Okay so it looks like I fell off the planet. Promise - I'm still here. The last four years have been ... hard. There's no other word for it. Everything is fine. I'm fine, but I've been the caregiver of my mom who has Dementia. Between her needs, work, etc I seem to have lost control of my time. I am still writing and am trying hard to get back to my blog.

In case you weren't aware Phaze and HSWF which where under the Mundania Umbrella have closed. I was smart enough to get my titles back before all this happened. I'm happy to say the three books I sold to HSWF have been picked up by Melange Books and are available through their Satin Books imprint. I have even sold a new title to them called Magical Quest due out in 2022

I have also been lucky enough to find a publisher for my Vespian Way series. I'm now with Blushing Books under the name of Bethany Drake. I have five titles out with them right now and am close to submitting two more. There's Desire's Destiny, Desire's Duty and Desire's Promise. Then there is two in my werewolf series, Tears of the Queen and Legend of the Tears. I have just finished the rough draft of the third book in the series and have plans for a fourth one the moment I submit it.

I'll probably still be sporadic here on the blog. Unless I win the lottery and can hire someone to help me I can't avoid it, but know I'm still here still working hard in the background and am hoping to do better at keeping my blog alive.

Barb:)



Thursday, December 24, 2015

Merry Christmas Everyone! #christmas

Christmas is coming....



I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

I plan on taking the next two weekends off. No guests or regular posts.

This season is time for family and friends and I plan on enjoying my time with them. I hope you do too.

I hope you enjoy the holidays. May you get everything you wish for.

Barb:)

Saturday, December 19, 2015

Welcome G.D. Ogan back to my Blog! @thecarphotoguy #amwriting

I want to welcome G.D. Ogan back to my blog! First I’d love you to re-introduce yourself. 

Tell us about your latest release. 


The third in my unique series about good vampires who safeguard humans is "Immortal Relations Coming Out" and as the title implies they discuss the benefits versus the risks in allowing humans to know that they are more than fiction, myth and legend. They saved mankind from a potential thermonuclear war as well as two ecological disasters in book two, "Immortal Relations, Love and War" so it seems timely to discuss the possibility of forming a strong bond between the species. Human fears, born of the actions of ancient bloodthirsty vampires argue against coming out to humans. However, seeing human governments sliding back toward the abyss of dictatorships, something must be done, so a coven is established in Southern-Canada to monitor the situation in the not so "united" United States.   

Now I have a few questions for you – I have found readers do like to know fun things about us writers. 

1.) Who is your favorite author? Do you feel you write like them? 


The late Tom Clancy was, in my eyes, the ultimate writer of military-political action novels. He also joined with several other authors to publish similar books who continue to develop those stories. My works are in the paranormal-romance genre' but they have military and political components as my vampires do operate in the modern world to safeguard mankind, often from the efforts of evil politicians to enslave those people they should be serving. I'd love to have my stories compared to Clancy's; however, I fear no one can equal the depth of his writing style! 

2.) What was your favorite book growing up? 

J. R. R. Tolkin's "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. The details in the story of "Middle Earth" about the forces of good versus evil was so intriguing to my young mind that I read each novel and the prequel, "The Hobbit" many times - 'til dog-eared pages fell from their bindings.  

3.) Are you a plotter or a pantser and why did you choose that method? 

The stories develop in my mind while I'm in a dreaming sleep and while I'm actually writing, so I'd say pantser. As far as "choosing" the method, it feels more like the method chose me. 

4.) Do you consider writing a career or a hobby? Why?

 Hmmm...how about a duty? I've seen and done a lot during my military career and later working in psychology so I feel I have a responsibility to present some of what I learned, hopefully in engaging storylines. 

5.) What are you working on now? 


I'm researching for a novel about time-travel back to the age of dinosaurs. I'm writing it because my granddaughter LOVES dinosaurs and I want to write it for her.  

6.) What one piece of advice would you like to pass on to an up and coming author? 

Write what you are interested in not what you think others want to read...not everyone is going to like what you write, but as long as you like it don't be deterred.  

7.) If you had the ability to time travel and your first visit was to see a younger version of yourself what would you say to that younger self?

 Spend more time with your wife and children rather than so much over-time in the military. 

8.) You just got a million dollars, whether it’s from an inheritance, the lottery, or a sweet book deal doesn’t matter. What would be the first thing you would buy for yourself? 

About 120 acres of land where I and the children and grandchildren could build houses and be close enough to help each other (plus we'd get to babysit more often)! 

9.) If you could un-invent one thing in the world what would it be? 


Methamphetamines - they have ruined far too many young lives! 

10.) What is your favorite movie/TV Show? Why? 

The Vampire Dairies. Because it shows that there is hope that some vampires can become good! 





Blurb

Immortal Relations Coming Out, third in the series by G. D. Ogan continues to rock the foundation upon which typical vampire novels are based. Such stories, where vampires safeguard humans are rare indeed. These vampires do their utmost to save humans and animals from not only evil vampires but evil humans.
Ogan's insights into the powers of the immortal vampires, along with fresh takes on the complex inner workings of their existence provide an intriguing experience for readers. In this story a novice shape-shifter wolf meets a beautiful hybrid vampire. Good vampires set up a new coven in Southern Canada to monitor a regime intent on changing American into a dictatorship. Marxist thugs, not realizing who they are dealing with, still believe the group was partly responsible for the defeat of Communists intent on stealing oil, gold and mineral reserves from Russia, so Washington retaliates with violence. A great deal of effort is required by the vampires to keep Canadian citizens safe. There is a vampire wedding with a handsome human; then dangers from outer-space suddenly appear to threaten the entire earth - can such threats be stopped?
A reader of Immortal Relations said: "Being a bit of a vampire-phile, I find myself constantly searching for the next vampire series to reach out and grab, or, more appropriately, bite me. I believe I have found my holy grail of vampire novels..." 

Excerpt (from pages 147-149): Vlad Dracula is talking with one of his newest vampire friends, Gary Logan. Vlad has explained how he and other of the oldest vampires have progressed to the point where they need little if any blood. Gary has asked why the out-of-control vampires continue to attack humans. 



Vlad replies (through thought transference) “They get a thrill from the hunt and then, as the life drains from their victims, it provides a rush from the feeling of power over the living.”
 
Gary: “If I may be so bold, have you had such feelings in the past?”


Vlad smiled and nodded slowly, "It was a very, very long time ago Gary. We were fighting what you would call 'an asymmetrical war' against Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror and his Muslim invaders who outnumbered us at least three to one. I was looking for anything to slow them down. I guess you would say I used psychological warfare by building the 'forest' of impaled enemy soldiers we had defeated in previous battles. While we had numerous successes against units of the invaders we unfortunately were unable to hold off so large an invading army. It was about this time I was changed into what I am today. I was always in the front lines of battle and routinely soaked in blood. Perhaps that is what changed me into a vampire. One of my own Generals saw me surrounded by enemies and saw blood spurting up in the air. Thinking it was my blood he sent word that I'd been killed. My dear wife was distraught and threw herself from the heights of our Poenari Castle into the Arges River below.

Then my second cousin, Matthias Corvinus, King of Hungary, from whom I had sought help in prosecuting the war, imprisoned me. Locked away, I soon became crazed with the desire for blood I would have otherwise found on the battlefield. Many fellow prisoners died because of it and after my escape I was a plague on the land. It took all too long before I regained some sense of my lost humanity.”

With downcast eyes Vlad thought, “Which is where the myths, legends and stories about me started – I’m afraid I earned them all.”


I reached over and patted him on the arm saying, “I’m sorry I brought up a topic that has induced clearly painful memories for you.”


Vlad smiled at me, “No, it is alright. If you haven’t heard the story before I think you need to know the type of vampire you follow. I hope it won’t detract from our relationship.”


“Never fear of my continued admiration and respect for you. You were a great leader fighting to free your people from an oppressive invader. Since you had no one to guide you after you were changed, as a ‘newborn’ vampire you did what came naturally. However, it begs the question, how did you stop?”


“I married again and she helped me overcome the constant thirst, giving me some of her own blood, and she brought me back to God.”


With tears in my eyes I thought, in reply to Vlad, “Women are clearly the superior gender, without them we men would be little better than wild beasts. “


Buy Links (PRINT AND DIGITAL VERSIONS):



Book one, Immortal Relations  
http://amzn.com/B006ZCBT6G

Book two, Immortal Relations, Love and War 
http://amzn.com/B00A4IEHL6 

Book three, "Immortal Relations Coming Out" 
http://amzn.com/B00G5BQS18 



Bio

Born in Washington D.C. during WW-II, I attended Washington and Lee High among other schools in the area before my parents moved us to Northern California where I ran track and cross-country. I received an Associates degree from Foothill J.C. then transferred to Texas Christian University where I received my Bachelors and commission in the USAF. I did a lot of writing while in the service, was stationed in many parts of the world and received a Masters from Ball State University's European Campus. After retiring, I finished a second Masters at Hardin-Simmons University (none of these were in English or Literature as my novels will attest). I then worked in the field of psychology both in a clinical setting and with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. I live in West Texas with my wife of 47 years and our three Pomeranians. Writing and reading are a passion along with a few antique automobiles and  muscle cars. 
 

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Writing Down the Bones: Part 13 Sentence Structure #onwriting

We're almost done with this handout titled Writing the Popular Novel by Janice Bennett and as bad as I've been at posting it I'm hoping to do them all this week so all I have to do is release them. We'll see how this goes...

So if you remember you're polishing that wonderful manuscript of yours. This time we're going to look at the sentence structure.

1.) Are your sentences varied in length.? Have you mixed up the type of sentences - use of clauses, and over all structure?

2.) Does the length of your sentence, word choice and overall tone match the mood of each scene?

3.) Are any of your characters doing things that conflict with their personality? How about the scene? Are they doing conflicting actions at the same time?

4.) Have you avoided using the "to be" verb and their substitutes? The ones Janice names are feel, seem, look and appear.

5.) Have you avoided starting your sentences with "There is" and "There was." The next part is what I've seen as an editor. Are the beginnings of your sentences varied? Have you started a lot of sentences with he or she. Have you reworked those sentences so they start with something else?

6.) This one is one of my favorites - I've always heard of it as floating body parts. but Janice asks if there are any eyeballs running around the scenery.

7.) And have you removed those great cliches we all seem to use in the rough draft?

Only two more posts to go on this one.

Saturday, December 12, 2015

Welcome my Latest Guest M.S. Kaye! @MSkosciuszko #amwriting

I want to welcome M.S. Kaye. First, I’d love you to introduce yourself.

Thank you for having me! I write in a variety of genres, from romantic suspense to YA paranormal. I have a day job too, but that’s boring. Lol

Tell us about your latest release.

I just had two YA paranormals release right on top of each other (the fun of working with multiple publishers). Clouded is about an ancient Sumerian myth reincarnated in a modern Ohio high school. Awaken from Death is the second book in my Born from Death series, which is about a teenage girl who discovers she’s half ghost.

Now I have a few questions for you – I have found readers do like to know fun things about us writers.

1.) Who is your favorite villain – it can be from a book (even one of yours), movie or TV show. And why?

I don’t know that I have a favorite, but I do have a few whom I respect or at least feel for in the end. Ogden from my book Fight Princess is a good example. And I hate to say it, but I have to respect Voldemort’s brilliance, and I do feel for him when he was a child.

2.) Who is your favorite character out of your books? Why?

I love all my female characters. They all kick ass in their own way. And I have to admit I have a huge crush on Alec from my book Endless as the Rain (don’t tell my hubby!).

3.) What do genre do you write? What made you pick that one?

Paranormal YA, romantic suspense, inspirational romance. I don’t pick my genres. My stories fall into whatever genre fits them. I focus on stories I can love.

4.) What are you working on now?

The fourth and final book in the Taken series (Endless as the Rain).

5.) What got you to start writing?

That’s kind of a crazy one. I actually have zero natural talent as a writer, but when I watched an interview of an author show said she got her idea for her book from a dream, it hit me that I had a story to tell too. I picked up a pencil and paper and started writing, and I haven’t stopped since. And now I get glowing reviews and win awards. J

6.) Where do you get your ideas from?

Everywhere. As I write more, my mind works differently. I see stories all over.

7.) What would people who read your work be surprised to find out about you?

My characters are often badasses, but I’m quiet and generally very nice.

8.) Do you have any special talents?

I have a 4th degree black belt in Taekwondo, I’m a certified instructor, and I was a triple-crown state champion.

9.) What was the one piece of advice you received when you were an aspiring author that has stuck with you? Why?

Actually, it was a negative comment. My dad went on about how I would receive enough rejection slips to paper a wall. That just made me work harder. I showed my dad a review not long ago; the reader stated that I could “write the wallpaper off walls.”

10.) If you could talk to any famous figure (present, past or fictional) who would it be and what would you talk about?

John Steinbeck. How to write powerfully.

11.) What song would you say describes your life?

Uh…I don’t really pay attention to the names of songs… Hold on; let me check my play lists… Got it! Gives You Hell by the All-American Rejects.

12.) If you could come back as any animal – what would it be?

Cat, definitely. A smartass that’s so cute everyone has to love you anyway.


Clouded
A Sumerian water and sky god myth collides with a modern high school.

Ayanna is a math nerd, logical and rational, even cold, but Calder makes her feel things she never had before. Somehow, she’s able to accept it when she discovers he’s a reincarnated Sumerian water god. Will she be able to accept the full truth, that the story of Enki and Inanna has been reborn in a modern Ohio high school?

Amazon  ~  Barnes&Noble  ~  iBooks  ~  Kobo  ~  ARe

Add to your To-Be-Read on Goodreads



Awaken from Death, Book 2 in the Born from Death series

The only emotion Ilona can muster is anger for the death of her mother. Barely engaged in life, she focuses all of her energy on finding and punishing her mother’s killer.

Since Ilona can see ghosts, Archer has to find unique ways to hide while watching over her. When Ilona is in danger of being mauled by a dog, he desperately tries something that shouldn’t be possible. And yet he succeeds. This is just the beginning of his discovery of who—what—he truly is.

Lettie continues to interact with Ilona, her one friend, even when a Messenger warns her. Eventually, Lettie remembers the ancient connection Archer and Ilona share, as well as her part in the punishment Archer bore as a result of that connection.

Amazon   



Strong as Death, Book 1 in the Born from Death Series

Ilona runs from her sheltering mother in order to find the truth, why she’s seeing people who are invisible to everyone else. A mysterious boy named Archer guides her through Brooklyn and introduces her to Hendrick, the man who claims to be her father—though he died in 1890. Ilona must discover not only what she must do to rid the city of Soll, a sadistic and powerful spirit, but also what it means to be half ghost. She proves what her mother told her—love is stronger than death.


About the Author:

M.S. Kaye has several published books under her black belt. A transplant from Ohio, she resides with her husband Corey in Jacksonville, Florida, where she tries not to melt in the sun. Find suspense and the unusual at www.BooksByMSK.com.

To receive news on upcoming releases, sign up for email updates on her website.

Contact M.S. Kaye at:


Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Google+  ~  Goodreads  ~  Amazon  ~  TSU  ~  Pinterest  ~  LinkedIn

Saturday, December 5, 2015

Welcome back Jacquie Biggar! @JacqBiggar #amwriting

I want to welcome Jacquie Biggar! First I’d love you to re-introduce yourself.

I’m happy to be back on your blog, Barbara, thanks. I live on the west coast of British Columbia, Canada with my DH of thirty-one years. We have one daughter attending university who has made the Dean’s list three times (proud parents here!) and an eight-year-old grandson who developed type 1 Diabetes this year. It’s made us revaluate what’s important in life. We’re so grateful that we were given the opportunity to be close enough to them to help with his care.

I write romantic suspense novels with a small town theme. My first four novels are set around the fictional town of Tidal Falls, Washington. They feature strong military heroes and the women who turn their lives inside out. J

Tell us about your latest release.

The Sheriff Meets His Match is about Jack Garrett, the sheriff of Tidal Falls. He’s been stung by love in the past so he's not in a hurry to get burnt again, but he can't deny his attraction to the new receptionist, Laurel Thomas.

When trouble comes to Tidal Falls, Jack worries that Laurel is in over her head.

Laurel loves her dysfunctional family but dreams of a place to call home. Just as she settles into a new life, her old one catches up to her and delivers chaos to the town.

Can these two strong personalities find a way to trust in each other and find their happy ever after?

Now I have a few questions for you – I have found readers do like to know fun things about us writers.

1.) Who is your favorite author? Do you feel you write like them?

My favorite is Suzanne Brockmann. Her books are filled with characters you can’t forget. People you laugh with, hurt with, and cheer for, it doesn’t get better than that. I try to bring what I’ve learned from her into my stories, I hope I’ve succeeded, at least in some small measure.

2.) What was your favorite book growing up?

Black Beauty, it still is J

3.) Are you a plotter or a pantser and why did you choose that method?

I’m a pantser and it chose me. I’ve taken plotting classes, but when it comes to putting the ideas down on paper it feels forced. I work better if I can just write the scene as it forms; the flow is better that way.

4.) Do you consider writing a career or a hobby? Why?

It’s a career for me. I gave up my restaurant to move closer to my daughter and needed to do something to help financially. This is my job, I’m lucky though because I love what I do.
5.) What are you working on now?

I’ve just started something new to me, a paranormal romantic suspense.

The premise is that a couple of free living movie stars have their lives changed forever when they are involved in a horrific car accident. One dies, Lucas Carmichael, and seeks redemption for his carelessness by vowing to help those he left behind.

Scott Anderson is lost and bitter without his best friend and blames himself for the accident. When the ME charged with investigating the case is harassed, Scott tries to help and finds himself caught up in a dangerous web of lies and deceit.

Cook County Medical Examiner, Tracy York, has seen the extreme violence humans can inflict on one another. Her sister was murdered when she was a teenager and it has made her wary of the male population. When she is tasked with the investigation into a suspicious crash that killed one mega-star, and injured the other, Tracy must put aside her reservations and accept the hand of a stranger.

Can these two lost souls come together to stop a madman and find love and peace in one another with the help of a sarcastic angel, or will fate deal them a losing hand?

6.) What one piece of advice would you like to pass on to an up and coming author?

Always be willing to accept a helping hand. The writing community is warm and supportive of each other. They are more than willing to share their knowledge with new writers. That’s a resource you can’t afford to ignore.

7.) If you had the ability to time travel and your first visit was to see a younger version of yourself what would you say to that younger self?

Don’t sweat the little stuff. Take more time for your family, the rest will work itself out.

8.) You just got a million dollars, whether it’s from an inheritance, the lottery, or a sweet book deal doesn’t matter. What would be the first thing you would buy for yourself?

A sailboat J

9.) If you could un-invent one thing in the world what would it be?

My first reaction was cell phones. People have those things glued to their hands these days. But, there’s also the fact that because everyone has them, help can be called in an instant in case of emergencies. My second choice would be plastics. Plastic kills thousands of animals each and every year, it’s sad.

10.) What is your favorite movie/TV Show? Why?

I don’t watch a lot of TV but Blacklist is my favorite. I love the antagonist, Raymond Reddington, played by James Spader. He’s got a heart of gold and a soul black as hell. Great TV J


The Sheriff Meets His Match
By
Jacquie Biggar




Blurb:

When a jaded sheriff is drawn to an exasperating woman in trouble, anything can happen
Laurel Thomas has always experienced life from the outside looking in. She likes the warm welcome she's received in Tidal Falls and wants to make a home in this friendly little town, far away from her egocentric family. But then her uncle arrives and she learns the past has a way of catching up to her.
Jack Garrett is satisfied with his uncomplicated life. He has a good job as the sheriff of his hometown, a nice home, and a beautiful teenage daughter. So why is he struggling against his attraction for the disorganized new hire at the department, Laurel Thomas? She threatens everything he's worked so hard to avoid—like falling in love.
Can two people with enough emotional baggage to sink a ship find a way to give each other a chance, or is this match doomed to drown?




Excerpt:

Jack hesitated with his hand fisted to knock on Laurel’s pumpkin-colored door. His aunt had this thing about brightly painted doors being good luck, or some such hogwash. The murmur of a voice from within told him Laurel had company. Male company. He tapped the file in his other hand against his thigh and glared a hole through the door.
“Guess it can wait ’til morning,” he grumbled, turning to step gingerly down the snow-covered stairs. Whoever-the-asshat-was, he could have at least shoveled them off for her. Just as he reached the sidewalk an angry shout coming from inside the house startled him. Jack grabbed for his service revolver and jumped for the door. He missed the stairs entirely and dropped the file, allowing it to fall unheeded into the snowbank. The papers from within tobogganed down the slope.
He rammed a fist against the wood. “Sheriff’s department, open the door.” His heart thundered in his chest and there was a ringing in his ears. Was he having a frigging heart attack for crying out loud? He’d never reacted like this before, not even when he’d chased after a murderer a few months ago. But the thought of someone hurting…
“Laur…el,” he shouted, panic clawing the back of his throat. Jack tried the knob but it was locked. He took a step back, angled himself sideways, and prepared to slam his shoulder into the wood. He started forward, slipping a little on the icy deck boards. Good thing, because it slowed him down just enough to narrowly avoid ploughing Laurel over when she pulled the door open.
“Hello?”
When she saw him barrelling toward her with a gun in hand her beautiful eyes took over her face. “Yee…ahh,” she cried, tumbling backward and smacking her head against the now swinging door.
Fuuuck.
Jack tried backpedalling, but the slippery footing beneath his cowboy boots—dumb choice of footwear—had him sailing right into her already off-balanced body.
“Laurel, holy shit.” His hand reached out to grip her shoulder, conscious of the soft womanly feel of her plastered against his rapidly hardening body. Great. “I’m sorry, honey. Are you okay?”

Buy Link:


Author’s Bio:



Jacquie lives in paradise along the west coast of Canada with her family. She loves reading, writing, and flower gardening. She spoils her German Shepherd, Annie, Calico cat, Harley, and swears she can't function without coffee.
Learn about upcoming news, contests, recipes, and more from my newsletter.
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And don’t forget to check out my blog: http://jacqbiggar
I have many giveaways that run each and every month from myself, The Authors’ Billboard, and Sisters of Suspense, so you don’t want to miss out!