Author Spotlight - Q&A with Danielle Thorne

STEPH: I don't know much about "Death Cheater." What's it about?

DANI: Death Cheater is a young adult paranormal for all ages, set in West Tennessee and the fictional town of Omega. It tells the story of Athena Gray, who has lost her grandfather and is trying to get through high school without anyone finding out that she has a strange ability. She's able to see death and in some cases reverse it. When a dark spirit shows up in Omega and tries to blackmail Athena into using her powers for evil, her secret and her family and friends are in danger.

STEPH: How long did it take you to write?

DANI: I was very inspired by Athena's story once I had the idea, so it was a very quick writing process compared to my previous work with environmental and historical romances. It was a fun experience-- when you really enjoy what you're doing time flies.

STEPH: How much research did you have to do?

DANI: I'd visited and been inspired by ancient burial mounds in Pinson, Tennessee. There's a haunting atmosphere in that park, and it gave me a lot of my story ideas. The only research I needed for Death Cheater was to study the Chickasaw nation of that region and prehistoric people who dwelled there.

STEPH: How does the cover reflect the story within?

DANI: I love the cover of Death Cheater. Jenifer Ranieri did an amazing job capturing the very essence of the story. The woods of Omega are Athena's haven, but once they become dark and dangerous she loses that safe and comforting place. Athena has experience with insects and butterflies fluttering to life once she touches them, and her own journey throughout the story is a type of rebirth and realization of her strength and courage. I thought a butterfly was a perfect symbol to represent her story.

STEPH: Athena Gray is the heroine. What are her strengths? Weakness?

DANI: Athena's greatest weakness, like so many of us, is that she doesn't know how strong she is. She's insecure and suffers from real social anxiety, but she has courage that not everyone has; she's able to be true to herself no matter the circumstances, and she faces her fears with great courage.

STEPH: What does Dan find appealing about her?

DANI: Dan Lipinsky is Athena's new best friend. He's one of the most popular boys at school, but despite Athena's coolness toward others he sees right through her tough exterior and seems to understand her insecurity. Dan admires that Athena is smart and not a follower.

STEPH: What is the theme of the novel?

DANI: The theme of Death Cheater is enduring the little things and standing up to our darkest fears. My hope is that readers will be inspired by Athena carrying on despite her fears and the obstacles thrown in her path.

STEPH: As a writer, where do you draw inspiration from?

DANI: I’m often inspired by the places I visit. I love to see new things, even just a quirky road sign along the highway that may be funny or curious. I've learned to become an open minded-observer of the little things around me. For me, history and nature are full of stories waiting to be told. And the parts of ourselves we keep hidden from the world are great character traits waiting to be explored and analyzed.

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

DANI: I have a Kindle Fire at this time which I love reading books on from online, but I do wish I could find a PDF program that would give me text size options and better control for reading other files on it.

STEPH: Fun question: Are you going to dress up for Halloween this year? If so, what are you going to be?

DANI: I dress up every year and help my neighbors and neighborhood pull off a great Haunted Mansion and pirate tour. Last year I dressed as a voodoo woman a la Pirates of the Caribbean and this year I will probably play that role again. It's a good time.

FIND DANI AT:
http://www.thebalancedwriter.blogspot.com
http://www.daniellethorne.com

Author Spotlight - Excepts from "Burning Bridges" and "Land of Misfit Teens"

Thanks so much for supporting Kassandra and Katie's time in the spotlight. Enjoy these excerpts from their releases.
Smiles
Moderator Steph

************

EXCERPT FROM BURNING BRIDGES:

"It wasn't that easy, Kirin."

He knew her better than anyone with the exception of Mackenzie. She was strong enough to handle just about anything so there was no way she would allow her uncle to do this without a reason. She slid her hand across the bed to him and he took it, pulling her to him and wrapping his arms around her until their foreheads were leaning against each other. Rose took a deep breath before looking into his eyes and starting what he assumed would clear the air of confusion.

"I had to keep Josie safe..."

"Rose--"

"Just listen. I don't pretend to understand their sick minds, but Jonathan and Shawn got off on my rebellion, I guess you could call it. I figured that out quick, and I knew if I could keep them coming at me they'd leave her alone."

"So you took the brunt of it for her?"

Rose tipped her head to look him in the eyes. "Wouldn't you? To protect Evan or Lauren, wouldn't you." He wished he could argue with her logic, but he knew she was absolutely right. If there was a chance one of his siblings could be hurt, and he had any way to stop it, he'd do it.

"But, when your Nana reported the abuse, why didn't both Jonathan and Shawn go to prison? Didn't she tell the authorities both of them were involved?"

"My mother," she answered simply, and Kirin arched an eyebrow. She chuckled, just a little. "She threw him under the bus more than the media ever could. She wasn't going to let him damage the perfect family image she had worked so hard to form. Shawn tried to turn state's evidence against Jonathan, take him down with him, so he could strike a deal with the D.A. But with the amount of money Jonathan could throw at a team of lawyers, and the control he had over media and various other connections, Shawn didn't stand a chance."

Kirin looked into her eyes as she spoke, wondering how she ended up so amazing when she had this kind of childhood. She paused long enough to catch her breath and look at him. Did she think he would judge her?

"Keep going," he said gently, touching her cheek. "I'm listening. I want to hear, but understand this, nothing will change how I feel about you. I just need to know."



REVIEWS FOR BURNING BRIDGES:

From Barnesandnoble.com :

“Sometimes love means you go above and beyond...and Emmaline Rose certainly does that in this novel by Kassandra Cooper. And she finds that same depth of love with her boyfriend Kirin, and Mack, her best friend. I was so into the story I found myself wanting to jump right into the book and help Emmaline Rose too.

Everything about this story showed Kassandra Cooper clearly understands sometimes you have to burn a bridge in your life if it will stop you getting dragged back into your past, but can Emmaline really do that?

I believe this novel has a message for us all, teens to seniors, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.....and I will be "electronically" in line for the next novel by this new young author.”

From Amazon:

“Everyone should have someone in their life who loves them to the degree Emmaline Rose loves and protects her sister Josie in Kassandra Cooper's novel. The story line grabbed me as I followed Emmaline Rose's journey. I found myself pulling for her and Kirin, and loved the depth of friendship between Rose and Mack, her BFF. Kassandra certainly seems to have amazing insight for such a young author to the ups and downs of overcoming a trauma in your life, and that each positive step Rose made also gave a possible opportunity for Jonathan to drag her back into her past. There was quite a cast of interesting characters in this book, and just a few of their "stories" still left to tell, so I hope Kassandra is going to bring us some of their stories in the future. Although I am not a young adult anymore :( I completely lost myself in Rose's story. Awesome first novel.....”

BUYING LINKS:

BN.com :
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/burning-bridges-kassandra-cooper/1105070466?ean=2940013522398&itm=1&usri=kassandra+cooper

Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006G5F0QC/ref=s9_simh_gw_p351_d0_g351_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0EYDSKDM3TNPJVZW7HBD&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846

DesertBreezePublishing.com:
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-231/Burning-Bridges-Kassandra-Cooper/Detail.bok

***************************

EXCERPT FROM LAND OF MISFIT TEENS:



They walked to the gate and handed the man one of the tickets. He smiled and opened the gate and they walked into the pen. Baby deer, not even big enough to have antlers, where jumping around and playing with each other, then scampering back to the people inside the pen to nuzzle and beg for nibbles of the pieces of fruit and vegetables available to feed them. Drake let go of Amelia's hand and dropped to his knees to pet one of the baby deer. Amelia smiled watching him make of the little animal, then looked around the pen. One deer lingered on the other side of the pen against the wall, away from the others, lying on the hay-littered ground with his legs curled under him. No one pet him or fed him, and he didn't play with the other deer.

Something tugged at her, and she brushed her way through the prancing deer to where the lonely deer kept himself separate from all the others. She spoke softly, making little cooing sounds as she approached, and lowered to her knees in front of the wide eyed deer. She stuck out her hand for the deer to smell.

"What are you doing?" Drake asked behind her.

"Petting the deer. He's all alone," she said softly so she didn't frighten him. The deer shoved its head in her hand and she pet it.

"Why this one?"

"Because it's alone," she said again, looking up at him. "He reminds me of Rudolph, minus the red nose."

Drake came beside her and crouched. "How do you figure?"

"Rudolph was alone. He was made fun of and left out. Like this guy," Drake reached out his hand to pet the deer as well. Amelia smiled, watching him. "He's the misfit."

"So he's the weird one?" Drake said. Amelia nodded. "But weird is such a harsh word. Think of the deer as us." "How are we like Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer?"

"Goodness, Drake. It's a metaphor. The deer is left out because he is not like the others. Like us. I'm not saying we're left out, but we don't fit in. I'm fine with that, I personally would rather be who I am and not fit in than change who I am and fit in, but the deer here isn't."

Review from Amazon:
This is an amazing book that perfectly captures the teenage condition. The characters are highly believable with all the insecurities and angst that is a reality of the high school experience. I read the book straight through and couldn't put it down. Ms. Charles' main character Amelia not only has to deal with losing her mother, but also the upheaval of moving to a new school and basically a new life. Her new friends help her adjust but the horror of going to the worst school in the state along with the gang trouble that seems to dominate their school doesn't make it easy.

Review from B&N:
Before I read this book, I heard Katie Charles was a teenager herself and that both interested me and made me wonder what I'd read. I can't express enough how impressed I was with Ms. Charles. Her book packs a punch from the beginning, and hit me on an emotional level that drew me in immediately. Her entire message comes down to four words "Be who you are." When she finds herself the 'new kid' in school, add to that she's the daughter of the geeky, quirky English teacher, she could have tried to fit in and be like everyone else. But that's not who Amelia's parents raised her to be. By the end of the story, she's found a group of friends -- the misfits -- who would be her friends forever and a great boyfriend, too. :-) I loved the dialogue between Amelia and her friends. Overall, a quick but emotionally satisfying book. I found Katie Charles has a short story in an anthology and I'm going to go hunt that one down next.


http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/land-of-misfit-toys-katie-charles/1107819010?ean=2940013522442&itm=1&usri=katie+charles

(Barnes and noble)

http://www.amazon.com/Land-of-Misfit-Teens-ebook/dp/B006G5N7WQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1328819794&sr=8-1

(Amazon)

http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-253/Land-of-Misfit-Teens/Detail.bok

(Desert Breeze Publishing)

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

(Video trailer)

Author Spotlight - Q&A with Kassandra Cooper

STEPH: I don't know much about "Burning Bridges." What's it about?

KASSANDRA: Emmaline Rose Jones has protected people her whole life; whether it was her sister from her family or her boyfriend from her life, she did all she could to keep them separate. But when the live she’s tried to keep secret from everyone cross under some unfortunate circumstances she has no choice but to fuse her lives together and explain. But when Rose’s life gets more complicated than even she can handle she has no choice but to run and hide, seeing no way to get away from the twisted life her parents have created. She finally decides to cut all connections with her previous life and its numerous trap doors.

STEPH: How long did it take you to write?

KASSANDRA: All together the final drafts took about six months including edits but I started with the very first draft about two and a half years ago.

STEPH: What's your writing space like?

KASSANDRA: I normally block everything out around me and plug into my music, that way it doesn’t matter where I am.

STEPH: Where did you find the inspiration for the story?

KASSANDRA: I was working on a trauma unit in my English class and going through many of my own trauma’s I figured I would be able to draw on personal feelings.

STEPH: How did you come up with the title?

KASSANDRA: Some of the experience’s I was going through at the time of writing the very original ended with someone asking if they could rebuild bridges with me. My response was always that they had burnt their bridges with me.

STEPH: Emmaline is the main character. What's her strengths?

KASSANDRA: I would say Emmaline’s strengths are her ability to stay calm under distress, the strength she held up for the sake of her sister and her extreme protectiveness for her loved ones.

STEPH: Hollywood is calling! Cast the novel.

KASSANDRA: Emmaline Rose/ Josie: Emma Stone
Kirin Matthews: Zac Efron
Mackenzie: Emma Watson
Evan Matthews: William Mosely
Lauren Matthews: Julianne Hough
Jonathon: Matthew LeBlanc
Abigail: Julianne Moore

STEPH: Do you have an ebook reader? If so, which one. What was the last novel you bought for your book reader?

KASSANDRA: I don’t own an actual ebook reader but I have the nook, kindle and ibookstore between my ipod and smartphone.

STEPH: Do you listen to music while you write?

KASSANDRA: Don’t write without it.

STEPH: Fun Question: Do you have a favorite reality show? If so, which one? What's the appeal?

KASSANDRA: I don’t really watch reality tv, I’m more into shows with a story line instead of just random stuff being thrown at contestants. They hold my attention better.


BUY LINKS:

BN.com :

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/burning-bridges-kassandra-cooper/1105070466?ean=2940013522398&itm=1&usri=kassandra+cooper



Amazon.com:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006G5F0QC/ref=s9_simh_gw_p351_d0_g351_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0EYDSKDM3TNPJVZW7HBD&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846



DesertBreezePublishing.com:

http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-231/Burning-Bridges-Kassandra-Cooper/Detail.bok

Author Spotlight - Q&A with Katie Charles

What is Land of Misfit Teens?

KATIE: Land of Misfit Teens is about a girl name Amelia MacDonald who is dealing with the recent lost of her mother, and to make matters worse the local university her father taught at closed down without enough students to keep it open. He finds a new job, but they are forced to move to the gang-ridden projects of Chicago. Amelia does her best to keep true to herself in a school where you are either part of the cool crowd or your not. She finds that being a ‘misfit’ is better than being part of the majority of the school. They are misfits for a reason, right? They have to have something cool about them. And that is what attracts Amelia to the group, and more so, to Drake.

How long did it take to write it?

KATIE: It started as an idea for the longest time without any real substance. I think I restarted it at least three times. But once I got to the point where everything clicked and I liked I was doing, it took me about a month to write the book.


Writing space.

KATIE: My writing space is everywhere. My messy desk, my bed, the grass outside my window at college. I even wrote 7,000 words on an airplane. I don’t have a consistent writing place. It all depends on what I am writing and how I am feeling.


Inspiration for Land of Misfit Teens

KATIE: It was pointed out to me that my book is similar to my own life experience. I moved across the country after my freshmen year of high school, and Amelia moved during her senior year. I found myself in a spot where I was demanded to change. And I refused to. Amelia in the book does the same thing, staying true to herself. I hope that this book provides inspiration to those teenagers that are asked to change, so stay true to you.

Title.

KATIE: I came up with the title as I was writing. There is one part of the book where Amelia references the movie Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Island of Misfit Toys, and how she and her new friends were kind of like all those misfit toys. It worked.

Amelia’s Strengths.



KATIE: Her strength is her strong sense of self-awareness and confidence in who she is and where she comes from. She's strong enough in who she is not to conform to the ideas of others and what they think she should be. She knows who she is and she is not going to let anyone change that; a trait I think is lacking in teenagers these days.


Hollywood.

For the three main people . . .
KATIE: Amelia – Emily Browning. I see her most as Violet in “The Series of Unfortunate Events.” Clearly the eye color and hairstyle needs to be different to fit Amelia.

Drake - Nolan Gerard Funk. I had never casted Drake for inspiration before, and let me tell you, looking for someone who had Drake qualities was a challenge! Out of everyone I looked at, he fit the best.



Liam MacDonald – David Tennant. I had him planed from the start. I had no problem with this one. In fact if I need inspiration I looked at his photo or watched a few minutes of Doctor Who -- I am a huge Doctor Who fan. David Tennant is quirky and eccentric and 'out there'... a bit like Da.


E-reader.

KATIE: Yes I have an E-reader. I love it! I have the Nook. It has been a while since I have bought a book because I am wicked busy with school. I'm a BioChem major, and the workload is pretty heavy. But I have recently been reading Mistaken Identity written by Desert Breeze Author, K. Dawn Byrd, and I really like it.

Music?

KATIE: Yes, I love music when I write. In fact, I have different play list on YouTube for what I am writing. Fanfiction, Land of Misfit Teens, anything else. Music is key to my writing, and I have a wide range of likes, from Lighthouse to Nightwish to my grandfather singing outlaw country.

Reality TV.

KATIE: Well, I don’t watch TV all that much, but when I have nothing to do in the middle of the day I like watching Jerry Springer, just so I can watch how messed up people can be and be thankful it's not me and my family. HA HA HA. Not sure if Jerry Springer can really qualify as 'reality TV', but that's about as close as I get.


BUY LINKS:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/land-of-misfit-toys-katie-charles/1107819010?ean=2940013522442&itm=1&usri=katie+charles

(Barnes and noble)

http://www.amazon.com/Land-of-Misfit-Teens-ebook/dp/B006G5N7WQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1328819794&sr=8-1

(Amazon)

http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-253/Land-of-Misfit-Teens/Detail.bok

(Desert Breeze Publishing)

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

(Video trailer)

Author Spotlight - Young Adult authors Kassandra Cooper and Katie Charles share their thoughts on Valentines Day

Kassandra Cooper:

I don’t know if I have an ultimate Valentine’s Day or any idea of what it would consist of if I wanted one but I do know what I’ve experienced. I can’t date until I’m 18 which leaves me about 4 months shy of that these days. However last year’s Valentine’s day was pretty spectacular. No huge romantic gesture’s happened but the guy that asked me to prom last year, this year, is waiting to date me and who I made my last dedication to in my book did make it memorable. He had hockey practice so as always I went to watch and support him the same way he supported me in my writing and everything else. See I’ve known and had a crush on this guy since 7th grade and he simply wouldn’t admit to liking me back. So I went to practice with no expectation, just to support him and hang out. His team gave him a hard time about me as always, of course amping it up since it was in fact Valentine’s Day.

After practice we talked, something it would seem is rare between teenagers now a day. Face to face communication, it’s so obsolete. But what I didn’t know what that he got me a box of See’s Candies and a teddy bear, which to be honest I’m still smiling about a year later. Even as I’m writing this I have a ridiculous smile on my face.

Anyway, I don’t have any traditions but if seeing him every Valentine’s Day – or even better, seeing him everyday – became a tradition I would be one extremely happy young lady.


*************

Katie Charles



Single Awareness Day! That being said from a single girl in college, I can move on. I think all the sappy romance stories happen on the 14th of February, that and Christmas Eve. Don’t get me wrong, I like the concept of Valentines Day: Saint Valentine writing a love letter to his loved one right before he was going to be killed. Well, maybe not the getting killed part, but the love letter.

When I think of this day I think of The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks. Is that weird? It kind of has the feel of it. He was telling his wife their love story she couldn't not remember. Yes, in the end they died but they loved each other to the end. Well, in the movie version anyway.

That is what I think of when I think of Valentines Day. Loving someone until you die. That is what Saint Valentine did… so, yeah.

Author Spotlight - Young Adult authors Kassandra Cooper and Katie Charles talk about finding inspiration

Kassandra Cooper
Personally I don’t think I’m old enough to write adult romance, seeing how I don’t have any experience being an adult just yet. However, adding that small detail to the passion I have for youth, the fact that I want to reach youth in the future with my words and being a young adult myself it made my decision easier. Now this all started when I was a freshman and went to a church winter camp and felt the Lord pressing on my passion for helping young adults/youth.

I’m sure writing for high school would seem like the best way to reach them, being on their level and all that but I haven’t had a ‘normal’ high school experience and frankly high school can be overly dramatic and frustrating. I know that might sound terrible but taking into account that I attend high school on a college campus I spend most of my time around young adults/college level people. So in short, for me writing for young adults was not only easier for me but it was also the best fit for who I am.

Kassandra's book is: Burning Bridges with Desert Breeze Publishing.
Link:http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-231/Burning-Bridges-Kassandra-Cooper/Detail.bok


******

Katie Charles

Mainly what inspired me to write for young adult was the fact that I was sick of what was out there for YAs. Don’t get me wrong, Twilight was good at first, but then it became so overplayed, and you can only read Harry Potter so many times. I wanted to write something teenagers could relate to. Life is hard and it sucks sometimes, and too many of the young adult books now are too perfect. The people in it are described as perfect, and everything always turns out perfect, and that is not true to life.

People have faults and sometimes they don’t deal with things the right way. In my book Land of Misfit Teens, that theme was one of the main things I wanted to get across. It shows how things just get worse when not acted upon the right way. And as much as youth want to blame it on someone you have to look at yourself and see your own faults.

I also read a lot growing up, and before I was a "young adult", I was reading books with that label. As I kept reading I saw that they where turning into the same book, but with different names for the main characters. So I wanted to write with a different voice, one that I hope will ring true to teenagers today, and one that is not just lost in the swamp of similar books.

**Katie's book is Land of Misfit Teens with Desert Breeze Publishing.
Link:http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-253/Land-of-Misfit-Teens/Detail.bok

Author Spotlight - Excerpt from "The Emerald Dagger"

Thank you to everyone who supported Barbara this week. She's giving out two prizes this weekend. Her local writers group did a anthology of Valentine stories that Desert Breeze published called "Scattered Hearts." (Wednesday's post) Barbara is giving away a copy of a CD of the book. She also have a talented friend who makes greeting cards, and she's giving away six of her friend's Valentine cards as a gift also. Remember to leave a comment today, Saturday, and Sunday on this post. On Monday I'll pick out the two winners. Leave your email address when you comment. It will make it easier to get in touch with you.

Smiles,
Moderator Steph

***********

Like a silver shadow, Da'kar slipped before Rourk and Kelsey. No, not a shadow, Kelsey thought, a spirit. They followed no path, but wove in and among the trees.

She ran her hand through her dripping hair. A sudden storm had drenched them, and the returned sun did not penetrate the thickened canopy of leaves. All around them was an ever darkening dimness. A chill wind gusted into her face, goose bumps rose. A sudden sneeze exploded from her. Just ahead, Da'kar stopped and turned to stare at her. Feeling her face heat, Kelsey looked a silent apology in his direction. The unicorn dipped his horn in acknowledgment and continued onward.

Queen's-Commander, hell. She couldn't believe she hadn't blocked the sneeze. Maybe she didn't belong here anymore. She glanced behind her. If Rourk looked angry or, worse yet, amused, she'd throttle him. But he only nodded and urged Cloud forward.

The trees thinned and then opened into a small, flower-dotted meadow, awash in sunlight. Kelsey reined in Freya and waited for her eyes to adjust to the new brightness. When she could see clearly, she shaded her eyes with her hand and surveyed the area before her. She saw nothing but patches of rain-flattened grass and flowers. At its edge, Da'kar waited. As Kelsey came alongside, she saw the unicorn's nostrils flare and his ears twitch.

He stared into her eyes. "They come."

"Who? What comes?" Kelsey turned in her saddle and swept a gaze over the peaceful meadow again.

"Wolf things. We must flee before them."

She reached for the sword upon her back. "No, we'll fight."

"What's going on?" Rourk said, reining in beside them.

"Da'kar says we're going to have company."

Rourk freed his own sword. "Do we face them astride or afoot?"

Kelsey eyed the open square of grass and flowers. Which would give them the biggest advantage?

"No," Da'kar sent. "There are too many of them. We flee."

"To where?" Kelsey said. "Where can we go out here in the middle of the woods?"

"We go to Zara." The unicorn reeled to the left and dashed into the trees once more.

Kelsey sheathed her sword. "Damn."

"What?" Rourk said, copying her action.

"Too many of them. We're going to Zara." She nudged Freya in the side and raced after Da'kar.

Running full out, the unicorn zigzagged through the trees. Behind them, a full-throated howl filled the air. Another answered it ahead of them, and then more from their right.

Da'kar wheeled to the left. Kelsey leaned close against Freya's neck and gave the mare her head. Trees flashed by. She ducked first left and then right to avoid the low-hanging branches. The blood-crazed howling rose in volume as the wolves gained ground. A dark shape sprang from the left, straight into her path. Kelsey sawed back on Freya's reins. The mare reared, and then came down on her front feet only yards from the snarling wolf.

Its silver eyes stared at Kelsey in naked hunger. Saliva sprayed from the corners of its mouth as it snapped at the air. Then it sprang toward the mare's legs.

A white blur streaked between them. Da'kar kicked out with his back legs. His hooves struck the wolf's shaggy head. It dropped and writhed on the ground, shrieking its pain. Kelsey felt the mare gather herself and, with a forward lunge, Freya sprang over the wounded wolf.

They raced from the trees onto a twisting mountain trail she'd never seen before. She pulled back on the reins, but Freya's speed did not alter as she ran up the path.

"Slow down," Kelsey panted, but Freya did not respond to her tightening hold. With a quick prayer, Kelsey gave Freya her head again and trusted the elven-bred mare. The path widened and ahead Kelsey saw Zara's cave. Da'kar screamed an alert and a low rumble answered from within the cave. Da'kar raced into the opening.

Kelsey risked a glance over her shoulder. A wall of shaggy bodies charged at Rourk's heels. She leaned over Freya's neck. "Run, girl, run."

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a shaggy head. With a hoarse cry she kicked out, catching the wolf on the shoulder. It stumbled and went down. Ahead, the dark entrance beckoned. "Come on, Freya, come on."

She felt a jolt through her body as Freya sprinted into the cave. Kelsey pulled back on the reins and swung the mare around. Not waiting for the mare to stop, she vaulted from Freya's back and sprinted toward the mouth of the cave. She whipped her sword from its sheath as she ran. Rourk and Cloud charged by her. She watched Rourk spring from Cloud's back. With his sword in his left hand and his fighting blade in the other, he rushed to stand beside her.

The wolves came up short at the front of the cave. Snarling and howling, they paced with stiff legs and twitching ears.
Kelsey cut the air in front of her with her sword. Dragon spoor must be keeping them out.

Somewhere inside their deformed minds there's still a lick of natural fear. But it was a respite, nothing more, and she knew it. Whatever had shaped them would not let the game stop here. They would attack. But how long would they wait? She got her answer as a wolf leapt. Rourk met it with a sweep of his sword. Its head went sailing with the teeth still snapping.

Kelsey risked a glance to the side. Where was Da'kar and Zara? Had she dreamed the rumble she'd heard earlier?

Another wolf charged. She stepped forward, waited until the beast started its snarling leap, then thrust her sword out with both hands. The wolf impaled itself three-quarters down the length of the blade. Blood gushed from the body and coated her hands with slippery warmth. A coppery scent, thick with the reek of wet fur, filled her nostrils. She kicked out, catching the wolf against the side of its head. It crashed to the ground, taking her and her sword with it. White-hot pain arced into her shoulder. Her fingers went numb and the sword slipped from them. She rolled to the side and her forehead came up hard against a wall of rock. Black spots danced before her eyes and warm blood trickled down her cheek. Swiping at her temples, she scrambled to her feet, then leaned against the wall as the world dipped in front of her. She dug her fingernails into her palms and blinked her eyes, willing the dizziness away.

Through a curtain of haze, she saw Rourk. He stood in the middle of the cave, surrounded by five wolves. They circled, snarling and snapping. One, braver than the rest, darted in. Rourk swung his sword and caught the wolf full across its muzzle. It slunk back, its moment of courage gone.

Kelsey heard a growl and whirled. Two wolves crept toward her. Heart drumming, she crouched and waited. Out of the darkness beside her, a pale form charged. Da'kar's horn sank deep into the chest of the nearest wolf. With a swing of his head, the unicorn sent the wolf sailing. Kelsey sprang for her sword. She screamed as the pain in her shoulder knifed deeply into her body. Da'kar reared and struck with his hooves. The second wolf howled and dropped.

"To the side," Da'kar sent. "Zara and Lilith come."

"Hug the wall," Kelsey screamed to Rourk. "The dragons are coming."

Rourk lunged with his sword and slashed with his knife. A wolf crumpled, and he leapt to the side of the cave. From behind them, a dragon issued a trumpeting challenge, the walls trembling with the force of the rage within it.

For a moment, the wolves were a frozen tableau. The one nearest Kelsey whined and ducked its tail between its legs. Then its silver eyes changed, became a flaring red. The fangs parted and a voice shouted from within. "Attack. I want them all dead. You may feed, but bring me the unicorn's horn."

Dirkk, Kelsey's mind screamed. Rourk's gaze sought hers, and she saw the same recognition in his eyes.

As the wolves gave full vent to another howl of rage, Zara emerged from the darkness of the cave. Her golden body filled the cavernous space. She lashed out with a taloned foot and dismembered a wolf from throat to tail. Like an open-sea barge, she surged forward, pushing the wolves like flotsam before her. Those who did not move fast enough were crushed beneath her. Behind her came a smaller russet-hued dragon.

That must be Lilith, Kelsey thought. The smaller dragon eyed the wolves as she passed and, when one still twitched, trampled it into death.

Da'kar, Kelsey and Rourk fell in behind Lilith. At the cave's entrance Zara hesitated and swung her massive head from left to right. Then she bugled her victory and exited the cave.

Lilith rumbled low in her throat and followed.

Outside, there was only silence. Zara's head swung their way and Kelsey and Rourk pressed back against the mountain of rock. Huge golden eyes surveyed them as her tail swished, like an irate cat's. Lilith pressed against the side of her mother and growled softly. Zara looked at her daughter. An answering growl came from her throat, but there was nothing soft about it. Kelsey felt her knees begin to shake. She felt Rourk tense beside her. The unicorn stepped in front of them and looked into Zara's eyes.

"You need not speak for this one of Thea's blood," Zara sent.

The words lashed across Kelsey's mind. Gasping, she pressed her palms against the sides of her head. "I don't understand."

"Call and I will come, but once only."

Zara turned, walked to the mountain's drop-off, and launched skyward.

The russet dragon rumbled a sigh. "Human, the saving of your life will be at high cost."

"You are Lilith," Kelsey said.

The dragon nodded. "We fly to the land of fairies."

"But it's Dirkk who formed the fairy demons. It has to be him. The fairies--"

"It makes no difference. The fairies are used. They must be destroyed so no more can be made. Tell this to Thea at once." Lilith followed her mother into the sky.

Kelsey sank to the ground. "Oh, my God. I broke the spell holding them inside." She reached inside the neckline of her shirt and grasped the pendant. "Regan. Regan, answer me." But no voice responded in her head.

Kelsey scrambled to her feet as Da'kar led Freya and Cloud from Zara's cave. "Come, we must ride," the unicorn sent.
"No, I've got to get back to Raya and warn Regan."

"We go to find Daniel. It is Regan's wish," Rourk said.

"But the dragons. They're going to the fairy land. They'll kill them all. And it's my fault."

Rourk swung up onto Cloud's back. "You do as you wish. I will find Daniel." He turned to Da'kar. "If you will show me the way."

The unicorn dipped his horn in acquiescence.

"Dirkk has Daniel," Rourk added.

Kelsey looked from the man to the unicorn. "Damn." She mounted Freya and then glanced at Da'kar. "How far?"

"We are close." ." The unicorn turned and headed downward toward the trees.

Amazon.com buy link

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Author Spotlight - Character Interview with Dirkk from "The Emerald Dagger"

STEPH: So, Mr. Dirkk, tell us a little bit more about yourself. Where were you born and what kind of education do you have?

DIRKK: I came from my mother's womb in Castle Crag in the kingdom of Daradawn. My education? I was born the son of a Baron. My tutor taught me mathematics and how to dance. My father schooled me in sword work, hunting and how to woo the ladies. He bought me my first women when I was eleven. At twelve I became engaged to Tessa De'Amberville, the future queen of Daradawn.

STEPH: Where did you find this emerald dagger?

DIRKK: The dagger found me, or should I say Darodah, the demon that dwells in the emerald dagger, drew me to him. I had to prove myself with an offering of blood, not mine of course, but once accepted I became one with the dagger.

STEPH: Who's your best friend in Daradawn?

DIRKK: Friends, surly you jest. I have no need of friends. I have those who do my bidding. Once upon a time when I was young and stupid I had friends, Tessa and Peter, but they turned against me, now they are enemies and must die.

STEPH: What's your spell-casting room like? Messy or Neat?

DIRKK: You make me laugh. I don't cast spells. I am a blood mage. I summon. I conjure. I do not cast spells like an herb witch.



STEPH: Is it true you're secretly attracted to the High Mage's wife, Regan?

DIRKK: You insult me. I have killed for less. Regan desires me. She has the power of the blue flame. I will take her, use her, when I am finished she will die…but attracted to, I think not.

STEPH: What evil plan do you have find for the fairies? I won't tell. Promise.

DIRKK: Of course you will not tell, not if you wish to continue breathing. The fairies are flesh for my forming. They will become only a small part of my legions.

STEPH: Have you ever traveled? Left Daradawn and come back?

DIRKK: The bastard mage has closed all of the rifts, but one, and that he has made poison to me, but with the emerald dagger and Regan's power, all will change.

STEPH: Any parting words for us curious minds?

DIRKK: Remember my words to you and remember my face. For soon I will be ripping the fabric between our worlds apart. When I come calling, remind me of our time together, and perhaps I will make your death less slow and less painful.

*********


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Author Spotlight - Barbara Hodges talks about Scattered Hearts and Valentines

February and Valentine's Day, you can't seem to think of one without the other. One of the contest giveaways I am offering is a c.d. of Scattered Hearts, an anthology of valentine stories, The Word Wizards, my local writers group wrote, oh, and it's published by Desert Breeze. I thought I'd tell you how it came about.

It was my idea to showcase the great writers in our group. When I first offered it, an anthology of Valentine's Day stories, the response wasn't great…ugh, hearts and flowers. No, I wanted something beyond the usual fare, just somewhere in the story you had to mention February 14th. Skepticism was still the reigning emotion.

Randolph Tower, who is one of my co-authors, came to the rescue. At our next meeting he came in with a story for Scattered Hearts. His story, Baby Bottles, told of a young pilot during the Viet Nam war. The pilot used small baby bottles, filled with water and frozen to take with him on his missions, the bottles kept him cool and provided water when they melted. The young pilot's wife gives them to him on Valentine's Day, pink ones with a red heart drawn on each.

It was all we needed. The stories in Scattered Hearts involve a senior lady dealing with dementia, a young widow needing to know why her husband went on a tragic Valentine's Day cruise without her, and a bi-racial couple fighting prejudice in the 1950's. If you are the lucky winner, you are going to love the stories and poems in Scattered Hearts; they are all a different way of looking at love. Happy Valentine's Day!

Amazon.com buy link:

The Emerald Dagger
http://www.amazon.com/Daradawn-Book-Two-Emerald-ebook/dp/B0073NV36M/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1328145110&sr=1-1

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Author Spotlight - Barbara Hodges talks about her favorite movie

I'm fighting a head cold. My husband is out of town on a business trip and I'm feeling abandoned. So the first thing I do is call my mommy, and then I dive into my stack of feel good movies, they're almost like chicken soup for me when I need cheering up.

I choose Gidget with Sandra Dee and James Darren. Gidget wins out by just a hair over The Incredible Journey. Gidget does the trick, has me smiling, but if she hadn't worked I'd given into a good cry by popping in Old Yeller or maybe Dumbo.

What's in your stack of feel good movies? I seem to have favorites for every mood, and then there are some I can watch over and over no matter the mood I'm in. Dirty Dancing is one of them, and Chicago and Grease.

So what makes a movie speak to us? I think it's the same thing that makes a book one we read over and over and never get tired off; involvement with the characters, the plots, the need to be taken somewhere else.

I've watched Gidget at least fifty times since I first saw it when I was sixteen, but still I get caught up in it. And even now that I'm a few years past 16 I still identify with her struggle and determination to get what she wants. Good messages huh? Give me a happily ever ending any time and that's whether I'm feeling bad or not.


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Author Spotlight - Q&A with Barbara Hodges

STEPH: I don't know much about "The Emerald Dagger." What's it about?

BARBARA: The Emerald Dagger is the second book in my Daradawn Fantasy series. It is high fantasy and a classic good versus evil storyline. In the tale, Dirkk, the dark mage has formed demonic creatures from fairies and mountain wolves. His plan is to use them to destroy Queen Tessa and subjugate all of the kingdom of Daradawn. To do so he must either master or kill the four dragons that live in Daradawn. Aiding Dirkk is Darodah, the demon that lives inside the emerald dagger.

The only thing that stands in the way of Dirkk's desires is Regan Canterville. Regan is a chosen of the Power and the avatar of the Goddess. Marked with a small blue flame upon her shoulder, she is able to speak to all animals in Daradawn, both mortal and magical and has formed a bond with Zara the golden dragon.

But that does her little good when Dirkk's creatures attack and kill one of Zara's children. The dragon will not settle for less than complete destruction of all of the fairies, an act that the others of Daradawn cannot let happen.

The Emerald Dagger has magic, suspense, and a touch of romance, what more does a great read need?

STEPH: Where did you get the inspiration for the story?

BARBARA: I love a great fantasy. I love basset hounds. I wanted both.

STEPH: I understand "The Emerald Dagger" is book 2 in your YA fantasy series, "The Daradawn Series." What was the inspiration for the series?

BARBARA: The series came about because I couldn't find a story out there that had everything I wanted. I wanted magic, romance, dragons and a basset hound. So I wrote my own.

STEPH: How long did it take you to write the story?

BARBARA: The Emerald Dagger appeared quickly, compared to The Blue Flame which I re-wrote five times. Since The Emerald Dagger is part of a series, I already had my created world and my main characters, so I was able to write the book in a year.

STEPH: Did you have to do any research for the story? If so, what kind?

BARBARA: Since I see the time and setting as being medieval I did do some research in castle structure and outlying buildings.

STEPH: Kelsey is one of the heroines of the story. What are her strengths? Weaknesses?



BARBARA: Kelsey loves deep, she also hates deep. She is loyal, but head strong, and will push forward when her emotions are in control, even though her head says to do so is crazy. She is compassionate and caring. With her you are a friend for life, or an enemy until your death.

STEPH: What does Rourk find appealing about Kelsey?

BARBARA: Kelsey is his soul mate. She completes him. The very things she feels are weaknesses in her are the things he loves. Rourk loves her strength, both in body and heart. He loves that she loves so completely. Kelsey does nothing halfway.

STEPH: Do you cast your characters? If so who are Kelsy? Rourk? Peter? Regan?

BARBARA: No I don't cast my characters. I've tried, but could not come up with any out there now to fit the bill.

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

BARBARA: Right now I have a Kindle and a Sony tablet that I read on. Before that it was a Sony Reader and before that it was a Rocket. I've been a fan of ebooks for at least 15 years.

STEPH: Fun question: Valentines are in the air. Chocolate, Roses, Cards, or Flowers?

BARBARA: An easy choice, chocolate and a card. I prefer my roses growing on a bush in the back yard.

Amazon.com buy link

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Desert Breeze buy link

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My Website

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Author Spotlight - Excerpt from Dragon Flame

Thank you so much for supporting Sue during her spotlight week. Enjoy this excerpt from "Dragon Flame." Leave a comment on today's post today, tomorrow and Sunday and on Monday I'll pick a winner randomly to receive a PDF copy of Sue's "Dragon Flame.

Smiles
Moderator Steph

***********

Blurb
Fire breathing dragons destroy Talei's home but when she links telepathically with a dragon, he explains goblins are holding their females hostage. Talei and her friend Adri lead a group of teenagers to free the beasts. Failure means both dragons and humans will be destroyed.

Excerpt

The bedraggled group trudged beside the flowing water until the ground became rocky, rising steeply on either side of the river. The pure force of the water cut deep into the ground forming cliffs rising high above them. Below them the river tumbled and frothed, throwing up a misty spray which hung over everything.

"We can't stop here," Simone stated emphatically. "We'll never survive the cold and damp."

"The caves are higher up." Zack led the way to a narrow path. "Above the spray. They're quite dry. We go this way."

Gradually the path rose above the constant dampness thrown up by the river, and they arrived at a rocky plateau with several large caves opening into the cliff. The younger children were tired out by the day's events so the teenagers made them comfortable in the nearest cave where they immediately fell asleep. Talei protested they should first check the caves were safe, but Zack's hand on her arm stopped her.

"They'll be fine," he assured her. "I've played up here for years, and nothing's ever hurt me."

Talei sat down with her back against the cliff enjoying the late afternoon sunshine and the temporary relief from caring for the children.

"How long do you think it will take Cam and Liam to get to Frame?"

"It takes three days by cart and a day on horseback." Zack wrote numbers with a stick in the dusty floor to work out the best time the boys could make. "I'd say they'll get there some time the day after tomorrow. They won't have to wait for heavy carts, but they won't have the speed of a horse."

"So we can hope for some response in four or five days?" Talei asked. "In that case we'd better make these caves habitable. First we need to gather food and firewood." Zack shivered at the mention of fire. "I know it will bring back memories, but bad dreams have to be better than freezing to death. It can get cold at night, even in spring."

Zack called some of the older children and explained what he wanted them to do. He led them on a foraging expedition while Talei examined the caves, leaving the one with the sleeping children until last. In total she counted seven caves, each of them clean and dry. Stacks of ferns and grasses stored at the back of each space would make good bedding. She assumed Zack and his friends had left the dried stuff there when they used the caves for camping. She entered the last cave, hoping she wouldn't be inundated with questions. Silence greeted her. All the younger children slept soundly.

Website: http://www.sueperkinsauthor.com
Blog: http://sueperkinsauthor.blogspot.com



MuseItUp Publishing (M/G)- Spirit Stealer; Reva's Quest
Desert Breeze Publishing - Blitz; Dragon Flame
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Author Spotlight - Characte Interview with Talei

Keira Knightly, inspiration for "Talei"


Talei has taken time out from her busy life to answer a few questions about helping the dragons.

Q: Thank you Talei for agreeing to speak to us.

TALEI: You're welcome, but this won't take long will it? I've got a lot to do today.

Q: I'll try and make it brief. What was your life like before the dragons came?

TALEI: Maass, our settlement, was rural. We farmed and everyone helped each other. Kids learnt the basics in the school in the community hall. We were quiet and peaceful. Boring really.

Q: How did you meet the dragons?

TALEI: The first time I saw them they were burning Maass. Only the ones younger than me survived, so I had to take charge and lead them to Deen where we set up home in some caves.

Q: Did you manage to speak to them?

TALEI: Some time later a dying dragon spoke to me telepathically and asked me to help free his kind from the Pundra. Of course we didn't take his word for it. I contacted another dragon who agreed to meet us without his rider. He confirmed the dragons needed help to beat the Pundra.

Q: Who or what are the Pundra?

TALEI: Nasty, horrible little creatures with evil looking faces. They reminded me of the goblins in my mother's stories.

Q: Didn't it feel weird trying to help creatures who had killed your parents?

TALEI: I admit I had to do some soul searching before I tried to convince others to help the dragons. I couldn't bring my parents back, but by helping the dragons I might save other humans.

Q: The dragons were on the other continent, how did you cross the water?
TALEI: Adri had some experience with boats. Mind you we hadn't bargained on the huge storm that blew up when we were at sea.

Q: You obviously survived the storm. How did you do that?

TALEI: With difficulty. We worked together to survive. We encountered danger and hard times on the journey but looking back I knew we had no choice.

Q: So did you succeed?

TALEI: We... Adri don't put that there! Sorry I have to go.

Q: Thanks for talking to us. Oh she's gone.
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MuseItUp Publishing (M/G)- Spirit Stealer; Reva's Quest
Desert Breeze Publishing - Blitz; Dragon Flame
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Author Spotlight - Sue Perkins & Dragons

Ever since I read Anne McCaffrey's "Moreta - Dragon Lady of Pern" I have been hooked on dragon stories. "Dragon Flame" is my first book with dragons as main characters and it will be closely followed by "Dragon Clans" in August of 2012.

So what are dragons? This depends on who you ask.

Wikipedia states "A dragon is a legendary creature, typically with serpentine or reptilian traits, that feature in the myths of many cultures."

That leaves a very broad spectrum for dragon visionaries to work with. Over the years I have read books with dragons that fly; don't fly; live in the water; talk telepathically; talk normally; change from humans to dragon and back again. To me dragons are magnificent, huge flying creatures. Dark blue, golden, russet and black are the colors in my mind.

There are many creatures of mythology we are familiar with, but dragons come closest to being real. Ever since George and the Dragon people half-believe dragons exist. Chinese dragons counterparts in Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese folklore. They are typically seen as long, scaled, serpentine creatures with four legs and symbolize potent powers, particularly control over water, rainfall, hurricane and floods. The dragon is a symbol of power, strength, and good luck. No wonder the Chinese use the dragon so much in their culture.

I have my own dragon, obviously not a real one. He's really a garden ornament but I keep him inside as I feel this is where he belongs. He doesn't have a name, he's just the dragon.

Website: http://www.sueperkinsauthor.com
Blog: http://sueperkinsauthor.blogspot.com



MuseItUp Publishing (M/G)- Spirit Stealer; Reva's Quest
Desert Breeze Publishing - Blitz; Dragon Flame
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Author Spotlight - Sue Perkins talks about why she likes to write fantasy

I love writing fantasy. I start off with an idea and stew it over in my mind for some time, then write the first paragraph, page or chapter. Then I leave it for a bit longer. This is usually because I have other irons in the fire to finish before I can start giving the new manuscript my full attention.

I'm very much a pantser writer. I do not always plot or build my world at the beginning. Yes I have a rough idea what the world is - for example "Dragon Flame" had colonists who crash landed and settled on Nuer - an earth type world - without knowing there were dragons on the other continent. Once my fingers start hitting the keys the world and plot develop as the story unfolds and by the last page I have a manuscript to make into a publishable novel. The next part I love. Self-editing to take out all the little hiccups that occur when I concentrate on the content not the grammar. I find self-editing prior to submission gives my books more depth both in character and overall storyline.

Fantasy writing is only inhibited by the imagination and believe me I haven't found my boundaries yet. The wings of my mind take me on a journey when I'm writing. I see the scene, not clearly but as a blurry image and my fingers make it flow onto my computer screen. I always make sure I stop at an exciting part of the story where I know what is going to happen next. That way I can get straight back into it again without any trouble.

So why do I love writing fantasy. Two reasons, it lets my imagination run free and to be quite honest once I have the idea the story tends to write itself.

Website: http://www.sueperkinsauthor.com
Blog: http://sueperkinsauthor.blogspot.com



MuseItUp Publishing (M/G)- Spirit Stealer; Reva's Quest
Desert Breeze Publishing - Blitz; Dragon Flame
www.sueperkinsauthor.com
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Author Spotlight - Q&A with Sue Perkins

STEPH: I don't know much about "Dragon Flame." What's it about?

SUE: Humans have lived on Nuer for eighteen peaceful years. Peace is shattered when dragons burn their settlements. A dragon telepathically contacts eighteen year old Talei and asks for her help to free his kind. The Pundra are holding the female and young dragons hostage, forcing the males to obey them. Talei, Adri and a small group of friends set out for the other continent to help the dragons.

STEPH: How long did it take you to write?

SUE: Good question but difficult to answer. I wrote the first draft several years ago then put it to one side. After several rewrites and a change of name, plus several disappointments, I submitted the manuscript to Desert Breeze Publishing and they offered me a contract. I felt my baby had found a home at last. I knew I was right when I got my final cover. I believe it is absolutely gorgeous.

STEPH: Where did you find the inspiration for it?

SUE: I have been reading Ann McCaffrey's books for decades. I decided there were more ways of portraying dragons. I wanted to write a book where the dragons had their own lives and ways of living, not dependent on humans. Talei's name came from a friend of my daughter. Once I had the heroine's name and the basis of the dragon lives, the story developed into a dragon rescue.

STEPH: How did you develop the title "Dragon Flame" for the story.

SUE: The book originally had another title - "Dragon Savior". I'd had so many disappointments with it under that name when Desert Breeze accepted it I decided to change the title. I made a list of suitable titles and searched Amazon to see which ones were used a lot. "Dragon Flame" seemed to reflect the story in the book and not too many others shared the title.


STEPH: Talei is the heroine. What's her strengths? Weaknesses?

SUE: Her strengths are definitely not to give up when all seems hopeless. Left with a group of young children to care for, she shepherds them all to safety, then goes to help the dragons free themselves.

Weaknesses, she doesn't like to see any living creature hurt, She would have preferred to shoo the Pundra away and got very upset at the way the dragons treated them.

STEPH: What draws Adri to Talei?

SUE: Adri has lived in a town all his life. He wants a different future for himself. He is drawn to Talei first by her looks and personality, but also he sees her as a woman who thinks the same way he does. Plus she has a sense of adventure which he shares. In his heart he knows he and Talei could be happy together.

STEPH: Hollywood is calling. Cast the lead characters.

SUE: I think maybe Keira Knightley for Talei. I loved her in "Bend It Like Beckham" and in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" she's exactly the right personality for Talei.

For the male lead I would suggest Zac Efron. He fits the way I imagine Adri to look. I think he and Keira would work well as Talei and Adri.

STEPH: What do you want to resonate with readers once they finish the story?

SUE: Apart from hoping they enjoyed it? I hope readers will love the characters and find "Dragon Flame" to be a different way of looking at dragons (my favorite mythical creatures). I would love them to think of dragons as individuals with feelings and ways of life developed over centuries. Dragons may be mythical but they are wonderful no matter which school of dragon belief you follow. If readers like "Dragon Flame" there is a sequel being released by Desert Breeze on 1st August 2011. The title is "Dragon Clans"

STEPH: What was the last movie you saw?

SUE: The last movie I saw in the movie theater was "One Day" with Ann Hathaway and Jim Sturgess. I didn't find it that intriguing, it appeared very disjointed, difficult to follow. The ending was the best bit - totally unexpected (I won't say why as would spoil the film for anyone who intends to see it). The only thing I can say about the ending is everyone in the theater reacted.

STEPH: Fun Questions: Any New Years customs or traditions you'd like to share with us?

SUE: I make the usual resolutions such as - give up work and write full time, lose weight. I never seem to manage to keep to them though. The only one I did keep to was my 1995 resolution to give up smoking. I did and haven't smoked since. Feel much better for it too. Traditions, well as there's only my husband and I at home now and the rest of the family lives on the other side of the world, our tradition is really just relaxing and taking things easy.

Dragon Flame's Book Trailer:



You can find Sue at:
Website: http://www.sueperkinsauthor.com
Blog: http://sueperkinsauthor.blogspot.com



MuseItUp Publishing (M/G)- Spirit Stealer; Reva's Quest
Desert Breeze Publishing - Blitz; Dragon Flame
www.sueperkinsauthor.com
http://sueperkinsauthor.blogspot.com

Author Spotlight -Excerpt from Mistaken Identity

Moderator's Note: Enjoy this excerpt from Mistaken Identity. Leave a comment today and over the weekend and I'll pick one person to win a GC donated by K Dawn Byrd.

Smiles
Steph

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After dinner, Mom suggested that we go swimming while the adults had coffee. Channing hurried home to change into swimming trunks and, when he returned, I was waiting in the pool. Still a little self-conscious about the few extra pounds I carried, I'd rushed at breakneck speed to get in before he came back. Not to mention that I was embarrassed at the old-fashioned one-piece I wore.

"Want to play some water volleyball?" I called as he sauntered across the patio.

"Sounds like fun."

Channing climbed down the stairs into the pool. His chest was broad and tanned, his body pure muscle. He belonged on a magazine cover.

The breeze was warm, carrying the delicious smell of lilac from the bushes between our houses. I breathed in the scent as Channing swam under the water toward the deep end, his body just a shadow under the surface. Dusk had fallen, and the pool lights were on.

He surfaced, and I hit the ball. Channing sent a quick return, which I missed by inches. "Hey!" I yelled. "That's not fair. I didn't see it coming."

Channing laughed. "Maybe you should keep your eye on the ball." There was a teasing tone in his voice.

Stephie would have been right out there in the middle of it if she hadn't gone to bed with a headache. I should go check on her soon. She was prone to the ones Mom called migraines, and sometimes they made her throw up.

We played until I was tired, and then we swam a while. I did some laps, glad that I'd lost at least some of the weight I'd put on during the winter. I was so lost in my thoughts that I hadn't realized I'd swam too close to Channing until I surfaced and found myself almost in his arms. He reached out to steady me, and I stepped forward, attempting to regain my balance.

A shiver tripped over my skin even though the night was warm. My eyes locked with his, and I found myself lost in the mossy depths. He hadn't released me, and his hands were warm on my arms.

We stood there, speechless, drinking in each other in with an odd kind of understanding, an odd feeling that all was well in the world and we were meant to be together. His touch and his gaze were so mesmerizing that I couldn't have looked away if my life depended on it.

"Channing, you ready to go?" called his mother from somewhere across the patio.

The spell was broken. I backed away, hoping our parents hadn't seen the magic that had passed between us. I wasn't sure what my parents would think about my dating a senior if Channing asked me out.

"Good night," I said, turning and diving under the water, my heart beating wildly as what passed between us seemed like a dream, a beautiful, surreal dream.

I surfaced on the other end and watched Channing retreat from the pool. He turned and waved and, just like that, the guy of my dreams, walked right out of my life.

Author Spotlight - Character Interview with Eden from Mistaken Identify

My name is Eden Morgan and I'm a sophomore. I started the summer with six goals to have the best summer ever. Toward the top of the list was landing the guy of my dreams. How am I doing, you ask? Well, the cutest boy just moved in next door. His name is Channing Johnson and sometimes I get the urge to go next door and borrow a cup of sugar, or flour, or milk. Whatever, anything to get to see him again.

Channing is really sweet and I think he might like me, at least I hope so. The only problem is that I have to keep him away from my best friend, Lexi. She has the model perfect body and is drop dead gorgeous. One look at Lexi and I can kiss Channing goodbye forever. There's another problem too...I'm not sure what my parents will think about our age difference. I've not had boyfriend since elementary school, so I don't know how they'd feel about me dating an older guy.

I have a hard enough time trying to get myself straight and my friends are driving me crazy. Some of them drink and car surf and I'm afraid someone's going to get hurt. In addition to worrying about that I'm having trouble with some of cheerleaders making fun of me because I'm a Christian and trying to live for God and obey my parents. My sophomore year just isn't going like I'd planned!

BUY LINK: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-178/K-Dawn-Byrd-Mistaken/Detail.bok

Author Spotlight - Character Interview with Channing from Mistaken Identify

My name is Channing Johnson. I'm a senior and I'm new in town. My mom moved us here after my dad was killed in Iraq. I'm a high school senior and I'm pretty good at restoring old cars and playing football. Math is another story. Sometimes, I just don't get it.

My mom really knows how to pick a neighborhood! We just moved in beside the cutest girl. Her name is Eden and I get the impression that she's a "good" girl, you know, the kind they say you can take home to your mother. Anyway, I like her. A lot. There's just one problem. She has a really hot best friend named Lexi and Lexi likes me.

Things were going good between me and Eden (at least that's what I thought) as I took my time in getting to know her. Then, Lexi entered the picture. She's caused a lot of trouble trying to keep us apart and has been pretty good at it because Eden thinks I'm in love with Lexi. I have to admit, she has turned my head. After all, I am a guy, but she's not the kind of girl I'd take home to my mom.

I'm not sure just how to get Eden to trust me again. She can be pretty stubborn when someone hurts her. Maybe I should talk to her mom. She's a counselor. Maybe she can give me some tips. I sure hope she gets over what's bugging her soon.

BUY LINK: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-178/K-Dawn-Byrd-Mistaken/Detail.bok

Author Spotlight - K Dawn Byrd talks about her passion for Young Adult Writing

You ask why I like to write young adult? Because it's so much fun! I started out a few years ago writing adult romantic suspense, which is what I love reading. I'd heard people say you should write what you love. Then, I started reading some young adult romance and really enjoyed it. Soon, I had the idea for Mistaken Identity. Once I started writing young adult, I couldn't stop. It's much more carefree and light than what I usually write and I love writing innocent romance.

Adult characters tend to be more complex with more baggage because of life experience, be it good or bad. Young adult characters come with a whole different category of challenges and I enjoy writing about situations that teens may face today.

I enjoyed writing young adult so much that I've signed a contract for a young adult mystery/romance series. The first book in the Zoe Mack mystery series will debut in January with another to follow in June and then one in December. Zoe is a lot like Nancy Drew, but she'll be more modern and there will be more romance in her stories.

LINK:http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-178/K-Dawn-Byrd-Mistaken/Detail.bok