October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Please note:  Peter Lyons couldn't make Wild Wednesday this week.  We hope and pray all is well.  

Since it is Domestic Violence Month - Here is a story with a dark element of reality which touches on Domestic Violence.

It’s purely Midnight Magic…                                       

 

Meet Nick Roland, or perhaps you’ve already met him in One Enchanted Evening.  If not, get ready to see this heroic white knight jump into action in Midnight Magic.  Romance had burned him once before and with his best friend Jessica always trying to set him up with the perfect date it was a wonder he had time for anything else.

He’d heard the rumors about lovely Victoria Benson, however he could only surmise truth from fiction as they shared a landlady who liked to talk.  He didn’t need complications of Victoria’s kind.  No way was he going to get involved with her and her estranged boyfriend, Max who had been noted to be trouble with a capital T.  However, one look in those haunted emerald green eyes had him stepping up to the plate as the white knight role he’d perfected.  Only this time he found his heart getting tangled up in the process.

 

Victoria Benson wasn’t looking for a relationship.  She’d just been burned big time and there was no way that she was laying her heart on the line again.  When Max up and left her with an empty apartment, a bounced rent check, among other things; she knew it was as good as over.  And it was just as well as he’d put his hands on her for the last time.  Of course, the order for protection she’d filed against him during their stormy relationship wasn’t worth the paper it had been written upon, and according to Max, was worthless. 

 

Enter Nick Roland.  This guy was every woman’s dream.  This handsome prince knew how to treat a lady just as well as he knew how to rescue one.  She could definitely drown in Nick’s deep blue eyes and she found herself drawn to him as a moth is drawn to the flame.  However, it was the fear of the fire, which had her backing off.

 

Then Victoria’s world is turned upside down and she no longer feels safe in her own home and it’s Nick to the rescue.  She trusts Nick with her physical safety but it’s no secret that she doesn’t trust him with the key to her heart.  However Nick is willing to lay his heart on the line just as he is willing to risk the scorching flames for a chance to be with Victoria.

 

While the flames of desire are burning you also get to check up on the antics of Jessica and Ben Brookes (One Enchanted Evening).  

 

So, buckle up for the ride of a lifetime with Nick and Victoria at the wheel.  Hold on tight for an explosive conclusion that will leave you positively reeling, once you catch your breath, that is…


Next up to the plate...

October 31 - Grace Peterson
 

Confessions of a Plot Junkie

By: Sherri Fulmer Moorer

I’m not ashamed to admit it – I’m a plot junkie. I don’t read to see pretty words strung together, or even descriptions of rich settings. I want action. Give me a plot that sticks to my head and characters that I believe will bleed if I scratch the page, and that’s my kind of story. As an independent author, I endeavor to give my readers that same thrill of high action and flesh and blood characters that I expect in the books that make my heart quiver.

For all of you literature lovers out there that think I should be ashamed of it, I’m not. Your trash is my treasure. I don’t read or write to gain a better understanding of society and the ways we can use the English language to articulate the issues of today. I read and write for entertainment and self growth. I want stories that speak to readers. I want characters that are real enough to be neighbors, friends and colleagues.  I want a world that mirrors our own and gives us glimpses of how to better deal with reality. And if it can’t do that, it can at least help us escape it for a while.

I’m not saying that literature doesn’t have it’s place. It certainly has merit and is well suited for some audiences. I just don’t believe those who love it should look down on those who appreciate commercial fiction. Literature may live through the ages, but commercial fiction speaks to the masses through entertainment value. It sells. It offers an escape. And now, it’s ushering in the new age of publication through ebooks, which give more writers an opportunity to skip the bronze doors of the traditional publishing industry and reach directly to readers that are their friends, neighbors and peers through online outlets.

The world is growing and its commercial fiction that’s ushering in the new age, but I don’t think fans of literature need to worry. Many classics in the public domain are available for free, and I’m sure that people will give them a chance. And as for new work, well, I’m sure that literature will capture the essence of this age as well as it has every other.

 By day, Sherri Fulmer Moorer is a humble program assistant in professional licensing. By night, she's an independent author with several published novels and stories. Her most recent title, Anywhere  But Here, is a mystery novel about a young woman that battles the demon of depression – literally! She has written titles in several generes, including mystery, horror, science-fiction, and non-fiction.You can find more on her at http://www.sherrithewriter.com/ .

Next up to the plate...
October 24 - Peter Lyons
October 31 -  Grace Peterson

Abbott and Costello and Breast Cancer

My husband has kept me laughing throughout our marriage, and we’ve had a fun life together. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010 after finding a suspicious lump, I didn’t shed a tear. Instead, I asked my dear hubby to keep me laughing. Humor would get us through this treatment and healing process.

He took his assignment seriously. All negative input was taboo; no nightly news, no depressing movies, no sad television programs. We watched comedies and more comedies. When I began chemotherapy, I spent most of my days lying on the sofa. That’s when he went online and ordered me a set of vintage Abbott and Costello movies.

Each evening we watched Bud and Lou, laughing at their routines and antics. Predictable and corny? Perhaps. But I chortled and giggled through every one. There were the military movies, like Buck Privates and In the Navy, and the creature features, like Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy. Mystery comedies like Hold That Ghost and Who Done It? featured other talents of the era, such as Joan Davis and Don Porter, respectively. In Time of Their Lives, Abbott portrays a psychiatrist haunted by the ghost (Costello) of his ancestor’s nemesis. Some of the gags were the same, but they didn’t get old. Good classic comics.

Laughter is good medicine. I breezed through chemo without getting horribly sick, and then I weathered thirty-five radiation treatments. My attitude stayed positive and my husband kept me laughing about things like hair loss and his less-than-stellar cooking skills. My friends and family supported my humor therapy by sending funny cards and e-mailing jokes or cartoons.

Soon I completed all treatment and gradually regained my health. My doctors seem pleased with my progress, especially when I passed the two-year mark. I may not be out of the woods yet, but I’m optimistic. I give credit to the comedies that keep me laughing and positive.

Joking aside, do those monthly self-exams and annual mammograms. You have a one-in-eight chance of having breast cancer in your lifetime.

Cheryl Norman celebrated two years as a cancer survivor in 2012. She is the author of romantic suspense novels, including the Mustang Sally series RESTORE MY HEART, RECLAIM MY LIFE, and REBUILD MY WORLD, and RUNNING SCARED and the upcoming RUNNING OUT OF TIME. She also writes cookbooks, including RECIPES FOR RECOVERY. Visit cherylnorman.com for more information.

 

 

Next up to the plate...
October 17 - Sherri Fulmer Moorer
October 24 - Peter Lyons

 

Story of a Multi-Tasking Maniac

Welcome to my very first Wild Wednesday Blog!  At first I didn’t know what I wanted to blog about and then I thought about it for a little while…  And a little while after that.  BLANK.  I was drawing a blank.  I wanted something really good – something that could kick some serious butt.  BLANK.  We’re talking about a major launch and nothing!  Nada!  Not an idea in sight!

Then something inside of my head clicked.  I’ve been so busy that I haven’t had time to relax.  Even my Staycation this year had been hectic.  I had done things that did not allow for me to relax.  Sure most of those things had been fun but before I could even begin to unwind or even blink twice - once again I was tossed back into the thick of things. 

So I decided to write about something I excel in, at least it's something I think I excel in.  Multi-Tasking!  I am a multi-tasking maniac.  Although I complain about ALL of those little things that need to be done, secretly I have come to the realization that I love all of those little things.  I can keep house, work a full time job, and write a novel all at the same time.  I believe that I thrive on all of those little details that make my life complete.  The diversity certainly does not make life boring.  Who can surf the internet, cook dinner, flesh out a couple of characters, and do a load of laundry simultaneously?  The multi-tasking maniac that’s who!

Unfortunately I have come to realize that there is one disadvantage to all of this.  I have found that it is hard to be a perfectionist while multi-tasking, although I do admit to coming close ;)  These are the little things that make life pretty interesting in the Bonaldi household!

So, as I sit here contemplating the next task on that never ending list that is constantly growing inside of my head, I am thinking about the next item that I am ready to tackle.  Actually, if I hadn’t had that encounter with a dangerous looking brown speckled spider while pruning back the fig tree I may have actually completed that task!  Oh well, tomorrow is another day…

Happy Halloween!!!

Next up to the plate...

October 10 - Cheryl Norman
October 17 - Sherri Fulmer Moorer

WILD WEDNESDAY

Every Wednesday I will feature what I am calling a Wild Wednesday where you will get a chance to meet some of the talented authors in my circle.  There will be articles, stories, and some really great teasers!!!

Hope on board and follow my blog!!!  Look for Wild Wednesday to begin the first week of October.  I look forward to meeting you here…

Excerpt - Past Reflections

The fire was roaring when they arrived. Everyone seemed to be scattered about. No one seemed to notice that they had arrived together. Hopefully no one would. But if they did, Julie would be ready. “We can sit over here.” Kevin took her arm gently. “Mike brought a blanket. He won’t mind if we sit there.” They walked over together and Mike looked up.

“Hey, Kev. What’s up?” He gained his feet respectfully. “And you’re Julie, right?”

She nodded. “Sit down. Kev, get your lady a drink.”

Julie almost choked at that remark. “Unless you’d prefer a beer.” Mike had lowered his voice significantly. “I have a few tucked away for safe-keeping.”

“No thank you.” She took a seat at the edge of the red heavy blanket while Kevin went to get their drinks.

“You’re Tracey’s friend,” Mike said taking a pull of his beer. “Nice girl, that Tracey.”

If Julie didn’t know better she would have thought that Mike had one too many of those beers he had tucked away. She knew that whole scenario rather well. After all, she’d been through it enough times with her mother, to know. Marie Finch, at one point, had a major drinking problem. However, that was something that Julie didn’t even want to think about now. She was far enough away that Marie’s drinking couldn’t touch her. Physically anyway.

“Is punch all right with you?” Kevin sat down beside her.

“Thanks.” She took the cup with a smile. The punch was excellent, like nothing she had ever tasted before. Although it had an unfamiliar twang it had a nice mixed berry taste. It went down cool and was refreshing. She drank it all down rather quickly, actually within seconds as she had been quite thirsty. “Can you get me another?” She met Kevin’s eyes.

“That good, huh?” He handed her his cup. “Drink this one nice and slow.” He scrambled to his feet. “I’ll be right back.”

As Julie watched him walk away she took another sip. “Did that come from Jake’s private stock?”

“Excuse me?”

At that moment Mike leaned over and peered into her cup. “He makes the best berry punch around.”

“What’s in this?”

“Probably a little bit of everything.”

Julie looked into the cup. “You mean alcohol?” She whispered, brown eyes wide.

“Yeah.” He gave her this odd look as if to say, ‘haven’t you ever had a drink before?’ Well she hadn’t and she had no intention of starting now. If Rob knew what was going on he’d have all of their hides. No Alcohol! Rule Number One. They were breaking the rules.

“Did you miss me?”

“There’s alcohol in here.” She whispered before he sat down. “That’s against the rules.”

“What Rob doesn’t know won’t hurt him.”

“Oh really?” She wanted to be serious. In fact, it had started out that way. Only now she felt airy and light. So instead of telling him what she had at first intended, she sighed. She felt too good to argue with him. Why bother with it now. They were here. They were together. “Sit back and relax. Tracey is right about one thing,” he placed an arm across her shoulders. “You worry too much.”

She leaned into his embrace. He was so warm that she snuggled even closer. “This is nice.” Kevin took a sip of his own drink. “Being here with you.” His breath was warm on her neck. He was so close and for once in her life she felt completely at ease. “I like spending time with you, Julie.”

“Yeah?” She met his eyes.

“I like you.” He whispered. “And more than just a friend.”

Julie was hypnotized by those blue-green eyes. “I like you too,” she returned softly, meaning every word. If it weren’t for their current predicament she might be able to fall in love with him. However, at this point in time that was definitely out of the question. Not under these circumstances. The time wasn’t right. Then again, when love came knocking, would the time ever be right?

http://www.wings-press.com/Bookstore/Past%20Reflections.htm 

Interviewing Dana Pratola

Hi Dana and welcome. I am so glad you could join me here at Sandrastuff. To start, will you please tell us a little bit about your current projects?

Hi Sandra, thanks for having me! I have about seven projects going now, but the one I’m working on now is a four book series. The first of the series is almost ready for publication.

I can hardly wait, please keep us updated!

How did you celebrate the sale of your first book? Who did you call first?

I don’t remember celebrating that, but I did celebrate the release day with champagne and Chinese food!

Do you find it easier to write with a deadline or without?  How do you feel when you write “the end” - are you ready to send your characters on their way?

Without. I HATE deadlines. I stress myself out so much I’m basically useless. The first time I wrote THE END I cried. It was such a relief to be done and I knew I had written the best story I could at the time. Also, I was optimistic about moving onto the next work right away. Definitely mixed emotions. As for sending the characters off, I don’t think that ever happens. It hasn’t for me anyway. With marketing, interviews, reviews, etc., Gunnar and Tessa are still very much present.

If you could have a maid for a day or day at the spa, which would you choose and why?

I would take the maid, absolutely, but not for my whole house, just my stove. Cleaning the oven/stovetop is the single worst job for me. I’d gladly pay someone to do that.

When finishing a project, are you ready to move on to the next one, or do you take a bit of breather first?

I haven’t breathed yet, LOL. I’m working on a few at a time right now. I can lend more attention to one story, but I’m always thinking of the others, adding notes, scenes, lines, to one or more as I think of them.

Summer is in the air!  What signals summer for you?  Do you do the fun in the sun thing at the beach?

Barbeque smoke is a good indicator that summer’s here, LOL. As soon as I inhale that first whiff I know it’s time to dig out all my sandals and flip flops. I get to the beach as often as I can but not as often as I’d like =-/

Name the one bug that will have you run screaming from the room?

Hmm. That’s a hard one since in my family, I’m the executioner. Everyone – and I mean EVERYONE - comes to me to kill things. One day I’ll figure out why that is. But I don’t like things that sting, and I hate those spiders that jump AT you instead of away from you.

I know those little black hairy spiders.  I call them “Jumpers”. 

Do you edit as you write, or finish the first draft and then begin editing?

Unfortunately, I’m an edit-as-I-go writer. I get little done and it turns out it doesn’t help in the end anyway – I have to edit just as much.

When first beginning a new project, how do you begin? Do you know the names of your characters right away?

I’ve started projects from every angle. I’ve started from a rough idea for a character, I’ve started from scenes, movie lines, “what ifs”… Quite a few are started from songs. I listen to a song and it might spark a whole scene in my head and I go from there.

When did you first know you just had to be an author?  Do you remember your first writing project?

For me there’s never been anything else I’ve wanted to do. I’ve always loved to read and writing was just a natural progression. It became obvious that it’s God’s will for me. He said He’ll give us the desires of our heart. That’s because He puts them there in the first place.

Amen to that.

What does you're writing space look like? If you could, what would you change about it? 

I’m usually at my kitchen table but I have an “office” in my husband’s walk-in closet. I have a desk in there, even pictures and a candle.

Is your desk organized or complete chaos?

Organized. But it’s the only part of my life that seems to be, LOL.

What kind of pets did you have while growing up?  Do you have any now?

I always had dogs – usually two at a time. I had guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, rats, mice – okay, basically anything from the rodent family. I also had fish, ferrets, ducks, chameleons and cats. My brother had snakes, a tarantula and a scorpion, so I was always exposed to unusual creatures. Wow, this is like therapy! I think I just figured out why I’m not afraid to kill bugs =-)

Wow!  Now that’s what I call an array of different animals.

Have you ever experienced the dreaded writer's block, and if so how did you overcome it?

I get blocked like most writers. I usually just quit and watch TV. Not very helpful for getting a story down though. When I want to get serious about it, I might try writing a random scene, something I have no intention of using, just to get things flowing again. Often, if I like it, I wind up working it into the story somewhere or it goes into my notes to be tweaked for another story. It also helps to write characters into scenes they wouldn’t normally be in. For example I might write Gunnar as a ballet teacher, or Tessa as a prison guard.

I could never imagine Gunnar a ballet teacher!

What is the best way to spend a quiet evening at home?

Writing. If not that, watching TV. I’m waiting for Flashpoint to come to DVD beyond season 1 ;-)

What screensaver do you have on your computer at the moment?

Just the Toshiba blue field.

Do you listen to music while you write? Have a favorite beverage or snack by your side?

I can’t really work to music unless I’m being distracted by other noises, like family, etc. Then I put on my headphones and listen to something instrumental, like Dave Matthews Band #34 from Under the Table and Dreaming. I’m always eating or drinking something. It’s part of my procrastination process.

There are many stories and movies about superheroes. What in your view constitutes a real-life hero?

Someone who gives to the greater good, with little or no thought for their own sacrifice. 

Do you prefer sunsets or sunrises? 

Sunrise. The promise of more to come. …unless I’m really tired, then I’m looking forward to bed.

And lastly, no interview of a writer would be complete without this question:  what is your favorite comfort food?

I can’t possibly answer that. Maybe some kind of pasta.

Thank you for sharing with us Dana.  We’re looking forward to your next series…