Great Summer Reads 2020, Day 8, with Cas Peace

Carpinello's Writing Pages presents Day 8 of Loving the Book's Great Summer Reads with fantasy writer Cas Peace. Cas is also a lover of animals of all kinds.

So Enjoy Day 8!

 

Cas lives in the lovely county of Hampshire, southern UK, where she was born. On leaving school she trained for two years before qualifying as horse-riding instructor. During this time she also learned to carriage-drive. She spent thirteen years in the British Civil Service before moving to Rome, Italy, where she and her husband, Dave, lived for three years. They enjoy returning whenever they can. Cas supports many animal charities and owns two rescue dogs. She has a large collection of cacti and loves gardening. She is also a folk singer/songwriter and is currently writing and recording nine folk-style songs to accompany each of her fantasy books. You can listen to and download all the songs from her website: www.caspeace.com 

See the video of her performing live at the King’s Envoy book launch here: http://www.caspeace.com/cas-peace/the-wheel-will-turn

 

~ Author Facebook ~

~ Facebook ~ Website ~

 ~ Blog ~ Amazon ~ Reverbnation ~

 

Taran Elijah’s quest for knowledge uncovers a plot that threatens the world...

Desperate to learn how to control his innate Artesan powers, Taran embarks on a foolhardy plan to acquire the teaching he craves. The military backlash his action unleashes forces Albia’s High King to send Major Sullyan as an envoy to the Fifth Realm. But a dark and treacherous power is moving through the realms and all will feel its influence.

Captured and tortured by the power-hungry Lord Rykan, Sullyan is trapped in Andaryon. Aided by the unlikeliest sources, the major formulates a plan to defeat Rykan and end his quest for the throne. But Sullyan’s strength is fading fast and time is running out. The only thing that can save her is Rykan’s mysterious Staff, which lies buried in the ruins of Taran’s cellar.

Sullyan’s lover, Robin Tamsen, sets out to recover the artefact, but the enemy is two steps ahead of him. If Robin fails to secure the Staff, Sullyan’s life, the Artesan craft, and the very existence of their world is under threat.

Review:

"Cas Peace's Artesans of Albia trilogy immediately sweeps you away:  the drama starts with King's Envoy, continues unabated in King's Champion, and climaxes in King's Artesan, yet each volume is complete, satisfying.  The Artesan series  propels you into a world so deftly written that you see, feel, touch, and even smell each twist and turn. These nesting novels are evocative, hauntingly real. Smart. Powerful. Compelling. The trilogy teems with finely drawn characters, heroes and villains and societies worth knowing; with stories so organic and yet iconic you know you've found another home—in Albia. So start reading now. I, for one, can't wait to find out what will happen next.

Janet E Morris: Bestselling Author of The Sacred Band of Stepsons series; the Dream Dancer series; I, the Sun; Outpassage; The Silistra Quartet;and editor of the Bangsian In Hell series. Famed contributor to the shared universe fantasy series, Thieves World.

 
     

~ Universal Amazon Link ~

  

Top Ten List:

1) Anthing to do with animals, especially dogs and horses. My favorite horse breed is the Friesian, which is why I put one in my novels. I also own two rescue dogs and support many animal charities.

2) Singing, especially folk-style songs. I also sing in my local church choir.

3) Chocolate!!

4) Dragons and (I have to admit!) unicorns. I have collected figurines and statues of dragons and unicorns since I was small and have a vast collection, some of which live outdoors. But I don’t like “twee”, only ones that look like they could be real.

5) Reading, especially fantasy and sci-fi.

6) Country walks.

7)All wildlife, especially butterflies. I used to breed and release UK varieties, and belong to the Butterfly Conservation Society.

8) Did I mention chocolate?

9) Spending time with family members.

10) Playing my bodhran (Irish drum). I can’t read music so decided to take up drumming instead! It’s fun and very theraputic.

To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event page 

Meet Fantasy Author Cas Peace

Cas lives in the lovely county of Hampshire, southern UK, where she was born. On leaving school she trained for two years before qualifying as horse-riding instructor. During this time she also learned to carriage-drive. She spent thirteen years in the British Civil Service before moving to Rome, Italy, where she and her husband, Dave, lived for three years. They enjoy returning whenever they can. Cas supports many animal charities and owns two rescue dogs. She has a large collection of cacti and loves gardening. She is also a folk singer/songwriter and is currently writing and recording nine folk-style songs to accompany each of her fantasy books. You can listen to and download all the songs from her website: www.caspeace.com 

See the video of her performing live at the King’s Envoy book launch here: http://www.caspeace.com/cas-peace/the-wheel-will-turn

~ Author Facebook ~

~ Facebook ~ Website ~


 ~ Blog ~ Amazon ~ Reverbnation ~

Taran Elijah's quest for knowledge uncovers a plot that threatens the world...

In Albia, the fourth realm, the precious Artesan gift is dying. Although born to the craft, Taran is struggling to achieve his potential. Against his friends' advice, he embarks on a foolhardy plan to acquire the teaching he craves. Alone, he crosses into Andaryon, the fifth realm, but instead of finding a mentor, he stumbles upon a treacherous plot.
 

In the wake of Taran's actions, Albia suffers a series of vicious raids. Major Sullyan of the High King's forces is sent to oppose them. But a dark and treacherous force is moving through the realms and both Taran and Sullyan will feel its power.

  
~ Universal Amazon Link ~ 

 

Snippet:

“Gods, but I’m a fool,” Taran groaned. Cal snorted and Taran glanced at him. “I wish I’d taken your advice. I never should have gone.”

Cal frowned and Taran paused before adding, “Cal, I killed someone.”

Cal’s dark eyes widened and he slumped to the bed, staring in disbelief. “How the hell did that happen?”

To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event page 

Writing Tips & Meet MG/YA Author Deirdra Eden

Before meeting our author, Carpinello's Writing Pages brings readers writing tips from authors interviewed early in 2018. As always, please share your writing tips in the comments.

Get your butt in that chair every day, and get used to staring at a blank page, consider time spent with the blank page well worth it; it’s an investment, it tells control central you’re serious about this writing thing. Copy a passage from a writer you admire, one that really rings your bell and reword it, improve upon it. Builds writing muscle

Carpinello's Writing Pages welcomes author Deirdra Eden. I met Deirdra when I was doing a blog tour for Guinevere: At the Dawn of Legend. I liked her books and wanted to introduce her to my readers. She writes middle grade and YA. Welcome, Deirdra!

First, a bit about Deirdra:

Deirdra has spent the last decade captivating audiences of all ages with her novels and fairy tales. She is also a Theological Historian and an artist. Her specialty is paranormal theology that delves into documented historical phenomenon and natural disasters of biblical proportions that entices indulgence of a fine line between fact and fantasy.

She is a Staff and Sword Fighter, Writing Coach, Public Speaker, Archer, and Survival Expert. Deirdra enjoys adventures, legends, and mythology. Deirdra loves adventures, all different kinds of people, kitties and unicorns.

Why did you pick to write books for middle grade and YA readers?

I’ve written a wide variety of genres for my own children as they grow up. I also think about my audience and what the purpose of my book is.

What types of books do you like to read?

I love all types of books. I read everything from children’s fairy tales to academics and scholarly books. I mostly enjoy books that I can learn something from.

 
When you are not writing, what do you like to do? 

I enjoy jousting in arenas, sword fighting and archery, planning invasions, and singing Celtic songs. I also like horseback riding, swimming in the ocean, hiking and camping, climbing trees barefoot, and going on adventures with my family. I love napping with my kitties.

Tell us about The Watchers, Knight of Light and how the story came to be.

The Watchers Series has been described as Braveheart meets Supernatural. The mythology for the series is based on many theological texts from dozens of sects with correlating themes. Ancient writings include the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Traditional Apocrypha, the Pearl of Great Price, and the Kabbalah. The Watchers are supernatural beings in human form whose duty it is to protect and guard mankind from the armies of darkness. Unfortunately, as the Book of Enoch mentions, some of these Watchers go bad.

It is written in a traditional fairy tale style with a young girl's discovery of incredible, but dangerous powers within herself, a cast of humorous side-kicks, a quest for greater self-discovery and purpose, and villains of epic proportions.

Here's a peek at Knight of Light, The Watchers:

In England, 1270 A.D., Aura flees her village after being accused of witchcraft and sentenced to death. Pursued by creatures of darkness, she struggles to accept the truth about her humanity and choose what side of an eternal war she will fight. Filled with fairies, dwarves, pixies, dragons, and epic villains, Knight of Light is an enthralling tale that will capture the imaginations of readers young and old.

Have you written other books? If so, tell us a bit about them.

Yes. This is a seven book series and the first three are already out. In addition to Knight of Light, book 2, Hidden Fire and book 3, Flood and Fire. are also available.

What’s next for your writing? Are you working on a new story?

Yes, I am finishing The Watchers series and working on a few surprise projects.

What advice do you have for other authors?
 
Here is some advice I wish someone would have given me MANY years ago when I first started in the publishing industry.

• Don't publish the first thing you write. Think of your first book as practice or a prototype book. Your writing skills will change and improve as your practice and learn new techniques. Develop your writing, edit and take the time to create something truly professional before you put it out there for the world to see.

• Learn to be business minded. Whether you go through a publisher or self-publish, learn to be a smart business person. Learn about contracts, learn how and what to invest in and learn to advertise and market.

• Join a critique group. I can't even tell you how valuable advice is from someone else besides your friends and parents. Not only can they help you hone your skills, but they can offer advice on the literary business.

• Support other authors. My book manager, Laura Watkins, says, "Books are a consumable." With this in mind, don't view other authors as competition, but a allies. For more on this, see her article here: http://lauralynnwatkins.weebly.com/home/turning-rivalry-into-sales.

• Watch out for people and publishers looking to take advantage of authors who are desperate to get published.

Anything else you want readers to know?

Always have hope. Fight for your dreams, and never give up.

Where can readers find you and your books?

My website

My books on Amazon 



This interview is also listed on Booktastic Link it up Thursday.

Eggcerpt Exchange: Shocking Finds by Tracey Clark

Beware of Shocking Finds, an older YA/NewAdult novel by Tracey Clark, on the 2016 #Eggcerpt Exchange.  Not typical of the stories you find here, but the YA genre is growing up fast.

First, a bit about Tracey:

I am a country-twang gal from the bluegrass state. Kentucky is a hot bed of horses, cave systems, and whiskey. And I love all three. With my pugs and bossy kitty cat, I spend my days writing and working social media. I write with the help of the voices pushing me to create worlds for them to live in. Fantasy Romance, Contemporary Romance, and eventually some cowboys (because cowboys live in a group all their own, yummmm)… These are the genres that I love best. Oil paints, crafts, dealing with Multiple Sclerosis, and writing into the dead of night… this I my life!!!

 

Now, for a peek at Shocking Finds:

An act of rebellion, Marin doesn't think that running into the new store in town will hurt anything. Her aunt will never know... right? One car wreck later, her aunt is hospitalized, Marin is forced to spend her twenty-first birthday fighting for her life, and magic - the very thing her aunt has always sworn to be for fools - is real. And so is the irresistible Fae dedicated to Marin's protection.

Kyland has searched Earth-side and all the other realms, looking for a missing Fae child. A child his Queen prophesied would be able to one day save the Fae people from the Danshue, as the evil Fae threat tries to overwhelm the entire Supernatural Community. A child that would know nothing of her blocked gifts, or her Fae heritage waiting to be claimed. A child that has grown into a curvy, delicious morsel he would love to taste

Together Marin and Kyland will fight Fae assassins, overcome betrayals, and if they're lucky ... they will find the Danshue responsible for their plight. That's if Marin doesn't shock him to death with her erratic new gift, and her out of control emotions.

Ready to Sample? Here you go:

Excerpt: (from chapter two Shocking Finds)

Marin needed answers. Like why had they been targeted? The parking lot hadn’t exactly been lacking for vehicular violence victim contenders. There had been a group of at least four women, standing by their cars, chatting. If there was a target more deserving of vehicular rage, it had definitely been that group of women. They had finished shopping, and courtesy demanded that their parking spots were to be relinquished as soon as possible. Why not them? 
 
The man—and Marin was only guessing that the driver was a man—had bypassed those without parking lot etiquette and zeroed in on Lindal. If she had continued her slow progress through the parking lot, would Marin be in this horrible room with its beeping monitors and bleached air instead of Lindal. 
 
Staring down at her aunt’s unmoving form, Marin tried to find a place to rest her hand. She needed to touch her. She needed to know that the only person willing to take her in, after the death of her mother, was really here and still alive.
 
“They will find him, Lindal. He won't get away with this,” Marin made her vow as quietly as possible, not wanting to disturb Lindal's recovery.

Glancing up to keep tears from falling from her eyes, Marin noticed something swinging off of Lindal's oxygen line. “What the...” It looked like a Barbie doll with wings, perhaps six inches tall. The odd little creature wore a loin cloth and sported some overly obvious male attributes. Was it wrong to be checking out the abs of someone no larger than a child’s toy?
 
His arms tugged and his muscles bunched as he attempted to make a knot in Lindal's oxygen line. His silver skin tone went beautifully with his tri-colored wings— a mix of light purple, maroon, and gold. The little man didn't seem to realize that Marin was staring at him. 
 
“Stop,” Marin shouted. Dammit, this was a hospital. She needed to lower her voice. She also needed to go upstairs to the psych ward. Head trauma, shock, or hallucinations...something wasn’t right. If she told Lindal about this, her aunt would call her every kind of fool. 
 
Hallucination or not, she grabbed the little man by the wings, pulled him from Lindal’s oxygen line, and tried to speak more calmly. “What do you think you’re doing?”
 
She finally had her figment’s attention. A striking, though small, pair of lavender eyes glared at her through overly long sandy brown bangs. On closer inspection, she could see that his hair was actually multicolored. It seemed to go from crystal white sand to bronzed gold.
 
“Well, answer me. What do you think you're doing?”
 
“Waiting for you, of course.”
 
“What are you?” She was losing it. The buzzing in her temples was increasing. And she was now speaking to a figment of her imagination. Yep, she needed to be medicated. 
 
The creature put its tiny fists on narrow hips. “A Sprite, of course. Don't you know anything? I have my work cut out for me.” Now she was being insulted by her imagination. Great.
 
“Nope. Too Much,” Marin said and tossed the little man with wings out of the hospital window. She needed coffee. Either that or a large dose of Thorazine. Maybe both.


Where to Find Tracey and her books:

Author Page (Main)
Goodreads Author Page
MS Page
Facebook Author Page
Twitter Page


Amazon  
Barnes & Noble
Kobo
Indigo
Smashwords
 

Meet Childrens/MG Author Peggy McAloon

Carpinello's Writing Pages welcomes author Peggy McAloon whose stories deal with an element of life all of us would like to see vanish: child abuse.

First, a bit about Peggy:


Peggy McAloon was Sales Manager for a Century21 installation in Minnesota until a debilitating car accident forced her to give up the dream of owning the business in 1978. She went into the field of commercial credit and eventually became a recognized trainer, speaker, and author. She is retired, but still works passionately for children’s rights and water conservation and protection.
She published”The Art of Business Credit Investigation” in the ‘80’s and “Elle Burton and the Reflective Portals” in 2014.

Why did you pick to write books for children/MG?

The abuse of my childhood broke my spirit, and yet it inspired me to champion children’s rights. In addition to the abuse, I also became victimized by the bullies at school who saw an easy target in a child already completely victimized. I recognized early in life kids are easily hurt and need someone to convince them to get help when they’re in trouble. I am also painfully aware of the methods used when children are threatened not to seek help or are otherwise too afraid to ask someone to help them.
 

So, I decided to write a fantasy about a young role model who could inspire and encourage kids to stand up to the social injustices they face daily (abuse, bullying, loss, etc.). To do that successfully, I decided to draw on my love of reading. As a child, I discovered I could escape the pain and suffering of the real world by losing myself in the characters in the books I so dearly loved. The most surprising part of this journey has been the women who have discovered the book and shared their stories of abuse with me after reading it.

What types of books do you like to read?

I tend to be an “evolving” reader. When I was young, I much preferred fantasy and adventure. As a young mother, I became lost in mystery books. I’ve been branching out into historical, self-help, and I tend to pick up and reread the classics I read earlier in life. I still lean heavily toward a good mystery or action story and tend to weave that in my writing.
 
My biggest regret today is that I never knew how important reviews were for authors. I’ve kept a list of the hundreds of books I’ve read over the past 15 years, and I plan to try to make sure I eventually write a review for each and every one.

When you are not writing, what do you like to do?

I love traveling with my husband and spending special time with the kids and grandkids. You will frequently find me dabbling in photography and pursuing my interest in art. I love to play with the two little rescue dogs who hang out beside me as I write. I’ve won several awards for my watercolors, and I currently belong to three art groups (two in Wisconsin and one in Mississippi). I received the National Conservation Award from the Daughters of the American Revolution a little over a year ago. I earned the award for my efforts in protecting our ground and surface waters for not only our safe use, but for future generations.

Tell us about Elle Burton and the Reflective Portals and how the story came to be.

Elle Burton is an ordinary kid. Very much like you and I were when we were small. I needed her to be smart, but still have the flaws other children have. I decided to include an element of magic and fantasy to keep kids engaged in the story.

Elle journeys from this world into another dimension through reflective portals where creatures called Fiorins have a special link to all human life.  She learns the remarkable creatures chose her as a guide to help them, and it seems like the opportunity of a lifetime. Elle has always loved helping others, and now she’ll have magical assistance. There are evil forces in the book too, just like there are in real life that do everything in their power to keep the guides from offering support to those in need.

The book will keep young minds engaged as they travel with Elle to Fiori to discover magical foot lockers, spider elevators, and the beloved Pegasus. Her journey on the crusade to protect the world’s children will help inspire kids to help peers who are being bullied or abused or seek help themselves. Elle’s a modern-day role model who embodies everything that is good in this world.

Here's a peek at Elle Burton and the Reflective Portals:

Elle Burton is an ordinary kid…or so she thinks. On her tenth birthday she encounters Eunie Mae, a tiny, fairylike being who comes from a world called Fiori. Other than some children under the age of eight, the only human beings who can see Fiorins are guides—people who have been chosen to help protect the children of Earth.

Being a guide seems like the opportunity of a lifetime. Elle has always loved helping others, and now she’ll have magical assistance. But not everybody wants her to succeed. There are evil forces that do everything in their power to keep the guides from offering support to those in need.

Join her as she enlists the Fiorin warrior Amadeus and others to help her protect the human children against bullying and physical abuse. The children at risk Elle encounters are dependent on her decisions and quick responses. Traveling to Fiori, she discovers magical foot lockers, spider elevators, and the beloved Pegasus. She is a modern-day role model who embodies everything that is good in this world, but will she be strong enough to combat the problems children face in the 21st Century?

Have you written other books? If so, tell us a bit about them.

I have written for newspapers and magazines for years. I have also been the editor of several newsletters for organizations throughout the years. The first book I published was a resource guide for commercial credit managers called The Art of Business Credit Investigation back in the 80’s. Between family, civic, and business responsibilities I couldn’t find the time to write a complete novel until after retirement. I have two more full-length novels in various stages of editing, and a third is in the early stages of writing. My short stories appear in two anthologies: An Anthology of Modern Fairy Tales #1: 10 Original Tales About Wishful Happy Endings to Real Life Experiences and So What Do You Do: Discovering the Genius Next Door with One Simple Question, Volume 2.

I am currently working on the final edit of Missing, the second book in the Lessons from Fiori series. This book continues Elle Burton’s story in this ‘Coming of Age’ adventure. I've also completed the first draft of Secrets of the Lake, a murder mystery.

What’s next for your writing? Are you working on a new story?

Elle’s journey will continue as she grows into an adult. The first two books in the series have set the foundation, but human guides continue to help the winged creatures through adulthood. I know exactly how the series will end, but I continue to discover things about Elle as the books proceed. She currently appeals to kids 8+, but I’ve already discovered she also appeals to Mom’s and Grandmothers. I expect as she continues to mature, she will begin to appeal to teens as well. 

What advice do you have for other authors?

Make certain you begin marketing long before the book is ready for publication. Ask for references for anyone you choose to help you on the journey. I self-published the book in the 80’s and had no problems. That book was highly successful in its niche, and I considered it a great success – I knew the industry!
 
A novel was something quite different. I hired people to help me bring it to print and market it. Some have disappointed, and some have conned me. I now understand this is a business like any business. Don’t sign a check or send a payment without a signed contract to protect you. Don’t send anyone money without references. Make sure some of those references don’t come directly from the vendor you are checking out. Just remember, every con artist has at least three references who will give them a glowing report, so ask for more than three!
 
I’ve read some incredibly good books and some which are not as great. Editing is not an option. It is an integral part of any successful book. Seek out recommendations and make certain you are working with professionals.

Anything else you want readers to know?

I have written this fantasy series to encourage kids to find someone to talk to if they are being hurt in any way. Elle Burton is far from perfect, but she can teach your child how to remain calm and have the courage to find help when necessary. Unfortunately, the majority of child victims know the person who mistreats them. Ask your children frequently if anyone has made them uncomfortable or has hurt them. Let them know that no one has a right to make them feel bad and believe them even if the answer rocks your world.

My desire to create a role model strong enough to combat the problems children face in the 21st Century was a direct result of the terror I experienced as a child. Before the book was released, I worked with Catherine Gruener, a child counselor to prepare a discussion sheet for parents to help them discuss some of the issues kids in the book face. It is always easier to talk about problems and solutions using fictional characters. Catherine AZ Gruener is the founder and owner of Gruener Consulting, LLC, a premier education program provider offering solutions to both parents and educators. Through its unique workshops and services for gifted children, and positive discipline parent classes and seminars. The discussion sheet is at http://peggymcaloon.com under the Books, Reviews, and Publicity Tab. (Here is a direct link to it: http://peggymcaloon.com/wp-content/uploads/C.Gruener.2014.Elle-Burton-and-the-Reflective-Portals-Discussion-Sheet.pdf).

Where can readers find you and your books?

Website  - There are additional interview links under the “Books” tab
Pinterest
Twitter
Facebook Author Page
Amazon (Paperback, Kindle, & Audible editions)  
Click here to listen to an excerpt
Barnes & Noble (Paperback & ebook)
Apple iTunes 

68th Kid Lit Blog Hop, Author Interviews, and Children's Rights

Welcome to the 68th Kid Lit Blog Hop where we continue to develop a dynamic and engaged community of children's books bloggers, authors, publishers, and publicists.

On this Hop, Carpinello's Writing Pages interviews

YA author
M. M. Roethig
and
Childrens/MG author
Peggy McAloon,
Champion for Children's Rights

You are always more than welcome to join us by popping in a post and hopping around to meet some of your fellow Kid Lit bloggers and authors!

Hostesses:

Mother Daughter Book Reviews

Julie Grasso, Author/ Blogger

Cheryl Carpinello, Author / Blogger

BeachBoundBooks

Pragmatic Mom

Reading Authors

The Logonauts

Spark and Pook

Music Teaching and Parenting

Happy Hopping everyone and enjoy the Hop!

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Kid Lit Blog Hop Rules *Please Read*

1. Link up any Kid Lit related post in the Kid Lit Blog Hop. This can be a link to a children’s book review, a discussion about children’s literature/literacy, or a post on a recently-read children’s book or one that you love from your childhood.

* Don't link directly to your blog, it must be a specific post.*

* For Authors, we prefer you to link to your blog if you have one. Please link unique posts each time ~ no repeats please. *

* Make sure you include an image relevant to the POST (e.g., book cover), not your blog button or photo of yourself.*

* Feel free to link more than one post.*

2. Please visit AT LEAST the TWO LINKS from the Kid Lit Blog Hop directly ahead of your own and leave them some love in the form of a comment. We are trying to build a community of bloggers, readers, parents, authors, and others who are as passionate about children’s literature as we are so please CONNECT and follow any or all of the blogs that interest you! 3. If you like, grab the button above and put it somewhere on your blog, preferably the post you're linking up. If you'd prefer, you can just add a text link back to this Hop so that others can find it and check out all these great book links! 4. It would really help us get the word out about the Kid Lit Blog Hop if you would be so kind as to tweet, share, and spread the word about the Hop!

Happy Hopping!

 

KID LIT BLOG HOP

Meet YA Author M. M. Roethig

Carpinello's Writing Pages welcomes fellow Colorado author M. M. (Michelle) Roethig. She writes for YA.

First, a bit about Michelle:

I’m a 'happily-ever-after' author whose guilty pleasure is a swoon-worthy romance. Growing up, I spent my youth on various Air Force bases in many different states, which I credit with fueling my imagination and love of make-believe stories with each new city, scenery, and situation. Finally settling in Idaho, I finished my schooling years and eventually started a family. Two years ago, our family made the move to Northern Colorado, which we’ve quickly embraced as our home.

My debut novel Raine was a result of a short story competition held by Creative Prose Publishing. Elemental Princess was awarded second place in the competition and published in their Beginnings Anthology. Raine is the sequel, which subsequently was in the works for five years before Elemental Princess was written.




Why did you pick to write books for Young Adults?

Raine was written over a five year stretch when I was reading several YA books with my girls. I originally wanted to write something they would be proud to read as young women. They are much older now; however, I continue to enjoy writing books young people can read and embrace.

What types of books do you like to read?

I love reading all genres, but my guilty pleasure is a swoon-worthy romance. Not erotica, but the sweet romance that gives you the first time butterflies in your stomach and makes you feel lighter. I also love a happy-ever-after ending.

When you are not writing, what do you like to do?

I love spending time with my family and friends. Activities we enjoy include Frisbee golf, BBQs, going to the zoo or aquarium, visiting new eateries, going for walks or bikes rides, or attending movies. I LOVE movies, sometimes going by myself.

Tell us about Raine and how the story came to be.

Raine came to me while cleaning my yard after a large thunderstorm rolled through. The area was a mess, especially the fire-pit on the patio. I was sifting through the water to find a way to drain it when an image of a young girl controlling the water filtered through my brain.

Here a peek at Raine:

Starting her senior year of high school, Raine Patterson is content with being invisible. That is, until the mysteriously handsome Kaden transfers in and turns her world upside down. Drawn to him in ways she can’t understand, Raine finds herself falling for him, regardless of his harsh stares and mixed signals. When she discovers a hidden ability to control the elements, she finds herself the target of a madman, and Kaden is the only one who can help her. Can she trust him?



Kaden Williams has hated Elementals from the time he lost his father to them as a young boy. Chosen to protect Elementals, Kaden turned his back on his duty, swearing to rid the world of them instead. Meeting Raine was no accident, but his feelings for her throw him into turmoil and threaten to change the way he feels about Elementals. When Raine becomes the target of an unknown aggressor, Kaden is forced to decide which path he will follow. 


As the struggle for knowledge unfolds and the beginning of a pending war looms closer, Raine and Kaden must lean on each other to discover the truth and survive.

Have you written other books? If so, tell us a bit about them.

My other published works consist of short stories.
•    Elemental Princess is the prequel to Raine and was written for my niece Kaesen. Her mother was battling breast cancer at the time. Being so far away, I couldn’t help the family physically, so I wrote her a story to bring a little cheer to her life. Elemental Princess took second place in a writing contest, and was published in 2014
•    Reflections is a short story about a young girl Meredith who loves to hear the story of how her parent’s met. While Meredith listens intently, she is unaware of the struggle her parents face as her mother battles cancer. This story was also a writing contest winner and was published in February 2014.
•    Perfect Proposal is published in Summer Dreams Anthology. Anne is looking forward to a wonderful night with Jason, but simple misunderstanding might tear their world apart.

What’s next for your writing? Are you working on a new story?

Dangerous Obsession is my current work-in-progress which is set to publish later this year. The story follows Chloe, a dancer with the LA Lakers, who becomes the obsession of a stalker, and Eric, a recently divorce, wounded soldier whose sworn off women for good.  The more time they spend together, the harder it is to resist their growing attraction, all the while trying to keep Chloe safe from her unknown stalker

I am also working on Autumn, the sequel to Raine.

What advice do you have for other authors?

Keep writing. There will be moments that you want to give up, moments when frustration overwhelms you, but keep writing. You have a story the world needs to hear, and only you can tell it.

Anything else you want readers to know?

I love vanilla ice-cream!

Where can readers find you and your books?

Website * Facebook  * Twitter * Instagram * Pinterest *  Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo * Intera * Scribd