Author Spotlight - Nike Chillemi talks about her passion for writing crime/romantic suspense

Without getting too philosophical, long ago I discovered the murder mystery genre originated in the Christian west. From the very beginning murder mysteries, who-dun-its, and detective stories have been about the fight between good and evil. The history of the murder mystery has been that of solving a moral dilemma (a deadly crime) -- and the guilty party, no matter how smart or cunning, is caught and punished.

Mostly I read hard-boiled mysteries, where the villains are indeed vile. Many call this noir fiction because of it's darkness. I think an author can go over the top with darkness and it can get, as my daughter would say, creepy. There has to be a balance.
I try to make my heroines and heroes into capable, three-dimensional characters, who are not dummies. I want my main characters to show some brainpower and have the ability to deal with different situations. They need a worthy opponent for a bad guy who's really bad. Otherwise, Barney Fife could solve the crime. My villains are serious contenders, often demented, always shrewd.

In my debut novel, BURNING HEARTS, the most difficult character to craft was Erica Brogna, my heroine. I had to make her spunky, capable, smart, obstinate, and determined enough to have her go after a truly demented killer. She's the youngest of my three heroines in the Sanctuary Point series, so she also had to be cute, vulnerable, and sweet. She also had to be independent enough to get into trouble, yet be able to love and depend on others, especially that hunk of a hero I created for her, Lorne Kincade.

I present pretty heinous crimes in my novels, but what I'm trying to get across is that Love, with a capital "L" always wins. There is a love imbued in the human soul that comes from God. It makes people better than what they are, makes them capable of doing greater things than they can do. It's this Love that triumphs over evil. All people are capable of feeling and acting on this type of love, but the closer in relationship we come to God, the more we are able to Love as He does.

Purchase links…
Desert Breeze. http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-167/Nike-Chillemi-Sanctuary-Point/Detail.bok
Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Sanctuary-Point-Book-One-ebook/dp/B0050PJSTY/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1

Barnes & Nobel. http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Sanctuary-Point-Book-One/Nike-Chillemi/e/2940012411747/?itm=1&USRI=nike+chillemi

Author Spotlight Week - Q&A with Nike Chillemi

STEPH: I don't know much about Burning Hearts. Can you tell me a little more about it?

NIKE: OK, let's see. I think if I give you a short synopsis that might help…
BURNING HEARTS (arson/murder, action, and romance in equal measure)
 
Can a sheltered young seamstress, disillusioned by the horrors of WWII, escape an arsonist/murderer who has killed her employer and mentor, while trying to decide if she can trust the dashing war hero who’s ridden into town on his Harley—who some say is the murderer?

Erica Brogna’s parents doted on her and taught her to think for herself. Many boys she grew up with have fallen in the war, shaking her childhood faith. In rides a handsome stranger, at the hour of her most desperate need. A woman who is her best friend and mentor is trapped in a burning house. After making an unsuccessful rescue attempt, Erica stands by as this man rushes into the inferno and carries her friend’s lifeless body out.

Lorne Kincade can’t out run his past on his Harley Davidson WLA, the civilian model of the motorcycle he rode in the war. He’s tried. He’s been a vagabond biker in the year since the war ended. His Uncle Ivar bequeathed him a ramshackle cottage in Sanctuary Point, on the Great South Bay of Long Island, NY and now he’d like to hope for a future again, repair the miniscule place, and settle down. The only problem is, a young woman with hair the color of mink is starting to get under his skin and that’s the last thing he needs.

 
STEPH: How long did it take to write?

NIKE: I started writing seriously for publication four and a half, five years ago. Didn't know what I was doing. I bumped into Steeple Hill (now Love Inspired) authors Cheryl Wyatt, Margaret Daley, and Janet Tronstad among others and they cheered me on, tirelessly. First I wrote a really, really bad novel which I keep around for laughs. I started work on BURNING HEARTS two years ago. It's been an interesting journey.


STEPH: Did you do a lot of research for the novel?

NIKE: I researched everything from 1940s fashion and the women's hairstyles to the make and models of cars they drove to the brand of washing machine. Erica's mom had, a Bendix, by the way. I learned Lorne's the motorcycle back in the states, a Harley Davidson WLA, was the civilian model of the one he would have ridden in France when doing undercover work as an Army Ranger. I had to research to find out if there were Army Rangers in WWII. There were. I also researched the political situation in Europe at the close of the war, particularly what was happening in the eastern-bloc nations.


STEPH: Where did the inspiration for the story come from?

NIKE: I wish I had something exotic to say about this. The truth is I keep a file of possible plotlines. I add to a storyline as something comes to me. I tossed around ideas for a novel and the image of fire kept at me. From that BURNING HEARTS was born. I wanted there to be evil. Wanted a real fight between good and evil and, well, arson is premeditated. I wanted something that would upset my main characters to the quick. So, an inferno in the opening scene started to take shape in my mind.


STEPH: If your story was going to be made into a movie, who would you cast as the leads?

NIKE: This took a Google search as I don't watch enough TV or see enough movies to know actors young enough to play these roles. For Erica who is about 23, I'd pick Ellen Page. She starred in the movie Juno a while ago. For Lorne, who is about 27, I'd have to do with Ryan Reynolds, Canadian actor who's career took off after his movie National Lampoon.

Ellen Page Movie Juno

Ryan Reynold Canadian Actor, Movie National Lampoon


STEPH: What is the theme of the novel?

NIKE: The main theme is the fight between good and evil. A sub-theme in the entire Sanctuary Point series is the idea of seeking justice for the victim. I guess that's a sub-theme in all my work. I try to show the human condition as I see it. My main characters have all the frailties and weaknesses of any human, and the flaws. Then I pit them against some of life's tougher situations and issues. I try to show that it's not cleverness, or brawn, or financial gain or power that triumphs over the tragedies in life. It's love that triumphs.


STEPH: What do you want readers to take away from the novel when they finish it?

NIKE: I want to show how ordinary people can rise to great heights in standing for what is right and against evil. I hope my readers can see the "natural nobility" unpretentious people can display when against all odds they do the right thing. I hope my main characters Erica and Lorne come off in this way. As we've talked about in the earlier questions, there is great ugliness in the world. I don't want to deny the ugliness, but want to show there is greater beauty. I hope my readers come away knowing the greatest, most powerful force on earth is love.


STEPH: Do you have an ebook reader? If so, which one?

NIKE: I have a Kindle and I love it. I was one of those who said I'd never give up print books. Well, my husband got me a Kindle for Mother's Day last year and that was it for me. I read almost exclusively by some electronic method now.


STEPH: What's the last movie you saw?

NIKE: The Lincoln Lawyer, starring Matthew McConaughey…pluck my eyes out. The book was written by Michael Connelly, one of my fav authors. Connelly was the crime beat reporter for the LA Times for 25 years before he started writing crime fiction. He definitely gets his police and court procedure right, which I appreciate. The book was better than the movie, but the movie was terrific. I highly recommend both to crime fiction fans.


STEPH: What's your writing space like?

NIKE: I sit at my desk (a cramped computer desk crammed with papers) for a few hours every day and try to write something I can use in a novel. I have several folders saved in my PC with ideas for upcoming works. I love that I can have many windows open at the same time, as I'm also a homeschooling mom. So, I spend many hours searching for homeschooling material, then get an idea and switch to a writing window an get the idea down in concrete form. Then, there's also the business of publishing that takes some time. I'm now finding that out as I get my cover and have to look into setting up author pages on Amazon and Goodreads after the official release. The most important thing, so far is to be organized.

BUY LINKS:

Desert Breeze. http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-167/Nike-Chillemi-Sanctuary-Point/Detail.bok

Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Sanctuary-Point-Book-One-ebook/dp/B0050PJSTY/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1

Barnes & Noble. http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Sanctuary-Point-Book-One/Nike-Chillemi/e/2940012411747/?itm=1&USRI=nike+chillemi

Author Spotlight Week - Thoughts from JoAnn's Journal

Children... I don't know if you have any children of your own or not, but it never ceases to amaze me how much I can learn from them. Today, I hope you don't mind, but I'd like to share with you some thoughts I pulled from my journal last year.

Last week I was caring for a boy who has seveer disabilities. This fellow only has one arm, his vocabulary consists of about four words, he has health issues and... he has the most beautiful smile in the whole world. The look on his face when you play "peek-a-boo" with him--well, the only equivalent I can think of would be like me being offered a million dollar contract for a book. Such joy!

On the 4th of July, we headed over to a friends house for a BBQ. All the children we're splish-splashing in the pool. A mother came up to where I was standing and asked if the water was cold. She went on to explain that she won't get near a pool unless it's bath temperature. The kids however, didn't worry about the temperature, they are so resilient. When and why did we lose that?

Then this morning, my husband, one of my sons, and I went jogging. Now you need to understand, here in Vermont, our summers are very short and heat is not something we need to deal with on a regular basis. But...yesterday my husband dug out our window unit air conditioner to deal with this "heat wave." Need I say more? OK...so back to today. I stepped one foot out of the house and saw the haze across the sky and thought to myself, This is NOT going to be fun. Off we go-- down around the bend, up a hill and wham... I felt like I was trying to stuff a brick wall into my lungs. The humidity was just too much! That's when I looked at my son next to me who turned and gave me a bright grin. "It's a little hot today, huh?"

I groaned, "I little?!"

Kids don't let things zap their energy. There are so many other great lessons to learn as we watch the children around us, but even just these few made me stop and think of the passages in the Bible where it says how we need to embrace the simplicity of life to understand it. Matthew 18:2-6; Mark 10:15; Luke 18:17



(The Message) Matthew 18:2-6 "For an answer Jesus called over a child, whom he stood in the middle of the room, and said, "I'm telling you, once and for all, that unless you return to square one and start over like children, you're not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let alone get in. Whoever becomes simple and elemental again, like this child, will rank high in God's kingdom. What's more, when you receive the childlike on my account, it's the same as receiving me. But if you give them a hard time, bullying or taking advantage of their simple trust, you'll soon wish you hadn't. You'd be better off dropped in the middle of the lake with a millstone around your neck. Doom to the world for giving these God-believing children a hard time! Hard times are inevitable, but you don't have to make it worse and it's doomsday to you if you do."

Mark 10:15 "The people brought children to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. The disciples shooed them off. But Jesus was irate and let them know it: "Don't push these children away. Don't ever get between them and me. These children are at the very center of life in the kingdom. Mark this: Unless you accept God's kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you'll never get in." Then, gathering the children up in his arms, he laid his hands of blessing on them.

Luke 18:15-17 People brought babies to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. When the disciples saw it, they shooed them off. Jesus called them back. "Let these children alone. Don't get between them and me. These children are the kingdom's pride and joy. Mark this: Unless you accept God's kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you'll never get in."

Perhaps today you're feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders. I'd like to encourage you to remember the beauty in simple pleasures and joys that the Lord surrounds us with everyday. Today, lets look at things with the wonder, joy, energy, and of a child--a child of God.

Question of the day: What have you learned from children?
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JoAnn Carter lives in Vermont with her wonderful husband of 18 years, four children and Ginger, the best dog in the world. She enjoys being with her family & friends, writing, reading, and cooking.
In the past JoAnn has worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse, an apple orchard guide and as a substitute teacher. She is available for speaking engagements to book clubs, reader groups, library groups, women's ministry events, school events and church retreats.
--
You can find her at: http://home.comcast.net/~jo.glenncarter/site

Author Spotlight Week - Question of the Day with JoAnn Carter

What's coming up next for JoAnn Carter & why this is writing as a YA novella?


It's great to be back on the DBP blog again today. I hope you're enjoying this week as much as I am. (Don't forget to sign up for the contest! See Monday's post)

Many folks have asked me what's coming up next. Well, the big thing is... a Mission trip to Mexico!
Yes, you read that right. This summer, our family is headed to serve in Mexico.

Writing wise, in the middle of our time away, The Floating Palace ~ A Historical Inspirational Romance will be released. (July 15, 2011) You can check out the premise here~ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDcuTF8v9bg

Then in December, Hidden Paths another Young Adult Inspirational Romance. What a great way to finish 2011, huh?

God has been so faithful.

Another question you may be wondering is why is this listed as a Young Adult Novella. Lilly is 21 years old -- older than the typical main character in a YA story.

It is because people of any age often wrestle with that Lilly struggles with. We fall into the trap of believing we need to earn God's favor, and as I mentioned earlier this week, that couldn't be further from the truth. I want to encourage young, old, and in between to really think about what motivates us.

Another big issue in her life is past regrets. Even young women can become lost and caught up in mistakes she has made. Sometimes even wishing she could live someone else's life. Therefore, I dedicated the book as follows

DEDICATION:
To every young woman who ever questioned why she was made the way she was and wished she could be someone different... Please know you are beautiful the way you are!

Okay, so here is you Question of the day: If you were going to write a story (or perhaps you have) what age group and genre is your favorite?

Author Spotlight Week - Excerpt from Paradox

Product Description
Lilly Holland's passion is flowers-not people. All she's ever dreamed of was a peaceful life surrounded by the beauty of God's creation. The exact opposite of what life is like at the touristy Holland Lodge in the small town of Paradox. So, why does she feel like God is nudging her to go? He, if anyone, should know better than ask this of her.

Ric Walker, Holland Lodge's grounds keeper, is Lilly's only link to sanity. His steady presence and strong faith encourages her through this trying situation. However, that sanity is threatened as she realizes her feelings for him are changing into something more, something deeper.

Will Lilly learn that Paradox is more than a town's name, but rather a divine place where God can reveal His power, bring healing, and love, just when she thinks all hope is gone?
--
EXCERPT:

It was only Tuesday evening... a few days on the job, but it already felt like a few years. The last thing she wanted to do was drive Sharon back to her condo in Jericho, but she had promised. Ric rapped twice on the office door before popping his head in. "Hey."

"Hey, yourself."

He came in and leaned up against the doorframe. "The truck's loaded up."

Lilly shut down the computer. "Great, thanks for helping Sharon get her stuff out there."

"No problem." Ric looked over his shoulder and then back to Lilly. "I don't have any plans for the evening. Would you like me to help you ladies get Sharon's stuff unloaded?"

Lilly shook her head and looked at him -- really looked at him for the first time since he came into her office. His broad shoulders filled the doorway. The sheer breadth made her wonder if he could easily carry any burden life handed to him, physical or emotional. Tempted though she might be to share some of her concerns, she couldn't afford to grow to depend on him -- or anyone for that matter. Granted, it was nice to spend time with Ric and get to know him more. She valued his friendship and looked forward to the times when she could be with him, but this was only a temporary situation. There was no way she would ever let herself forget it. If she did -- she might lose sight of her own dreams -- dreams that didn't include Paradox when all was said and done. "You don't need to worry about us, Ric. We'll manage."

"Are you sure? It's no problem and it might be nice to have some company on the way back."

Lilly sighed. "You're right. It would be, but honestly I'd rather take care of this myself."

Ric stood up and took a few steps into the room. With him came the smell of clean soap and shaving cream. "It can be a mighty lonely life if you never let anyone get close to you, you know."

Shoot, he saw right through the walls that she was trying to erect to protect herself. "There are people I'm close to."

"Oh yeah, who?"

--
A review from Amazon states ~

"This story combines a powerful message, endearing characters, and humor, making it a memorable and very enjoyable read. Paradox touched my heart on so many levels...I'm just thankful I picked up this story when I did. It came at just the right time in my life, and gave me the encouragement I needed...reaffirming what I've always know to be true...God's timing is perfect!"

Question for the day ~
Is there a book that you have read recently that touched your heart in a special way?

--
Purchase Link: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-168/JoAnne-Carter-Paradox/Detail.bok

A CONTEST TO CELEBRATE:
Win a gift box filled with goodies! (A paperback copy of Teacher's Plans, a gift certificate, a mug filled with a package of Green Mountain Coffee, pen and a Tee-shirt.)
How? Help me spread the word about Paradox by sharing the link to this post on your FB, Twitter, blog, etc. then e-mail where you posted it to joannwrites@gmail.com with "Blog Blitz" in the subject line. A winner will be drawn 9pm today (Eastern).

Author Spotlight Week - Lilly's song

Give a-way details for the end of the week & a note to the readers...

A few months ago, after I had written this story, I heard a song on the radio by Mercy Me, called Beautiful. The lyrics astounded me -- it was as if Lilly's story came to life in this song.

Perhaps today, you're feeling stuck in a rut and listening to the lie that you're not worth anything and what you've done in your past defines who you are today. Don't believe it. No matter where you are, what you've done, or who you are, your heavenly Father loves you -- dearly. Some days that feels like such a paradox! I love Merriam-Webster definition of that word, "a statement that is seemingly contradictory or opposed to common sense and yet is true"...such is the love of God. Why He loves me so is beyond my comprehension. Yet He does and it is my prayer that each person who reads this book will be challenged to consider that and what it means for your life.


Would you help me spread the word about Paradox by sharing the link to this post (or any post this week) on your FB, Twitter, blog, etc.? Then let us know where you posted it and your name will be entered into this contest drawing for gift prize package. Details are available on my web-site http://home.comcast.net/~jo.glenncarter/site

Thanks again for having me here today. I'll see you again tomorrow~

Author Spotlight Week - Q&A with JoAnn Carter

STEPH: I don't know much about Paradox. Can you tell me a little more about it?

JOANN: I'd be honored to... Paradox, an inspirational romance novella (for any age including young adults) was released May 15th through Desert Breeze Publishing. Here's the premise ~ Lilly Holland’s passion is flowers-not people. All she’s ever dreamed of was a peaceful life surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation. The exact opposite of what life is like at the touristy Holland Lodge in the small town of Paradox. So, why does she feel like God is nudging her to go? He, if anyone, should know better than ask this of her.

Ric Walker, Holland Lodge’s grounds keeper, is Lilly’s only link to sanity. His steady presence and strong faith encourages her through this trying situation. However, that sanity is threatened as she realizes her feelings for him are changing into something more, something deeper.

Will Lilly learn that Paradox is more than a town’s name, but rather a divine place where God can reveal His power, bring healing, and love, just when she thinks all hope is gone?


STEPH: How long did it take to write?

JOANN: You know, I'm not sure. This was a fun story that I wrote in between larger projects that had tons of research and such. Paradox was my breath of fresh air. Since there was no pressure and no time frame that I needed to finish it by I never kept track.

STEPH: Did you do a lot of research for the novel?

JOANN: No, not for this story. The only thing I really needed to look into was the protocol for police when they are confronted with finding drugs in a car.

STEPH: Is the setting inspired by a real life town?

JOANN: Yes and no. We live in Vermont, but our extended families are from in New Jersey. Whenever we go back to visit, we drive through a tiny little town in New York, that if you'd blink—you'd miss it—called Paradox. The name always made me wonder about the town's founders and such.

However, the name is the only thing in common that the actual town of Paradox has with the fictional town that Lilly grew up in.

STEPH: Do the flowers Lily works with represent something? A motif or metaphor?

JOANN: Flowers are beautiful, peaceful, comforting. These are all attributes in life that Lilly craves for, yet feel so elusive to her.

STEPH: What is the theme of the novel?

JOANN: Hmm. I think I would say that the main theme is that God couldn't love us more than He already does. (We don't need to work for His love. Yet sometimes we feel like there's something that we have "to do" to earn His favor.)

STEPH: What do you want readers to take away from the novel when they finish it?

JOANN: I hope you don't mind, but I'd rather not answer this question, but rather let each reader discover that for him/herself.

Would it be okay if I shared something that happened while I was preparing for the release of Paradox instead?

I was awoken in the early pre-dawn morning by a bird singing out a beautiful melody. Normally, this would make my heart happy, but then I'd just turn over and try to catch a few more moments of rest. But not on this particular day—this day was extra special. Why? Because crazy as this may sound, this little birdie was lifting it's sweet praises in the midst of a thunderstorm. Amazing!

God used two rather "ordinary" things to create and extraordinary experience for me—God showed me something awesome and real—a perfect picture of peace. Thunderclouds rolled in, lighting flashed across the dark gray sky, and rain teamed down the windowpane yet this bird was secure. In fact, it was more than secure, it was full of joy, willing and wanting to sing.

To me, that was a true, clear, beautiful picture of a Paradox. In the same way, I want to be like that bird and sing His praises through life's storms.


STEPH: Do you have an ebook reader? If so, which one?

JOANN: No, unfortunately this is still on my wish-list. For right now, I just use my lap top to read e books.


STEPH: What's the last movie you saw?

JOANN: Let's see... I think it was about a month ago. A few friends and I watched BLIND SIDE. That was the second time I saw it. Great movie! (I was hoping to see Soul Surfer, but I haven't had the chance to yet.)

STEPH: Any words of wisdom for aspiring writers?

JOANN: In keeping with the theme of this story, I'd like to leave these verses with any aspiring writers, Luke 12:27-29 (NCV)
Consider how the lilies grow; they don't work or make clothes for themselves. But I tell you that even Solomon with his riches was not dressed as beautifully as one of these flowers. God clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today but tomorrow is thrown into the fire. So how much more will God clothe you? Don't have so little faith! Don't always think about what you will eat or what you will drink, and don't keep worrying. All the people in the world are trying to get these things, and your Father knows you need them. But seek God's kingdom, and all your other needs will be met as well.

Seek God's will for your writing, cast all your concerns and fears on Him, and ask Him to direct your paths—to the right critique partner, or writing group, or publisher. .

BUY LINK: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-168/JoAnne-Carter-Paradox/Detail.bok

Author Spotlight Week - Cast the Movie: The Wolf's Torment

A story is all about characters and a writer must get into "character" so they can live and breath and entertain. To do that, I use character bios to help me round out my character's personality. I also cast the characters. I find that casting the characters really give me a strong visual of them and the actors style also gives the characters an added depth.

I'm going to share my casting choices with you for The Wolf's Torment. These actors are in no way affiliated with the story and their images have been used for inspiration only.

Enjoy!

Mihai
The initial inspiration for Mihai was actor Jon Hensley circa 1985-1986. He's best known for "Holden" on As The World Turns. I love Hensley's look during this time. He's tall, well defined, has that thick ebony hair and his character at the time had a bit of an edge to him.
















However, if casting Mihai for a movie right now. I just might select Daniel Radcliffe from Harry Potter. Daniel is young, well defined and has the eyes I envision Mihai has.

Theresa
The initial inspiration for Theresa was young Julianne Moore. She has the eyes and hair I envision for Theresa. However, if I was casting Theresa for a movie right now, I'd cast Jennifer Ferrin. She's best known for her work as "Jennifer" on As The World Turns, but she has that look that is completely Theresa.



















Viktor
Oh, Paul Walker is perfect for Viktor with his blue eyes and blond hair. I just melt when I see him.














Sonia
I love Jennifer Love Hewitt for the role of Sonia. She captures that delicate femininity that Sonia embodies.


















King Stelian:

Michael Douglas has that older look to him and I can imagine he'd pull off Stelian's "saltiness" with ease.

Bane
Christian Bale is perfect for my heartless werewolf, Bane. He's got the grit and hard edges that Bane needs.

Hecuba
Young Hecuba is Emmy Rossum. Emmy has that young, exotic look I envision for Hecuba. For Old Hecuba I'd cast Olympia Dukakis.

Beatrice
Keri Russell is perfect for Beatrice. She's got that auburn hair and winsome smile that embodies Beatrice's personality and makes her look convincingly like a sister to Ferrin's "Theresa."


















REVIEW FOR THE WOLF'S TORMENT

From The Pen & Muse:
A complete werewolf story through and through, Burkhart does it again with an amazing cast of characters, entertaining dialogue and plot. Lovers of historical paranormal romance will enjoy this read, the first in the Moldavian Moon series.

Link: http://thepenmuse.net/archives/2720


ENJOY THIS EXCERPT:

A knock on the door shook her out of her musings.

"Come in."

Mihai entered wearing breeches tucked into riding boots and a simple white linen shirt with long sleeves. "Do you have a minute?"

She put the brush on her bureau and motioned for him to sit on her bed. "What, no 'good morning?' Where are your manners?"

Mihai flashed her a quick smile, but paced the length of her bed instead of sitting on it.

Something had made him anxious. "Good morning, Sonia."

"So, what has you so full of vigor this early in the morning?" she asked.

"I had a dream last night."

"Do tell."

He stopped and looked directly at her, his eyes dancing with confusion. "Theresa came to me in a dream. She wanted to wish me a Merry Christmas."

Sonia raised an eyebrow. She knew he was sensitive to the emotions of those around him and his dreams were exceptionally vivid. Their mother was a witch and they suspected these sensations were inherited from her. Sonia was good at reading others' expressions, but she wasn't as sensitive to those around her -- not like Mihai.

"Say something," he said.

Sonia smiled, the imp in her unable to resist teasing him. "Did you wish her a Merry Christmas back?"

"Sonia, do not joke!"

"What do you want me to say?"

"I...I don't know. What's she like? Did you see her in September?"

"I did, and in fact, she sent you a gift for Christmas. It's under the tree. I sent her one back from you."

"What did you send her?"

"An ornament for her tree."

He clasped his hands in front of him. "Thank you for being so thoughtful."

"You're welcome, but why are you so anxious? It was just a dream."

His shoulders tensed and she knew he was in turmoil. "Does she have auburn hair? Hazel eyes? Is she slender?"

"Yes."

"She's very pretty," said Mihai. It was more of a statement than a question.

"She has attractive features, I suppose."

"She's pleasant? Has a nice disposition?"

"Yes. Why are you asking me all this? What did your dream tell you?"

"I've been dreaming of her since I was five. She was a girl then. My last dream was several years ago, before I left for England. I stopped dreaming of her while I was away."

"How unusual. You don't just dream of the same person over and over."

"It's our mother's blood working in me -- I'm convinced of it."

"So...are the dreams good or bad? They don't sound harmful. Are they perhaps enlightening?"

"No, they aren't harmful. Theresa is a lovely young woman and I fear I might have ruined things for her."

BLURB: Mihai Sigmaringen has a secret – he's a witch. Will love give him the courage to save his family from a destructive werewolf.

Visit the Book Trailer on You Tube and give it a 'like' at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzHE2spBeeU

The Wolf's Torment is available as an ebook only on Kindle, Nook, Kobo, and Sony Ereader. Formats include: PDF, html, and epub which can be found on the Publisher's Website at: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-163/Stephanie-Burkhart-Moldavian-Moon/Detail.bok

About the Author: Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 dispatcher for LAPD. She also served as an MP in the US Army. Multi-published, she has a children's book, "The Giving Meadow" with 4RV Publishing. She's an avid reader , loves coffee in the morning, and her favorite Harry Potter movie is "The Prisoner of Azkaban."

You can find me at:
Website:
http://www.stephanieburkhart.com
Blog:
http://sgcardin.blogspot.com
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stephanie-Burkhart-Author/149938795021166
Tweet me at:
http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart

Author Spotlight Week - The Power of Love, a character interview with Theresa von Kracken

Actress Jennifer Ferrin, inspiration for the character "Theresa"

A Character interview with Theresa von Kracken Sigmaringen

Gael: Hi all, I'm Gael, the owner of MUSEum, a bar where many a muse come to relax. I'm here today with Princess Theresa Sigmaringen from "The Wolf's Torment." Welcome, Theresa. Would you like a drink?

Theresa: Thank you for having me, Gael. It's nice to step out for the day. Do you have any tea? I find that wine or tuica upset my stomach.

Gael: Tuica?

Theresa: Romanian plum brandy.

Gael. Ah, well, I'm sorry to hear it.

Theresa: I'm expecting, you see.

Gael: Congratulations! But weren't recently married?

Theresa: Um, yes.

Gael: You naughty girl, you!

Theresa: An engaged couple in my religion is allowed all the rights of a married couple and Mihai and I…well, we enjoyed a night.

Gael: What religion are you?

Theresa: Romanian Orthodox. I converted so I could marry Mihai.

Gael: Mihai must be something special if you were willing to convert.

Theresa: He is. He's very kind and sweet, but he works long hours.

Gael: Is he good looking?

Theresa. Lord, yes. I only have eyes for him. What really makes him special though is that he's a witch.

Gael: A witch? Really? He told you that?


Theresa: Yes, he did. There's an energy about him that makes my body come alive. He's so passionate about the things he believes in.

Gael: Was converting to Orthodoxy a big change for you?

Theresa: No. I was raised Protestant, but I find the Orthodox faith very spiritual. There's a lot of symbolism involved.

Gael: So what's an Orthodox wedding like?

Theresa: It's very involved. Once the bride enters the church, she meets her bridegroom in the vestibule. The priest blesses the rings and the best man exchanges them rings between the couple. Then we enter the church. We're given a candle by the Priest representing the light of Christ and we have to hold it throughout the mass. After the mass, we crown each other and walked around the altar 3 times. Then the priest pronounces us husband and wife.

Orthodox Wedding Crowns


Gael: Gosh, I would have fainted!

Theresa: I almost fainted when Mihai kissed me.

Gael: Where did you go on your honeymoon?

Theresa: To Varna, in Bulgaria. It's a spa town. I enjoyed it very much.

Gael: Sounds like fun. I enjoy a nice, relaxing spa day myself. How do you keep busy when Mihai is working on the railroad project?

Theresa: Aside from painting, I like to visit the children at the orphanage. I've given it my patronage so the children there have it a little easier. It's so rewarding to visit them. They're so giving and honest. It's refreshing to me to spend time with them.

Gael: Does it bother you that your husband is a witch?

Theresa: Not in the least. It's a part of him. I accept him for what he is, but I frustrated at times. He's very busy with the railroad project. I must have more patience.

Gael: It sounds like you're very patient to me.

Theresa; Well, thank you.

Gael: Thanks for visiting today.

Theresa: You're welcome. If you're ever in Romania, try the tuica.

Gael: I will.

BLURB: Mihai Sigmaringen has a secret – he's a witch. Will love give him the courage to save his family from a destructive werewolf?

REVIEW FOR THE WOLF'S TORMENT

From The Pen & Muse:
A complete werewolf story through and through, Burkhart does it again with an amazing cast of characters, entertaining dialogue and plot. Lovers of historical paranormal romance will enjoy this read, the first in the Moldavian Moon series.

Link: http://thepenmuse.net/archives/2720


Visit the Book Trailer on You Tube and give it a 'like' at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzHE2spBeeU

The Wolf's Torment is available as an ebook only on Kindle, Nook, Kobo, and Sony Ereader. Formats include: PDF, html, and epub which can be found on the Publisher's Website at: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-163/Stephanie-Burkhart-Moldavian-Moon/Detail.bok

About the Author: Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 dispatcher for LAPD. She also served as an MP in the US Army. Multi-published, she has a children's book, "The Giving Meadow" with 4RV Publishing. She's an avid reader , loves coffee in the morning, and her second favorite movie witch is Emma Watson's "Hermoine" from Harry Potter.

You can find me at:
Website:
http://www.stephanieburkhart.com
Blog:
http://sgcardin.blogspot.com
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stephanie-Burkhart-Author/149938795021166
Tweet me at:
http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart

Author Spotlight Week - Creating a Paranormal World, Setting

Growing up as a girl in the 1970's, I remember some of my favorite books were the Hardy Boys mysteries. The best part were the settings – the spooky caves and dank manors. I could just close my eyes and I'd be there in the scenes. As a teenager, I fell in love with Victoria Holt. She revitalized the gothic romance with her 19th Century settings, dark, spooky mansions, and imperiled heroine. What else do the Hardy Boys and Holt have in common? Secrets.

All those elements attract me to paranormal writing – dark, haunting castles, exotic locales and secrets. In "The Wolf's Torment," I blend all of these elements to establish my setting – Delfin Castle in Constanta, Moldavia, a town snuggled up next to the Black Sea.

Delfin Castle is the ancestral estate of the Sigmaringens, the ruling family of Moldavia. I envision a castle similar to Bran Castle, on a hill, with several towers, which are different sizes, each providing a majestic view of the Black Sea. The castle has secret passages, dark corners, and hidden balconies. You have to live in the castle with Sonia and Mihai in order to navigate the maze within.

Romania implies exotic. While the climate and seasons are very similar to the mid-Atlantic states in America, the food, customs, and even religion are different. The Romanian people are very superstitious and witching in Romania is a recognized profession to this day. The food consists of wine, meals such as lamb and pork, oatmeal, crepes, and vegetables such as cabbage, onions, and peppers. Fish is also a big part of the diet as is cold soup.


While Romanians are generally a friendly people, their customs mean a lot to them. From religious customs to superstitious customs, Romanians embrace them with a passion. In "The Wolf's Torment," I blend them together when Mihai, Viktor, Sonia, and Theresa color Easter eggs. The first egg colored must be blue and given to children for good health and luck. When Sonia cracks the egg Viktor gives her, she believes she's brought down bad luck on them. When Sonia's father can't continue on Martisor, she takes it as a sign of bad luck as well.

For me, every paranormal story must have a juicy secret. In "The Wolf's Torment," both Mihai and Viktor have secrets to keep – Mihai is a witch and Viktor is a werewolf.

Setting is so important to a story because it establishes a mood – a tone. A paranormal is perfect for shadows and secrets and that's a big part of the appeal for me.

REVIEW FOR THE WOLF'S TORMENT

From The Pen & Muse:
A complete werewolf story through and through, Burkhart does it again with an amazing cast of characters, entertaining dialogue and plot. Lovers of historical paranormal romance will enjoy this read, the first in the Moldavian Moon series.

Link: http://thepenmuse.net/archives/2720




ENJOY THE EXCERPT:

"Come." He gestured to the door and she walked out. Mihai slipped in front of her and they took a hall that led towards the servants' area of the castle. Just before they reached the servants' living quarters, he opened a door that was disguised as part of the stone wall and went inside. A small table with a candle in a pewter holder stood near the door. Mihai lit it and closed the door. Theresa followed him as they ascended the stairs. Thank goodness her dress had a thick crinoline under it, keeping her fairly warm. The staircase was cold and made of stones, yet Theresa was thrilled to learn of this secret passage.

They climbed for several minutes. They must have been high up in the castle by now. Mihai passed two wooden doors in the staircase until coming to a third at the end of the staircase. He opened it and Theresa walked into a darkened room illuminated by a small sunbeam coming in through dirty glass doors. Mihai walked over to the fireplace, placed wood and kindling in it, and started a fire. While he did that, Theresa walked around the room.

It was compact, yet cozy. There was a shelf with blankets, pillows, books, maps, and writing tools. A huge telescope mounted onto a metal tripod rested in front of the glass doors.

The fire blazed to life and Mihai grabbed a blanket, throwing it in front of the fireplace. He motioned for Theresa to sit down and she did. Mihai sat next to her. His expression appeared intense, and then softened.

"I bet you're wondering why I brought you here."

"I am curious."

"Well, I would have preferred to show you the winery or even take you out on the royal yacht, but it's still winter and too cold for those things."

"I understand."

"This is my escape when I can't leave the castle."

She arched an eyebrow. "Oh?"

"I like to look at the stars. My mother acquired the telescope." He paused and pointed to a stack of papers on a nearby shelf. "Those are my homemade star charts."

"You're an amateur astronomer?"

"I am." He paused again, and drew in a breath. "I brought you here because this place is private and special to me, and I know we could talk without being spied on."

She giggled. "Us? Spied on?"

"I case you hadn't noticed, my father is very keen that I...like you."

"I did notice." His expression stilled and grew serious. Granted, she was nervous too, but she tried not to show it so much.

"So, do you?" she asked.

"Do I what?"

"Like me?"

He rubbed his hand across the nape of his neck. "Well, I would like to learn more about you."

BLURB: Mihai Sigmaringen has a secret – he's a witch. Will love give him the courage to save his family from a destructive werewolf.

Visit the Book Trailer on You Tube and give it a 'like' at:

http://www.youtube.comwatch?v=FzHE2spBeeU


The Wolf's Torment is available as an ebook only on Kindle, Nook, Kobo, and Sony Ereader. Formats include: PDF, html, and epub which can be found on the Publisher's Website at: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-163/Stephanie-Burkhart-Moldavian-Moon/Detail.bok

About the Author: Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 dispatcher for LAPD. She also served as an MP in the US Army. Multi-published, she has a children's book, "The Giving Meadow" with 4RV Publishing. She's an avid reader , loves coffee in the morning, and her second favorite movie witch is Emma Watson's "Hermoine" from Harry Potter.

You can find me at:
Website:
http://www.stephanieburkhart.com
Blog:
http://sgcardin.blogspot.com
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stephanie-Burkhart-Author/149938795021166
Tweet me at:
http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart