Quote of the Day

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Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.

~ Helen Keller

Interview with Vanessa Barger, author of A Whispered Darkness, and Giveaway!

Today, I'm very happy to have the wonderful Vanessa Barger, the author of A Whispered Darkness, stop by for an interview.

ABOUT A WHISPERED DARKNESS:

Title: A Whispered Darkness

Publication date: August 26, 2014

Publisher: Month9Books, LLC.

Author: Vanessa Barger

When Claire Mallory’s father leaves, her mom moves them to a new town and into a dilapidated Victorian house.

The old house creaks and whistles, and smells well — like it’s been abandoned for years. But as the nights grow longer and the shadows take on substance, Claire wonders if the strange sounds and occurrences might be more than the house showing its age.

Just as things start to pick up in Claire’s love life, her mother becomes possessed. In an attempt to save her mother and their new home, Claire enlists the help of two boys, each of whom is interested in Claire for different reasons. As she chooses one boy over the other, something dangerous is unleashed, and the spirits make their move.

They aren’t content to moan and scream inside Claire’s house, or even control her mom. They want a taste of freedom, and she’s their key to getting it. But is Claire strong enough to fight off the evil spirits, or will they claim her and her mom before it’s all over?

Link to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20657721-a-whispered-darkness?from_search=true

Purchase Links:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Chapters Indigo! | TBD | IndieBound

Interview with Vanessa Barger

Welcome, Vanessa. So happy to have you here!

     What was your inspiration for writing A Whispered Darkness?

I was watching one of those ghost shows on the Syfy channel – I think it was Paranormal Witness – and the homeowner discovers that the house was used as a mental hospital. It all started there and then spiraled out into its own thing. I love those shows. Most of the time they’re overhyped and ridiculous, but they are entertaining.

Possession is an interesting topic. Do you believe in real-life possession?

I believe that there are a great many things that can’t be explained. I believe in ghosts and such. I even think I’ve seen a few. Possession is different. I’m not sure, so I guess I’m skeptical but not willing to say no. The world is so much more than what we think we know.

What makes the heroine, Claire Mallory, different and unique?

I think she’s different because she knows what she is and yet still doesn’t really know how to come to terms with herself. The book isn’t so much about finding out who she is – she kind of knows that to a certain extent – it’s about learning to be okay with that, after having some pretty awful experiences happen. I also think her relationships with others make her unique. I love the relationship between Claire and Grant. They aren’t at each other’s throats or ignoring each other. They are what each other has left and their friends. It isn’t something you see often in fiction.

     What is your favorite genre to read?

Young Adult. I love YA. I’m not such a huge fan of contemporary, but if its intriguing enough, I’ll give it a try. (I teach in a high school. I get all the contemporary drama I need there!) Otherwise, I’ll read any YA. I also really enjoy travel essay novels. And historicals. And…. Oh, I love books. Let’s just go with that.

     I’m always interested in author’s writing process, so it’s a question I ask often. What is your writing process like?

     I wish I could tell you I have it all mapped out. But to be honest, it’s kind of in upheaval right now. I recently got married and moved. No one tells you that living with a boy changes things! They want to talk to you and watch TV or go out and do stuff and eat dinner at a table… For the moment, I still carry around my writing journal, and I try to write in the evenings after work and on the weekends when I can. I’m working on coming up with a real system, and it might even involve getting up really early. *gulp* so I can have regular writing time every day like I want.

      If you could have your ideal writing space, what would it be like?

I have this all picked out. I want a small room, either a sunroom off of the house, or a modified shed looking out onto yard/woods with lots of windows on two walls and bookcases on the other. I want a huge wood desk, with enough space for a computer area and a not computer area. And a cushy couch/armchair for visitors and/or procrastination. That’s not hard, right? lol

     You education is so diverse. I love that you minored in Medieval and Renaissance Literature! Do you like reading historical fiction? And what is your favorite period in history?

I really enjoy historical fiction. My absolute favorite period is Tudor England/medieval/renaissance. Seriously. If you tell me it’s set in Henry VIII’s court, I’ll read it, no matter what it is. I also really enjoy ancient Egypt and Revolutionary War era stuff (which is harder to find something I enjoy in, actually).

Rapid questions:

Coffee or tea? Tea.

Europe or a Tropical Island for vaca? Ooo… that’s hard. Tropics are fun, but let’s go Europe. More castles.

3 Favorite books:

This is a killer question! These change all the time, but the first two are pretty constant.

Lord of the Rings by Tolkien
Jane Eyre by Bronte
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Thanks for having me!!!

ABOUT VANESSA BARGER:

Vanessa Barger was born in West Virginia, and through several moves ended up spending the majority of her life in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She is a graduate of George Mason University and Old Dominion University, and has degrees in Graphic Design, a minor in Medieval and Renaissance Literature, and a Masters in Technology Education. She has had articles published in Altered Arts Magazine, has had some artwork displayed in galleries in Ohio and online, and currently teaches engineering, practical physics, drafting and other technological things to high school students in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. She is a member of the SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) and the Virginia Writer's Club. When not writing or teaching, she’s a bookaholic, movie fanatic, and loves to travel. She has one cat, who believes Vanessa lives only to open cat food cans, and can often be found baking when she should be editing.

Author Links:  Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Click on the Tour Banner to get Vanessa's full Blog Tour schedule, and don't forget to enter the giveaway below!

Giveaway Information: Winner will be drawn September 26, 2014 · Four (4) winners will receive a digital copy of A Whispered Darkness by Vanessa Barger (INT) · One (1) winner will receive a digital copy of A Whispered Darkness by Vanessa Barger AND a $10 Amazon Gift Card or B&N Gift Card – Winner’s Choice (INT)

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Quote of the Day

(credit: Yelena Casale)

Wisdom begins in wonder.

~ Socrates

Cover Reveal: VESSEL by Lisa T. Cresswell and Giveaway

Welcome to the Cover Reveal for

VESSEL by Lisa T. Cresswell

presented by Month9Books!

Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!

The sun exploded on On April 18, 2112 in a Class X solar storm the likes of which humankind had never seen.

They had exactly nineteen minutes to decide what to do next.

They had nineteen minutes until a geomagnetic wave washed over the Earth, frying every electrical device created by humans, blacking out entire continents, and every satellite in their sky.

Nineteen minutes to say goodbye to the world they knew, forever, and to prepare for a new Earth, a new Sun.

Generations after solar storms destroyed nearly all human technology on Earth, humans reverted to a middle ages-like existence, books are burned as heresy, and all knowledge of the remaining technology is kept hidden by a privileged few called the Reticents.

Alana, a disfigured slave girl, and Recks, a traveling minstrel and sometimes-thief, join forces to bring knowledge and books back to the human race. But when Alana is chosen against her will to be the Vessel, the living repository for all human knowledge, she must find the strength to be what the world needs even if it's the last thing she wants.

Title: Vessel
Publication date: May 2015

Publisher: Month9Books, LLC.
Author: Lisa T. Cresswell

Lisa, like most writers, began scribbling silly notes, stories, and poems at a very young age. Born in North Carolina, the South proved fertile ground to her imagination with its beautiful white sand beaches and red earth. In fifth grade, she wrote, directed and starred in a play "The Queen of the Nile" at school, despite the fact that she is decidedly un-Egyptian looking. Perhaps that's why she went on to become a real life archaeologist?

Unexpectedly transplanted to Idaho as a teenager, Lisa learned to love the desert and the wide open skies out West. This is where her interest in cultures, both ancient and living, really took root, and she became a Great Basin archaeologist. However, the itch to write never did leave for long. Her first books became the middle grade fantasy trilogy, The Storyteller Series. Her first traditionally published work, Hush Puppy, is now available from Featherweight Press.

Lisa still lives in Idaho with her family and a menagerie of furry critters that includes way too many llamas!

Connect with the Author: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Complete the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win!

(Winners will receive their book on release day)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Love Is...Anthology Is Out Today!

Love to read romance? How about lots of romance in one place?

It is very exciting to announce that the Love Is...charity Anthology, containing 40 short stories of love and romance from 40 authors, is celebrating its book birthday today! The anthology includes a short story in the A Touch of Darkness universe by Tina Moss and myself, called Embracing Darkness. We hope you enjoy!

All proceeds from the anthology go toward a wonderful literacy charity called Reach out and Read (an early literacy program by medical providers). Hurry to get your copy today for the low price of $0.99!

Available at the following eBook locations:

Amazon

Nook

Kobo

iBooks

Quote of the Day

To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter... to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird's nest or a wildflower in spring — these are some of the rewards of the simple life.”

― John Burroughs, Leaf and Tendril

Base Branch Series by Megan Mitcham - Cover Reveal

Today, we present the cover reveal for a series - 3 novels: Enemy Mine, Justice Mine and Stranger Mine by Megan Mitcham

 


BOOK & AUTHOR INFO:

Base Branch Series (Enemy Mine, Justice Mine, Stranger Mine) by Megan Mitcham
Publication date: October 2014
Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense

Synopsis:

THE BASE BRANCH SERIES BY MEGAN MITCHAM

Serve in the name of honor. Battle in the name of love.

Known by few as the Base Branch, the United Nations’ Special Operations Forces provide globe defense against any who threaten the fragile balance of peace.

–

ENEMY MINE
When friends become enemies and enemies become lovers.

Born in the blood of Sierra Leone’s Civil War, enslaved, then sold to the US as an orphan, Base Branch operative, Sloan Harris is emotionally dead and driven by vengeance. With no soul to give, her body becomes the bargaining chip to infiltrate a warlord’s inner circle, the man called The Devil who killed her family and helped destroy a region.

As son of the warlord, Baine Kendrick will happily use Sloan’s body, if it expedites his father’s demise. Yet, he is wholly unprepared for the possessive and protective emotions she provokes. Maybe it’s the flashes of memory. Two forgotten children drawing in the dirt beneath the boabab tree. But he fears there is more at stake than his life.

In the Devil’s den with Baine by her side, Sloan braves certain death and discovers a spirit for living.

JUSTICE MINE
For justice. For country. For love.

STRANGER MINE

One takes control. One finds balance in letting go.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22710047-enemy-mine

AUTHOR BIO

Megan was born and raised among the live oaks and shrimp boats of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, where her enormous family still calls home. She attended college at the University of Southern Mississippi where she received a bachelor's degree in curriculum, instruction, and special education. For several years Megan worked as a teacher in Mississippi. She married and moved to South Carolina and began working for an international non-profit organization as an instructor and co-director.

In 2009 Megan fell in love with books. Until then, books had been a source for research or the topic of tests. But one day she read Mercy by Julie Garwood. And Oh Mercy, she was hooked!

Megan lives in Southern Arkansas where she pens heart pounding romantic thriller novels and window steaming erotic romance. 

Author links:

http://www.meganmitcham.com/

https://www.facebook.com/meganmitchamauthor

https://twitter.com/MeganMMMitcham

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6552758.Megan_Mitcham