Write Stuff: February 2013

Thursday, February 28, 2013

After Reading: Touch of Death by Kelly Hashway

Jodi Marshall isn’t sure how she went from normal teenager to walking disaster. One minute she’s in her junior year of high school, spending time with her amazing boyfriend and her best friend. The next she’s being stalked by some guy no one seems to know.

After the stranger, Alex, reveals himself, Jodi learns he’s not a normal teenager and neither is she. With a kiss that kills and a touch that brings the dead back to life, Jodi discovers she’s part of a branch of necromancers born under the 13th sign of the zodiac, Ophiuchus. A branch of necromancers that are descendents of Medusa. A branch of necromancers with poisoned blood writhing in their veins.
Jodi’s deadly to the living and even more deadly to the deceased. She has to leave her old, normal life behind before she hurts the people she loves. As if that isn’t difficult enough, Jodi discovers she’s the chosen one who has to save the rest of her kind from perishing at the hands of Hades. If she can’t figure out how to control her power, history will repeat itself, and her race will become extinct. (from Goodreads)

Minor confession time: zombies freak the H out of me. I don't know why, because, honestly, I've seen more dead bodies than I care to admit. But dead bodies walking around? Definitely scares the bejeezus out of me. Anyhow, that being said, if you dig the zombie genre (as in, love the Walking Dead and such) more power to ya, and grab this book!! Despite my silly fears, this was a really fun read. The world of the Ophi was intriguing and I loved the details Hashway worked in. Plus, I'm always a fan of anything with Greek gods, especially Medusa. So, no doubt I had fun reading this. Add in the awesome Alex, and I can't wait for the sequel!

How about you--zombies a "yeah!" or "scare me to death"?

Interview with Judith Sanders, author of IN HIS STEAD & a Giveaway!

By: Meradeth Houston on 6:30 AM

Another author treat for everyone today: it's my pleasure to bring you Judith Sanders, author of fabulous and heartfelt IN HIS STEAD. Check out her interview and leave a comment below for Judith for a chance to enter the giveaway! Extra entries for adding her book to your TBR list on Goodreads (just let me know in the comments!).

(Q) Thanks for stopping by my blog! Let’s start with the basics: where are you from? Is there any place online you’d like to direct us to learn more about you?

I divide my time between North Carolina and New Hampshire. Obviously, I prefer the south when the north wind blows. In His Stead; A Father’s War is available in hardcover, paperback, as an eBook for Kindle, Nook, iPad, and iPod on line at Barnes & Noble and Amazon & iTunes. Or you can go to my website at http://InHisStead.com or through my publisher http://IronWordPress.com . You may also visit me on Facebook, Twitter, and http://goodreads.com , as Judith Sanders.

(Q) I always love hearing about how the idea for a particular book came about. Please fill us in on how you got the idea for IN HIS STEAD.

I must confess that the idea for In His Stead is not completely my own, however every word is my creation. Three years ago I was in the middle of writing another book when, at a Thanksgiving celebration my nephew came to me, concerned for his son’s safety. Jim’s son was seventeen and thinking of joining the military right out of high school like his cousins were about to do. My nephew had almost lost his daughter a few years early. He could not bear the possibility of another of his children being in harm’s way. His concern touched me. Especially when he said he would do anything to protect his son even if it meant taking his place. I thought he had a point. After all isn’t that our job as parents? We protect our children. That’s what moms and dads do. We discussed this scenario as a novel. Once I validated the premise through my research, I began to write. Jim offered several suggestions for scenes.

(Q) Which authors have most influenced your own writing?

The writers that most influence my writing are ones who have presented new ways to approach the ordinary such as: Maya Angelou, Octavia Butler, Kahilil Gibran, Wm. Paul Young, and Mitch Albom.

Some one once wrote that there are only twenty basic plots from which all novels emanate. So, if you think of the millions of imaginative variations in great literature that have come from a common root, wow! It is impossible to pick just one who has influenced me. It is stringing together the same old words in a new order that will touch a cord in me as a reader.

(Q) What do you do for fun other than writing?

Writing is fun! But when I am not writing I like to go fishing.

Something more exciting is the things my husband and I do with our four grandchildren, ages 8 to twelve. One summer we put on a musical. This past summer we ran a science camp for them. For two months, every Tuesday and Thursday from 10AM until 4 PM they had laboratory assignments. They learned to pour agar into Petri dishes and then swabbed anything they wanted; that included between their toes, the neighbor's bird bath, and lake scum to name just a few. They grew-up bacteria and then we looked at it under a microscope. They also fingerprinted each other. Some swimming breaks were also involved. You have to understand that with my background in nursing and that my husband is a physician, science is inevitable. For adult time both my husband and I enjoy a great glass of wine, Broadway shows, wonderful family and friends, and dancing.

(Okay, I LOVE THIS! Just have to say I totally wish my grandparents would have done it!)

(Q) If you could describe your ideal writing spot, where would it be? What music would you listen to (if at all)? What treats would you have on hand?
My ideal place to write is at my desk in North Carolina. Although centrally located in my home it is still off the main path and is surrounded with my things; two lava lamps, a heart shape cutout of the grandkids, two angels (one says ‘What we need are more people who specialize in the impossible’, the other ‘Stars got tangled in her hair whenever she played in the sky’), and a giant size Gumby. I drink about four to five cups of tea per day when I am writing and I write five-to-six hours a day. I listen to music that fits the mood of what I am writing. I can pass up a chocolate cake but potato chips have never escaped once they are within my reach.

(Q) Plotter or pantser? Both? Neither?

I am differently definitely NOT a pantser. I outline every chapter, map out plot points, and do separate and complete profiles for each character. After I have done this entire mapping for the novel the characters and their problems become very real to me. I am completely invested in their movements by the time I start writing dialogue. Of course, at times they want to go places I didn’t expect them to go and I have to scold them for that.

(Q) Do you have any new projects that you are working on? Care to share?

I don’t have one but three WIP. One is the sequel to my first novel Crescent Veil (a fiction of biological weapons inspectors on the hunt for a terrorist), the second is a green book fiction/fantasy for the grandkids that includes teaching them about the Carbon Cycle, and the third is a fantasy, sort of an adult Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

(oooh, very intrigued by the last one there!)

(Q) What kinds of marketing do you think are the most successful in terms of getting your name/book out there? (Curious minds are taking notes!)

The most successful marketing for a new on the scene writer is the internet. More books are sold on line than in bookstores. So it is understandable that readers are going to the internet for recommendations. GoodReads is one of the primary sources for publicity, marketing, and reviews. A review on Goodreads is now more valuable than one in the New York Times.

But my favorite form of publicity is still meeting people. I have found that direct contact with readers is a great reality check. I love discussions with book clubs and I have been meeting with some clubs via Skype. While I would much prefer to be physically there as part of the book club and enjoy the interaction with the members, Skype is the next best thing.

(Q) If you'd like to add anything, please do so.

I will be starting a project for my readers where I ask them to write! After all, there’s no successful writer who wasn’t a reader first. My contest will be to write the script for a book trailer. There will be monetary prizes. Watch Goodreads and my website for details.

(Q) How about an excerpt to tantalize the readers?

Guided through the darkness by the small lights of the microwave and DVD player, Tom moved through the rooms, repeating his nightly ritual. He checked the windows. Making sure they were tightly closed and latched. The bolt on the back door was in place. As he walked through the kitchen, he passed Tommy’s high school graduation picture on the refrigerator door. Next to it was another photo, taken at Arlington, of his wife holding the same high school picture and kneeling next to their son’s tombstone.

“My boy,” whispered Tom to the sleeping house.

He moved to the living room, locked the front door, and headed for the stairs to go to bed. The heat came on. The old pipes in the duplex shuddered as the boiler forced steam through the radiators.

With the birth of each of his three children, Tom had pledged to God that he would be a good father and protect them. But the best he had been able to do for his family was to put locks on the doors and windows.

Science Sunday: Race Literacy Quiz

By: Meradeth Houston on 10:30 AM

Hi! Thanks for stopping by today :) If you haven't had a chance to swing by and enter my giveaway (hey, book of your choice? Gotta love it!) check this post out. Easy to enter, and I'd love it if you celebrated a little with me!

Okay, so this semester I'm back to teaching my favorite class: Human Variation. I love demonstrating to students just how alike we all are on a biological level, and then discussing how we *still* can't seem to get over these differences on a social level and why that is. It always makes for good discussions and I love getting students thinking. (I'll admit, though, teaching this class in Montana is a weeeee bit different from California--I'll let you guess why... :)

So, one of the things I start every semester off with is the Race Literacy Quiz, which has some really interesting questions that make people think about the social/biological nature of the variation in our species. Have you taken this quiz before?

I'm going to post a few questions here--see how you do!

1. Which characteristic did the ancient Greeks believe most distinguished them from "barbarians"?

A. Religion
B. Skin color
C. Language
D. Dress
E. Hairiness

2. Which group has the most genetic variation?
A. Humans
B. Chimpanzees
C. Penguins
D. Fruit flies
E. Elephants

3. When Jamestown colonist John Rolfe and his new wife Pocahontas traveled to the Court of London in 1619, it caused a scandal because:
A. An Englishman had married an Indian
B. John Rolfe had cuckolded General John Smith, the leader of the colony
C. Pocahontas, a princess, married beneath her station by wedding a commoner
D. Londoners had never seen an Indian before
E. A Christian had married a heathen

4. Which continent has the greatest human genetic diversity?
A. Europe
B. Asia
C. Africa
D. North America
E. South America

Answers below:

This question always makes me think
of My Big Fat Greek Wedding's dad
character & his etymology lessons :)

1. C The word barbarian comes from the Greek word "bar-bar," for someone who stutters, is unintelligible, or does not speak Greek. The Greeks, like most ancient peoples, did not attribute much meaning to physical appearance. In ancient Greece, language was the difference that mattered, because it indicated who was not Greek. Some historians believe that the first to be labeled barbarian were the Scythians of circa 500 B.C., who lived northeast of the Black Sea and were very fair skinned. Ideas of 'race' did not exist during antiquity.

2. D Fruit flies have been around for a very long time but they also have a short life span, so lots of genetic mutations have accumulated over many generations. In contrast, modern humans are one of the most genetically similar of all species. On average, only one of every 1,000 nucleotides (the "letters" that make up our DNA) differ one individual from another. This is because we are a relatively young species (approximately 150,000 - 200,000 years old). We simply haven't been around long enough to accumulate much genetic variation. Also, humans have always moved, mixed and mated, further homogenizing our gene pool. Beneath the skin, we're all very similar.

3. C 17th century England was a very hierarchical, feudal society where people's class status was fixed at birth. Status was so important that laws regulated the clothing people could wear so they couldn't "pass" as another class. When John Rolfe took his new bride Pocahontas (who had converted to Christianity) back with him to London in 1617, the English had not yet developed the racial ideology that later justified their taking of Indian lands. But it was unthinkable that royalty would marry a commoner.

4. C We are all Africans. Modern humans (Homo sapien sapiens) originated in Africa, and we spent most of our evolution as a species together there. Some modern humans first left Africa 50,000 - 70,000 years ago and spread out around the world. All the other populations of the world can be seen as a subset of Africans. Every human genetic trait found elsewhere can also be found in Africa, with the exception of relatively few recent variations favored by the environment, genetic drift, or sexual selection - such as light skin.

How did you do?

Big News, Happy Dancing, and a Giveaway!

By: Meradeth Houston on 5:00 AM

I know I've been kind of silly vague-booking lately, but I decided I wanted to share some awesome news with a way to spread the love and that took a little time to set up :) So, yeah, what's going on? Well, I heard from my publisher that Colors Like Memories is going to print!!

This was never a given, so I'm really, really excited that it's actually going to happen! The thought of getting to hold my book in my hands kind of makes me hyperventilate. Tentatively, we're looking at July, just a few months after the release of The Chemistry of Fate, so I've got all kinds of planning to start (eep!).

(Seriously, I've been kind of goofy-happy since I heard, and I'm sure my students were wondering why I was grinning like a dork while teaching stats today!)

So, yeah, with that note, I thought I'd do a little giveaway: how about a book of your choice from Amazon? (Cap at $12, m'k? And if you're international, I can do a giftcard or something.) Also, I'm going to throw in another prize: a book of your choice from MuseItUp, my publisher. They have all kinds of awesome books in nearly every genre, so you should be able to pick something you'll love! I'll pick a winner on March 8th. (All kinds of random ways to enter, mainly because rafflecopter is far too easy to just copy a previous template I've already used!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

After Reading: Tempest by Julie Cross

By: Meradeth Houston on 6:00 AM

The year is 2009. Nineteen-year-old Jackson Meyer is a normal guy… he’s in college, has a girlfriend… and he can travel back through time. But it’s not like the movies – nothing changes in the present after his jumps, there’s no space-time continuum issues or broken flux capacitors – it’s just harmless fun.

That is… until the day strangers burst in on Jackson and his girlfriend, Holly, and during a struggle with Jackson, Holly is fatally shot. In his panic, Jackson jumps back two years to 2007, but this is not like his previous time jumps. Now he’s stuck in 2007 and can’t get back to the future.

Desperate to somehow return to 2009 to save Holly but unable to return to his rightful year, Jackson settles into 2007 and learns what he can about his abilities.

But it’s not long before the people who shot Holly in 2009 come looking for Jackson in the past, and these “Enemies of Time” will stop at nothing to recruit this powerful young time-traveler. Recruit… or kill him.Piecing together the clues about his father, the Enemies of Time, and himself, Jackson must decide how far he’s willing to go to save Holly… and possibly the entire world. (From Goodreads)

(Okay, minor side note to say that I'm going to be making a giant, awesome announcement tomorrow--Friday--which will include some kind of giveaway and other fun stuff. I have no idea at this point what exactly this will entail because I've yet to plan it, but it will be fun--I hope--and I would love it if you came back by then too!)

Tempest is also available in audiobook format--click here to check out an awesome little snippet! (Sounds really cool, right?)

Where to start with Tempest... I'm incredibly partial to time-travel stories. I flat-out love them. I've even written one, once upon a time (which now sits in the drawer, but still, ya get the idea). So, I must admit, I totally loved this book. I love that it was told from a male perspective, which I found completely refreshing, and I love that the MC is older. Personally, I would categorize this less as YA and more as NA (new adult) because of the age, and while not exactly extremely steamy, there's some sex. And honestly, I loved the NA atmosphere. (Little hint to those that might be interested in The Chemistry of Fate, hitting ereaders in just a few months, if you like either of these aspects, CoF will be right up your alley!) Anyhow, I'll also admit that this book made me seriously tear-up in several places. Holy frick its been a while since I've cried at a book, but I certainly was here. And the ending, well, I have to get my hands on Vortex pronto!

Have you read this one? What did you think? YA or NA?

Guest Post by Marie Laval, author of The Lion's Embrace

By: Meradeth Houston on 6:00 AM

I have another author-treat for you all today! Marie Laval is here to tell us a little more about her book, The Lion's Embrace, and some of my favorite topics: archaeology, writing, and foreign lands! Enjoy!

Thank you so much Meradeth for welcoming me on your blog today to talk about the release of my second historical romance ‘The Lion’s Embrace’. The novel is mostly set in North Africa in 1845, as the heroin Harriet Montague and the hero, French guide Lucas Saintclair, travel throughout Algeria toward the Hoggar mountain range where Harriet’s father was abducted by a gang of Tuareg fighters – or was he? Well, I can’t reveal too much of the plot here….Harriet’s father, Professor Oscar Montague from the British Museum, was on the trail of the legendary Garamantes’ emerald mines when he discovered the tomb of Tuareg queen Tin Hinan.

I thought I would write a short post about Tin Hinan, the queen the Tuaregs still call ‘Our Mother’. Tin Hinan is rumoured to have come from what would now be Morocco with her maid servant Takamat. They settled at Abalessa, an oasis in Southern Algeria, and their daughters are rumoured to be the founders of all the Tuareg tribes. Her tomb was discovered by archaeologist and adventurer Byron Khun de Prorok (I know, what a name!) in 1925.

In ‘The Lion’s Embrace’, the heroin’s father discovers the tomb in 1845 but the tomb is then closed up and left untouched. I kept all the details of the artefacts, of the gold, silver jewellery, precious and semi-precious stones which were found as accurate as possible and stuck very closely to the description of the remains of the Tuareg queen.

When her burial chamber was opened, archaeologists found the queen lying on a bed of hand-carved wood, facing toward the East. She was wrapped in a leather shroud, and wore fifteen solid silver and gold bracelets, a diadem made of emeralds, ostrich feathers and a long cornelian necklace. In the days before carbon dating, it was the imprint of a coin with the effigy of Emperor Constantine on a sculptured bowl which enabled historians to date the tomb from the 4^th century AD. The body of Queen Tin Hinan as well as all the artefacts found in her tomb are now in the Bardo Museum in Algiers.

From the summit of the tomb, one can see the beautiful, mysterious Hoggar mountain range, particularly the great Koudia – which the Tuareg have named the ‘Roof of the Sahara’, and where according to local legends, the King of the Djins (the King of the Evil Spirits) lives. One can see the iconic Mount Illiman too.

Even before her tomb was discovered, the numerous legends surrounding Queen Tin Hinan inspired Pierre Benoit to write his classic novel ‘Atlantide’, published in 1919. His heroin, Antinea, and her followers are descendants of the people of ‘Atlantis’ who had taken refuge in the Hoggar after a great disaster destroyed their world. Antinea lives in a palace hidden in the mountains, where she seduced and entrapped lost explorers to the Sahara.

Recently there has been some controversy about the identify of the woman who was buried at Abalessa, with some historians now disputing that the remains belonged to Tin Hinan at all!

Whoever was buried there however was a woman of immense prestige and immense wealth.

Here is the blurb for ‘The Lion’s Embrace’

Arrogant, selfish and dangerous, Lucas Saintclair is everything Harriet Montague dislikes in a man. He is also the best guide in the whole of the Barbary States, the only man who can rescue her archaeologist father from the gang of Tuareg fighters that has kidnapped him. As Harriet embarks on a perilous journey across

Algeria

with Saintclair and Archibald Drake, her father’s most trusted friend, she discovers a bewitching but brutal land where nothing is what it seems. Who are these men intent on stealing her father’s ransom? What was her father hoping to find in Tuareg queen Tin Hinan’s tomb? Is Lucas Saintclair really as callous as he claims—or is he a man haunted by a past he cannot forgive? Dangerous passions engulf Harriet’s heart in the heat of the Sahara. Secrets of lost treasures, rebel fighters, and a sinister criminal brotherhood threaten her life and the life of the man she loves.

Does forever lie in the lion’s embrace?

Author Bio:

Originally from Lyon in France, Marie Laval studied History and Law at university there and developed a passionate interest in historical research and the study of ancient civilizations. The beauty and mysteries of the Sahara desert always fascinated her and provide the background for THE LION’S EMBRACE, a story of adventure and romance set in 1840s Algeria and England. Marie Laval now lives in Northern England with her family.

THE LION’S EMBRACE is Marie Laval’s second novel.

Links:

https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore2/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=655&category_id=205&manufacturer_id=227&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1

http://www.amazon.com/The-Lions-Embrace-ebook/dp/B00BACDSK6

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Lions-Embrace-ebook/dp/B00BACDSK6/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1361036450&sr=1-1

Science Sundays: (A day late & a dollar short) talking about eugenics!

By: Meradeth Houston on 10:10 AM

So, yesterday came and went without me really realizing, "hey, you didn't do your weekly science-post thing." I blame the holiday today. (Ahh, holidays. Let me assure you I am beyond overjoyed to have been able to sleep in until nearly 10am and now be working in my fancy flannel pajamas!)

Anyhow, today I thought I'd talk a little about eugenics and the insanity that that phase of American history really was. It's only of my favorite topics to pontificate upon to my students, so hopefully you find it interesting :)

Anyhow, eugenics: basically the controlled breeding of humans to rid our species of undesirable traits. We did this with domesticated species like cattle, horses, and chickens, so why not with humans? That way we could get rid of genetic diseases like hereditary blindness, or mental characteristics like alcoholism and feeblemindedness (which is one of those ambiguous traits that basically just means mentally substandard). We can thank Francis Galton for the term, and a multitude of early scientists like Charles Davenport for making it extremely popular in the United States around the turn of the last century.

A licence to state a person was fit to pass along their genes!

Some of the ways eugenics principles were brought to the public at large included both "positive" and "negative" eugenics. Positive eugenics (if it really can be called that) was a means of promoting healthy breeding of individuals who would pass along good, high quality genes to the next generation. There were contests held at state fairs across the country to pick individuals & families who were representing the best eugenics applications--such as the Fittest Family, or even the best eugenics sermon to be given from the pulpit.

States with sterilization laws on the books.

Negative eugenics was more on the force people to comply side of things. This included marriage laws between individuals who were deemed unfit (so alcoholics, epilectics, feebleminded, or individuals of a different 'races'), and many of the immigration laws from countries said to be less healthy. Also, enforced sterilization of individuals of the same. One of the most horrifying case is that of Carrie Buck, which went all the way to the Supreme Court, where it was deemed okay to enforce sterilization on those deemed unfit to pass along their genes (based on the principle that it was okay to enforce vaccinations, no less!).

Carrie Buck & her mother.

You may recognize the negative eugenics principles as those that Nazi Germany used--and it was the USA's early research and enforcement of these techniques that really spurred the Nazi's on. They took it to the next level with genocide, however the US's role shouldn't be overlooked.

Anyhow, eugenics is one of those insane periods in our history that often gets overlooked, though it had a massive influence around the world. I would honestly argue that the principles of eugenics are still lingering here and there under different names, despite the "falling out" of eugenics after WWII.

Can you think of any books or movies that deal with eugenics principles?

Happy Post-Valentines and Long Weekend Ahead

By: Meradeth Houston on 6:30 AM

The fact that it's a three-day weekend has *never* seemed so good! (Semester-of-death, I may survive you yet!) Anyhow, how was everyone's Valentine's? Did you do anything romantic? Or go see Die Hard? (I swear I won't laugh--hubby & I sat in front of the box office rock-paper-scissor'ing for which movie to see, Die Hard or Silver Linings Playbook. He won.) I hope everyone had an awesome day!

What about plans for this weekend? Anyone up to anything fun? I'm hoping to get some good work done on my revisions (so help me, I want to query this dang thing already!) and I'll be meeting with some peeps from my in-person writing group. I must admit, I really love chatting with people about writing a couple of times a month. It's been amazing. (Okay, so there's an aspect that is just talking to people about anything other than anthropology and the appearance of at least having some friends, of which I am utterly lacking in this new city...yeah, yeah, little self-pity party for one here :)

Also, has anyone seen Beautiful Creatures yet? Is it any good? Or should I just re-read the book?

(Wow, rambly post...And a lot of parentheses...)

After Reading: Uprising by Jessica Therrien

By: Meradeth Houston on 6:00 AM

Elyse has done everything she can to protect her friends from The Council's reach. As long as they believe she's dead, she has time to rest and train for war. And war is inevitable.

When Kara arrives with the news that Anna and Chloe have been captured, Elyse is faced with the realization that no one is safe until The Council is stopped and Christoph is destroyed. She doesn't need a prophecy to tell her to lead an army. Christoph has done the one thing that ensures she'll fight to the death. He's threatened the people she loves.
It will take more than the words of an oracle to help them fight against the most powerful Descendant alive. To break The Council's oppression and rise up against a plot so many years in the making, Elyse will need to get dangerously close to her enemy. So close, in fact, she may not survive. (From Goodreads)

The first book in this series, Oppression, is reviewed here.

I flat out adored the first book in this series so I was very happy to be able to review the second before its release! (Thanks, Jessica!) Anyhow, this book is rocking from the very start, with hardly a moment of down-time for the whole book. The war that has been brewing boils over and everyone is touched. I loved the breakneck pace and new characters we get to meet and old characters we get to understand a little better. The truth of all that is being perpetrated by The Council, as much as is revealed, had me reeling, and I think it becomes increasingly clear to Elyse and everyone that there is no choice in what they have to do. I'm having a hard time saying anything else without giving away spoilers, so I'll sum this up by stating that if you enjoyed the first book you'll love Uprising!

Have you read Oppression? What did you think?

Interview with Faith Sullivan, author of HEARTBEAT and UNEXPECTED

By: Meradeth Houston on 7:00 AM

It is my pleasure to introduce you all to Faith Sullivan today, author of HEARTBEAT (you have to love this cover!) and UNEXPECTED. I just downloaded Heartbeat and can't want to read it! And if you're looking for a chance to win a copy, there's a giveaway going on at Goodreads--check it out!

 (Q) Thanks for stopping by my blog! Let’s start with the basics: where are you from? Is there any place online you’d like to direct us to learn more about you?

Hi Meradeth! Thanks for inviting me to stop by.

I am from Pennsylvania, although I lived for a time in New York City.

You can follow me on Twitter at @_FaithSullivan_ and read my blog at http://faithsullivanwrites.blogspot.com

HEARTBEAT (only 99¢ on Kindle), the title of my New Adult contemporary romance, plays an important role in the resolution of the story. I don't want to give any spoilers away, but Adam and Katie are running out of time, and they don't even know it. The remaining moments they have together are measured, quite literally, in heartbeats.

 (Q) Which authors have most influenced your own writing?

I can't say there are any in particular, but with every book I read I make sure to take note on how authors craft their stories. I examine the dynamics of the plot, how they formulated the dialogue, how they establish an emotional connection between the reader and the characters, etc.

 (Q) What do you do for fun other than writing?

I love to be out in nature - hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, etc. I always feel so cooped up during the winter. I can't wait for it to end.

I don't know about the rest of you, but I quite frankly
want to kick her out of her chair and steal this spot!

(Oh, I hear you there! Winter here is apparently endless!)

 (Q) If you could describe your ideal writing spot, where would it be? What music would you listen to (if at all)? What treats would you have on hand?  (Q) Plotter or pantser? Both? Neither?   (Q) Do you have any new projects that you are working on? Care to share?)

I recently saw the movie HITCHCOCK and his wife played by Helen Mirren was given this beautiful beachside bungalow where she could write. There was a typewriter on a patio table with the ocean waves in the background. It just looked so perfect. What every writer dreams of.

I usually don't listen to music while I write, but I am inspired by it when it comes to triggering ideas in a story. I love creating playlists for my novels when they're completed.

And I always have either a can of Diet Coke or a bottle of water on my desk while I'm busy typing away.

I had specific scenes in mind while creating HEARTBEAT, especially the opening chapters, but then it took on a life of its own and Katie and Adam directed me where they needed to go. But for UNEXPECTED, I sketched a pretty detailed outline for how I want the plot to progress and really fleshed out scenes before I started writing them. Every book speaks to me in a different way, so I guess I adhere to both schools of thought.

UNEXPECTED is currently my work in progress. It will be released in April 2013. It's also a New Adult contemporary romance, but this time it's set circa September 11, 2001. It will be told in first person, present tense, but without alternating points-of-view. The sole voice of the story will be college student, Michelle Rhodes. It's been an extremely cathartic experience writing through her eyes.

 (Q) What kinds of marketing do you think are the most successful in terms of getting your name/book out there? (Curious minds are taking notes!)

I don't have a specific game plan when it comes to marketing in terms of advertising dollars or an extensive media campaign. I frankly don't have the funds for such an endeavor. I try to take a more organic approach and let things happen naturally. I love reading and reviewing other authors' work. I love tweeting with readers on Twitter. I love checking out book blogs and leaving comments. I'm a believer in paying it forward and putting good karma out there, and then let the chips fall where they may. I wish I was more agenda motivated, but alas I am not.

(Q) How about an excerpt to tantalize the readers?

I'd love to leave you with an excerpt from HEARTBEAT, if I may.

Fate refuses to cut me a break. Sometimes I think Charlie’s right. You don’t often get second chances, and the one I had I threw away. Serves me right. Maybe she won’t even remember me if I bump into her again. How embarrassing would that be?

But in my head, she knows me. Oh, does she know me. Fantasizing different scenarios with her is my new favorite pastime. I love imagining her with me in California, taking her away from this bleak and frigid scene.

***

It is just about sunset, and we are sitting on my surfboard a couple hundred yards off the beach in this perfect, secluded spot I like to go to. I have never taken any one here, not April, not anybody. But I want to share it with her.

She is in front of me, the waves gently lapping at our legs. My arms are around her waist; her back rests against my chest. Her long hair is wet, its red highlights catching the last rays of sunlight.

“What are you thinking about?” I ask, leaning in.

“That I hope there aren’t any sharks in this water,” she jokes.

“I don’t know. I think I might have seen one over there,” I say while pinching her side.

“Oh, don’t you dare!” she squeals. “You don’t want to capsize us both, do you?”

“No, I have better things in mind,” I say.

“Like what?” she asks, turning around. As soon as she does, I cup her face with my hand placing my lips on hers. Our kiss deepens as she slides her legs around to completely face me. She is more adept at keeping her balance than she gives herself credit for.

I feel her hands glide along my chest until she encircles my neck, pulling herself even closer. The press of her body against mine ignites my desire, but it also feels soothing, comforting. It’s this sense of peace that I crave. She is my safe place. She is my respite from the craziness of the world.

***

THUMP! THUMP! THUMP!

I open my eyes. Charlie is back banging on the driver’s side window. “C’mon, kid. You can’t fall asleep on the job now. We have three more hours to go.”

And just like that, it’s back to reality.

Science Sunday: Adaptations & Giveaway winners

By: Meradeth Houston on 10:27 AM

Welcome back to Science Sunday! (I always say that in my head in Bill Nye's voice, in case anyone's wondering.) Anyhow, before we start, let me announce the winner of the pay-it-forward giveaway I had going on last week:

Major congrats to: Andi for winning the bracelet, and Lorrie for the first chapter critique!

I loved hearing about all your strengths and found it really inspiring, so thanks a million to all those who shared. (And winners, please shoot me an email, m'k?) I also realized I didn't join in on the fun with sharing strengths, and so I thought I'd just say that my biggest strength (and sometimes my biggest weakness) is that I'm really determined. Once I start something, I will finish it, by hook or by crook! :)

The nose is great for holding up glasses, but that's not what
it been adapted for. The nose shape is actually really
adapted for climate, specifically humidity!

So, yeah, today I thought I'd talk a little about adaptations and what they actually are. (I don't think I've hit on this before...right?) Yeah, so adaptation is one of those words that gets tossed around a whole lot and sometimes gets a little confusing as to what it actually means.

In general, an adaptation is something that has the appearance of being designed to fulfill a function that in some way will benefit an individual's reproductive success (as in, being able to pass along genes).

Umm, okay, what is that? Well, it's actually a bit tricky, but there are traits that allow for individuals to survive and do well, and therefore reproduce. The example I always give in class (which is actually kind of dumb, but hey, it works) is that a baby bird is often really noisy when it wants to get fed and its parent is bringing back worms and such for it. Being noisy is an adaptation that allows for the chick to gain attention from its parent and get food so it has enough nutrients to grow up.

On the other hand, a baby chick also has to know when to be quiet, because otherwise it runs the risk of attracting predators. So there's a bit of a trade-off there, where a baby bird has to be both quiet and noisy at the most opportune times. There are both benefits and costs to the different adaptations.

These trade-offs are pretty important, actually, and something I find interesting. I mean, modern humans have a lot of them. Take living in big communities: they are a great adaptation for having a support network in bad times, but also lead to all kinds of communal diseases being spread around easily (such as that awesome flu that everyone in my department currently has). Can you think of any other trade offs we might have?

Last Days for Giveaways & Friday Ruminations

By: Meradeth Houston on 6:37 AM

Hi everyone! Happy Friday. Just a brief little post here to say that if you haven't already stopped by by giveaway, please do so today or tomorrow, as I'll be picking a winner tomorrow night sometime. Just drop me a comment and I'll put your name in the hat!

Also, a couple of random things that have been floating around in my mind:

>Does anyone have any good recommendations for royalty-free photo sites? I have a few, but I could use some better sites with better shots. I have a few ideas I'd like to explore for the release of The Chemistry of Fate :)

>Speaking of releases, I now have in my hot little hands (where the heck did this phrase come from?!?) a shiny pdf copy of the book. (Though, alas, still no cover--trust me, when that happens there will be much rejoicing and posting!) Anyhow, my release isn't until April, but if you're up for an early review, just drop me a comment, okay?

And last but not least, my favorite pic that I came across this week on Pinterest (the purveyor of all wasted time):

Source: theberry.com via Meradeth on Pinterest

Interview with Aoife Marie Sheridan, Author of the Saskia Trilogy

By: Meradeth Houston on 5:00 AM

It is my pleasure to bring to you Aoife Marie Sheridan today, author of the Saskia Trilogy! Her books sound amazing! And don't forget my giveaway :)

Question: What have you published recently?

Answer: My work so far:

Eden Forest (Part one of the Saskia Trilogy)

Four banished Angels,

A world created by the hands of God,

A Kingdom on its knees,

A secret protected for centuries,

And one mortal can save them all.

Step into Saskia.

City of Secrets (Part two of the Saskia Trilogy)

A war awaits her arrival,

A warrant for her arrest.

She must rise as a princess,

And Darkness shall fall.

But will their love survive this battle?

For Tristan and Sarajane?

Step back into Saskia.

Pending:

The Rise of the Rightful Queen (Part three of the Saskia Trilogy)

Aoife’s Other works:

Wisps

Nine

The missing

Question: How, and when, did you decide to become a writer?

Answer: I have always written but mostly poetry, it’s always been my way to deal with my emotions, no matter how big or small. Two years ago I lost two people I was close too. I had never lost anyone before, so I didn’t deal very well with it. One night I had a dream of a man and women on a horse, passing through a wall of fire. The dream lingered with me, as did my grief. So instead of writing poetry I started my story. My starting point was my dream and I worked my way from there. Eden Forest helped me once again deal with death, and all that comes with it. So in a way I am very grateful for this story.

I always wondered why God created us and what was our purpose, but those questions are unanswered. So in my story I give you the answers for this world called Saskia. In the story God creates a world parallel to ours, for four fallen angels.

Death is something that I also question now, like why do we die, is 60 to 90yrs of life enough, imagine having immortality what would one do to gain it? And that’s where a lot of my plot lies. The greed for immortality, for power’s that only God should wield, drives Saskia into war. God decides to give one person all the powers that anyone could possess to banish evil, before it destroys Saskia and Earth. This one person happens to be a young lady called Sarajane Anderson who lives in the mortal world (Earth) but is actually from Saskia.

Question: Where can we find your published writing?

Answer: I have my own website www.aoifemariesheridan.com

It displays my work, any links to where you can purchase my books, listen to my interviews, watch my book trailers and more.

Question: What is a typical day like for you as a writer?

Answer: I work full time so, I write when I can, but always with pen and paper, never typing at first. I carry a pen and paper where ever I go and when an Idea comes to mind I jot it down. Also If I had any weird dreams (the ones that linger) I will keep them maybe for a different story. At present there are seven books I want to write. Since I started I just can’t stop.

Question: What types of writing do you do?

Answer: My writing I would consider fantasy. I write about the impossible, of different worlds that have magic in them. I always feel this can’t be it. All us on this little planet, floating in the galaxy, there has to be so much more. We just haven’t discovered it yet. Maybe in a couple of hundred years people will look back and say “They know all along that there was more”. Well that’s what I like to think.

Question: What are your favorite characters that you have created? Tell us about them.

Answer: My favourite characters in Eden Forest would have to be, Queen Bellona, she was the most interesting to write about. Bellona is all that is bad in the world, she is a combination of people that I have crossed paths with in my life. But she does not represent one person alone. Through her I could vent the injustice of people’s ways, and display it.

Secondly would have to be Sarajane she plays the main character. She is relatable as in she isn’t perfect. I created Sarajane with flaws, as we all have them. Mine can be that I am selfish so that’s the flaw I gave Sarajane.

I am surrounded by very strong women in my life, and I am grateful for this. I take a lot of their personalities and place them in my characters, or something they might do, or even a facial expression. I love to watch people’s reactions as they talk to me, if they stumble on a line, they may chew their lip, in an endearing way. I note it and file it way for later.

Question: do you find you “mentally edit” other writers’ works as you read them? Does doing this help you or bother you?

Answer: Yes which I absolutely hate. I am so much more aware now. It drives me spare. But in another way it makes me feel better that I am not the only one who makes mistakes. LOL.

Question: What music do you listen to, while writing?

Answer: My Music:

My favourite Musician would have to be David Guetta; Titanium and She wolf. I wrote nearly the whole two books too these songs, I find the words empowering and a story is told even in the beats.

Question: What do you eat while writing?

Answer: O God I am really bad, have a serious sweet tooth. I do try and control it, sometimes I do but other times I fail. So I love sour cream pringles. Yum. Cadbury’s cream egg. Love the centre. After that I love sprite. These are my 3 enemies yet my favourite things ever. (apart from writing and reading, of course).

Five for Fun:

What is your favourite non-alcoholic drink? Sprite I can’t get enough of it.

What is your favourite cartoon character? I would have to say Dora the explorer. My niece is a huge fan, and I think she is so cute.

What is your favourite movie of all time? Troy, I would watch it at least once a week. Brad Pitt is easy on the eyes.

What TV shows do you like to watch? I am not a fan of TV. I love movies or reading.

What do you like to do for fun or just to relax? Reading is my way of relaxing. Give me a book a glass of wine and I am a very content person.

Question: Where can we find you on the web?

Here are some places:

My website www.aoifemariesheridan.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Aoifemariesheri

Goodreads: Aoife Marie Sheridan

Twitter: aoifesheri

Bio:

Aoife Marie Sheridan is twenty eight years of age. She lives in Kells, Co. Meath, a small town just outside Navan. Aoife was raised in Navan but left with her family at the age of sixteen. Aoife has always had a passion for writing but mostly poetry. This is her first time to write a novel.

Aoife Marie Sheridan studied Accountancy and qualified as an accountant technician. She worked in this profession for several years but with the economic downturn she was made redundant.

Aoife Marie Sheridan now spends endless hours reading and writing.

Overcoming Adversity Bloghop

By: Meradeth Houston on 7:30 AM

It's my pleasure to join in on the Overcoming Adversity bloghop put together by Nick Wilford. If you haven't checked out what it's all about, you should go here and read Nick's really inspiring campaign to help his son, Andrew. I think what they're doing is awesome and wish them all the success in the world!

So, here's a little flash-fiction piece that I thought I'd share, hope you enjoy it! (And if you want to take a second to enter my pay-it-forward giveaway, stop by here.)

Sometimes our greatest adversary is yourself.

The envelope sat on the table for two days before she worked up the courage to open it. She already knew what it would say. The lawyer had called her a week ago, but seeing it in print would somehow make it real. Make her brother’s death final. If she didn’t read it, maybe the lawyer had been mistaken.

Finally, with a mug of tea and bring sunlight filtering through the window, she sat down to read. The envelope was fat, carrying the documents and other items her brother had left behind before he set off for the insane mission that claimed his life. Hadn’t her parents done them the ultimate favor of escaping that forsaken country? Gotten them someplace safe where they could actually live their lives? What had possessed her brother to go back?

The papers inside were dense with type and difficult to understand. Someone had flagged where she had to sign with little red arrow stickers. Her brother had left nothing behind—everything went toward his mission of helping others. Not that she was seeking anything from him. She’d made a successful life for herself, just like her parents wanted.

What she wasn’t expecting was the letter. It was sealed and taped closed, thick and when she opened it, photos accompanied the plain white paper lined with her brother’s script. Tears stung her eyes at seeing his handwriting. It matched her father’s almost exactly.

She studied the photos first. People she vaguely remembered, with features familiar because they resembled her own. Her brother had labeled each with names and dates. These were her flesh and blood. Left behind to face what they had to in the war.

The letter was an explanation. Words she’d heard from her brother’s lips many times. Now she studied them, attempting to understand, to see it from his point of view.

The final page was a list. Names, two columns, with ages in parentheses after them. At the bottom was a town name—she recognized it as the place where she’s been born.

“Don’t let what I’ve done stop. Don’t let these people disappear like so many others have. You can do it. You know you can.”

Her brother always had more faith in her than she did.

It took a week for a plan to settle in her mind, solidify. She spoke to people. Friends of her brother, experts in the region’s politics. Those family members who also escaped. Some encouraged, some expressed their concerns. Hadn’t she lost enough with her brother gone?

But when she purchased the tickets, she knew what she had to do. A detailed list of plans was pinned to the wall next to her computer. A newly minted non-profit paperwork sat in a neat pile at her elbow. She knew what she had to do. Finally, she understood what her brother had been trying to tell her.