A Blog Hop and Giveaway

A few weeks ago, Clara Bowman-Jahn tagged me in The Children’s Author/Illustrator Blog Hop.

To be honest, my slow response has been because of the fact that I don’t run in the Children Book Scene. Although, I know I should in order to promote my one and only picture book. But truth be told, I don’t have much time to re-network for this one book. Trust me, Angelina, my main character, is upset about the lack of attention.

So, in order to give my darling Angelina a few more readers, part of the Blog Hop includes a GIVEAWAY, two e-book copies of The Sacrifice are available for my wonderful followers and readers. (Middle Grade - Young Adult, Fantasy) The Sacrifice is also available for purchase at eTreasures Publishing.

In order to qualify all you need to do is contact me and you’ll be in the drawing. You can do this in one of two ways: comment below or contact me through my webpage. Mention you’d like to be in the drawing and there you go, you are in the hat for one of the two copies. Deadline for Entry: December 20th

Now for the Blog Hop and how it works. Each blogger has four questions to answer and three tags to pass on to other authors/illustrators.

As I said above, I don’t run with the Children Writer Crowd, but I do know one author through the Voices of Fiction series. And then, I surfed around and found two more victims.

So, who are they?

Bobbi Carducci, author of ‘Storee Wryter Gets a Dog.’ BLOG LINK

Sam Zuppardi, author of ‘The Nowhere Box.’ BLOG LINK

Will Terry, illustrator and instructor. BLOG LINK

Lady and Gentlemen, you have been tagged. If you’d like to continue the hop, answer the following four questions on your own blog and tag three Children’s Authors/Illustrators.

What are you working on right now?

I am currently working on what I had hoped to be my first full-length novel, but running around 40k, it looks like it will be a novella.

Broken Memory, a paranormal suspense, is the story of a woman who must face her past in order to have a future.

Here’s the working one-liner - When a woman’s past crashes into her present reality, she must face spirits, a demon, love, and find a way to survive them all.

I am eager to get this story to my critique partners, but time has been sparse this year, so the going has been slow. It will definitely be sent out in seek of publication early next year.

How does it differ from other works in the genre?

My other two paranormal novellas were both very short, more like long short stories. Broken Memory is the real deal, the writing is better, and the story is more fleshed out. So far, I’m very pleased with where it is going. OH and no vampires or witches.

As I edited this for the final posting, I realized I responded incorrectly to this question. On second look, I believe the question refers to other writers' work in the genre. I've never been very good at comparing my work to others, so I'm going to stick to my original answer.

Why do you write what you do?

When I began writing, I intended to write horror. But my stories seem to be a little gentler than what I see hitting the horror shelves these days. I do believe eventually a thriller will come out of me. I just haven’t found the right story yet. So, I write what comes and right now it’s paranormal with a touch of romance.

What is the hardest part about writing?

At the moment, motivation and time would be at the top of the list. It’s difficult to get to my writing while working a full time job, but I make it to the seat. Then, I have to work past the thoughts of how little is accomplished in such short sessions. Motivation wavers when your mind screams at you that you’re not getting anywhere fast. You can only calmly reply, “No, but I will get there.”

Don’t forget your entry for a copy of The Sacrifice. And, take a moment to stop by my victims’ blogs to see what they are up to.

Interview at Beth Bowland's blog

Fellow eTreasures Publishing Author, Beth Bowland interviewed me on her blog today.

Stop by to hear more about my current project, inspiration behind The Sacrifice, my favorite 'writing' snack, and more!

Hope to see you there.

Click Here to arrive at the interview.

Author Spotlight at Morgen Bailey's Writing Blog

Stop by Morgen Bailey's Writer Blog to catch my Author Spotlight.

At an early age, I discovered books and their magical ability to transport the reader into other worlds and lives. As I grew older, I knew I wanted to be able to do this for others. I dabbled in short fiction, poems, and novel attempts throughout my school years. continue reading...

Writing Every Day

Stop by Misha Gericke's blog, My First Book, to read my guest post, Writing Every Day.

One of the best bits of advice I’ve received as a writer is to write every day, following through with this is another story entirely.

Sometimes understanding the rhyme and reason behind such advice can help you achieve your goal a little easier.

I discuss my thoughts on the topic and possibly a different outlook on what it's all about. What type of writing can be contributed to my status of writing every day? Does my blog count? And the million dollar question, how long do you need to write?

I'll see you there!

Interview at J.D. Pooker's Blog

To help celebrate the release of my first children's book, J.D. Pooker invited me to her blog for a short interview. Stop by to find out the inspiration behind The Sacrifice, my favorite thing about writing, and more.

And of course, grab a copy of The Sacrifice, a fairytale-like story of a young woman's journey to save her sister, for you or your kids at eTreasures Publishing.

Crossing Genre Lines

Stop by Aubrie Dionne's blog Flutey Words to read my guest post, Crossing Genre Lines.

Don't let the world put you in a box with a genre label. Cross the line, see where you can go with your words. You may surprise even yourself.

The Sacrifice started as a short story, a fairy-tale adventure. I never dreamed it would become a children's picture book. But here it is available for purchase. I hope you enjoy Angelina's adventure as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Interview at Clarbojahn's Blog

Clarbojahn invited me to be interviewed on her blog a while back. The interview went live today. Stop by and get the first glimpse of the book cover to my upcoming release - a Children's Picture Book - The Sacrifice, yep you heard correctly. I stepped over the line into kiddy literature with one of my short stories produced into a picture book. Who would have thought!

The Next Big Thing

Tagged twice last year, by Terry W. Ervin II and Catrina Barton, I present to you The Next Big Thing.

10 Questions about my Work in Progress

What is the working title of your book?
Broken Memory

Where did the idea come from for the book?
The idea for this book started with thoughts on our memories and how they can be changed and recalled incorrectly. There's so much in the past that we forget or rearrange in our mind. What if something extremely significant and dangerous lay dormant within our minds, until something or someone pulled it into to the light?

What genre does your book fall under?
Paranormal Suspense

What actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
If I had to answer this question, I'd seriously take us diving back into the eighties.  A young Molly Ringwald comes to mind for the lead role. A young 'yummy' Andrew McCarthy would serve great as the co-lead. Okay, yes, I took you there. But, at least I warned you first. It's not that I don't watch new movies and television shows. I just don't keep up with their names like I did when I was younger.

What is the one sentence synopsis for the book?
When a woman’s past crashes into her present reality, she must face spirits, a demon, love, and find a way to survive them all.

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
An agency would be my first choice, but the way the industry is evolving one never knows where the road may lead.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
The story idea and much brainstorming began in January of 2012. Over the next few months I had many starts and stops. The story wanted to be more than one story can be, it trailed of in so many directions, becoming basically a multitude of different story possibilities. In May, I sat down with my mess and created a snowflake summary, putting down a strong road-map. By the end of September, I had a 15,000 word rough first draft of my story. Keep in mind, yes this took four months, but I do have a day job, along with multiple activities going on, from blogs to tarot reading. I'm in the process now of expanding the rough first draft into a full blown first draft. I plan to spend much more time on my writing this year, and hope to have this one ready to go at least by March.

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
This questions always a tricky one for me. I've read more than once you should be able to do this and present such when submitting your work. I can see where many authors would be able to compare their stories to others, but I honestly don't know of a book similar to the one I'm writing. It has ghosts, demons, and a woman who must conquer the past to see her future. I'm sure similar stories have been told, but don't ask me to tell you the names or authors.  

What else about the book might pique the reader's interest? 
The romance thread is interesting. Let's just say some loves are destined to be and nothing can stop some souls from join no matter the distance of space or time. On another note, souls roam the earth rather you are aware of them or not, some help and some hinder, but at the end of the day we all are on a path leading us home.

Now it's time to tag a few authors and see what their next big thing will be -

Cherie Reich
Aubrie Dione
Joylene Butler
Christine Rains
Kalayna Price

Look forward to seeing what each of you have in progress.

Interview at Pembroke Sinclair's Blog

Pembroke Sinclair invited me to her blog for Meet An Author Tuesday. Stop by and learn more about the creation of Escape to Love,  my favorite and least favorite thing about writing, and much more. There's also a peak at my work in progress. Hope to see you there!

Interview at Follow Me Friday - Blog Style

Nikki invited me over to her blog - Storm Goddess Book Reviews and More for an interview. Not a normal interview, but an interview about the blog.

Feel free to stop by and check out some of the FIRSTS of the blog, and of course learn a little more about me and why Footsteps of a Writer began.

Hope to see you there. http://www.stormgoddessbookreviews.blogspot.com/2012/10/follow-me-friday-blog-style-october-26.html?zx=f7082780c13b671

Interview at Morgen's Author Interviews

Morgan Bailey has created a new blog, completely devoted to author interviews. Morgen's Author Interviews revisits past interviews from her Writing Blog.

Stop by and read our interview from March 2012. Stay awhile and see what other great authors you can discover through her grand list of interviews.

Guest Post at Halloween Haunts

Hope everyone is enjoying the Halloween Haunts at the Horror Writers Association blog.

I'm honored to be part of today's posts. Stop by and see why I choose horror as my ultimate genre.

Don't stop there. If you haven't already read the other posts, read through the blog and catch up on all the Halloween fun.

Don't forget to comment for a chance to win some great prices. The party runs till Oct. 31st but don't wait, come by now.

From Aspiring Writer to Published Author

Stop by Love Romance Passion to read my guest post, "From Aspiring Writer to Published Author." It's a journey I'd take again without a second thought. And, there's so much more to come on the twisted roads ahead.

Interview at Morgen Bailey's Writing Blog

Stop by Morgen Bailey's for a glimpse into my writing world.

While you are visiting, check out the many sections available, from author interviews to flash fiction. Also learn more about Morgen and her fiction.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Monday!

Interview at Lynnette Labelle's Blog

Stop by Lynnette Labelle's blog today for a Seduced by Darkness teaser.

Tomorrow come join us for the interview. Some interesting questions were asked and explored. Love to see you there.

Direct Link to Interview

Interview at One Writer's Journey

Penny Lockwood Ehrenkranz invited me over to One Writer's Journey for an interview. Come join us to find out how I write, advice for new writers, and some other tidbits. Be sure to comment for a chance to win a free copy of Seduced by Darkness.

Hope to see you there.

Interview at Oye! Times

Paul Collins invited me over to Oye! Times for an interview. He asked some wonderful questions. Stop by to find out more about Seduced by Darkness and the thought behind the story.

Hope to see you there.

Interview at Romance Author Hotspot

Stop by the Romance Author Hotspot to find out what my characters think of me and more! Comment for a chance at a free copy of Seduced by Darkness.

Hope to see you there.

Interviews and First Review

Two interviews and a first review of Seduced by Darkness

Aubrie Dionne invited me over to Flutey Words.

Pembroke Sinclair opened the doors at her blog for an interview.

Please stop by, ask questions, and enjoy a cup of coffee. Hope to see you there.

Cherie Reich of Surrounded by Books Reviews gives Seduced by Darkness a glowing review.

Cher Green's Seduced by Darkness delights in a seductive tale of the power of love and loss. Read more.

Seduced by Darkness featured on Promo Mondays

My latest novella, Seduced by Darkness, has been featured on Cherie Reich's Promo Mondays.

A new release is almost as exciting as the creating. It seems to be just as much work also - promotions and such.

Guess if there's to be a follow up, I better get busy writing on the next work in progress.

Do you ever feel as if the more you publish the less time there is to write? Course the holidays have got the post office hopping, which has a lot to do with down time on writing.