outdoor activities, including hiking and camping.

Monday, May 19, 2014

THE PENDULUM FILES



Once again I have the pleasure of hosting p m terrell here at A Writer’s Life. She is promoting her new release, THE PENDULUM FILES via a Goddess Fish Book Tour. She's also giving away a lovely Celtic necklace to one commenter on her tour. 


So, let’s get to pm’s interview.

Caroline: Share with us something about growing up.

PM: Thanks for hosting me today, Caroline!

I was born in Washington, DC. My father was an FBI Agent so my early life was spent in a variety of states as he was being transferred from one office to another. By 1967, we ended up in the Mississippi Delta during one of the most violent times in the South’s history. I left there in the early 1970s, returning to the Washington area. Now I live in coastal North Carolina, far from the traffic and crowds.

Caroline: Were you a bookworm or a jock?

PM: I have definitely been a bookworm my entire life. I was always the last one to be chosen when forming ball teams at school and have a reputation for being quite clutzy! I can even fall while going up stairs, which I do quite frequently.

Books allow me to take on different personas; often ones that are athletic, strong, physically capable and hero-like.

Caroline: Who are your favorite authors and favorite genres?

PM: I have eclectic tastes when it comes to books. I enjoy true adventure in which ordinary people encounter extraordinary circumstances, such as Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer (about climbing Mount Everest); The Perfect Storm by Sebastian Junger and Left for Dead by Beck Weathers.

I love exploring new places, bygone eras and cultures through the pages of books. Gone with the Wind was an early favorite, read when I had the time for such a hefty book. Lately, my reading has included The Irish Lady, which opened the world of Northern Ireland to me.

Caroline: What’s your favorite way to relax and recharge? Hobbies?

PM: I breed freshwater angelfish and I find working with my fish tanks is extremely relaxing and a diversion from writing and researching. Some of my angels are ten inches tall and range from rare blue angels and flaming red angels to the classic silver striped angels, marbles and platinums. My angels are sold through a local pet shop; I’m told I’m the only breeder where the pet shop owners can actually see the parents and the environment in which the baby fish were raised.

My work with the angelfish became the CIA cover for Vicki Boyd and Dylan Maguire in the Black Swamp Mysteries series. I found whenever I talked about my fish, peoples’ eyes glazed over and I thought, “What a wonderful fake career for a CIA operative! Everyone would think they were terribly boring and stay away!”

Caroline: Watching fish is relaxing, but I remember that keeping the aquarium clean involved work. Do you have a favorite quote that sums up how you feel about life?

PM: I don’t know who originally wrote this but the quote is: Be quiet for the world is filled with noise and God speaks in a whisper.

Caroline: I love that and it’s new to me. The quote reminds me of a line from the Bible. How long have you been writing?

PM: I began writing in 1967, so I’ve been writing for close to fifty years. Just writing that makes me feel old! My first book, a non-fiction was published in 1984 and my first suspense in 2002. I’ve seen a lot of changes in the publishing industry throughout my career. It is unrecognizable from what it once was.

Caroline: This industry seems to change every day. Where do you prefer to write? Do you need quiet, music, solitude? PC or laptop?

PM: If I have the house to myself, I prefer to write in my living room, surrounded by some of my community fish tanks. Otherwise, I work in my office, which has a 360 degree view of the grounds. I write in solitude on a desktop (office) or laptop (living room) and can’t imagine how anyone can write in longhand.

Caroline: Are you a plotter or a panzer?

PM: I am definitely a plotter. I know before starting the book where it begins and where it will end. I also define a mid-point which resembles a climactic scene. The first half of the book is spent placing the building blocks for that mid-point. When I reach that particular chapter, it turns everything on its head, catapulting the reader through the end of the book.

Caroline: Do you use real events or persons in your stories or as an inspiration for stories?

PM: In my Black Swamp Mysteries Series, I’ve used several real characters and businesses. Vicki’s and Dylan’s favorite restaurant is The Village Station, owned by Arnold West. A pivotal scene played out at Just Teazin’ Beauty Salon, which featured real salon owner Beth Powers.

I often get inspiration for plots from going through declassified CIA documents or through news stories about true espionage or crime. Truth really is stranger than fiction!

Caroline: That certainly is true. What do you hope your writing brings to readers?

PM: I hope that my writing brings entertainment value to my readers, allowing them to escape into the pages of my books like I escape through the books I read. I also seek to enlighten and educate, while leaving the opinions up to the readers themselves.

Caroline: What long-term plans do you have for your career?

PM: Well, since I’ve been writing for nearly 50 years, my long-term goals have become short-term goals! I have been extremely fortunate to have been able to write for as many years as I have, and I only hope to continue doing what I love for the rest of my life.

Caroline: Would you like to tell us what you’re working on now?

PM: I am finishing the sequel to THE TEMPEST MURDERS, an award-winning book that was released last fall. In THE WHITE DEVIL OF DUBLIN, Irish Detective Ryan O’Clery receives a call from a noted historian who claims she has uncovered information about his family’s past. When he arrives to meet with her, he finds her throat slashed and her computer stolen. Finding the killer and solving the crime will take him back nearly a thousand years to the time of the Viking invasion of Ireland—and into family secrets that had lain hidden for generations.

The book is due to be released this fall (2014).

Caroline: You’ve hooked me. What advice would you give to unpublished authors?

PM: If you are truly meant to be a published author, you will find the time to write regardless of what else is going on in your life.

Take your ego out of your work and listen to advice.

Authors have more resources available to them today than ever before. Use them; network and learn your craft to the best of your ability.

Caroline: Wonderful advice. Now let’s learn more about your new release.



The Pendulum Files
By
pm terrell


THE PENDULUM FILES Blurb:

CIA operative Dylan Maguire joins forces with psychic spy Vicki Boyd to find out who is bombing merchant vessels bound for the United States from China. The mission will lead them to Black Sites, the high seas, and into covert operations. and when an assassin escapes from prison determined to finish the job he started, they find their personal lives and their missions are about to collide in ways they never could have imagined.



Excerpt from THE PENDULUM FILES:

She wasn’t quite sure what roused her from sleep. But as Vicki slowly opened her eyes, she became aware of her nude body lying on one side with Dylan’s larger, muscular form curled up behind her. One arm was stretched over her protectively and her derriere rested against his lap, their legs intertwined.
Normally some moonlight found its way inside, but the room was so murky that she wondered if there was any moon at all this night. She narrowed her eyes in an effort to adjust to the darkness as Dylan’s measured, soft breathing remained against her ear.
She nearly gasped as her eyes fell upon a figure just a few feet from the bed. She frowned as it swayed in front of her; it was not flesh and blood—that much was obvious. It was almost opaque and as she continued to stare, it grew more luminous until a tiny woman stood in front of her with long, flowing white hair billowing about her as if blown by the wind.
She wore a thin nightgown that reached from the base of her neck all the way to her feet, and as Vicki continued to stare, she smiled.
“Mam,” Vicki breathed as she recognized Dylan’s grandmother.
Dylan murmured something incomprehensible and held her more tightly against him.
“Be careful what you do, child,” Mam said in a clear voice. “There are eyes on you.”
Vicki gasped and grabbed at the bed covering. “You shouldn’t be watching us!” she exclaimed.
Dylan awakened and leaned over her to look at her face. “What is it, Darlin’?”
Vicki could feel the heat in her cheeks. She half-turned to Dylan to see him watching her with sleepy eyes. “I—” She turned back to where his grandmother had stood, but she was gone.
“Another bad dream, mayhap?” he asked before settling back. “There’s nothin’ at’al to be frightened of, Darlin’. I’ll take good care o’ you.”
She tried to relax against his body once more. She kept her eyes open and her ears on alert but she was met only with silence and a darkness that reminded her that she’d had precious little sleep. Still, she pulled the bedcovers over them, covering their naked bodies.
The grandfather clock downstairs ticked off the seconds, the sound reminding her of just how silent the rest of the house really was. She finally felt herself snuggling into that warm cocoon of sleep.
She could feel Dylan’s breath against the back of her neck; it was the steady breathing of a man deeply asleep. Then she became aware of something else, something against her nose as if someone was breathing on her face.
Her eyes flew open to find Mam leaning down in front of her, her face just inches from hers.
“It isn’t me you need to be concernin’ y’self with, child,” she said. “Other eyes are watchin’.”



Smashwords (all ebook formats): http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/412506


p m terrell, Author


p.m.terrell is the pen name for Patricia McClelland Terrell, the award-winning, internationally acclaimed author of more than 20 books in five genres. A full-time author since 2002, Black Swamp Mysteries is her first series, inspired by the success of Exit 22 in 2008. The books include EXIT 22, VICKI’S KEY, SECRETS OF A DANGEROUS WOMAN, DYLAN’S SONG and THE PENDULUM FILES. VICKI’S KEY placed as one of four finalists in the 2012 International Book Awards. Her historical book, RIVER PASSAGE, won the 2010 Best Drama Award, and her romantic suspense, THE TEMPEST MURDERS, placed as one of four finalists in the 2013 USA Best Book Awards.

Prior to becoming a full-time writer, she founded and operated two computer companies in the Washington, DC area. Her specialties were computer crime and computer intelligence and her clients included the CIA, Secret Service and Department of Defense. Computer technology often weaves its way through her contemporary suspense/thrillers.

She is also the co-founder of The Book 'Em Foundation and the founder of The Book 'Em North Carolina Writers Conference and Book Fair, an annual event to raise money for literacy campaigns. She also serves on the boards of the Friends of the Robeson County Public Library and the Robeson County Arts Council, and served as the first female president for the Chesterfield County/ Colonial Heights Crime Solvers.

website: www.pmterrell.com
twitter: @pmterrell

Thanks for stopping by!


Friday, May 16, 2014

ANOTHER HAIR DISASTER!

In my lifetime, I’ve had major hair disasters. Once I asked for a rinse to make my hair shine with red highlights because I was going to a party wearing a new red chiffon dress. I came out with hair the color of Raggedy Ann. And the hairdresser wouldn't redo my hair because she wanted to close up and go home. Humiliating---but I went to the party.
Raggedy Ann

Another time, I tried to dye my hair blonde the day before we were leaving on a trip to visit relatives. I didn’t really understand the steps to going blonde and my hair turned out sort of orange-ish. Our young nephew told me he loved my hair because it was the same color as Lassie’s. And it was. 

Lassie

And there was the time Darling Daughter 2 had me color her hair while she was home for the weekend from university. I turned her hair lavender instead of blond. Quick trip to a hairdresser rescued her. Still, I’m forbidden from mentioning coloring her hair ever again. ☺

Darling Daughter 2 as a blonde

Which is not quite as bad as my friend Maxine who turned her hair green. She had to miss half a day of work while she used Palmolive Dishwashing Detergent to strip the color from her hair. Too bad it wasn't St. Patrick's Day. ☺

Not all of my efforts have turned out badly. For about ten years I used Lady Clairol every weekend so my hair would have more body and shine. I used Ash Blonde, which turned my dishwater blonde hair to dark brown. Looked pretty good, if I do say so myself. Hero liked it. When I tired of dying my hair each weekend, I asked a hairdresser to strip the color so I could go natural. She informed me that was my natural color. Go figure. I wonder how many Sunday mornings I’d arisen at four to color my hair before church when it was already that color?


Me not knowing I'd become brunette


After the disaster with DD2's hair, I've given up the home hair color business. For the last fifteen years, I had the same hairdresser. She knew precisely how I wanted my hair done. She did highlights and lowlights to enhance nature. I loved the consistent outcome she achieved. But then we moved from a rural area to an urban setting an hour away.

Hero and I had decided when we moved we’d switch as many services as possible to our new neighborhood. You know a woman and her hairdresser have a sacred relationship. For a few months, I drove the hour back to our old town to have my hair done. That seemed silly, though, when a high end salon is only four blocks away from our house.

One day, I desperately needed a cut, so I tried a hairdresser in the nearby salon. She does a really nice haircut. By this time, however, the enhancements were growing out. On my next visit, I asked for highlights. She talked me into getting heavy highlights via a cap so that my flimsy, thin hair would have more body. The result was very, very light blond (grayish) with a line of brown around my face where the cap edge had been.

Me as a blonde

Oops. Hated it, but my hair had more body and stayed styled much better than ever before. So, not a total loss.

As tactfully as possible at my next visit, I expressed my reservations. My hairdresser said all we needed was to put in lowlights, plus she’d cover up the brown framing my face. Okay, scheduled it for the next appointment.

No-o-o-o-o, this result is not okay. Now my hair is auburn leaning toward eggplant. Don’t misunderstand, I love those shades on other people but this is not what I envisioned for myself.

I want my old hair back, please!

For once, I hope my hair grows rapidly. Unfortunately, nothing grows as slowly as a disastrous hairdo.  

Have you ever had a hair disaster?


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Raggedy Ann and Lassie photos from Google Creative Commons