Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Apology
I want to apologize to all authors and tour hosts for missing tours this week. My mom decided to have a stroke on Sunday and I have been with her and let the reviews go! I will get everything up as soon as possible.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
SHADOW WARRIOR GUEST POST BY COURTNEY RENE
Here's a guest post from author Courtney Rene.... Author of Shadow Warrior... It's all about coming up with the story and how she does it. I was so impressed with all she wrote that I'm giving her this post and I'll post another post with book details and my take!
Thank you Courtney for coming!!
OUTLINES AND FAR OFF PLACES
By Courtney Rene
First and foremost, I am not an outline person. Never have been and most likely never will be. For me, part of the fun of being a writer is seeing where the story will go. If I sit down and plan it all out, piece-by-piece and event-by-event, it takes all the mystery out of it. Why write the story if I already know how it’s going to end?
When I came up with the idea for Shadow Dancer, I had no idea when I started that I would have to come up with a whole new world. Although Shadow Dancer didn’t really need the thought out landscape and details of Acadia, the next book Shadow Warrior did. You can’t go to another world if you haven’t created it yet. I was at a bit of a loss as to how to proceed. So I did what any writer would do…I went to google. I did research on fantasy worlds and I did research on the elements (since I had created four semi-elemental realms this was a must). I also went to the library and did more research. I printed out photos and descriptions and made notes and photocopies and when I was done, I had so much crap that I didn’t know what to do with it all. Frankly, in trying to get an idea for my fantasy realm, Acadia, I had quite overwhelmed myself. That pile sat and sat and haunted me for about a month. I didn’t touch it or look at it or even move it.
Then one day I was laying out in the sunshine thinking and watching a hoard of butterflies eat the peaches off my trees (I didn’t know they did that) when I suddenly realized I was making Acadia way to hard. I closed my eyes and let my mind simply create the landscape of Acadia. What did I know about Acadia? For one, it was hot there and it never rained. From there, Acadia slowly but surely began to form. But how was I to keep it all straight and clear in my head while writing the book?
First thing I did was chuck all the prior research I had done, all of it, except for the elemental stuff. The next thing I did was purchase a “project” board. It’s like poster board only about ¼ inch thick. Then I started making notes on note cards and notebook paper about the world I was creating. I drew by hand a rough outline of Acadia (it was a sad little drawing). I made notes of the new people and their powers and their personalities. Then I tacked and tapes and stapled them all up on my board.
When that was done, I sat down and started to write Shadow Warrior. Anytime I was confused about something, all I had to do was flip through the pages on my board. Anytime a new person or new element of the story presented, I added it to the board. By the time I was finished writing the book, I had two full boards going.
Creating and keeping track of a new fantasy world was a lot harder than I ever thought it would be. But the boards? They worked for me. Someone told me once that those boards are actually my way of outlining. Ummm, no way! As I said, I am not an outliner.
Quickly, before I head out, I wanted to say thank you to Goodfamilyreads for having me over at their blog today. Have a great one everyone!
ctny
First and foremost, I am not an outline person. Never have been and most likely never will be. For me, part of the fun of being a writer is seeing where the story will go. If I sit down and plan it all out, piece-by-piece and event-by-event, it takes all the mystery out of it. Why write the story if I already know how it’s going to end?
When I came up with the idea for Shadow Dancer, I had no idea when I started that I would have to come up with a whole new world. Although Shadow Dancer didn’t really need the thought out landscape and details of Acadia, the next book Shadow Warrior did. You can’t go to another world if you haven’t created it yet. I was at a bit of a loss as to how to proceed. So I did what any writer would do…I went to google. I did research on fantasy worlds and I did research on the elements (since I had created four semi-elemental realms this was a must). I also went to the library and did more research. I printed out photos and descriptions and made notes and photocopies and when I was done, I had so much crap that I didn’t know what to do with it all. Frankly, in trying to get an idea for my fantasy realm, Acadia, I had quite overwhelmed myself. That pile sat and sat and haunted me for about a month. I didn’t touch it or look at it or even move it.
Then one day I was laying out in the sunshine thinking and watching a hoard of butterflies eat the peaches off my trees (I didn’t know they did that) when I suddenly realized I was making Acadia way to hard. I closed my eyes and let my mind simply create the landscape of Acadia. What did I know about Acadia? For one, it was hot there and it never rained. From there, Acadia slowly but surely began to form. But how was I to keep it all straight and clear in my head while writing the book?
First thing I did was chuck all the prior research I had done, all of it, except for the elemental stuff. The next thing I did was purchase a “project” board. It’s like poster board only about ¼ inch thick. Then I started making notes on note cards and notebook paper about the world I was creating. I drew by hand a rough outline of Acadia (it was a sad little drawing). I made notes of the new people and their powers and their personalities. Then I tacked and tapes and stapled them all up on my board.
When that was done, I sat down and started to write Shadow Warrior. Anytime I was confused about something, all I had to do was flip through the pages on my board. Anytime a new person or new element of the story presented, I added it to the board. By the time I was finished writing the book, I had two full boards going.
Creating and keeping track of a new fantasy world was a lot harder than I ever thought it would be. But the boards? They worked for me. Someone told me once that those boards are actually my way of outlining. Ummm, no way! As I said, I am not an outliner.
Quickly, before I head out, I wanted to say thank you to Goodfamilyreads for having me over at their blog today. Have a great one everyone!
ctny
SHADOW WARRIOR (REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY)
Title: Shadow Warrior
Author: Courtney Rene
Publisher: Rogue Phoenix Press
Source: Author
Available: now
Series: Shadow Dancer (BK 2)
About the Book:
About the Author:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shadow-Dancer/164433473646449
http://twitter.com/#!/ctnyrene
Publisher: Rogue Phoenix Press
Source: Author
Available: now
Series: Shadow Dancer (BK 2)
About the Book:
Sunny finally makes her first jump over to the Kingdom of Acadia that is on the other side of the shadows, for what she hopes is a vacation. Only her vacation turns into quite an unwanted adventure. Aside from new and unexpected issues regarding her relationship with Leif, Sunny meets the rebel group, makes new friends, fights with controlling her powers, and finds herself neck deep within a county that is torn apart by two sides, each fighting for power. Acadia is not quite what she imagined. How is she, one young girl, suppose to unite the Kingdom as well as unseat a King to take her place as ruler of Acadia.
My Take:
I love fun fantasy....this is a great continuation of the first story and lets the reader believe in the unknown. It is a fun and pretty quick read...perfect for winding down a hectic overloaded day by escaping into another world. I love how Courtney was able to leave us filling satisfied...yet still wanting more! I also really appreciated the view she painted of Acadia...it made the book more enjoyable to know where I was. Can't wait for book 3!
About the Author:
Courtney Rene lives in Ohio with her husband and two children. She is a graduate and member of the Institute of Children’s Literature. Her writings include magazine articles, short fiction stories, several anthologies, and her Shadow Dancer series, published through Rogue Phoenix Press. For a complete listing, visit www.ctnyrene.blogspot com. Please feel free to contact her at ctnyrene@aol.com.
For more ways to keep in touch.... http://www.facebook.com/#!/Ctnyrene http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shadow-Dancer/164433473646449
http://twitter.com/#!/ctnyrene
And now the Giveaway!
Courtney will be giving away $10 Amazon.com gift certificates to two randomly drawn commenters during the tour. So comment today AND follow her tour (if you click on the LINK, it'll take you to a list of her tour stops) -- the more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win a GC!
WANT MORE?
HERE'S AN EXCERPT!
Again, I felt more energy slip inside me as I tried desperately to hold on and stay up on Poppy. I lost my battle for balance and flailed myself right off of the horse.
As I fell to the ground, someone grabbed my arm and tried to jerk me onto their lap. A burst of energy lashed out of me and directly into him. I didn't know who he was. Was he from my group or the other?
Our screams, both of shear pain, echoed around us. As he let go of my arm, the energy got the better of me and took control. In a show of bright white light, it pulsed out of me. It encircled me and took everything in its path down. Horses and men alike were thrown into the air, where they hung for but a moment before they crashed back down to the ground.
I dropped down to my knees and began to cry. The battle hadn't lasted very long. Not with me in it anyway. I had taken out everyone.
Gabriel was the first to rouse. He sat up and shook his head before he got to his feet. I jumped to my feet and ran over to him. I just about tossed myself on the poor guy. "I'm so sorry, Gabriel. I didn't mean to."
He gave me a quick once over and then pointed at my face and said, "You're bleeding."
I lifted my hand to my face and sure enough, my nose was bleeding. "It's fine," I said with a quick shake of my head. "Are you all right?"
As I fell to the ground, someone grabbed my arm and tried to jerk me onto their lap. A burst of energy lashed out of me and directly into him. I didn't know who he was. Was he from my group or the other?
Our screams, both of shear pain, echoed around us. As he let go of my arm, the energy got the better of me and took control. In a show of bright white light, it pulsed out of me. It encircled me and took everything in its path down. Horses and men alike were thrown into the air, where they hung for but a moment before they crashed back down to the ground.
I dropped down to my knees and began to cry. The battle hadn't lasted very long. Not with me in it anyway. I had taken out everyone.
Gabriel was the first to rouse. He sat up and shook his head before he got to his feet. I jumped to my feet and ran over to him. I just about tossed myself on the poor guy. "I'm so sorry, Gabriel. I didn't mean to."
He gave me a quick once over and then pointed at my face and said, "You're bleeding."
I lifted my hand to my face and sure enough, my nose was bleeding. "It's fine," I said with a quick shake of my head. "Are you all right?"
STRAIGHT TO THE HEART ROMANS
Title: Straight to the Heart (Romans)
Author: Phil Moore
Publisher: Monarch Books
Source: Kregel
Available: Now
About the Book:
Straight to the Heart is a series of devotional commentaries for those who appreciate the insights and sound research found in commentaries but find scholarly writing dry and lacking in personal application. The Straight to the Heart series does not cover the whole text, but focuses on key sections that communicate the main themes of each book. Although the tone is light, the text is full of useful application and backed by substantial scholarship. Its clear, thought-provoking insights will feed both mind and soul.
My Take:
I took this book and used it as a starter book for my Jr. High Sunday School class. While it didn't dive really deep into the entire book, it was great to get into a basic overview for my class. They really liked the historical view that was presented to know what was going on when the book was written. If you are new to studying the Bible, I suggest you pick up on of the Straight to the Heart books to learn a little more about each book without getting too overwhelmed as many study guides tend to do.
About the Author:
Phil Moore leads a thriving church in Wimbledon, London. After graduating from Cambridge University, Phil spent time on the mission field and then in the business world. He has devoted many years to the Hebrew and Greek Scriptures, and he brings them to life in the language of today in the Straight to the Heart series. www.philmoorebooks.com
Author: Phil MoorePublisher: Monarch Books
Source: Kregel
Available: Now
About the Book:
Straight to the Heart is a series of devotional commentaries for those who appreciate the insights and sound research found in commentaries but find scholarly writing dry and lacking in personal application. The Straight to the Heart series does not cover the whole text, but focuses on key sections that communicate the main themes of each book. Although the tone is light, the text is full of useful application and backed by substantial scholarship. Its clear, thought-provoking insights will feed both mind and soul.
My Take:
I took this book and used it as a starter book for my Jr. High Sunday School class. While it didn't dive really deep into the entire book, it was great to get into a basic overview for my class. They really liked the historical view that was presented to know what was going on when the book was written. If you are new to studying the Bible, I suggest you pick up on of the Straight to the Heart books to learn a little more about each book without getting too overwhelmed as many study guides tend to do.
About the Author:
Phil Moore leads a thriving church in Wimbledon, London. After graduating from Cambridge University, Phil spent time on the mission field and then in the business world. He has devoted many years to the Hebrew and Greek Scriptures, and he brings them to life in the language of today in the Straight to the Heart series. www.philmoorebooks.com
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
A WORLD APART (REVIEW & GIVEAWAY)
Title: A World Apart
Author: Camelia Miron Skiba
Publisher: Create Space
Source: Author
Available: NowAbout the Book:
In a war that’s not hers, she loses everything.
Everything she loses is because of him.
Forgiveness is not an option.
Or maybe...
Everything she loses is because of him.
Forgiveness is not an option.
Or maybe...
Lieutenant Cassandra Toma, trauma surgeon in the Romanian National Army starts her deployment at a joint-unit air base on a wrong foot, clashing on her first day with her new commander, Major David Hunt. Her rebellious nature and sassiness rival her excellent performance in the operating room—the only reason why she's not reprimanded, or maybe not the only reason.
They meet. They clash. A forbidden passion consumes them with the intensity of an erupting volcano, leaving her heartbroken and him with tarnished honor and pride as an officer. The only way out for David is disappearing into the dangerous warzone in Iraq. Their flame was supposed to be over when destiny brings them back under the same roof, this time with a common goal—to find Cassandra's brother, Maj. Robert Toma, kidnapped by insurgents while on patrol.
To rescue Robert, Cassandra and David put aside their resentments, uniting forces against a common enemy. Trying to forget the painful past, Cassandra opens up to give David—and their love—another chance. What she doesn’t realize is that her anguish is the result of David’s impetuous action—one reckless choice he made for which she may never forgive him.
His mistake, his secret, could cost them both the love they've finally found.
THE GIVEAWAY
One e-book copy will be given away to one lucky winner!
If you would like a chance to win, please leave a comment on this post with your email address included and I'll draw a winner
on 4/21/12!
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
BEYOND MOLASSES CREEK (LITFUSE TOUR AND GIVEAWAY) & REVIEW
Title: Beyond Molasses Creek
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Source: Publisher
Available: Now
Pages:
Genre: Christian Women's Fiction
About the book:
Three lives are bound by a single book . . . and the cleansing waters of Molasses Creek.
Having traveled to the ends of the earth as a flight attendant, Ally Green has finally returned to the Lowcountry to bury her father as well as the past. But Vesey Washington is still living across the creek, and theirs is a complicated relationship—he was once her best friend . . . and also part of the reason she’s stayed away so long. When Ally discovers a message her father left behind asking her to quit running, it seems her past isn’t through with her yet.
As Ally’s wandering spirit wrestles with a deep longing to flee again, a young woman on the other side of the world escapes her life of slavery in the rock quarries of Nepal. A mysterious sketchbook leads Sunila Kunari to believe there’s more to her story than she’s ever been told, and she’s determined to follow the truth wherever it leads her. A deep current intertwines the lives of these three souls, and a destiny of freedom, faith, and friendship awaits them all on the banks of Molasses Creek.
My Take:
This was quite a different story than what I had been reading. It is told in 3 different views and at first I thought it would be confusing it really wasn't. There was a lot woven into this river of faith and freedom and their stories. This is another first from an author for me and I really enjoyed the way she can put two or more words together to convey a very poignant scene. The writing takes you to another time and lets you see deep inside the minds of her characters. If you are looking for a book with more meaning and depth, be sure to add this to your winter reading list. This book is about the past and finding forgiveness and learning to have faith in God.
To see more reviews..visit Litfuse for the blog tour schedule:
About the Author:
Nicole Seitz is the author of several critically acclaimed novels - The Inheritance of Beauty, Saving Cicadas, A Hundred Years of Happiness, Trouble the Water, and The Spirit of Sweetgrass. She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's School of Journalism, and also has a degree in Illustration from Savannah College of Art & Design. Her paintings are featured on the covers of her books. Visit her at@NicoleSeitz, Facebook and www
Link to buy the book: http://www.thomasnelson.
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| http://www.facebook.com/events/310766735636786/ |
And now the contest!
Nicole is celebrating the release of Beyond Molasses Creek with a fabulous "Friendship" Facebook party! She'll be giving away a ton of great stuff (KINDLE TOUCH, some of her own beautiful artwork, a Book Club Prize Pack (10 copies of the book for your small group/book club and a Live Skype Chat with Nicole), and more!
CLICK the button (above) to RSVP for the party - then join us on February 16th for a book chat, story sharing and prizes! Hope to see you there!
Save the Date! 2/16!
CLICK the button (above) to RSVP for the party - then join us on February 16th for a book chat, story sharing and prizes! Hope to see you there!
Save the Date! 2/16!
SIXTY ACRES AND A BRIDE (TOUR AND REVIEW)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
See me laughing. That’s what I do when someone calls me an author. Yes, it’s always been my dream, but I still can’t keep from giggling over it.
Other things I am – a Christ-follower, a wife, a homeschooling mother of four, a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University, and a voracious reader.
Getting reading time isn’t easy. Seems like my family does more than our share of traveling. My husband is an insurance adjuster (I know, save the hate mail) and travels with the catastrophe team often. That’s allowed us to see a lot of the United States. True many times it’s in the middle of a hurricane or blizzard, but after spending three weeks in a hotel room with six people, you’ll brave anything to get out and see the sights – no matter how damaged they might be.
We also serve on the Missions Team at an amazing church, so we break out the passports frequently. Highlights include singing at a leper colony in India, holding church inside a Mexican prison and showing the Jesus film to a tribe in Senegal who’d never heard the gospel.
But I don’t have to go far away for unusual. My family provides plenty of colorful material with their love for practical jokes, pithy observations and strong agricultural roots. Because of the family business, a significant chunk of my life has been spent at sale barns and auctions – often behind the scales where I weigh pigs. I like to think of myself as a “redneck bluestocking” but I brought an entire marketing team’s discussion to a screeching halt when I said those words, so you didn’t hear it from me.
When I have spare time I love to talk books and quirky characters (real and fictional).
ABOUT THE BOOK
Though facing eviction, Rosa can't keep herself from falling in love with the countryside and the wonderful extended family who want only her best. Learning the American customs is not easy, however, and this beautiful young widow can't help but catch wandering eyes. Where some offer help with dangerous strings attached, only one man seems honorable. But when Weston Garner, still grieving his own lost love, is unprepared to give his heart, to what lengths will Rosa go to save her future?
My Take:
Another great debut! I love finding new voices...and this one did not disappoint. Inspired by the Ruth and Boaz story and set in the wild wild west! Rosa is a strong character, so those attracted to someone that can stand on their own will love this book! A wonderful book with lots of twists and turns along the way to keep your attention! Looking forward to many more books by Regina Jennings!
If you would like to read the first chapter of Sixty Acres and a Bride, go HERE.
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