Friday, January 23, 2015

Rachel Rossano and Honor


We have another release for you, and it sounds great!  Let's start off with the interview, and then you can get some specific details on Rachel and her book further down.

Could you share a little about yourself and what led you to become a writer?

I am happily married homeschooling mommy of three young children. My love of the written word began in childhood, but my love of writing didn’t come until I was in my teens. Even then, I tended to gravitate toward writing fiction, not non-fiction.

Do you write full time? How much of your life is set aside for writing?

I dream of someday writing full time. Right now my days are full of mothering, teaching, and running the household. I write in the spaces between everything else and in the evenings after the little ones are in bed. Writing and cover design are my two hobbies that are also part-time businesses.
Writing full time is a dream we share, and I used to joke that all those hours I wasted between midnight and three AM should be used more productively. Well, you know what they say ..."careful what you wish for"... I can thank my 17 month old for stepping in and taking care of all that free time I had lol.

Could you tell us a little about your novel?

Honor: Second Novel of Rhynan is the second in a series, as the subtitle suggests, but the story stands alone as well. The setting is a kingdom called Rhynan, which is similar to the European kingdoms of the medieval period in history.

The Earl of Dentin, the most intimidating man in Rhynan, has been ordered by the king to take custody of his best friend’s adopted son. While in the process of completing his mission, he is confronted by a dark-eyed noblewoman who challenges him on the honor of completing such a task. Dentin finds himself unable to justify his plan. In addition, he is intrigued by this bold young woman who shows no fear in the face of his power.

Lady Elsa Reeve is weary of people pushing her around. Her mother and brother are trying to marry her off to their advantage and not considering her preferences at all. When Dentin starts questioning her actions as well, she fights back. What about her concerns could possibly interest the mighty and powerful Dentin?

Throw in a traitor to the crown, a murder, and plenty of complications and the story becomes quite a medieval adventure.
Sounds great. I will have to add it to my TBR list!
                                                     
Would you take us on a brief tour of your novel and the world you’ve created?

Rhynan is an old medieval country formed roughly three hundred years before my series takes place. It came into being via the uniting of seven baronies under one warrior king to fight a common enemy. The monarchy’s government base is the agreement called the barons’ pact which gives all Rhynan noblemen rights and limits the monarch’s power. Lord Dentin is the fifteenth earl to hold his title, making his earldom one of the oldest in the nation.  

Rhynan is also a healing nation. Only a few short years before, the country succumbed to civil war. Nobles rebelled against a king who tried to ignore their rights and the whole country imploded. As a result of that war, the current king sits uneasily on his throne because he is the first of his dynasty. Dentin’s placement in the position of Securer of the Realm is a direct result of that upset. His job is to keep the king on the throne, the borders safe, and basically see that justice and peace are maintained.


Where does the inspiration for you main character and story come from?

Dentin first appeared in the previous novel in the series, Duty: First Novel of Rhynan. He originally was intended to play a crucial, but secondary role in the second half of the book, but he surprised me by stealing some of my readers hearts (and mine as well). I wrote Honor with the intention of giving him his story and moving on to the other three planned books in the series. He, however, has other plans. With an anthology devoted to his backstory already halfway written and him firmly established in the plot of the next book in the series, I suspect readers will be seeing a lot more of him in the books to come. I love how our characters come to life and tell us what's going to happen. You, just sit there and write ;o)

What is the message behind the story? Was it something you specifically wrote a story around or did it develop as your characters came to life?

Each of the books in the Novels of Rhynan explores one of the chivalric attributes as it plays out in the characters’ various life situations. Honor was a perfect fit because my main character, Dentin, values honor and integrity very highly. He strives to remain honorable despite serving an increasingly dishonorable king. Opportunities to abuse his power manifest constantly. My other main character, his love interest, Lady Elsa Reeve struggles with honor from a more humble position, that of an unmarried daughter. Who should she obey? How far does showing honor to her parents go? Does that extend to sacrificing herself for her family? Very interesting, and such a wonderful play on the theme.

Do you work from an outline or just go with the flow? If you use an outline, how detailed is it?

I outline a few chapters ahead of where I am writing. The outline is usually only in my head until near the end of the book. It isn’t very detailed, more like the order of events that have to happen to get from point A to point B. That said, the outline is a fluid thing, changing as needed to fit the characters’ needs.

What is the time span in your novel, weeks, months, years? How much research went into it?

Honor occurs over a period of a month or two. I wrote the novel in less than a year. I did quite a bit of research about various things. Although my novels are set in a fictional world, I try to write them like historical novels. As much as possible, I want the reader to feel like they are reading a well-researched work. That came across in your description of the world you created. Well done!

Could you tell us how you go about your research, how you ‘catalogue’ information to make it all work?

My research is scattered in multiple places. I frequently keep a working Word document going of all the tidbits of information I have collected. My bookmarks on my web browser are extensive. I also spend a great deal of time back tracking through the previous book(s) to make sure details are consistent. In an Excel file I have a huge timeline of the whole series with dates, ages, events, and where all the novels/short stories fall in the larger picture. I found keeping character files, with everything from traits to ticks and even relationships help me a lot. I also keep files on everything else, from places, technology, food, species (I write sci-fi), etc. I like your excel file timeline.

How does this book differ from what you have written in the past?

I tend to write arranged marriage plot lines. The first book in the series, Duty, was one of those. In that way, Honor is a bit different from my norm. It begins as a boy annoys girl story and progresses from there.

How have the changes in present day publishing impacted your schedule as a writer?

Considering I began as an indie author and will probably finish as an indie author, I would have to say no. My life, my kids, and my husband’s work schedule affect my writing more than anything else.

How do you handle marketing? Do you have a plan, a publicist or just take one day at a time?

I do a little bit at a time. Daily posts to my FB page, blogging when I can, and networking are my main promotional efforts. I also spend a bit on ads and other opportunities as I can. I focus on connecting with readers more than massive exposure, though that is important too. The idea of paying someone to do the marketing is an attractive idea, but I can’t afford the cost, yet.

Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

Write. If you are determined to do it, do it. Research, put in the time, make it a priority, and do it well.

Could you tell us what you’re working on now?

A massive inspirational epic fantasy trilogy is the main project on my writing desk at the moment. Think telekinetic and telepathic abilities in a genetically modified population in a regressive Roman inspired culture on a distant planet in the far future. I am a third of the way through the third book and eager to finish this seven year project. Though, Dentin’s anthology of short stories is still moving along at a much slower pace. That sounds interesting, and must be quite an undertaking. I don't know if I would have the patience to have it ongoing for so long. Hats off to you!

Now to share Rachel's BIO:

Rachel Rossano lives with her husband and three children in the northeastern part of the United States. Homeschooled through high school, she began writing her early teens. She didn’t become serious about pursuing a career as an author until after she had graduated from college and happily married. Then the children came.
Now she spends her days being a wife, mother, teacher, and household manager. Her evenings and free moments are devoted to her other loves, writing and book cover design. Drawing on a lifelong love of reading and history, she spends hours creating historical feeling fantasy worlds and populating them with characters who live and breathe on the page.

Published Works

Series

The Theodoric Saga
The Crown of Anavrea
The King of Anavrea
Novels of Rhynan
Duty
Honor

Stand Alone Novels/Novellas

Wren (A Romany Epistle Novel)
The Mercenary’s Marriage

Short Stories

Word and Deed
Exchange


Book Blurb:

Honor
The Earl of Dentin excels in his position as Securer of the Realm. But the king’s order to pluck an orphaned child from a loving home unsettles Dentin. When a dark-eyed woman challenges his honor regarding the mission, Dentin finds himself unable to justify his actions or get her out of his mind. Something about her lack of fear intrigues him.

Lady Elsa Reeve attempts to avoid the marriage of convenience her brother and mother demand of her. She understands the need to pay off her brother's massive debt. She only wants her family to consider her wishes in the process.

As Elsa becomes further entangled in a snare of her brother’s creating, only one man defends her. But can she trust Dentin, her unlikely champion, and his motives? With a murderer on the loose, Elsa’s fate in jeopardy, and a traitor plotting against the king, Dentin finds his priorities shifting in an unexpected direction.

CONTACT/PURCHASE LINKS





Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Baxter Road Miracle by Carlene Havel

We have a new book to share with you. NEW, as in TODAY is the official release date.
Congratulations, Carlene!

BLURB:

Can faith move mountains? The Youngbloods are about to find out.


 In the 1960s, Henry Youngblood is absorbed in planting a church in the growing community of Buffalo Creek, baffled by unexplained opposition from city hall. Henry’s teenaged daughter Pauline yearns for a college education, while younger sister Susan only wants to be popular. Meanwhile, Ellen Youngblood wonders how to pay the bills for her new baby, keep her daughters under control, and temper the family’s dreams with reality. It will take a miracle for the Youngblood family’s dreams to come true.




EXCERPT:

Ellen awoke to the sound of rain.  She turned off the alarm and curled into a ball.  Although she remembered the nausea that plagued her other pregnancies, this time seemed worse.  “Tell Pauline to make breakfast,” she mumbled to Henry. “I have to sleep a few more minutes.  She tried to doze, but the combination of clanging pans in the kitchen and the drizzle outside the window kept her awake.  With a sigh, she threw aside the covers, grabbed her robe, and made her way to the bathroom.
“Do you want me to cook you some eggs?” Pauline asked brightly as soon as Ellen hobbled to the table.
“No!” Ellen answered.  “No, thank you.”  She stretched out her hands and spread her fingers.  “I’ll be fine as long as I don’t eat anything.”
“How about some soda crackers?” Henry asked.
“In a little while.”  Ellen forced a smile, and nodded toward Henry.  “I’ll be all right in time.”  She put an elbow on the table and rested her forehead in her hand.  “Make sure Susan doesn’t run late. Is your room ready, Pauline?”
“All fixed up for Sunday school.  The bed is made and the folding chairs are set up.”
“Come look at the garage,” Henry said.  “You would think it was designed to hold church services.”
Ellen nodded and swallowed hard.  “In a few minutes.”
Henry stood and picked up his Bible.  “I’m going out there to go over my sermon again.”
“I sure hope some people show up,” Ellen said after Henry closed the door behind him.
“Daddy asked for ten when he said the prayer over breakfast,” Pauline said.  “There are four of us, and Grace Harper phoned for directions.  If she comes, we only need five more.  Do you want a cup of coffee?”
“I’ll get it, sweetie.  Go haul Susan out of bed and get her dressed for church.”  Ellen went to the counter and poured from the full percolator.  She sat at the table and sipped coffee, enjoying the rich aroma as much as the warm, comforting liquid.  Finally, after almost ten years, my own house again instead of a parsonage.  How much mud are people going to track onto my new carpet this morning?
Feeling slightly less queasy, Ellen made her bed.  She took a second-hand maternity outfit from the closet.  The floppy over blouse and the skirt with a stretchy panel felt comfortable—and they explained her expanding stomach.  She made one last sweep through her bedroom to make certain all of her and Henry’s personal belongings were put away.  The crib and a wooden rocking chair the Youngbloods bought when Pauline was born constituted a makeshift church nursery.  Ellen smoothed the pink and blue quilt on the back of the rocker, and breathed a prayer that ten souls would find their way to the Youngblood’s garage this morning.
The rain tapered off, and shafts of sunlight broke through the uneven cloud cover.  Henry paced back and forth, frequently looking at his watch, while Ellen sat in a folding metal chair and Pauline played a hymn on the piano. A tall young man stood on the sidewalk peering into the open garage.  “You can come on in,” Susan said, with a beckoning hand motion. “We don’t bite.”
The lad walked up the driveway, hands jammed into his jeans pockets.  “What y’all doing?”
“We’re having church.”  Susan tossed her head to flip her blonde ponytail over a shoulder.  “Do you go to Sunday school?”
“No.”  He stood at the garage entrance.  “Church? In here?”

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING:

(Excerpt from Amazon 5 Star review)
Ms. Havel is an accomplished writer who delves into the emotional background of her characters. While Henry is the force of hope in this novel, his wife and daughter’s personalities and back stories are well thought out and delivered. Baxter Road Miracle will warm your heart. I highly recommend it.


(Amazon 5 Star Review)
What can I say about this novella? Loved It! So many layers. Growing up in the 60's it was a pleasant walk down memory lane, but even more so, is the author's vivid visuals of the characters, their lives and their world. I read this in one day, simply because I really didn't want to stop until I got to the end. Bet you will as well. Kudos to Carlene Havel for sharing this story with the world.

BIO:

 Carlene Havel is an award-winning writer of Christian-themed fiction. She has lived in Turkey, Republic of the Philippines, and numerous US States. After a career in human resources and software development, she began writing in 2005. The Havels live in Texas, surrounded by their extended family.


CONTACT/PURCHASE LINKS:




Saturday, January 17, 2015

Peter Stone and The Clockwork Mechanical

Today we are going to step into the children's book corner, with Peter Stone's novel Clockwork Mechanical.

Who is Peter R Stone you ask? Give me a moment, and I will pull up his biography. Let me see....
Ah! Here we go. 

Biography

Peter R Stone is an award-winning writer, winning the Faithwriters Writing Challenge on three separate occasions, as well as frequently being a Faithwriters Editor's Choice top ten winner. His winning entries include The Medal and Dreams Forsaken.

Peter R Stone, an avid student of history, was reading books on Ancient Greece from the age of four. Periods of interest include the ancient world, medieval era, Napoleonic times, and the Second World War. He still mourns the untimely passing of King Leonidas of Sparta and Field Marshal Michel Ney of France.

A product of the Cold War Generation, Peter Stone studied the ramifications of a nuclear missile strike when he was in his senior year of high school, learning the effects of nuclear fallout and how to (hopefully) survive it. He has ever been drawn to post-apocalyptic and dystopian novels and films, and eagerly devoured The Day of the Triffids and John Christopher's Tripod Trilogy when he was a child. He is also an avid fan of science fiction, and his favorite books include the Lensmen Series by E.E.Doc.Smith, anything by Alastair Reynolds, and the Evergence trilogy by Sean Williams.


Peter Stone graduated from Melbourne School of Ministries Bible College in 1988. He has been teaching Sunday School and playing the keyboard in church for over twenty-five years. His wife is from Japan and they have two wonderful children. He has worked in the same games company for over twenty years, but still does not comprehend why they expect him to work all day instead of playing games.

Now that we know about the author, let's take a closer look at his novel, The Clockwork Mechanical, a children's science-fiction adventure aimed at 7-12 year olds.

Eleven-year-old Brad Miller's got a problem.

For starters, he's lost his memory. He can't even remember his own name. As if that wasn't bad enough, he's stranded on a space station. A space station that’s going to crash into the earth in less than one hour and kill millions of people.

That means Brad’s got less than an hour to disable the space station’s force field so that it burns up when it enters the earth’s atmosphere. The only catch is that a terrible Clockwork Mechanical – the living machine that is behind the diabolical plan to destroy the world – is out to get him.

Join Brad on his frantic quest to disable the space station's force field generator and save the world. See him team up with some unlikely companions - a swarm of little clockwork butterflies, a mechanical spider, and a girl with ADHD - as he tries to outsmart the Clockwork Mechanical.


I had the chance to ask Peter some questions about this book, so if you need a cup of coco, get it now. You won't want to miss this.

What inspires you to write?

I have always wanted to write, right from my early childhood. I still have the manuscript of a book I started when I was in grade six, and of another written during my final year of school. However, it was a love of music that got me back into writing in 2006. Music inspires me, it sets my imagination running, and I find writing the perfect outlet for the creativity it inspires.

Tell us about your writing process.

I have a full time job, so I normally write during my lunch break at work, and in the evening after my youngest has gone to bed. I normally spend several months planning a book before I start writing it. I develop each of the major characters, do a semi-detailed world background, and then make a step sheet of the plot, developing each scene to varying degrees of detail. That does not mean I will not change those steps as I write. The events that take place in ‘The Clockwork Mechanical’ occur within the space of one hour. However, it took me a lot longer than an hour to write it! Wow, you would be LOVED by writing instructors who ask for detailed background information and story planning.

Could you tell us a little about your novel?

The Clockwork Mechanical’ is steeped in mystery, right from the first page. The main character, Brad, wakes on a space station with suffering from amnesia. He does not even remember who he is. A mysterious Orb, a being of pure energy, tells him that he has one hour in which to stop an evil clockwork Mechanical from crashing the space station into the earth. The Mechanical has erected an impenetrable force field around the station using alien technology, and Brad has to find it and turn it off. He does not have to carry out this seemingly impossible mission alone, though, for the Orb has sent him several helpers – a girl from his class who has ADHD, a clockwork spider, and a swarm of tiny clockwork butterflies. The book is set in today’s world.

Where does the inspiration for the characters and story come from?

I wrote ‘The Clockwork Mechanical’ to read to my 10-year old son. He loves science fiction and stories that make you think. The main character was a kid who seemed to have it all – clever, good at sport, but at the same time, he had a flawed character evidenced by the fact that he used to mock and bully the handicapped and disadvantaged children in his class. His sidekick, Megan, was inspired by children I have taught over the years who had ADHD. They are such wonderful kids and it was a joy to include one in my book. I like that!

What is the message behind the story?

‘The Clockwork Mechanical’ is a heart-warming story about a boy who learns the importance of respecting and befriending those disadvantaged by disabilities and handicaps. We need more of these stories in today's society.

Could you tell us how you go about your research?

The Clockwork Mechanical is set on a space station hobbled together from the International Space Station (ISS) and the Chinese Tiangong space station. I spent several hours in Wikipedia studying the ISS, reading about each module, its purpose, and appearance. As one of the characters in the novel has ADHD, I studied the disorder and how it typically manifests itself in children. When preparing to write a novel, I create a ‘background document’ in which I dump the information I gather while doing research. 

How does this book differ from what you have written in the past?

The three previous books I wrote, ‘The Forager Trilogy’ are for young adults and older. Each novel has around 70,000 words. ‘The Clockwork Mechanical’ was a radical departure in style and format.

How do you handle marketing? Do you have a plan, a publicist or just take one day at a time?

After spending countless hours promoting ‘The Forager Trilogy’ I learned that a novel sells better if it is part of an already available series. Keeping that in mind, I waited until the sequel to ‘The Clockwork Mechanical’ was available before beginning to promote it. In fact, this week is the first time I have promoted it. I am kicking off the promotion by running a 99-cent Kindle Countdown Sale advertised on several websites. Good information for all authors here.

Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

If you are going down the self-publishing route, get other writers or book critics to beta read your book after you have finished it. Ask them to pick it to pieces. Then go back and fix all the holes they found. Get a professional cover for the book. If money is an issue, there are plenty of awesome pre-made covers around. Lastly, get the finished manuscript professionally proof read. This is definitely sound advice. it is so hard to fix a broken reputation as an author. Better to start off on the right foot.

Could you tell us what you’re working on now?

I have just published ‘The Ring of Fire,’ which is the sequel to ‘The Clockwork Mechanical.’ Currently I am getting stuck into writing the third and last book in the trilogy. "Stuck" eh? Well I hope that is not a bad thing.

If you want to know where you can get a copy of the book, just click on the AMAZON  KINDLE tab.



Amazon ASIN - B00PDE1DTK

Available Formats - Kindle and Paperback. The Kindle version has colour illustrations.

Countdown Sale - Price will be reduced from $2.99 to $0.99 from 19th to 25th January ‘15

If you would like to contact Peter, you can find him HERE:




Here is a review for the book:

5.0 out of 5 stars 
Such a lot of fun for a little book November 10, 2014
By Rachel Scalmer
Format:Kindle Edition
This was a fun little read. Written for the 8 to 11 age-group, it keeps it simple and doesn't get bogged down, or try to swamp the reader with information.
The main characters, Brad and Megan, actually act like the 11-year-olds they are, rather than junior superheroes, and I had a really easy time connecting with them. The story, while being a typical save-the-planet adventure becomes so much more than that in the author's skilled hands, and I loved the Clockwork Mechanical itself. I actually felt like I was along for the ride, and, even though it is written for children, adults that enjoy their adventures to be simple and fun will love it, too. I will be keeping an eye on this series.

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Carol Ann Kauffman and LORD OF BLAKELEY, Time After Time


Nice of you to join us here today for yet another author presentation. An interesting thing about being able to host authors, is that each one is different. Yes, yes, they are all authors...but they are moms, and doctors, teachers and carpenters...they have different backgrounds, and different life paths, filled with unique experiences that come together in the person that they are. This uniqueness brilliantly shines through their writing, to us. How awesome is that?

Today, we are fortunate enough to have author Carol Ann Kauffman join us.

Carol Ann Kauffman is an author from Ohio. She is a retired teacher from a local school district, where she taught first grade for most of her thirty-five year career, but also second and third grade and was a reading specialist for her last three years. She has worked at a print shop as a printer, managed a department store office, and worked for an insurance agency. She loves to travel; her favorite places being Italy, and Aruba, which show up in her novels quite a bit. She loves to play Bridge and to garden. She grows African violets and orchids. She is the author of the Time After Time series, which follows a pair of lovers through their many lifetimes together. Her novels, classified as romantic action adventures with a sci-fi/ fantasy twist, are about life, love, loss, and lunacy. 

Could you share a little about yourself and what led you to become a writer?

I am a retired schoolteacher.  I taught first through third grades, was the reading teacher, and taught composition and creative writing.  My first award-winning essay was in sixth grade.  But life and career and family interrupted the creative flow, so I didn’t get back to writing as an obsession until I retired.

Do you write full time? How much of your life is set aside for writing?

Yes, I write eight hours a day.  If I am not writing, I’m thinking about writing.  There is always a notebook in my pocket.  I use a travel journal when I travel, much of which finds its way into my work.  I wrote the first chapter of my WIP Charming Deception while on vacation in Florida.


Could you tell us a little about your novel?

Quintessential lovers find each other, time and time again, at different times, in different places, at different ages, and sometimes, on different planets.  I based these two people on a couple from literature and our culture.  I won’t reveal their identity until the final Time After Time book, but I DO leave clues.
                                                     
Would you take us on a brief tour of your novel and the world you’ve created?

LORD OF BLAKELEY begins on a primitive future planet, where a very important young lady needs to wed because she has turned 20, or her guardian will chose for her. She sees her future husband in her mind, and travels to farm country to find him.  She finds him, and they wed, but a very jealous man plots to separate them.  They find themselves years and planets away from each other.  In one section, they are thrown into present-day Chicago and work in a restaurant.  One day she disappears into thin air and he is charged with her murder and must stand trial.

Where does the inspiration for you main character and story come from?

I write about what affects our lives: life, love, loss, and lunacy. I used to say what affects women’s lives, but these same things affect men, too.  They just don’t want to admit it.

What is the message behind the story? 

If at first you don’t succeed …

Do you work from an outline or just go with the flow? If you use an outline, how detailed is it?

I figure out who the characters are in the story and I make a detailed character analysis, what she looks like, personality traits, place in the family, place in the community, age, education, likes, dislikes, food preferences, etc. Then I wind them up and let then go.  It’s fun to see what they do.
I began outlining, when I wrote a few children’s books.  There was no spark, too predictable.  Writer Emilia Julian, of God’s Prey fame, told me outlines are for wimps. LOL, I will keep that in mind.

What is the time span in your novel, weeks, months, years? How much research went into it?

Well, it’s a time travel story, so the span is roughly a thousand years, but the story emcompasses about five years of their lives.

Could you tell us how you go about your research, how you ‘catalogue’ information to make it all work?

Normally I do not write about places I haven’t visited. (Off-worlds not included.)  But Aruba, Italy, New Mexico, Utah, Ohio, each of these places has their own special flavor.  I need to touch the walls and smell the air in order to write about it adequately. I like that, and I agree. There is something unique in each place that cannot be adequately described if you haven't been there to experience it.

How does this book differ from what you have written in the past?

It is a continuation of the thread that everything we do, everyone who is important to us in this life, will find its way into the next life.  The good or evil that you do will revisit you.  A lost love will find you.

How have the changes in present day publishing impacted your schedule as a writer?

When I first started writing, the drill was: Send your manuscript to the first big publishing house on the list.  Wait 6 weeks to two months.  Get a rejection letter. Cross that publisher off the list.  Go down to the next one.  Start over. Some letters were very nice; some were insulting, like spice it up, throw some f-words in, make it rough. I refused.
Then one day, the sumpump broke, and all of the children’s books I wrote got ruined. (There weren’t that good. No tears.)  It was then I researched Kindle Direct Publishing and all of my Time After Time novels are exclusively on the kindle.  They are great to work with. They do not care how many times you want to re-edit, re-format, get a new cover.  I think they are ideal for someone starting out in the business.
I also have books published through Books To Go Now from Poulsbo, Washington.  They are lovely people to work with and are a creative storehouse.

How do you handle marketing? Do you have a plan, a publicist or just take one day at a time?

I just like to write them, that’s all.  I wrote four novels the first year, and four the second.  Then I took a year off to attempt to market them.  Writing is fun.  Marketing is hard work and I am not one to push myself on people.  So I listened to what others said.  Then I reformatted, re-edited, hired an editor, a cover artist, and re-launched my novels, one by one.
I use social media.  I do book signings.  I do giveaways.  Some months I do well.  December was horrible.  I try to get my book into the hands of a person I think will enjoy it.  It’s more one book at a time than one day at a time. In the courses I have taken on marketing, I have met people who do a minimum of 20 hours per week marketing. It can be quite overwhelming. 


Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

Write.  Write and write.  You can write one truly terrible book.  But if you keep writing, and write ten books, one of them HAS to be pretty good.  No seriously, do not let others discourage you. If you have the urge, the desire, the fire to write, then write. Don’t give up. I firmly believe everyone has a novel inside them. Now, whether you can get someone to BUY it, that’s another ball of aggravation.

Could you tell us what you’re working on now?

I always have four or five works in progress. I am writing the sequel to my bestselling Christmas story, Madison’s Christmas. It’s called Silver Maple Heartbreak.  I have another Time After Time novel coming out later this year called MacKalvey House.  And I have the first of a new series involving portals to another dimension, Charming Deception.  That’s the one I started on vacation last year.  And there are a few short stories that I have started.
You certainly have a lot going on at one time.


Book Description:

The series, TIME AFTER TIME, follows a pair of quintessential lovers, Richard and Nicole, through their lives together, in different places, in different times, with
different names and faces and sometimes even on other planets. This follows the alternative theory that the relationships we forge in this lifetime, both the good and the bad, are continued into the future, and are rooted deeply in our past. Whatever we do, whomever we love, and the good and evil deeds we do today follow us into the future. Unsettled issues will present themselves again and again, until they are ultimately resolved. Those people who have had a profound effect on us in this lifetime will find us again in the future. And although everything changes, love remains.
Books in the TIME AFTER TIME series are: BLUE LAKE, BELTERRA,
The BASLICATO, BENTLEY SQUARE, WAITING FOR RICHARD, and LORD OF BLAKELEY. They do not need to be read in order.

Lord of Blakeley is the story of Andrew of Blakeley, a simple farm boy who lives on a primitive future planet. He is chosen by the lovely Lady Aleese to be her mate and rises to become the most powerful man on the planet. But a jealous man with access to mobile transport devices wreaks havoc on the young couple’s happiness, separating them, her on an alien rock planet and he, aboard a slave ship, and then dumping them in present-day Chicago. One day Aleese vanishes into thin air and Andrew is arrested for her murder and must stand trial. It is a story of devotion and jealousy, of loss and lunacy. And, in true Time After Time fashion, a story of love.


Excerpt:

“Lord Andrew!  Come quick!  We’re being attacked!  There is a regiment of Bishopites on Blakeley soil.  Up on the hill!  They’re burning our crops.  They’re chopping down our fruit trees,” Jacob cried out at the bedroom door.
“Aleese, listen to me very carefully.  Go to the wine cellar and lock yourself in.  You’ll be safe there.  I’ll be back as soon as possible.  Stay in there and do not come out until I personally come down and get you.  This is very important.  Do you understand me?”
Aleese nodded and Andrew ran out and mounted the waiting horse, riding out in front of his army to find and do battle with the Bishopites.
“Carmine!” called Andrew, “Are you sure they are the Bishopites?  How the hell did they get here?  We dismantled and buried the transport dock.  They have no way to get back here!  They cannot possibly be the Bishopites.”
“One in uniform came down and announced to us that he was a Bishopite and they were here to steal our food, chop down our trees, and burn the rest of our farmlands.  That’s all we know.”
“Men, fall back.  Something’s not right here.”  The men stopped and Andrew rode ahead to the hilltop facing the Bishopite army alone, behind them the fruit trees and the farmlands of Blakeley safe and unharmed.
“Bishopites,” he shouted, “we are not your enemy.  We will not take part in this war of brother against brother.  Take your fight elsewhere and leave the peaceful province of Blakeley at once!”
Just then a man jumped on Andrew out of nowhere and they both were blown up in a cloud of dust and flame with a thunderous crash.  Debris flew in the air.  Immediately all of the Bishopite army at the top of the hill disappeared.
The stunned Blakeley army was in shock over the loss of their beloved leader.  They searched the area for any sign of Lord Andrew, but found nothing.  Sad and dejected, they returned to the village center in silence. 
“He blew them all up!  Our Andrew, our Lord of Blakeley, managed to somehow blow up all the Bishopites.  To save our land.  To save our food, our crops, our trees.  To save us.  He is a hero.  The bravest man in all of Blakeley, the bravest man I have ever known,” said Carmine crying.  “And who among us had more to lose than Andrew?  No one.”
“Jared, somebody has to tell her.  I don’t want to do it.”
“Carmine, you have to do it.  She likes you.  You’re closer to her than any of the rest of us.”
“Yes, I am.  And that’s why I don’t want to be the one to tell her.  She’ll hate me for the rest of my life if I bring her the news of his death.”
“No.  She won’t.  She’ll be broken-hearted because she truly loves him.  She’ll sob and cry.  And then, she’ll probably go back to Havenhill.  She only stayed here with us because of Andrew, to be with him.”

Carmine dismounted and walked into the Manor House.
“Lord Andrew has been killed in battle,” he announced to the staff waiting at the door.  “He died saving the rest of us.  He… He was the bravest man we have ever seen in all our lives.  Where is Lady Aleese?”
“She has locked herself in the wine cellar, as Lord Andrew instructed her to do,” said Ruth.
Carmine turned and went down to the cellar.  He knocked on the door.
“Lady Aleese, it’s Carmine.  Come out.”
“Where is Drew?”
“Lady Aleese?  Please, come out,” he begged.  “I need to talk to you.  It’s about Andrew.  He… he’s been…”
She unlocked the door and looked at him.  She saw the look on his sad tear-stained face.  He didn’t have to say another word.  She knew.
“NO!  NO!” she cried, falling on the floor.  “NO!  Do not tell me he is dead!  NO!”
“I’m so sorry, Lady Aleese.  He died saving all of us, our land, our crops, and our food.  Oh, he was so incredibly brave, My Lady!  He was majestic, even.  He managed to blow them all up.  Unfortunately he was in the middle of that explosion.”
“NO!”  She pulled herself up.  “I feel in my heart that my beloved Drew is not dead.”
“I saw it with my own eyes.  I saw him… get blown up.”
“No.  It cannot be.  Go away, Carmine.  I wish to be alone.”
“I understand you want to be alone.  But, please, let me help you up to your room.  Your ladies can take care of you upstairs.  You don’t want to stay down here in this cold, dark cellar by yourself.”
“Drew told me to stay here and wait for him to come and get me.  And I’m staying right here.  I’m waiting for him to come and get me.  Go away.”
“But Lady Aleese…”
“GO THE HELL AWAY!!!”  She threw a wine bottle at him.  It crashed to the floor and broke into pieces.
Carmine nodded and backed away from her.  She slumped back against the wall, slowly sinking to the floor, screaming and sobbing. 
“Come for me, Drew!  Please, My Love, come for me.  I don’t want to go on without you.  You told me to stay here and wait until you came for me.  I’ll wait for you, Drew.  I’ll wait right here.  Come for me, My Love.  Please, come for me.”  She cried some more and soon cried herself to asleep on the cold, damp cellar floor.
She heard something, someone walking on the broken glass from the wine bottle on the floor.  A shadowy figure approached her.
“Drew?  Drew, My Darling, I knew you would come for me. I knew you wouldn’t desert me.  Drew!”  She reached for him.  The shadowy figure reached out and grabbed her tightly.  The light caught a silvery glint from his wristband.  They both disappeared.

Location:  The Dungeon in Havenhill Prison

“Well, look who’s awake?  Hello, Andrew,” said Grant Havenhill, smirking at Andrew, who was securely tied to a chair.  
“Where am I?” demanded a dazed and stunned Andrew.
“Dead.  You’re dead.  At least, to the rest of the world, you are.  Aleese has been informed that her beloved Andrew has died a noble and heroic death in battle.  She is now free of you.”
“What happened?”
“I will let you figure that out for yourself.  All you need to know is you will never see Aleese again.  You will never hold her in your arms, never kiss her, or make love to her ever again because you are going on a very long and painful sea cruise, one from which you will never return.  By the way, your new name is Ando and your life expectance is less than a year.  But do not worry about your… widow.  I shall take excellent care of her.”
Andrew felt a blast of searing pain to his chest.  He passed out.


Location: Aboard the Bedelia, A Clotus Cargo Freighter in a Faraway Galaxy

Andrew woke up in a dark, dank room with incredible pain in the center of his chest.  He gathered he was at sea from the pitch and toss around him.  As his eyes became accustomed to the darkened space, he realized he was not alone.  Filthy, unkempt men lined the walls of the cargo hold. 
“Where are we?” he whispered to no one in particular.
“At sea.  Aboard the Bedelia, with Captain Pslotneck at the helm,” answered someone he did not know.  Andrew nodded, remembering the conversation with Grant Havenhill.
A sailor opened the door and pointed to Andrew.
“You!  Ando!  Come!” he growled.  Andrew struggled to get up.  He was sore and aching, and in pain.  He hit his head on the low ceiling as he followed the sailor out the door.
“The captain wants to see you.  And you watch your mouth,” he threatened.  Andrew nodded and the sailor opened the cabin door.  Andrew stepped inside to face the captain seated at his desk. 
“Well, Ando,” the captain said, shuffling through the papers in his hand,  “you certainly managed to piss off a man of great wealth and importance.  What in the hell did you do, diddle his wife?” laughed Captain Pslotneck.
“No, Sir,” said Andrew seriously.  “That wealthy man is Grant Havenhill.  His father is Lord Havenhill of Nord.  They are not all that great, nor that important.  And it is he who has committed the transgression, not I.  He faked my death, flung me far out into space, and has stolen my wife, my Aleese, the love of my life.  And he knows I will cross hell on my hands and knees to get back to her.”
“Well, he went out of his way to make sure you are as far away from civilization as possible.  And this contract?  It’s criminal!  And he had you surgically fitted with a control device, claiming you’re a violent psychopath.”
“This?” Andrew pointed to device attached to his chest.
“Yes, and he also paid handsomely to have you mistreated.   Luckily for you, I plan on simply pocketing that sum.  I can’t afford to have you lying around, whimpering, licking your wounds, not working.  I don’t have time to beat the shit out of you on a daily basis.  I’m a busy man!  As far as the control device, I have no means to remove it aboard ship, so you’re stuck with it until we get to a port that has a qualified surgeon.  But then, you have to worry about infection until it heals.  The hull is a filthy, stinking hole.  My advice?  Ignore it.  I won’t use.  Keep a shirt on so nobody sees it.  Do your year.  Get it removed when you’re free and in a clean environment.  Work hard, do as you are told, and you will be treated just like the rest of the crew.  The Havenhill name carries no weight aboard my ship.  And Ando, I hope you find her.”
“Thank you, Captain.  I will.”



Purchase Link:  http://tinyurl.com/lt56gbe
  
Media Links:

tsu: CAKauff

Reviews from Amazon.com:


5.0 out of 5 stars
Format:Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
Lord of Blakeley is Carol ann Kauffman's latest book in the Time after Time series, and it's just as wonderful as all the rest! This series keeps getting better and better!
No, these books are not "romance novels" There's no naked men, with nice abs, or page after page of sex scenes, these books weave tales of true romance, of love that is stronger then time. They embrace that love really means and don't cheapen it!
This story has all the wonderful elements of fantasy and sci-fi that Carol weaves into her classic love story. The character meet on their futuristic planet and fall in love dispite their classes, and then are horrible seperated by a jealous man. They each go through their own struggles, and fight for their love. It's heartbreaking and wonderful, and draws you in and keeps you reading. You need to know what happens in this cycle of the Time After Time series because you won't regret it!


4.0 out of 5 stars
Format:Kindle Edition
I imagine it's not too easy to write a book heavy on intensity and dramatics that doesn't sound over the top but this author manages it very well. This book has romance and action and time travel and doesn't get boring at any point. The lost star was because there are a few typos (not too many but they are there) and because sometimes the book gets a bit confusing but I would still recommend it for anyone looking for romance without smut.


5.0 out of 5 stars
Format:Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
Lord of Blakeley is a passionate love story that takes the reader on a journey to several dimensions, planets, and styles of behavior...
Lord Andrew and Lady Aleese share an unbreakable bond of love that is tested repeatedly. This couple will face anything to be together, including surviving difficult circumstances on other planets.
Andrew is a humble and honest man. His gentle nature is put to the test after his wife is kidnapped repeatedly by an enemy from another land. Enduring and surviving intense suffering during their separations, Andrew and Aleese both realize that they need to change the way they play this dreadful game. With the help of family and friends, Andrew and Aleese defeat the people and issues that threaten to ruin their marriage.
I especially enjoyed the sassy and slightly stubborn personality of Lady Aleese. Lord Andrew was a perfect mate for her. I am looking forward to reading another book by Carol Ann Kauffman. Her writing style was very enjoyable.
Danice Akiyoshi
Author of Connected Hearts


5.0 out of 5 stars
Format:Kindle Edition
"Everything Changes but Love Remains the same."

And so begins the romance of Andrew and Aleese, Lord and Lady of Blakely. What I enjoyed most about the story was the fantasy of love at first sight. Andrew sees and worships her from afar, never knowing that although he cannot speak to her, Aleese's soul has responded to his from a distance. Aleese has a dream vision that she'll love a man from the backward province of Blakelely and will know him by his voice. She meets him and realizes this is the man she dreamt of.
Even with such a smooth beginning, we are reminded of an evil person who seeks to break up their union. They go through many trials over the course of the book, but through it all, their love is strong. Although this is science fiction, in many ways it reads like an historical as far as dialogue and societal norms.
If you love a good romance, this is a book for you!



5.0 out of 5 stars
Format:Kindle Edition
Carol Ann Kauffman captures a character and draws you in to her story with every word. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Its articulate matter and humor, with the ability to make me want to join in the fun. I would recommend this clean book to anyone.