Today, I’m at two sites today.
http://authorbyauthors.blogspot.com has excerpts of Warrior’s Rise, Dragon Child, and Absolution.
Kay Dee Royal asked some wonderful questions about each of the books at http://www.kaydeeroyal.blogspot.com I’ve also answered another question in the comments.
Hope to see you there.
I am at two sites today. Hope you’ll visit and sign up for the free give away–a $25 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card. http://www.Gravetells.com and also http://salaciousreads.blogspot.com
The Warriors for Light series Bewitching Book Tour January 18 – February 16, 2012
JANUARY 2012
18 th — Mother/Gamer/Writer
19 th — Palm Coast Twilight Book Club
22nd —Read 2 Review
25 th — Marsh A Moore
26 th — The Wytch's Mirror
27 th — Grave Tells Paranormal Romance
27 th — Sharonda (SexxyBlogger)
31 st — Authors by Authors
31 st — Kay Dee Royal
FEBRUARY 2012
1 st — Rage Sex and Teddy Bears
6 th — Reading Between the Wines
7 th —Read My Mind
7 th — Theresa Stillwagon
8 th — Snowdrop Dreams of Books
12 th —Lisa’s World of Books
13 th —For The Love of Reading
14 th — The Wormhole
15 th — Jade Mystique
15 th —Manga Manica Cafe
16 th — Simplistik
16 th —JeanzBookReadNReview
Today, I’m previleged to have author Cynthia Woolf as a guest.
How did you get started writing? I wrote my first story when I was about ten. It was a romance about me and a little boy I liked. I also wrote some very depressing poetry. I decided that poetry was not for me and stuck to romance.
What genre(s) do you write in and why? I have a historical western romance and a sci-fi romance out now. The sci-fi is the first in a series. I write in these genre’s because they are the ones whose stories reached out to me. The western was the first book I wrote and was inspired by my parents love story. It’s set on the same ranch that they met on in 1941. My book is set in 1885, so it’s not their love story. My dad was a cowboy and trapper but to the best of my knowledge was never a bounty hunter.
The sci-fi series was done because of dreams I had when I was a teenager. I knew I was a princess from Alpha Centauri. There was no way I could belong to the crazy family I had. Of course, I adore that crazy family now.
What inspired your latest book? Centauri Twilight is the second book in the Centauri Series. I used to dream that I was a princess from Alpha Centauri, that was the basis for Centauri Dawn, book 1 in the series.
Book 2 is much darker. Lara is the twin sister of Audra in book 1. Lara has been a sex slave since she was a child. Having escaped, she’s now an outlaw and working to free the rest of the slaves who are now her people.
Book 3 Centauri Midnight is about two people from Book
1. Kitari Dolana and Garrick Marcus. They are chasing the person responsible for the death of her brother and the capture and torture of Anton in the first book. The person who gave Slavarien, the villain, the information that allowed the ambush.
What is your favorite part of writing? My favorite part is what I call the ‘puking’ phase. Just getting it all down on paper for the first time. You just let if flow out of you, not caring, for the moment, if it is good or bad.
What is your least favorite part of writing? Editing is my least favorite. I’m constantly questioning myself and my work. Changing it, correcting it, putting it back to
what it was and starting it all again. It’s never good enough for me.
What is your next project and when will it be released? My current is called CENTAURI MIDNIGHT and is the third book in the Centauri Series. It will was released on January 9, 2012.
What is your typical day like? I don’t know that I have a typical day. I’m lucky enough to be able to write full time. I was laid off in June and am taking advantage of it to write while I look for another job.
How has your experience with self-publishing been? My experience has been wonderful. I highly recommend it for everyone out there who doesn’t want to be constrained by the “big” traditional publisher. For everyone who wants to write from their heart and not according to the industry rules and constraints, self publishing is the only way to go.
What advice do you have for other authors wanting to self-publish? Go for it. It’s a wild ride but totally worth it.
BIO Cynthia Woolf was born in Denver, Colorado and raised in the mountains west of Golden. She spent her early years running wild around the mountain side with her friends.
Their closest neighbor was one quarter of a mile away, so her little brother was her playmate and her best friend. That fierce friendship lasted until his death in 2006.
Cynthia was and is an avid reader. Her mother was a librarian and brought new books home each week. This is where young Cynthia first got the storytelling bug. She wrote her first story at the age of ten. A romance about a little boy she liked at the time.
She worked her way through college and went to work full time straight after graduation and there was little time to write. Then in 1990 she and two friends started a round robin writing a story about pirates. She found that she missed the writing and kept on with other stories. In 1992 she joined Colorado Romance Writers and Romance Writers of America. Unfortunately, the loss of her job demanded the she not renew her memberships and her writing stagnated for many years.
In 2000, she saw an ad in the paper for a writers conference being put on by CRW and decided she’d attend. One of her favorite authors, Catherine Coulter, was the keynote speaker. Cynthia was lucky enough to have a seat at Ms. Coulter’s table at the luncheon and after talking with her, decided she needed to get back to her writing. She rejoined both CRW and RWA that day and hasn’t looked back.
Cynthia credits her wonderfully supportive husband Jim and the great friends she’s made at CRW for saving her sanity and allowing her to explore her creativity.
TAME A WILD HEART CENTURI DAWN, BOOK 1 CENTURI TWILIGHT, BOOK 2 CENTURI MIDNIGHT, BOOK 3
CENTAURI TWILIGHT from Amazon http://amzn.to/t3Um6q
EXCERPT FROM CENTAURI MIDNIGHT
“Audra, please. You’re my queen but you’re also my friend. You must grant me this last request. Let me go after him.” Tensign Kiti Dolana paced the beautiful sitting room. Bile rose in her throat threatened to strangle her. Finally, she collapsed into a chair its soft cushions swallowing her as she sat across the small, highly polished and gleaming, coffee table from the Queen of Centauri, her friend.
The Queen, pregnant with triplets, her beautifully distended tummy disallowing much frivolous movement, reclined on the couch. She sat up to pour the tea but had trouble reaching the tea pot in the middle of the coffee table. “Kiti would you pour our tea, I’m a bit like a beached whale right now.” Audra was anything but a beached whale. Kiti knew the colloquial term from her study of Earth.
Her queen was radiant. Her long, chestnut hair falling in waves to her waist was gathered on one side of her head. Her clear gray eyes shone bright in her pale face. She wore a beautiful royal purple empire waisted dress that highlighted her pale features. She was beautiful. Kiti remembered a time, on their way back to Centauri from Earth, when she’d not thought so, because she was jealous.
That was before Audra’s marriage to Darius and when she’d still be betrothed to Anton. Kiti had been in love with Anton, at least she thought she was, and was jealous of Audra. Some of the things she said were unkind, but Audra had seen them for what they were, jealousy and forgiven her the words. They were now the best of friends.
Kiti poured the tea and continued to beseech her queen. “Audra, you have to let me go after him. He killed my brother Joridan, his actions led to Anton being captured and tortured. I need to see they get justice, they deserve it.”
“And you are sure it is only justice you seek?” Audra softly asked.
“Damn it, Audra.” Kiti was up and pacing the room again. Her long black hair was tied in a high pony tail and swung back and forth with each step she took. The thick, plush carpet kept her boots from clicking on the floor. “I’m begging you to let me go with Garrick Marcus. It’s not just revenge I need. I need closure. I’m the one who should deliver Tybold to the authorities. Garrick Marcus is the best captain in the fleet and I know Darius is sending him after Tybold. Joridan needs us both to avenge his death. To bring his murderer back to Centauri for justice to be served.”
“Kiti, are you combat trained? We don’t know what to expect from the Proconians. By this time, Tybold could have convinced them we are conquerors and he’s their only salvation. We don’t know. It could be a suicide mission. I don’t want to lose my best friend.” She went on. “I know you’re grieving. Joridan’s loss and Lara’s return has been very hard on you.”
“Stop.” Kiti jumped up and started to pace again. “I know what my life has been like. I mourn the loss of Joridan life and Anton’s capture and torture by Slavarien. Joridan was my little brother. Even though he was a head taller than me he will always be my little brother. I still smell Joridan’s scent in his room. Sometimes it’s so fresh it’s like he just passed by.” Her eyes filled with tears, “I miss the closeness that Anton and I once shared but I do not bemoan him finding Lara. I’m very happy he found his lifemate. It was something he never thought to be able to do. After the torture that both Anton and Lara suffered at the hands of the Slavariens, it’s amazing that they found each other. I wish I had a lifemate out there somewhere.
“Audra, I’m a historian and anthropologist, but first I’m Dragonera. Of course, I am combat trained. All Dragonera are. We are the Royal Guard. We are the best.”
“Yes. You’re right, but I worry anyway. Must be my maternal instinct.” Audra patted her belly.
“You know that the people of Procon are centuries behind us technologically. I’m the only person who can go on this mission that knows anything about their culture.”
“I don’t know,” Audra hesitated.
“Admit it. Garrick needs me.”
“We don’t interfere in the development of other planets’ civilizations. You know that.”
“Tybold has already interfered. I say we’ll be evening the odds for the tribes involved. And it’s not as though Procon doesn’t know we exist. They already trade with other planets. Just because they’re not our technological equals doesn’t mean they aren’t advanced.”
Kiti saw Audra hesitate before she answered. “I must confer with Darius before I can give you my answer.”
Wow, I’m beyond thrilled. WARRIOR’S RISE has been nominated by The Paranormal Romance Guild as the Best Read in 2011 in the Reviewer’s choice category. I’d really need all the help, support, and votes possible.
http://www.paranormalromanceguild.com/prgbestreads2011.htm
In celebration WARRIOR’S RISE is only $0.99. Amazon B&N ARe Smashwords
I’ve always loved the Christmas season. When I was growing up, it was a time of wonderful music, laughter, kindness, beauty, and families gathering to share and eat. People seemed nicer, smiled more often, children were the center of attention, and there was a Santa in every store with a waiting lap.
The Christmas I remember best was my father’s last year in the Army before he retired. He was a Colonel in the Special Forces. While Christmas is usually a family day, my parents invited all the single soldiers in his unit over for a feast.
That year I was ten years old and we had the best Christmas tree ever. The tree was covered in lights and tinsel, and wrapped in what was called angel hair from the top to the bottom. It looked like threads of spun glass.
Oh, my! It was the most magnificent tree I have ever seen. It was over seven feet tall. Lights reflected off the angel hair and silver tinsel inside, creating this glowing gem that left me—as a child—in open-mouthed awe. Every time I saw the tree, I would sit on the floor and stare at it.
So, we had this crowd over dinner. Everyone clustered together eating and laughing. Did I join in? No. I was a kid. These were adults. I let everyone have the chairs and sofas, took my plate, and sat in front of that tree, eating before a magical, winter wonderland.
To welcome you into the world of Warriors for Light, Warrior’s Rise is on sale for 99 cents.
The book I noticed was: BRAINRUSH by Richard Bard
With all the new tools out there to monitor book sales and blurbs mentioned about their books, I’m going to highlight a book. If by the end of the day that author finds his/her book on this post, I want him or her how they discovered it—word of mouth through the close network of writers, a Yahoo group mention, or through social media.
Now, how I choose this book. It caught my attention. As a reader, I keep an eye out for something that either draws me in—the cover, the blurb, the reviews, or from a mention on social media.
The book I noticed was: BRAINRUSH by Richard Bard. Why? I usually read urban fantasy romance. However, when I joined Ciara in this venture, I choose action adventure. Amazon gave me a choice of many books. BRAINRUSH caught my eye.
Blurb: When terminally ill combat pilot Jake Bronson emerges from an MRI with extraordinary cognitive powers, everyone wants a piece of his talent–including Battista, one of the world’s most dangerous terrorists. To save his love and her autistic child, Jake is thrust into a deadly chase that leads from the canals of Venice through Monte Carlo and finally to an ancient cavern in the Hindu Kush Mountains of Afghanistan—where Jake discovers that his newfound talents carry a hidden price that threatens the entire human race.
In the spirit of full disclosure, I couldn’t pass up buying the book. It’s only $0.99. Once I started reading, I was blown away by Bard’s writing and can’t wait to buy the second book, just released. In addition, BRAINRUSH is a wonderful blend of action adventure, thriller, paranormal, and science fiction rolled into one.
Buy Links: Amazon Nook Smashwords
Be sure to stop by Ciara’s blog for the links to the other blogs participating or follow the links below. Each one has chosen a different genre. Have fun and shop well!
List:
Action Adventure http://www.warriorsforlight.com/
Erotica Romance http://danicaavet.wordpress.com/
Historical Fiction – http://emerylee.wordpress.com/
Inspirational http://www.christylasheasmith.com/
Mystery http://murdersandmysteries.wordpress.com/
New Adult http://lynnrush.com/
Non-Fiction http://raelynbarclay.wordpress.com/
Paranormal http://www.hildiemcqueen.com/
Sci Fi http://rustywebb.blogspot.com/
Suspense Thriller http://stephentremp.blogspot.com/
Sweet http://www.lindipeterson.com/
Urban fantasy http://lauraeno.blogspot.com/
Young Adult http://www.brindaberry.com/blog.html
Grand Central Station: www.ciaraknight.com
I’ve been asked by many people what makes the Warriors for Light series different from other fantasy/paranormal series. As the author, I always feel uncomfortable when asked to explain my work. The stories themselves seem to come out of the ether, fully formed.
Yet there is a difference in these books. The elements from action to romance are balanced. The romance arises naturally out of the situations and the characters involved. Neither the hero nor heroine is totally dominant over the other and sometimes not even their battles with demons, real or internal.
Even the level of heat also arises out of the characters. In WARRIOR’S RISE, the staid Padraig and inexperienced, overprotected Deva must explore each other slowly. Deva has been raised from childhood for war, yet she never knew why.
Padraig is haunted by his past and a mistake that cost him his twin. Deva is struggling with her new role as leader and a sensual woman. Only together can they survive, but can he overcome their pasts and the belief the Army of Light’s leader must remain a virgin?
On the other hand, in DRAGON CHILD, Saraph shapeshifter Moira and wereleopard Steve battle not only demons from the Abyss but each other and their animal nature. Animals are so much earthier; they want what they want. And when Steve’s internal leopard recognizes Moira as his mate, the stage is set for hot sex and the man trying to control his cat.
And Moira?
She wants to explore her newfound dragon abilities and sexuality without the trap of a mate. So she takes advantage of her ability to take the shape of Steve’s animal in order to make wild leopard love that steams up even the natural hot spring where they first make love. The sex goes from hot to hotter because they have the liberty to go where their animal nature drives them, yet neither character wants a mate. Fate, it seems, enjoys a good laugh.
ABSOLUTION is different yet again. In book one, Warrior’s Rise, fate forces Lucan to choose between the life of Deva Morgan, the Cáidh Arm and leader of the Army for Light, and his father figure/mentor, Nate—who is infected by the villain’s mind-controlling seed. Lucan opts for the greater good. He saves Deva. Yet this action overwhelms his soul with guilt, which is slowly destroying him. As a Druid, his powers flow from the Earth, nature’s touch designed to provide his internal balance and strength. Unfortunately, Lucan’s guilt and his role as a soldier in the war has cut him off from his healer nature. The deaths of one after another of his family draws him deeper into a darkness from which he may never emerge.
Allana is a powerful healer of royal Fae heritage, driven to save innocents even while on a desperate mission to find her missing twin daughters, stolen from her at birth. Her practical, self-sufficient nature would make her a suitable equal to any partner. However, these describe only her elemental qualities. More important is Allana’s ability to omprehend, at a personal level, the deep pain and darkness of Lucan’s loss, the frustration of circumstances beyond one’s control, and the potential for salvation in each soul. From her past and her experiences, she brings a singular knowledge to Lucan’s struggle. With their unique interactions and challenges, she offers Lucan the potential of a future and hope he considered long dead.
Strangely, Lucan and Allana were the most difficult to write. The Warrior series tends to have a lot of action. Deva and Padraig in Warrior’s Rise are warriors, leaders of the Army for Light. In Dragon Child, Steve, is a wereleopard and the heroine, Moira O’Neal, is an über shapeshifter, a fire-breathing dragon who can shift into any form she desires. The alpha personality of these four is obvious immediately.
Whereas in Absolution, Lucan and Allana, while alphas, possess a gentler form of strength. They feel the pain of others and, under the shadow of war, must take actions that are not inherent to their nature. They are, in many ways, stronger and braver than the physically trained and equipped warrior. For me, gentle steel is always harder to write because it relies almost exclusively upon emotion to show a character’s strength.
Each book is unique. For Warriors followers, never fear. There will be three books released next year.
© 2011 by LJ DeLeon |
