Monday, October 16, 2017

Meet the Gang #OurAuthorGang

 Today the Author Gang members are answering questions about writing


What genre do you enjoy reading and writing?


My favorite genre is fantasy, alternate history, magical realism. I have enough reality in my life, when I write I like to create a fantasy world.


I’m a romance girl all the way.  Although, I’ve been into self-help books lately, as well.


I was going to be flippant and say, “I just wait for the movie to come out.” LOL! But seriously, I don’t read much fantasy anymore, because I write fantasy and prefer to read outside my genre. I like my WWII thrillers, hard-boiled crime, and biographies. Writing fantasy exercises my imagination.


I think Stephen King was right when he said, “If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot.” I certainly read a lot! If I had to read one genre for the rest of my life, I would choose Historical Fiction because I love getting lost in a bygone era! But saying that, Fantasy would come in at a very close second.
I always intended to write historical fiction, but throw in the Arthurian element of my books, and suddenly I found myself writing historical fantasy — which for me is the best of both worlds.

Rich Feitelberg: http://www.feitelberg.net

I started soaking up science-fiction and slowly changed to fantasy, only to find out speculative fiction covers both. For writing, it’s the same with bizarre/horror mixed in to keep things interesting.

Ruth de Jauregui: http://www.ruthdj.weebly.com

I’ve been a huge fan of science fiction and fantasy since grade school. I love urban fantasy and am working on my first novel, a crime meets urban fantasy set in a Sacramento that exists around the corner and one dimension over...


I enjoy reading all kinds of things. While the speculative genres (Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Paranormal) are my favorite, I also appreciate comedic writing, some romance, action, historical, and mystery. I love comic books and graphic novels; visual storytelling will always be high on my list. As far as my writing goes, I mostly stick with the speculative genres. I do have an alter ego, Glorie Townson, who likes to write romantic comedy, but she’s not as active as I am. Because I work as a Special Education T.A., I’ve been inspired to create educational materials for my students that have been turned into picture books. 

From where do you get your inspiration to write a story?

Erika:
I research interesting historical facts for my fiction novels and then I let my imagination fly. For my children's books, I get inspiration anywhere. I saw a grandmother struggling to understand her granddaughter after a stroke. When I was a child a cruel old woman tried to drown kittens, or when I saw the saddest expression on a Hispanic boy's face who didn't understand English and his classmates made fun of him.

Grace:  
I find inspiration in all of life experiences. My Acorn Hills series was born from a bad break-up. Then each character seemed to take on a persona and demand their own book.  My love for music bled over into Moonlight & Music. I wanted to document my journey with MS with the hopes of helping others who suffer from the effects of it, and voila...So You Have MS, Now What? was born. I’ve written poetry since 7th grade and put together a compilation of 40 yrs of prose and poetry in Fragments of Reflection. The Diva to the Guides trilogy was based on the card reading talents of a dear friend. My latest release, Protected by His Grace,  shows my faith foundation and belief that we are all protected by our Creator.

Joe: 
Everywhere. The news, things people say, songs, paintings, poems, old movies. 

Mary Anne:
Research! Research! Research! I spend hours researching the era that I want to bring to life.  I think all writers borrow from their own experiences as well, and I am no exception to that rule.

Rich: 
Life. Just about all my experiences are fodder for new stories.

Ruth: 
I was actually conversing with a fellow author by private message and we were talking about the bitter life that many authors lead and my main character, Bitter, began coalescing in my head. I’m also inspired by other authors’ works, and influenced by greats like Andre Norton, JRR Tolkien, and modern authors Patricia Briggs, Ben Aaronovitch, Patricia McKillip and CJ Cherryh.

Toi:
I find that I’m inspired by everyday life. While my first book was the result of a reoccurring dream, none of my other current works have been. However, I have a WIP (work in progress) that totally came from a dream. Even though most of what I write is full of fantasy elements, I know that deep down, on some level (however small), my works are autobiographical. 

Out of all the books you have written which book is your favorite?

Erika:
My favorite is The Ancestor’s Secrets series because I had so much fun creating a magical, fantasy world using bits of real historical facts and real life events from my years of working as a trauma nurse.

Grace: 
It’s a toss up...I love Blake and Renee from Moonlight & Music, and the storyline. I also love the 5th book of the Acorn Hills series...Richard’s Relics, because of the intense research I did on the Vietnam war and the country then vs. now.

Joe: 
My first, “Mad Shadows: The Weird Tales of Dorgo the Dowser.” There was a magic in that . . . the magic of innocence because I had no idea what I was doing.

Mary Anne:
I usually favour the book I am currently writing!

Rich: 
N/A. While I have plenty to choose now, I really can’t pick a favorite any more than a parent can pick a favorite child. I like them all. 

Ruth: 
Right now my published works are all nonfiction, so I’d have to say that 50 Fabulous Tomatoes for Your Garden, inspired by my mother’s curiosity about those black tomatoes in my garden, is my favorite. (They were Indigo Rose tomatoes.)

Toi:
I’m not a parent to a human child, and while I love my little fur-baby, Margie, I know better than to make direct comparisons to the mother-child relationship. With that said, trying to choose a favorite among my works is kinda like choosing a favorite kid. I just don’t think I can to it. I feel like the answer will be different every time. But, akin to that mother-child relationship, the first one holds a special place in my heart and the last one (or current one) is the one that I’m always most excited about. My first book, Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel changed my life in more ways than I can get into right now.

Which one of your characters is your favorite?

Erika:
My favorite character is Ilona in the Ancestors' secrets. She is honest, loyal, and brave, and throughout the story she grows from a naïve girl into a strong, honorable woman. 

Grace:   
Each character has a small piece of me...choosing is difficult, but I’d have to say Renee Manelli from Moonlight & Music. She retired early from her paralegal job to pursue her dream...performing music.

Joe: 
Dorgo the Dowser, my legacy character. He is me, after all. 

Mary Anne:
My favourite character has to be Merton du Lac. Merton is a very complicated soul, with a lot going on. He really challenges me as a writer and I love him for that!

Rich: 
Again, I really can’t do that mostly because many characters of mine aren’t in stories yet. 

Ruth: 
Bitter. She’s smart, tough and downright ornery. She’s been a homicide detective for a long time and has connections with agencies and individuals all over the city, which comes in handy when strange things happen in her world. 

Toi:
While the last question was too difficult to narrow down, I know this one easy. I have many characters that I either adore or love to hate. But until I finish a few more WIPs and have time to evaluate them overall, I’ll say with certainty that my favorite character is, Mira (like miracle), from my Eternal Curse Series. She’s one, of few, human characters surrounded my being with powers beyond her comprehension, yet she’s one of the most important and influential beings in the Eternal Curse world.

When you write, do plan your stories or do you just start writing and let the story develop?

Erika:
Usually, I only have a vague outline of the story when I start writing and I hate making notes or to follow a formula. I let the story develop as I progress and often end up with a totally different story than what I planned.

Grace: 
I try to be disciplined with a schedule...that I miserably fail more than stick to. Usually write from 9-2 Monday through Friday. Nothing book related on the weekends.  I have an outline notebook for each story...however, I only outline after I write the chapters. The characters get to talking in my head and tell their own stories.

Joe: 
I do some planning, plotting and outlining in advance; if I’m world-building anew, then a lot more prep work. I always wait for the characters to start talking to me and telling me the story. 

Mary Anne:
I know how each book ends — I just have to get my characters to that point! I don’t plan, but it all seems to come together. I don’t know how. It’s a mystery.

Rich: 
Both. I plan for the plot. Then let the character take me where they will. Often I surprise myself. And sometimes I keep it and sometimes I don’t.

Ruth: 
I get an idea and start writing. After a bit, the end of the story comes to me and I write it, then jump back to fill in the rest of the story. I’m forcing myself to write Bitter in order instead of my usual jackrabbit approach of writing chapters as they pop into my head. When I’m working on nonfiction, I outline and research the information, then start to write. 

Toi:
99% of the time I plan out my stories from beginning to end. I outline in great detail, including: storyboards, character profiles, timelines, scene notes and more. I do have one story, at the moment, that started out as a writing challenge. I liked it so much I decided to develop it into a novel, but whenever I try to think about it, nothing happens. When I sit down and start from the last point I stopped, the story flows. Can’t explain it. 

For you, what is the most difficult part of being an author?

Erika:
Definitely promotion. Writing is fun and exciting, getting the story edited and published is tedious work, but bringing the book to the view and attention of readers is very difficult. No matter how good a story is, until readers find it, it will be sitting in the corner of a virtual bookshelf. Promoters charge thousands, which I cannot afford, so my books are discovered one reader at a time.

Grace: 
The most difficult part of being an author for me is two-fold...promoting to get my name/product/name out there and getting reviews.  I’d prefer in person promoting to social media, but we are such an instant society that social media is the only way to promote.

Joe: 
Editing, proof-reading and The Dread Promotion.

Mary Anne: 
Marketing is probably the most challenging aspect of being an Indie author. Like Erika, I concentrate on one reader at a time!

Rich: 
Getting reviews, marketing, and selling my work. Writing is for sharing, as I’m fond of saying. Without the reader, what’s the point of writing in the first place?

Ruth: 
Sitting down to write! It’s all right there in my head, but I have to force myself to stay off social media and get to writing my story. 

Toi:
I’m not sure if this is cliché or jumping on the band wagon, but it’s definitely promotion. Marketing and promotion is hard. I do it, but it’s hard. Not really much else to say about it. 

 Thank you for reading our blog
please visit the author websites and get to know our books

COMMENTS

Stream

Chrys Fey

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly
 
It was nice getting to know the Author Gang members more. Like Toi, I also plot out 99% of my books. :)
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Ruth de Jauregui via Google+

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Meet our small gang of authors!!
 
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Ruth de Jauregui

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly
 
I'm honored to be part of this talented group of creators! You are the best!!
 
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Grace Au

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Meet our diverse gang!
 
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Mary Anne Yarde

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly
 
This was so much fun! It is great to read everyone's answers!!
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Alex J. Cavanaugh

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Toi, I plan as much as you do!
Joe, my first book will always be my favorite. Not my best but my favorite.
And cool to see so many of you enjoy science fiction and fantasy.
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Toi Thomas

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly
 
I am so happy to be part of this group. These authors are so varied and so much fun. There's a lot to gain here: knowledge, skill, entertainment, and more.
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Joe Bonadonna

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Always great to answer questions about our work and our passions.
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Joe Bonadonna via Google+

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Today on A Small Gang of Authors, our group answers questions on writing, what we like to write, and what we like to read. Please check out our post and leave us a Comment and a Like. We support all indie authors, and we appreciate your support. Thank you!
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Rich Feitelberg via Google+

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Rich Feitelberg

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Awesome! I answered these questions so long ago I forgot what I said!
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Erika M Szabo via Google+

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Meet the gang
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Erika M Szabo via Google+

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Meet the Gang #OurAuthorGang
 Today the Author Gang members are answering questions about writing What genre do you enjoy reading and writing? Erika M Szabo: http://www.authorerikamszabo.com/ My favorite genre is fantasy, alternate history, magical realism. I have enough reality in my ...
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Sunday, October 15, 2017

A Small Gang of Authors: Strange Symptoms Bizarre Cravings #AurAuthorGang

A Small Gang of Authors: Strange Symptoms Bizarre Cravings #AurAuthorGang: Why do we feel symptoms, and why do we experience cravings? by Erika M Szabo http://www.authorerikamszabo.com https://books...

Strange Symptoms Bizarre Cravings #OurAuthorGang

Why do we feel symptoms,
and why do we experience cravings?
by
Erika M Szabo



Sorry, the book is not available on Amazon

The symptoms, our body’s signals of diseases and conditions, are fascinating. This book contains unusual symptoms, strange food cravings, vitamin deficiency and overdose symptoms. Also a list of foods that keeps your body healthy as well as easy, whole body detoxification methods. The main purpose of this book is to urge you to pay attention to the signals that your body is sending you.

The meaning of the word symptom in medicine is: any sensation or change in bodily function that is experienced by a person and is associated with a particular disease.

Subjective symptoms are what you feel such as headache, nausea, anxiety, abdominal cramps etc.
Objective symptoms are what your doctor can observe such as abnormal heart or lung sounds, thyroid gland enlargement, palpable tumors etc.

Symptoms can be clear and simple, such as half sided blinding headache; sensitivity to light with nausea is most likely migraine headache. Or sudden pain under the right ribs, which refers to the back and accompanied by nausea, is most likely a gallbladder problem.

Other conditions are signaled by more complex symptoms, yet still easy to diagnose, such as increased appetite with weight loss, nervousness, faster than usual heart rate, increased sweating, tremor of the fingers and tongue with heat intolerance. These symptoms are usually the signs of hyperthyroidism, and the cause is easy to diagnose.

Symptoms can be unusual and even bizarre at times. You might ask, “What on earth does my earlobe have to do with the condition of my arteries”, or “If I have frequent hangnails do I really have vitamin C deficiency?”

Sounds bizarre but these are signals of our bodies that something is not right.

Nails:

Small indentations on nails, which resemble gnawing marks, can be the symptom of psoriasis (a common skin disease that affects the life cycle of the skin cells causing buildup rapidly on the surface of the skin).

No half-moons or ridged nails might signal vitamin A deficiency, kidney disorder or protein deficiency. Also, there is a possibility of autoimmune disease such as Lupus (the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s cells and organs) or scleroderma (progressive tightening of the skin and connective tissue) as well as thyroid disease.

Yellow, thick nails and the moons are missing signals lung problems.

Splitting, peeling nails might signal vitamin A and D deficiency, poor circulation, thyroid problems, hydrochloric acid deficiency, iron deficiency, calcium deficiency, or protein deficiency.

More in the book... https://books2read.com/u/mqzQ78

Skin:

Ring-like rash, the middle is healing and the edges are getting wider, is a symptom of ringworm infection.

Honey colored crust over the wound is a symptom of impetigo.

Growth, which resembles cauliflower, is a sign of treponema pertenue bacterial infection, also called yaws.

The fingers turn pasty white at times indicates scleroderma.

Butterfly rash on face is a common sign of Lupus.

The skin around the lips is taut and shiny indicates scleroderma.

Small bumps on the outer side of joints can signal high cholesterol.

A newborn has only one crease on palm instead of two indicates Down's syndrome.

More in the book... https://books2read.com/u/mqzQ78

Bizarre cravings:

You have the urge to put metallic objects into your mouth:
You need: Iron.
Sources: grains, nuts, eggs, beef, liver, kidney, fish, clam, beans, asparagus, cherry, apricot, green leafy vegetables.

You crave chocolate
You need: magnesium
Sources: apple, lemon, fig, nuts and seeds, corn, vegetables, green leafy vegetables.

You crave sweets
You need chromium, carbon, phosphor, sulfur and tryptophan
Sources: 
Chromium: broccoli, grapes, cheese, beans, liver, chicken.
Carbon: fresh fruit
Phosphor: poultry, beef, liver, egg, dairy, nuts, grains, legumes.
Sulfur: cabbage, horseradish, bilberry.
Tryptophan: cheese, liver, raisin, sweet potato, spinach.

You crave bread, toast
You need: nitrogen
Sources: fish, meat, nuts, beans.

You crave greasy food
You need: calcium
Sources: broccoli, leafy greens, legumes, cheese, sesame seed, nuts, vegetables, fish, beans.

More in the book... https://books2read.com/u/mqzQ78

In my opinion, nature has provided us with the right foods for our organs. Moreover, nature even kind of labeled them for us to recognize them easily. They resemble the organs they were meant to protect. Let's see some of them.

Food for the brain:
Walnuts halves look like a brain. Walnut helps to build neuro transmitters and enhances brain function as well as reducing inflammation in the body and lowering cholesterol level. Walnuts are loaded with potassium, calcium, and magnesium as well as a form of vitamin E that is somewhat unusual, and particularly beneficial. Instead of having most of its vitamin E present in the alpha-tocopherol form, walnuts provide high level of vitamin E in the form of gamma-tocopherol, which, according to studies, provides significant protection from heart problems. Walnuts not only taste great, but are a rich source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and an excellent source of those hard to find omega-3 fatty acids.

More in the book... https://books2read.com/u/mqzQ78

About vitamin overdose:

Vitamin A
Bone and joint pain, insomnia, fatigue, loss of hair, dryness and fissuring of the lips, loss of appetite and weight, persistent headaches, peeling of the skin, and liver enlargement. Overdose during childhood may cause premature closure of the epiphyses of the bones, limiting their normal growth.

Vitamin B1
Blocks the absorption of vitamin C neutralizes insulin.

Vitamin B3, niacin
Damage to the liver, depression, decreases the effect of cholesterol medications.

Vitamin B6
Restless sleep and nightmares can occur as well as damage to the liver.

Vitamin C
Abdominal cramps, diarrhea. Large doses can deactivate B12, produce demineralization of bones, and interfere with calcium absorption. Excess vitamin C forms calcium oxalate in the urine causing kidney stones.

More in the book...



Saturday, October 14, 2017

Award Contest Winners #OurAuthorGang

Our Author Gang did very well in the
Golden Book Award Contest in 2016

Three books from our gang's authors were chosen to be winners

 


Our Author Gang did very well in the
Golden Quill Award Contest in 2017

Two books from our gang's authors were chosen to be winners

 

 

Golden Box Books Publishing is offering
 a 10% entry discount to authors
The coupon code: OJC09 is valid until October 21

Enter your book today 


Thursday, October 12, 2017

New Release The Power of the Sapphire Wand #OurAuthorGang

Creepy Hollow Adventures
For kids 8-17


Golden Book Award Winner, spooky and funny heroic fantasy adventure series for middle-grade children and young adults. 
“Szabo and Bonadonna’s story crackles with action and excitement. Their storytelling moves with the speed of lightning, but never lets the reader get lost. The atmosphere is just spooky enough to be fun but never enough to be too scary.” 

EBOOK:
PRINT:









EBOOK:
PRINT:


“I was instantly swept up into an adventure of limitless possibilities. Though written for children, I as an adult felt drawn into a mystical place where anything can happen—where children can be mighty warriors, and battle the forces of evil.” ~Lee Porche

The perfect Trick or Treat gift for kids 8-17


Book 1, Three Ghosts in a Black Pumpkin

Golden Book Award Winner, spooky and funny heroic fantasy adventure for middle-grade children and young adults.
Nikki and her impish cousin, Jack, find a mysterious black pumpkin in the forest on Halloween. A wise talking skeleton, Wishbone, tells them that the ghosts of the Trinity of Wishmothers are trapped inside the pumpkin and can’t be freed without their wands.  The children offer their help, so the skeleton takes them on a journey to the world of Creepy Hollow to retrieve the three wands he hid long ago in Red Crow Forest, the Tower of Shadows, and the Cave of Spooks. Ghoulina, the beautiful vegetarian ghoul, and Catman, who was once a man, join them on their quest. They must face danger and conquer evil every step of the way as they search for the Wands before the wicked Hobgoblin and his henchman, a Tasmanian Devil, can get their hands on them. This is a fun, humorous and touching story for kids, with plenty of character interaction woven into a backdrop of scary danger, heroic action and lessons to be learned.

Book 2, The Power of the Sapphire Wand

Nikki and Jack return to Creepy Hollow in this new, action-packed fantasy adventure for middle-grade children and young adults.
On her 13th birthday, Nikki discovers she has magical powers. During a surprise attack by the giant Mutanto, his henchmen Howler and a gang of Werewolves, Wishbone, Ghoulina and Catman arrive to save the kids and tell them about Evila the Grim Witch’s plans to conquer Creepy Hollow. Nikki also learns the truth about what happened to her parents twelve years ago. She and Jack go back to Creepy Hollow with their friends to help them defeat Evila. Jack discovers he can talk to animals when they meet a herd of Wild Horses and he becomes friends with Champ, the clumsy young colt, and Sparky, the orphaned dragon.
Together, Nikki and Jack conquer their fears and gain courage, and in the final battle against Evila and her minions they grow into the warriors they were destined to become.
The authors
 






Joe Bonadonna 
Erika M Szabo

Wednesday, October 11, 2017

#NEWRELEASE ~ The Du Lac Princess #Arthurian #HistFic #ourAuthorGang


The Du Lac Princess
(Book 3 of The Du Lac Chronicles) 
By Mary Anne Yarde


Briton 500 AD

The ink has dried on Amandine’s death warrant.
Her crime? She is a du Lac.

All that stands in the way of a grisly death on a pyre is the King of Brittany. However, King Philippe is a fickle friend, and if her death is profitable to him, then she has no doubt that he would light the pyre himself.

Alan, the only man Amandine trusts, has a secret and must make an impossible choice, which could have far-reaching consequences — not only for Amandine, but for the whole of Briton.

Links for Purchase
Available on Kindle and in Paperback!

Catch Up with The Du Lac Chronicles series
 for FREE with



About the author

Mary Anne Yarde is the the award winning author of the International Best Selling Series — The Du Lac Chronicles. Set a generation after the fall of of King Arthur, The Du Lac Chronicles takes you on  journey through Dark Age Briton and Brittany, where you will meet new friends and terrifying foes. Based on legend and historical fact, The Du Lac Chronicles is a series not to be missed.

Born in Bath, Mary Anne Yarde grew up in the southwest of England, surrounded and influenced by centuries of history and mythology. Glastonbury — the fabled Isle of Avalon — were a mere fifteen-minute drive from her home, and tales of King Arthur and his knights were a part of her childhood.
Useful Links





Tuesday, October 10, 2017

World Building and Vegetation #OurAuthorGang

By Rich Feitelberg

Obviously if you need to create a world for a story or series of stories, you need to have specific locations in mind so you can give the reader a sense of place. Each location can only exist in the context of a larger world and if the world is like ours that means there's vegetation growing about.

Vegetation grows only where conditions are favorable. If your world is a frozen ice planet, you needn't read any further. But for the rest of us, knowing where there are forests, grasslands, farmlands, and the like will help you give your world a sense of realism. Equally important is knowing the type of vegetation that's growing. This is where climate comes in.

Rain forests exists in the tropics, not in temperate zones. Northern forest are all coniferous, Temperature forests can have deciduous trees. Note the amount of water available in each area. Dense forests need more water (more rainfall) than sparingly forested areas. And actually it is the other way around, the more precipitation an area receive, the more densely forested it can be.

Where there's less water available, grasslands are likely. And these can range from tundra to scrublands, to wide plains of grass.

Once you figure out what your settings or world is like, create a map showing the forests and grasslands.

Likely where lands is irrigated, you'll have farms. In a medieval fantasy world like mine, large areas of lands must be set aside for farming to support the cities towns in the region. Otherwise everyone starves.

Note all this on your vegetation map or combine it with the elevation map to create a composite.

With all this done, you're ready to consider other types of terrain like deserts and swamps. We'll look at those next time.



Monday, October 9, 2017

Paint your world with color

by Ruth de Jauregui


My beautiful daughter is a singer. Her vocal coach always told her that while she might be singing to a track, she could use the expressiveness of her voice to color the song and make it her own. As a writer, I use words in a similar manner ― to color my world.

I don't know about everybody else, but when I read a movie rolls in my head. Color and descriptive words add to the story, helping me visualize the scenes as I move through the author's world.

As I write, if I close my eyes, I can see the developing scene in my mind. Then it's a matter of getting the words on paper, expressing not just the action, but also sight, smell, touch, temperature and more. I add not just the descriptive words, but also the people that inhabit my real life experiences to bring my character's world to life.

Bitter's life is filled with color, from her apple green Maverick Grabber to the pink and purple hair of her brother's wife's cousin's daughter. It is also diverse. The tamale man sells still-steaming tamales from a cooler in his hatchback, mariachi music vies with bass in Bitter's neighborhood, and her coworkers swoop onto her homemade lumpia at the staff potluck. Spanish, Tagalog and American Sign Language vie with English as Bitter investigates murder and mayhem in Sacramento, California.

While Bitter Nights is a work in progress, you can read the complete short story Bitter Nights at my sneak peeks website, www.ruthdj.weebly.com. You can also read snippets of other stories I started before Bitter coalesced and demanded my full attention – well, between nonfiction writing gigs and my part time job.

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A snippet from Bitter Nights - Chapter One:

     Sapp's broad smile lit up his face when he saw Bitter arriving with the insulated carrier. "We were wondering if you were coming." He sniffed the air as he held the door open. "What did you bring this time? Homemade tamales, fried chicken, sarmi?" he asked hopefully.
     In spite of herself, Bitter cracked a smile at his enthusiasm. "No. Papá's favorite, lumpia with sweet chile sauce, just the way Lola made it."
     Sapp rolled his eyes in ecstasy. "No! You make lumpia too?"
     "Aye, yes she does," O'Malley said from the break room, "and you'd best get out of the way before the stampede."
     Bitter picked her way through the crowd of blues, taking a tray out of the carrier and setting it on the middle table with the rest of the potluck favorites. Behind her, she could still hear Sapp joshing with O'Malley about traditional foods.
     "What, you don't have any traditional Irish foods?"
     "None that you'd want to eat," growled O'Malley as he stared past the overloaded table into a shadowy corner.
     Bitter paused and shrugged. O'Malley was always seeing ghosts in the shadows. Sapp leaned down, murmuring, "You should ride with him at night. If I hear one more time about him being the sixth of seven sons―"
     Laden with a large silver coffeemaker, one of the dispatchers staggered into the room. Bitter couldn't remember her name. Maybe it was Candy. The high heels, flowing white dress and overdone makeup made her think of a perky young woman named Candy anyway. "Hey, hey, let me get that," someone said swiftly and several of the younger officers jumped to help her.
     "Thank you," Candy said as they put the pot next to the industrial-sized coffeepot.
     "What is it?"
     "Oh!" She smiled. "It's chaga tea. You'll have to check it out, it tastes sorta like coffee. And it's organic," she finished brightly.
     Turning away so Candy couldn't see his expression, Sapp gave O'Malley a quick side-eye, then sent an expressive eye roll in Bitter's direction. Just then, a huge platter of stuffed mushrooms arrived and Sapp started making a space on the main table.
     "No, no, no, over there." Bitter pointed at the side table.
     "What?"
     "Allergy-producing foods go on that table. Peanuts, shellfish, mangos, and mushrooms go over there."
     "Mushrooms? Who's allergic to mushrooms?" Sapp asked curiously.
     She looked at him grimly. "Me."
     Sapp sobered. "Really?"
     "Yes, really."
     Sapp looked down at her sympathetically, remembering that her ex-husband poisoned her once with shrooms, but didn't say anything more. He knew better.




#CrimeMeetsUrbanFantasy #DiversityMatters #ColorYourWorld #ASmallGangOfAuthors

Saturday, October 7, 2017

Bittersweet beginnings #OurAuthorGang

How do I get through the tough stuff?  I write.
by Grace Augustine


As I reflect on the loves of my life, (there have only been 4--2 husbands, a fiance and a very special man) I find I've been "in" love two times. Once was in the 1980's with a redheaded Scottish chiropractor. We'd seen each other for months and talked of marriage. He attended an out of town conference and said when he got home we'd discuss it more. He didn't get home. I received a phone call from his office manager telling me that he had committed suicide. The family was making arrangements and I'd be notified when services were.  Oh, the pain! The anger! The loss! I was friends with a radio station disc jockey and we were to have had dinner that night.  I phoned and told him what had happened. He of course was working and couldn't leave the station,but he encouraged me to write. I wrote what I titled "A Eulogy for Philip" and put down my pen for good...or so I thought.


An Eulogy for Philip
I love you with a love so deep
My days are filled with pain
The nights do not hold sleep.
My head only beats in anger
My heart is an empty shell
I’m numb, void of feeling
For today from life you fell.
I remember many dinners
Late night moonlight walks
Singing and playing music
And quiet heartfelt talks
I remember Halloween
The masked bandit and the clown
Laughing and dancing ‘til 3 am
And all the love we found
I remember the day we met
I thought you old and gray
Then deja vous got in our way
You loved wispy pastels and long flowing hair
We made quite a pair, you and I
You came to Sunday dinner in a three piece suit
Portraying some big winner
You saw me during good times
Counselled me in bad
Held me during rough times
Loved me when I was sad
Animals seemed to love you
Children did, too.
You played the piano and we sang ‘til dawn
I still can’t believe you’re really gone
Gone from my life
And all that is real
We sat on your roof
Counting the stars
Dreaming our dreams
I never thought you’d leave
Be gone forever
And I’d never get the chance to say good-bye
I wonder where you are
Are you sitting on a star?
Sailing a ship?
Singing love songs in my ear?
Have you passed through the Gate?
Are you clothed in sparkling white?
God, I feel you so close
My heart beats in tune with yours
As it always did
I loved the curls of your soft auburn hair
The twinkle in your beautiful eyes
Every time you smiled.
Your closeness warms my heart
My dear, dear, Philip
We will never live our dreams
We will never be together
We will never be each other’s soulmate
I’ll never hold you again
Feel the warmth of your touch
The passion filled kisses
The plans for marriage
For a lifetime together
All gone in the blink of an eye.
I love you, darling
Someday, someday
We will have our second chance
We will have a brand new start
Until then
Fly with the angels
Brighten the night sky
I’ll forever hold you in my heart
I’ll see you soon
I’ll never say goodbye
--5/21/81



It seems my batting record with romance is a big fat zero! Don't get me wrong, when I love, I love with every ounce of me. That may be my biggest downfall. After an unfortunate set of circumstances I could no longer overlook, or be part of, six years ago I ended a relationship with the man I felt was my soulmate. This person taught me what I wanted from love, taught me how to love completely with no reservation, and taught me how to grow. To say I was devastated was an understatement! I was angry...seeing red, snorting bull angry... that he didn't seem to understand why my decision had to stand.

So, as I had in the past when adversity struck, I pulled out paper and pen and wrote down my thoughts and feelings. Tears poured down my cheeks and onto the paper. My head soon was on that wet surface as I grieved for what I'd lost. Soon, I'd written 30 pages...front and back...and a story was forming. Little did I know at that time, it would be the first book of my Acorn Hills Series... Bittersweet.

It's amazing the stories we can weave when we are uspet, betrayed, unloved, or so elated we want to shout to the masses from the rooftops.

I hope you enjoy reading Bittersweet. It is book 1 of The Acorn Hills Series and is free on all platforms.

Excerpt from Bittersweet:
     "One of Jake’s major problems was that he loved women. Not just some women, but ALL women.  Sure he knew that he brought it all on himself, but damn it, he just couldn’t help how he felt.  He loved how they looked, how they smelled.  Hell, he could even tell which ones were ripe and in “heat” when walking by them! He loved the curves of full breasts, whether they were a B cup or a double D! He loved the sight of a tight ass as it walked away in front of him; the perfect sway of those hips with each step.  Ah, yes, women!  His pet word for them was “PITA” which stood for Pains in the Ass.

        No two ways about it, Jake WAS charming.  He knew how to get what he wanted from just about anyone.  He was a master at putting his spin on the truth.  People seemed drawn to him like the Pied Piper. Maybe the spin came in a look or in his dazzling smile or in his deep commanding voice. It was different for each situation.
         Little did people know that once in his lair, it was hard to get away and more difficult to escape the charming smoke screen that enshrouded the situation.  That didn’t mean he got off scot free, though. Women loved him, men hated him, business associates tolerated him, and family, for the most part, was very disappointed in his choices. He let out a breath of exasperation.  Life as he knew it. 
        Jake reflected on the conversation from earlier that afternoon. Jillian had told him to come get his things. Well, it certainly wasn’t going to happen right now. He had to think about this, had to plan what was going to be the best for him with this whole thing. 
       His condo wasn't ready to move into and he really didn’t want to spend the money to stay at a hotel. His only choice was to stay at his office. After all, he had spent millions on renovations and it would accommodate his needs for the present time. He would go home and pick up his things in a couple days. He just couldn’t do it right now. The reality of those words pierced his heart…Jillian’s was no longer his home. It was HER house, her home.  He didn’t have a “home”.
        A vision of Jillian plagued his mind. Jillian Halloran wasn’t “just another woman.” She had been THE woman in his life for the past three years.  Jake remembered thinking how “wholesome” she appeared when they met at that Chamber of Commerce luncheon. She wasn’t a striking beauty, and in fact Jake would categorize her as “nothing special,” but Jillian was definitely bright and funny and caring and compassionate and loving and just simply beautiful from the inside out. 
      She had extremely expressive eyes, those big, lash-fringed, doe-like eyes that you just couldn’t resist. Yet when she was angry her eyes turned to these pools of liquid amber that threw daggers at the opposition.  God, he just simply got lost in them every time their eyes met. And, her nose. How he loved her nose…it was just the right size to kiss and suckle.  Her breasts fit so well in the palms of his hands. Her fragrance, sometimes fruity, sometimes spicy, but always fresh.  He fell hard for her the day they met.  It was like fireworks and a tilt-a-whirl mixed into one daring ride.  Yet, now she was saying it was over?  Who was she to call the shots?  Who was she to say when it was over?  And why couldn’t she just deal with the fact that his passion was women?"






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