Month: November 2014

The Waiting: Book 1 – Prologue Fun Facts

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Prologue
Arianne Douglas stood over her son. Her dead son. Murder weapon in hand. Blood and tears running down her face. Helpless. Powerless. Paralyzed. Recalling his first steps, first words. There would be no more firsts. Her child was dead. Startled by the buzzing of her cell phone next to his body, she answered but did not speak.
“Ari?” her best friend said, “you called but didn’t leave a message. Andrew texted me about the fight between Reece and Nash. I’m on my way to you now.”
Silence.
“Arianne?”
“Lesley, I need you.” Arianne sobbed into the phone. “He’s dead, he’s dead… my
baby… my son… Les, he’s dead… God, please no… I’m so sorry, baby…” Her voice broke with every word.
“Arianne, I’m on my way. Are you still at the house?” Lesley Huff remembered her recurring dream, pangs of regret pelting her heart. A storm was coming.
“Yes.”
“Have you called the police?” she asked, certain Arianne had not.
“No, only you,” she cried. “My… my son…”
“Dammit Ari, call the police. Now.”
Ending the call, Lesley pressed the accelerator, speeding down West Esplanade Avenue. Arianne hadn’t said which son she had found. Thinking of her own two little girls, she choked back tears for her dearest friend.
South Lake Drive was quiet except for Lake Pontchartrain’s choppy waters lapping over the levee rocks. Lesley wrapped one arm around her chest, her breathing stifled by the heavy Gulf wind. Sirens screeched in the distance and the night sky was filled with the blue and red glow of emergency vehicles. She was glad they were close. Parking next to Arianne’s Jeep, Lesley offered a silent prayer of thanks that Arianne’s thirteen-year-old son, Pike, was with his father and nowhere near this house tonight. So was it Nash? Or Reece. Both of their trucks were parked underneath the awning. Fearful, she opened the back door leading to a dark kitchen, and a bloody Arianne cradling the lifeless body of her son.

“Holy Mary
Mother of God,
Pray for us sinners
Now and at the hour of our death.”

So I thought as a little bonus, I’d post a few chapters and add little known facts about The Waiting Series and its characters.

-The Prologue is nearly identical to a dream I had in August of 2012. The only real difference is that in my dream, they were in a glass high rise in the sky.

-Several of the main characters came fully formed in that dream. Arianne was the first and most memorable one. Her best friend, Lesley was next.

-Since setting the book in a high rise in the sky wasn’t an option, Marie and I didn’t brainstorm for very long until she said, ‘why not New Orleans?’ It was the perfect choice, because not only do we have the lush history of one of the most beautiful and mysterious cities in the world, but we also have its surrounding areas. As native Louisianians, learning about places such as Slidell, Darrow, Des Allemands, and Mandeville has been equally as interesting as familiarizing ourselves with The Crescent City.

-Having Lake Pontchartrain in these books was paramount. You know how some people are drawn to places? I’m drawn to this lake. I can remember as a little girl seeing this massive ocean to my left as we’d drive into New Orleans… the sun’s sparkle dancing over the brackish water. And when we’d drive across the Pontchartrain Causeway… it felt like I was on a bridge to nowhere. In our past few trips down south – I still feel the same wonder and amazement each time I see the beautiful lake.

-I wrote the entire first drafts of book one and two on my iPhone, and I didn’t write on my laptop until a temporary phone problem forced me to either write on it or not write at all. I must admit, I felt a little like Samson getting his hair chopped off, but now, I love the laptop. I feel sure I wasn’t our editor’s favorite person while she was working on our manuscript because of alllllll the straight quotes. 🙂

That’s all for today!!! I’ll post Chapter One and a few fun facts about it soon.
❤ Elizabeth

For Your Reading Pleasure…Kristine Kibbee

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Today, Kristine Kibbee is with us. Last week, she released her newest book “Whole in the Clouds.” Let’s get some insight into her creative process.

1. Tell us about yourself. May include links to Facebook, twitter, blogs, websites, Amazon author page)

I’m a Pacific Northwest native with a love of language, nature and animals. My passion for creative writing began in my early youth and led me to the doors of Washington State University, where I wrote for the Vancougar while earning a degree in Humanities, with a focus in Professional Writing. I’ve has since had works published in S/tick Literary Review and The Salal Review Literary Review and I’m a featured columnist for the nationally syndicated magazine, Just Frenchies.
My novella The Mischievous Misadventures of Dewey the Daring is available on Amazon.com and I anticipate following the release of my fantasy novel Whole in the Clouds with the comedic collection of dog stories, Frenchie ‘Tails’—which are short, cheeky and ripe with mischief!
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_athr_dp_sr_1?_encoding=UTF8&field-author=Kristine%20Kibbee&search-alias=books&sort=relevancerank
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wholeintheclouds
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7797928.Kristine_Kibbee?from_search=true
Twitter: @K_Kibbee

2. How do you choose names for your characters?

Truth told, I think the characters themselves choose! I’ll feel them out for a bit . . . let them find their feet and then before I know it –poof! A name reveals itself!

3. Do you talk about your book/characters as though they are real?

(Head bowed) I do! But now I’m feeling a bit less crazy about it since you wouldn’t have asked if it was a rarity among writers!

4. Do you listen to music when you write or edit? What kind?

Eeek–never! Music is far too distracting. I literally must have complete and total silence while I write or edit. Noise is maddening!

5. How long have you been writing?

At what point can a child hold a writing utensil? Perhaps three? If so, then put me down for three.

6. Tell us about when you realized you were ‘meant to be’ a writer.

My memory is shoddy at best so I’m sure I can’t recall the exact instant. It’s just always been in my blood. From a very young age I gravitated towards writing. While my friends were playing with Barbies I was clipping photos from magazines and making up stories about the people in the pictures. I’ve always loved the fantastic, the embellished, the enchanting and I’ve always wanted to share that with others.

7. Do you have a muse?

At times, yes. I would say that my wee dog has been a muse to me on the occasion that I’m writing comedic animal shorts.

8. How do you improve as a writer? (Workshops, conferences, reading)

As uncomfortable as it’s been to receive, critique (from other competent writers) is what typically helps me to improve as a writer. It’s a delicate dance, ensuring that the critique doesn’t overwhelm me and shut me down but just the right smidge of critique paired with a sprinkle of encouragement can go a long way.

9. Writing quirks or superstitions?

Hmm . . . like baseball players wearing the same hat every day until it becomes so yellowed from sweat and grime that it threatens to grow feet and leap from their head? Can’t say I have any such peculiarities. Don’t get me wrong . . . I have plenty of oddities . . . but none of the superstitious sort.

10. Tell us about your current work-in-progress.

I’m presently working on a couple of projects–a collection of comedic dog shorts and a YA fantasy series but since the dog shorts (‘Frenchie Tails’) have already been handed off to my editor, the focus has narrowed on my ‘Forests of the Fae’ series. The first book in the set, ‘Devlin’s Door,’ centers on an abandoned Victorian ghost town whose inhabitants mysteriously disappeared in the early 1920’s. So spooked by the legends surrounding the town, no one has ventured there in nearly a century and as I imagine the rows of crumbling relics, shrouded in curtains of ivy, it inspires me while I write about the brave young girl who ventures there and unearths a secret that no one could have imagined.

11. What book are you reading now?

My own! I’m a tireless editor and every time I pick ‘Devlin’s Door’ up I find myself trying to perfect it. Every paragraph, every sentence, every word has passed my eyes at least a dozen times!

12. What genre do you write in? What about PoV?

I typically write fantasy but dabble in comedy as well. Typically I write from a first person omn

iscient viewpoint.

13. Tell us about writing preparation. Character Profiles? Outlines?

I’ve tried the gamut when it comes to writing approaches–free-ballin’ it, pre-outlining every detail down to each character’s clothing and sleeping preferences, and just a rough outline. I’ve found the latter works best for me. Working off of a fluid, rough outline allows the story to remain malleable yet gives it a sense of direction and purpose so that I know how to get my characters from A to B.

14. Do you know how your stories will end?

Typically, yes. I find it’s easier to input the clues and weave a more intricate and tight story when you know its ultimate destination. Of course in honoring the story as the living, breathing entity that it is, it helps to be flexible with that ending and let it arrive in the fashion that it likes.

15. Do you books have a message or theme? Or are they purely for entertainment?

It depends upon the book! I feel as if my first (hard-bound) published work, ‘Whole in the Clouds’ does attempt to parlay some meaningful messages about conservation, friendship, inner-beauty and the like but I’ve written plenty a piece just for the kicks!

16. Do you have any favorite snacks or drinks that you eat/drink while writing?

I refrain! As engrossed as I become in my writing, I’d eat the entire contents of my pantry if I were just mindlessly plunking along while feeding my face!

17. Tell us about your other passions.

I’m quite passionate about animals; animal rescue. I’ve been involved with rescuing death-row dogs at numerous points throughout not only my adulthood but my childhood as well. I believe that animals (and dogs in particular) can give us the type of unconditional devotion and love that even another human could never match. I’m also passionate about the environment and working to decrease our species’ carbon footprint. There is so much that is precious in this world that we are losing on a daily basis as our population continues to dominate the planet.

18. What’s something interesting about you?

In general I think I’m a fairly unique person. But as far as a quick, interesting one-liner type tidbit goes–I’ve never in my life consumed a drop of alcohol!

19. Share a small sample (limit to one paragraph, please) of your writing… can be a WIP or already published.

From the pages of ‘Devlin’s Door’:
“They moved as a unit, clustered in packs of twos and threes. Anne watched amazement bloom on several faces as they gaped at the Victorian relics that passed on either side while they walked. Heavy clouds had settled over the valley and the homes seemed to materialize out of the mist like ghost ships, their mast chimneys cutting through the grey.”

20. Anything you’d like to say to your current and future readers?

Only that I hope to enchant and delight them with every word!

Awesome, Kristine!! We’re glad you featured with us.
E&M

For Your Reading Pleasure…Kevin Thijssen

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Kevin Thijssen featured with us today. Right now he hasn’t published, but we’ll certainly be watching for his upcoming release… hopefully soon. 🙂

1. Tell us about yourself. May include links to Facebook, twitter, blogs, websites, Amazon author page)

https://www.facebook.com/kevin.thijssen.fantasy

I’m a 28 year old Master in Biology. Born and living in Belgium although I do see myself move away from here in the future.
I love reading and photography, although lately I feel I have been doing both of these too little. At the moment I’m also doing a course in psychology as I have always found it interesting.
I love to travel and meet new people, experience new things and get new ideas for my writing.

2. How do you choose names for your characters?

Either I use an online tool for name choosing or create a name in my head and say it out loud, changing it until I find it fitting of the character and easy to the tongue.

3. Do you talk about your book/characters as though they are real?

I can see the character in my head, have a good idea of what they look like and how they are as a ‘person’. Some of my characters are based on people I know in real life, others are completely made up. So for a part I see them as real persons and feel myself travelling amongst them.

4. Do you listen to music when you write or edit? What kind?

I have never tried this before, although I do know a few writers that do. I do feel that I need some sort of distraction to be able to write more. This can be the TV on in the background or even chatting with someone in between paragraphs.

5. How long have you been writing?

Not for very long, and yet for over 5 years. I have plenty of ideas in my head but working them out in my mind is one thing, writing it all down is something else.
My first book I started 5 years ago. For a very long time it just counted a few chapters. Thanks to a very good friend of mine I managed to write the rest of the manuscript in a very short time (oh what the mountain air can do ….).
I recently received the manuscript back from an editor that I hired and I am trying to lift my story up to a higher level, listening both to his advice and trying to keep my vision of it alive as well.
I have not been published yet, but I hope to be soon.

6. Tell us about when you realized you were ‘meant to be’ a writer.

Hard to say if I really am meant to be a writer, but I do my best. Maybe in the future, when I have a few books out there and have learnt more about what it means to be a writer, I can come back and answer this question better.

7. Do you have a muse?

There is this nagging little voice sometimes that tells me an idea and then works it out further, maybe I ignore her too much.
It all started when I was little and made up stories to fall asleep, mostly involving the cartoon characters Tom and Jerry. From that it evolved to fantasy stories, some ideas stuck and grew, others just disappeared as nothing more than basic thoughts.

8. How do you improve as a writer? (Workshops, conferences, reading)

Talking to other writers, taking note of what my editor says (meanwhile thinking of writing him into a story and having him die in a horrible way…) and of course reading. I am thinking of following some writing courses in the future.

9. Writing quirks or superstitions?

I prefer writing in English over my native language (Dutch) as I find the English language much richer. I am also used to talking, writing and reading in English so this wasn’t a hard decision to make.

I tend to write more when I am abroad or when I have just come back. Does that mean I should just travel more? I need to look into that thought, I like the sound of it.

10. Tell us about your current work-in-progress.

As stated above I’m currently working on my first novel. It will be the first in a series of 3. The cover is finished but the editing will take some more time. It is an epic fantasy story.
The world I am writing about has enough material to inspire almost 20 books (I really should write more). I have incorporated little bits and pieces into my book that could become novels themselves in the future.

11. What book are you reading now?

At the moment I have started reading Dragonqueen written by a young fantasy author in Belgium. The next book in the series Dragonelves is also high on my list.

12. What genre do you write in? What about PoV?

Currently I’m writing epic fantasy, but I also have ideas for novels in science fiction and the paranormal. For the latter I will most likely work together with a very good friend of mine who has more experience with it.
Third person seems to suit me best.

13. Tell us about writing preparation. Character Profiles? Outlines?

I think my editor will agree that I need to put more care into the planning.
The novel I am finishing was completely in my mind before I wrote it. I know how my characters are as a ‘person’ but it isn’t as easy to put their personalities into words as it is to put them into thoughts.
The plot is also worked out in my mind. I do find it interesting that sometimes the story demands other actions than I had originally planned. New ideas and views can arise just by writing and following what your heart says. A long walk can make me want a character to follow a completely different path.
Some stories do ask for a lot of research. I have an idea around Norse mythology and another using parts of the ancient astronaut theory that both will require a lot of reading to get some facts straight.

14. Do you know how your stories will end?

I have a pretty good idea how my stories will end. I like to avoid a happily ever after as life is never that simple. Although the end of the story is mostly set firm in my mind, the way to get there can sometimes change. Characters sometimes make different choices than I want them to make, they really sometimes have a will of their own.

15. Do your books have a message or theme? Or are they purely for entertainment?

They are purely for entertainment although you could find some messages as ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’.

16. Do you have any favorite snacks or drinks that you eat/drink while writing?

No, not that I can think off.

17. Tell us about your other passions.

I love to travel and I enjoy photography. It is good that I can combine both and use it in my writing as well. I also like to read, cook and go for long walks.

18. What’s something interesting about you?

Always a hard question to answer.
I write some small personal things down in my stories, sometimes to help deal with things, sometimes just to share a little bit of myself.

19. Share a small sample(limit to one paragraph, please) of your writing… can be a WIP or already published.

After they had vanished from sight, Erling Zivon entered the woods and headed to a small opening near a creek where beautiful yellow and purple irises grew. It was a short hike, but it took him a while because of his leg. When he got there, he listened to the water purling over the cobblestones, the wind ruffling through the trees, smelling the faint, creamy odor of the flowers and the moist grass. He loved the quiet here, the sounds and the smells, so did his son. It was the most beautiful spot of the woods and it was all theirs. As he started to dig a hole to hide the powerful dark ring, he hadn’t noticed a large bird veering down from great height. When it was almost on top of him it flapped its wings to be able to slow down and turn, to use its sharp claws. The sound startled him and he looked up quickly, falling to one side. It was too late. The talons dug deep into his flesh as the creature cocked its head. His last screams were in vain, lost to the woods.

20. Anything you’d like to say to your current and future readers?

When you are interested in finding out more about me and my stories feel free to add my author page on facebook, I would love to interact with you.
I hope you will like my stories and motivate me to write more for both our enjoyments.

Thanks Kevin!! Good luck with your work in progress.
E&M

Housekeeping…

Hey y’all… here’s what’s up.

1. Marie is doing a GIVEAWAY on our Facebook page. All you have to do is “like” and “share” The Waiting Series for a chance to win copies of The Waiting and our newest novella, The Funeral. Here’s the link to Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Waiting-Series/786961264661560?ref=hl

2. I’m participating in NaNoWriMo 2014, and so far, it’s not going the best in the world. I’m only 2900 words in for the month, but hey, that’s better than nothing. I’m working on The Fire: Book 2.5, and let me tell you… absolute craziness. I didn’t think it was possible for my bad people to be any worse than they are, but… it is. Bob and company come up with something especially heinous to further their plot for revenge, and omg… it’s awful.

3. I’m toying with the idea of putting a sort of family tree on here… or maybe character profiles of the main characters from Book 1.  I know the amount of characters are overwhelming at times, especially for readers who are accustomed to 5 characters or less in their novels, but please, STICK WITH IT. You won’t be sorry that you did. Everyone is important and everyone is intertwined. One of our awesome reviewers likened it to Dallas or Dynasty, and honestly, I couldn’t be more pleased. My earliest (and happiest) memories involve my beloved mamaw sitting with me on her couch, eating apples and peanut butter, and watching one of those infamous nighttime soaps – Falcon Crest, Knots Landing, Dynasty, The Colbys. That was “our” thing. My grandmother was a lifelong “Days of our Lives” fan, and taped her “stories” everyday. We watched until the day before she died. So that’s my inspiration… those awesome 80’s shows – sagas that you could get lost in. Families with money, power, prestige who are hell-bent on revenge against anyone standing in their way.

Y’all have a great day and remember to check out Marie’s Giveaway!!!!!!!!!

For Your Reading Pleasure…Juliette Douglas

Juliette Douglas is with us today. She writes Western adventures with a touch of romance. Side note: this is what Juliette says about the author picture she sent us: My author photo is taken with my neighbor Arctic Bright View who played Silver in the 2013 remake of ‘The Lone Ranger.’

How cool is that?? Enjoy!!!

1. Tell us about yourself. May include links to Facebook, twitter, blogs, websites, Amazon author page)

In my real life I wash, wax and detail boats for a living.
Links: http://www.facebook.com/author.juliette.douglass
Website http://www.juliettedouglas.com
http://www.amazon.com/Juliette-Douglas/e/B00HBUAMA0
Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/JulietteDouglas
http://www.authorsden.com/juliettedouglas

2. How do you choose names for your characters?

Since I write western historical fiction, I feel names should depict the time period you are writing about as close as possible. I might find a first name on an old gravestone, or in very old obits, mixing and mingling first and last names, til I have one I like.

3. Do you talk about your book/characters as though they are real?

Afraid so…

4. Do you listen to music when you write or edit? What kind?

Bluegrass or Malt Shoppe Oldies

5. How long have you been writing?

7 years

6. Tell us about when you realized you were ‘meant to be’ a writer.

Seven years ago I woke up with a story in my head, couldn’t get rid of it. Didn’t even own a computer or have internet back then. Finished the first rough draft and sent snail mail to a retired publisher friend. Lo and behold, he loved it, and now have two books published and working on the third in the Freckled Venom Series.

7. Do you have a muse?

God, he is in charge, showing me a talent I never knew I had.

8. How do you improve as a writer? (Workshops, conferences, reading)

It is so rural where I live I don’t get the chance to go to workshops and conferences. So I read blog posts and other tid-bits I find on the internet. I also re-read my work and look at it from a readers point of view to try to improve what I write.

9. Writing quirks or superstitions?

No

10. Tell us about your current work-in-progress.

Freckled Venom Skeletons is the third book in the Freckled Venom Series and takes place seven years later introducing more vivid crazy characters to the town of White River, Wyoming. I will also be finishing Perfume Powder & Lead * Holy Sisters this winter. Another western adventure series.

11. What book are you reading now?

Louis L’Amour Flint

12. What genre do you write in? What about PoV?

I write western adventure with a tad of romance thrown in. I prefer 3rd person POV.

13. Tell us about writing preparation. Character Profiles? Outlines?

I guess I am really an oddball about this, Nothing is ever written down, no drafts, outlines, etc. That is why I call it a God thing. It is always in my head and I just sit down and begin writing. Sometimes though my characters take over and tell the story the way they want it told. I guess you can tell I don’t follow a formula

14. Do you know how your stories will end?

Most of the time. Of course my characters may decide to change them.

15. Do you books have a message or theme? Or are they purely for entertainment?

Purely for entertainment.

16. Do you have any favorite snacks or drinks that you eat/drink while writing?

Pepsi and water I forget to eat sometimes

17. Tell us about your other passions.

Reading and crafts, HS and College Basketball.

18. What’s something interesting about you?

Nothing really, I’m just an old fart who washes boats for a living and in the winter I hole up and spin tall tales.

19. Share a small sample(limit to one paragraph, please) of your writing… can be a WIP or already published.

Freckled Venom Copperhead:

Flinging open the metal door, Rawley shoved the copperhead in, making her tumble to the floor. Lacy bounced up, but not quick enough, the door slammed into her face with a heavy clank. Thrusting the key in the lock, Rawley turned it, tumblers clinked into place, sliding the bolt home. Cold, hard, blue steel zeroed in on the spitfire standing behind the bars giving him, her own wicked look.
Hands balled into fists, nails digging into her palms, Lacy didn’t back down from his stare, instead, she moved forward and spit.
As he wiped the spittle off his face, Rawley’s tone dropped even deeper and softer in his anger, “Sunshine, you’ve got one hell of a bad temper. You’ll stay in there till you simmer down or hell freezes over.”

20. Anything you’d like to say to your current and future readers?

Just have fun reading the books by Juliette Douglas and enjoy the ride!

Thanks Juliette!! What a great feature.
E&M