Conduct Unbecoming of a Gentleman

Today's special guest is Wareeze Woodson. Wareeze is a native Texan who lives in the Houston area. She married her high school sweetheart, and after raising 4 children, they now have 8 grandchildren. AND after all these years, they still love each other. True romance is happy ever after.


THE IDEA BEHIND THE STORY

I asked Wareeze how she came up with the plot for Conduct Unbecoming of a Gentleman. Here is her response:

Conduct Unbecoming of a Gentleman sprang from a news report I watched on TV. This report was a follow up interview.  A reporter had found a young woman digging through the garbage at a burger place and asked her why. She told him her children were hungry, and she didn’t have any money. Somewhat taken aback, he suggested she go to the Child Protective Agency and apply for assistance. She started crying, afraid the Agency would take her children away from her, but he convinced her to give the Agency a chance. The Agency did help her. I’m certain she had to deal with miles of red tape as is usually the case when dealing with the government. Still, it was worth it in the end. She could feed her children without feeding them out of the garbage. All ended well for her and her children.

I wanted a heroine in Conduct Unbecoming of a Gentleman that would fight to the death for her child if necessary. The law afforded all the rights to the guardian in that day and age, but Lady Laurel Laningham fought to stay with her young son, even in the face of censure on every side. Scorned, subjected to false accusations and rumors, she endured all to remain in her son’s life. In spite of all of her sister-in-law’s lies, she fought through every challenge. She certainly had her weak moments and made some unwise choices, but all in all, she deserved admiration for her courage and determination.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Recently widowed Lady Laurel Laningham flees Landings to escape her untenable position. Alone now and at the mercy of her sister-in-law, she decides to nestle under her aunt’s wings for a spell. To add to her burdens, her young son’s new guardian, Lord Adron Gladrey, has announced his intentions to take complete charge of his ward. The killer is stalking her and a devious jewel thief is stealing the family jewels. Can she convince her son’s guardian she is not a dangerous lunatic and is perfectly capable of raising her son or will he always consider her untrustworthy as a mother to his ward? Will his stubborn blindness send her straight into the path of the murderer, or will he relent in time to save her from following her husband into the grave?

AN EXCERPT

His voice floated down to her. “Are you or the child injured?”

“I think several scrapes and bruises at most.” Laurel trembled and brushed her bonnet out of her face. She heard his quick intake of breath.

“You’re positive? You must have taken quite a tumble when the coach overturned. Possibly you’re more injured than you know.”

“Only a little shaken.” She took a deep, calming breath then continued with more force. “I’m certain we’re both fine.”

He hesitated and exhaled deeply. “A damsel in distress then. Do you perhaps have a name?”

Authority rang in his voice. She clutched Jamie a little tighter and offered him a tremulous smile. “Laurel Jane Laningham. Thank you for coming to our rescue.” She shaded her eyes with one hand, waiting for him to return the introduction.

“Let’s get you out of there. Hand me the boy first.”

He reached down into the overturned coach and Laurel lifted Jamie above her head into the waiting arms of the stranger. Her rescuer leapt to the ground with her son. A chill of foreboding curled around her. He’d said the boy. An unknown man shouldn’t know the child was a male. With every one of her senses alert, she listened intently for the stranger to return. Saddle leather squeaked and the thunder of hooves struck the ground in retreat.

Laurel screamed, “Bring my son back. I’ll see you hanged for this, you blackguard. Come back here. Help. Driver, help me.”

SPECIAL LINKS

Wareeze will be awarding one eBook to two randomly drawn commenters during the tour, and one $50 GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour.Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: 

http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/12/virtual-book-tour-conduct-unbecoming-of.html

Website:  www.wareezewoodson.com

Twitter:  @wareeze

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wareeze-Woodson/523727757689755

 

Creating a Successful Event

Last week, I told the story of how The Book 'Em Foundation was conceived and how I established the annual Book 'Em North Carolina Writers Conference and Book Fair.

Now that we're in the final weeks for our third event (to be held on Saturday, February 22, 2014 at Robeson Community College in Lumberton, North Carolina), I've established a system to make it workable. Because I don't like last-minute surprises and glitches, I divided the year into sections in which we focus on a few large components of the event. As we approach the final weeks, all our planning and work through the year pays off as things come together.


MARCH THROUGH THE SUMMER

As soon as we've wrapped up the last event, we get started on the next one. I begin by revamping the website, www.bookemnc.org (before becoming a full-time author, I owned a couple of computer companies, which has come in handy) and set up the new pages for the following year's event.

The most important part of the new pages is releasing the Registration Form, used by authors who wish to sign and sell their books at Book 'Em North Carolina, and who may wish to participate in panel discussions and solo talks.

Although our Registration Form states that the closing date for registration is September 1 (or until the event is full) we have found that our last two events were full by late spring. We have a certain amount of space allocated for the event and because each author receives at least six feet of space (four feet of table plus two feet on the side) we easily reach 75+ authors, publishers, literary agents, Hollywood producers, and rock stars in a short period of time.


SUMMER SPONSORS

Beginning in early summer, we solicit businesses and individuals for sponsorships. Sponsorships range from $250 to more than $1,000, and we also accept donations. This money is critical for helping us pay for advertisements across multiple states and overhead (volunteer t-shirts, name tags, etc) so that all the money we take in during the event is set aside for literacy efforts.

We also apply for grant funding. Each year we've received a Kiwanis of Lumberton grant that pays for dictionaries that are given to children attending the event, and a Lumberton Area Visitors Bureau grant that pays for additional advertising.

There are NO paid employees - everyone is a volunteer.


LOGISTICS AND TALKS

In the fall, we begin a series of meetings at Robeson Community College to discuss how we can improve upon the previous year's event, and we hammer out logistics.

I begin speaking at a variety of community organizations such as Kiwanis, Rotary Club, and book clubs.

By November, I am hard at work on the Talks Schedule, arranging panel discussions and solo talks, assigning authors and moderators to each talk, and lining up the volunteers needed for each Talks Room and The Children's Corner.

I also begin reaching out to volunteers and volunteer groups and keeping a list of who is committed and what they'd like to do at the event.

I have also entered each title that each author and publisher wishes to sell at the event into a database and posted it online. This usually numbers more than 300 titles.

I have created a seating chart and assigned seating for each and every author, publisher, literary agent, Hollywood producer, and rock star. That seating chart is placed online at www.bookemnc.org.


PROMOTIONAL CAMPAIGN

By late fall, I have developed the brochures, flyers and posters.

The brochures are distributed through the Lumberton Area Visitors Bureau to the Welcome Centers along Interstate 95 and to hotels, restaurants and businesses in the area.

The flyers, including a Talks Schedule, are provided to the City of Lumberton for distribution in all utility bills in January, as well as to area businesses and sponsors.

A special flyer is developed for The Children's Corner and will be distributed to school children through Grade 3.

I begin contacting newspapers and magazines and scheduling advertisements to run in the January or February editions (magazines) and in Sunday newspapers. I also begin making television and radio appearances in North and South Carolina, and scheduling more of them to take place in January and February.

By January 2, we are ready to roll out our promotional campaign. All of the articles written, interviews provided, and guest blogs begin to unroll throughout multiple states.


THE FINAL DAYS

In the final days, I am tying everything together: ensuring that all promotional plans are set to go without a snag, all volunteers know when they are to arrive and what they're expected to do, all questions have been formed for the panel discussions, and all logistics are in place.

I create the signs for each author's table so they're easily found, work with volunteers for signage in and around the event, work with volunteers on an individual basis to ensure everyone knows their jobs, and take care of all the last minute preparations.

Next Friday, January 24, I'll begin introducing the volunteers and volunteer groups who work so tirelessly to ensure that each Book 'Em North Carolina Writers Conference and Book Fair goes off smoothly and without a hitch. I couldn't do this alone!

This blog was written by the founder of Book 'Em North Carolina, author p.m.terrell. For more information about the event and to download the brochure, flyers, seating chart, book list, and more, visit www.bookemnc.org.

Marriage by Arrangement

Today's special guest is Anne Greene. Anne delights in writing about wounded heroes and gutsy heroines. Her second novel, a Scottish historical, Masquerade Marriage, won the New England Reader Choice award, the Laurel Wreath Award, and the Heart of Excellence Award. The sequel Marriage By Arrangement released November, 2013.  A Texas Christmas Mystery also won awards. She makes her home in McKinney, Texas. 


AN INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR

What era does Marriage by Arrangement take place, and why did you select that particular time?

The date is 1746 and the place is Lowland Scotland. The book begins just as the Battle of Culloden ends. This battle changed the Highlands of Scotland forever. The English won the battle by using overwhelming odds against an exhausted and under-armed Scottish group of Highlanders bent on returning their King to the throne to replace the hated German King. The date and events are true. The characters, except for the Duke of Cumberland and King George, are fictional.  

In Marriage by Arrangement, an English nobleman marries a Scotswoman. Can you tell us about the backdrop of England and Scotland at the time the book takes place, and why you selected those two countries?

England planned to destroy the Scottish Clan system and rid the Highlands of all Scots. They wanted no more rebellions from the Scots who desired their own identities and freedom to rule themselves. England viewed the Scottish Highlanders as uneducated barbarians. England saw their allies, the Lowland Scots as somewhat educated and civilized, but still far below them in social and economic status. An English Duke marrying a Lowland daughter of an Earl was definitely unheard of, however wealthy she was. And yet, none of the English gentry allowed their daughters to wed this particular English Duke. You have to read the story to discover why. The Duke needed an heir.

Tell us about the Duke and Lady Cailin.

The Duke must remain a shadowy character in order not to spoil the story. However, rumors about him abounded. He’d squandered all his inherited money, retaining only his many land holdings and homes as well as the Dukedom and title he would bestow on a son. He was rumored to be a gambler and apt to behave oddly at social events. His fiancée, a wealthy duchess, broke off their engagement because he was no longer accepted in finer English homes. Though he was handsome and had a fine physique, women feared him. The English gentry considered the Duke too dangerous to marry their daughters. The Duke needs an heir.

Lady Cailin, known as the Golden Goddess of Castle Drummond, sweetly obeyed her father’s betrothal of her to the Fifth Duke of Avondale. Marrying the Duke gave her family, their castle, and their holdings protection from both the English and the Scots during the bloody war and the slaughtering aftermath that followed. Neither Cailin nor her family knew the Duke, though they too had heard some dark rumors. Cailin believes her love will encircle the Duke and bring his love in return. Above all she desires her marriage to be happy, unlike that of her parents.   

 What are you working on next?

I’m working on several as yet unsold books. Murder In Istanbul is a contemporary suspense about an archeologist, Nicole, and her archeologist brother, Ian, who is deaf. In a single day, Nicole discovers her brother’s been kidnapped, her purse stolen, and she’s alone in a foreign city with only a mysterious stranger to help. And someone wants the secret she hides…enough to kill her. The mysterious stranger is an undercover CIA Analyst, Josh, who is not an operative, but who tracks the man who murdered his brother. He uses Nicole as bait because his brother’s killer is the same man who kidnapped Nicole’s brother. Josh wants justice. Along the way he finds more than he ever dreamed.

The other book I’m working on takes place during the roaring 1920s during prohibition, when speakeasies were filled with jazz-loving flappers. It’s working title is Cupid Goes Barnstorming. It’s 1925 in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. Gloria, an orphan, is on her own What happens in the roaring twenties when a wing walking flapper falls in love with a daredevil confirmed bachelor? Rand doesn’t want to share the spotlight of his aviation show with a woman, but his box office appeal lags. He needs her and she needs him. But neither has the time nor the money to bother with romance. Both follow their dream and the other is a hindrance. Falling in love means surrendering their dreams.

 
ABOUT THE BOOK

A MARRIAGE COVENANT

Why does a handsome, powerful noble of the highest rank in England stoop to marry a mere Lady of Lowland Scotland?

                

A GREAT SECRET

Are the whispered stories about him true? With his shadowy past and strange behavior, what awful secret does he hide? Each change of clothes transforms him into a different man.

              

AN IMPOSSIBLE CHOICE

Can Lady Cailin keep her vow to make her marriage happy and successful, unlike that of her parents, or must she arrange for the Duke's accidental death?

 
AN EXCERPT

Avondale sauntered from the smoking room after deliberately losing a game of whist to his father-in-law and, as was now his habit, headed for Loch Drummond.

His nightly trek to the loch gave him time to reflect. Two weeks had passed since he made his vows and surely God had abandoned him.

He opened the back castle door. A burst of cool night air washed over him. He lifted his chin and pulled in a deep breath filled with the taste of bracing, country air. How could he face his beautiful bride? Each night brought more torture.

But tonight he would return to Cailin, otherwise the woman wouldn’t sleep. And he would again permit the sweet innocent to read the Bible to him, but he would sit across the room in the shadows.

At first he’d been angry when he discovered the strength of Cailin’s faith, then he’d felt indulgent. Why not allow her this pleasure when he must deny her so many others? He lengthened his stride until his boots thundered over the marshy moor. Her faith had yet to be tried, so, of course, she held to her naive belief. He fisted his hands. But reading the Bible couldn’t help him. Nothing and no one could.

His frown softened. Yet her turquoise eyes sparkled and her creamy complexion glowed when she defended the faith he questioned. And he’d grown to appreciate the intelligence behind the beauty of her angelic face. He beat one fist against the other. Why could he not be like other men?

She knew exactly who she was. She was bright and shining, inside and out. Sure of herself. Secure in her world, whether inside the castle or out with the common folk. He heaved a sigh. Would that he had that ability. He growled deep in his throat. Since he’d wed, the darkness had grown worse. How much longer could he hide his past from Cailin?

He’d silenced her questions with anger he barely controlled. And turned a stony face from her hurt.

He’d hoped being away from court and living inside the MacMurry castle would help. Of course it hadn’t. He walked a tightrope. One wrong step and he’d tumble to his death. And he’d take sweet Cailin with him. He should never have married.

Yet he must produce a legal male heir.

 
SPECIAL LINKS

Anne will be awarding a digital copy of Masquerade Marriage – book one in the series, to a randomly drawn commenter at each stop during the tour, and a Grand Prize of a 20.00 GC to the Pelican Book Group website to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.
Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: 

http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/12/virtual-book-tour-marriage-by.html

View Anne’s travel pictures and art work at http://www.AnneGreeneAuthor.com. Anne’s highest hope is that her stories transport the reader to an awesome new world and touch hearts to seek a deeper spiritual relationship.

Buy Anne’s books at http://www.PelicanBookGroup.com. Or at http://www.Amazon.com.

Visit http://www.anneswritingupdates.blogspot.com for information on writing an award-winning novel. Talk with Anne on twitter at @TheAnneGreene. Visit Anne’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/annewgreene?fref=ts

Taming Jenna

Today's special guest is Charlene Raddon. Charlene began her fiction career in the third grade when she announced in Show & Tell that a baby sister she never had was killed by a black widow spider. She often penned stories featuring mistreated young girls whose mother accused of crimes her sister had actually committed. Her first serious attempt at writing fiction came in 1980 when she woke up from a vivid dream that compelled her to drag out a portable typewriter and begin writing. She’s been at it ever since. An early love for romance novels and the Wild West led her to choose the historical romance genre but she also writes contemporary romance. At present, she has five books published in paperback by Kensington Books (one under the pseudonym Rachel Summers), and four eBooks published by Tirgearr Publishing.

Charlene’s awards include: RWA Golden Heart Finalist, Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award Nomination, Affair de Coeur Magazine Reader/Writer Poll for Best Historical of the Year. Her books have won or place in several contests.

Currently, Charlene is working on her next release.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Deserted by her father at the tender age of seven, Jenna Leigh-Whittington had taught herself to ride, shoot, brawl…and steer clear of the opposite sex. But now, in a lonely Utah canyon, the Pinkerton agent has drawn her gun on a rugged stranger—only to discover that, far from the dangerous outlaw she’d been tracking, he is Branch McCauley, hired gun…and the most irresistible rascal ever to tempt and torment a woman!

THE RIGHT WOMAN         

If there’s one thing McCauley trusts less than a female, it’s a female who packs a six-gun. But what a woman! Vowing to bring the sensuous hellcat to heel, McCauley has no inkling that their passionate battle of wills has just begun. Taming Jenna will be the most seductive—and satisfying—job he’s ever taken on.

AN EXCERPT

No sooner had they broken into the open than a volley of shots whizzed past their ears. They hugged their mounts' necks tighter and spurred them on. Jenna took out her gun and fired an occasional wild shot, knowing Branch was doing the same, though she could barely hear the blasts above the pounding hooves and her own thundering heartbeat. Once she thought she heard Mendoza shout in Spanish, a curse or a prayer. Perhaps both.

A bullet whizzed overhead, snapping a twig from a tree in her path.

"Come on, Gent," she urged the sorrel. "Get me out of here alive, and I'll give you a whole bucketful of oats." Hot fire bit into her side, like a hitch from too much running. Jenna kept riding. She risked a glance over her shoulder and saw that both men were still in their saddles, though Branch was farther behind than she liked. The realization that he was trying to protect her wrenched her heart. Damn fool. If he gets himself killed, I'll...

Bits of lather off of Gent's neck peppered Jenna's face. She could feel the sorrel's powerful muscles quiver beneath her and knew he was tiring. She kept up her words of encouragement and prayed they'd be able to stop before the horse faltered. She hated having to mistreat her animal.

Minutes passed like hours, yards like miles. It seemed as if they had splashed through the stream a hundred times. Branches lashed her face and arms and snagged her clothes. Her hat was gone. Her thick braid slapped against her back like a whip. Tendrils tom loose by the wind stung her eyes. Gradually the firing lessened. Finally Branch was beside her, signaling her to ease up.

"No sign of being followed," he shouted when they'd slowed to a lope. "Stick close to the stream; it'll give us more cover in case we need it."

Jenna nodded. The day had become horribly hot all of a sudden. Sweat dripped in her eyes and pooled between her breasts. She sat hunched against the painful hitch that refused to leave her side. To fight off the nausea, she dragged in great gulps of air.

Branch frowned as he studied her. "Are you all right? You're as white as a Christmas Sunday."

"I'm fine, just winded."

"Are you sure? I don't like the way you look."

"I'm not fond of your looks either, McCauley. You wanna stop for a picnic or are we gonna ride?"

She kicked her sorrel and once more took the lead. Branch's brows drew down over his troubled eyes as he watched her go. He'd seen pain in her eyes. Even her words were slurred. When Mendoza came alongside, clinging to his saddle horn with his bound hands, Branch told him to keep a close eye on her and yell out if there were a problem. Then Branch dropped behind again.

Where had the day gone? Jenna wondered. It couldn't be evening already. Yet the light was growing dim. They had turned into a shallow gorge that led southeastward out of the main canyon. The ascent slowed the horses to a fast walk. Then they were running again. Jenna didn't notice.

All she felt now was pain. White hot agony centered in her side. She struggled not to give in to it, but the nausea and the dizziness were becoming worse.

For a moment she thought she heard someone call her name as night descended with amazing speed. Then she heard nothing more; no hooves thudding over the uneven ground, no wind whistling past her ear, not even her own heartbeat or Gent's weary wheeze.

She sensed something was wrong as the reins slid from her hands. Too tired to care, she let them go.

Then she was sliding…drifting…sailing into the darkness…deeper, deeper into the pain.

SPECIAL LINKS

Charlene will be awarding an e-copy of one of her books from her backlist at each stop to a randomly drawn commenter, and a Grand Prize of a $30 gift card will be awarded to a randomly drawn commenter at the end of the tour.Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: 

http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/11/virtual-blurb-blitz-tour-taming-jenna.html

Twitter: @CRaddon

http://charlene-raddon.blogspot.com/

https://www.facebook.com/charleneb.b.raddon

www.charleneraddon.com

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1232154.Charlene_Raddon

Through the Oracle's Mist

Today's special guest is Aedan Byrnes. There is no simple description for Aedan. Obsessive, dreamer, reclusive, compulsive, outdoorsman and wordsmith would be among the list if one were started. The displaced Gael lives in the upper Midwest with family between jaunts wherever the road takes him. A frequent traveler, he is as likely to be found rock climbing or spelunking as sitting fireside dreaming or aimlessly floating away.

A lifelong lover of words and writing, he claims a diverse reading appetite and his writing reflects the myriad influences. A self-proclaimed 'reader's writer', he looks for the emotional and the sensory in word combinations, not just the visceral comprehension of phrases in the stories he crafts and his love of all things literary shines through.

AN INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR

At my personal blogspot, www.pmterrell.blogspot.com, I listed Through the Oracle's Mist as one of my Top Ten Reads of 2013.  I asked him to talk about the research that went into the historical backdrops in the book - the deserts, Japan, and into the present with Ireland, as well as the inspiration for the Oracle in the book. Below is his response:

I have always been a student of the world. I love history and spend a great deal of time reading about it when not using it as backdrop for storytelling. Apollo’s Oracle at Delphi is a particular favorite of mine and I knew the Oracle piece of the story long before I knew anything else. I knew that I wanted an influence that was ageless and sustaining, but wise and foreshadowing even though perhaps not directly recounting the actual Oracle or the maidens of Apollo’s Temple.

            I had a lot of fun coming up with the Pythian Scrolls and the fortunes, as well as making them bend to the tale I was telling.  Only one is actually from the real Oracle’s prophecies, but that too was fun to work in. I’m enjoying the work on Warrior’s Watchtower, the next book in the Vengelys series, and how the Oracle will have sway and yet be a surprise for readers. There is giddiness to creating surprises in writing.

            As for the other backdrops, it was important to me to be accurate in the history even if the story was fiction. Once I knew the premise of the tale, I started thinking about times in history that were interesting to me and fitting them to the work. There are many more backdrops from history I hope to use in the series somehow, but I needed time to remain linear but also expansive for this tale, so not all my favorites made the cut. I looked at a large cross section history of the world and chose additional backdrops once I had worked in a couple that I knew in my head I needed to use to move the tale forward.

            Once I knew the rough notion of when I was going to be writing about, I hit the books. I am an old school writer that way and prefer to be nose deep in text as opposed to skimming or surfing the net. I have several large binders full of research for the backdrops, and pull them back out often to reference so I remain accurate and consistent. This to me is critical.

Present day Ireland was probably the most difficult research because of Niamh’s ‘run’. I wanted to represent all the places that people go, but also the ones the tourists’ dream of when they think of the Isle but many never see. There is a love affair for so many with this area of the world, the Celtic lore, and the ancient feel, yet many will never get the chance to go and experience it. I wanted to create the sensation of it with words that would transport the reader there, even if only for a few chapters, allowing them to experience the magick of the lands. In my humble opinion, I feel far short of encompassing the whole of it, but perhaps managed to give readers a glimpse.

Japan was fun to work on. I am fascinated by the era before and of the Shoguns. The conflicts that occurred leading up to a system that changed the world was difficult to condense down into such a small segment of the book, but Japan was not the point of this tale. The expansion of the world west to east and vis-à-vis made the sands almost necessary, and for me, a welcome addition. There is such dynamic contrast between them from desert to desert which in turn reinforced the tale I was weaving as I tried to show that one person’s perspective is not the same as the next through the same set of events.

Overall, each backdrop was chosen because it offered an insight into the characters stories and the near misses along the way but also because they offered an insight into the near misses of the world as we grew to become what we know today. It is my hope that somewhere along the way someone read a passage and yearned to know more about that time or place…AFTER they finished the book of course. I do not expect everyone to fall in love with history as I did, but if I piqued an interest along the way, that would be a great highlight for me. The story itself is a beginning of something larger…much larger.  We are part of something larger too. It was and is a great joy to get to share it through the characters, the stories and the series to come. Enjoy.

ABOUT THE BOOK

In the blackest night, with the moon and stars to guide him, she would always be there waiting…

Cyrenna thought she died the day she watched Tynan and his brothers jump through the banishment portal in an act of solidarity with Rigor. Little did she know, it would be the first of many deaths she would experience in her quest to claim his heart. She would surrender not only her immortal soul, but a mortal one repeatedly. Through a deal with the great Oracle, she has multiple mortal lifetimes to change the direction of her future and have a chance with Tynan.

Her journey spans the ages from the GenPei War in Japan and the Silk Road west, to Cromwell, the Three Kingdoms and modern times, bringing her one step closer to forever until she makes a misstep. Then, the burden falls to Tynan. The only thing that is absolute is her fervent hope that he will come, but there’s one big problem.

Through it all, he doesn’t so much as know her name.



AN EXCERPT

That single word coupled with the tangling and untangling fragrance of her, become a vortex in my mind. Rational thought collides with irrational thought, wants, and needs. All of them together, do battle with my better self. Standing up, my feet are unsteady; my head is a carnival ride of haphazard motion, and my inner wild is desperately cleaving for release. I can hear her heaving for breath as quietly as she is able and can smell the palatable desperation to remain in control and calm. I have to back away or it will be over before I can form a thought to stop it. I am too close to losing the battle with my other self and I have less ability to restrain him of late. I am not master of myself right now. I’m too close. Mistakes made years ago will not be repeated. It is a hard reminder in the back of my mind. I have to back away or risk destroying another who might finally, so many years after Ite, be worth the challenge to learn.

Backing up, I find myself stumbling backwards, the mad tumbling bramble in my mind cluttering all rational thoughts and abilities. Lights flash against darkness in my mind, leaving momentary blindness in their wake and confusion. Images slideshow with lightning quickness; her standing in the moonlight, then it isn’t her at all but another who looks at me with sorrow, courage and compassion. More images come of her shivering to maintain control as I stroked an ice cube down her cheek; back to the other her, shivering from a different kind of stroking. The back and forth are disorienting and I find myself ass-planted on the floor with a ‘whump’ grabbing for my temples to stop the onslaught of the ensuing madness. The back and forth comparisons will not be still.

Kneading my eyes with the heels of my hands I shake my head to clear the fog from my addled brain. I am aware that she is not able to see me and that is a small mercy, though as I settle I can smell the cloying damp earth smell of her sobbing in confusion. The smell of her tears is nearly my complete undoing as my other self surges forward to rage at memories. I clamp down hard on the past and the storming emotions to wait. I am rewarded with the low tone of her breath hitching across her vocal chords as she rights herself and regains her composure. Sadly, for both of us, it isn’t enough. I want more.


SPECIAL LINKS

Aedan will be awarding to one randomly drawn commenter a journal from his CafePress storefront, a charm and leather bracelet made for the story and a custom cover shepherd hook style bookmark made by Stone Soup Designs for Through the Oracle's Mist.  The bracelet leather colors and the journal cover may differ from the photo.

Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: 

http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/12/virtual-book-tour-through-oracles-mist.html

 

Connect with Aedan at:

https://www.facebook.com/#!/AedanByrnes

Twitter   @AedanByrnes

http://www.cafepress.com/AuthorAedanByrnes

Link for book video: http://youtu.be/KLpBb5gnJbs

Book 'Em North Carolina - How It Happened

On Monday's blog I talked about The Book 'Em Foundation and the inspiration behind it. Today I'll pick up with how the Book 'Em North Carolina Writers Conference and Book Fair came to be. I've been asked many, many times how I created this annual event and how others can do something similar in their own back yards.

Laying the Groundwork: I began lining up community support in 2005 for Book ‘Em North Carolina, even though the first event would not take place until 2012. The purpose of the event is to raise funds for literacy programs in Robeson County, reducing crime, and helping authors network and find new fans.

We gathered support from the City of Lumberton (always important to get local leaders involved), the Lumberton Area Visitors Bureau (instrumental for publicity efforts, and God bless the LVB's Executive Director, Mickey Gregory, who is an entire cheerleading squad wrapped up in one body), area businesses (sponsorships), civic groups (volunteers), schools (school-age attendance and volunteers with boundless energy), non-profits (to whom the literacy funds will go), among others. When we were offered Robeson Community College for the location, we were ready to get started.

Lining Up the Authors: We began contacting authors in March 2011. Katie Huneycutt joined me early on and has been instrumental in the event each year. Originally a librarian with Columbus County, she now works as the Youth Services Librarian for the Robeson County Public Library. She helped me email authors and post blogs to raise awareness of the Book ‘Em event. Thanks to Katie, we lined up two New York Times best-selling authors as headliners: Carla Neggers and Michael Palmer (necessary to attract large crowds). I developed our website, posting every author’s picture, bio and links as they registered. Over time, I added dozens of informational pages. As of this writing, I continue to maintain and pay for the website myself.

Sponsorships: We solicited businesses for sponsorships, instrumental for promoting and marketing the event. We lined up pillars of the community, including University of North Carolina, Southeastern Regional Medical Center, BB&T and a host of businesses who donated $250 to $2,000 apiece. We secured grants from the Lumberton Area Visitor’s Center to cover promotional efforts and Kiwanis Club of Lumberton, who provided money to buy children’s books to give away.

Publicity: We began periodic press releases in the spring, which were picked up by mainstream and Internet media. We obtained media sponsors, including Lumberton Magazine and Robeson Living Magazine, and have been working steadily with newspapers, television and radio stations.

In 2012, we picked up our first national sponsor: Southern Writers Magazine, who continues to sponsor us. 

Our big promotional campaign begins January 2. Brochures are in all the NC Welcome Centers on I-95 and with local businesses; flyers will be distributed with all Lumberton utility bills; and our full Talks Schedule will be published in various magazines, including Southern Writers Magazine, Lumberton Magazine, and Robeson Living Magazine.

Logistics: The conference and book fair features more than 75 authors selling and signing their books, which means we must have tables and adequate space not only for the authors but for traffic flow. Over our first three years in Lumberton, we've also added publishers, literary agents, Hollywood producers (for making books into movies) and even rock stars who believe in our mission.

We’ve divided two buildings into fiction, non-fiction, young adult and a special Children’s Corner, meticulously measuring hallways and classrooms. We have five sets of talks going on simultaneously - panel discussions and solo talks for every genre – plus readings for small children.

Each talk requires a moderator; each hallway and conference room requires a Team Captain and host of volunteers. There is an Author’s Lounge, requiring a Food Committee. Golden Corral of Lumberton Catering & Buffet stepped up to provide breakfast and lunch for our authors free of charge. We’ll have greeters, on-going events in the Children’s Corner, and centralized cash registers, each requiring a team of volunteers.

When our event began in 2013, a strong rain descended on Lumberton. It was heart-warming to see scores of volunteers in their light blue Book 'Em North Carolina t-shirts rushing out to each author's vehicle as they pulled in front of the triple doors at the Lewis Auditorium, to unload their books and transport them to their tables. When the authors parked and made their way indoors, they were pleasantly surprised to find their books awaiting them at their designated tables.

Attendees: Over the first three years of the event, attendance has grown to encompass visitors from across the country. We've had fans and aspiring writers journey from as far away as California, Missouri, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Florida - as well as from across the Carolinas. During a blizzard, one group left St Louis, Missouri and traveled for two days to reach the event. They found it so beneficial and fun that they plan to make the trip again in 2014.

Afterward: When the event is over, our work is not: we’ll clean up the space used, reconcile all the funds received, pay authors and publishers their portion of the book sales, award the non-profits funding for literacy efforts, and donate remaining books to literacy groups.

Then we start the whole process over. It takes a full twelve months to organize the event and ensure its success. Tune in next Friday, January 17 to find out how we manage it all!

Book ‘Em North Carolina Writers Conference and Book Fair is held on the last Saturday of each February in Lumberton, NC. The event is FREE and open to the public; doors open at 9:30 am. A portion of every book sale is donated to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library of Robeson County, Communities In Schools, and Friends of the Robeson County Public Library for literacy campaigns for all ages. The Book ‘Em Foundation was founded by author p.m.terrell, who wrote this blog, and Police Officer Mark Kearney, to raise awareness of the link between high crime rates and high illiteracy rates.

Fatal Trust

Today's special guest is Diana Miller. When she was eight, Diana decided she wanted to be Nancy Drew. But no matter how many garbage cans she dug through, conversations she “accidentally” overheard, and attics she searched, she never found a single cryptic letter, hidden staircase, or anything else even remotely mysterious. She worked as a lawyer, a soda jerk, a stay-at-home mom, a hospital admitting clerk, and a conference host before deciding that the best way to inject suspense into her otherwise satisfying life was by writing about it.

Diana is a five-time nominee for the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award, including for Fatal Trust, and won a Golden Heart for her debut novel Dangerous Affairs. She lives in the Twin Cities with her family.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Stepping her perfect Jimmy Choos into place beside Ben Gallagher’s wounded Nikes, straitlaced Philadelphia lawyer Catherine Barrington is surprisingly unable to resist the disarming small-town mechanic’s charm. He’s one of the heirs to the vast fortune left by his eccentric grandfather Max, a bestselling horror writer, and she’s there to carry out Max’s last wishes. Routine enough…except that inheriting comes with a catch: none of Max’s heirs will get a penny until they’ve lived together for two weeks in the shadow-filled rooms of his mansion in the wooded hills near Lake Superior.

From beyond the grave, a letter from Max insists that his death was no accident, sending Catherine undercover—and way out of her comfort zone—to catch the killer. Posing as Lexie, Ben's cocktail waitress girlfriend, Catherine soon finds herself trapped with the feuding clan at the sinister Nevermore manor. To save her own life, she’ll have to confront the murderer, as well as her growing attraction to Ben—a top suspect.


AN EXCERPT

Catherine woke abruptly, opening her eyes in the total blackness, her heart hammering. It must have been a nightmare, one she couldn’t remember even though it must have scared her to death. She glanced at the clock: 11:47. She closed her eyes again.

“I’m counting on you to find out who killed me.”

Her blood turned to ice. “Who is it?” she asked, unnecessarily, since she knew that distinctive voice.

“You know who I am, Catherine. Just remember the money is the key. Because I really was murdered.”

She was finally alert enough to think to switch on the bedside lamp. For an instant she swore she saw Max Windsor standing across the room by the dresser, studying her.

But it couldn’t be. She blinked twice.

When she focused on the spot by the dresser again, it was empty.


LEAVE A COMMENT - AND SPECIAL LINKS

Diana will be awarding a $25 Amazon gift card to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour, and a $25 Amazon gift card to a randomly drawn host.
Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: 

http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/11/virtual-super-book-blast-tour-fatal.html

Diana's website link is www.dianamillerwriter.com.

Her Amazon page  is: http://www.amazon.com/Fatal-Trust-Kindle-Serial-Miller-ebook/dp/B00FX7SLLA/ref=zg_bs_5044445011_8

Her Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/dianamillerwriter