I’m sure if you ask Renee Rearden what she enjoys the most, she’ll tell you the sun rises and sets on her family and writing. Come join me as we learn more about this gifted author.

I’m absolutely thrilled that Renee is joining me today on my blog. Her recent release, Crimson Sunrise, is book two in the Tueri Fates Souls series. A follow-up from Moonlight Bleu, which was a finalist in not one but TWO national contests – the Southern Magic’s Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and at the National Reader’s Choice Awards for the Oklahoma Romance Writers of America in 2010!

Pat: Welcome Renee and thanks so much for coming by. Why don’t you start right off and tell us about Crimson Sunrise.

Renee: Sure.

Saari Mitchell has psychic abilities and helps heal the human spirit. She’s attending a Tueri conference in Las Vegas, Nevada to strengthen her bonds with Dhelis Guidry and Brogan Vincent—and see if they can make their three-sided relationship work. But when Saari and her vampire brother Mag’s lives are threatened, her trip to paradise soon becomes a surreal fight for survival.

Dhelis and Brogan’s psychic abilities are no help in finding Saari. Desperate to save their mate, they call in favors from the psychic and preternatural community, but the information leads only to more questions. Is the threat against Saari personal or part of a larger plan that threatens every human and Tueri’s existence?

Pat: Wow, now that’s a different twist – a three-sided relationship. Maybe enlighten our audience about Moonlight Bleu to bring them up to speed.

Renee: Well, Saari Mitchell sees a psychologist in order to understand why – 500 years later – she’s still dreaming of her dead lover. Her shrink isn’t helping, the nightmares come every time she closes her eyes, and the lack of sleep is interfering with her job at Sacred Heart Hospital. With her psychic ability to heal the human spirit on the fritz, her auric radar becomes as reliable as her spotty cell phone service.

By day, Dhelis Guidry works as a detective for the new Angles Police Department investigating the missing or murdred women in the Full-Moon Killer case. In his spare time he hunts rogue vampires as a Tueri executioner.

Brogan Vincent is a Tueri healer. Though he could offer his miraculous talents to the rich and powerful, he has chosen anonymity and peace by only using his psychic abilities among the Tueri.

One look into Saari’s tri-colored eyes and both men realize she is Tueri. One touch tells them each she’s their soul mate.

Pat: Before we go any further, you must tell us where we can get our hands on these two intriguing books.

Renee: Crimson Sunrise is out in both print and ebook on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and in ebook at Kobo Books.

Moonlight Bleu can be found in both ebook and print format on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and in ebook at Kobo Books and All Romance eBooks.

Pat: How about telling us a bit about yourself?

Renee: I live in the Pacific Northwest and work full-time as an Official Court Reporter. Besides working, my time is pretty much filled up with being a wife, mother to my four daughters and grandmother to the most amazing little guy on the face of the earth. However, I do make time for my writing. And when I’m not doing that, I enjoy gardening, cooking, scrapbooking, cross stitching and even exercising. Writing paranormal and urban fantasy provides an outlet to share the intriguing stories I create. Each of them is filled with non-stop action, nail-biting conflict, and scintillating attraction between the people that live in my head!

People can find me on my website at www.reneerearden.com at my blog www.reneereardenblog.blogspot.com and on Twitter at twitter.com/ReneeRearden

Pat: My, my, you do keep busy. When you’re not dreaming up the next novel or running around after your grandson, tell us what you dream of one day doing – one thing on your ‘bucket list.’

Renee: Hiking to the top of Machu Picchu with hubs. Actually, this trip is now part of our five-year plan. I’m already excited!

Pat: Cool. You’ll have to write a blog post or provide pictures when the time comes. What animal best describes your personality and why?

Renee: I’d have to say a wolf. They are beautiful animals. Wild and fierce, but loyal and protective of their pack. I think that encompasses moms everywhere.

Pat: Yes, they are gorgeous creatures. On a sweeter note, are you a chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin or peanut butter cookie girl?

Renee: Oh, peanut butter oatmeal raisin, all the way! Ever had one? Nom, nom, nom!

Pat: Hmm, have to try making those for my hubby. What author influenced you to pick up the pen?

Renee: Laurell K. Hamilton influenced me to write. She is a gracious person, and offered me encouragement and advice at a time I needed it the most.

Pat: Yeah, she writes some great urban fantasy. Would you consider writing outside your current genre and if so, what would it be?

Renee: No, I’m not interested writing outside of the paranormal romance/urban fantasy genre. It fascinates, intrigues and thoroughly entertains me. I am considering a couple of ideas for young adult novels right now, though.

Pat: Young adult is very popular right now. So, what’s next on the horizon for you?

Renee: I’m currently working on two novels: Nisa’s story (cupid from Moonlight Bleu) and the next novel in the Tueri Fates Souls Series. Saari, Dhelis and Brogan still have some issues to resolve. Resilient spirit brings long-held secrets to light, rivals are chomping towards a political power play, and heightened senses under the moonlight take complicated family matters to a whole new level.

Pat: Well, it looks like you’re on your game. And speaking of game, Renee has very graciously offered to give away an ecopy of her brand new book Crimson Sunrise! This was just released in April and it has already grabbed great reviews on Amazon. So, fans, leave a comment and get your name into the draw to read the second book in this interesting series.

I guess our time has come to an end. Thanks so much for being here, Renee and we look forward to the third book in the Tueri Fated Soul Series!!

And don’t forget people, leave a comment to WIN!!

Ahhh, the sanctity of silence.

I missed my regular mid-month post for the first time because…I didn’t know what to write about. I didn’t have much to say, so I thought, well, don’t say anything. And that got me thinking why some people have this inherent desire to ALWAYS talk. About everything. Whatever happened to the adage ‘silence is golden?’

In this hectic, free-thinking, disrespectful society, I am amazed at the amount of noise the public feels the need to make. It doesn’t matter if it is to the friend beside them or the stranger in front, why do some people feel compelled to fill up the empty air? And not necessarily with witty or informative information. But with comments and/or commentary, that more often than not, are tactless, uncalled for or just plain not nice.

Is ‘diarrhea of the mouth’ a result of mankind’s compulsion to stand out and be heard in our exploding population? Think of how much people could learn by listening, really listening. Whether to other people or to nature, an abundance of knowledge can be gleaned by using our ears instead of our mouths.

I came across an interesting book the other day called “Quiet : the power of introverts in a world that can’t stop talking” by Susan Cain. It goes into depth about how dramatically society undervalues introverts and how much we lose in doing so. It was selected as Amazon’s Best Book of the Month for January 2012. Hmmm, might have to put this on my ‘must-read’ list.

And for those of you who HAVE to talk a lot, remember this – “Great minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, small minds discuss people.” There are many published incidents of this as an anonymous proverb since 1948 and as a statement by Eleanor Roosevelt since 1992, but with no citation as to the original source. The quote is often attributed to Admiral Hyman G. Rickover, but although Rickover quoted this he did not claim to be the author of it. (source: Wikipedia) 

Whoever came up with those words, I’m sure they were very interesting to talk to.

Don’t Know What to Say – Ric Segreto

It may not be ‘hot fun in the summertime’ in 1692 Salem, but there’s all different kinds of heat in ”The Summerland.”

Today my guest is author Elizabeth Cheryl who has dropped by from California to tell us about her novel and a bit about herself as well.

Welcome, Elizabeth, thanks so much for coming. Why don’t you start off by telling us about your book.

Elizabeth: Thanks Pat. 

When Abigail Parker moves to Salem, Massachusetts to live with her Aunt Bridgette, nothing makes sense from the moment she arrives. A familiar but unknown voice whispers words of reassurance. Her aunt’s behaviour is confusing at best.

When Bridgette’s gravely injured, Abigail desperately seeks help from a spell book she found in her closet. But something goes terribly wrong. Abbey is hurtled three centuries backward in time, landing in a vastly different Salem.

It’s summertime 1692 – the infamous witch trials are in full swing and Abigail’s sporting pink nail polish and a tattoo. Abigail finds William, the source of the familiar voice and something much more. However, she must return to modern Salem to retrieve the spell book.

Can she do so in time to save her family and without exposing herself to accusations of witchcraft? Most importantly, how does she leave when she’s just finding love?

Pat: Being thrust back to the summer in 1692 Salem gives rise to a whole host of tense, simmering situations. Plus the cover is absolutely beautiful.

Before we delve into what makes you tick, let us know where our readers can find this very intriguing book.

Elizabeth: The Summerland can be found in print and ebook on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Kobo Books

Pat: With The Summerland still in  mind, what is your favorite line in the book?

Elizabeth: So, I had to put a lot of thought into this question. My conclusion was inconclusive! So I pondered some more. I guess if I had to pick a favorite line in The Summerland I would have to say it would be the following: “There…on her neck!” She shook and covered her face “I have no idea what it could be…some sort of color stained on her skin. Surely the mark of the devil!” At that exact moment I knew I would be found guilty.

Pat: I gather the characters were talking about Abby’s tattoo, which would definitely cause some attention. How about a bucket list. Do you have one?

Elizabeth: The good ole bucket list, eh? You know I have not made one of those things except once when I was 19. I still have the list and it would be so interesting to see how much of my life I have accomplished or seen since I was 19 years old. I can say in a recent conversation one of the things I would add to my list would be to visit Ireland on Beltane, which coincidentally is today, May 1st!

Pat: Yes, Ireland does have a magical lure. Moving on, what animal best describes your personality and why?

Elizabeth: A butterfly would be the best creature that would describe my personality. Butterflies start grounded and tethered to the earth. Such as life always does, it changes from the constricting walls that keep them safe to a new set of wings. They have a fresh perspective from the life they once knew of crawling, dependent on what lies in their path to now flying free. Free to explore all that life has to offer from a much better view. 

Pat: Wow, that’s beautiful and quite profound. No wonder your book sounds so great. When you write, do you have music on or do you need silence?

Elizabeth: I can have silence for some parts of my writing, but about 90% needs to be written to music. Music moves me emotionally and I connect so much to it. The most recent writings for The Summerland book two has been done to Miranda Lambert’s song “Over You.” It’s so sad, tragic and beautiful.

Pat: I always enjoy the responses to that question. Since you told us about something you like, how about something you hate?

Elizabeth: Hmmmm. I hate when snails cross the sidewalk after a rain storm into the street in an unplanned attempt at hit and run suicide. I spend way to much time turning them back around. They need to invent snail bumpers. Not sure how many people in life would purchase one. I may be the inventor and the only customer.

Pat: Snail bumpers (as I pick myself off the floor from falling over laughing!) That’s a new one on me! If The Summerland were made into a movie, who would you cast?

Elizabeth: The heroine would be this beautiful girl named Erin Mulvey. I met her at the Waffle Barn two and a half years ago. I was only three chapters into writing my novel and knew the second I saw her she was Abigail!! She has recently moved to L.A. to pursue her acting career, but she is the one, hands down, no doubt, Abigail Parker. If I had a movie contract, that literally would be the only thing I would strong hold on.

Pat: What’s next in regards to your writing?

Elizabeth: I am currently working on book two for Summerland. Hopefully released for July 2012. There will be four books to The Summerland series, so keep your eye out!!

Pat: Well, Elizabeth before we say goodbye, please let us know where people can follow you.

Elizabeth: They can catch me at my blog: http://thesummerlandnovel.blogspot.ca/ and on Twitter at celticgirl1313.

Pat: Thanks for taking time away from your writing to stop by for a while. I’m looking forward to The Summerland series and I’m sure readers are too.    

The first time I heard the term, St. Elmo’s Fire, was the movie and also in correlation to Rick Hansen and his Man in Motion tour (both came out in 1985). It wasn’t until later, when I looked it up, that it means a weather phenomenon in which luminous plasma is created by a discharge from a grounded object in an electric field in the atmosphere (see  Wikipedia.org.) But to me, the words mean determination. And still after all this time, each time I hear the song, I don’t think of the movie, I think of Rick Hansen and it gives me the strength to persevere.

I didn’t get the chance to actually meet Rick but the Man in Motion tour did stay at the hotel I was working at during one of the stops in British Columbia. Of course there was a lot of activity and security, not to mention I’m sure the guy was dead tired at the end of the day. But if I had the chance to speak with him, I wouldn’t have asked him why, because the whole crux of his incredible feat was for spinal cord injury awareness and the proceeds of his tour went to research. I would have sat down, looked him in the eye and asked, “what drives you?”

Marathon runner, endurance biker, prolific writer (one of the authors in my publishing house is like that and I am in awe of her <grin>), it doesn’t matter what the arena but more the reason of what pushes them beyond the achievements of the next person. Is it something in their individual genetic make-up, compelling them to advance father? Are overachievers (not sayin’ that you are Lynn ) influenced by a person in their life or is the desire their own dream?

I am by no means a super sportsperson (I can barely make it to the gym three days a week!) nor an abundant writer, mainly because I work full-time. But I used to be a competitive athlete and now channel that “fire” into writing novels, short stories and stage plays. And I can tell you that whatever embraces your soul to do something that it becomes almost all-consuming, is as individual as the person itself. No one told me to enter the world of competitive sports or to pick up the pen but when I did, it was like something ignited in me and it would not be smothered until I took it as far as I could go.

But what about the rest of modern society? Why can’t everyone have that glow? Maybe they haven’t found their spark. Some of you might say because of opportunity. I believe we create our opportunity, by keeping an open mind and pushing forward. And what about the ones who jumped off the wheel. Did they have enough, pack it in because achieving their ultimate goal became too much work? Perhaps the spark fizzled because it wasn’t given enough air to breathe.

What about you? Are you a person who won’t give up and if so, what compelled you to continue past the point of pain, rejection, exhaustion? And when you did push past the barrier, what did it feel like to break out the other side?

“Just once in your life, a man has his time. My time is now and I’m comin’ alive” Tell the world about it. You never know…you might influence someone else to pursue their fire.

St. Elmo’s Fire – John Parr

Ordinarily I don’t link two videos on my posts but because of the monumental accomplishment of Rick Hansen and his determination, I’m making the exception. The video is short but truly inspiring.

Man in Motion – Rick Hansen

Who wouldn’t want to live in a place where dragons and fae exist?

Come with me as we speak with Marne Kirk, author of “Love Chosen” Book one of the Fae Dragon Chronicles” who creates a wonderful fantasy world.

Pat: Welcome, Marne.

Marne: Hey, Pat. Thanks so much for letting me hang out with you. I’ve got my coffee and my chocolate chip pumpkin bread (breakfast of champions, I know!) and I’m jonesing on excitement for being here today, so let’s have some fun before all the sugar kicks in and I pass out…

Pat: Yummm, chocolate chip pumpkin bread. I’m hungry already, lol. Let me say a big congratulations of your debut novel. Dragons and fae, hmmm, where did you get the inspiration for “Love Chosen“?

Marne: I actually wrote “Love Dared”, Book two in the series first. After I wrote it, I realized the story didn’t begin there. I decided before the heroine of Book 2 could be found…well, she had to be lost. So, I went back to when the trouble first started brewing, back to when the fae had no middle class, no equality, no hope among the majority…and that’s where “Love Chosen” begins.

Pat: So tell us what the novel is all about.

Marne: Okay. For millennia, dragon and fae have peacefully co-existed, but the fae themselves have lived segregated and very different lives. Now a malevolence threatens to separate them all permanently. Can a queen’s guard and a rebellious outlaw join forces to defeat this common enemy?

Tyler’s touch sparks fierce desire, drawing Issie to him, but she despises his way of life and all that palace society represents. If he learns she wields majic to help the less fortunate escape the kingdom, he’ll charge her with treason. Her punishment – death.

Issie, is a sassy rebel who is constantly looking for ways to circumvent the conventions of their society. Tyler’s head warns that she’s a non-majical lower, beneath him. His heart sees by her inner strength and outer beauty. Only a binding love will lend them strength to save her life – their world.

Can either of them bend enough to trust that love?

Pat: Sounds like quite the story. And I love the cover!! Now that you’ve told us about the book, what about you – how long have you been writing?

Marne: Since I was a young teen, but back then I wrote angst-ridden poetry, short stories to kill off my brothers or other people I was angry with, and…ahem…we’ll call them love scenes. I’d like to say I stopped writing that nonsense when the hormones calmed down, but I try not to lie. I began writing romance, with the goal of publication, ten years ago.

Pat: Ahhh, yes, the ‘my-world-is-coming-to-an-end’ poetry. That sure brings back memories. What is an item on your bucket list?

Marne: Hmmm, well one thing I’d like to do before I, ya know, kick it…I want to spend a month in Crete. I have a new series I’m toying with in my head, involving the Pleiades ( a cluster of seven stars, also known as the Seven Sisters), and this island is the perfect setting for history-steeped romance. However, I can only do so much research online and in books before my curiosity becomes an annoying five-year-old singing the ’please-please’ song. And it would take an entire month to truly experience Crete.

Pat: Crete, nice. Well you can always write the trip off as research! What author influenced you to pick up the pen?

Marne: With this question, I’m going to take it to mean in the romance genre direction, and the answer to that is Christine Feehan. I love Christine Feehan’s Carpathian series. There are several other authors who I adore (Kenyon, Cole, Showalter, Sands) but I was reading Feehan when I decided “I can do this, I can write romance.” I’ve always loved fantasy, though. So, my first book (which shall always remain unseen by public eyes) was a fantasy romance. Then came a western historical romance, followed by another fantasy romance, and I was hooked on it. Fantasy romance was my gateway drug into paranormal romance as well. Now I’m writing both and loving every moment of it. 

Pat:  Name one thing you hate?

Marne: That’s easy. I absolutely wish we could erase negativity from our society, but sometimes if flows from us with the ease of breathing. Why is that? I strive for a positive attitude in everything I do. I don’t always succeed, but I always try.

Pat: Same here. I think being positive takes constant committment and work. You know the adage – it’s easier to believe the bad stuff than the good. Moving onto more brighter topics, and I think I know the answer to this next question (hint, see opening paragraph from Marne) but, are you a chocolate chip, peanut butter or oatmeal raisin cookie girl?

Marne: Chocolate chip cookie. In fact, chocolate, chocolate chip cookies are even better!

Pat: Couldn’t agree with you more! So, what’s next on the horizon for you?

Marne: Oh, now this is an exciting question! “Love Chosen : Book 1 of the Fae Dragon Chronicles” has just come out from Crescent Moon Press and I’m flying high over its release. It’s available as an electronic book or in trade paperback at Crescent Moon Press, Barnes & Noble, Amazon…it’s everywhere (if you ask them to order it! lol) I also have the first book of a new series coming out this summer, also through Crescent Moon Press. The series follows the descendents of the Celtic Goddess Danu and her chosen, the Tuatha de Danaan. The first book, “Goddess on the run” is Teagan and Merric’s story. Teagan, one of Danu’s daughters, is hiding from her destiny in small-town Colorado and she wants nothing to do with Danu’s forgotten realm or the drama of a battle between the gods. Merric, the leader of the Tuatha de Danaan warriors, has other plans. Teagan holds the key to salvation, for him and their worlds, whether she wants to or not. He’ll do whatever it takes to convince her of her duty. But can he find the key to her heart?

So, I’m super excited about that and also hoping to find some time to garden with my grandsons.  

I think it’ll happen.

Pat: You can find Marne on the web at the following places: her website, Twitter – marneann, Facebook – Marne Ann Kirk and at her blog.

Well, Marne, I loved having you here for our talk and wish you great success in your debut novel, “Love Chosen”.

I love that feeling when you get knocked upside the head at seeing something then an avalanche of ideas start flooding into your brain. Those “yeah, yeah, yeah” moments when the thoughts spring to life and do a slow burn until it becomes an all-encompassing fire, glowing red-hot until you get it out.

I’m talking about inspiration.

Flashes of genius come in all forms, out of nowhere and are like bon-bons from heaven. Visionary sparks to create beautiful prose, ingenious inventions or miracle medicines. Imagine a world vacant of the works of art had the artist not been affected by the beauty surrounding him. Or the song at your wedding, sung  to convey a message that parallels with your own.

These little vignettes of ideas can morph themselves into new passions, new concepts to explore, expand and create to bring fulfillment into our lives. 

Sights and sounds are not the only thing that can influence us. People are a great source of inspiration and they can give you the courage to dig deep and carry on when perseverance has failed you.

I’ve been working with the public for most of my life, have met a LOT of people and for the most part, they have passed in and out of my life, leaving little breadcrumbs of remembrance. But one person has vastly changed my perception of the journey, just by being herself. She is a fighter, a jokester, an enlightened spirit and a friend. She has scaled more hurdles before reaching the age of forty than most people experience their entire lives. And through it all, she has kept her courage, her self-respect and her zany sense of humor. She is the one who brings me back from the pits of self-pity the few times I’ve hovered near it’s edge.  And she’s done it all without even realizing it.

At a young age, someone once said to me there will always be another person worse off than you – and they were right. But the concept didn’t hit home until I met my friend who has overcome so much and yet still plows forward, refusing to give up. Never again will I wallow in the hole of melancholy, bemoaning how life is not fair when all I have to do is think of Michelle. Nor can I abide anyone else complaining about the hand they’ve been dealt with either.

So, is there something that inspires you? Or someone? Whatever or whoever they may be, I hope they give rise to your courage, your ambition and your passion to go out and create or better yourself.

Who knows, you may be an inspiration to someone as well.

Your My Inspiration – Peter Cetera

Don’t know if my guest has the ‘luck-of-the-Irish’ but Deborah Lamoreaux has hit the proverbial jackpot with her debut novel, “The Rainbow Man.”

Here is what I found out about our mysterious author. Love is her raison d’être. She lives to immerse her readers in a rich fantasy world, where gorgeous alpha males, principled beauties, magical faraway places, and unwavering fated love all come together to create a deliciously satisfying melting pot of literary distraction. She’s a world renown relationship expert and has written countless books on the subject. A love doctor to millions, she knows exactly what every woman wants from her man, and what her man needs to do to be just that. In her world, love is always true, unexpected, undeniable, unconditional and of course…everlasting.

And if you think she’s too good to be true, you’re right!

Ms. Lamoreaux only ever comes alive when she’s let loose to produce her next work of romantic fiction. Each and every time that your journey alongside her, within the pages of one of her creations, she escapes the confines of imagination.

So, come, escape with her…

Pat: Welcome, Debbie. Am so glad you could stop by. Why don’t we start of with that fateful moment every aspiring author dreams about.

Debbie: I’ll never forget the day I opened the email from Crescent Moon Press and it said they were happy and excited to offer me a contract for my very first book. Not nearly as happy and excited as I was. Let me tell you.

It was early Saturday morning and at first I couldn’t quite believe it. I remember rereading that life-changing line quite a few times before it finally sunk in. Immediately following, I started to pace back and forth across my bedroom floor whispering “Oh my God’ to myself over and over and over. I dearly wanted to scream my lungs out but I live in a flat so I expect my neighbours wouldn’t have appreciated that level of enthusiasm one bit!

Pat: Yeah. I think most authors feel the same when their time comes. All the hard work finally has paid off. What was our inspiration for “The Rainbow Man?”

Debbie: As I recall, I was at home, alone on one of a string of lonely Saturday nights, much like my heroine, and the thought just came to me. Wouldn’t it be fabulous to find out that this isn’t the sum total of my life? What if I could just turn around and see this tall, unbelievably sexy and gorgeous man standing in my kitchen doorway. He looks at me with love and longing in his eyes and proceeds to tell me an amazing story that I’ve all but forgotten – the story of what my life was like. With him.

Someone once said to me that your pain births your goals. Well, I’m living proof, because my lonely Saturday nights have given me ideas for stories that I haven’t even begun to write yet.

Pat: I’m sure a lot of readers can associate with the lonely Saturday nights. Now that you’ve told us what inspired you, we can’t wait to hear what “The Rainbow Man” is all about.

Imagine…

One woman…As a freelance photographer, Jadzia has carved out a particularly rewarding career for herself, collecting hundreds of smiles. How could she ever have imagined, that his, would never be one of them.  One man…Strong-willed, imposing and intense, Kai comes from a place without smiles or laughter. Even though Jadzia’s expressions of joy are still quite alien to him, he simply can’t imagine living in a world without her…ever again. One destiny…Against all odds he crossed the universe to find her. Together they embark on an amazing journey – answering the call to a shared destiny that was written in the stars. And answering the question – will fate and love be enough – when worlds collide?

You can find “The Rainbow Man” at Amazon.com by clicking here or at Barnes and Noble, here.

Pat: Now how about a bit about you? Name one thing on your bucket list.

Debbie: That’s easy. A romantic tour of Europe – emphasis on the romantic part since it’s my idea of the ideal honeymoon. Now, if I could only find myself a hot husband! Ooops, is that two things now? Anyway, the romantic part would be going by train and coach across London, Paris, Lucerne, Italy, Spain…Wow! I’d just love to take that trip with someone really special. 

Pat: How long have you been actively writing?

Debbie: I started writing seriously about ten years ago. Writing has always been the very best therapy for me. When I sit in front of my laptop, I just get lost in whichever world and within the lives of the characters I’m creating. For me it’s all about escape and my intent and hope is that in some small measure I can that same type of blissful getaway for my readers.

Pat: How many rejections did you receive before you got the call for your first published book?

Debbie: Countless!! LOL. No, seriously though, it may have felt like way more but I’ve actually had my precious dream of becoming a published author dashed about six or perhaps seven times.

Pat: Any special words of wisdom you would care to share with other writers still trying to break into the field?

Debbie: Absolutely. Keep trying and do not give up. Rejections are tough to swallow, I know. After I pushed aside my hurt feelings I took every sing criticism, suggestion and recommendation constructively and used them to my benefit. In my experience, unless you’re a completely talentless hack of a train wreck, most acquisitions editors are quite thoughtful and take the time at least one or two elements within your manuscript that are probably holding you back from your goal of getting published. So, dust off that bruised ego and rally on. I guarantee you’ll be better for it and that much closer to your target before those gut wrenching refusals.

Pat: Favourite author?

Debbie:  Okay, that’s a tough one. There are so many writers whose work I greatly admire. I must make mention of Julie Garwood since she truly fed my love of romantic fiction very early on. I used to all but inhale her historical novels. As far as the biggest impact goes though, I’d have to say Linda Howard. Now her books I’ll buy even without checking the blurb! The first I ever read and in my opinion her very best work was “Son of the Morning.” It’s nothing short of spectacular! I’ll never forget it. It’s a true edge-of-your-seat read  It’s suspenseful, absorbing, touching and tender and yet so very smoking hot! And so real and credible that I felt transported right into the middle of every single gripping scene. I can’t begin to do it justice here, but suffice it to say that book imprinted itself on me in a significant way.

Pat: Well, let’s hope “The Rainbow Man” will imprint on readers as well. Before you go, what’s next on the horizon for you?

Debbie: My next offering is within my very favourite genre. It’s a historical fantasy with an unusual twist and it’s called The Legacy Ken’ichi. My heroine is a fascinating and exotic blend of European and Asian culture with kick-ass Ninja moves and mystical tricks up her sleeve. It’s really been an absolute treat researching and writing this one!

Pat: Sounds totally cool, Debbie. Our time is up and I want to thank you so much for taking time from your book launch to talk about “The Rainbow Man” and a bit about yourself. Looking forward to sinking my teeth into this and many other books rattling around in your head.

What happens when our ‘world’ stops turning? The event that creates the void in our existence for a moment and then is replaced by so many things like grief, sorrow, incomprehension, and loss.

My publishing house, Crescent Moon Press, lost a very dear member today. Judi McCoy, multi-published author and one of the founders of the company, passed away on February 18th, 2012. I didn’t know Judi, except through the author loop, our house’s form of communication. To say she graced the company with her talent, is an understatement. She was a mentor and an advocate of support among our group. Without her, Crescent Moon Press would not have come to pass and I wouldn’t be here, living my lifelong dream. My deepest sympathies go out to her friends, her family and to the rest of my house, who will feel her loss keenly.

To Judy: Thank you for listening when a certain person put a bug in your ear about creating Crescent Moon Press. Thank you for helping make my dream a reality. You will be missed.

Crescent Moon Press 

Fame. What price is a person willing to pay for the glory of adulation? How far do we go to achieve global success and once we gain that recognition, what restitution do we make to keep us there? And why?

I was profoundly saddened by the passing of Whitney Houston. Her angelic voice accompanied me through my dating strife and the club scene. Karen Carpenter. Elvis Presley. River Phoenix. These people were crushed under the mantle of their success. At the end I wonder if they looked back and thought it was worth it. And more importantly, if they had a chance, would they do it again.

All artists, no matter their medium, have to deal with the public’s demand. But performing artists are under the constant microscope of scrutiny. Forever looking over their shoulder for the next ‘up-and-comer’ to jostle them out of their position. Did these people drive themselves to reach the pinnacle or were they swept away in the tidal rush of committment; their inner voice drowned out by the words of those surrounding them.

I understand the joy of doing something you love. The passion that propels you to continue and better yourself in your craft is an intricate part of being a creative person. After the crown of achievement is presented, in all its jewel-encrusted finery, how soon before the gold becomes tarnished? Why do these idols insist on subjecting themselves to the thorns of the tiara? Money? Notoriety? Ego? Eventually, the once glimmering adornment becomes a noose, leeching out the pleasure derived from the desire to perform, paint, or write, and changing it into a prison sentence.  Not as entertainment for them but for everyone else.

Do performers recognize the point where they no longer love what they do? That the act that once filled their hearts with hopes and dreams is now devoid of joy. Perhaps they look for their happiness in the next album, the next movie, the next stage,  only to find the elusive commodity slip through their fingers. The fickle public demands more, in less time and by better looking people. Heaven help those who don’t toe the line.

And the enormous responsibility. No longer able to live strictly for themselves,  entertainers have a litany of staff to support. Helpful people who depend on them for their livelihood. Is that one of the reasons performers stay in the limelight, under crushing schedules, increasing demands and the total lack of privacy?

I don’t think anyone could ever be prepared for the repercussions of fame. The losing of one’s core self to be replaced by a marketable clone.

A brilliant star, that once glimmered and shone with promise, dimmed and then blinked out the night before the Grammy’s. And the heaven’s lost their luster.

To Whitney: for what you gave us. Yes, we will always love you.

I will always love you – Whitney Houston

And who wouldn’t be smiling when they get their first adult novel published.

I’d like to introduce Ciara Knight, author of recently released  “The Curse of Gremdon.”

Pat: Welcome Ciara, and thanks for taking time from your busy launch schedule to talk to us today.

Ciara: Thank you.

Pat: First off,  congratulations that your blog, Writing on the Edge of Darkness is one of the nominees for the eCollegeFinder Top Writing Award Blog! That’s a great achievement. If readers wish to visit Ciara’s blog, click here and then they can cast their vote for Top Writing Award Blog, by clicking here.

Ciara: Thanks Pat.

Pat: Tell us a bit about yourself.

Ciara: I’ve always had a passion for storytelling. At an early age, I wrote several short stories and poems, and in college I started to work on my first novel. It wasn’t until 2008 that I returned to my true passion of writing. Over the past few years I’ve penned five novels and joined several professional writing organizations to better my craft.

When I’m not writing, I enjoy reading all types of fiction. Some great literary influences in my life include Edgar Allen Poe, William Shakespeare, Francine Rivers and J. K. Rowling.

I’m happily married and enjoy family time. I’ve learned to embrace chaos, which is a requirement when raising three boys, and utilize the insanity to create stories not of this world, including fantasy, sci-fi, and young adult biopunk.

I also love to travel. I’ve backpacked through Europe, visited orphanages in China and landed in a helicopter on a glacier in Alaska.

Pat: Wow, lots of great experiences to draw from when you’re writing.  And speaking of writing, tell us more about “The Curse of Gremdon.”

Ciara: Okay. In a world where marriage is forbidden, sex is only granted to male warriors and the outer realm is full of murderous creatures, Arianna fights to protect the life of her only living relative, her brother.

Tardon, an elite warrior, is granted anything he desires by the Elders, but finds little joy in the volumptous women presented to him. Born  for the bloodlust found only in battle, complicated emotions emerge when he discovers his equal in the alluring warrior, Arianna.

Charged by the Elders with saving the castle from attack, Tardon and Arianna risk the curse when they traverse the vast outer realm to retrieve serum from the Tree of Life. If successful, the Elders have promised Tardon the right to marry and Arianna the cure for her brother’s death fever. Will their love carry them through or will the discovery of a great deception be their ultimate demise?

Pat: Ohhh, that sounds like a great book!! Lots of stuff to keep readers begging to turn the page.  Where can those readers find your book?

Ciara: “The Curse of Gremdon” is available in both print and electronic format at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble and in eformat at All Romance eBooks

Pat: Cool. Now, how about a few off-beat questions about yourself. Which cookie makes you lick your lips – chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin or peanut butter?

Ciara: Peanut butter AND chocolate chip! It’s a must to have PB and chocolate together.

Pat: Yup, us women and their chocolate. What is your favorite piece of clothing?

Ciara: I’m a boot girl. LOVE boots. Think I could wear them all the time.

Pat: Same here.  Favorite author?

Ciara: I mentioned Francine Rivers, J. K. Rowling and Edgar Allen Poe. Yep, I’m an eclectic reader.

Pat: If “The Curse of Gremdon” was made into a movie, whom would you cast into your hero and heroine?

Ciara: Angelina Jolie would make a good Arianna and Chris Hensworth would play Tardon.

Pat: What was your favorite toy as a child?

Ciara: Star Wars action figures. My dad built a three storey doll house from scratch and offered to buy a Barbie for me. I loved the doll house because he spent months making it for me, so I moved R2D2, Han Solo and the rest of the gang into their new home.

Ciara:Pat: Ha-ha-ha. That’s hilarious. What’s next on the horizon for you?

Ciara: I’m working on book II for my YA series, Battle for Souls. Book I, Rise from Darkness will be released by Turquoise Morning Press in March 2012. I’m also working on a YA biopunk.

Pat: Well, Ciara, I really appreciate you stopping by and it’s been great getting to know you better. I wish you all the best of luck with “The Curse of Gremdon.”

Ciara: Thanks Pat, it’s been a pleasure.

The Curse of Gremdon received a rousing 5 star review!! Click here to read it.

If you wish to view the book trailer for The Curse of Gremdon, click here.

To read an exerpt of Ciara Knight’s book, click here

<You can find Ciara Knight on the web at her website: http://www.ciaraknight.com/ her Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/Ciaraknightwrites or on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/ciaratknight