Happy 2023! It’s almost release day for a series of horror short stories revolving around Friday the 13th. I will be sharing each story on my post, one per day. Today, I’m pleased to welcome DJ FitzSimons with her story, Eyes to Die For…
Fun Fact:
I am from a neighboring town of the one used in my story.
*** Pre-Order the Friday the 13th stories for only 99 cents!!!
James Bucknall can get any woman he wants with one sultry look from his bewitching blue eyes. Handsome, charming, and clean-cut, he’s the epitome of a GQ guy. James is also a maniacal serial killer, who murders women as casually as he dates them. At least that is his modus operandi until he meets Frankie Wilson.
There’s something entrancing about the sad, young woman, that has captivated James’s interest, and right now, she is more appealing alive rather than dead. The surprising discovery of Frankie’s connection to James’s last victim, Charlie, arouses the killer’s interest to unexpected heights.
And that’s when Charlie’s ghost decides to intervene.
Excerpt:
Tonight, I’m on the hunt, but I can’t seem to get into it. I’ve danced with a couple of women who look like they spent hours getting ready to come out here, but they’re just not doing it for me. I’m just leaving the dance floor with yet another bimbo, where I feel someone’s eyes on me. Instinct makes me stop and look up.
A blonde. Nothing special, but she’s pretty in a natural kind of way, though it’s tough to see as the lighting isn’t great right here. But even in the dimness I can clearly see she’s on the hook.
I ditch my dance partner at the bar. She doesn’t seem to care as there are already horny, jock-types angling to get her attention. Mine’s shifted to the girl I just saw. I plan to find her.
Bio:
DJ is originally from London. She currently publishes short stories which are set in various parts of the U.K.
Happy 2023! It’s almost release day for a series of horror short stories revolving around Friday the 13th. I will be sharing each story on my post, one per day. Today, I’m pleased to welcome Michelle Godard-Richer with her story, Avenging Angel…
Fun Fact:
For this story, I researched the inner workings of the car trunk, including how spacious they are.
*** Pre-Order the Friday the 13th stories for only 99 cents!!!
A Friday the 13th Short Story: 13 authors ~ 13 suspenseful stories. Murder and mayhem on Friday the 13th…Find each story in the series on Amazon.
On Friday the 13th, sweet college student and barista, Maya Pendleton, leaves Rowena’s Coffee to walk home alone. The streets of Gideon’s Hollow are empty. The locals believe the spirits of the witches from nearby Salem roam on this cursed night, seeking revenge on the descendants of those who burnt them at the stake.
Maya’s lonely footsteps echo through the empty street in a steady rhythm until they’re interrupted by another pair. They belong to Rand Roosevelt¾an evil man with murder on his mind. But he picks the wrong night, the wrong victim, and he messes with the wrong witch.
Excerpt:
Maya’s eyes fluttered open to reveal darkness. The floor moved beneath her as a waft of exhaust fumes turned her stomach.
Where am I?
She shifted her head and the world tilted as a sharp pain shot through her head from the base of her skull, jogging her memory.
The creep from the coffee shop. What an ass!
Maya moved to reach around the back of her head to assess the damage. Her elbow hit something hard. Her funny bone tingled, then her heart pounded in her ears as the smallness of the space suffocated her.
The urge to panic was almost impossible to resist, but she needed to resist to have any chance of escaping this horrible predicament.
She rolled onto her back. A handle glowed above her head in the darkness. She stuck her hands out and moved them along a hard surface, and the horrid reality of her situation became clear.
Metal. He stuck me in the trunk of a car!
Her breathing accelerated. Her thoughts scrambled like a puddle of eggs, and she gasped for air. She forced deep breaths into her lungs and her brain cleared.
Maya reached around the back of her head, careful not to smack her elbow again, and ran her hand over a large bump below her ponytail. Her hair wasn’t sticky, so thankfully, she had no open wound to contend with. But considering she’d lost consciousness and the lingering dizziness; she must be concussed.
Once more, her gaze shifted to the glowing handle over her head once more.
A trunk release!
She tugged on the handle, and nothing happened. With the handle in her grasp, she pushed on the trunk with her feet at the same time. Nothing.
Her captor must have anticipated that means of escape and disconnected the handle. Not escaping, giving up, and dying at age twenty wasn’t an option. Her mother must already be losing her mind with worry and Maya was all she had.
Now what?
Bio:
Michelle Godard-Richer is a Criminology graduate with a passion for crime, human behavior, and the written word. She is also a thriller and romance author living in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Alberta, Canada. She writes edge-of-your-seat, suspenseful stories with strong protagonists and diabolical villains.
Fantastic mystery/suspense. I love the unique funeral home setting. The author seemed to know a lot about the topic. Very vivid writing and well developed plot. The characters were relatable and realistic, and the mystery kept me guessing. Really enjoyed this one!
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APP REVIEW:
A delightful cozy mystery that provided plenty of chuckles. I love, love the old ladies in this book. They all have different personalities and the author did a great job of making them come alive. The mystery was cleverly done, the setting was authentic, and the author’s writing is engaging. Thoroughly enjoyable!
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APP REVIEW:
A romantic and well-written historical romance. I loved the gambler aspect, so unique and interesting. And the characters were fabulous. The heroine was strong and admirable and the hero was swoon-worthy. I enjoyed the plot twists and the villains were wicked and fun. And who doesn’t love a treasure hunt? Fast paced, enjoyable read.
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APP REVIEW:
Such an excellent read! Great world-building and the characters were wonderful. I love the angst and banter between the hero and heroine. The heroine is kick ass and tough with a good heart. The hero is sexy and strong. The paranormal aspects, the magic and the shifters, were compelling and perfectly written. I would love to read more in this series!
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APP REVIEW:
A wonderful and unique novel. Such an interesting setting and I love that it featured ‘true’ historical figures. The author weaves a vivid and compelling tale that was not only entertaining, but I felt like I was getting a bit of a history lesson. Beautifully written with authentic characters and situations, this book will transport you to another time and you’ll be thoroughly engrossed. Highly recommend!
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APP REVIEW:
A passionate and delightfully magical romance. The hero is soooo sexy and the half-fae heroine is adorable and I could really feel her emotions. The medieval setting was vivid and the writing was flawless. I loved the Scottish setting and the brogues in the dialogue. Just a splendidly entertaining read!
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APP REVIEW:
Wonderful read! A stellar romance and mystery. I enjoyed the fascinating details about the horses and the competition world. The author did a fabulous job of setting the scene and making me feel like I was there. The mystery kept me guessing to the very end. Very well done!
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APP REVIEW:
Tremors Through Time combines fantasy and romance in a compelling and engaging read. The author has created realistic but flawed characters who I found myself rooting for to find their happily ever after. With lots of conflict and a beautifully crafted setting, this novel is an entertaining read from beginning to end.
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APP REVIEW:
A delightful Christmas story with a sweet romance and a fun who-done-it. The characters are well developed and the bits of humor sprinkled throughout made me chuckle. The writing is flawless and engaging. I love a good mystery and thoroughly enjoyed watching this one unfold.
Welcome to my weekly feature where authors share about the hobbies, careers, or passions of their characters.
I’m pleased to introduce today’s guest, Wendy Kendall…
George’s Best Friend
George loves his career as a chef at an assisted living facility, and he loves his family. Phil is his family, and what a tail-wagger he is. Once these two lost souls teamed up, they never looked back and a corner of the world became a brighter place. After therapy training together, this beagle and his partner enthusiastically serve up emotional support and nourishing meals for the facility residents who delight in Phil. When this dear beagle with the pudgy silhouette and low-to-the-ground amble enters a room, all eyes immediately fall on him and coo’s encourage him from every direction. His whispered “arf” stirs laughter, and his celebratory howls are legendary. This doggone beagle’s company is a treat, and George’s heart skips a beat as he savors the relief and delight Phil brings to others. His own life is brightened by their caring gift.
Researching this noble endeavor of animals and their owners was a labor of joy. I learned so much and met wonderful people and dogs. A therapy dog is a dog that offers affection, comfort, and stress relief to a group of individuals. These dogs are commonly seen in nursing homes, schools, courtrooms, and hospitals. These dogs help multiple people throughout their day. They do not solely provide comfort to their handlers. These dogs are usually certified and evaluated by therapy dog organizations. Therapy dogs are trained to master certain skills and must have a very good disposition. Therapy dog handlers are only allowed to enter public spaces with permission.
A husky/german shepherd adorable mix named Leela is the inspiration for adorable Phil. The beauty of Leela’s soothing temperament and personality embraces compassion and empathy around any troubled spirit. Leela, and Phil, are filled with the heart of Christmas. They jump in joy and run with ribbons of love.
Ribbons of love run through the heart of Christmas
Blurb:
Liz buried her hopes three years ago when she buried her husband. She hides under a corporate desk, struggling for time with her young son and his grandmother Violet.
George is chef at the assisted living facility where Violet recovers from an accident. He loves his adopted beagle, Phil. This tail wagger is George’s only family. They are a therapy animal team for the patients.
Juggling work, her son, and Violet is complicated for Liz. Continual collisions with meddling George irritate, and intrigue her.
Violet plots a cookie bake, as matchmaker and to reunite her family. She conspires with George as chef, not realizing it puts his job at risk. Could baking together soften Liz’s heart?
Phil’s sudden disappearance interrupts plans. George is desperate to find his dog. The search leads him into a surprising twist of fate, and accidentally pulls Liz along with him.
Excerpt:
She approached the car and noticed the back tire. Flat. She rolled her eyes and groaned. She put her hands on her hips and paced back and forth next to it. She gently kicked the rubber, but it squished against the rim, confirming no air inside.
She crouched down and pulled her wallet out, searching for her road-assistance card. Phil walked around her and licked the back of her hand. “Thanks, Phil, but that won’t help me get to work on time.”
She stood up again and turned around to see George. His hands on his hips. “Flat tire? Can I help?”
“Thanks, but I’ll call somebody.”
“Do you have a spare?”
“Yes, in the trunk.”
He grinned. “Assuming your spare is in good shape, I can get this changed faster for you.” Her mouth dropped open. Someone willing to help.
“Really? I couldn’t put you to the trouble.”
“No worries. Lunch is over, and we came outside for a break.”
“This isn’t a very nice break, but I’d really appreciate it.” She unlocked the trunk.
George took off his black chef shirt, putting it on the front seat of the car. He rolled up the sleeves of his blue shirt, revealing toned forearms. Liz’s glance lingered. She called her assistant to have the VP of Sales step in to host the client. Disaster avoided. Someone else could help.
She felt like celebrating. She scratched Phil’s tummy, talked nonstop to George about his cooking, baking, and recipes, while she stole admiring glances at his physique, including his broad shoulders and flat stomach.
When he finished, he put the jack and flat tire into the trunk. “You’re all set to drive.”
“I don’t know how I can thank you, but I’ll find a way. This was really nice of you.” Impulsively she hugged him. The warmth of his arms wrapped around, then her phone rang. They broke apart, and Phil barked. She looked into George’s brown eyes.
He grabbed his shirt off the driver’s seat. “I’m happy to help.” He turned toward the building and called Phil. She glanced at her phone screen and let it go to voicemail. Had she misjudged George? She’d actually felt comfortable talking with him. She hadn’t talked about baking in years. It felt good. When she hugged him, she’d surprised herself. What a pleasant embrace.
She drove across the lot to the exit, smiling to have all tires turning. She waited for a chance to turn onto the road, one problem solved. Maybe today she could dream of a little dream? In the rear-view mirror, her back window was fogged. She turned onto the road with an unfamiliar feeling of hope, although she had no idea what might be around the corner.
The result of Wendy Kendall’s passion for purses, mystery and romance is the intriguing In Purse-Suit Mysteries. Kat Out of the Bag introduces Katherine Watson purse designer/sleuth. As Kat moves from designer bags to body bags, she’s uncovering clues to a murder. The prequel, Purse-Stachio Makes A Splash delves into a chilling cold case. Finalist for Best Romantic Suspense at Killer Nashville, Snow Kiss Cookies To Die For creates a tangle of mystery and love and raises suspicions about Desiree’s romantic new sweetheart, Leo. A summer read that will keep you on the edge of your beach towel, Cherry Shakes In The Park blends danger, divas, and frothy delights. And ribbons of love run through Wendy’s newest book, Heart of Christmas Cookies and Dreams. Wendy enjoys investigating the Pacific Northwest life, and she leaves a trail of her own clues as a blogger, YouTube podcaster, speaker, project manager, and syndicated columnist.
Please help me welcome today’s guest, L. M. Gonzalez…
She didn’t believe in true love.
He vowed never to love again.
Excerpt:
The place was decorated with twinkle lights and red, green, and gold garland. And then her eyes settled on Ray. Her breath caught in her throat as she glimpsed the bracelet of a gold watch at his wrist. He seemed a different man than the one at the Adult Center and the one in jeans who’d gone to her house. He seemed charming and sexy and likeable.
“They have a variety of entrees,” Ray said.
“Oh.” She hadn’t looked, so she opened her menu.
“What do you like?”
Jennifer stared, mesmerized with him. Oh, I don’t know—you. He grinned, and embarrassment filled her. He probably knew what she was feeling. And she
would not feel that way, not with him. Especially not with him.
“I’ll eat salad. I’m not very hungry,” she said.
“Umm…eating dinner together is the first step of the foreplay to romance, didn’t you know?”
“Romance isn’t sex.” She glared at him.
His smile didn’t falter. “Eating can be an aphrodisiac. Feeding each other can be very romantic.”
Jennifer swallowed hard at his words. “I’m not feeding you anything.”
“Jenny, this isn’t going to work if you don’t cooperate.” Ray winked at her.
Her nipples peaked at his wink, and she was glad she’d worn a scarf. She picked up her glass of water.
“My name is Jennifer, not Jenny.”
“You don’t like nicknames?”
“Not from you.”
“I think I know now why you’re blocked in the love-and-romance thing. You’re tight. You need to loosen up.”
L.M. Gonzalez writes about the loves and lives of Latinas and the challenges of romance the second time around. Her stories, set against a backdrop of strong Latino culture blended with an American lifestyle, are refreshing and capture the essence of everyday Hispanic life.
Please help me welcome today’s guest, Shirley Goldberg…
How I Write the Smoochy Scenes
Some readers like it hot, while others prefer it sweet or steamy. Despite the title of my new book, A Little Bit of Lust, writing love scenes is more about the feels and less about lust.
Here are the first two sentences from an early chapter in A Little Bit of Lust. The main characters, Lucy and Deon, take a trip to the beach. Their friendly relationship changes that afternoon. No, this isn’t a spoiler since this tidbit is in the blurb for the book.
Later that same evening, Deon has these thoughts:
It wasn’t easy kissing his best friend.
Well, not true. Once they made it up the sidewalk and through the door, him fumbling with the key, it was easy, way too easy.
Writing smooching scenes is part of the job of the writer ‘cause someone’s gotta do it. If I know my characters well, writing love scenes comes naturally as a logical progression of the relationship.
Everyone’s idea of what is appealing in a love scene differs. When I’m writing a smoochy scene that’s early in the book, I’m all about discovery, going slowly, a few moans, lots of kissing and…talking. My characters need time to warm up to one another.
The couple are connecting and dialog, brief bits of banter, teasing, and even a few questions, add to the fun. Sexy scenes can be playful. They can be fun and gentle. A drawn out smoochy scene with agonizingly slow undressing is a way to show the emotional connection between characters.
As a reader, I’m open to all kinds of love scenes, from playful to serious, from silly to steamy. As a writer, steamy is a new thing for me. So far, my sex scenes are closed-door, so when the characters get heated, the door swings shut and the reader imagines the rest.
But I’m working on a book that takes place in Crete, the largest island in Greece, (I lived there for eleven years.) and my heroine, a widow, rediscovers love and sex. I’ve left the door ajar after a long buildup to the major sex scene. No buzz words and no specific naming of moving parts, by the way.
Sometimes, the perception of “steamy” depends on that reader’s experience. When my first book, Middle Ageish, came out, one reader told me she thought my sex scenes were “pretty hot.” This surprised me because the love scenes are closed door.
Foreshadowing of a sex scene can start way before the couple ever embrace and go on for pages. That’s emotion and perhaps a little banter at its best. Here’s a brief example where the characters, Lucy and Deon, are dancing to a band at their favorite hangout:
“I haven’t felt like singing for a while anyway.” Deon turned Lucy gently and pulled her in again, sang along with Elvis about rivers flowing and fools rushing. “I am annoying you, aren’t I?”
“Not at all.” Dancing with Deon was… intimate. Lucy lifted her head. His lips were six inches away, full lips.
“You have Elvis lips,” she said and put her head back down on his chest.
The reader gets the hint from this short teaser that Lucy and Deon will connect in a more intimate way later on in the story.
If the feels shine through and the characters connect with each other, I’m doing my job as a writer.
Diana Gabaldon, who knows a thing or two about writing sex scenes, says, “Where most beginning writers screw up (you should pardon the expression) is in thinking that sex scenes are about sex. A good sex scene is about the exchange of emotions, not bodily fluids.”
I agree. And I’m open to a variety of love scenes in my reads.
What do you think?
Please post a comment. Are you a sweetie when it comes to love scenes or do you like them steamy?
Anyone interested in more of author Diana Gabaldon’s wisdom on the subject may like to read her excellent book, I Give You My Body, How I Write Sex Scenes. I’d also recommend her Outlander series, but you’re probably well aware of it already.
How many second chances will she give him?
Blurb
Love-cynical Lucy Bernard delights in her independence. Baking, all things Instagram, the occasional special guy, and most of all hanging out with best friends Deon Goldbloom and Phoebe Karis. But when Deon kisses Lucy at the beach on a chilly afternoon, the two friends jump into a lust-filled romantic weekend. So what’s with slotting her into “ignore” status afterward?
Deon Goldbloom is a widower who can’t move on after his wife’s death. Is he a little crazy spending a sexy few days with Lucy and calling it the best time he’s had in four years? Yeah. Except blue Monday comes calling, and Deon isn’t ready for the guilt.
Lucy wonders how a smoochy weekend turns into a friends-with-benefits disaster. And Deon wonders if he’s made the biggest mistake of his life putting Lucy on “ignore.” Using all his nerdy charms, he launches a campaign to bring Lucy around. Maybe they can chart a course back to one another if Lucy will only forgive him.
Excerpt from A Little Bit of Lust
Lucy aimed her phone at Deon’s Patrick Dempsey hair. The young Patrick.
“Throw your head back. Run your hand through your––”
“No way.”
“Come on. Unbutton a few buttons.” He’d been working out more, she could tell by the swell in his arms and chest. The nerd was looking good.
“Stop it.” He held his hand up blocking her view.
“You’re all gussied up for this eight-minute dating thing. I just wanted to mark the occasion.” She climbed up the ladder. No fun teasing Deon if he wouldn’t play.
“You tried on this crap already?” He gestured to the bed where her dress, jeans, and tops lay splayed like scarecrows minus the stuffing.
“Pardon?” She shot him her most stern teacher look. “Deon Goldbloom, it isn’t crap. You’re supposed to be my calming influence.”
“Relax, Ms. Bernard. I’m here, aren’t I?”
True. Irritatingly present, like a fungus.
“What happened? Did Noelle cancel?” Noelle was their friend who taught at the high school.
Lucy took a few shots and climbed down to reposition the ladder. “Yeah. Phoebe needed help.”
“You’re saying I’m your last resort?” He looked genuinely hurt.
“Of course. You’re a guy.” Lucy smirked. “I didn’t even know you were coming.”
“Not just any guy. A guy with sensitivity and extraordinary taste.”
“Sensitivity, my ass.”
“Are you bickering?” called a voice from the hall, and Lucy’s daughter, Lily, flew into the room to say goodbye. Lucy wobbled on the ladder, almost dropping her phone. Lily was on her way out for dinner with her grandparents, who lived one town over, in Hamden. “Play nice, you two.” She shot them an amused glare.
“Hey, Lily, nice to see you.” Deon and Lily hugged. “When do you start the internship?” Lily, visiting for the weekend from grad school, had snagged a much-coveted internship at the NPR Boston station.
“I’m so excited I can’t stand myself,” she snorted and ran a hand through her wild mane. “Staying with my besties. It’ll be a blast.”
Lily and Deon caught up for a few minutes while Lucy took more photos and rearranged the flat lay.
“So,” Lily said, eyeing her mother on the ladder, “ice cream dating is a thing now?”
“Crap, I hope not,” Deon laughed.
Lucy was glad Lily barged in with her freshness and humor, and her white jeans shorts and tiny, blue, raggedy-cool top. Her daughter disappeared a moment later, and Lucy got off the ladder.
She should stop picking on Deon. A tad sick that getting under his skin had become a game. Forty-seven years old, and she’s playing games. Pitiful.
What she’d like to do is punch him in the mouth. Since she kick-boxed Mondays and Wednesdays, this wasn’t an idle threat, even way inside her head.
Only a month ago, her legs had turned to marshmallows when he touched her. Now she’d happily crush his thumb in a vise. Or stomp on his big toe with her hiking boots and ask him, “How does that feel, dear?”
Author Bio
Shirley Goldberg is a writer, novelist, and former ESL and French teacher who’s lived in Paris, Crete, and Casablanca. She writes about men and women of a certain age starting over. Her website http://midagedating.com offers a humorous look at dating in mid-life, and her friends like to guess which stories are true. A Little Bit of Lust is her third book in the series Starting Over, although all her books are standalone. Shirley’s characters all believe you should never leave home without your sense of humor and she agrees.
Please help me welcome today’s guest, C.B. Oresky…
Hello C.B., please tell us a little about yourself, where are you from? Where do you live now? Family? Pets?
I grew up in suburban New Jersey. Over the years, I have collected a wheelbarrow full of degrees. I have a passion for plants and can grow just about anything. I currently live in a small town in Connecticut that most people have never heard of called Gales Ferry. I have a body-builder husband, a naughty Scottie dog and cat, ten chickens, and a magnificent perennial garden.
Where did you get the idea for The Warlock’s Curse?
My debut novel all began as a dream… I sailed a white ship on a pristine sea of whispering turquoise waves. The inhabitants of this alien watery world, mystical whales, surrounded my vessel, their eerie voices lifted in song. I made a story out of this…and other magical dreams.
What is your favorite scene in The Warlock’s Curse
There are many wonderful scenes in The Warlock’s Curse, but my favorite occurs when Captain Claudius Grace brings his twin granddaughters on an oceanic journey to encounter magical whales. He hopes the massive leviathans will open the portal to their birthplace: the realm of Oceana where the wise Master lives. Far beneath the rolling waves, The King and Queen of the Whales sing a haunting song. A massive ethereal whale appears swimming right before Claudius’s approaching schooner. The phantasm of a whale opens its yawning maw. Claudius’s schooner hangs momentarily on the edge of the watery precipice of light, then slips straight down the monster’s wide-open chasm.
How did you come up with the book’s title?
I kept the title to my book short as suggested by my diligent, hawk-eyed editor. Of course, the title also had to do something with the story. My original title for my novel was The Master, The Captain, The Warlock, and The Warrior, however this was longer than a flight to the moon. I therefore shortened the title to The Warlock’s Curse, as the story is about twin sisters going on a perilous journey to remove an ancient curse.
Do you have another occupation, other than writer? If so, what is it and do you like it?
The theme in my life is software developer by day, writer by night. I do like writing code…it’s like composing a symphony. However, if I could, I’d prefer to write full time.
What do you dislike that most people wouldn’t understand?
It may sound weird, but I dislike shopping… I’m not into running after a bunch of stuff that just doesn’t make me happy.
What’s your favorite childhood book?
I love C.S. Lewis’s Narnia series, especially The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. This quick-moving adventure is full of amazing imagery and sensory delights. In The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, I feel the soft fur coats as the children jostle through the wardrobe. I hear the snow crunch under their feet and shiver in the bitter cold as they traipse through the forever frozen land the White Witch has enchanted. Finally, I love the deep magic found in Narnia: the mystical, speaking animals that are so believable…the written wonders that whisk me off to a place so real—I never want to leave.
What actors would you like in the main roles if your book were made into a movie?
A monkey, two Siamese cats, dancing whales… Wait! This actually is a really good question. I’ve always thought that if my book were made into a movie, I’d like it to be cast by unknown actors with loads of talent. It gets tiring to see the same people over-and-over again in films. I believe in giving someone new a chance.
What is your favorite quote?
My favorite quote is from J.R.R Tolkien’s The Fellowship of the Ring, where Strider, secretly Aragorn the true king of Gondor, appears to be a mere Ranger.
“All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost.”
This quote is for all those that run against the wind and holds a message about ceasing judgement on outer looks alone. From the moment one is born, the busy bees of society are whispering in your ear…how to act, how to be. Many are followers, attracted to the flash…a rolex or bmw gives one a certain status. But what about someone with purpose and inner goodness…all that is beautiful and true, existing without glitter. Someone who wanders their own path, following their own internal calling, may be seen as a fool, but may truly be a queen or king. To be true to one’s own calling involves strength and perseverance in the face of darkness and strife.
Your most prized material possession? Why?
My Scottie dog, of course. Scottie dogs are so adorable, loving, and intelligent…they keep me on my toes for sure.
What do you want your tombstone to say?
So long and thanks for the food…
If you could spend time with a character from your book, whom would it be? And what would you do during that day? (PG-13 please 🙂
I would spend time with Phileus, The Bliss, a joyous, magical creature who transmits healing light, loves nature, and only takes what little he needs. I would explore his enchanting underground home full of plants, gardens, flowers, and relaxing pools of hot water. On this adventure I would certainly enjoy listening to his words of wisdom about cherishing the natural world.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
There are a few important messages in my novel… The importance of caring for our good Earth. Also, no matter how bad life gets, there is always someone out there who will lend a helping hand. Finally, Magic exists and is everywhere.
Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
I idolize J.R.R. Tolkien, the father of fantasy. I love how Tolkien’s artistry with words, masterfully paints scene after scene about a magical world where creatures talk and everything from the trees to the mountains seem alive. The Oxford English scholar could do it all when it came to world building: he created his own languages, geography, unique races, and relatable characters who fought for justice and those they love. I find myself easily swept away into his ingenious books and totally connected to the characters.
Twin sisters on a perilous journey to remove an ancient curse…
Clara and Angelica Grace have never met ghosts. They’ve never sailed on a tall ship, ridden wild unicorns, or fought with magical weapons. Instead, the teenage twins have a wretched existence, ignored by their troubled parents in a rundown home and tormented by the town’s snobs.
Everything turns topsy-turvy all of a sudden when discovery of an ancestor’s hidden journal with an odd key to an unknown door leads them into an entirely different realm.
The girls go on a thrilling oceanic voyage to search for mysterious whales, train with a seasoned warrior, and are befriended by a wise Master. But all is not a bouquet of lovely lilies…they are hunted by a cunning warlock and must rid themselves of The Warlock’s Curse.
Winner of The Literary Titan Gold Award
Excerpt:
“Help! Please help!” Angelica cried, turning toward the direction the voice had come from.
Veils of darkness greeted her eyes.
Suddenly, a strange sight seized both girls’ attention. The oddest-looking creature the girls had ever seen emerged from the gloom, waddling along a curved path near the pool’s edge. Its shape gradually came into view.
The squat creature stood about two feet tall, an amethyst stud adorning its short nose, its long face crowned by a single lock of fair curly hair. In place of normal clothing, a grasshopper-green mossy material covered its small hands and feet, while an amber mesh filament, appearing like thinly braided laces, swathed its arms and back. It eagerly flew toward the girls, appearing like a goldfinch, its smooth, translucent body quivering like firm jelly and glowing as the shimmering sun. The creature’s unforgettably deep eyes were grave and dark and splashed with touches of ocher, like glossy black beetles.
Clara trembled in her well-worn boots, imagining the approaching creature as a monster in some horror movie. She wrapped her wool cape more tightly about her, wishing it might somehow guard her from harm.
Angelica also eyed the peculiar-looking being fearfully and staggered back a step.
The golden creature stopped just short of them.
“It smells good…like meadow grass and flowers,” Clara whispered.
“Hummmmmm, Hummmmm,” its melodious voice buzzed, like bees flitting over flowers. The odd creature licked its rubbery lips.
Fascinated by the works of Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, award winning author, C.B. Oresky, began writing her own fantasy novel, The Warlock’s Curse, after dreaming of being whisked off to an alien realm. Besides her debut novel, she has seen four of her short stories published in a small, national literary press: Conceit Magazine. When she’s not writing, she can be found wandering through the woods, dancing flamenco, or planting flowers in her garden. She currently lives in a small town in Connecticut with her bodybuilder husband, their exceptionally naughty Scottish terrier and Siamese cat, ten chickens, and a yard filled with majestic flowers.
Please help me welcome today’s guest, Avis M. Adams…
Good morning, Avis…please tell us a little about yourself, where are you from? Where do you live now? Family? Pets?
I am a Pacific Northwest native, and I love this area. All of my books take place in this region (so far). I live on a farm that was my grandparents homestead of ninety acres. I still have 3 ½ acres. I have two grown children, a son who is married and lives a mile down the road on a beautiful lake, and a daughter who is married and lives in Portland with my granddaughter. I have one rambunctious dog named Zero after the ghost dog in A Nightmare Before Christmas.
Where did you get the idea for The Christmas Wish Knotts?
I chose The Christmas Wish Knotts for my title because it is part of the TWRP Christmas Cookies Series, but also because of the importance of the changing name of these cookies. They begin as Knotts, then become Wedding Knotts, then Friendship Knotts, then Thanksgiving Knotts, and finally by the end of the book, they are Christmas Wish Knotts, because Sif’s wishes come true.
Why did you choose this genre (is it something you’ve written in before)?
I wrote this book as a challenge from my crit group. Almost all of us took a stab, and two of us got ours published. I’d never written romance before, so I enlisted my best friend Nancy. With her cat, Mr. Martini, we sat for hours laughing and plotting out this book. It was so fun, and we had done so much plotting that when I sat down to write, the book practically wrote itself. Nancy died last spring of renal failure, but I have the memories of writing this book with her, and all the fun and laughter, and the pride I took in telling her the book would be published.
Was there anything unusual, any anecdote about this book, the characters, title, process, etc, you’d like to share?
As I said, I’d never written a romance, and my friend Nancy loves romance, so I picked her brain, and she told me: this is when they have their first kiss, and this is when they have a disagreement, and this is when the misunderstanding takes place, etc. Her cat was on her lap the whole time, so he was given a major role, but Nancy’s condo and her million-dollar view really stole the scene, pun intended. It was a blast to write, and I miss my friend with all my heart, but she is alive in this book! She is the bad-ass lawyer.
What was the most difficult thing about this one in particular? The most difficult thing about this book is Nancy isn’t here for the release party. She’s here in spirit, though, lifting her glass and toasting. P.S. Her favorite drink was a lemon drop martini. 😊
Do you have another occupation, other than writer? If so, what is it and do you like it?
I’ve been an English Instructor at Green River College for almost thirty years. I had a coveted tenure-track position but retired early so that I could focus on my writing. I still teach one class, though, because I love working with students to help them become better writers. Also, I love to read and write, and I get to do both at my job, which is more vocation than job. I still can’t believe I get paid to do this!
What do you love that most people don’t like and wouldn’t understand why you do?
I love to write poetry, and many of my friends and relatives can’t understand why and tell me they don’t understand poetry or even like poetry. I’ve also published a book of poetry, Quilcene. Over the years, I have published many single poems, and some have won awards.
Do you collect anything?
I collect many things, but books are a major love of mine, and one type is graphic novel versions of Beowulf! I love seeing the artists’ rendition of Grendel! My favorite version is by Gareth Hinds. He draws an amazing Grendel and a fierce dragon. I have since given that collection to my eleven-year-old nephew. I also collect picture pop-up books, and my favorite was a book that started my collection. I bought it thinking it was an illustrated “Jabberwocky,” and I wanted to see how they imagined the monster. When it arrived, I was so confused them delighted to find it was an amazing and beautiful pop-up book.
What was your first job?
My first job was veterinary assistant and horse farm worker. I lived and worked on Blue Spruce Farm where the vet I worked for raised thoroughbreds, had a stallion he used for breeding, and a horse hospital with an operating room and barn for animal recovery and rehab. I assisted in operations and learned to give injections, dress wounds, and the special care these beautiful animals needed. My first love has always been horses, and this was an amazing job, but it was also physically demanding. Once when they brought in a truckload of hay, the men were so disgusted to find me as their helper. They thought I was a runty boy until I took of my stocking cap, and they saw I was a girl. I was eighteen and looked twelve. I was so angry that I pushed myself to keep up with them, and later vomited for my efforts. I didn’t let the guys know, though. They let me drink beer with them after, slapping me on the back, and teasing me about being the toughest runt they’d ever met.
What’s the main thing that you could get rid of in your life that would give you more writing time?
My farm and my dog. I’m in the process of doing that now, and it’s breaking my heart. The housing market sucks, and I love my dog, so each day I’m still here is a blessing because I really don’t want to do this, but financially it’s a must. My dog is going to a new home, and I’m happy that she’ll be on an even bigger farm with people who know how to handle tough dogs. My big house and yard still need to be vacuumed, mowed, and tended, and the dog still needs to be walked, but I look forward to the days when I can spend my mornings writing without interruption, and save my energy for revisions instead of marathon lawn mowing sessions, window washing, and worrying about the bills that come with a big house and farm.
What do you want readers to come away with after they read The Christmas Wish Knotts?
I want my readers to think about our planet, or think about relationships, or about an ever-changing world and our place in it. My first novel is about climate change. It’s a genre known as clifi with elements of dystopia. I wanted to discuss this important issue without preaching or being too pedantic, but I wanted people to think about climate change, and perhaps do something about it. I love dystopian novels, but they always show a world after something happened, and the reader often doesn’t find out what it was that destroyed the world. I wanted to write the book that showed the event that changed everything, and created a world where people had to struggle and work together to survive. I guess the short answer is I want people to come away with the fact that our world can change at any moment, and we need to pay attention and prepare if we can. We need to make good decisions if we want to continue to enjoy the privileges we enjoy.
Would you rather have a bad review or no review?
I would rather have a bad review. I’m not afraid of bad reviews. They are thought provoking, and I think readers want to know why a person only gave a book one or two stars. It brings attention to the book. I just hope not all my reviews are bad ones! So far, I’ve been lucky. 😊
One woman’s journey from jilted bride to independent woman who believes, once again, that wishes can come true.
Excerpt:
Sif dropped her bouquet. “This is all my fault. If I only . . .”
“None of this is your fault.” Nanc took her hands and gripped them. “Look at me. He did this. Not you. We’ll see him in court.”
“What will I do with two-hundred Wedding Knotts?” Sif rubbed her eyes trying not to smear her mascara. Who cared about mascara?
“Send them to Boris’s family?” Dad said. “I thought it was odd when they didn’t show.”
Mom brushed a strand of hair from Sif’s face. “I never liked him, by the way.”
Avis Adams loves to write. Her first YA novel, The Incident, released in 2022. Several of her poems have won awards and been published online and in various literary journals, and Quilcene, her first chapbook was released in 2019. She belongs to the Baker Street Writers Group, and the Flamingo Writers, and is an active member of the Pacific Northwest Writers Association. She loves to present sessions on writing craft at local conferences. She lives in the Puget Sound area of Washington State, where she writes, hikes, kayaks, gardens, and walks her dog. She teaches English at a local community college.
An excellent romantic suspense with a unique premise. The author did a great job of showing the feelings and angst of the teacher/adult student attraction. And the murder mystery added a creepy edge that kept me turning pages. The setting was well-developed and vivid. The author’s writing is engaging. Highly recommend!
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APP REVIEW:
I was completely captivated by this imaginative and entertaining story. The author really nails the middle grade ‘voice’ and the writing is smooth and vivid and compelling. I think young kids will adore this book. Even as an adult, I was enthralled.
I love the twin protagonists. Having two daughters of my own, I found the fighting one minute and being loving the next very realistic. I felt bad for them with their chaotic home life. But the adventure they embarked upon made up for all that. Although fraught with danger, it was an exhilarating experience and the girls were pretty bada$$. I definitely hope to read more books in the series. This one was a winner!
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APP REVIEW:
I love ‘Friends to Lovers’ stories and this one is fantastic. The conflict and indecision about the hero and heroine getting involved romantically and Lucy giving Deon a second chance played out beautifully. The characters, even the secondary ones, were authentic and relatable. I would love to hang out with them for real. 🙂 Sweet, sexy, and tons of fun, A Little Bit of Lust is a truly entertaining and satisfying story.
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APP REVIEW:
Wow…this author really knows how to weave an intense and twisty story. The premise is unique, and I was fascinated with the glimpse into the world of BDSM and the religious organization. David and Anna were fabulous protagonist, not perfect, but admirable and interesting. I found myself turning pages like crazy, wanting to find out who was behind the murders and all the other crimes. I was surprised and satisfied with the twist. An excellent read!
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APP REVIEW:
A captivating story from beginning to end. I loved the element of the hunt for dinosaur bones. Not only did it create a great conflict between the heroine and hero, it was unique, interesting and informative. The setting was vivid and well conveyed. I loved the romance and couldn’t wait to see Una and Ryker get their happily ever after as they navigated the danger thrown at them. I highly recommend this western historical romance.
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APP REVIEW:
A stellar historical romance with lots of interesting historical facts, which are filtered in organically and aren’t ‘in your face’ or unnecessary. I’ve read quite a few stories in the Wylder series, and it was fun revisiting some of the characters. The author’s writing style is engaging and vivid. I loved sexy gunman, Morgan, and Emily was a great love interest for him. Compelling and passionate, with a richly detailed setting, this story will not disappoint!
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APP REVIEW:
I loved the paranormal thread woven into this story. It was chilling and compelling. I always enjoy stories with a good secret, and this one definitely had that. The romance was passionate and the mystery interesting. The author’s love of horses came through vividly. She did a great job with setting and characters and I enjoyed seeing how everything played out. Highly recommend!
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APP REVIEW:
Wonderful read! A stellar romance and mystery. I enjoyed the fascinating details about the horses and the competition world. The author did a fabulous job of setting the scene and making me feel like I was there. The mystery kept me guessing to the very end. Very well done!
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APP REVIEW:
A delightful and romantic story. I felt very connected to the characters. Zach is such a good dad. I loved the way Dinah bonded with his sons. The summer setting was fun and the author made it come alive with her vivid descriptions and sensory details. I thoroughly enjoyed this compelling novel.
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APP REVIEW:
I love a good thriller, and this one definitely fit the bill. Intense, unsettling and twisty, Danger to Others takes you on a dark and demented journey. The author paints a vivid picture of the atmospheric setting. The characters are well developed and the writing is smooth and engaging. I loved everything about this one, including the chilling conclusion.
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APP REVIEW:
Tremors Through Time combines fantasy and romance in a compelling and engaging read. The author has created realistic but flawed characters who I found myself rooting for to find their happily ever after. With lots of conflict and a beautifully crafted setting, this novel is an entertaining read from beginning to end.
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APP REVIEW:
A delightful Christmas story with a sweet romance and a fun who-done-it. The characters are well developed and the bits of humor sprinkled throughout made me chuckle. The writing is flawless and engaging. I love a good mystery and thoroughly enjoyed watching this one unfold.
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APP REVIEW:
Yikes! A wicked and heart-stopping read. The bad guy is soooo bad, but I almost felt sympathy for him. I know ‘edge of your seat’ is a cliché, but it perfectly describes this novel. I was glued to the pages and enjoyed every thrill and chill. I loved the Australia setting as well. Highly recommend!
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APP REVIEW:
I was intrigued by the title and cover but wasn’t sure what to expect. I was not disappointed, though. The story is unique and compelling and I loved the main character. The mystery was a nice touch but mostly the story was about Lucy and her righting her wrongs and putting her past to rest. The author painted a vivid picture of the village where the story was set as well as the characters. A truly engaging read that I very much enjoyed.
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APP REVIEW:
Yikes…a delightfully dark and frightening tale of wicked creatures–demons and shapeshifters, doesn’t get much scarier than that–and a team of hunters who are trying to stop them. The team members have issues of their own they’re dealing with, but they are strong enough to rise above. I have read the other books in this series and each one is unique and spooky and imaginitive. I really admire the author’s creativity and his penchant for the dark side.
Please help me welcome today’s guest, Anastasia Abboud…
Thank you for joining me, Anastasia. Please tell us a little about yourself, where are you from? Where do you live now? Family? Pets?
We live in Texas! My husband and I have been married for over forty years. We have two sweet sons, one beloved daughter-in-heart, and two precious grandchildren. Our home is nestled in a suburb southwest of Houston, surrounded by family. Our younger son and his family, our brothers and their families, my husband’s sister and her husband, a nephew and his family, plus more extended family and close friends are all within a ten-minute drive or closer. It hasn’t always been the case and while I would love to live in a rural area, better still, in the mountains, I don’t know if I ever will – at least not full time. This is so much fun, not to mention convenient. Our younger son and his family are five minutes away. Our elder son just recently moved out of the neighborhood, but he still lives close by.
Where did you get the idea for Tremors Through Time? Why did you choose this genre (is it something you’ve written in before)?
I’ve always loved historical romance. Once I became acquainted (and in love) with time travel romance, I thought it might be fun to write one myself. But there are so many great stories out there. I decided to take a chance on a slightly different twist, having the hero fall forward in time rather than the heroine fall back. Lachlann’s not a typical hero, either – neither a chieftain nor warrior, possessing neither magical powers nor education. He’s a farmer, albeit a gorgeous one.
Was there anything unusual, any anecdote about this book, the characters, title, process, etc, you’d like to share?
I’m so glad you’ve asked! There are a couple of things I’m downright eager to share. The most important is about the ending. Dear Readers, it surprised me, too. The characters wrote it. It was the most startling feeling. They took over, and I honestly felt there could be no other way to end the story. At the same time, I count it as a happy ending. The main characters get their HEA. Trust me, there’s more coming, and I believe you will love it!
As for the process, I wrote the book before ever traveling to Scotland. I did sooo much research. So much! I like to say that I stopped jumping down rabbit holes and just tunneled from one to the next. When my husband and I visited that beautiful country for the first time this past fall, I was enormously pleased to see how accurate my research had been.
What is the most difficult thing about writing a book?
For me, delegating time to write is the very most difficult thing.
What was the most difficult thing about this one in particular?
Just time, nothing more, nothing less.
What’s your favorite book of all time and why?
I have a few, but if I’m going to name just one, it’s Quo Vadis by Henri Sienciwicz. It has history, romance, religious faith, and perfect symmetry.
What’s your favorite childhood book?
Again, there are a few options. Today, at any rate, I think I’ll go with Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder.
What do you want readers to come away with after they read [your book]?
I hope that they come away thinking about time, love, and the ties that bind, and that they care about the characters and want to spend more time with them.
What is your favorite quote?
Love never fails. – 1 Corinthians 13:8
If you could be a character in any of your books, who would you be?
I would be Deidre from Tremors Through Time. She loves gardening and the simple life, is a medieval history professor, and she’s in love with a delicious, medieval farmer who’s in love with her. She’s also tall and curvaceous, which I’d like to be one day (when I grow up).
What do your friends and family think of your writing?
They’ve shown me so much love, support, and encouragement. I am deeply grateful for them and to them.
How did you come up with the title?
It got a little hair-raising! It was funny, really. I originally called it simply Tremors — in reference to the earthquake that occurs in the story. When The Wild Rose Press picked it up, I was informed that I had to change it because there’s a movie by the same name. Apparently, the movie involves giant, omnivorous worms — not a good connect! But since I’d used the word “tremors” several times in the story (as a play on words in addition to seismic tremors), I wanted to keep it as part of the title. For a few weeks, there was a lot of Tremors this and Tremors that in my conversations and random phone calls to family and friends, and running through my head while I was driving, and, of course, as I tried to fall asleep at night.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Yes! There are a couple of themes that run through all my novels:
There is much more to a person than what you see on the surface.
Love conquers all.
And for Tremors Through Time in particular:
Time is more fluid than we might realize one might think and love is timeless.
In the infinite vastness of time – past, present, future, past – love prevails.
Excerpt:
Lachlann sauntered across Deidre’s driveway just as she was locking her front door. She turned toward him, smiling. He froze. She was wearing a saffron-colored leine, or tunic, underneath a blue, fitted surcoat. He should have known! She was a woman from his own time. His heart and head began to pound as he stared at her.
“Lachlann?” Deidre’s voice reached him, soft and hesitant. “Don’t you like my costume?”
Costume. Of course, it was a costume. He struggled to regain his voice as his heart rate calmed. “It’s great,” he managed, giving himself a mental shake. Fool!
“Thank you,” she replied, her voice still uncertain. She looked at him inquiringly. “I surprised you, didn’t I? I’m sorry. I should’ve warned you. I like to wear something fairly authentic in case I run into some of my students.”
“You do look authentic.” He managed a wink. “Bonnie as well.”
She blushed. “You’ve probably seen lots of costumes like this in Scotland.”
“Not so many, and none in Texas.”
It was a wonder to him that he was still standing. Her costume, as she called it, was perfect. She might have fallen through time like himself. It was an even greater wonder that he had not yet carried her off to bed. He’d never wanted anyone as he wanted her.
Now, dressed in such a familiar manner, she suddenly seemed more tangible than ever. She looked magnificent, the clothing emphasizing her generous breasts and hips, her deep red tresses flowing freely down her back.
His mouth went dry as he wondered how he might persuade her to dress like this more often.
For me, playing is the best — playing outdoors in nature or in my garden, experimenting in the kitchen, spending time with those I love. I also enjoy disappearing into a good book, attempting crafts, learning, writing, exploring, discovering. I especially like to mix it up and have yet to perfect any of it; and I’ve come to realize that perfection’s not the point. It’s all wonderfully fun. That’s the point!
I prefer authentic and natural, be it food, lifestyle, people. I passionately enjoy both history and science, and certainly sociology to a degree, and I am most truly a romantic.
My husband and I have been married for over forty years. We reside near Houston, Texas, surrounded by loved ones. We have a blast with our little grandchildren.
Author Alicia Dean 