Real You: My mom

It's not like the only time I think of my mom is on Mother's Day. I'm lucky, I think, because we talk at least every other day on the telephone. I hope you have a great relationship with your mom. It's a blessing, I know, because I also know so many people who don't, or can't. If you want to know more about my mom, here's how I would describe her:  My mom has a smile that lights up a room. She is able, with a single grin, to make babies stop crying (it’s true), disarm a grumpy teenager, comfort a friend who is feeling down and – this isn’t proven – but I think her smile is what fuels her green thumb. You should see her garden. Growing up, I watched her smile in action and reflected in its comfort and glow. Today, because of my mom, I know a smile confuses an approaching frown and that giving the gift of a smile is a simple, but powerful way to make someone else’s day. My mom, and her smile, are a powerful loving reminder of all that’s good and happy.

My mom and I have had different life paths, of course. She was thrilled to stay at home and raise her three kids, garden and play tennis, volunteer and nurture us until a heartwrenching divorce after 20 plus years of marriage left her shaken to the core. She started over in her forties, and she has not just survived, she has thrived.

The older I get, the more I realize she instilled the creative spark in me, the one that has led me now to pursue my dream of writing novels. Oh, and she also gave me her smile.

Thanks mom. I love you!

RealYou: A Mother's Day Gift for You

To celebrate Mother's Day - and our mutual love of books and reading - I am giving away 10 copies of my first short story, A MOTHER'S DAY. To enter, all you need to do is email me - Kaira - at - KairaRouda.com - and let me know you're interested. The contest is open until Monday, May 14! Good luck! And, as a bonus, ALL THE DIFFERENCE - eBook version - price is now $2.99 in celebration of moms, summer and all things wonderful and bright. (But remember, this book is sexy, suburban, suspense - so not as bright as HERE, HOME, HOPE!)

Good luck to all! And if you're a mother, please have a wonderful Mother's Day!

 

Real You: Author Bonnie Trachtenberg's inspiration for her new novel

I'm pleased to welcome Bonnie back for her second appearance on my blog. Here, she shares the heart-wrenching and heartwarming tale behind her new novel, Neurotically Yours!

When you’ve been battling your way through the dating scene for almost two decades, it’s comforting to know that your many hellish experiences weren’t in vain. In fact, as a writer, they rarely are. I think I subconsciously knew that with each disappointment, each humiliation, I was building a valuable reservoir of material, or depending on how you see it, a goldmine of garbage! With some distance, I sensed that those ill-fated experiences could be converted—not just into great copy, but into humorous entertainment.

Although I began writing my second novel, Neurotically Yours, only two years ago, these indelible events had long been burned into my memory like branding on a cow. Despite the fact that six years ago I finally married my Long Awaited One, I never forgot the purgatory from whence I came, and I never stopped empathizing with those still out there body surfing the tidal waves of potential romance.

I think that’s why so many people identify with my protagonist, Dara. In some ways, she’s every woman who’s ever been out on the scene too long: frustrated, jaded, and yes, neurotic, but deep down, still hopeful that love will find its way into her life despite the odds.

Not everything that Dara weathers happened to me (if that were the case I’d probably be undergoing shock treatments at Bellevue). Some of the stories are from friends, others are tantamount to urban legend, or spurred from my imagination, but that doesn’t make them any less relatable. I think many women will see aspects of themselves in Dara as I do. In fact, as confirmed by my loving and long-suffering husband, I have once again created a character with whom I hold much in common. Dara is opinionated, sardonically witty, and often displays a cynical edge, but this is merely a cloak for her immense vulnerability, something that becomes more and more evident throughout the story. She also suffers from hormonal strife (read: serious PMS), and therefore, can react to situations in less than a lady-like way. In other words, she’s human, with human faults and frailties, and that’s one of the main reasons readers find themselves invested in her plight.

I hope you’ll read Neurotically Yours, laugh a little, and enjoy the wild ride of Dara’s life. If you do, I’d love to hear from you!

Thanks for joining us here, Bonnie! For more about Bonnie, and her novels - which are wonderful - please visit her website.

 

Real You: The 7-7-7 Challenge! How fun!

I was tagged by the delightful author Cathleen Holst to participate in the 7-7-7 Challenge which gives readers a sneak peek at some of their favorite authors' latest works! Here are the rules:

1. Go to page 77 of your work-in-progress or latest book. 2. Count down 7 lines. 3. Copy 7 sentences that follow and post them. 4. Tag 7 other authors

Here are the seven lines from page 77 of ALL THE DIFFERENCE:

"Lyle, Janet called." "Cool. Is she OK?" "She's fine." "So great. I'm sort of in the middle of something, um, do you want me to call you back later or -" Maddie hung up on him, imagining him turning his attention back to whatever was more important than her.

"Lyle has the depth of a rock. A flat skipping rock," Maddie said to Ellen, who answered Francis's line. "Forget about Lyle. Tell me more about Janet. When did she call you? Are you sure she wants us to visit?"

And to complete the challenge, here are my seven lucky authors!

Amy Hatvany Jenna Blum Beth Hoffman Katrina Kittle Claire Cook Talli Roland Melissa Foster

Real You: Authors in Bloom Blog Hop - your clue is here!

I am so excited to be a part of the Authors in Bloom event - and I hope you will find it fun, too. My part of the Authors in Bloom giveaway is a digital copy of both my new novel, ALL THE DIFFERENCE, and my short story, A MOTHER'S DAY. I'd love for you to win those prizes, and of course, to win the grand prize of the blog hop!

As part of this blog hop, you could win a Kindle or a Nook. That's awesome, but what's even better... if you hop on over to all of the participating bloggers, you will find fun tips and recipes. Here's mine: Vegetable Flower Snack

Cucumber Cherry Tomatoes Red apple or Kiwi Celery Carrots Leaf Lettuce Dip (yougurt, ranch, peanut butter)

What to do: Cut the cucumbers in slices and make a circle, filling the inside. (5-6 slices) Add two more layers of cucumbers each using less slices and alternating spots to make it look like a flower. Place a celery stick (cut to desired size and thickness) at the bottom of the flower to create a stem. Place a cherry tomato in the middle of the flower to add color. Use the leaf lettce as leaves on the flower. Using your red apple or kiwi cut small wedges and form a flower using another celery stick as the stem.

Place the small carrots at the bottom of the creation to imitate grass.

Use yogurt, ranch dip or peanut butter to dip your creation in and enjoy!

You will need this for the Grand Prize: #Line 50: It seems like only yesterday my daughter was a little girl.

Ok, so this is my first attempt at participating in a multi-blog hop. I am on a much-needed vacation and this is true, I forgot my computer. This really doesn't happen to me. But it did. So, for the complete details of this amazing blog hop, please visit A Cozy Reader's Corner and everything will bloom for you! This Authors in Bloom Blog Hope contest is open until April 18, 2012. Same as my offer! Good luck!

Real You: What makes all the difference to you?

It's funny, the title of my new novel ALL THE DIFFERENCE has been set for years - yes, the years it takes to write, query, face rejection, re-write, more rejection, and well, you get it - but my titles typically don't change. In fact, often when I'm beginning a novel that's all I have. The title and a vague sense of the characters. So I guess, you could say, for my writing life, what makes all the difference is a title. It sets the pace for the rest of the book. What makes all the difference in my life? Well, there are so many answers of course but mostly it's the people. And especially lately, friends.

And that's who I've dedicated this novel to - my friends, because you do make all the difference. Whether we've only met online, through Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or Goodreads, or we've been friends since childhood, those connections and relationships mean the world to me.

Since we moved to a new community in Thanksgiving, I've had the chance to rely on many of you for support and encouragement, virtually and cellularly. It's lonely to be the new kid in town, even if you're a grown up. And now, I feel as if I've started to make new friends in this new town. That warms my heart.

So now you know what makes all the difference to me. How about you?

Real You: Are you pinning yet?

I have to admit - I'm hooked on Pinterest. I bet, if you try it, you will be, too. It's such a fun way to visualize your dreams, share quotes, favorite things, and still connect. What Pinterest offers is a a lot of smiles, and a huge opportunity to spend/waste more time online, if you look at it that way.What it also offers is a business opportunity. For your personal brand. For your product or service, whether it's books or cupcakes, consulting or jewelry. For each of my books, I've pinned story clues, character profiles, and more. For my upcoming release, ALL THE DIFFERENCE, I've had fun pinning Ellen's good luck sea beans and Francis' favorite product, Squeaky Clean Soap. The possibilities are endless, and I smile as I bring my characters to life visually.

Think about it and then, if you haven't, start exploring Pinterest.

I bet you'll be hooked, too! And hopefully, you'll want to read ALL THE DIFFERENCE, too! Happy pinning!

Real You: There is always something to worry about

This may seem obvious - but - it's life. There is always something to worry about. Especially if you're a mom. Beyond the basics of feeding, clothing, driving, homework, and the rest, there is your child's general happiness. And if you have more than one, the worries compound. That's why I'm trying to tell myself since there is always something to worry about, it's time to stop worrying about it all. Especially in the middle of the night when nothing gets accomplished except ruining sleep. My biggest a-ha in all of my new perspective is that while I can always choose to find something to worry about - I can also choose not to worry.

I can let it go. You can let it go. Let me give you a perfect example. Today was the first day of golf team for my youngest. He was nervous, I was worried, we scrambled to get his gear in order this a.m. All day I worried if he had enough clothes, the right clothes, a snack, you name it. Just before practice, a storm arrived. The coach cancelled practice.

All that worry? Worthless.

Let my day be a lesson to all of us - let it go. Worry less. Smile more. Set your imagination free!

"Worry is a misuse of imagination." ~Dan Zadra

Real You: New year, new adventures, dreams coming true!

Tonight I'm co-hosting a Twitter chat with my friend Elisa All who is the brilliant creator of 30 Second Mom. I'm proud to be a contributor to Elisa's new venture. She's a rock star  - her first company was purchased by Disney, so you know she's a mom who knows what she's doing, eh? We'll be talking about Turning Your Dreams Into Reality and we'd love to have you join us! You'll find us at the hashtag #30secondmom at 6 p.m. Pacific/9 p.m. Eastern/8 p.m. Central tonight! And tomorrow, to celebrate, I'm offering my short story, A Mother's Day,  celebrating mothers and sons, free on Amazon.com! It's a short story - but it will probably take you more than 30 seconds to read it! Writing novels and short stories, and hearing from readers that they enjoyed them, is my dream coming true.

Are your dreams coming true? I hope so!

Real You: Reading, writing and to-do lists

Yes, it's a sad fact. Writers must also become business people today. Why is that sad? Well, if you're a writer/creative type like me, you're typically relatively messy. Or, um, very messy. Disorganization is my natural occurring state. Just ask my husband. When we were married, I told him: Love me. Love my piles. For the most part, he's pretty good about my piles...they are sort my major to-do lists. Then there are the random scraps of paper littering my writing desk - those are my actual to-do lists. And finally - much like my protagonist Kelly in Here, Home, Hope - there are the post-it notes covering a number of surfaces around our house. I've got a lot to do, I explain, when my lists and piles get out of control. Today, though, a cautionary lesson on too many to-dos. As I was at my desk writing, somehow, one of those lists fell to the floor and was promptly chewed up by my puppy. Not kidding. The dog ate my to-do list! Ok, but that didn't really have to do with the business side of the writing business. Right now, I'm trying to get organized for the release of my next novel, called All The Difference. I'm excited about its due date in March, but boy do I have a lot to do. And, I have a lot of different lists of action items: Contact bloggers. Reviewers. Create marketing pieces. Eghads. So today, I'm consolidating lists. Trying to piece together the one Tucker tore apart and get organized.

That's part of the business of being an author. So, even though it's the part I am really not so good at, I'm going to try to get organized today. Wish me luck!

Real You: Author Interview! Meet Andrea Buginsky

I'm thrilled to welcome Andrea - a fellow beach lover - as my first interview of 2012! And I love the one word that describes her: Sentimental. (The first step in creating your personal brand, no matter your business, is being able to describe yourself clearly. See Real You Incorporated, my business book, for more.) Anyway, here's Andrea: Besides writing, what are your other passions/hobbies? I’m an avid television and movie watcher. I have several shows I watch on a regular weekly basis, plus “General Hospital.” I don’t go to the theatre that often, but I love to watch new DVD or PPV releases. I also love to read.

What is your favorite season? Spring. The weather is warming up, the trees and flowers are beginning to grow back, and everything seems to have a beautiful, fresh start.

If you could live anyplace on earth, where would it be? Hawaii. I love the beach and the ocean. I would love to live right there on it every day of the year. I also like the idea of the climate: not cold, but not overly hot either, from my understanding. And it just looks beautiful!

Tell us about your writing: I’ve been writing since I was a kid. I loved writing papers for school, and making up stories. I even designed a magazine when I was in high school because I felt the ones available weren’t right for me. Writing became serious for me in college when I decided to make it my career. Now, it’s what I do every day, and I can’t imagine doing anything else. There are days when I feel I need a break from it, but I would never give it up. I don’t have a set schedule like I hear most writers do. I’m disabled, and can tire easily. I write when I feel like it, and up to it, as often as I can. Sometimes it will be daily. Other times, just a few days a week.

Do you listen to music or do you need a quiet place to write? Not usually. Sometimes I’ll put some on in the background. I like Adult Contemporary, or what I used to call Pop: Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Billy Joel, etc.

 

 

Tell us about your book: My first book is The Chosen. It’s the first in a series. I combined ideas from different areas, but mostly from a role-playing game I played with my family. I used our characters and created a world for them, and my own personalities and quests for them. I used ideas I had from other fantasy books and movies I’ve enjoyed over the years, and just made the book my own.

What is it about? A young dwarf named Halli who learns she’s a Holy Paladin with the power to heal. She is told that she’ll be joining a group of warriors called The Chosen on a quest to defeat an evil-doer who is set on destroying their world. Halli and the rest of The Chosen must stop him and save their world.

 Your other work: The second book in The Chosen series has just gone under contract. I’m currently working on the edits, and am very excited to have the second one coming out this year! I’m working on the first draft of the third book, and I have a concept in mind for the fourth.

Where can readers connect with you?

My Website: http://www.andisrealm.webs.com/

My Blog: http://andisrealm.webs.com/apps/blog/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Andrea.Buginsky.Author https://www.facebook.com/andrea.buginsky

Twitter: @andreabuginsky

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4515588.Andrea_Buginsky

Google+ https://plus.google.com/u/0/117234398007434496419/posts

WoMen’s Literary Café: http://womensliterarycafe.com/content/pull-chair-andrea-buginsky

Where can we buy your books?

Solstice Publishing: http://www.solsticepublishing.com/products/The-Chosen-%252d%252d%252d-PDF-EBOOK.html

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Chosen-ebook/dp/B004GEAH0O/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1325389257&sr=1-1

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/33450

Fictionwise: http://www.fictionwise.com/ebooks/b117198/?si=0

Ebookwise: http://www.ebookwise.com/ebooks/b117198/?si=43

Thank you for having me, Kaira! I enjoyed visiting with you and your followers today.

Thanks for being with us, Andrea! Keep writing!

Real You: Happy New Year!

I hope your 2012 is off to a wonderful start! So far, mine has been filled with resettling (we moved), playing nurse (my daughter had surgery two days ago), and working on the finishing touches of my next novel that will be coming out this month! It's always good to acknowledge the tough times, as well as the good in your life. Be sure to ask for help if you need it, count your blessings everyday and take time to notice the little things.

May your 2012 be the best year yet!

Real You: The Power of Putting the Real You in your Business

Knowing who you are and where you're headed is important for you and your business. That's the topic I shared with Dr. Shannon Reece today as part of her 12 Days of Experts series for women entrepreneurs. I had a great time talking to Shannon via Skype - she's really good at these interviews! I'm not. I kept looking at her face on the screen instead of looking at the tiny camera eye on my laptop. BUT aside from that, I think you'll find the content we shared - as well as the amazing content shared by the other experts - worth a listen! And, today, if you leave a comment, you could win a free copy of my book, Real You Incorporated: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs. Click here to watch the video! Enter the contest today!

So take a listen (try not to make fun of me looking in the wrong place) and remember to keep putting the Real You in everything you do!

Real You: Author Interview! Meet Bonnie Trachtenberg

So excited to welcome Bonnie to my blog! Aside from a last name almost as hard to spell as mine (Sturdivant Rouda), we have so much in common!  Welcome Bonnie! It’s such a pleasure to be here, Kaira. Thank you for inviting me to the Real You blog!

Besides writing, what are your other passions/hobbies? My passions include animals (especially cats), spending time with close friends and family, romantic comedies, spiritual books (especially those dealing with life after death), classic movies, Italian food, fine wine, politics, bike riding, and long walks in pretty places.

If you could live anyplace on earth, where would it be? Why? I’d love to live in Tuscany (as you may guess by my descriptions in Wedlocked) because it has great wine, delicious food, friendly, fascinating people, and it is one of the most exquisite places on earth. Now all I need to do is learn Italian!

How long have you been writing? I’ve been writing since grade school. I loved when we were given creative writing assignments. While lots of kids moaned about them, I was secretly thrilled, as writing came naturally to me. In high school and college, English was my best subject. When I graduated, I started writing screenplays while working other jobs. It wasn’t until I was thirty that I finally got published in a national magazine and felt comfortable calling myself “a writer.” After a few more articles I got my first day job writing for a small newspaper in Phoenix, and then a bigger one in Los Angeles. I also found lots of freelance work in the entertainment industry,( ie. writing scripts for children’s videos, adapting screenplays into children’s books.) Later, I did lots of copywriting and public relationships before landing my dream job as senior writer/copy chief at Book-of-the-Month Club. What could be better than reading good books and writing about them? I can only think of one thing: writing my own books! I finally did and it was published in June 2011. A second is on its way.

Is there some place special you like to be when you write? There are a few different places in my home that I like to write depending on my mood. I have a small office with a roll-top desk which I suppose is the most ergonomically correct place to write. However, for a change of pace I’ll set myself up on the couch in the downstairs den, and on nasty, cold days I love to write from bed.

Do you listen to music or do you need a quiet place to write? Much as I love music, I can’t play it while I’m writing. I find that the lyrics get in the way of creating word flow and dialogue. Hmmm…maybe I should try some classical though. (Me, too, Bonnie!!)

Tell us about Wedlocked: My book is a romantic comedy called Wedlocked: A Novel. It is a stand alone book, although interestingly, an awful lot of people have been asking me for a sequel.

Where did the idea come from? The book is based on my first brief, unfortunate marriage, so not surprisingly the protagonist is very much like me. Readers are often shocked to learn that some of the most bizarre, over-the-top scenes in the book are actually true.

     Wedlocked is the funny, engaging story of Rebecca Ross, a thirty-six-year-old struggling actress who lets years of disappointment and heartache catapult her into a disastrous marriage and onto a honeymoon from hell. There are also some compelling, underlying themes, including: pursuing dreams, mother-daughter strife, finding love, and finding oneself.

Your other work: I have two books coming out in 2012. The first is another romantic comedy, although I’m not ready to release the title of it yet. The second is a humor book inspired by all the laws of attraction books on the market. It’s called The Fine Art of Delusional Thinking.

Where can readers connect with you?

I would love to hear from readers! You can contact me here:

Website: http://www.BonnieTrachtenberg.com

Blog: http://www.BonnieTrachtenberg.com/Bonnies-Blog

Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/BonnieTrachtenberg and http://www.Facebook.com/Wedlocked

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/writebrainedny

Where can we buy your books?

Amazon: http://ning.it/qC1y2V

Barnes and Noble: http://ning.it/pPRGvC

Ebook is on sale now for only 99cents!

Real You: Author Interview! Meet D.L. Sparks!

Yippee! Another author interview on my blog. This time, please meet author DL Sparks! She's also part of the Holiday Sirens promotion. Take it away, D.L.!

Tell us a bit about yourself: Besides writing, what are your other passions/hobbies?  I love to read and enjoy going to the movies. I love anything that will allow me to escape the “real world” just for a little while.

Describe yourself in one word:  Resilient

What is your favorite season? Spring. It represents a times of renewal and shedding of old things.

Tell us about your writing:  I have been writing for a little over three years.  It started out as a hobby and I believe because of my love of reading it naturally evolved into a passion for writing. I usually write when the mood strikes so it can be anytime and for any length of time. Sometimes I will get an idea for a scene I have to hammer out and be at my computer for hours and other times it may just be some dialogue or plot points I need to jot down and I’m up and done.

I don’t really have a “special” place to write. Right now my laptop is dead but when it wasn’t I would power it up and wherever I was that’s where I would write. Now I’m forced to stay in my office at my desktop. I feel like a prisoner at times but I do get a lot more work done! I can’t write without my music and the television on. LOL! Complete silence drives me nuts. I need both sides of my brain occupied when I’m writing or I can’t concentrate on what I’m doing. I know that sounds weird but I’ve always been like that. Even in school and college when I would study I always had something going on in the background.

Tell us about your book: The title is BETWEEN FRIENDS. It is a stand alone book. I played around with it being a part of a series but it took on a life of its own. It definitely does well as a stand alone. I do see these characters, however, showing up again at some point.

I have always loved law enforcement and I wanted to do a story that showed the side that most don’t get to see, the side that is revealed when the gun and badge are put away for the evening. The idea to follow these three friends through grade school to college, subsequently having the main character Trip Spencer become a DEA agent and Lincoln Briscoe an Atlanta Police officer was a way of adding tension to the plot of the romantic side of the story. People do crazy things for love including putting their careers at stake. Lincoln and Trip have been at odds since college and the animosity between DEA taking over and APD case, HIS APD case added great tension and was extremely fun to write.

It took me a total of about eight months to write the book’s first draft and another 3-4 for edits. I did a lot of research with the DEA agency and Atlanta Police Department here in Atlanta because I wanted this to ring as true to form as possible.

What is it about? A huge multi-million dollar drug bust brings D.E.A. agent ORLANDO “TRIP” SPENCER back to his hometown after being gone for several years and he’s not the only one unhappy about the return home. IDALIS ARRINGTON and Trip have been best friends since they were little. Nothing or nobody could come between them growing up, that’s until she meets Lincoln in college. With Trip back in Atlanta Idalis’ perfect world starts to get messy a little messy and she finds herself praying that his visit is a short one until a family tragedy pushes the two closer together. But the question is can she hold it together or will the sound of the skeletons in her own closet drown out what she’s convinced herself has been the truth all these years? LINCOLN  BRISCOE is a Lieutenant with the Atlanta Police Department and knows he has a lot at stake with his girlfriend’s best friend  back in town but he refuses to let anyone, especially agent Spencer, jeopardize the life he’s worked so hard to build with Idalis.

Your other work: My first book THE LIES THAT BIND is also available on Amazon.com as well. I am currently working on my next romantic crime suspense novel but I don’t have a title for that one yet.

Readers can find me all over the internet. I am on  Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/D.L.Sparks and on  Twitter @dlsparks and my website at www.dlsparks.com. My books are available everywhere online.

Real You: Reaching out during the holidays

You may never have the opportunity (optimist in me) to move to a new place during the holidays. But if you, like me, have had that happen, you will realize how much the smallest of gestures mean. It's daunting knowing no one during the season of parties and glee! So here a are a couple of things that have made me smile. The handyman who has been helping me put my life together in our new home invited our family to his family's Christmas party. How nice is that?

An author who I've been friends with on Facebook just sent me a message and invited me for coffee - she actually lives nearby!

These small acts of kindness mean so much, especially when you're new to an area and starting a new life.

What can you do to reach out to someone today?

Real You: Author Interview! Meet Emerald Barnes!

I'm so excited to welcome Emerald Barnes to my blog! And now, you'll have a chance to learn a little bit more about this novella author! Besides writing, what are your other passions/hobbies? Spending time with my nieces and nephew! I have two beautiful nieces and one handsome nephew! My sister just found out she’s going to have another baby, so I’ll be an aunt for the fourth time and I just love spending time with those little guys! I also love reading and watching my favorite TV shows when I need some down time from my busy days. What is your favorite season? Why? No doubt it would be fall. I love the color the leaves turn, driving down the road and the dead leaves flying about my car, and the smell of the crisp morning air chilled by the incoming cool weather.

How long have your been writing? It started as more of a hobby, but after I decided to not be an English teacher at university, I set my goal on writer, and I have been focused on making it a dream come true ever since. I write when I have time. Mostly, I grab a few minutes here and there during the day or at night when I don’t have everything else going on, but I try to aim for at least 1000-2000 word count each day, but that doesn’t mean I ever make it. Nor do I beat myself up for not reaching that goal. As long as I manage a sentence or paragraph a day, I’m happy with what I’ve accomplished. Is there some place special you like to be when you write? I usually write sitting in my recliner. It’s not special but comfortable. Tell us about your novella? My novella is Piercing Through the Darkness. There will be a sequel since my readers want more of the story, but it’s not going to be a series. The sequel will finish everything off. The idea originated from an idea I had about a girl being attacked but not knowing the reason why. After sitting in my psychology class in college while we were studying hypnotism and repressed memories, I wrote a short story involving the two, and since I wanted more, I wrote a novella. It is about my characters figuratively trying to fight their way out of the darkness. Kandi’s mind has repressed memories of a tragic accident, and she has no idea why her college Biology teacher, who was a victim of the accident, hates her. She’s trying to figure out what she did and why Jonathan Chandler hates her. Do you have any upcoming projects in the works or other books that have been published? I have upcoming projects but nothing other than short stories published. I am working on Lighting the Darkness, the sequel to Piercing through the Darkness. Also, I have a YA suspense/thriller novel in editing stages, as well as the first book of a paranormal/fantasy novel entering the editing stage.

To connect with Emerald, find her on Twitter and on her website!

Real You: Author Interview! Meet Stacy Eaton

Welcome to my first-ever author interviAuthor My Blood Runs Blue seriesew on my blog! I wanted to return the favor since one of my new author friends, Stacy Eaton, hosted me on her blog a month ago! So, without further ado, here's Stacy: Kaira – First let me thank you so much for allowing me to visit your blog!  It is such a pleasure  to be here today!!!

Tell us a bit about yourself :  I love forensics – and I love photography.  Forensics keeps my interest at my full time job, while photography helps me relax and reminds me about the small moments in life that pass us by quickly!

Describe yourself in one word: Controlled

What is your favorite season? Why? I am a summer person. I love the heat – love to feel the sun on my face and the breeze in my hair.  I hate being cold – it makes me miserable and grumpy – so when the sun is out and the heat in the air, I’m happy!

If you could live anyplace on earth, where would it be? Why? I’d live at the beach – where it always is warm!  I’d go to the Caribbean someplace and find a small cottage that gave me a view of the ocean and the sun and breeze in my hair. Being near the beach actually helps center myself.  You get all the elements there – the air in the wind, fire from the sun, earth from the sand and water from the ocean. It brings it all together.

Tell us about your writing: Actually – I just fell into it.  I got an idea, I sat down – I wrote it and now here I am.  When I was in high school I wrote poetry, but I never did anything with it.  While I was always good at English – I actually hated having to write stories and reports.  Now, I love it!  It is like that first story plot line opened up a whole new side of me and I wouldn’t want to close it for anything!

Normally when I do write, the thoughts come to my mind quickly and I have to sit and write to get them out.  I don’t write notes or make outlines, so when thoughts come - I sit and write them out. When that happens, I can quickly write out a few chapters.  It’s the editing that takes a lot of the time. When I get ideas, I can be anywhere – most of the time I am at work driving around and they come to me and keep my company in the dark of the night.  Sometimes I have dreamt the ideas and find my characters waking me up. I always write in my office – it is the most relaxing to me right now.

Tell us about your book: My Blood Runs Blue is the first book and it is a series.  Book 2, Blue Blood for Life was  release September 30 and book 3 is in the works.  I believe there will be a total of 4 books in the series, I am not totally sure yet. The idea came from a very tired and deranged mind at about 2 o’clock in the morning while I was working night shift and standing outside of my patrol car getting some air. I was standing in the park one night and saw eyes looking  back at me from the tree line.  We stared at each other for a while and then it left.  I got back in the car and drove away. After that – the thought of vampires working with police came to me and the plot was born.

Officer Kristin Greene is a very strong woman who likes to be in control.  She doesn’t like her choices taken away from her, and she fights for what she wants.  In My Blood Runs Blue, her world is turned upside down when a young woman is murdered. Kristin starts the investigation and find way more then she expected, including some major things about herself. Julian Hutchinson and Alexander Armstrong are vampires that work for a vampires security force. They are working on the same homicide that Kristin is and when the three lives cross all kinds of crazy things happen.  Many of which Kristin has no control over and she has to learn to deal with them. In Blue Blood for Life, Kristin’s life taken even more twists after Alexander is kidnapped. Julian, Gabe and Trent help to locate him and there are more issues with choices and the consequences of those choices.

 Your other work: I currently have 5 other projects going on!

Where can readers connect with you? I’m just about everywhere these days!

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stacy-Eaton/191880767522183

Twitter: @StacySEaton

Blog: http://stacyeatonauthor.blogspot.com/

Website: http://stacyseatoncom.fatcow.com/

Where can we buy your books? You can get signed copies of my books on my website: http://stacyseatoncom.fatcow.com/  and copies of both of my books are available for Kindle and Nook.

What's Next? I want to tell everyone about this great event I am doing on my blog from December 13th – 24th  It’s called “Holiday Sirens”!  It is 10 authors whot all write great crime novels from the perspective of law enforcement!  Make sure you all visit us and check out the books that are available!!

 

Real You: Giving Thanks

What a wonderful day. Thanksgiving. It's a day filled with gratitude. A day meant to be spent with those you love, celebrating your blessings. A day, hopefully, to pause before the bustle of the next big holiday. A day of peace, smiles, full stomachs and thanks. May your day be everything you imagined. Enjoy!

Real You: Check out the 30 Second Mom for fun, fast tips!

As a mom of four, I'm so honored to be one of the featured contributors to a fun, mom-focused new site created by a dynamic mom Elisa All. My latest: If you're one of the 27 percent of working moms who say they have a HIGH level of stress related to balancing work and family demands, please remember you aren't alone. There are 80 million moms in the workforce today. Too many of us lose ourselves, taking care of everyone else. Don't feel guilty about taking time for yourself, and have some fun. Too many of us rush from work demands to home demands. At the end of the day, the number one thing your kids want? A happy, healthy mom. So go to yoga. Don't miss book club. Call a friend and talk. Go for a walk. Enjoy life - now. You are worth it!

Go check it out and meet some of my fellow contributors including Alisa, Allison Peacock, Ally Ritt, Beth Aldrich and many more dynamic women! http://www.30secondmom.com