Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Author, author...

... read all about it !!!

 
 

Yay !!  We have D.T. Dyllin here to share a little about herself!!
 
 


Welcome D.T., so great to have you here with us.  Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Ummm…yeah…sure, I guess. LOL I hate talking about myself, actually. I’d rather just talk about characters, or books but I’ll give you the generic stuff. I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, and I now live in Nashville, TN, with my Hubby and two very spoiled GSDs. Oh whoops, I think you can read that in my bio, so I’ll give you something extra. My two fur-babies are named Loki and Kira. Loki is two years old and he definitely lives up to his name as a goofy trickster. Kira is one and is my little hellhound. I think that’s pretty self-explanatory. She’s fiercely over-protective of me, and it’s actually something we’ve been trying to work on with her. When I was sick recently she tried to guard me from Loki and my Hubby. She just didn’t understand that they were on my accepted visitor list. Lol But I’ll stop now, as you can probably tell, I could go on for a very long time about my dogs, possibly forever.

 

Do real life events find their way into your stories?

Real life events definitely inspire similar events in my stories. I will say that sometimes some of the ‘darker’ or ‘disturbing’ scenes are a way for me to work out some of my own personal demons. I’ve had some things happen to me in my past that I didn’t have some hottie swoop in and save me from. Real life doesn’t work that way, but in my fantasy world whatever I want to happen does. The events are very loosely based, more of a symbolic inspiration, if you will. It’s surprisingly cathartic to write the darker stuff and to kind of release it. And by writing it set in a paranormal landscape it keeps things from going too dark and twisty though. Eventually, I want to work on some contemporary stuff but I’m sort of afraid I might scare people. As it is people think my stuff is drama filled and angsty. I want to laugh and say… “You ain’t seen nothin’ yet.” *winks
 

Do you ever mimic family members or people you know when you choose characters?

Yes, I steal bits and pieces from people that I both love and hate that I know in real life. I want my characters to be as realistic as possible.
 

Do you find yourself going back to the same inspiration for each story or is it always something different?

It’s always something different. I would get bored otherwise.
 

When do you write?  Early morning? During the day sometime or all day?  After the kids go to bed?

I mostly write at night. I’m a night owl, and I don’t have the mental capacity to be creative during the day.
 

How do you feel about marketing your book?

Honestly, I hate it. I don’t like to talk about my books. It feels weird sometimes. I mean, I do…to a point, but I’m always worried I’m going to come off as one of ‘those’ authors. I think you all know what I mean…”Hey you! Buy my book! Why haven’t you purchased my book yet?” There’s a fine line between marketing/promotion and being an ass. But how do you know when you’ve crossed that line? No one’s going to tell you to your face. So I’d rather just not do it at all, which apparently isn’t an option. *sad face
 

What social sites do you feel work best for marketing?

*shrugs I try to keep only the bare minimum of social media sites for myself. I have my blog/website, Facebook, Twitter, and I’m on Goodreads. Until last year I didn’t even have any of those. It can all be overwhelming to someone like me. That’s why I neglect some of my sites…well most of the time. They all take away from what I really want to be doing…writing.
 

Do you like to pitch stories to your publisher or do you wait until you have written the story and have a final manuscript to turn in?

I always wait until I have a full manuscript before doing anything with any of my stories. Who needs the extra pressure of trying to get something else done on a deadline? I have enough time constraints as it is.
 

Is there any other genre that you would love to try writing?  If so, what is it?

Like I mentioned above, I want to do something contemporary. But everything I write is always going to be in the romance genre. I’m just a romance junkie and I would get bored if I had to write anything without it.
 

Do you always/ever see yourself as the heroine/hero when you write a story?

Only as far as I try to get inside their head as I’m writing, like an actress doing a part, but not more than that.
 

 

Just for fun, I have a few personal questions, 

Favorite 5

1)      Favorite Male Actor  - Hands down, Johnny Depp. It’s not just because he’s hot, because honestly I think there are a lot of other actors that are a lot hotter. It’s his personality that seems to shine through. Maybe he’s not who he seems to be, but I’m extremely attracted to the guy that he portrays to the public. He seems quirky, smart and yet a little dark and broody. He also seems to have a slightly ‘off’ sense of humor. I love that. Not to mention how passionate he is about his work. My Hubby knows that if Johnny ever noticed that I was alive and that he might have some competition. Buahahaha!

2)      Favorite vehicle – Anything that goes fast. I have a need for speed. I once got a speeding ticket on the way to traffic school. ‘Nuff said.

3)      Favorite way to relax – Reading.

4)      Favorite ice cream – Haagen dazs chocolate chocolate chip. No competition.

5)      Favorite outfit – Jeans, black t-shirt, black boots.

And for a bonus:  If you could pick any place in the world to live, besides where you are now, where would it be?  (Of course, without the hindrance of jobs or money needed)
 On a remote island somewhere.

 
 

Where can our readers find you?? 

Twitter: @DTDyllin https://twitter.com/DTDyllin
Website/blog: dtdyllin.com http://dtdyllin.com/
 

 

Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find it?

Hidden Gates

Book one of the P.J. Stone Gates Trilogy
 
For P.J. Stone, being a “Seer” who has never seen anything is less than fun. And P.J. isn’t known for her patience.

To make matters worse, she must choose a suitable mate to continue the Seer bloodline. Duty always comes before her heart…at least that’s what her parents taught her. When she finds herself wanting someone who is considered off-limits, P.J. is forced to question everything she believes.

 

As if navigating her love life isn’t complicated enough, P.J. finally receives a vision—of a threat to her world that only she can perceive. But no one will believe a fledgling Seer’s warnings. With nowhere else to turn, she may decide to trust a stranger with her life, her world, and maybe even her heart.

 
Publisher:   Dragonfairy Press  http://dragonfairypress.com/

 

Excerpt:
 "No, we can't," he growled. "God knows how much I want to, how long I've thought about it. That's why Tammie and I broke up—because it wasn't right; I couldn't get you out of my head. It wouldn't have been right to be with her when I was thinking about you the whole time. But it doesn't change the fact that you're a Seer and I'm a Guardian. You're too good for me, out of my league."

I blinked at him in surprise, letting his words fully sink in. I was the reason he broke up with Tammie? He wanted me? Like really wanted me? "You can have me." And I meant it. I realized as I said the words that I always had—and always would be—his for the taking.

"Be careful, Peej." His voice was low and husky. "If you keep offering, I might just take it."

I stepped into him, resting my hand on his arm. "I wouldn't offer it if I wasn't willing to let you have it." His sea-storm eyes threatened to pull me under, to wash away any thoughts of anything but him.

 

Some reviews:

 

 


 
Thanks so much for being with us today D.T.  It was a pleasure hearing about book 1, Hidden Gates and we can't wait to hear what else you have in the works so make sure to stop by again soon !!

Readers, you know the drill......get out there and get your copy today !!!  

 
 
 
Until next time, happy reading !!
 
Krista :)
 
 
 

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Author, author....

... read all about it !!!


Today we have Zoe Forward sharing a little bit about herself and her work as a writer !


Welcome, so great to have you here with us.  Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Thank you for inviting me to visit!  I’m a veterinarian with a passion for writing fiction and a special love for archaeology, especially anything Egyptian. Although I’ve been on field research expeditions to rain forests, I’ve never had a chance to visit a hot, sandy country and see a working archaeological dig site.  It’s a goal.  And I’m good at goals.
 
Do real life events find their way into your stories?
Occasionally, I do find incidental observations or events that work for a story.  But I do not base my stories on real-life events.
 
Do you ever mimic family members or people you know when you choose characters?
 I can say with certainty I’ve never based a character on an immediate family member. But I have borrowed traits from acquaintances for some of the characters I’ve developed.  When I’ve done so, it is done with love for these are characters that make me laugh.
 
Do you find yourself going back to the same inspiration for each story or is it always something different?
  Each story I write involves a lot of research and world building along with character development. The basis is unique for each story.  For DAWN OF A DARK KNIGHT I was inspired by an African proverb: However long the night, dawn will break.  For the hero, Ashor, this is the story of how the darkness he fights was lifted by the love of one woman.
 
When do you write?  Early morning? During the day sometime or all day?  After the kids go to bed?
I wish I had the luxury of scheduling my writing.  I’m thrilled when I steal a few minutes in a busy day to pen some pages.  Most of my plotting and brainstorming happens on my work commute or walking the dog.  Bottom line is that I make it happen.  But my writing days are anything but routine or typical.
 
How do you feel about marketing your book?
  This is a must and it’s super fun.  I’m excited for readers to discover DAWN OF A DARK KNIGHT and hear feedback.  I can only hope they love the characters and their adventures as much as I do.
 
What social sites do you feel work best for marketing?
  Facebook is a wonderful tool.  Isn’t it amazing how word of mouth has changed over the years?  Now we all Facebook or Blog.
 
Do you like to pitch stories to your publisher or do you wait until you have written the story and have a final manuscript to turn in?
   I like to have the manuscript completed before I pitch.  I worry if an idea intrigues an editor or publisher that it will be requested right away.  And if it’s not done…oh my. Then, my writing process would be affected by the pressure of needing it finished yesterday.  For me writing is a layering process that takes time.
 
Is there any other genre that you would love to try writing?  If so, what is it?
   I’ve dabbled in other genres, but each time the story gets going it turns paranormal. For right now, this is where I belong.
 
Do you always/ever see yourself as the heroine/hero when you write a story?
  A huge part of the process is putting myself into the head of the character I’m writing.  I do not see this person as being a reflection of me, but simply an exercise in understanding the character.
 
Just for fun, I have a few personal questions, 
Favorite 5
1)      Favorite Male Actor  - Christian Bale
2)      Favorite vehicle -  Toyota Land cruiser
3)      Favorite way to relax – Reading a good book
4)      Favorite ice cream – Cookies-n-cream
5)      Favorite outfit - Pjs
 
And for a bonus:  If you could pick any place in the world to live, besides where you are now, where would it be?  (Of course, without the hindrance of jobs or money needed)
Somewhere warm with people always in a good mood like…Maui.  If Egypt wasn’t always experiencing some sort of internal strife, it’d be a gorgeous place to reside.
 
 
Where can our readers find you?? 

 
 
Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find it?
 
 
DAWN OF A DARK KNIGHT
 
BLURB
In the shadows of our world, a secret band of warriors fights to protect us. They are the last line of defense against an evil no human can stop.
 
An ancient nemesis has resurfaced. Duty demands that Ashor Vlahos, Scimitar Magi commander, recruit a magical healer to fortify the remaining eight magi. The gods' choice is the woman who helped him escape torture a decade ago. Ashor couldn't have imagined a better punishment for his vow-breaker homicidal incidents than for the gods to bind him irrevocably to the only woman in the universe he cannot have. The soul-searing desire she ignites in him is strictly forbidden.
 
Kira Hardy, M.D. is a brilliant, hardworking internal med resident with big secrets. But when Ashor asks for aid after a brutal daemon attack, she is sucked into his dangerous, secret world. Enslavement to the magi, no matter how hot they are, may be an unattractive life plan, but being targeted for death by their enemies is less tolerable.
 
She must trust the sexy, tormented Ashor to keep her safe while he must deny his ultimate desire and keep Kira at arm’s length lest he bring destruction down on them both. As a centuries-old evil catches up to them, they face a crucial decision—follow the gods' rules or follow their hearts.
 
 
Publisher: Wild Rose Press: http://www.thewildrosepress.com
 
 
EXCERPT
“Watch out,” Kira shrieked as a four-door import pulled alongside the SUV. The driver targeted Ashor with a gun.
 
“Down,” Ashor commanded. He dodged the firing muzzle and grabbed Kira forward to avoid the bullet’s path. The bullet left clean holes in the side windows and a spiderweb of cracked glass.
 
“Persistent bastards,” Ashor grumbled as he jammed the SUV into gear and rammed the car next to them before peeling away. Just as they hit the road, Ashor’s new cell phone squealed in a high-pitched, synthetic, musical noise.
 
“You okay?” he asked, ignoring the phone. To clear his side view, Ashor thrust his elbow through the spiderweb of cracked safety glass. Glass cubes showered everywhere. “Shit.” He wiped his body free of debris.
 
“I’m fine,” she replied. She whiplashed into the seat as the SUV was rammed forward.
 
Ashor tapped the brakes. The cars crashed together again, slamming them forward and then forcefully back in their seats.
 
“Can’t you do a spell or something to protect this car or make his explode?” Kira asked.
 
“What? No.”
 
“Aren’t you a magus, which implies magician or sorcerer? You guys are supposed to do magic spells.”
 
“The spells were lost.” His phone rang again.
 
“Lost? What kind of moronic organization loses the spells!”
 
 
~   ~   ~   ~   ~  
 
 
Zoe thanks so much for spending some time with us and we wish you loads of success on Dawn of a Dark Knight !!
 
Readers, make sure to get your copy today !!
 

Publisher: Wild Rose Press: http://www.thewildrosepress.com

 
 
Until next time, happy reading !!
 
Krista

Monday, March 11, 2013

Author, author... giveaway !

...read all about it !!!  



Please welcome our guest today,
 
 
 
Laura DeLuca










My Super Sexy Cousin Andrew DiPalma - Cover Model for Player

 

If the title of this post didn't get your attention, I'm sure this photo will. Nice, huh? Believe it or not, this incredibly sexy man is my little cousin, Andrew DiPalma. He has been modeling and acting for at least ten years now, and he's very good at what he does. He has had some small roles in major movies like We Are Marshall and Meet the Joneses.  He was a head liner in some independent films including a horror flick called Dead Girl.  Last year, he also had a fun part in Cougar Town. Take a look at this picture from that gig.

He has also done tons of commercials, including one for Diesel underwear.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOgFgncIXaI



 

But my favorite picture of him is the one where he is just Uncle Andrew. This was taken after my daughter Willow's Christening (To my pagan friends--don't worry, she had a Wiccaning too, but a baby can never have too many blessings!). Andrew flew all the way from California to New Jersey to be there for this special day, and it meant so much to my family.


When I was working on the cover for Player and I was glancing through some images of male models, it suddenly occurred to me that I was a complete idiot.  I have the perfect model right in my family. He is nothing like the main character personality wise, but as far as looks go, he's absolutely perfect. It’s actually kind of funny that the sweetest most lovable guy in the world always gets the role of the womanizer. But it just goes to show you that you can never judge of a book by its cover---unless of course, Andrew is on that cover!

If you want to learn more about Andrew DiPalma, you can visit his website www.andrewdipalma.com or become his fan on face book - https://www.facebook.com/AndrewDiPalma?ref=ts&fref=ts . It’s worth it just for the eye candy!

 


Player

by

 Laura DeLuca



     Joshua Handover had it all. He was handsome, rich, athletic, and had always been popular with the ladies. Yet, until he gets paired up with his beautiful but shy lab partner, Rosa, he never allowed himself to fall in love. As the chemistry between them grows, Josh realizes that his player days have come to end. But it seems his change of heart has come too late. Not only is Rosa leery of his bad boy reputation, he has four vindictive ex-girlfriends who are on a rampage. At first he doesn’t take their threats seriously, but then his tires are slashed, someone tries to poison him, and one of the girls turns up dead. Josh doesn’t know who to trust, but one thing is certain. It definitely isn’t worth the price he’s paying to be a player.  


Excerpt:

Someone else came over to offer Nadine their congratulations, so Josh said goodbye and went to his locker to get his backpack. He figured he would meet up with Andrea and Rosa in the parking lot. He fumbled with the combination before finally getting the door to swing open. Something glittered on the top shelf and caught his eye. He reached for it, and a small scrap of paper fluttered to the floor.

     At first he wasn’t sure what he was holding. It was a pink plastic tiara with some big gaudy plastic jewels. It was the type of thing he had seen in dollar stores for little girls’ birthday parties. It was practically broken in half, and the edges were sharp. Josh pricked his finger on the jagged point, and a few drops of blood welled from the small wound. He put his finger in his mouth as he bent to pick up the paper that had fallen. When he read it, the broken crown suddenly made sense and he wondered how he could have been so naïve. He should have realized from the instant he saw it what it meant.

“Josh decided to play around

Now one of his girls is under the ground.

Another has a big bump on her head.

And by the end of the dance, the queen will be dead.”


  Buy Links:   Amazon     Smashwords     Barnes & Noble  



About the Author:

Laura "Luna" DeLuca lives at the beautiful Jersey shore with her husband and three children. She has been writing stories for as long as she can remember. Old high school friends would tell you she was always scratching in her notebook instead of paying attention in class and the children she used to babysit for always loved to hear her scary stories at bedtime. In addition to writing fiction, Laura is also the sole author of a popular review blog called New Age Mama. She is an active member of her local pagan community, and has been studying Wicca for close to eight years.  She loves writing young adult novels, because it keeps her young at heart. She is the author of three published works including Destiny, Destiny Unveiled, and Phantom, and has several more projects in the works.

Author Links:

Site      Twitter      Facebook      Goodreads 


Giveaway:
Laura is giving away a print copy of Player during her Tour. For a chance to win just fill out the Rafflecopter Below. This is open to US residents only.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway