You won’t believe who my guest is today!
09 May 2012 32 Comments
in Author guest, Blog Tour, book to read, Debut release, giveaway, Promotion, Shapeshifters, TWRP Tags: #TWRP, Calisa Rhose, excited, faeries, Free books, Gift of the Realm, giveaway, interview, Irish, mackenzie crowne, mystical, Pen of the Dreamer, Winner, wolf, Writing
Osiyo~
I know you’re jealous. Admit it. 
I’m the lucky one today and I am verra thrilled to be the caboose of the multi-blog scavenger hunt for sister TWRP debut author (and I’m proud to say, my friend!), Mackenzie Crowne’s Gift of the Realm. We’re doing an interview and she’s here to tell you more about why you will want to read this book—besides that enchanting and haunting cover and the scrumptious Colin! So let’s get this ranch jumping! Please give a Ranch welcome to Mac Crowne! *indicates the screen door in a grand gesture…gawks…at…*
Donovan O’Brian Quinn be me name.
Calisa: Wha-? Wait a minute…
Donovan: I’m pleased to make yer acquaintance. The lovely Calisa was kind enough to invite me to visit today, to tell ye about me book. Gift of the Realm, it’s called. Oh, I didn’t do the actual writing of the thing. Mackenzie Crowne had that honor, but the story is mine. I’m the star, ye see.
Calisa: Uh-huh… *glances around for the hidden camera then back at the dog talking? to her* Hello? *a talking dog! pinches her arm and winces* Am I being Punk’d? I thought Mac was supposed to be here today. Where’s Ashton? Oh, well. Who am I to turn away a talking dog? Welcome to the ranch, Donovan, was it?
Donovan: I know what ye be thinking’. A dog? Really? Dogs don’t type and they certainly don’t blog.
Calisa: Of course you know “what I be thinking.’ I just expressed that. What I want to know is…how?
Donovan: Well now, I’m here to tell ye, if ye hadn’t noticed already, an ordinary dog I’m not. An Irish wolfhound I be, living in the world of folklore and 
fairies in the mystical village of Dunhaven, Ireland, where strange and wonderful happenings are the norm. My people are Halflings, ye see. Ye might have heard of them. Keely and Colin Quinn be their names.
Calisa: Actually, I have— Ooh! That’s beautiful! I’ve always dreamed of going to Ireland and seeing a cliff like this one. *sighs*
Mac: Donovan!
*Calisa jumps from her reverie*
Donovan: *Yelp* Oh, Mac! Ye frightened a full seven years off me life. I didn’t see ye there. Tis the author herself, me friends. Say hello, Mac.
Calisa: Mac, what a pleasant surprise to see you! *eyeballs Donovan suspiciously*
Mac: Hello, everyone, nice to meet you. What are you up to, Donovan? Sorry, Calisa. I hope he’s not bothering you.
Calisa: Not at—
Donovan: I like that! Invited, I was. Calisa and I are having a wee visit. The lass smells of sweet, cinnamon candy, don’t ye know. I like that in a human.
Calisa: I didn’t actually know it was going to be Donovan, Mac. But since he’s here… He does say such kind, flattering things about me. And I do enjoy spicy cinnamon now and again…which Donovan noticed. Flattery…
Mac: Yes, she is a sweetheart. *winks at Calisa* A wee visit, huh?
Calisa: I don’t mind, really. And you are a sweet darlin, Mac. And he was about to tell me some of his story which I’d love to hear! I’m sure my Ranch guests are all ears, as well. I mean, how often does one have a chance to *chat* with a talking Irish dog?
Donovan: Aye. I’m sharing a bit of our story with the lads and lasses who’ve popped in for a visit. It’s a fine tale ye’ve woven, even if it tis a romance.
Mac: Keely and Colin don’t seem to mind Gift of the Realm is a romance.
Calisa: My guests and I LOVE romance! *bobs head back and forth between Mac and Donovan wondering if either are really listening to her*
Donovan: Hah! Humans, even those with fairie blood running through their veins, are silly with it when they find their one true mate. But I didn’t say I minded. After all, it’s a tale full of curses and fairies, and an ancient ring of stones. And then of course, there’s me. Who doesn’t love a tale includin’ a charmin’ Irish wolfhound?
Calisa: *raises hand, whispers* I do.
Mac: I’m not sure Keely would use the word charming. Not when you have a habit of digging up her lilacs.
Donovan: Ah, that. Well, I’m a dog, ain’t I? It’s what we do. And Keely doesn’t mind so much, not when her black wolf has a paw in that bit of mischief, more often than not.
Mac: Hmmm. *grins* She does have a soft spot for that Halfling of hers.
Donovan: And isn’t that how it should be, I ask ye? No matter. She can’t stay mad at me. Not for long, anyway. I helped her solve the mystery of the ring, after all.
Mac: Yes, you did, but you don’t want to share too much with your new friends here. You’ll spoil the story for them.
Donovan: Aye. Ye have a point. Still, we might tease them with a bit of our tail. An excerpt, I believe it’s called. Ye have one, don’t ye? And are ye still running yer scavenger hunt contest, over at yer own web home? The one where me friends have a chance at winning a free copy of Gift of the Realm and a $25 Amazon card?
*Calisa’s ears perk at this idea*
Mac: I do have an excerpt, and the Virtual Scavenger Hunt runs through today.
Donovan: And I’m thinkin’ ye should give away a free copy of our story right here, to one of the lovely Calisa’s friends.
Mac: That’s an excellent idea, Donovan. I’m glad you thought of it.
Calisa: *claps hands and hops in joy*
Donovan: Then what are ye waiting for? Give me friends the chains, so they can find out more about me…I mean, yer book.
Mac: I think you mean the links.
Calisa: *snickers*
Donovan: *snort* Dog, remember?
Mac: *laughs* Here are the excerpt and the links. And don’t stay too long. You’re scheduled for a grooming today.
Donovan: *growl* I thought to chat with me new friends a bit. There be dog lovers here, ye know. I’ll be gifting our book to one of them, after I hear what breed, other than Wolfhound, take their fancies. I’ll be along in me own good time.
Calisa: Erm… I love my Chihuahuas and cried when I had to find a new home for my beautiful Boxer… *eyes the cover of Mac’s book hungrily* Too bad hostesses can’t win. *pouts*
Mac: *waves at Calisa* Thanks, my friend. Don’t let him climb on the furniture. He sheds like crazy.
Calisa: That’s ok, Mac. I have plenty of duct tape around here I use for my own four-legged hair balls. *waves Mac off*
Donovan: *snort*
Calisa: What? I use the tape to remove hair from the furniture! Oh… Just let the visitors read the excerpt… *rolls eyes*
Excerpt:
She tossed a thick stalk onto the small pile at her feet and set the claw at another. Her continued silence said she was done with him and expected him to go.
He abused her of that expectation by taking a seat at the small table beside the garden. He sat with his legs spread, elbows propped on his knees. Donovan lifted his head to stare at him, his dark brows puckered above darker eyes that seemed to plead with him to bring peace to the garden once more.
“I am your friend, Keely,” Colin told her, “and I’d like to help if I can.”
She paused at her chore, tilting her head to eye him suspiciously from beneath the brow of the hat. “Why would you want to do that?”
He rubbed a hand over his jaw. “Well, now, there’s a question. It turns out I’m not the sort of man who can ignore a mystery.”
“That’s not the impression you gave yesterday.”
“Yesterday I was near to being speechless.” A slow smile spread across his face as he decided how to break through her pique. “A man can be excused for being a bit rattled when sitting across from a lovely woman who’s just admitted to dreaming of him for the better part of a decade.”
She fell back on her heels, her eyes widening. “I didn’t admit to dreaming of you, Quinn.” She jabbed the claw in his direction. “I said you joined me in the dreams.”
“You’d consider that a distinction, and yet you admit you’ve been dreaming of me. I prefer my own interpretation.” Confusion knit her brow, and he could see she wasn’t sure if she wanted to blast him for being an arrogant ass, or smile. He pressed the advantage. “I’ve a clearer head this morning, darlin’. I’m here to offer my help.”
She didn’t react to his use of the endearment, but he didn’t miss the flash of interest in her eyes at his offer of help. “How, exactly, do you propose to do that?”
“These dreams we share.” He paused, pleased to see a faint blush spreading color on her cheeks. “They always take place at the Door?”
She nodded.
“The way I see it, you’ve made Dunhaven your home, but you’ve spent little time here. I, on the other hand, have lived the whole of my life in Dunhaven, except for the time I spent at university, and you’ll not be holding that against me.”
“I won’t, huh?”
He grinned. “No, darlin’, you won’t.”
“Hmm.” She glanced away, fiddling with the tool clutched in her lap. He winked at Donovan, and gained a dog grin. Now they were getting somewhere.
Find Mac at: http://mackenziecrowne.com (The details of the Scavenger Hunt are there, as well as all the clues)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/MacCrowne
Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/MackenzieCrowne
Buy Links:
The Wild Rose Press http://tinyurl.com/84agxz2
Amazon http://tinyurl.com/84mxmrj
What a great excerpt, Mac!!! And I really think I might print and frame that cover just so I can drool over it. Remember, black wolf shifter fan here. Thank you so very much for the contest, Mac!
Donovan…it was wonderful, and interesting to meet you. Thanks for surprising me with your visit. What more can I say but, stay away from my lilacs—don’t lift that leg there! Go get your groom on.
For everyone else, don’t forget to visit Mac’s cyber home- which is one you don’t want to miss, it’s gorgeous! Leave a note in the ranch comment box telling Donovan your email and what your favorite dog breed is (except Wolfhounds- no buttering allowed on the ranch unless it’s by me!) for the chance at a FREE copy of Gift of the Realm!!!
Dodadagohvi~
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INTERNATIONAL DIGITAL AWARDS- what is it?
02 Mar 2012 14 Comments
in awards, Contests, Followers, fun, getting the word out, judges, Promotion, published authors, Word of Mouth, Writing Tags: Calisa Rhose, ebook contest, Free books, giveaway, HOME, International Digital Awards, OKRWA, Pen of the Dreamer, Winner
Osiyo~
Many of my followers know I am a proud and semi-active member of RWA and an active (and also proud) member of OKRWA. I’m an OUTLAW! In a good, no–great way. Many of you know I am a category coordinator for the National Reader’s Choice Awards; a contest began by OKRWA many years ago for print-published authors only (because that’s all there was when dinosaurs roamed). Yes, I dream of the day I can enter that exciting contest! But until that day arrives– I have another option to tell you authors and readers about. Listen up!
Yes, we need author entries, yes, we need volunteer judges. Last year OKRWA decided to create a new contest. It’s not just any old contest though. As an electronically published author, how many times have you wished you could enter your ebooks in a contest in which readers can judge and choose the best book of the year, like print authors can? I know as a short story-published author I have wished there was a contest for enovella authors to enter. Well, guess what? Thanks to OKRWA there is a contest that covers both those author sets!
Now I’m going to feed you the information YOU need to sign up as an author and/or judge!
The contest is the INTERNATIONAL DIGITAL AWARDS and you can read everything you want or need to know about how to sign up for it as an author or judge at this link http://bit.ly/wOlGR2 !!!!!
So what is the IDA Contest? It’s a digitally enter and judged contest strictly for electronic books. That’s where DIGITAL comes in. WOOT!!! Do you live in any country where contests are allowed? You qualify. If your book is only accessible by getting your Nook, pc or Kindle to swallow it in, then it qualifies. If it is 10,000 words or more, it qualifies, if it was an original release in 2010-2011…it qualifies!
IF, however, your book is also available in print format–it DOES NOT qualify. Hence the contest name- International DIGITAL Awards, or as we fondly nicknamed it, the IDA Contest.
Are you a reader and addicted to your EReader? We need you! Are you a writer, but would love to judge? Super!! We need you, too!
Now, I’m not gonna tell you anymore because I want you to hurry and click that link up there ^^^ and check out the fantabulous website that a super Outlaw created just for the IDA! On it you will find everything, and I do mean EVERYTHING you’ll need to get started. What you don’t find will be in the FAQ page, or you can go to the Contact page and ask the wonderful Chairlady.
Still here? What are you waiting for? GO! NOW! Hurry because there is an entry number limit and a deadline to enter! GOgogogogogo! I can’t wait to see ya’ll there! And thank you if you choose to judge! Did I mention there’s FREE BOOKS involved? Good luck to those who choose to enter!
If you want to offer feedback, or just gush about how much you love this contest opportunity, my comment line is open. I’d love to hear what everyone thinks.
Know what? I’ll even give a FREE PDF of HOME to one lucky commenter who provides all the social media links they’ve shared this news to. There is a few buttons on the IDA site, below on this blog, or just make your own with a link back to the contest site. One link or ten, just show me. I don’t have one of those fancy contest widgets, so if you would just copy and paste ALL of your Tweet/Facebook/whatever-social media-links-you-use-and-share-it-on in a comment (easy to paste these to a word .doc and then cut and paste your list in your comment all at one time) and I’ll draw the winner next Friday from those who qualify. Bottom line… I’m bribing you to help me get this contest out into the literary world fast. By bribe, I mean an impromptu give away to celebrate the coolest contest to break out this year!
Dodadagohvi~
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I’ve got the Hot Guys here!!
13 Dec 2011 36 Comments
in Author guest, book to read, Home, inspirations, Promotion, Release Day, The Wild Rose Press Tags: #TWRP, Calisa Rhose, giveaway, guest, Jennifer Jakes, smashwords, Twice in a Lifetime, Winner, Writing
Osiyo~
I have super talented fellow Rose, Jennifer Jakes -and her bevy of Hot Guys- on the ranch today! If you follow her blog ~Warm Days, Cool Nights and Hot Guys~ you know she knows where to find the sweetest man candy treats!
Let’s not waste time and jump right into the round pen with Jenn–
Suit and Tie or Jeans and T-shirt?
Which do you prefer? Does your real-life choice differ from your reading choice? Do you find yourself drawn to the rich tycoon, dressed to the nines? Or the rebel in jeans and a tight t-shirt? And what do the men I’ve described have in common? They’re Alphas, baby! Alphas all the way. My favorite type of hero to write/read about.
Now, as far as the clothing, I know you think I’m going to vote for jeans. I’m the one who always goes for the bad-boy look, right? (I’m nodding) But I have to admit there’s something powerful – sexy powerful – about a man in a suit. Both of these men look like they have some bad-boy in them.
But let’s make the case for a casual guy. He looks more approachable, more down to earth. He also wears his bad-boy for all the world to see, tempting women and daring men.
So no matter which look you choose, it’s really the man beneath the clothes that tempts us, isn’t it? 
Tell me about your favorite look on a man and you’ll be entered into the drawing for a Free e-copy of TWICE IN A LIFETIME !
BLURB: TWICE IN A LIFETIME
Be Careful What You Wish For. . .
No-nonsense stuntwoman Isabella Douglas will do anything to stop an unwanted divorce and reclaim the happy life she had, even allow her old friend to concoct a magical spell to turn back time. But when the spell goes awry, Izzy finds herself trapped aboard a 1768 Caribbean pirate ship with a captain who’s a dead ringer for her sexy as sin husband, Ian. Convinced he’s playing a cruel joke, she’s furious – until she realizes he doesn’t know her or believe they’re married.
Captain Ian Douglas does not have time to deal with an insane woman who claims to be his wife; he has to save his kidnapped sister. But as Izzy haunts his dreams and fills him with erotic memories he can’t explain, he’s forced to admit he feels more than lust.
Trapped in a vicious cycle of past mirroring present, Izzy knows they only have days to find Ian’s sister and prevent disaster from striking a second time. If she doesn’t, their marriage will be destroyed again – along with the man she loves.
Here are my buy links:
Amazon - http://tinyurl.com/7gvanj6
Smashwords - http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/108621
Website - http://www.jenniferjakes.com
About the Author
After trying several careers—everything from a beautician to a dump truck driver—Jennifer finally returned to her first love, writing. Maybe it was all those Clint Eastwood movies she watched growing up, but in her opinion there is no better read than a steamy western historical.
Married to her very own hero, she lives on fifteen acres along with two beautiful daughters, three spoiled cats, three hyper dogs and one fat rabbit.
During the summer she does Civil War re-enacting and has found it a great research tool, not to mention she has continued appreciation for her microwave and hot water heater.
Visit Jennifer Jakes at www.jenniferjakes.com
OK- I definitely take dibs on Johnny! But Brosnan is hot and the first guy? (looks familiar but name escapes my swiss cheese brain) oh,yeah! But I absolutely go for the casual dress whether he’s a bad boy, or boy who’s bad. Your book sounds as yummy as these ooh-so-mouth-watering treats, Jenn! How can I get my copy? Follow you to other blogs, you say? I think I have to!
But for my visitors it’s right here! Leave your email for a chance to win your copy. For all the rest, I’ll see you wherever Jennifer Jakes is!
Oh- and don’t forget to come back TOMORROW to learn the story behind my upcoming TWRP release HOME, due out December 28th! I’m kicking off my “HOME for love” blog tour right here at the ranch!!!!!
Dodadagohvi~
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Alyson Reuben!!!
06 Dec 2011 26 Comments
in Author guest, Debut release, giveaway, Promotion, published authors, The Wild Rose Press, Win, Writing Tags: #TWRP, A Beautiful Cage, Alyson Reuben, Calisa Rhose, Free books, giveaway, guest, The Wild Rose Press, Winner, Writing
Osiyo~
Howdy folks. Welcome to the ranch today. And what a wonderful day it is! My first December guest comes bearing gifts. Alyson Reuben is in the round pen!!!
Care to tell us a little about your writing to kick us off, Alyson? Then we’ll get to the really good stuff; like your intriguing book from The Wild Rose Press, A Beautiful Cage. I tell ya gang- this book has the most beautiful cover!
The first question people generally ask is what influenced me to begin writing?
I caught ‘Writer’s Itch’ in second grade after listening to a visiting author share his book at my school. Unfortunately, I don’t remember the title of his book, or even his name, only that he greatly stressed the importance of writing down stories as they come to you. As far as writing about WWII and the Holocaust, the biggest influence came from my now deceased grandfather, who patiently answered my questions and discussed those horrific events with me. He was never overly graphic, though he got his points across. Years later, I sat on the idea for A BEAUTIFUL CAGE while playing around with other less serious stories. By the time I became earnest about writing it, everything eased into place.
I’m a huge believer in writing from my heart and soul. If a scene makes me cry as I’m writing it, I know it’ll probably bring some tears to readers’ eyes. If it makes me smile, it will make someone else smile, too. To give my character’s realistic personality traits, I just observe people in general, taking mental notes of their behavior and body language. Friends and family tell me I scare them — they’re afraid they’ll end up as an antagonist in one of my stories! Ha! It hasn’t happened yet, though.
Bio:
Determined to become an author while still in elementary school, Alyson Reuben frequently found herself in trouble for writing stories while she should’ve been studying for math tests. Some years later, by combining a love of history with her enthusiasm for storytelling, she seeks to entertain readers with passionate accounts of vintage romance. Occasionally, she still find herself in trouble for writing when she should be cooking dinner. Alyson enjoys small-town life in Indiana with her husband and daughter.
Blurb:
Wanted by the Gestapo, Rebecca Bloomberg is on the run for her life. Sheltering in the home of a reporter who writes absurd lies for a Nazi propaganda newspaper is hardly an ideal solution. Irresistibly drawn to the man, she dares not trust him, until she discovers his journalist position is a mask for involvement in an anti-Nazi resistance ring.
Gustav Von Furst has done all he can to perfect his mask. Neither his family nor his close friends know the truth. Hiding a Jewish girl is the most foolish risk, yet there is something about her that makes him want to protect her.
Eager to forget the outside world, Rebecca and Gustav are caught up in a private world of forbidden passion—until unexpected danger lands on their doorstep and they’re faced with a decision that will change everything. Will love demand a sacrifice too great to give?
Excerpt:
Entering Aachen Central Station, Rebecca drew
a deep breath.
People were bustling in all directions—children,
the elderly, everyone in between. Some carried
luggage, others toted parcels. All of them seemed to
be in a hurry, paying no attention to those around
them.
Huddled together, a small choral group was
singing “Silent Night,” their voices barely rising
above the crowd’s racket. “Stille Nacht, heilige
Nacht, Alles schläft, einsam wacht.” All is calm, all is
bright… Ironic, Rebecca thought. All was not bright.
And it certainly wasn’t calm.
“This place is crammed,” Gustav murmured
more to himself than to her.
Was he thinking the same thing she was? That
the holiday might make their situation easier
because the employees’ minds would be less on their
jobs and more on getting home to their family and
friends?
She shifted the brim of her hat lower over her
forehead so that it shaded her face as much as
possible without seeming too obvious. Her hair,
pulled back in the style of the girl in the picture on
the visa, did quite a bit to alter her usual appearance,
while her makeup, heavier than she’d normally wear
in the daytime, did the rest.
“Remember, Louise,” Gustav stressed the
counterfeit name, “you’re supposed to be looking
forward to seeing your aunt and uncle, and excited
about going to Limburg, so laugh and flirt with me.
Pretend to be all keyed up.” His jaw visibly twitched.
“Most of all, do not look anyone directly in the eye.”
He squeezed her hand.
“Ready?”
She nodded. “Let’s go.”
As they made their way to the checkpoint, she
forced an exchange punctuated with giggles that
didn’t, in the least, belong to Rebecca Bloomberg, but
perfectly suited the woman who was accompanied by
the striking Nazi, proudly sporting a swastika
armband over his expensive wool coat. Squeezing his
opposite arm, she leaned toward him, angling her
head, and in doing so noticed someone out of the
corner of her eye. A man standing off by himself was
staring at her and Gustav in spite of the surging
crowd all around him. There was no time to point
him out to Gustav before the line moved and they
were face to face with an officer, dressed in Nazi
regalia.
“Heil Hitler,” Gustav addressed briskly, arm out.
The officer, looking fresh out of Hitler-Youth,
returned the greeting, staring at Gustav before
casting a casual glance, like an afterthought, at
Rebecca. She forced a smile, concentrating on his
forehead and not directly at his eyes. But it didn’t
seem to matter; within seconds it was clear he was
focused more on Gustav, obviously impressed by his
height, which towered above him by several inches.
“To Heerlen, Limburg,” Gustav announced with
the brusqueness of a businessman.
“Papers, bitte.”
Rebecca was careful not to appear too anxious as
she pulled out a compact from the purse that Bertie
had given her and laid it on the ledge, making
believe she had to search for the papers.
“Oh, here they are,” she crooned. “Silly me,
forgetting which compartment I put them in.”
Handing the documents over, she couldn’t help but
cast Gustav an anxious glance. The officer studied
the papers carefully. Very carefully. If he had any
doubts or suspicions…
Her stomach was churning like ocean waves in a
storm, threatening to send an earlier cup of coffee
back up her throat. She swallowed down the bitter
bile and prayed she didn’t appear as ashen as she
felt.
And then, suddenly, he reached toward the
phone!
Rebecca closed her eyes, bracing for the worst.
But a dull thump was immediately followed by the
swish of paper, and she opened her eyes to see that
the officer had been reaching for the nearby inkpad
and was proceeding to stamp each of the three
documents.
Her passage had met the final step of approval.
Could a person die of relief? Her heart was
beating three times its normal speed, as if the blood
had been drained and it was now having to struggle
to make a fresh supply.
The officer handed everything back to Gustav—
not to her, she noticed. Was he intimidated by
Gustav? Probably. She understood the feeling all too
well.
And now he was actually telling her to have a
safe trip.
It was done! It seemed unbelievable.
As she and Gustav turned in unison toward the
train, she saw the loitering man again. He’d moved a
few steps closer, glowering at them with a silent
threat that pasted chilblains all along her upper
body.
Suddenly, he strode ahead of them, meeting
with another official who was passing by. His hand
gesture caused the second officer to crane his head to
look at them.
Did Gustav notice?
Yes. The pressure on her arm signaled her to
change paths, bypassing the men. Just a few
more feet and they’d be out of their sight.
A few more feet and…
Suddenly a voice called out behind them, “Halt.
Entschuldigen-Sie, mein Herr.”
Without looking at one another, Gustav and Rebecca both
turned to face the second officer. This one was much
brawnier than the previous one, nearly matching
Gustav’s size. He held out his black-gloved hand,
wiggling his fingers, indicating they needed to hand
something over to him. His smile was a polite one
but didn’t reach his eyes. Beside him, the mole was
leaning against the post, staring at them with
pointed disdain.
“Is there a problem, mein Herr?” Gustav
addressed the officer, his voice unmistakably cold as
ice. Clearly, Gustav wasn’t about to let either man
intimidate him.
In spite of herself, Rebecca glanced again at the man
leaning against the post. His tattered coat was
probably five years old. He was, she guessed,
someone who needed money and would probably do
anything to get it—including hounding Jews for
payment. Right now, he stood unmoving, his face a
stony mask.
Their eyes met for the briefest of seconds. His
were dark, full of malice and anger.
She wasn’t supposed to look anyone in the eyes,
and now she understood why. This man was her
enemy.
Yet she had no idea what spurred his hatred.
********************************************
Buy links:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/tTkunI
Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/uWqXcI
The Wild Rose Press: http://bit.ly/vkL25w
Website:
http://www.alysonreuben.com
Blog: http://www.abiteofreubensandwich.blogspot.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/alysonreuben
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/ruapNe
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/sK9TeY
BTW, we’re doing an ebook giveaway too, aren’t we, Calisa? I’m perfectly happy to give away one or two copies.
Yes, let’s do two winners to start the giving season off with a bang! Whooo- Dogieees!!!!
Oh, happy days! I’m so thrilled you found your way here Alyson.
Thanks again for inviting me to blog for you!!
Dodadagohvi~
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Historical Awesomeness-Ruth A. Casie
15 Nov 2011 23 Comments
in Author guest, Contests, Debut release, giveaway, TWRP, Win Tags: #TWRP, Calisa Rhose, excited, giveaway, guest, historical, Knight of Runes, Ruth A. Casie, Winner, Writing
Osiyo~
Wow. Just awesome wow! Here on the ranch I try to showcase some wonderful authors. Mostly new authors I’ve met through TWRP, my critique groups, or friends I met through workshops like this wonderful guest today. Active on so many levels of RWA and other writing organizations, she still finds time to write such incredible books like Knight of Runes. I first read samplings of this awesome book over a year ago when she was still writing it, it was amazing even in the rough draft stage, so I’m doubly excited to have her tell us about the book today. Please welcome Ruth A. Casie to the round pen!
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR DEBUT RELEASE, RUTH!!!!!!
How I Got From There to Here
I’m on the Carina Press site admiring the cover of my debut novel, Knight of Runes. Okay, so you may think I’m staring at it because he’s a really hot guy. I have one in residence, hot to me that is. The picture on the book cover may be the illusion of mighty Lord but my novel is really published. That’s no illusion.
I started the project March, 2009 excited to help a friend with her writing. It quickly escalated into creating a series of romance novels. We each had stories in our head and made plans to connect them. After a few months of hard work and several tens of thousands words on each story, we found the stories worked better individually. It was a big stretch to work them into a series. We decided to critique each other’s stories and finish our books.
Her life was filled with training for the New York Marathon, a beautiful daughter getting ready for high school graduation and college tours, and a job that took her all over the country (and sometimes the world). My situation was very different. My three are children are independent and on their own. I use my treadmill as an extension of my closet, and my job is a ninety minute commute to New York City.
I had the time and I had the story so, I wrote. I researched all sorts of things, the renaissance, manor life, herbs, poisons, karate moves, survival training, field medical procedures, druids, magic, warding, myths, and knights. I wrote some more. By August, I had 105,000 words and a completed manuscript. Now what? I didn’t know what to do with it.
I looked for a support group and found Romance Writers of America. I spent the next fourteen months learning about craft, publishing, and career building. I pitched to agents and editors and kept on polishing my manuscript.
In October, 2010, I participated in an online pitch sponsored by Fantasy, Futuristic, and Paranormal (FFnP), an online RWA special interest chapter. Angela James, the senior editor at Carina Press, requested my full manuscript. I gave it one more polish after taking Eliza Knight’s class, Edit Your Book in a Month, and sent it off January 2011. February, Angela James called. Carina Press wanted to publish my story.
I asked her to repeat her name. I must have heard it wrong. It sounded like she said Angela James. It finally sunk in. This was THE CALL. All that practicing in the shower going over and over what I would say, how sophisticated I would sound and the brilliant questions I would ask, must have floated down the drain. I sounded anything but coherent and witty.
For days I thought, Angela must be mistaken or she must be calling everyone that pitched. So many agents and editors told me that time travel romance wouldn’t sell. I was certain Carina Press would change their minds. When the contract came I had to admit that it was real.
My family, day job colleagues, and friends (writers and non-writers), all celebrated with me as the project moved into its next phase, ready for production. With my editor, Denise Nielsen, we worked through the edits, cover fact sheet, and back cover blurb.
So, I sit and look at the cover (on the Carina Press buy site) and realize that all that hard work, the disappointments, and even the doubts were so worth it. I look at the cover, a symbol of reality to me, and the excitement bubbles up all over again. And that hot guy, the one in residence, told me he knew it all along.
Knight of Runes
It’s the 21st century and time travel is still a Wellsian fantasy but not for Rebeka Tyler. While on an impromptu tour of Avebury, she takes a misstep at the standing stones, and finds herself in the right place but tossed back into the 17th century. When Lord Arik, a druid knight, finds Rebeka wandering his lands without protection, he swears to keep her safe. But Rebeka can take care of herself. When Arik sees her clash with a group of attackers using a strange fighting style he is intrigued.
Rebeka is desparate to return to her time. She poses as a scholar sent by the king to help find out what’s killing Arik’s land to get access to the library. But as she decodes the ancient runes that are the key to solving his mystery and sending her home, she finds herself drawn to the charismatic and powerful Arik.
As Arik and Rebeka fall in love, someone in Arik’s household schemes to keep them apart and a dark druid with a grudge prepares his revenge. To defeat him, Arik and Rebeka must combine their skills. Soon Rebeka will have to decide whether to return to the future or trust Arik with the secret of her time travel and her heart.
Ruth’s Bio
Ruth A. Casie was born in Brooklyn, New York. For twenty-five years she’s been writing for corporate America. Encouraged by her family and friends this ballroom dancing, Sudoku playing, aspiring gourmet cook has given way to her inner muse. She’s let her creative juices flow and started writing a series of historical time travel romance stories. She hopes you read and enjoy her stories.
Ruth A. Casie
Title: Knight of Runes
ISBN: 978-14268-9258-5
Publisher: Carina Press
Release Date: November 14, 2011
Genre: Historical time travel
Ruth’s web site: http://ruthacasie.com
Ruth’s blog: http://ruthacasie.blogspot.com
Ruth’s Twitter: Twitter.com/RuthACasie
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Dodadagohvi~
I write contemporary and paranormal romance, with sensuality as the key ingredient and spice for kick.
