Authors Welcome!

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Spotlight On Author LJ Higgins

Blog Tour
Fall of the Dreamer (Dreamer Trilogy, Book Two)
BY : L.J. HIGGINS
RELEASE DATE: JANUARY 28TH






Enjoying her new life in Sandhaven after the events of the year before, Amelia feels like she has it all great friends, a home by the beach, a job that she loves, and a handsome boyfriend. But a new threat is brewing in the city; the Cambiar Virus is spreading fast and people are dying. Amelia does not want to give up her peaceful life, but someone must fight for those who are unaware of the danger they’re in. With Cameron acting strange, her friendship with Sarah strained, and her relationship with Jonah growing more complicated, the last thing Amelia wants is to put her personal life aside and get involved in another life threatening situation. But she doesn’t have a choice.






Every time I awoke, I remembered nothing. No dream, just darkness. A new fear came over me. Had they worked out how to erase my Dreamer abilities? Had they destroyed my dreams?






FREE WITH KINDLE UNLIMITED: 
Fall of the Dreamer (Dreamer Trilogy Book 2)




BOOK ONE: Dawn of the Dreamer (Dreamer Trilogy Book 1)  





L J Higgins hails from Queensland, Australia, and her love of books motivated her to return to her dream of writing a novel. The result is inspiring, showing dreams can be achieved if you have self-belief. She hopes to instill in her children the world of imagination and chasing your dreams.




HOSTED BY:

Friday, February 19, 2016

Spotlight on Author Teresa McRae.

Welcome Teresa! Please tell us a little about yourself?



Author Bio: Hello. I am the author of the Historical Fiction novel called Mamie Garrison. It is a tale of slavery, abolition, romance and history, set in the years just prior to the Civil War. I am 58 and married with one adult child. I have always enjoyed the written word and am a voracious reader from my early youth. I am inspired by many authors in the historical fiction genre. I am also a lover of Russian literature, particularly Tolstoy and Doestoyefsky. I find great inspiration for creating characters by looking at the ones these two authors have created. There is such a depth to them. I have written for most of my life in one form or another. I have dabbled in poetry and songwriting, and have more started novels than finished ones. In my free time, I like reading, history, crossword puzzles and travel. I am interested in genealogy and working on my family tree. I live in the Midwest United States with my husband, Chris and my dog, Max.


When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? I always loved to read and wrote terrible poetry when I was younger, youth to teen age. When I met and married my husband, a musician, I co-wrote some song lyrics with him. I always thought I would like to write a book. One day, I just sat down and started and the result was Mamie Garrison.

How long does it take you to write a book? Mamie Garrison took me about a year and a half. I think this was essentially because it started out as a very different book. Mamie was a secondary character. The problem was Mamie kept bugging me to tell her story. When I did that, not really even knowing what that story was at first, it all fell into place.

What is your work schedule like when you're writing? I am different from many writers in that I don't physically write every day. In other words, I don’t type everyday. I think of a scene and I run it through my head till it plays like a movie and then usually put it on paper or laptop. This tends to work well for me. By the time I get to typing, it is almost exactly how I want it. Usually. I do not work outside of writing and tend to do my best writing in the morning after Ive had my coffee.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk? I would have to say again, the fact that I do not write everyday. Most advice I see from other writers is to write every day. It's always going on in my head, though. I also write in bed and not at a desk. I have to be comfortable for the thoughts to flow.

How do your books get published? I publish independently.

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books? I write what I care about, what moves me. I have always hated injustice of any sort. I always root for the underdog. I think with “Mamie Garrison” I wanted to show that ordinary people can do the extraordinary when it matters. It's not how much you do or even what you do, but rather, the fact that you did what you could.

When did you write your first book and how old were you? Mamie is my first book and I am 58. I've started a few going back to when I was in high school but never finished them.

What do you like to do when you're not writing? I read a lot. Probably at least a book a week. I have done extensive work on my family tree. I still work on it but not as often as I did. I have a granddaughter coming in August and plan to spend lots of time spoiling her.

What does your family think of your writing? They are very supportive. My Mom loves it and has suggested it to her book club. Lol. Gotta love moms. Many in my family have read it and enjoyed it. My husband is very cooperative when I need to be alone to write. I've always been a person who enjoys being alone, so there were no surprises there.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books? The fact that I could start and finish one. I think the biggest surprise was when reviews started coming in and people were writing such nice things about it. I am so happy people like it.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite? Just Mamie, but I am in the process of the second book in the series which will feature some of the children mentioned in the first book. Of course, characters from the first book will reappear. I conceived the idea as a trilogy, but one book at a time. We will see where we go after this next one.

Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they? On my blog, I tend to mention often, that you need to write what you love, what moves you. If it moves you, it will move someone else. I love Hemingway’s quote about finding the truest sentence you can and writing that. Ask yourself, is this truth, is this important? If it is, others will notice. This can be done in any genre. Truth is truth. Even in fiction.

Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say? I do. I have received such lovely comments and reviews. Most want to tell me they loved the book. Many become enamored of Mamie. She is quite the woman.

Do you like to create books for adults? Yes. I don't think I could ever write children's books. Some subject matter is difficult to write about. I try not to step over the line of good taste and write only what is important to tell the story. For me, this works.

What do you think makes a good story? Oh, it has to be the characters for me. If I connect with a character, then the story seems to flow from that. I also like a few unexpected twists when appropriate to the storyline, and some surprises.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up? I wanted to be a teacher and I was for a number of years.

Website and blog: FB.com/teresammcrae.com

Book Blurb: Mamie Garrison is a story of an ordinary woman who goes to extraordinary lengths to do what she knows is right. Everything in her young life has led her to this moment, this decision. She will embark on the greatest adventure of her life.
Approximately one hundred and fifty years later, her ancestor, Bella Garrison, inherits a house from her grandmother and finds Mamie's journals in a trunk in the attic. Bella with the help of her historian boyfriend, Andrew, will follow Mamie's journey through her writings, to find out more about this intrepid woman and what she achieved. However, someone is trying to stop them from learning about Mamie. What do they not want Bella to find out?
And...what is the meaning of the strange events occurring in Bella's house?



Author Migraine Central Review of Mamie Garrison:
Mamie Garrison is a proud and heroic woman. Her trials and tribulations were heartbreaking. Yet the horrors during this era in time were felt by more than many. I laughed and cried while reading this book. I loved Bella! This book is well written and executed. The characters are so well developed that I could actually see in my minds eye the care and warm heart of the woman herself and the author. This book deserves five stars just for the sheer hard passion in which it was written. Such a wonderful read. I have read it twice now and will definitely order the hard back if I can. A book for all times. Recommended to any one who loves historical heartwarming books.

Sunday, February 14, 2016

EMERGENCY!

CAN YOU HELP?


Hi this is Russell Cobble, he suffers from congestive heart failure. He is in dire need of funds to help him with his medical bills, vehicle repairs and to pay for a cell phone so he can call people to schedule appointments at doctor's offices and to see his two daughters or in case he needs an ambulance.

He is 55 years old and lives by himself. He has had many tragedies in his life. For 40 years he was a brick layer in Kentucky. His mother recently passed away and it added to his burdens. Russell is a humble man who cares deeply  for his family and friends.

Please if you can see it in your heart to even give a dollar to his go fun me account it would be greatly appreciated. We love him so much and do not want to lose him before we have to.

Bless you! 

LINK TO GO FUND ME ACCOUNT:

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

CRYSTAL MILES GAUTHIER

Award Winning Novelist

Crystal lives in Louisville, Kentucky with three cats and her husband Joe. She loves to travel, go to different restaurants, read about the past, write about the past, crochet and spend time with family. A generous person who loves to help people. Check out her links below.
She adores making new online friends.


Troianne book #1 in The Time Travel Society Series
Available in Ebook, Paperback and Audible Recordings.

He said all the right things... Then left her alone. Troianne Shelden is your everyday, intelligent student. With a love for history and stunning figure, she's a catch for any guy. But after a night of passion with a handsome stranger, introduced to her by their mutual friends, she finds herself pregnant with nowhere to turn for advice. Her parents passed away long ago and, soon after Troianne finds out she's pregnant, her grandmother passes, too. Left with a large inheritance, she looks forward to life with her new baby. Fate takes the wheel when she goes into labor. On her way to the hospital, she passes out from intense pain and wakes up in a very different place... The next thing she knows, she's hearing carriage wheels and voice shouting for help. Lightning illuminates the inside of what was, only moments before, the back of a taxi cab. When the door opens, she's greeted by a handsome man dressed like he stepped out of the past. In shock, she realizes that she's somehow traveled back in time-- ...and she has no idea how to return.
*********************************************************************************
Diana's Magic book #2 in The Time Travel Society Series
Available in Ebook, Paperback and Audible Recordings.

Finding Her True Potential. “Diana Elizabeth, you are a very powerful sorceress, it is true. And you may not ever need to know these things. However, there may come a time in your life when knowledge of this backwards way of doing things could come in handy, when your powers are diminished and you cannot perform to your full ability.” “Aunt, when would that possibly ever happen to me?” “Diana it could happen anytime a demon is near or a follower has attached itself to you.” Being one of the most powerful sorceresses in the world is a challenge for sixteen year old Diana. Still haunted by the evil forces who kidnapped her in infancy, she is taught to fight those who want to steal from her everything she loves. One night during what was supposed to be a teenagers rebellious night out, she encounters a sight that rocks her to her knees. Diana runs away angry, veering off the normal path, a small accident leaves her unconscious. When she wakes she finds herself in a strange new place. Everyone seems to be joyful and content in this place called Shae’lan. What awaits Diana in this happy place will not only leave her wanting more, it will also have her questioning her life’s decisions. Two men will determine Diana’s fate. One is Evil, One is Good. Both will be a factor in determining the rest of her life.
*********************************************************************************

Rheanon's Heart book #3 in The Time Travel Society Series
Available in Ebook, Paperback and Audible Recordings.

Rheanon Donatesu taught at a prestigious girls school in London. She prided her self in being able to take a young woman under her wing to teach her about science and mostly how to be a leader of women. Clearly an independent woman. Rheanon had always been wild and impetuous. She could turn stone into dust and best anyone at whist, even play cards with the finest gentleman in England and win. What she couldn’t do is wait any longer for the man she loved to come back to her. She tried her hardest to find out where he was, writing letters and talking to his dear mother who was her aunt by marriage.

Rheanon tried even hard to keep her special abilities a secret. Their were only a few who knew about her sorcery Those were the Five Stars.

Her arch nemesis went missing one night during one of the card games. No one could find out who took Miss Lisbeth Ashley. That is until a Bow Street Runner comes knocking on Rheanon’s door asking too many questions. Then another pulls her right off of the street for questioning. This one vowed he would have her in his bed. He would have a hard time convincing her.

Why on earth would they suspect Rheanon? Only one person knows and that person is closer to Rheanon than anybody suspected.


Links:

Author Patricia Scholes is in the spotlight!



WELCOME PATRICIA TO 
AUTHOR MIGRAINE CENTRAL!


When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

When I was a little girl, before I could read, my aunt gave me a sheet of newspaper that was all print without any pictures on it, maybe wants ads. She gave me a box of crayons and told me to draw something. I think she wanted me out of her hair. I drew a dog playing with a little girl.

Later, when shown the picture I had drawn, I realized that it was more than a dog and a girl. I had drawn a story, using pictures because I hadn’t any words I could write yet.

Later, during a Meyers-Briggs marriage seminar, I discovered that my personality type is always a writer. I can’t not write.

How long does it take you to write a book?

About a year. This year I tried to write three books in one year. They’re garbage. I need the full year to let the stories mull, ferment, combine and rearrange themselves into the stories they were meant to be.

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

I hate marketing, so I do it first thing in the morning. Then I spend as much of the afternoon as I can writing. I also come back to my book in the evenings.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I can’t listen to music. To me, music is also a story, so I can’t listen to the story while I write the one on my computer.

How do your books get published?

Until recently, I self-published everything. My friend published traditionally, but didn’t really have much more success than I did doing it all myself. Publishers seem to want the writer to learn a new skill—marketing, which is very hard for most writers, like me. So I figured if I had to learn this skill anyway, I would publish my books myself. 


I had limited success, however. I’m not a very good marketer. When people read my books, they tended to give me four- and five-star reviews, so I began to ask for reviews.

I went through a list of people, mostly writers, some bloggers, reviewers, and a few publishers. I wrote all of them, including the publishers, knowing full well that it was probably a wasted effort, but I did it anyway. I told the publishers that I knew that publishers didn’t usually review books, but that I was still asking, and gave them my pitch. One publisher responded. She asked to read more books in my series. Afterwards, satisfied, she offered to publish my series.

Just so that folks know, that never happens. Self-published authors don’t get picked up by traditional publishers. But this one did. She, by the way, was the only publisher who responded to my request for a review.

So, now I’m being re-published with Celestial Waters Publishing, and am delighted, both with the two ladies who run the company, as well as the process they use for editing and publishing. The first book in my series, Her Darkest Beauty, will come out in a few weeks. I’m thrilled!

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

I used to be a foster parent. I also used to supervise foster homes to make sure the homes were compliant with state regulations. By the way, the horror stories people hear about foster parents are news because they’re rare. Most foster parents are heroes. They are far more trained than any parents out there, and they deeply care about children. Most kids tend to complain about foster parents because they want their own parents to be healthy. They don’t want to live with strangers, and I don’t blame them.

So, this first book is the story of a girl who could have used good foster parents, but she takes the protection of an evil entity instead. The day she decides to get rid of it, her whole life turns to chaos. It would kill her before it would let her go.

Most of my stories come from questions: How would a world look that depended on God instead of their own resources? They would certainly be peaceful. But what if warlike race of beings decided to invade them? How would that look?

By that time, I had a whole series.

When did you write your first book and how old were you?

This first book was a long, evolving process. I was fifteen. That first book never got published. Instead, it grew, changed, and grew again. Then I won a short story contest, and used that story as the background for my books. Some of the characters survived, but their background story changed, which changed the story. It’s now over fifty years later, and the book has finally grown up.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

I garden. I grow my own herbs and vegetables, and sell herbal preparations through a company called Willowbark Tea LLC. I also like to do needlecrafts and sewing. And I read a lot. That’s what good writers do. They read.

What does your family think of your writing?

My kids are all grown, and they live in two separates states, so I don’t get to see them or their children or grandchildren very often. I find that sad. But it does leave me time to write, because my husband gives me time to do both my herbal business and write my books. I have an amazing husband.

What do my kids think of my writing? They’re proud of me, but I don’t know if they read my stuff.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

The characters come alive! They all have their own stories to tell, and if I listen, they tell me the most incredible things.

The second most surprising thing is that people actually like what I write. I find that amazing.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I’ve written ten books so far, three of which are still flying in a holding pattern while I edit them. My favorite is Steps of the Dance, the story of a little girl who comes into her own at a very young age, too young, some may think. But she’s very unique, and will hopefully fulfill an amazing purpose, should her enemies allow her to live.

Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?

First of all, read. Good writers read. They read everything they can get their hands on, including cereal boxes.

As you read, ask yourself how did this author do? How did he or she engage my interest? Are the characters real? Is the dialogue stilted, or does it both define the character as well as the scene? Is the author allowing me to experience the story, or is he or she telling me the story? How does the author use words? Can I smell the flowers and feel the rich, black soil in my hands? Is the sun shining on my face and can I feel its warmth? Do I ache for a resolution to this situation?

Finally, write. You can write about anything, but learn to use your words to answer the above questions, and any more that come to mind.

Did I say anything about spelling and grammar? No, because you’ll learn that as you go, or you’ll fail as a writer. Those are your necessary tools. Just as a carpenter needs more than a saw and a hammer, so you will need more than words and ideas. You must learn your craft, and learn it better than 90% of the rest of the writers out there. Sure, 80% better will probably get you published, and true, most readers pay little attention to the quality of your writing. But the better you are, the more successful you’ll become. In other words, you’ll either be professional, or a hack.

Don’t worry about an education. This is one profession where it doesn’t matter. Your best qualifications are your stories. Make them sing.

Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

This is going to sound egocentric. But I’ve had comments like, “I can’t put it down,” and “Surely, you’re going to write more. Just because it’s the end of the book doesn’t mean it’s the end of the series, does it?”

Do you like to create books for adults?

I create books about teens faced with difficult circumstances. What I write is not graphic, but it does have some adult content and concepts. I am unable to write children’s stories. By the same token, neither do I write “adult” materials. My books are for adults who enjoy reading PG13 stories.

What do you think makes a good story?

Tension. Your readers need to want to read further. You don’t want to solve your problems, at least most of your problems until the end. It also helps if your resolution has a bit of a twist.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I wanted to become a writer. My parents discouraged me. According to them, I needed to find a “real” profession, such as being a nurse or a secretary. My father wanted me to become a scientist because he was one. They never read my stories. It took me fifty years to overcome their destructive input. This is not quite fair, though. They grew up during the Depression. They valued practicality above all else. Writing for a living isn’t practical.

I also wanted to sing, and I do. For a very short time I sang professionally, but I would rather sing for enjoyment than money.

For an ever shorter time I illustrated my stories. I’m not a very good artist. I doubt I would show you any of my drawings.

Briefly, I considered becoming a botanist. I love working with plants. Then, I realized that a scientist needed to get the math right, or expect failure. I made Bs in math in school. That’s not good enough.

I have a Master of Divinity degree, meaning I could pastor a church, if the church would hire a short, fat old lady. So instead, I write Bible studies, but I’ve only published one. I write the studies to either solve a problem or to enlighten or educate members of my congregation. I love teaching Bible.

Looking back at what I’ve just written, I wonder if I’m ever going to grow up.

Monday, February 8, 2016

THE OWL BRANCH PROMOTIONAL VIDEO!


Calling all Authors, Come take a look at our promotional video. We are here to help you promote your books.

Friday, February 5, 2016

NEW RELEASES!

HELLO EVERYONE - here are some new releases to check out.

This is a children's book by best selling, award winning author Sandra Shrewsbury,

http://www.amazon.com/Clovers-Adventures-Sandra-Shrewsbury-ebook/dp/B01BFX0Q04/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1454682288&sr=8-4&keywords=Sandra+Shrewsbury


Clover is a bunny who lost his mother at birth. He is scared and needs someone to take care of him. He has to learn things on his own, and when he ventures out to find a family who will love him, he finds more than just someone to take care of him. He finds special friends who teach him what is more important in life.





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

This is an Adult Book By Author Kenneth Donaldson of Australia, I am sure you will enjoy this book.


An inspiring novella containing eight short stories covering several methods which even the shiest among singles may be able to use as conversational starters for the chance of dating someone new, build stronger relations with an existing lover or even spice up the marriage just a little bit more.