An interview with Tirdon, Assistant to the Prime Minister of Taydaryn

Today, we are excited to have Tirdon, Assistant to the Prime Minister of the Norwegian kingdom of Taydaryn. Welcome, sir. Thank you for joining us today.

I'm delighted to be with you.

Would you please introduce yourself to our readers?

Of course! My name is Tirdon, and I reside at Dalgaard Castle in the tiny Norwegian kingdom of Taydaryn. 

I'd like to ask you random questions that we may get to know you. I see you nodding and smiling. Are you agreeable to that?

Yes, as long as they're not too personal.

Not a problem. If there are any questions you are uncomfortable answering, just let me know and we'll move on.

First off, do you prefer fine dining or picnics?

Well, most of my meals are within Dalgaard Castle, but I’d love to have the chefs prepare a champagne picnic to share with the love of my life on this special mountainside outside Taydaryn. At night it is fascinating to watch the lights go off one at a time.

Do you have any scars? If so, what are they from?

You are getting personal! No, I'm kidding. I do have many scars in dragon form, some have stayed with me in the man you see. Four hundred years ago there was a great battle to save Dalgaard Castle from the Fire Dragon Guard, a rogue sect that leaves no stone unturned. Amarice, the Queen’s husband, and his best friend, died in that battle. I flew along side of them.  Yes, there are many scars.

Have you encountered many villains in your line of work?

As I stated earlier, the battle for Dalgaard Castle made many enemies. I would have to say Martrand duBois is the biggest thorn in my side.

Tell us something you hate doing and why.

Waiting. I know I chuckle when I say this, but waiting is not good for me. I’m a very impatient man, when it comes to the business of Taydaryn, especially.

Name one thing that drives you crazy.

Well...I’d have to say, the love of my life. And crazy in every good way possible.

One final question...what is one thing you can't live without?

Well, now that I have found the love of my life, after centuries of searching, there is no way I will let go of her…no way I can live without her by my side.

To find out more about Tirdon and the peoples and Kingdom of Taydaryn, pre-order your copy of the anthology STOKING THE FLAMES II. Release date is May 22, 2018.

http://a.co/gPikG4J

Our Guest Today is Lori Roberts #OurAuthorGang

Welcome, Lori! We're glad you joined us today!

Lori Roberts is an educator, historian, author, and presenter for historical events and workshops. She has taught for twenty-seven years.  Currently, Lori teaches United States History at the Middle School level.  She presents the personas of  Mrs. General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson (Mary Anna Morrison Jackson), as well as Corrie Ten Boom, Concentration Camp survivor,  the 1st First Lady of Indiana, Ann Gilmore Hay Jennings, and First Lady Martha Washington.

Ms. Roberts is an author of historical fiction and paranormal/mystery, having four titles published. LOST LETTERS and WILLOW are available through major book sellers in both the United States and abroad and through Warren Publishing Company. 

CRIES IN THE NIGHT is available through major book sellers and through Canterbury House Publishing. Lori’s books are also available through her website. She is currently writing her fifth book, THIS DARK AND BLOODY GROUND, which will be available in 2019.

Lori lives in rural southern Indiana with her husband. She has three grown children and eight grandchildren. She loves hearing from her readers and may be reached...

Website:  http://www.stonewallswife.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Stonewallswife/
Blog:         http://authorloriroberts.blogspot.com/
Amazon:    http://www.amazon.com/Lori-Roberts/e/B0089A94EG

https://www.amazon.com/Cries-Night-Lowcountry-Ghost-Story-ebook/dp/B017DUA18A/

Carly and Austin Tabor relocate from the Mile High City of Denver to the Lowcountry of Charleston. Purchasing a diamond-in-the-rough home on historic King Street, they set forth to restore it to its original southern charm. Soon they encounter unexplained noises and a trio of spirits that make Carly’s life miserable. Austin seeks a more rational explanation.

Strawberry Pie...the RIGHT WAY by Grace Augustine #OurAuthorGang

Photo courtesy of Kraftrecipies.com

     It was a Saturday night in February 1975: frigid Montana temperatures, impending blizzard, and the church Sweetheart banquet.

      I was single at the time and living with my adopted sister. We went to the store to gather the items for the two strawberry pies we were to provide for the banquet.

     Instead of making pie crust from scratch, we bought the all ready made ones, popped them in the oven and made the filling while we waited for them to bake. To our surprise when they came out of the oven...they were more like puff pastry. Neither of us had "forked" the pie dough. Second trip to the store.

     The second attempt at the crust was a success. The filling was scooped into the crusts and looked lovely. Me, in my infinite wisdom, "Let's decorate them with little whipped cream rosettes," from a can of whipped cream.

Photo courtesy of Betty Crocker

     I get my trusty can of whipped cream and shake it up good and start spritzing the decorative border...only to be met with whipped cream that didn't hold its shape...that ran under the pie crust, making a total mess! Third trip to the store.

     This time, we changed up the ingredients from the given recipes for this dessert from the church ladies, and went with our tried and true recipe...strawberry yogurt pie.

     We purchased two all ready made graham cracker crusts, filled them, scooped whipped topping on top and decorated with the strawberries. They looked lovely!  We were so proud!

     We were dressed in long dresses (the thing back in the 70's) and grabbed all of the decorations and other things as well as the pies and headed for the car in the minus twenty degree weather. Put the pies in the car...and my sister promptly dropped a shoe in the middle of one of the pies!!!

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

STRAWBERRY YOGURT PIE

2 prepared graham cracker pie crusts

1 18oz container of Cool Whip

4  4 oz strawberry yogurt (any brand)

1 quart fresh strawberries

1.  Wash and dry strawberries and chop into pieces, reserving 10-12 berries for garnish.

2.  In large bowl mix together Cool Whip and yogurt. The more you mix it, the thicker it becomes. Don't over mix or it won't set properly.

3.  Fold in the chopped berries.

4.  Pour mixture into prepared pie shells.

5.  Garnish with more Cool Whip and berries or however creative you'd like to get.

    

     

A Character Interview with Taylor Andrews

Welcome back. Today we had Taylor Andrews join us in the studio today for an interview. She was kind enough to join us all the way from Wyoming.  Like so many others to join us recently she has a unique tale to tell. In case you missed her interview this morning we’ve posted the interview below.

“Welcome Ms. Andrews, I’m so glad you could join us today.” I shook her hand as she sat in the seat across from me.

She tossed her blonde hair over her shoulder and smiled. “Thanks for having me, Rebecca.”

“So Taylor, can you tell the listeners about yourself?”  I asked.

“I’m nothing special really,” She shrugged.  “just a simple farm girl. I grew up in Tennessee, and I love horses. Its what drew me to Wyoming. I wanted to ride the trails in Yellowstone Park. I was hoping it would help me get over my ex.”

She had my attention now. “A farm girl? What was life like for you growing up?”

“Our farm was small: a few horses and a couple cows. Momma kept chickens too. We had chores every day before school and homework came first thing afterward. It was just mamma, my brother Cooper, and I but we were always happy.” Taylor explained.

“Do you live in a small town or big city now?” I asked wondering what Wyoming was like.

She laughed slightly. “I don’t even think you can call it a town. We live spread out over thousands of acres, but no one has ever called it a town.”

“What attracted you to living in that type of environment?” I couldn’t help being baffled by such an odd living arrangement.

Taylor snorted. “I didn’t pick it.” She smiled again. “That’s where Chase lives. He can’t leave his brother needs him.” I stared, lost. “Chase Drake is my husband. He saved my life on the trail, and I’ve loved him ever since.”
“Chase Drake, I’ve heard that name before.” I pondered. “As in Asher Drake’s brother?” Taylor nodded, and everything she said made sense. “Can you explain to the listeners who don’t know what your husband is, and if there are any other extraordinary people in your life?”

“Sure, Chase is a dragon. Well, a dragon shifter. Think of it like a werewolf only he shifts into a dragon and has full control. Specifically, he is an American dragon, but there are Chinese dragons as well. Oh, and we have a white witch that helps us with problems occasionally.”

I sighed. Every time I heard it I found it unbelievable. “Are dragons like everyone else?”

“Their human halves are.” She shrugged.

“Well, what do you do for fun?” I prompted.

“We love to go country line dancing. Chase is a cowboy through and through, and I love it.” He blue eyes sparkled with the thought.

“What’s one thing that drives you crazy?” I asked, and her cheeks flamed red. “I mean that annoys you.”

Taylor laughed nervously. “I was wondering why that was your business.” She cleared her throat. “He leaves the damn toilet seat up. His dragon tries, but Chase never remembers.”

“Sorry, his dragon can fit in the house?” That was a new one for me.

“Oh no, I should explain.” Taylor thought a moment. Chase and the dragon are separate beings in one body. They share a mind. Both are always there, but only one is in control at a time. Usually, Chase is in control of his human body. On rare occasions though, the dragon takes control of it. Chase can do the same with the dragon body, but he said he never got the hang of flying.”

“Wow,” I stared a moment unable to help it. “Now that you’re married to a dragon is there anything you regret not doing?”

“I should have let Chase kick my ex’s ass.” Taylor smiled.

I wasn’t sure what this ex did, I just assumed by how sweet she was that he deserved it. “Last question: If you could be anything what would you be?”

“A dragon like Chase, so he wouldn’t have to protect me all the time.”

“I’m sure he thinks your perfect the way you are,” I assured her. “Thanks for coming in today Taylor.

“Thanks for having me.” She shook my hand.

Taylor Andrews is the heroine in 

Chased: Dragons of the North Book 1

Buy Here 

Blurb:

Chase Drake is the Enforcer for his Territory. He’s kept the peace for the last three years with relative ease. After a fight with a red dragon renders a human woman unconscious Chase has no choice. He has to take her home to protect her until he’s sure the trespasser is gone. Things aren’t that simple when Chase’s dragon says she’s his mate. Can Chase catch Taylor before she’s gone for good?

The Sayings of a Character: Lisa

Blogger: Welcome to A Small Gang of Authors, Lisa. We’re all excited to learn more about you. We understand that you’re from a romantic comedy; right?

Lisa: Thank you for having me, and yes. It’s Like the Full Moon, Sayings One is a romantic comedy where I play the main female supporting role. This interview is a nice break from struggling through the sequel my author, Toi Thomas aka Glorie Townson, is currently working on.

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Blogger: Why don’t you start by telling us a little more about your role in this story?

Lisa: Well, I’m BFFs with Rebecca the main character. We are total opposites but totally devoted to each other. I’m an international Business Liaison and have been accused of being a bit vain, but that’s only because I acknowledge how good I look. I work hard on my appearance and feel no shame in taking pride in it.

Blogger: What was it like for you growing up?

Lisa: Rebecca, her brother Teddy, and I all grew up in a small, upper-middle-class New England town. I wasn’t the only black kid around, but there wasn’t a lot of us. My family wasn’t very nurturing. They focused a lot on achievements and were supportive of all my academic and professional goals, but I spent most of what I consider quality time, with Becca and Teddy’s family.

Blogger: Sounds like the highs and lows of your early life helped to make you a success in one way or another. Let’s switch gears to a few fun questions.

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Blogger: What's the one thing you can't live without?

Lisa: Is it bad of me to say ‘men’? I mean, don’t get me wrong. I don’t need a man. I can take care of myself quite well and I’m not the needy type, but geez- I do love to look at a fine man. It’s just too bad I had such bad taste in them for so long.

Blogger: What do you do for fun and relaxation?

Lisa: Well, I’m almost thirty and still look twenty-five, so of course I love to go clubbing. I’m young, smart, and successful. Clubbing is like being at a party you don’t have to clean up after. However, if I want to relax, I listen to soft music and sip wine.

Blogger: Do you have any scars? What are they from?

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Lisa: I have a few small scars from a mountain climbing trip I took in college and a fading appendix scar, thanks to a great cream I discovered. Mostly, though, I have a lot of emotional scars from all the bad choices I’ve made and life lessons I’ve learned. I have no regrets though; they are all part of who I am now.

Blogger: If you could choose a magic power, what would it be?

Lisa: I would love to have the ability to show people that what they are doing is bad or wrong when they think they are right. I’m not talking petty stuff; I mean like, if I had been there, I would have had Hitler realize that killing all those people was clearly wrong… Sorry if I got a bit deep.

Blogger: No need to apologize, but since we’re getting a little deep, would you rather kill or die to ensure the safety of the people you care about?

Lisa: See, my problem with a question like this, is that you can only choose one option, while, in actuality, you’d like to choose both. If it would guarantee that no harm would ever come to the people I love, I’d gladly die. If, however, it only saves them for right now, I’ll kill and live to kill again another day… I really don’t want to kill or die if I don’t have to. 😉

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Blogger: Sensing the passion and level of devotion you have for your loved ones, what's more important to you; to live in a world with a family who respects and nurtures you OR to live in a world where you get to experience one intensely emotional and physical romantic relationship?

Lisa: Damn, that’s a good question. It’s hard to answer for so many reasons. Becca is the sister I never had and wouldn’t easily give that up for any man, but at almost thirty I’m experiencing real love for the first time. If I had to choose, I’d flip a coin and grieve for whatever lost.

Blogger: Let’s lighten the mood slightly before we wrap things up. I know Rebecca is your BFF, but do you think you'd make a good main character; why?

Lisa: Actually, I do, and so does my author, Toi Thomas. The sequel she’s been trying to pull together will focus on me, my family, and my future, but of course, my BFF will be part of that.

Blogger: Since It’s Like the Full Moon is Sayings One in the series, what’s your favorite saying?

Lisa: Don’t know if this is a thing or not, but it suits me. “Family is blood; friendship is love”.

Learn more about The Sayings Series here: The ToiBox of Words | Amazon

#romcom, interracial relationship, #circleoffriends, #lovetriangle
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Find out more about Toi Thomas, her work, and her inspiration at the following links:

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

COMMENTS

Chrys Fey

8 months ago  -  Shared publicly

 

How did I not know about your other name Glorie Townson? I feel so out of the loop now. lol

Great character interview! And congrats on your book, Toi!

 

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Rebecca Tran

8 months ago  -  Shared publicly

 

Toi Thomas interviews her character Lisa from "It's Like the Full Moon" on Our Author Gang.

 

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Ruth de Jauregui via Google+

8 months ago  -  Shared publicly

 

Toi Thomas interviews Lisa, the main character's BFF from "It's Like the Full Moon." Stop by and check her out!

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Ruth de Jauregui

8 months ago  -  Shared publicly

 

That's a great interview!! And nothing wrong with going out to party -- age is just a number!

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Toi Thomas

8 months ago

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I agree. Have fun while you can.

Alex J. Cavanaugh

8 months ago  -  Shared publicly

 

Some deep questions! She handled them well.

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Toi Thomas

8 months ago

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She's a straight shooter.

Mary Anne Yarde

8 months ago  -  Shared publicly

 

Such a fun post, Toi! Great interview!!

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Toi Thomas

8 months ago

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Thanks

Nikki McDonagh via Google+

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Nikki McDonagh

8 months ago  -  Shared publicly

 

What a great character! Thanks Toi Thomas for sharing her world.

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Toi Thomas

8 months ago

 

 

Glad you liked it.

Chris Weigand

8 months ago  -  Shared publicly

 

Fun character. Thanks for visiting.

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Toi Thomas

8 months ago

 

 

It was fun.

Chris Weigand via Google+

8 months ago  -  Shared publicly

 

Come in and meet Lisa from Toi Thomas's It's Like the Full Moon, Sayings One.

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Joe Bonadonna via Google+

8 months ago  -  Shared publicly

 

Today on A Small Gang of Authors, Toinette Thomas interviews her character, Lisa, from her novel "It's Like the Full Moon."

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Joe Bonadonna

8 months ago  -  Shared publicly

 

Great interview, Toi! Lisa is very interesting.

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Toi Thomas

8 months ago

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She's been an interesting character to develope.

Grace Au

8 months ago  -  Shared publicly

 

How exciting to meet you, Lisa. So glad you could join us today.

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Toi Thomas

8 months ago

 

 

A good time was truly had.

Erika M Szabo via Google+

8 months ago  -  Shared publicly

 

A fun interview with Lisa, a supportive character from Toi Thomas 's novel:)

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Erika M Szabo

8 months ago  -  Shared publicly

 

It's interesting that you chose Lisa, the supportive character, for the interview. Lisa sounds like a fun character and makes me want to meet her BFF, Rebecca :)

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Toi Thomas

8 months ago

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Recebba is a sweetheart, and even though Lisa is the supporting character now, she will be the leading lady soon.

Toi Thomas via Google+

8 months ago  -  Shared publicly

 

Today, we meet the sexy Lisa from It's Like the Full Moon, a romantic comedy.