Friday, September 27, 2013

The Guardians Crown by Wendy Owens is out!!!



Out now, The Guardians Crown by Wendy Owens!  
(book 5 in The Guardians series)

Blurb:
 Gabe is finally forced to answer the ultimate question, will he give his life to save the world? What about just to save the one he loves the most? The Guardians struggle to find another way—ideas that don’t involve Gabe’s death—to defeat Baal. Time is running out. What will Gabe choose? What price will he pay for that choice?


http://www.amazon.com/Guardians-Crown-ebook/dp/B00FFM77OK/ref=la_B006COBFKC_1_7?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1380291360&sr=1-7 

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Interview with M.R. Murphy!


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1.      If you don't mind telling us, where did you get the idea for “The Last Kiss”?       
           
Well, I’ve always loved the idea of past loves coming back to make a second try of things. Partially it’s from personal experience and the rest just my overzealous imagination.

2.      What made you want to become a writer?                                                                           

 It was the only way for me to make sense of everything in my head. I always seem to have a million and one thoughts passing through my brain at all times. This way I can focus and use my creative side for effectually.

3.      What do you use as your inspiration?                                                                            

Music. Music is the key for me. Oh and crazy weird dreams!

4.      Where do you feel that you do your best writing?                                                                                

Sometimes at the local Starbucks, other times, out on my back patio. I prefer being outside to write mostly.

5.      If you ever get stuck in a part of a story, how do you get out of your writer’s block?                                

 I find stepping away from that project and either hitting the gym, hiking or writing something completely different such as poetry helps me refocus or spark new ideas. Keeping my mind and body active is crucial for my creative process.

6.      Which is your favorite character from any of your books/series? Why?                                              

Oh it’s the 64 million dollar question! Oh boy. That’s a hard one to answer. So how about I go with my favorite character at the moment? In truth, I adore just about all my characters, however Nisroc (aka Roc) from the soon to be released The Chronicles of the Dark Angels: Darkest Before Dawn, is currently the one keeping in stitches. He’s such a wise ass! I love it!

7.      If you could be any character from your books, who would you be and why?

Again, another tough one! You’re killing me smalls! If I could slap a few of them together, I’d be a happy camper! Okay, maybe I’ve love to be Kakabel from The Chronicles of the Dark Angels series.  She’s a tough warrior, but underneath she’s compassionate. Tall, (what can I say, shorty over here!) witty, complex but understanding. She’s everything I want to be when I grow up, plus, I mean come on, she has wings and can fly and dematerialize, who wouldn’t want to be able to do that!

8.      If you could go anywhere (within our reality and universe) where would you go?                                      

I’d love to be able to travel around the universe, and check out different star formations such as nebulas. Other than that, I’ve always wanted to visit Ireland and mingle with family over there.

9.      What are 3 essentials you must have when writing? 

Music, Coffee or Tea and if I’m writing at home, no human distractions. If I’m at Starbucks, the corner comfy seat away from everyone.

10.  Is writing your sole job? If not, what's your other job? If yes, what did you do before you became an author?                                                                                                               

No, I’m also a photographer and operate a stock photography company. Also, I’m a massage therapist for humans and horses. I like to balance working with my creative side with my healing side.

11.  Who is your favorite Indie author?

Jenna Pizzi. Her works hit home and damn, she makes me cry with her stories, in a GOOD way!

12.   Out of all of your characters, which do you relate to the most?     
      
 It’s a toss-up between Ferrian and Asher both from The Chronicles of the Dark Angels series (TCOTDA for short).

13.  Do you have any WIP that you can/want to tell us about?

Currently I’m working on the third book in The Sisterhood of the Oracle Legacy: Always Mine and outlining the second book in TCOTDA series: Rising Sun

14.  I know I have not had the chance yet to read your book, but can you spoil me/us with some excerpts? 
  Certainly!
Let me in, Sweetheart.” he whispered into her mouth. She didn't resist him as he sliced his way in, instead she melted into him. Her fingers climbed up his chest, tangling together behind his neck. Words didn't matter, not when he had her here, like this. Her body pressed against his as small mews flowed from her lips.

 “I love you,” she breathed against his lips.

“I know, sweetheart.” Aidan sank into the depths of her mouth, and she was immediately grateful that he wasn't about to waste another minute thinking about the past. He slipped his hands around to the small of her back, sending an instant flash of goosebumps abrading across her skin. A small gasp burst from her mouth as his hands cupped her ass fiercely, lifting her higher against him. There was no denying it. There was a fever in their veins, intoxicating her with the liquid fire of her addiction. Even as a single crystal tear trickled down her cheek, she didn't bother to wipe it away; instead she allowed the salty droplet to linger on her lips. His kiss grew more urgent as he carried her to the door.
“Damn, slider's shut.” he growled, fumbling for the door handle. Staring down at her, Aidan’s impish grin turned downright devilish as he backed her up against the door. His stony chest pressed against her until all that was left between them were a few scraps of clothing.
        The fire in his eyes glowed more brightly than before as she stared into them with the insatiable hunger that assailed her every second that they weren't tangled together in a delicious mess. Her mouth crashed over his. There was no tenderness, only raw heat as she sliced her tongue through his impish grinning lips. Raking her fingers over his shoulders, she hung on with every pulsating muscle in her body, ripping hastily at the buttons down the front of his shirt.© 2013 The Last Kiss by M. R. Murphy

15.  Is there any advice you’d give your younger writing self or to other starting writers out there? 
            Remember to breathe when you find yourself getting frustrated, Perseverance is crucial. This isn’t a competition against other authors, only yourself.  And don’t be afraid to scrap what you’ve written when it just doesn’t work (But I usually save things, you never know when you might be able to use it elsewhere ;)) , edit and edit some more, and be careful who you show your work to.  Learn to take constructive criticism without getting offended and use it to your advantage.



You can get your copy of M.R. Murphy's book "The Last Kiss" on Amazon! :) 



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Sunday, September 15, 2013

Parting Skies by Kelly Matsuura‏

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 3 out of 5 stars

          I received this book as a gift in exchange for a honest review! So let me start by saying this book contains six different short stories! They are a variety of stories so regardless of what genre u r into I'm sure u can find it here! A few of the stories I really liked they kept me very interested and made me want to read more. But, the other stories seemed to not b finished which bothered me. Especially when I wanted to know what happened. Maybe they were meant to b like that I'm not quite sure. But overall it wasn't my cup of tea! Thank u for the chance to read your work! 

- <3 LIZ @ WRITERS REFUGE


http://www.amazon.com/Parting-Skies-ebook/dp/B00DL963U8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1379261997&sr=8-1&keywords=parting+skies

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Review (and Interview) of Desolace by Lucian Barnes.

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4 out of 5 screams and goosebumps.

Description: A serial killer is loose in Misty Hollows, Ohio and Katie Johnson is sure that her friend Julie has been abducted by this madman. As she searches for her friend, Katie finds an unexpected ally in the ghost of one of the killers victims and soon finds herself transported to a completely foreign time and place. She only hopes that she can find Julie before it's too late.

*Please note that this book contains adult material that may not be suitable for younger readers.*


First off, be prepared for that first chapter. WOW!  It’s a doozy.  
I do feel like this book does need at least a copy edit.  There were things even within the first chapter that could have easily been caught by an editor/another read through by a fresh pair of eyes. Also, some of the sentence flow was off at times.
Secondly, WOW.  This book is definitely a thriller, chaser, keeps you on the edge of your seat, and definitely what I’d call a horror story.  There are times where you just go “No…did I just read that right?  Did he actually just ‘say’ that?!?!” for some of the ‘horror’ scenes and situations.  
I do not want to spoil anything, especially not the twists and turns this book takes.  When you pick up this book, you are in for it!
Would I recommend this book?  Yes, I would recommend it, but only to those that would be into this kind of book.
Do I want to read the second one?  Of course.

*Warning*:  This is a graphic book, understand that.  If you are uncomfortable with certain situations, this book may not be for you.  If you are squeamish, this book may not be for you.


Great thing is that this book is currently FREE!!!!!!!

Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/desolace-lucian-barnes/1108348063?ean=9781468194609

Interview with Lucian Barnes!:



·         If you don't mind telling us, where did you get the idea for Desolace?

           

I can't, per se, take credit for the idea being my own. I started working on Desolace, as an untitled project, several years ago. I had set the book aside for quite some time, but a friend encouraged me to begin writing again. I perused several of my unfinished works at that time and decided that the untitled story, which would eventually become Desolace, had potential to be something really great. So, I began writing. I never had a clear idea of where the story should go when I did, instead, I allowed the characters to develop the story. It wasn't until I finished the manuscript that I was forced to consider a title.



·         What made u want to become a writer?



For a very long time, perhaps dating back to before my teenage years (I can't recall exactly), I have enjoyed writing one thing or another. My first stories were very short, and were inspired by the Hardy Boys and Scooby Doo. As I grew into a teenager, I began drifting away from traditional storytelling and I started to write song lyrics for heavy metal songs. As is the case with many young boys, I'm sure, I had aspirations of becoming a rock star. Time and wisdom brought me to the conclusion that these dreams were more fantasy than reality. Inspired by my favorite author, Stephen King, I took an online, creative writing course to hone my skills as an author when I was in my thirties.





·         What do you use as your inspiration?



The only inspiration I really have comes from my characters. Once I get an idea for a book and start fleshing out the characters, it brings them to life in my mind. As crazy as it may sound, after I develop a particularly interesting character the incessant chatter of their voice begins. Sometimes it's a voice in my head that refuses to shut up, while other times it feels like they are sitting on my shoulder urging me on.



·         Where do you feel that you do your best writing?



Anywhere that is peaceful and quiet, but I prefer my "writing cave" since it's away from most distractions.





·         If you ever get stuck in a part of a story, how do you get out of your writer’s block?



I used to have this problem quite frequently, at which times I would normally set my project aside and work on something else while I waited for the characters to begin "speaking" to me again. I have found, in the meantime, another technique which works better for me. I only write between Monday and Friday, giving myself the weekend to "recharge". Since I started employing this tactic I haven't had a single incidence of the dreaded writer's block.



·         Which is your favorite character from any of your books/series. Why?



Despite the fact that my choice would likely cause my readers to be cautious around me, I would have to say my favorite is the serial killer known as "The Headhunter". Why would such an obviously evil character be my favorite? In all honesty, some readers may already be aware of this fact, when I began writing about him I modeled many aspects of his personality and character features around myself. No, I'm not a psychotic, serial killer in disguise as a writer! I merely found the old adage of "write what you know" as a spring-board for creating the monstrous killer that people unanimously hate.





·         If you could be any character from your stories, who would you be and why?



Again, I would have to go with George, more out of familiarity and comfort than anything. Who better to slip into than a character you modeled after yourself. Creepy, I know...lol



·         If you could go anywhere (within our reality and universe) where would you go?



Anywhere, huh? That's kind of a toughie. Several places come to mind, and all of which I would choose based on photographs I've seen of the beautiful landscapes. New Zealand, Scotland, Italy, and Romania to name a few.





·         What are 3 essentials you must have when writing?



First, and foremost, I would have to say complete silence. Like many people I know, I am often easily distracted by outside objects (...look, a squirrel!). Second, I would have to say electricity. Why that? Because, without it, my computer would be useless as a writing vessel. This isn't to say if I were forced to write with pen and paper that I wouldn't be able to, I just prefer using a computer, far fewer hand cramps! Lastly, and this one is kind of a quirk I've developed over the course of my career as a writer, I have an impulsive need to let my hair down to write, kind of like a lucky charm. (I have very long, almost to my waist, hair. I normally keep it up in a ponytail.)



·         Is writing your sole job? If not, what's your other job? If yes, what did you do before you became an author?

Yes, writing is my full-time job, and my obsession. Not that I haven't done anything else in my lifetime. I have worked several different types of jobs in the past, ranging from a truck driver, to a contractor specializing in drywall work, to a school bus driver. Nothing has been as satisfying, or rewarding, as being a writer though.

--Liza