The End of the Pier

I know I’m not the first author to say I am madly in love with my book cover. When I first received the print copy of Souls Set Free in the mail I squealed like a school girl being asked to her first dance! All I wanted to do was love on it, pet it, and stare at it for hours on end. 

 Yes, I was that floored. It was really happening. I was a published author with the cover to prove it.

On top of being beautiful and haunting (yes, I’m still enamored with it), the cover for Souls Set Free is near and dear to my heart for another reason. This book was my debut novel. It was a story that had been with me for a long time and needed to be written before I could move on with new projects.

Before I even had the majority of the words down, I knew what I wanted for the cover. It had to be a pier, and not just any one either. It HAD to be the Ventura Pier in California. 

You’ll find mention of it in my book. It was important for me to have it on the cover and no other pier would do. As a child, in the midst of whatever chaos might be taking place in my life, my mom would take me to the pier. We would walk all the way to the end and back. Off to the side in the sand was an old metal playground. I played on that thing for hours!


It wasn’t glamorous. There were a lot of homeless people, litter, and other stuff I was probably too young to know about. But in my life, at that moment with my mother, it couldn’t get any better. When reading Souls Set Free you’ll get a little more insight on that relationship.

As I drew closer to publication I went on the hunt for the perfect picture. I knew I wanted the pier with the water, but I didn’t want a beautiful sunset or blue skies. I didn’t want something that gave the illusion to everything being sunshine and roses, which this book definitely is not.

I was blessed with having the fabulous Author Options find my cover designer (as well as some other much needed assistance) and my jaw dropped when I saw the final product. It was perfect. The pier wrapped completely around the cover, yet faded into the background. The colors gave a sense of tribulation and distress.

It spoke to me in ways I could only hope and pray the words on the pages would for others. 

BUY LINK: Pick up your copy of Souls Set Free here: Souls Set Free on Amazon

If you give it a read, I’d love to hear your thoughts on both the book and the cover. I love to chat with readers!

Happy Reading, 

Kimmie

The Inspiration Behind Historical Romance Novel Red Bird's Song (and a sale)

Red Bird’s Song is a 2012 EPIC eBook Finalist. The setting for this story is the same as the other novels in my Native American Warrior Series, Through the Fire, Kira, Daughter of the Moon, and The Bearwalker's Daughter, the spectacular Allegheny Mountains, On a clear day, the ridges of the Alleghenies are visible from our farm in the Shenandoah Valley. Much of the history depicted in Red Bird's Song was inspired by accounts I came across while researching my early American English/Scots-Irish roots (among the first settlers in the valley) and the Border Wars. 

The French and Indian War is the most well-known, but there were others. Pontiac’s War followed on its heels, and is the war taking place in Red Bird’s Song. Dunmore’s War came after that one and so on it goes. Life in the frontier was unsettled even after The American Revolution had ended and warfare a reality. The boundaries of the frontier just keep shifting farther west.

(*Images of the Alleghenies by my mother, Pat Churchman)

In the early to mid 18th century, the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and surrounding mountains were the colonial frontier. Only hardy souls dared to settle here. The bulk of these were the tough Scots-Irish. If the Indians had only had to fight regular British troops, they might ultimately have won because they scared the crap out of men trained for conventional warfare, but the long knives weren’t easily intimidated and soon learned from their cunning enemy. The famous rebel yell came from the Cherokee.

Although Hawk Eye in The Last of the Mohicans is an adopted Mohican, his lifestyle is that of a colonial frontiersman. The more rugged of these men dressed as he did, much in the Indian way. They hunted and fought with muskets, tomahawks, and their famous knives. Skilled marksmen had long rifles. Indians soon acquired these weapons and blended traditional ways of living with the new-found tools and warfare of Western man. A highly adaptable people.

The attack at the opening of Red Bird’s Song is based on one that occurred to my ancestors in the Shenandoah Valley and is recorded by Historian Joseph A. Waddell in The Annals of Augusta County. A renegade Englishman by the last name of Dickson led the war party that attacked them.  Initially I’d intended to make the Colin Dickson in Red Bird’s Song a villain but as soon as he galloped onto the scene I knew differently.

Wicomechee, the hero in Red Bird’s Song, is based on the Shawnee warrior by that name who lived early in the nineteenth century and to whom I have ties. The Moffett’s, an early Valley family I’m related to, include a reference to him in their genealogy. Wicomechee’s father, John Moffett, was captured in Kentucky by the Shawnee at the age of eight and adopted into the tribe. It’s said he was a boyhood companion to the great war Chief Tecumseh, a chief for whom I have enormous admiration. The accounts of John Moffett and Wicomechee are recorded by Waddell. It’s also noted that during the Black Hawk Wars Wicomechee recovered the captive daughters of a Dr. Hull and brought them safely into camp, which reminds me of Hawkeye in The Last of the Mohicans. I’ve included more on this amazing warrior at the end of the novel as a bonus for those who read it.

“With “Red Bird’s Song”, Beth Trissel has painted an unforgettable portrait of a daring and defiant love brought to life in the wild and vivid era of Colonial America. Highly recommended for lovers of American history and romance lovers alike!” Amazon Reviewer Virginia Campbell

Blurb: Can a Scots-Irish woman terrified of warriors fall in love with her Shawnee captor?

Taken captive by a Shawnee war party wasn't how Charity Edmondson hoped to escape an unwanted marriage. Nor did Shawnee warrior Wicomechee expect to find the treasure promised by his grandfather's vision in the unpredictable red-headed girl.

George III's English Red-Coats, unprincipled colonial militia, prejudice and jealousy are not the only enemies Charity and Wicomechee will face before they can hope for a peaceful life. The greatest obstacle to happiness is in their own hearts.

As they struggle through bleak mountains and cold weather, facing wild nature and wilder men, Wicomechee and Charity must learn to trust each other.~

"A beautifully written story filled with adventure and suspense...This book touched my soul even as it provided a thrilling fictional escape into a period of history I have always found fascinating." --Night Owl Book Review by Laurie-J

"I loved the descriptions...I felt I was there...Many mystical episodes are intermingled with the events...The ending is a real surprise, but I will let you have the pleasure of reading it for yourself."  --Seriously Reviewed

***Red Bird's Song is reduced from 2.99 to .99 in kindle and nookbook, and other online stores, through November 1st.

I Need Four More of Me ~ by Vonnie Davis

Happy Saturday, my lovelies. Or it would be if this migraine that's plagued me for three days would go away. I suspect this one was brought on by stress. As is typical for me, I've over-extended myself. I need four more of me. Do you do that? If you're a typical woman, I'm betting you do. We're masters at multi-tasking and often "wienies" at saying no to more projects.

Over the years, we've been sold a bill of goods that women can do it all. Well, yes, that goes without saying. We have and do, but we also take on more little projects than any man would ever attempt...just to prove we can. Frankly, at sixty-five, I'm ready to weaken a little. I don't need to prove anything to anyone. Now if only I can convince myself to do what I'm saying.

My edits for my HarperCollins story are completed. Random House has still to send me theirs for book one of my Scottish paranormal series. I need to start book two, but my agent tells me to wait until I see how much Random House will change book one. I already know they want me to add more sex--something that doesn't come easy for this old broad. I struggle with writing every intimacy. Not that I'm a prude; it's just how many ways are there to write basically the same action so it feels fresh and emotionally right for this particular couple? In The Highlander's Beloved, I didn't get them to that point until nearly the end of the book. My editor at Random House claims that's too late. She wants them doing "the wild fandango" early on in the story. Gee, I was trying to develop their love for each other first--what an old-fashioned concept. Still, waiting so long to start book two is giving me a fair amount of angst. I want to work on Ronan's story. He's starting to complain that I'm ignoring him.

Armando is complaining, too. You see he's very attracted to a breast cancer survivor. He wants to show her how good life can be with a new man who will stand beside her. Oh, and he has such delightful things planned on how to romance her...or so he keeps telling me. It'll be my first middle-aged romance. When I can get around to working on it a little more.

For now, though, Lance is commanding my main focus. He's a shadow, a mercenary, and a piece of macho work, ladies. He insists on calling my heroine sweetheart, something she hates--well, kind of, although I think she's protesting too much. Lance, or Rambo-Romeo as she calls him, is protecting her while she's on the run from a vengeful senator and his lackeys. Lance is hero one in my Eagle's Shadow Series, romantic suspense for those of you who enjoy the rush of danger. Normally I finish book one before I begin the next one, but the heroine in book two just would not leave me alone until I wrote chapter one. I think she feared I'd forget her. As if I could the way she keeps pestering me. As for book three? Ohhhh, don't even get me started. ZQ, head of this band of ex-military covert ops dudes, started ordering me around two weeks ago and I caved. That's right, I wrote a couple chapters of book three before reaching the halfway point in book one. How ludicrous is that? Let me tell you ladies, if that bossy ZQ doesn't stop leaning on me, he's not getting any sex until the final chapter. "You hear that, ZQ? Don't make me put on my mother face..."

This weekend, however, I'm finishing a Christmas short story for another group blog I'm part of, something we do every year. We each post a chapter a day of our holiday reads during the month of December. Nine authors; nine different short stories, each starting with the same phrase.

I truly need four more of me to write each project. Wouldn't that be nice? My mind could take a break. Only one romantic couple could hound me at a time. My desk would be less cluttered with character descriptions, plotlines and research. I could breathe easier. And maybe this infernal migraine would fade away.

Have an awesome weekend. I'll be watching football and kissing the computer keys with my fingertips.

You can read more about Vonnie at www.vonniedavis.com

AT WAR WITH THE AUTOMATED VOICE AND THE EVIL GEEKS WHO INVENTED HIM (IT?)

By Brenda Chitwood

I'm not, normally. a violent person. I'm not, normally, an impatient person.  Today I wanted to commit violent acts against the big mammoth communications company which I shall call Big Name Company. I'm sure you have all been there. You just want to talk to a real person.

The back up battery for my system has not worked for over a year. The Big Name Company service guy told me it was a bad battery and he would bring me a new one. That was last November. The silly thing has a beeping alarm that goes off every 10 hours. I have to get up in the early morning hours and reset it, then do it again later.

I called Big Name Company this morning and punched buttons, answered the dreaded automated voice which assured me my system was working fine. That wasn't the problem, but the options list didn't cover; "For stupid, broken, back up battery replacement, press 666 and pray".

After repeating that I wanted to talk to a service representative several times, Automated Voice cheerfully beeped and popped until a heavily accented male voice named Alvin, came on the line. He had a very cheerful voice, too. (I'm beginning to hate the word "cheerful.")

When I could understand his heavily accented questions, I dutifully picked up the five pound battery, turned it upside down, sideways and upright--three times to find a non-existent model number. Then he told me it was probably inside. Well, gee whiz. I don't happen to have a screw driver on me.

Final results, I have to call the battery company and beg for a real person to send me a real battery, if I can find the model and serial numbers.  Alvin cheerfully asked if there was anything else and to have a pleasant day. I hate Alvin, too.

No jury would convict me.  Remember the woman who got fed up with her cable company and went to their office and smashed the computer at the front desk? Well, I'm with you sister,  I'm getting my hammer.

Trick or Treat . . . All Hallows' Evening!

Trick or Treat . . . All Hallows’ Evening

by Tessa Gray

            I’m always fascinated by the lengths people go to when it comes to decorating their homes for Halloween. I must confess I’m a bit of a “Halloween Scrooge” about celebrating the event. My view is that Halloween is nothing more than a preamble to Thanksgiving, and we need to get it over with as quickly as possible. The decoration on this post is one my daughter, Megan, made us over twenty years ago. When you drop by our home for a visit, it’s the only sign of Halloween you’ll see.

            If you’re a fan of Halloween, you have the Scots and Brits to thank because when they immigrated to America, they brought this Gaelic tradition (dating back to the Middle Ages) with them. Legend has it that people of Gaelic descent believed that on October 31^st of every year, the boundaries between the living and dead overlapped when those who had passed on came back to earth, damaging crops and causing illness.  I suspect people back then were as relieved to get Halloween over with as I am. I do have some Irish blood in me, so perhaps I’m channeling one of my ancestors.

            Halloween began gaining momentum in America during the twentieth century, but when World War II was being fought and sugar was rationed, much of the celebration was placed on hold from April of 1942 until June of 1947. Initially Halloween was called All Hallows’ Evening but eventually, it was dubbed Halloween.

            The first Halloween costume I recall wearing was a tattered, white bed sheet, as I pretended to be Casper the Friendly Ghost. As you can see, we Minnesotans didn’t plunk down a lot of money for costumes. Of course, it doesn’t always have to be about money. When I approached puberty and my foster mom wouldn’t allow me to wear make-up, I skirted around the issue by dressing up like a gypsy, piling on all the lipstick and rouge I could get my hands on! As the old saying goes, this ‘killed two birds with one stone’ because I didn’t have to spend much money, and I was allowed to wear a week’s worth of makeup in one night.

            The most innovative costume I’ve ever seen was in a Lawrenceville, New Jersey school parade where a little guy dressed as a Lipton teabag. His very creative mother stuffed gorgeous, brilliantly colored leaves into a clear, plastic bag and wrote the Lipton Tea logo at the top. I wish I’d taken a picture. We Americans can be innovative, can’t we?

            But as blasé’ as I am about Halloween, there is one that’s forever etched in my memory. My foster sister and I shared a bedroom and had just gone to bed and turned off the lights when we saw a large, gnarled shaped twig scraping against our window. Startled, we sat up in bed and stared at one another. The scraping continued, and before long, a low moan could be heard just outside our window. By now we were clinging to one another like passengers on a lifeboat. Within minutes, we saw my foster mother’s face appear in the window as she screamed, “Boo!”

            That incident, as silly as it was, provided me with an important life lesson. My foster mother had just enough ‘kid’ in her to remind me that life is to be enjoyed; a little playfulness is always a good thing. When she passed on several years ago, I shared that impactful moment at her memorial service and it brought smiles to those who knew her well.

            In the course of our lives, there are many reasons to celebrate, but in that celebration, we need to remind ourselves that as we live each day, we’re creating memories; memories that are powerful; memories that we’ll share with our loved ones. It’s important, even for me, a non-celebrator of Halloween, to remember to take time to “play.” I’m thankful for a foster mother who had enough ‘kid’ in her to teach me a valuable life lesson. As I share this memory, with you, my readers, I’ve made the decision to add a couple of decorations to the house and get into the spirit of Halloween.

            Happy All Hallows’ Evening, and if you see any ghosts out there, I hope they’re as friendly as Casper.

             

What I Learned From Launching a Book

by Geri Foster
Hi all,

My dear readers, I want to start out by saying you've taught me so much about what to write and how to write better stories. Also, you showed me how to get your attention and keep it. The next thing this writer knew, she had FANS!

Yay, we all love FANS!

It's the reason writers write. We hope our books touch you in a very special way and you'll tell your friends, and the good news will be passed on and on. It's also important to point out that many of our fans wait patiently for our next release.

Writers get excited about that!

When I launched Out of the Night, I will be honest and tell you I didn't know what I was doing, but I'd been on 9 Ways to Fall in Love long enough to figure it out.

First off, readers want to know writers. They become our friends, and they work tirelessly to promote our books and us. But, they still want that little part of you that's usually keep hidden away for safe keeping. Writers are always afraid while you might love our books, you'll find us boring and unrecognizable. After all, we put up a picture that's twenty years old and don't bother to update. We're not trying to fool anyone, we just like the picture. :)

So, what I learned during a launch is that a reader will like you if you like, and respect them in return. They ask little and give a lot. We had a blast on my launch party and I made so many friends, I couldn't believe it. We joked, we laughed, we talked about everything. I didn't hold anything back. I was myself, and felt free because I was among friends. So, the most valuable thing taken away from the launch was friendship and love. The love of reading a good book, by someone they know and supported.

This blog is to my friends, Street Teams, and all those who read my books and left heart melting reviews.

Happy Endings!
Geri

GOBLINS, TURKEYS, SANTA, AND NEW YEARS

Hi, Everyone! I know it's early, but I can't help myself. The excitement is building within me for the Holidays. The last few years have been somewhat lack luster for whatever reason, but this fall I'm downright giddy. I think the reason has to do with the projects I've been working on are being completed, one by one and that's a great feeling.

 In July, I finished my first book, CODE OF HONOR, Texas Code Series, Book One, and published it on Amazon. This book has gone through many revisions and transformations to become a book of which I'm very proud. Here's a short blurb:

Graeme McAlister's determined to unearth the truth behind his brother's implausible suicide but, when he sees his widowed sister-in-law, will he be able to handle the biggest revelation of all? 

After the death of her husband, Maggie Benning resolves to establish a successful and independent life for herself and her son, Andy. Can she overcome past hurt and loss of trust to accept a new love in her life? 

Travel to McTiernan, Texas and fall in love under . . . Texas Skies.

 

 

In September, I was honored to be included in a nine book box set titled, 9 Ways To Fall In Love, including authors, Caroline Clemmons, GeriFoster, DeLaine Roberts, Paty Jager, Beth Trissel, Kathy Ivan, and Anna Jeffery. A wonderful experience.

Now, I'd like to give a sneak preview to two short stories coming to Amazon the first week of November 2013.

 

 

 

The first is, A Santa For Christmas. This little story of romance, hope and magic is about Merry Hernandez and her inability to participate in the Christmas Pageant on the Riverwalk at San Antonio, Texas. Due to circumstances beyond her control, she will be unable to provide the toys or a Santa for the pageant. Will Merry and her business, Very Merry Events, be able to save Christmas?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The second short story romance takes place on New Years Eve in Mistletoe, Texas and it's titled, Lilah By Midnight. When Lilah Canfield's motor coach gets stuck in the snow outside her hometown of Mistletoe, will old flame, Jack McCommas, be able to get her to Billy Bob's in Fort Worth to save her career? Or will circumstances change her life forever?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There's a pumpkin patch near our house that I'll take my grandson to and get his picture in the middle of all those potential jack o' lanterns. We're planning a large gathering for Thanksgiving this year. I can almost taste the turkey and dressing now. Then, Christmas!

 

How do y'all feel about the upcoming holidays? Good, bad, or indifferent? Leave a comment to share your thoughts and one commenter will receive an early Christmas present from me. I'll gift a free download to one winner for Code of Honor. If you have that one already, then, A Santa For Christmas or Lilah By Midnight when they are published. Don't forget to leave your email in the comments so I can reach you!

Carra

 

CODE OF HONOR buy links Amazon for Kindle ebook and print:  http://tinyurl.com/muln4r9

and, Smashwords for nook, kobo and iTunes:  http://tinyurl.com/llshmbg
 

Find me on my website: http://carracopelin.com
Facebook: http://facebook/carracopelin
Twitter: http://twitter/CarraCopelin

Goodreads: http://tinyurl.com/mfynmj2