Passion #OurAuthorGang

by Grace Augustine

photo courtesy of OveractDev

Passion, as defined in Merriam-Webster.com: "noun...intense, driving, or overmastering feeling or conviction; an outbreak of anger; ardent affection; a strong liking or desire for or devotion to some activity, object, or concept; an object of desire or great interest; sexual desire."

I'm sure you've been asked once, if not more times, what is your passion? What is that one thing that convicts your soul, that moves you to tears, that makes you crazy?

photo courtesy of Anthill Magazine

As a romance writer, I deal with passion in all of the ways described above. My characters have deep conviction regarding their jobs, families, and loved ones. They have passion for their spouses or significant others and act upon those feelings with tenderness and love.

So it is in the love story of Blake and Renee in MOONLIGHT AND MUSIC, a perfect read for February--the month of love.

http://a.co/2ccVL74

Blake McIntyre held his position at Bankston Promotions for fifteen years. He is the top music artist promoter in the business. Potential clients by-passed the CEO's daughter and sought out his expertise. He assumed that was why he was fired. With an interview scheduled in less than six hours, he needed sleep and to be on his A-game, but the wailing coming from the apartment across the hall prevented it.

Renee Manelli, a frustrated musician, had worked twenty years as a paralegal. Her goal was to stockpile money, retire early, write songs, and hit the road performing. Her crystal-clear voice and mixed with the poignant messages in her songs make her the fastest rising independent artist in the country. She couldn't help that most of her creativity happened at 2 a.m.

A working relationship between Blake and Renee turned quickly into the personal journey of a lifetime under the stars...and moonlight and music.


I'd love hearing from you. Whether it be about my books, or life in general, let's get to know one another.
http://www.graceaugustine.weebly.com
https://www.amazon.com/Grace-Augustine/e/B00FQXTT58
https://twitter.com/mallidalli
https://www.facebook.com/grace.au.372
https://www.facebook.com/editswithatouchofgrace/

Our Guest Today is Scarlet Braden #OurAuthorGang

Please join me in welcoming author Scarlett Braden.

Scarlett Braden ran away from her secret monochomatic life in the United States and escaped to the colorful town of Cuenca, Ecuador. Her life is now prismacolor; kinda like her hair, and no longer secret. She began writing and realized that's where all the voices in her head came from...it was characters waiting for her to tell their stories. It drives her a little crazy that they won't tell her the whole story before she begins typing, but she's learning to keep tranquilo and let them have their say. She spent most of her life not being able to tell a lie (to save her soul), to being a professional liar: the kind of liar that makes up stories. You never know if what she's telling you is the truth or fiction...or if what you say next may find its way into the pages of her next novel or in the stanza of a poem.

Scarlett's new release, LYRICS OF A TRANSCENDENTAL LOVE, will be available sometime in January.

Scarlett loves hearing from her readers and may be reached:

https://www.facebook.com/ScarlettBraden.Author
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorScarlettBraden/
https://www.facebook.com/S-J-Braden-1971533376454394/
https://twitter.com/ScarlettBraden
https://www.amazon.com/Scarlett-Braden/e/B01B6EK7GA
scarlettbraden.com

https://www.amazon.com/Three-Sisters-Mystic-Priestess-Woman-ebook/dp/B077X1RNZ7

https://www.amazon.com/Psst-Wisdoms-Showing-Scarlett-Braden/dp/1973712644

Our Guest Today is Author D. Fischer #ourauthorgang

Hey everyone. D. Fischer here with my guest post. 

I'd like to take just a moment and thank Our Author Gang for hosting this.

I'm just going to jump right into it. I'm an author of multi-genre's but have been focusing on Epic Fantasy recently. I grew up in eastern Iowa, and moved to western Iowa when I met my husband. We have two kids, a toddler and a first grader (if you ask him, the grade counts more than the age).
We're a pet-loving family, with two dogs who are obsessed with socks, and a fat cat who adores me (I'm a dog person, so you can imagine my dismay).

Growing up, I always wanted to write something. Anything really, I didn't care what. I loved using my imagination. I'd start a book, begin an outline, and a few chapters in, I would stop.

Eventually, writing a book entered my "bucket-list." Last year, my husband was away on business and only home on the weekends. I grew bored with all that time to myself after my kids would be tucked in, fast asleep. Characters started forming in my head, plots started mixing, and worlds would be built upon those platforms.

Last January, we didn't have a computer. We had a tablet. It was difficult, but I wasn't going to let that hold me back from bringing my imagination to screen. I started clicking away.

In April of last year, I published my first book, A Gifted Curse (The Cloven Pack Series). Since then, I have 8 published books, and 9 published co-written books.

As I mentioned before, my most recent works is Epic Fantasy. I fell in love with that genre, without actually meaning to. I've never read Game of Thrones (besides the first chapter), or Lord of the Rings. In fact, I had no idea that's what this book's genre was until after it was written. A dear friend was kind enough to tell me.

This new series is called Rise of the Realms. There is 5 lead characters, some of them supernatural, and some of them human (for now ;) ). None of these characters know each other, but their fates and circumstances keep crossing. There's tie in after tie in, until everything comes together at the end of the first book. Well... not everything. Many subplots will be delivered in the second book - which I'm currently working on. Did I mention there is a dragon? Ghosts? Vampires? Shifters? Angels? This series basically has it all. What you don't see in the first book, you'll see in the second. Several new supernatural species are entering into the fold.

Reborn, the first book in the series, was difficult for me to write. I've never written a book this complicated, and I don't like to outline (I never follow it anyway). Besides finding the crossing fates of difficulty, there was a few times I grew too involved with this book. For example, to write a certain section for Eliza, I forced myself to listen to a song for several hours. The same song. Over and over again. I went a little nuts afterwards - I call it the 'writers doom and gloom'. I totally understand why writers from the past enjoyed that alcohol so much. Thankfully, I had wonderful author friends who pulled me out of that dark place my brain submerged me, and a supportive husband who understood.

I'm proud of this book. It's my baby. I hope you find the time to sit down and read it, and I'm excited to hear what you think.

Reborn (Rise of the Realms: Book One) can be purchased here:
https://www.amazon.com/Reborn-Rise-Realms-Book-One-ebook/dp/B07839PHJ5

Book in the Spotlight #OurAuthorGang

Book in the Spotlight  #OurAuthorGang

Waters of Darkness

by

David C. Smith and Joe Bonadonna

Cover by Dawne Dominique

“One of the better New Pulp titles is, interestingly, a novel whose authors represent both the mid-Twentieth-Century and the New-Millennial pulp eras. This novel, Waters of Darkness, is collaboration between David C. Smith, one of the best authors to emerge during the 1970s pulp-paperback explosion, and Joe Bonadonna, one of the best writers to emerge in the New Pulp era. Waters of Darkness proceeds smartly . . . and as the horror grows ever grimmer and more triumphant the plot takes several surprising twists and turns. But even their final, unexpected journey through a remote jungle of South Africa may not save the few surviving pirates . . .  If you’re looking for superior swashbuckling pirate adventure in the mode of Captain Blood, Black Terence Vulmea, and Queen of the Black Coast, you’ll find Smith and Bonadonna’s Waters of Darkness to be just the red meat and heady rum you’re craving.”  — Cynthia Ward, Amazing Stories Magazine.

The time is circa 1640 AD. 

The main character is Angus “Bloody Red” Buchanan, a pirate of the West Indies who sails east across the Atlantic, to the Indian Ocean and the island of Madagascar, in search of new plunder and loot. With him on his Spanish galleon, the Raven, is his first mate and closest friend, Mose Cooper, an educated runaway slave from the American colony of Louisiana. Sailing alongside them aboard her own ship, the Witch of the Indies, is Buchanan’s partner and the love of his life, Katherine O’Toole, also known as Crimson Kate.

      

During their voyage they encounter the Servants of Dagon on the Isle of Shadow, an ancient ship of zombie sailors, do battle with French, Dutch and Arab corsairs, and tangle with a 1000 year-old Persian sorcerer who serves the aforementioned Philistine god of the sea. Man-eating phantoms, a beautiful demoness, assorted devils, dinosaurs, and creatures from the bowels of Hell will all threaten Buchanan, Kate and Cooper before their tale is done and told. There’s plenty of action, romance, betrayal, humor, drama and tragedy on this venture. There’s plenty of sword play, sorcery and battles at sea as Buchanan and company wade hip-deep in blood and brine towards a final confrontation with the Undying Wizard.      

This is high seas adventure in the tradition of Rafael Sabatini. This is an Errol Flynn pirate movie crossed with Robert E. Howard, with a little H.P. Lovecraft, and Conan Doyle’s The Lost World to spice up the rum. All you need is a Wolfgang Korngold film score. So climb aboard as Bloody Red Buchanan, Big Mose Cooper, and Crimson Kate set sail upon Waters of Darkness, an old-fashioned pirate fantasy of swords, sorcery, and the supernatural.

Waters of Darkness is published by Damnation Books/Caliburn Press, and is available worldwide in paperback, Kindle and Nook editions

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/1615729127

Barnes-Nobel: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/waters-of-darkness-dave-smith/1114835053

You can read Cynthia Ward’s review in its entirety at Amazing Stories, online: http://amazingstoriesmag.com/2013/06/if-youre-fond-of-sea-fights-and-demon-lairs-a-review-of-waters-of-darkness-by-david-c-smith-and-joe-bonadonna/

#swordandsorcery  #heroicfantasy  #pirateadventure  #supernatural  #occult  #horror

Finding Fantasy in the Bible part 2 #ourauthorgang

by Rebecca Tran

 In my last blog post on this topic, I discussed the nephilim or human-angel hybrids. This legend comes directly from passages in the Bible. The only matter up for debate here is specific interpretations of the word. That is a topic for another day and probably better left to theology scholar, not a pharmacist who writes fantasy at night.

This week instead I thought we would discuss a legend that arises from the “unofficial” books of the Bible. As discussed previously those books did not meet the specific criteria to become an official canon of the scripture.

The book of Enoch was lost for almost 2000 years. The writing it contained was so taboo that most of the copies were deliberately destroyed. Although, some copies survived and were rediscovered in Ethiopia in the 18th century. They were later translated and gave more detailed accounts of the Nephilim, and the Watchers.

The fallen watchers were a group of 200 angels that descended from heaven to earth. They lived among humans, married human women and taught humans many subjects that they were not supposed to. The information was supposed to build naturally as humans evolved instead the fallen angels forced it on them all at once.

Enoch describes God’s wrath on his fallen children. The leaders of the group were forced to watch their families kill each other while, the remaining fallen watchers were chained and locked in the

“valleys of the earth.” Their sentence was to last for 70 generations or until their or the final judgment depending on the translation. This same event is mentioned in the Bible Jude 1:6-7, however, the supporting details are lacking. Enoch gives a detailed account of the events surrounding their punishment.

When starting to research the sequel to my paranormal romance, For Their Sins, it seemed like the perfect obstacle for my Heroine to overcome. Who knows what would happen if you unleashed 200 angry fallen angels. Unfortunately, the novel is still a work in progress, it’s in my ‘to do’ pile though and I can’t wait to get back to it. In the meantime, ForTheir Sins is available now.  The companion short story, Unlike the Rest, is always free.

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#Music, My Muse: part 3 by Toi Thomas #OurAuthorGang

From Pinterest via Tone Deaf Comics

Today, in part 3 of the Music My Muse series, I’ll be sharing more on mood music and the use of a playlist. (see part 1 and part 2 here).

In my first contribution to this blog, I talked a bit about my stories playing like movies in my head. As much as I love books, I also love movies. Most of my reading life, until recent years, has been filled with science fiction, fantasy, and tales of the paranormal. When I decided to take on the challenge of writing a romantic comedy, it was my love of movies and music that helped me develop the right mindset and my story.

Amazon.com

Over at The ToiBox of Words, I’ve blogged about the movies that influence my book, It’s Like the Full Moon, but I don’t think I’ve ever really talked about the music. It might be difficult to imagine that there are certain songs that make me think of laughter, family gatherings, sickness, death, a good meal, and so much more, but there are. Stretching myself with a genre that was practically foreign to me was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but at least I had mood music with me the whole way to help it all come together.

When I needed help writing about Rebecca’s, my main character, feelings for a lover she’d lost, there were so many songs that came to mind; some sad and some empowering. Since Rebecca’s lover died suddenly and it’s years later that she’s reflecting on the loss, I didn’t want there to be too much sadness. It was important for me to show that she would always love this person even if she moved on a learned to love someone else. Mariah Carey’s “Always Be My Baby” really helped me get through that part of the story.

One would think that if you were going to write a party scene that some kind of upbeat happy tune would help get the juices flowing. But, what if you had to write an awkward party scene where none of the guests are really having fun and there’s a secret lingering in the air for two of the attendees, one of which is the guest of honor? Amy Winehouse’s version of “It’s My Party” really helped me get into the awkward party mood. On another note, when you’re writing about a smashing-good-time of a party being hosted by a self-absorbed pretty boy, Little Richard’s “I Feel Pretty” might be just what’s needed to inspire that kind of fantastic chaos.

When you’re trying to come up with a happy ending and you’re just not sure if that’s what you’re going to have, finding the right song might help you see if your characters are really meant to be together. Considering that, It’s Like the Full Moon, is a bit of a love triangle story, you must consider that even one person’s happy ending may not be so happy for someone else. That’s why it has to be true love, real love, a love worth fighting for and the triumphant couple must think, “It had to be You.” (Harry Connick Jr.)

If you’d like to experience more of the songs that helped shape the mood and atmosphere of It’s Like the Full Moon, please check out the "A side" playlist of the dream soundtrack I posted to YouTube. (B side is also available on my channel.)

Now for something a little different. In this section, I’ll be sharing quotes from other authors and bloggers, I’ve collected in over 200 interviews, when asked, ‘When the soundtrack of your life is playing in your head, what songs express your glee and what songs bring out your rage?’

“Can't stand heavy metal. Love lyrical songs, such as "Suzanne" by Leonard Cohen.” ~ Randy Attwood

“The song that sums up my entire married life is “Remember When” by Alan Jackson.  The one that makes me cry the most at this point of my life is “You’re Gonna Miss This” by Trace Atkins. The music I like least is rap, unless I happen to be in a roller skating rink at the time.” ~ Paula Hrbacek

“JoshGroban calms me and makes me travel in my mind outside myself. He eases the stress that comes when the music (if you can call it music) is doing its cattle-call outside. No, not country music, that stuff that pounds and screams and makes you think of the movie, Psycho. There are some things a writer can control, other things she can't.” ~ Kathryn E Jones
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Find out more about me, my work, and my inspiration at the following links:

Amazon | Goodreads | The ToiBox of Words | YouTube | See a list of my other posts here.

#moodmusic, #music, #romance, #party, #authorquotes, #Pinterest

COMMENTS

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Rebecca Tran

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly

 

I personally prefer christian music at the moment. "Breathe" by Johnny Diaz got me out of a really bad mental funk and I will always be grateful for that song. Lately I like "Even If" by Mercy Me it's a great reminder of where my faith belongs. Some days though I like to crank it up and turn on 3 Days Grace so I can feel like I'm 20 again.

 

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Rebecca Tran

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly

 

On a Small Gang of Authors today Toi talks about music on a more personal level in her third installment of her series "Music, My Muse"

 

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Toi Thomas via Google+

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly

 

Part 3 in my series on music and writing talks about some of the mood music that helped me write It's Like the Full Moon.

 

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Joe Bonadonna via Google+

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly

 

Today on A Small Gang of Authors, Toinette Thomas​ continues with Part 3 of her feature, "Music, My Muse."

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Joe Bonadonna

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly

 

This is great, Toi! Very cool to know not only your "playlist," but to read these quotes from other authors.

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Ruth de Jauregui via Google+

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly

 

Toi shares part three of her series on music and how it helps her write her wonderful stories. Stop by and check her out!

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Ruth de Jauregui

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly

 

I write best with music in the background. TV is too distracting and silence isn't good because the little dogs can hear every noise outside -- and then they bark like little idiots. (We call them "the early warning system.") Jazz, blues, quiet storm -- my characters listen to music too...

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Mary Anne Yarde

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly

 

What a lovely post!

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Grace Au

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly

 

Love music, but when I write, it must be quiet. The characters in my head are enough to sort through as they tell me their stories. Great post, Toi. Thanks.

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Rich Feitelberg

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly

 

I often wish I could write music and put it in my novels to set a mood.

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Rebecca Tran

1 year ago

 

 

I wrote one song for a bard I don't know that it came off as well as I think it did although I haven't had complaints yet. I won't be doing it again. I'm not a song writer and the poet in me died with my dad and 2 favorite uncles. Good thing I can't sing. Haha

Nikki McDonagh

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly

 

Yes, music and some lyrics do help me with ideas and can give characters more depth by thinking, what would they listen to? Great post.

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