A.C. Chenier's Blog

Today I welcome Anne Marie Citro (a fellow Canadian) and her novel Lyrics Heart and Soul. She has provided a wonderful guest post on how she comes up with her ideas!




Guest Blog - How I Come Up with Story Lines



I hear a headline in the news and I think how did the surviving person carry on, and how did their life change. I heard years ago about Prince Harry being on vacation with his friends, and a picture of him naked ended up being circulated around the world. One of his friends had to have sold him out. I couldn't imagine how that felt. I wrote a character in my first book to try to figure out how it would feel to be famous, and not being able to trust a soul. It was a real eye opener for me, because every time I wrote a scene with him, I had to think of his security and keeping his identity a secret. It was exhausting to be followed and trying to be private, in a world full of people who believe they have a right to know everything about my famous people.             Many times, I will see a headline from the news flash on my iPad or computer and instantly my mind goes to the victims or their families. Next I wonder about the people that just missed being in a horrific tragedy. What does it feel like to have your life spared? Do you change your life? Or do you carry on like nothing has ever happened? I think about these things all the time.             I have to be very careful not to write about a lot of different subjects, because I know people who have experienced those issues, and I don't want them thinking I am writing about them. I don't presume to understand how they feel, or how it affected their lives.             My husband and I like to travel to different destinations in the world, and one of my favorite things to do is people watch. I love to sit a cafe with a glass of wine and wonder about all the people on the street. I like to envision what they do for a living, or who they are married to. When I hear, someone fighting on a cell phone, I start wondering who upset the person I am watching.  Are they in the wrong, or is the person they are talking too in the wrong.             I love to watch the reaction of children, when their parents are nurturing them or scolding them. Their facial expressions say everything they are thinking. It is so honest and real, that I try to use that in my writing.
            To wrap it up my next story could be about the man reading the newspaper next to me at the coffee shop, and the headline in the paper just became his story. Or you walking your children to school and lecturing them on lateness.          
BLURB


One of America’s most reclusive rockers, Ryder Vaughn, gets an unusual sentence handed down to him. The judge, hoping to teach him the value of human life, sentences him to ten months of community service at Reach Within Centre for individuals with special needs. Ryder is convinced that, if he isn’t crazy already, he will be by the time his sentence ends. However, his only other option forfeits his band’s livelihood.   Five minutes after stepping into the centre, his entire life changes when he meets a gorgeous, little spitfire who will challenge everything he has ever believed about himself and the world around him. 
  Francesca's devotion has always been to her family, friends, and the job she is passionate about. Her life hasn’t been easy. She sacrifices a lot for the ones she loves and for her dream to visit Italy. Then Francesca finds herself in a desperate situation, and the tattooed beast who is serving his debt to society must save the headstrong woman from a secret that could destroy her. In turn, Francesca teaches Ryder, if you love something enough, it’s worth fighting for.    Ryder knows he isn’t worthy of love, but this incredible beauty makes him want it.     Ryder can save Francesca from her secrets, but can she save him from his? Is Ryder strong enough to endure the kids she loves and her crazy Italian family? 
Ten months can fly by or it can last an eternity.



 About the Author

Anne Marie Citro grew born and raised in the greater Toronto area of Ontario, Canada. She grew up in a large, loving family. Anne Marie is married to a very patient man. He is the love of her life. They have four very cool sons, and the girls they brought into their family that have become daughters of her heart. She has been blessed enough to finally have a beautiful granddaughter after four sons. She has her own personal gaggle of girlfriends, who enrich her life on a daily basis and make her laugh. Caesar Friday is her favourite day of the week. Caesars with the girls and date night with her hubby. She works with special-needs teenagers, that have taught her how to appreciate life and see it through gentler eyes. Anne Marie was encouraged by her husband to follow her life long dream to write. She loves the characters that take over imagination and haunts her dreams. She loves the arts and she has tried her hand at painting, wood sculpting, chainsaw carving, wood burning, metal and wire sculptures. Yes, her husband is a very patient man! Anne Marie is an avid reader and enjoys about three books per week. But nothing makes her happier then riding on the back of her husband's Harley and  throwing her arms out and feeling the wind race by. Anne Marie and her husband take a few weeks every year to travel to spectacular destination around the world. Anne Marie is excited and can't wait to see what the next chapter holds for her life.and enjoys about three books per week.


Contact Information

Website: annemariecitro.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100012775572222 Twitter: @AnneMarieCitroPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/amcitro/ Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30369363-under-her-wings?from_search=true
Purchase Links
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Lyrics-Heart-Soul-Sistas-2/dp/1540409945/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1482869020&sr=8-2&keywords=anne+marie+citro 

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lyrics-heart-soul-anne-marie-citro/1125281150?ean=9781540409942 Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/lyrics-heart-soul iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/lyrics-heart-soul/id1183940131?mt=11

As it's Valentines Day today, I'm supporting romance!  I've joined a number of my fellow authors and bloggers in sharing information about our romance novels.  Thanks to Reading Addiction Book Tours for organizing this one day blast!


WELCOME TO THE VALENTINE'S DAY BLAST! 

We joined together with many Authors to bring you a list of Romance Books available for you to read this Valentine's Day! 

Click on any of the below book covers to be taken to the page that has more information on the novel as well as the Buy Links!
Before you leave, don't forget to enter the Giveaway!!! 

  [image error] [image error]  

Want to learn more about RABT Book Tours? www.readingaddictionvbt.com


a Rafflecopter giveaway

[image error]

Almost two years ago I attended a Hay House Writers Workshop in Chicago. Kelly Notaras spoke to us about the editing process. I worked with some of her team on Love by Knight as I prepared it for submission to the Hay House Writers contest.

Unfortunately I didn't win any of the prizes, but that didn't discourage me from continuing to work on the manuscript, based on the feedback I received from kn literary arts, and ultimately publishing it this week.

In the latest installment of Kelly's blogs, she addresses the challenges so many of us face in actually writing a novel.  I know that many people I talk to say "I've always wanted to write a book, but I just can't seem to do it."  Maybe this will help someone make that break through and put "pen to paper"


kn literary arts - Kelly Notaras

Today I am linking to an interview I did with Indie Reader after they completed my 4+ review of Loves of our Lives





Loves of our Lives received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
 
Following find an interview with author Ac Chenier.


Full Text - Indie Reader -Guest Post

Today I welcome.... myself to celebrate the Official Release of Love by Knight, my second novel





Love by KnightbyAC Chenier




 Imagine visiting a ruin from the 1300’s and feeling right at home, as if you knew every nook and cranny in the place. A siren call to heed and find the mystery that stirs your soul. And a man who’s every look and touch speaks to your deepest needs and desires. What a combination that can’t be resisted. But what does the past hold? It beckons to you, but is shrouded in mystery, pain and terror. Would you resist or follow that siren call?





 BLURB

Kelly Taylor has had a lifelong attraction to the Knights Templar. Now, after dealing with her husband’s untimely death, she is able, at long last, to take an extended journey to Europe. Her final planned stop is a recently discovered Templar Village, Eykel, that straddles the old trade routes to the Holy Land. It was uncovered by the powerful and enigmatic Carter Family.


Neil Carter-Adams is the current heir to the far-flung Carter enterprises, mostly especially the Foundation set up to rebuild the long tarnished Templar legacy. The family’s long history traces right back to the Templar times. Recently divorced, Neil is becoming restless as he explores the world trying to assuage the ache in his soul to find his perfect soul mate.


Neil and Kelly come face to face in Eykel. The sparks sizzle and fly right from the start. The siren call of their souls beckons them to the past; shrouded in mystery, pain and terror. Can they overcome fear to embrace all that they can be together?

PROMOTIONAL PRICING
To celebrate the release of the book, I am offering promotional pricing on both of my novels!  
Softcopy and ebook are available at reduced prices, from my Direct Sale page.
       Softcopy for $11.99 US       eBook for $1.99 US
Promotion runs from January 16th to January 20th, 2017.  Promotion code: Release

AC Chenier Order Page


  

Today I welcome Patrice Locke and the new book Exit Signs

I'd like to thank her for the guest post about her biggest challenges in the writing process!  I love the last line about feeding the introverted soul while the extroverted part is out selling the book. I can relate to that!!








Exit Signsby Patrice Locke
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GENRE:   Romantic Comedy
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BLURB:
Tracy Price has a documentary-style life until rock star Jesse Elliot rewrites her script and takes the wheel to drive her crazy.

In her quest to find a writer missing since the 1930's, Tracy thinks she has discovered exactly how to handle her new relationship. But she may be listening to the wrong voice. 

Then Tracy and Jesse find out they've both been keeping some big secrets, and the truth may ruin everything.

Will sharing the missing writer's story open both their hearts?



 AUTHOR GUEST POST:
Q:  What is the most challenging thing for you about the end to end process of being a published author? How do you overcome those hurdles?
By Patrice Locke

            Writing ‘The End,’ and having final approval from your editor/publisher would seem to be the glorious end of a long endeavor. But it’s not! It’s the beginning of a whole new sort of creative process: PROMOTIONS.
            The most challenging thing about having written a book is the fact that there are approximately 89 billion other books out there. How on earth can you drive readers to your ‘child,’ and get them enthused enough to read it and then recommend it to other people?
            Maybe if you have a giant publisher with a huge promotion budget, that isn’t a problem. But how many of us have that blessing? From what I’ve heard, most of us are in the position of constantly trying to make sure that he book we’ve put so much of our hearts and souls into finds readers who will love and cherish it.
            “Exit Signs” is my first book, and I cannot say that I know the answers to the questions about promoting a book, but some of the things that have worked for me are joining writing groups such as Women Fiction Writers and becoming active on social media sites such as Women Writers, Women’s Books. The networking alone is valuable. And, if you’re lucky, you’ll connect with people who like your work and whose work you respect and enjoy. I’ve heard that 90 percent of book sales result from word-of-mouth, and I believe that’s pretty accurate.
            The whole thing is challenging, maybe more than it should be because so many of us who write are introverts – that’s why we’re at home on the page but not so at home in a crowd. The one thing I’m learning as my first book is out there in the world is that I have to overcome my desire to just exist in the world of the written word. I’ve found lots of very kind, very creative writers who understand that problem and can offer support and encouragement. My best advice is to create that circle of support and then lean into it and take all the advice you can get. 
            The good news is that you can always be working on a new project to feed your introverted soul while you try to make your extrovert self get out there and promote your work.


BOOK EXCERPT 

Jesse lunged toward me. It was too late. I had already launched. He reached out but didn’t connect. Instead, I broke the trajectory of my upper body by grabbing him at chest level and sliding down. He was pushed backward into the table, which stabilized our ungainly host-parasite tableau. He softened my landing so that physically I was fine, but my pride was ready for intensive care.
Heaped at his feet, like a demented penitent, I hugged his knees, my face pressed flat into his thighs. I might as well stay down. What’s worse? To stand up and face you, or remain here, nestled between your legs? What do you think? Then, the finishing touch: I erupted into nervous, snorting laughter. He guessed there was no serious injury.
“It’s nice to see you, too. You are okay, aren’t you? Can you stand?” He reached for my arms to unwrap them from his legs and help me up. I jammed my eyelids together to conjure up a do-over, but no such luck.
I would have to deal with it.
He held my elbows in his hands. “I guess we were both in a hurry to see each other.”
I do appreciate your attempt to lighten the mood, but you are standing SO close. I can feel your body heat. Or is that mine? By the way, you smell tart and fresh, like a lime.
I stared at his shoulder. My dignity meter was stuck on empty.
“Enthusiastic greeting. Thanks for that.” He was blatantly amused.
“It was nothing.” I stepped backward to regain a semblance of independence. Don’t mock me. But, you did go to all the trouble to bring your hair. And your eyes. I might forgive you for witnessing my disgrace. That hair.   
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
As a journalist, Patrice Locke wrote a lot of stories with unhappy and even tragic endings.
Facts are facts, and a writer doesn't mess with facts.
But fiction is another world. Patrice began writing novels, where she could control the endings and make them as happy as she wants. The best thing about fiction, she says, is having time to think before her characters speak, so they can say the things most of us only come up with after the perfect moment has passed.
      She loves to write, read, and watch romantic comedies where life always turns out the way it should. Her only obsessive relationships are with semicolons and Oxford commas.
    Though she doesn't like to brag, Patrice is an award-winning artist. She won a gold and diamond watch when she was 13 for decorating a turkey drumstick bone to look like Batman. Alas, that was her last recognition in the fine arts.
         Patrice lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where the blue sky is brilliant, the air is thin, and the vistas are breathtaking. She is none of those things, which is one reason she enjoys living among them.
Webpage: http://www.patricelocke.com/index.html
Author Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/bypatricelocke/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel  
Twitter: @patricelocke
Email: bypatricelocke@gmail.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE
Patrice Locke will be awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Today I welcome K.T. Castle as she launches her new novel The Bridesmaid's Checklist - Marisol's Wedding.






BOOK SYNOPSIS Kassandra’s last single friend got married in the summer. But even if she’s the only unmarried girl in the pack she isn’t single anymore. Now that all her friends are married and all the wedding planning is over, she has a chance to concentrate in her relationship with Josh. Or so she thought until Marisol visits her with a major life.changing crisis. Helping her friends plan their wedding was no problem─dealing with an unexpected pregnancy is a whole other thing.Kassandra is unable to decide the best way to help Marisol, specially when her relationship with Josh starts reaching an amount of commitment that she wasn’t expecting. Both girls will have to remember the past in order to move their relationships forward.Kassandra is a single, independent woman who prides herself on her own success. Now her life seems complete when Josh─a thoughtful, handsome, and the worst kind of charmer─leaves his womanizing days behind and can’t seem to stay away from her. Kassandra keeps wondering if their single days are really over and they’re ready for a monogamous and committed relationship.Marisol is a married woman with the perfect life─A wonderful husband and a beautiful son. Life gets even better when her little boy is finally ready for school and Sol can go back to work.Destiny is full of surprises for both girls, and sometimes the plans that you have aren’t the ones in the path before you.Join Kassandra and Marisol as they remember how they planned Sol’s wedding while they solve together the difficulties in the present.
BOOK INFORMATION
Title: The Bridesmaid’s Checklist: Marisol’s Wedding
Series: BCLAuthor: K.T. CastleGenre: Contemporary New Adult RomancePublication date: December 20, 2016Length: 398 pages / 63,989 wordsPublisher: K.T. Castle Books
ABOUT THE PROMOTIONThe Bridesmaid’s Checklist: Marisol’s Wedding will be on free promotion from December 20 to 25. The Bridesmaid’s Checklist Laura’s Wedding will be on free promotion from December 20 to 21. The giveaway will go on from December 20 until January 3rd.
Facebook Special
 
GIVEAWAY LINKS$10 dlls Amazon gift card / A signed copy of The Bridesmaid’s Checklist.  

a Rafflecopter giveaway


EXCERPT


Los Angeles, CaliforniaThree years and ten months ago
Thanksgiving Day finally arrived. Marisol managed to invite most of her friends to her future in-laws’ house to celebrate the holiday. Mama Tina, Mr. Flores, and Nena were there, too. It was a bit funny to see them in such a setting, since they didn’t really celebrate Thanksgiving that much. Sure, living in the U.S. had made them part of the tradition, but inside their household, the day wasn’t as important as other celebrations. Marisol had met Michael’s parents a few days before the holiday and offered to help Mrs. Myers with dinner preparations. Natalie and Nena also offered to help. They both loved cooking and house chores in general. Laura, Julian, Andrik, and Sol’s parents arrived at six for dinner. Laura and Julian allegedly had had a previous commitment. Andrik and I had work to attend to before dinner that night. The Fuenteses had prepared their own traditional dessert at home—almond flan. Mama Tina’s flan was to die for. It probably didn’t go well with Thanksgiving dishes, but she was sure everyone would enjoy it. Surprisingly for Sol, dinner went remarkably smoothly all around. Michael’s parents’ house seemed a little bit smaller than a palace. Everything outside and inside the house reflected affluence. It was so tastefully decorated that even Natalie asked for permission to take pictures of the house to steal some ideas. Mr. and Mrs. Myers were a lovely couple; they absolutely adored Marisol and were completely thrilled about the engagement. The Fuenteses were also very amicable. They held interesting conversations with everyone invited to dinner and were so pleased with Michael for giving Marisol a promise chain—it wasn’t a ring, but it held a promise after all. They seemed to enjoy the fancy dinner offered to all of us and even shared recipes for future gatherings. Mr. Fuentes was very proud of Nena for helping Mrs. Myers with dinner preparations, and he talked to no end about his daughters’ many attributes. He was without a doubt a proud father. Mama Tina’s dessert was a complete success; everyone loved her flan…up to the point when Michael confessed that Mama’s was tastier than Marisol’s. After that, somebody didn’t get flan for desert for a few weeks. Natalie and Andrik kept to themselves, although it was clear they enjoyed dinner and the company. Not very surprisingly, Andrik engaged in placid conversation with Mr. Myers and Mr. Fuentes. Natalie was a chameleon of conversation. She talked to anyone and everyone, complementing all the guests for one thing or another—their cooking, their hair, their outfit, their jewelry. She filled everyone’s bucket with happiness and positive feedback. Laura and Julian were definitely in their element, making all the right comments, and having various topics of conversation to adapt for all audience’s needs. Julian made everyone laugh with his charm and charisma. Laura looked beautiful, as always, and oh-so-in-love with Julian. I could tell just by looking at her that she was completely taken by Julian. She was completely shameless about announcing that she expected him to propose any time soon. I was mostly quiet. Even if Nena was there as the other single girl in the group, our age difference kept us further apart. She was mostly entertained by her mother and Mrs. Myers’ conversation. Rarely did she participate in conversations; she was more of a listener. I wasn’t usually the listening type, but at the moment, I thought it was best to play that role—a quiet observer of the movement around me. It might have been because I was tired, or maybe because I was the only one unaccompanied, but I enjoyed the night nonetheless and was completely happy for my friends. Andrik met me in the kitchen while I was refilling my drink. Dinner was over and we’d moved to the living room to continue the various conversations of our party. Michael was attentive enough to put some background music on through the elegant sound system in the room. “You aren’t talking much tonight,” Andrik stated. “Yeah,” I answered. “I just noticed the same thing.”“Are you working a lot?”“Well, I definitely can’t complain about the number of clients I have right now,” I explained. “I’ve been really lucky to be able to create a nice clientele in the short amount of time I’ve had my business in L.A.”“That’s good to hear,” my friend’s husband told me. “I actually know a couple of people interested in your services. They need consultation before they get their ISO certification soon.”“Great.” I smiled at him. “I’ve got some business cards in my purse. I left it in the hall. Come with me and I’ll give you some.”Andrik followed me toward the hallway, and we couldn’t help but overhear a private conversation between the Myers family. “I can’t believe you’re changing religions, son,” Michael’s mother said. “What’s wrong with being a Presbyterian?”“There’s nothing wrong with it, Mom,” Michael answered. “You’re not getting the point.”“Why can’t you have one of those mixed religion ceremonies?” his dad asked.“Because they don’t happen down in Mexico,” Michael explained. “At least, not in the little town we’re getting married in.”“Why again are you marrying in Mexico? What’s wrong with L.A.?”“Nothing’s wrong with L.A. We want a traditional Mexican wedding, and what’s more traditional than having a traditional Mexican wedding in Mexico?” Michael asked. “I can’t believe my son’s converting,” his mother said. “What about our traditions? What about your church?”“Mom, don’t be dramatic. I haven’t been to church since I was in elementary school.”“Michael, please respect your mother’s feelings,” Mr. Myers demanded. “This is a total surprise for us. You could’ve mentioned it before. It’s not particularly pleasant to find out from your future mother-in-law that you started attending seminars on how to become a Catholic—right before you’re getting baptized, too, apparently.” I could totally picture Mama Tina having decided to make that particular topic of conversation the top priority on her list. She was totally proud of her religion, and now that Michael was becoming Catholic to please Marisol, her family was completely smitten with him. “Mom, Dad, I would like you to understand that I’m doing this for Sol,” Michael explained again. “It’s important to her and I want to make her happy. I have nothing against our church, and I believe God will be pleased if I reach for him even if it’s from a different building. Please understand.”“I’m sorry, Michael,” Mrs. Myers said. “I’ve tried to be understanding about your obsession with pleasing this girl, but I believe we’ve reached an impasse.”Wow. The conversation was getting a bit out of control for a Thanksgiving night with guests all over their home. Even worse, Andrik and I were stuck without knowing what to do—if we moved now, they’d definitely know we’d heard at least some of the conversation. “I think we better go back to the kitchen,” I whispered to him. “I’ll give you my cards later.”“Sure. Good idea,” he said. “Wait a second, Andrik,” Michael pleaded. We turned to face him, realizing that at least Michael knew we’d been there the whole time. “You’re always the voice of reason. Please, help me make them understand. Wouldn’t you do anything to please Natalie?”“I sure would,” Andrik responded. “But I have to admit that it’s almost always her pleasing me in anything and everything. So sure, I would do anything I could to make her happy.” It was easy to hear the emotion in Andrik’s voice. Natalie was definitely the giver in their marriage, and she only had one tiny little demand—she wanted a baby. Andrik hadn’t agreed to start building their family yet—not because of the risks in a potential pregnancy. He claimed he was too old for the feat and that he already had children. He didn’t want to start all over again. “See, Mom,” Michael said. “I’m not doing it because I’m obsessed with her. I’m doing it because I love her. Dad, wouldn’t you do anything to please Mom?”“I would,” was Mr. Myers’ simple answer. “Then help change his mind,” Michael’s mother said. Since the men in the conversation weren’t convincing anybody of anything, Michael apparently thought he now needed a woman’s touch. “Kassie, wouldn’t you like your future husband to be part of your traditions and religion?”“That’s not a fair question, Michael!” his mother said. “Well, my grandmother would love for my husband to have the same religion as me, but that really isn’t super important from my perspective,” I answered. I saw Michael’s mother relax, apparently since I hadn’t completely sided with Michael against her. “But my religion isn’t as important to me as Sol’s is to her. And as much as I know that becoming a Catholic is pleasing her, there’s nothing more important to Marisol than the feelings you have for her. Your decision made her, and her family, happy, but I also know that your happiness is more important to her than your religion or church. She wouldn’t want you to do something you aren’t comfortable or happy to do.”  “Kassie’s right, Michael.” Suddenly, Sol had become part of the conversation. “If you making me happy is going to cause trouble for you and your family, it’s not worth it. I don’t want to cause conflict between you.”“You see, Michael?” his mother said with a small smile of victory. “She’s totally fine with you remaining in our church.”“But you can’t!” Mama Tina’s shouted from around the corner, using the dramatic line to enter group conversation. “You must belong to one church to be married. It is the right thing to do.”“Well, if they have to choose one,” Mrs. Myers interrupted, “why can’t it be Presbyterian?”“Your son doesn't practice. My Sol does,” Mama Tina explained. “Besides, Michael started his talks with Padre Alvaro.” “Without us knowing!” Michael’s mother argued. “I don’t think anyone has to change religion. Let them marry and make that decision later on.”“That is not possible. They need to be married by the church. It is the right way,” Mr. Fuentes added. “Además, we must not confuse our grandkids,” Mama Tina said. “What will happen when they have children and they’re confused about what religion to choose?”“Children? What children?” Mr. Myers asked. “Okay, time out!” Michael finally shouted. “This conversation is getting way out of proportion.”“But, Michael—”“Let’s get something straight, and by all means, I don’t want to offend anyone’s feelings. Marisol and I are the ones getting married. Marisol and I are making all the decisions. Marisol and I are starting a new family—and no, there aren’t any grandchildren on the way. If you want to be part of our family and our traditions, you’re going to accept our decisions.” All parents were quiet now, and all friends listened in awe. “We’re getting married on the last week of October in San Miguel Allende. You're all invited. We’ll have a simple ‘welcome to Mexico’ party, followed by a small Catholic wedding ceremony and a traditional Mexican reception. Marisol and I would love for all of you to attend our wedding, but we understand if you can’t make it. “Now, since this Thanksgiving dinner is over, I want all of you to know how thankful I am for my beautiful wife-to-be. I appreciate you took the time to come to my mother’s dinner and hope you enjoyed the wonderful food that was prepared for us.” He held my friend’s hand and closed his monologue by saying, “I need a drink, and we’re heading downtown if anyone cares to join us.” He grabbed Marisol’s purse, opened the front door, and said, “Have a pleasant evening.”“Si, tiene huevos el pinche gringo,” Mr. Fuentes whispered. I had to agree with the man—it took serious balls to do what Michael had just done. We all stood there in the Myers’ reception hall for a couple minutes before saying our thank yous and goodbyes. I decided to join them for a drink. I knew I definitely needed one.


AUTHOR BIO K.T. Castle loves reading, writing, and painting. She's on a quest to find the words, forms, and colors to materialize the worlds and people of her imagination. She loves reading Paranormal, New Adult, and Contemporary Romance. She never saw herself as an incurable romantic, but lately, that's what she finds herself musing about. Love is found everywhere, regardless of whether it comes from a nice person or an ass—mundane or even vampire.When she's not busy with work, in front of a computer placing many thoughts in order, she makes her best to be creative or relax with a good TV series and snacks. Some of her favorite characters are Jon Snow, Daenerys, Barney Stinson, Saint, Rome Archer, Rush, Gretchen McKay, and Cinderella.




Get to know her more on her social media pages.



Get a FREE copy of The Bridesmaid’s Checklist: Laura’s Wedding on Amazon during Marisol’s Wedding launch day. https://amzn.com/B01IOOBO0I

Today I welcome Chris Karlsen and her books Knights in Time.



Historical Romance
[image error]

HEROES LIVE FOREVER
Elinor Hawthorne has inherited a house haunted by two medieval knights, Basil Manneville and Guy Guiscard. Basil is literally the knight of her dreams. She never expected to “meet” a ghost face to face let alone fall in love with one. Living the normal life together that they’d want is impossible unless fate intervenes.
A lifetime later fate does intervene. Basil, still in love with Elinor, is told her spirit lives on in a young woman. He is given another chance at life to find her.
JOURNEY IN TIME
The budding romance between London attorney, Shakira Constantine, and her client, Alex Lancaster is put to the test when the couple finds themselves torn through time back to the medieval world. It’s a world Alex has a strong connection to, a connection that will cost him his life unless they can find a way to return to this time. Without him, Shakira is condemned to live in a dangerous medieval world alone.
Together they’ll struggle to discover a way back to the modern world while dealing with the political and social intrigues of 14th Century England. The intrigues of that world all too often work against their efforts to get home.
KNIGHT BLINDNESS
Stephen Palmer, a wounded medieval knight finds himself torn through time from the battlefield to the modern and alien world. Seriously injured, he now must make his way in a world he has no context for and no knowledge about.
Esme Crippen is hired as his tutor. Love is something he does understand and as the two fall into love, they both must overcome the fact the world thinks him mad with his time-travel talk, including Esme.    






About the Author
I was born and raised in Chicago. My father was a history professor and my mother was, and is, a voracious reader. I grew up with a love of history and books.
My parents also love traveling, a passion they passed onto me. I wanted to see the places I read about, see the land and monuments from the time periods that fascinated me. I’ve had the good fortune to travel extensively throughout Europe, the Near East, and North Africa.  
I am a retired police detective. I spent twenty-five years in law enforcement with two different agencies. My desire to write came in my early teens. After I retired, I decided to pursue that dream. I write three different series. My paranormal romance series is called, Knights in Time. My romantic thriller series is Dangerous Waters. The newest is The Bloodstone Series. Each series has a different setting and some cross time periods, which I find fun to write.
I currently live in the Pacific Northwest with my husband and four wild and crazy rescue dogs.  

Contact Links
My websiteAmazon author page

Buy Link
Buy link for Amazon

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway


 
[image error]

 Daniel Peyton - Legacy of Dragonwand Book 1 - Virtual Book Tour
FantasyDate Published: February 16, 2016
He Who Seeks Power, Seeks Destruction.
Over 1000 years ago, nearly all the ancient wizards were destroyed after the Wizard Wars. However, the one who started the War still remains, having worked his will in secret. If he can find the last Dragonwand, he will regain his powers as the dark dragon. Unaware of the Dragonwand or the betrayer, sixteen-year-old Markus is looking for a wizard who will give him a letter of recommendation for the College of Wizardry. During his journey, he stumbles upon Tolen the Wise, who sends Markus on a quest to end the darkness and find the Dragonwand before it gets into the wrong hands. As Markus discovers growing powers and makes allies, will he find what he needs to complete Tolen’s task, or will the ancient, dark wizard uncover the Dragonwand and forever change the fate of the land of Gallenor?





EXCERPT:


The Rakki representative decided he might address the King in person, in private. His people had been asking him for almost a year now to negotiate the return of their wizards from the Pale Labyrinth. He would be returning home soon, and he wanted to at least go back with the knowledge that he had tried everything he could.Norl approached the throne and asked the Chief of the Palace Guard for an audience with the King, as procedure dictated that the Chief must escort any who ask for an audience. Chief Alex quickly agreed and walked Norl back toward the King’s personal chambers. Few courtiers were more respected or well known as Norl of the Rakki. He was wise, calm, humble, and, above all, intelligent. The Palace Guards held him in high regard and would often give him allowances not granted to others. In fact, Norl was escorted to the King’s chambers. It was not customary for anyone to stand there to wait. If the King was speaking with anyone else, the person waiting was usually asked to wait by the throne until called upon. Not even the Guards stood so near the King’s chamber doors, but Norl posed no threat to security, and surely the King wouldn’t mind.The dog man stood there quietly. Being a courtier meant a lot of waiting and patience, which Norl demonstrated often. As a Rakki, he had superior hearing over most humans or any of the other races. Right then, this keen hearing picked up on the conversation within the King’s chambers all too well. The King was speaking with Wizard Hallond. Norl attempted to ignore the conversation for their benefit, but their words drew his attention.“Do you think we can keep them at bay for much longer?” the King asked Hallond.The wizard responded coolly, “Yes. By the time they finally realize what is truly happening, it will be far too late.”“The Shlan ambassador was in to see me a day ago about freeing her people, and I’m sure the others will not be far behind. Keeping up the pretense about the wizards is not easy,” the King lamented.Hallond calmly replied, “History supports our story. Wizards did dark deeds during the War. If it had not been for the dragons, the dark wizards could have taken control of everything.”“Are you sure this will work?” the King asked the question as though he had asked it many times before.“As sure as I am a wizard. Once we have the Dragonwand and can finally destroy that horrible statue, my real students will be able to put to rest all the pathetic leaders of the people and make you supreme lord of all. Then, with the combined magic of all the prisoners, I can finalize the spell that will grant you and all my followers immortality.”“What of Tolen’s plans?”Hallond’s response was quick and sharp. “Tolen is dead, and with him died any possible resistance. I have waited for over a thousand years for that old fool to die. I cannot say I did not try to help him along a few times. How amazing that time itself finally did him in.”“The dragon statue still stands and keeps your powers at bay. Tolen’s statue should be dead if he is dead!” The King was angry.“Rest assured, My Lord, the statue’s seal over me and my followers is waning quickly. Once we have the Dragonwand in our possession, the statue will be rubble and a new age of Gallenor will rise.”The King let out a tired sigh. “I don’t know, Hallond. I’m still having second thoughts about all of this.”Hallond put on the convincing tone that politicians attain for such situations as the present. “Sire, you must not let those foolish ideas enter your head. We are too far along with this to have second thoughts. Besides, we are doing this for the good of the kingdom.”“I know. But, it is just so many lies. We have told the people of Gallenor nothing but lies for years now.”Hallond comforted the King. “Is it not the duty of every citizen of Gallenor to work for a better tomorrow?”“Well, yes,” the King answered.“You have no heir, and, pardon me, but at your age, you are unlikely to produce an heir. So, my plan is the best thing for our future. You will be granted immortality, along with a few others with real power. Gallenor will have a leadership that will not age or die, and a brighter future will be ahead. All it will cost are the lives of a few loyal citizens of Gallenor.”“Do we have to kill all of the wizards for this?” When the King said this, Norl whimpered a little outside the door, but it did not draw attention to him. The Rakki quickly covered his mouth and though his tail was between his legs, he stayed to keep listening. He had to hear this.“I am afraid that it has to be.” Realizing the King was in need of more convincing, Hallond asked a leading question. “Would you not ask your soldiers to die for Gallenor?”“Of course. But, this is different.”“I don’t see how. Do not worry. In time, the brilliance of this will truly sink in. Once you are granted immortality, all the answers will be made perfectly clear. Trust me.”The King asked the question that was on Norl’s mind. “Won’t the people resist this once they find out the truth?”Hallond calmly answered, “Have faith in me, Sire. All will work out according to my plans.” He paused and then said, “I think I hear someone.”Norl’s ears perked up and he started to step back. When he realized Hallond was approaching the door, he bolted. Hallond opened the door to find exactly what he hoped: nothing. So, he returned to the King, after making sure the door was securely closed.Standing on the other side of a square column, Norl’s heart was pounding and his breath was trembling. In all his years of service to Gallenor and his people, he had never expected to hear such hideous things. A deep part of him begged for it to be a dream—a terrible, horrible dream. But, the reality was that it was no dream and he had to tell someone. But who could he trust? He had to go home. He had to bring this to his own leaders. The head of the Rakki people was a wise and honorable man. He would know what to do next.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Daniel Peyton is a fresh author whose talents includes, writing, sketching and dreaming out adventures in faraway places that he seeks to bring to paper. He lives in East Tennessee where he draws a great deal of inspiration from the unique landscape. He has been featured in short story e-zines as well as flash fiction blogs. Legacy of Dragonwand: Book I is the first book in the Dragonwand Trilogy. Outside of authoring books, Daniel is an award winning cook, artist, and embroiderer. He is a distinguished member of the Sigma Alpha Iota, and often can be found teaching classes at his church. Before he began seriously devoting himself to becoming a published author, he spent over ten years traveling the country as a member of the Miyagi Ryu Nosho Kai dance school, performing Okinawan classic and modern dances.

 

Contact InformationFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanielPeytonAuthor/Twitter: @DanPeytonAuthorBlog: http://thunderchicken-outofmyhead.blogspot.com/Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6622189.Daniel_J_Peyton
Purchase LinksAmazon:                 Barnes and Noble


GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A good article. I would add to the research one: research your publishing options, especially the large number of self publishers out there. Its a business after all..... you need to understand all aspects of our market!


Indie Authors - Don't Make These Mistakes! - Writer's Life.org