Guest Post & Giveaway: Teri Harman, Author of Blood Moon

Please Help Me Welcome

Author Teri Harman

to Kayla's Place Today!

I'm very excited that Teri is joining us today to discuss how she finds her writing groove! I love learning about Author's quirky and non-quirky habits they've picked up while getting into their zone.

Thank you, Teri, for stopping by today!!! 

Before I give Teri the floor, let me tell you a little bit more about Teri and her novel Blood Moon!



Blood Moon

The Moonlight Trilogy #1

by Teri Harman

YA Paranormal

Expected Publication: June 22, 2013

by Jolly Fish Press

Synopsis via Goodreads:

Willa dreams of true events and her best friend is a ghost. Simon can heal any wound with a touch and senses others’ emotions, intentions. All their lives they’ve felt alone in their bizarre abilities, hiding behind a facade of normalcy, wondering why and how. The night Simon walks into the Twelve Acres Diner and meets Willa face to face, in a swirl of electric heat, they are bound to one another and glimpse the magic of who they are.

Across town a witch is held prisoner in the derelict basement of an old Victorian house. One night as it rains, she dares to reach her filthy, scarred hand out the window. Willa, walking home from work, recognizes the pathetic hand from a recent, terrible dream.

After a daring rescue of the witch, Willa and Simon are catapulted into the alluring but dangerous world of witchcraft and the magic of The Six Gifts. Answers to all their questions are within reach, but they’ve stepped into the middle of a deadly fight for the Powers of the Earth. Do they stay, risk their lives on the promise of power, or walk away?

Teri Harman's groundbreaking debut novel, the first installment in The Moonlight Trilogy, completely reinvents the modern concept of witches and magic. With its authentic translation of the history of witches into a fresh and entertaining package with unprecedented characterization, Blood Moon is sure to capture readers from the first page.

Grab Your Copy:

Amazon

B&N
 

About the Author:

Teri Harman has believed in all things wondrous and haunting since her childhood days of sitting in the highest tree branches reading Roald Dahl and running in the rain imagining stories of danger and romance. Currently, her bookshelf is overflowing, her laundry unfolded, and her three small children running mad while she pens bewitching novels. Utah is her home, but she often imagines living in the wild landscapes of the Pacific Northwest.

Connect With Teri:  Goodreads   Website   Twitter   Facebook

It's an honor to be a part of the Blood Moon Blog Tour!

Click on the Tour Banner above to see the other stops on the tour!

Now, I'm going to give Teri the floor!!! Thank you again, Teri, for stopping by Kayla's Place Today!




Comy Jammies & Organized Chaos:



Getting in the best groove for writing is often like trying to find the most comfortable sleeping position: sometimes it happens automatically and other times you toss and turn.

Because I have three children under seven and my husband travels nearly every week, I don’t currently have the luxury of being picky about how and when I write. I’ve trained myself to write in the chaos of everyday life. If I waited until it was quite and I was alone, it would take me ten years to write one book.

However, there are a few things I like to do that help me get in the groove.

1 – Comfy clothes. I basically live in jammie pants and old T-shirts. My favorite outfit is a pair of PJ pants with an owl pattern and a twelve year old T-shirt my husband picked up in Spain. It’s red and has a hideous big bull on it, but it’s very comfortable.

2 – Music or a fan. I often write with music that blocks out other noises, sets the tone of the scene I want to write, but doesn’t distract. If I’m doing a lot of rereading for editing purposes, I prefer to turn on a small fan instead of music. It cuts down on ambient noises, but isn’t as distracting as lyrics I tend to sing along with.

3 – Where I write? I have two favorite places to write: my own desk which is in our bedroom and my mom’s house. I’ve tried the coffee shop thing, the library, even sitting in quiet hospital waiting rooms, but it’s just not comfortable enough for me. I like to be somewhere familiar where I can wear my jammies, grab snacks and walk around in my slippers.

As far as HOW I actually write a novel. Here are a few things that work for me.

1 – Inspiration is everywhere. It all starts with an idea that sticks in my head. It might be a situation, a character, a place or even just a single image. BLOOD MOON and the Moonlight Trilogy were inspired by a Halloween party I threw in 2010 at a creepy old school house. I read a lot about witches to get ideas for décor, games and activities. After the epic party, I realized I had enough research to base a novel on.

2 – Organized chaos. I’m mostly a “no outline” writer. I write very instinctively. I have to sit down and get involved with the characters and the setting to generate ideas. Sometimes this is wonderful, other times frustrating.

3 – Crazy person wall. I keep a lot of notes and ideas in a binder and in Evernote on my phone. Oh, and post-its. If there is ever a post-it note shortage it’s my fault. I also mark down each scene I write on a big index card that then goes up on a wall. In my family this is known as my “crazy person wall.” It may not be chic décor and slightly reminiscent of a serial killer’s house, but it works. It’s like a living outline and a timeline that I can play with and adjust.

4 – Editing and more editing. I try to do 2-3 drafts/rewrites of my books. I write my first draft in Scrivener, a program made for writers. This program keeps every scene and chapter separated in folders, which is very handy for editing.

My second draft I transfer into Word by copy/paste and rewriting because my publisher needs the final product as a .doc. Then I print that draft out on paper and sit down with my trusty red pen. Lastly, I go through and do a clean-up edit. Then off to my editor it goes. Once he gets it there are at least two more rounds of edits. It’s a LOT of editing, but that is how something good becomes great.

I’m still learning the techniques and devices that help me best write a book; it’s an ever evolving process. Writing a trilogy is very different from writing a stand-alone novel. My best advice to new writers is to experiment and to read lots of books on the craft of writing. Gather ideas and techniques and then go for it.

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Spotlight, Giveaway & Guest Post: Deadly to Love by Mia Hoddell

Deadly to Love

(Elemental Killers #1)

by Mia Hoddell

YA/Paranormal/Urban Fantasy/Romance

Synopsis:

There is a love that is so dangerous, so powerful, so intoxicating that it embraces your heart and smothers your mind until it leaves you defenceless.

Serena knew that but still, it didn't stop her. His name was Kai. He was the most beautiful, irresistible man she had ever encountered. Their attraction was too compelling to fight and she knew she would go to the end of the world beside him. That is love.

However behind the allure was hidden a deadly secret – a secret that threatened her fragile life... But secrets best left unsaid never remain hidden forever. When Kai reveals his true identity, she is exposed to a frightening world she had no idea existed. Controlled by powerful Elemental forces her life is placed in mortal danger.

Unbeknown to them, their lives have been entwined from the beginning and it leads her to discover an even greater secret about who she really is. As the pieces begin to unravel and death becomes a reality, Serena is forced to decide what is more important...her love or life.

Get Your Copy:

Amazon.com
Amazon.co.uk
Paperback (Lulu) and will be available on Amazon soon

About the Author

Mia Hoddell lives in the UK with her family and two cats. She spends most of her time writing or reading and her preferred genre is Young Adult, Paranormal Romance. Before 2009, Mia wouldn't even pick up a book and was more interested in sports. However she finally found some novels that captured her interest and developed a love of both reading and writing. Mia began with poems and after getting two published in separate anthologies she moved on to short stories. Although she enjoyed this, Mia found she had too much to tell with too little space, so later on she created her first series The Wanderer Trilogy and from there other ideas have emerged which she hopes to turn into novels as well. Elemental Killers is her second series and book two will be out soon.

Connect With Mia

Blog    Facebook    Twitter     Goodreads

Reader Feedback


“I read this book in one sitting as I just couldn't put it down. The story line was original, intriguing and made you feel like you were part of the action. As well as this there were many twists and turns that kept me hooked and the book was really well written with a solid plot. The book didn't reveal everything straight away which was great as it left in suspense right up until the end.” ~Lucy M 5/5

“ I found that it's surprisingly original concept was quite common in real life but not so much in books. I found it a delightful read that I will look forward to reading in the future. And the new cover! Marvelous.” ~ Kathy H 5/5

“All I can say is WOW! This book was amazing and different. I love the twist and detail she used I was instantly pulled in and felt like I was there with the characters.” ~Brianna 5/5

Tour Wide Giveaways
 Use the Rafflecopters below to enter for your chance to win the following:

•        1 ebook copy of Deadly to Love  through amazon kindle (INT)

•        Deadly to Love Swag (UK ONLY)

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Rambling Guest! I'm happy to Mia as a guest on my blog today! I have enjoyed following Mia for several months now. She's one of the first authors that I connected with once I started my book blog! Thanks for stopping by Mia - not only for the tour but to ramble with us a bit ^_^

How Many Lives Does an Author Live?

For a few years now I have felt like I have been living at least a triple life. I'm not sure what it is like for other authors but I am constantly trying to balance tasks from my separate lives. Even though I love what I do and wouldn't change it for the world when it comes to switching between identities, I feel like I have even more than James Bond!

There are three main identities that I live under:

1. Normal Me – Family Life, College, Friends etc.

2. Author – Writing, Characters, Promoting, Formatting, Blogging etc.

3. Reviewer – Reading, Reviewing, Blogging etc.

Even though these lives interlink and blend into one I feel that what I do in each is technically a separate part of me.

While I'm just me I'm talking about normal issues, getting dragged to places I don't want to be and spending time with my friends and family. This is probably my social side (well as social as I get anyway). I also have to go to college, which leaves me with a load of work and distracts me from my novels… I won't get into that right now though. This side of myself is easy to lose amongst the chaos in my head, especially when the writer in me takes over.

When I am living in my author's world, anything goes. I find it incredibly hard to switch off once I am in this place as my mind is constantly thinking about possible novels or what is going to happen next in a series. Also I prefer to blend into the background instead of being the centre of attention so I’m always observing my surroundings for things that could be good in a novel.

While I’m writing, I guess you could say I'm living my characters’ lives too as I am technically creating what happens, what they think or do. However there are other sides to this version of myself. Due to the fact I am self-published I have to do everything, so under the identity of author there is also; publicist, blogger, graphic designer, formatter (probably not the official title) and editor (although I do outsource for this too). This is probably the identity I live under most as I love all aspects of writing. However, because it's not a normal job where you'd leave for the day at 5pm, my work follows me wherever I go, which make it increasingly difficult to stop due to the ideas in my head.

Finally there is also the reviewer side of myself. When I am not writing I love relaxing with a good book and a hot chocolate. This side of me is probably the most distant though as I like to keep everything to do with reviewing separate from my work. As well as this, because I read so many books I guess you could say I am living or experiencing that character's life too as I follow them throughout the novel and get immersed in the story.

Overall I would say that authors lead hundreds of lives and it only grows with the amount of books they read and write. Sometimes it gets confusing and I find myself asking "OK who am I now?" but I wouldn't change it for anything. I enjoy every aspect of being an author and I'm only growing to become more certain that this is what I want to do. If all fails though, at least I'd have a career as a spy...

Thanks to Kayla for hosting me on her amazing blog, and remember to check out the rest of the tour stops found here: http://miahoddell.blogspot.co.uk/p/tour-schedule.html!

 

Spotlight & Giveaway: Arson & Ashes by Estevan Vega

 

 

Arson

Book 1
by Estevan Vega
YA Paranormal
First Published May 4, 2010

 

 

Synopsis via Goodreads:

 

ARSON GABLE FEELS LIKE A FREAK. HE CAN CREATE FIRE. HE NEVER ASKED FOR IT. HE NEVER WANTED IT. BUT HE CAN'T SHUT IT OFF.

Before now, three things were true: he both loved and despised his grandmother; his life was going nowhere; and he was alone. But when a strange girl--who feels more normal behind a mask than inside her own skin--moves in next door, Arson hopes to find something he's never had: purpose. After years of living in fear, he will be forced to confront his haunting past and embrace the unknown as he walks the fine line between boy and monster. Edgy, realistic, and breathtaking, Arson, the chilling chronicle of an isolated teenager with unimaginable ability, is set to ignite the hearts and minds of a new generation.

 

 

 

 

Ashes

Book 2

by Estevan Vega

Published September 11, 2011 by StoneGate Inc

 

 

 

Synopsis via Goodreads:

MORE THAN THREE MONTHS HAVE PASSED SINCE ARSON AND EMERY WERE SUDDENLY TAKEN. TAKEN AND THEN SEPARATED. AND EXPERIMENTED ON.

The minds running Salvation Asylum have abducted them for a dark purpose. A campaign has been set in motion to genetically alter mankind. Unknowingly, Arson has become the most vital instrument in this global scheme, initiated by a select group of brilliant scientists and cunning world leaders. Confused, trapped, and unable to fully manifest his abilities, Arson faces a new existence crawling with questions. Will he ever see Emery again? Is Grandma still alive? Can the fate of the human race really hang in the balance of one choice?

Nightmare and reality collide in Ashes, book two in the gripping ARSON trilogy. Love will be tested. Powers will shift. And the past will invade the here and now as Arson discovers a part of himself he has never before known and fights against his own shocking origins. Will this boy who once tempted fire be able to take on a fearful future? When the struggle intensifies and secrets come to light, will Arson be ready to accept the haunting revelation that there may be others out there, others like him?

Grab Your Copy: 

 

About the Author Per His Goodreads Profile:

I’m a writer. Well, technically an author, because they say that you magically become an author (i.e. true creative) if you’ve published something, and you’re a writer if you haven’t (you know those closet aspiring geniuses who just scribble stuff into notebooks and hide it from the world?). But I still call myself a writer. I’m one of 4 brothers. The middle son. I guess that’s supposed to make me uber weird and dysfunctional, but the jury’s still out on that one. I love mint chocolate chip ice cream. Like, really love it. Watching movies and going to rock shows are 2 of my favorite pastimes, and I am addicted to telling stories.

Connect with the Author:   Goodreads    Website   Twitter   Facebook

Excerpt from Ashes:

Arson’s abilities are gone. Since the terrible and powerful events of the first book, Arson has lost control of them. What’s worse is he’s been committed to an insane asylum called Salvation and is forced to undergo psychiatric therapy sessions with a certain Dr. Carraway, a doctor who is convinced that Arson is making up certain specific elements of his past and hell-bent on filling Arson’s head with things he believes are untrue.

Oh, and he’s been having dreams that contain memories that aren’t his. How much should Arson believe?

It sounded so simple coming out of somebody else’s mouth. But there didn’t seem to be any answers at all, only questions and equations with no values. Primes and confusion.

No absolutes. Another twenty minutes were spent toying with diagrams and complicated theorems that Dr. Carraway assured him had been covered in previous sessions.

“Have you completed the written assignment for today’s session, Stephen?” the doctor asked once they switched to English.

“Written assignment?”

“Yes, it was a writing prompt. I asked you to write about your dreams. What you recall specifically. Your grandmother, for instance, or your high school prom.”

Arson shrugged.“I didn’t go to prom.”

“So you remember? Good. That’s very good.”

Wait, how did he remember that? He thought back to that night, tried to remember what he did instead, but it was all hazy. Was he working? Hanging out with friends?

No, I don’t have any…except her.

“You look slightly nonplussed. That means confused, in case you didn’t know. Should be one of the vocabulary words I had you look into. But I’m guessing you didn’t complete that assignment, either.” Dr. Carraway sighed, making notes.

“Stephen, how do you expect to heal if you aren’t doing your part? There’s no reason your education should stop simply because you’re in here getting better.”

“Wait, stop this crap. Since when are you a teacher anyway, Doc? Just who are you!”

“Calm down, Stephen. I told you, I am your psychologist. I am also quite qualified to guide you through your basic studies. In addition to counseling you, I am your teacher, for the time being.”

“And how long is that going to be?”

“Well, I suppose that’s up to you. The overseers of this institution pay a lot of money to invest in the minds of those who need it. Play ball and they might let you go early. Your eighteenth birthday is approaching.”

“Wait. What month is it?”

“December. It’ll be Christmas in a few weeks.”

“How is that possible?”

“It begins here, Stephen.” The doctor nudged his index finger up against his forehead.“Once you realize this, the rest is cake.”

A short pause walked between them.

“Speaking of cake, why don’t we call it an afternoon? But I want those assignments, along with the reading, completed by the next time we meet. So keep busy.” The doctor signaled his guard to bring in a slice of cake. “I snuck one in for you. It was mine, but we’ll keep this our little secret.”

Arson’s face changed slightly. He nodded, slicing the fork through the moist triangle. “Your grandmother used to make carrot cake, didn’t she?”

Arson remembered the taste of something similar. His brain flashed pictures of one of his birthdays, when he was much younger. The bitter face Grandpa made when Grandma forced him to eat it, even though he didn’t want to. There weren’t kids around to celebrate, no party to speak of. He must’ve been four or something, but the image was so hazy, he couldn’t be sure.

The taste of this cake helped recreate the static images briefly.

“I think so,”Arson finally answered.

“Well, I wouldn’t dare compare your grandmother’s baking to this.” A grin climbed up the side of Carraway’s mouth, as he stood up. “But try to enjoy it. I’m not much of a cake person.”

Neither was Grandpa, Arson thought. He shoved another bite down his throat and took a sip of water. “Please tell me what happened to my grandmother, Dr. Carraway. I need to know,” he said sternly, eyes peeled and narrowed with anticipation.“How did she die?”

“I don’t think that’s something you’re ready to hear yet.”

“Please! Tell me.”

Dr. Carraway looked at the guard, an air of uncertainty mixed with deliberate pause. He placed his hands on his waist, locking eyes with Arson. “It was a fire. She was asleep, the police believe, when the house went up in smoke. I’ll spare you the details, but I’m afraid your grandmother didn’t make it out alive. In fact, there was nothing left of your home.”

Arson put his fork down. He suddenly felt very sick. A thick cloud hovered over his mind. He stared at the guard then back at the doctor. None of this was right. What kind of man would lie like that? Make up some kind of twisted story?

Was he toying with Arson’s emotions for the thrill of it? He couldn’t take this charade any longer. Enraged, Arson got up and grabbed Dr. Carraway by the throat. “Get me outta here!” he shouted. “I wanna see for myself.”

“Stephen, you’re choking me. I’m here to help you. Remember?” the doctor said calmly, face blistering red. “Let go of me!”

“No more lies! None of this makes any sense,” Arson said, his hands swelling hot around the doctor’s neck.

“It will,” the doctor struggled. “Your mind continues to remain unwilling…to accept…truth.”

“Liar!” Arson screamed, before everything suddenly went black.

Arson’s body thudded hard against the floor, unconscious.

“Thank you,”the doctor said, looking at the guard who had knocked his patient out. Gasping for air, he reached up to touch his throat. It stung. The skin was burned.

“No way,” the guard pointed out with big eyes. “Look at your neck. That little runt burned you.”

Carraway rubbed his throat one last time. It stung. “I think this afternoon’s session went slightly better than expected.” He grinned, torn between concern and unbelief. These sessions had no end in sight. He wondered how long the boy’s mind could take it all, if he could take it all.

The doctor reached down on the floor to grab his pen and notepad, staring one last time at the boy on the floor. “It seems the arson is back after all.”

***GIVEAWAY***

Grand Prize Includes:

Signed copy of Arson
Signed copy of Ashes
Custom Arson T-Shirt
E-books of Arson and Ashes (Nook or Kindle)
Custom Personalized letter from Estevan Vega telling you how classy you are ;)
$25 Amazon Gift Card
(US Only)

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