Review day!

Hey Bloaders today I'm reviewing a novel called The Succubus Gift by B.R. Kingsolver!

Like I've said in many of my other blogs when I review fantasy novels it's usually not my cup of tea. If it wasn't for people who send me review request it's not necessarily a book I would pick out on my own.

Bare with me I read this novel awhile ago and just got the chance to sit down and write a review for it. The novel is about a succubus named Brenna. She stumbles across her family one night and decides to get to know about her past and her powers in her clan. I'm not sure if I can really explain this for it to make sense like B.R. but the people in the clan that is her family all have different powers. For example telepathy, transporting, reading soles, reading minds, walking through minds, and of course succubus. Trust me there are many more powers and Brenna has all of them. Apparently, a person who has all of them can be very dangerous because she doesn't know how to use them all. There are parts were people are afraid of her because of how angry she can get and with one mood swing Brenna can take out an entire block of people. (That is just a little upset) To say they walk on their tip toes around her not to make her mad is an understatement.

I always try to relate to the main characters in every novel I read. I have a hard time relating to girls because sometimes I find them unrealistic. I didn't feel that way about Brenna. She was likable and strong powered woman. She comes off as very brave and the powers she possess are pretty amazing. She's also very beautiful and can use her body and pheromones to influence men.

To give a brief description about the flow of the book. There are men who are trying to capture and kill succubus. They are also trying to figure out who is part of the clan (that Brenna belongs to). The way that they kill the succubus is by far the most violent that I've read and I read murder mystery novels all the time. Reading it made me cringe thinking about what they did to their bodies.

The novels goes on trying to figure out what's happening and along the way she makes good friends with Rebecca who I absolutely loved and is a protector. There is also Collin who seems to be the playboy, cute, everyone loves him, type. I loved the play back and forth between him and Brenna. His succubus gift drew him toward her, but he was hooked with or without the gift.

The novel was intriguing and interesting to read about the powers, the hookups, and the history of Brenna's family. And let me tell you if you shy away from sex in a novel then keep on moving because there is plenty of sex!!! PLENTY!!!

The only thing that I didn't care for in the book was when Brenna finally became the succubus and let her powers free. I wasn't a fan of the "Succubus Brenna." She seemed to lose her compassion when she was the succubus. Having sex and then draining men for 24 hours. Not having the compassion she had when she wasn't using her succubus gift. The part I related to and liked was gone. The more succubus have sex the more powerful they feel and the more they glow. It was hard to think that someone could have sex with anyone and anywhere. I got to the point where I was like oh, she's having sex again. I also found it hard to keep up with who had what powers and what each power did. It was also hard to tell how much time actually passes in the story.


Would I recommend this book? Yes, I would. It starts off slow but it was an interesting read. At the beginning I didn't think I was going to make it through and by the end I was ready to read the next novel to see where the story was going to go. The way B.R. goes through to set a trap for the killer and the transformation of the characters makes you want to continue the saga. I'm not kidding though if you are off put by sex than do not read this book! I personally like books with some kinkiness in it and I was blushing like crazy!!!



If you click on the picture above it will link you to the amazon page to purchase the novel. There are a lot of parts to this novel and a lot of characters and I hope I explained it well enough because if I would have went into more detail this would have been the length of a short novel! Feel free to ask questions below though and I will do my best to answer them.

Your chance to win starts today!

GIVEAWAY TIME!

(read previous post for more details)

a Rafflecopter giveaway











Winner will be drawn on December 31, 2012! Must get to 50 reviews on either Barnes and Noble or Amazon. When the winner is drawn I will contact you through your email account! 

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!!

I'm not sure how many times I've started a post by saying it's been awhile, but holy moly it's been a while since I've written a blog post. Did you miss me? I know you did you don't have to answer that. I wanted to give you all a heads up to all the events I have coming up and a very big giveaway :) First lets start with the events. 

First event I have will be December 5th at 5:00 P.M. at the Annex building, Wellsboro, Pa. For those of you who are local check out Ladies Night event on Facebook. There will be all types of vendors for all your girlie needs. Pamper Chef, Mary Kay, Avon, Tupperware, Lia Sophia, Pure Romance, etc. All your needs in one location including your truly! I will be selling copies of Such is Life and I've been asked to prepare goodies for the event. Those of you who have had the pleasure to try my goodies you know you don't want to miss out! 

Second event will be on December 7th from 10-2 at Mansfield University Campus Bookstore. Being a Mansfield Alumna I didn't hesitate to sign up! If you're in the area stop by even if it's just to say hi or ask a few questions. Don't forget Christmas is coming and Such is Life would make an excellent stocking stuffer!

NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY 

I've had a couple of people tell me that they haven't been able to post a review on Amazon because you can't leave a review without purchasing Such is Life directly from them. Well, I've come up with a great idea!!! For those of you who have already purchased a copy of my novel I dropped the book down to $.99 on Amazon and Barnes and Noble till December 31, 2012!!!!  I know it stinks to have to buy a copy again, but you can always give it away as a gift (JUST amazon.com). You can write a review on Barnesandnoble.com without having to purchase a copy. 

For those of you who don't know reviews are absolutely everything to an author and getting them is like pulling teeth! Actually, I would rather pull teeth than try and get people to write a review. Therefore I've come up with a little incentive. If by December 31, 2012 I get 50 reviews on either Amazon & Barnes and Noble or hopefully both I will raffle off one e-reader (Kindle or Nook-your choice)! You don't even have to write two separate reviews just simply copy and past your review from amazon and post it on Barnes or vice versa!

How your name will get entered in the raffle:

1. Write a review for Such is Life on amazon.com 

2. Write a review for Such is Life on Barnesandnoble.com

3. Like me on Facebook 

4. Follow me on Twitter

5. Follow my blog too much is never enough!

You have five chances to get your name entered into the raffle. I will be drawing the winner on December 31, 2012. I will be posting a rafflecopter tomorrow to start the giveaway. If you have already written a review or you are going to write a review you must prove it by sending me a link of your review for proof. You can email me at angelaprilwalker@gmail.com

FYI-you have to write a review in order to be entered into the raffle!!!!

Have question ask them in the comment section or on my FB wall because you might have the same question as someone else! Some people are shy so you gotta help them out :)

Stay tuned ladies and gents ;)

Just because I'm awesome and giving away a free e-reader doesn't mean you have to write a steller five star review. Be honest because of course it's the best policy!!! Although five stars are more than welcomed ;)

Of Gods and Goats Review

I'm going to stop you before you start reading this review. Make sure you take a gander at the author interview that was posted previous to this review. Any comments get entered in to win a free e-book copy of , Of Gods and Goats. 

On to the review....

I always start by saying let me start...I will not do that this time. I will start with, holy moly! V.L. Locey and I attend the same writers group in our area and I'd have to admit that I got to read little sneak peaks before the book came out. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to her read parts of her novel out loud. Listening to the animation in her voice and bringing the characters to life was amazing. I actually wish everyone would be able to enjoy her book by listening to her read it aloud. 


When the book came out I couldn't wait to read it and put the rest of the puzzle together from what I had already heard her read. Libby Simons is the main character and could be summed up as a widow who works hard, doesn't take shit, and takes awhile to get use to the idea of moving on passed her husband's death. It was interesting to read her thoughts. The way her mind worked and the thoughts that bounced around were priceless. She is definitely a saucy minx who needed a man in her life. All of her thoughts centered around the chisel body of her new beau Ares. All of the things that most women think inside when they see a half naked man was what V.L. Locey wrote. I kept thinking things that I wasn't quite proud to think of a half naked man with a sledgehammer, but of course V.L. Locey did not shy away from them. That was what I liked the most. No holds barred. Out loud she didn't say it, but in her head she didn't hold back. I loved it!


Another big part of the novel that I loved was the way that Ares spoke and what actually came out of his mouth. I couldn't stop laughing when he was trying to co-exist with the people who were in Libby's life. There was also adjusting his behavior in general toward women. It was funny reading the dialogue between the two. Every time Ares spoke of bedding her when they first met I laughed so hard. He just didn't have a clue whatsoever how to treat women. It was hilarious.


If you aren't one of those people who shy away from sex then I would have to tell you that this book is not for you. It's not an erotic book, but there is a sex scene that would have made Hugh Hefner blush. I had a hard time reading it without blushing. Then I had to read it again to make sure it was actually possible. (You'll understand)


The one thing I would have loved to see was the relationship between Libby and Ares build more. More of the reason why she was attracted to him besides his good looks. Plus, it was unclear to me when he made the decision that he was fallen for her. I don't want to give too much away although most people who have read a book now how the formula of a romantic comedy work. I just wish there was that something more between them, but there is a second novel in the series so I know I'll get to read a lot more. 


If you are looking for a light read with a sense of humor, funny banter, and sexy Gods, this is definitely a book to pick up. 

Fabulous author V.L. Locey is stopping by today!

What's up Bloaders! I haven't done and author interview yet on my website and I just love doing them so much I've decided that it was time for me to start up. Today I'm here interviewing a good friend of mine V. L. Locey. She is the author of the romantic comedy novel, 'OF GODS AND GOATS.' I've had the opportunity to read Vicki's book and I have to say that my funny bone was tickled pink. 

Click on photo to link to V.L. Locey's website. Click on book cover for book description. 

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     Now Vicki since I know you and I've read your novel I can say that there seemed to be a few similarities between you and the main character. What would be three ways that you are similar to Libby?

Oh gosh, this could get me into trouble. She and I share a similar sense of humor. We both raise goats. Libby and I also share a fine appreciation for well-crafted Greek gods. That reply should keep me out of hot water with Mister.

I would have to say that I agree with those three similarities. It's the three I would have said that made me think of you while I was reading. Now for the next question. Why out of all of the Greek gods did you decide to use Ares?

Good question! First off, Ares has always been my favorite out of all the Greek gods. I`ve read a ton of Greek mythos over my years, and every single tale involving Ares portrays him as this one-dimensional barbarian, incapable of loving anything aside from war. That is a large part of the god of bloodlust, yes, but there had to be more. This is a god that loved Aphrodite for centuries, so he is capable of great affection it`s just never been delved into in any account that I`ve come across. He is also a devoted father. This has never been relayed well either in my humble. I wanted Ares as my leading man to show that he is more than a blood-thirsty lout and I think I`ve been able to add some real depth and development to him. Of course, the readers are the ones who get the final call on if I wrote Ares well or not.

 I can without a doubt tell you that I am a huge fan of Ares. If I could meet him in real life I'm sure he could show a girl a good time. Which make me wonder why you decided to make Ares the size, hair color, height, and other fantastic qualities, were you picturing someone you know?

Not really. My Ares is a conglomeration of various other representations I`ve read and dreamed about. After the book was out I spent some time searching through images on the internet, trying to find a man that looks like I picture my Ares to look. After days of grueling work looking at literally hundreds of sexy men, I stumbled upon Dave Batista, the wrestler, and my heart sped up exponentially! If I were in charge of casting for the movie version of ‘Of Gods & Goats’ Dave Batista would be my first choice.

Being a ginormous wrestling fan. If any of you truly know me you know that I'm obsessed with it. For those of you who don't know who David Batista is here's a pic. (BTW I wouldn't say no to watching a movie if those abs were in it.) 

Hmm... Now that my cold shower is over let me move on. What's next is in store for Libby and her Greek warrior god?

Oh, the usual farm life stuff. Milk the goats, feed the steer, have mind-numbing sex, try to save the world from the evil machinations of Hades, god of the dead. Your typical rural sort of things, you know. Their story will continue through two more books, ‘Of Heroes & Haybales’ coming out in the spring of 2013, and ‘Of Titans & Tractors’ which will be released in the spring of 2014, God willing and the creek don`t rise.

I'm very much looking forward to reading the next two novels in the series. What was the hardest part in writing Of Gods and Goats?

Actually the writing was wonderfully simple and flowed with ease. The storyline just exploded onto the page and the characters came to life instantly. The hardest part, for me, was not buckling into the voice of doubt that kept nipping at my heels. Since I do not possess any kind of college degree I always struggle with feelings of inadequacy when it comes to my writing compared to well-schooled novelists. Keeping that annoying imp of insecurity quiet was a tussle at times. After the usual author doubt rodeo the hardest part was editing. Ugh. I have grown to hate commas and apostrophes.

Don't even get me started I have a college degree and I still can't figure out how to use them. I'm just gonna move on to the next questions before my head explodes trying to figure out if this is a run-on sentence or not.  Do you think you will try and write in any other genre besides fantasy?

As a matter, I`m delving into a new field for me as we speak! I`m working on a comedic horror story that I plan to submit to a publisher who put a call for submissions out on Facebook recently. Think ‘Shaun of the Dead’ but with gay leads. I also have two contemporary romance tales outlined for this year’s NaNoWriMo in November. I have to choose between the two soon to fine tune the plot a bit.

Busy Busy Busy...Now as you know I'm a romantic comedy writer and I've noticed that every person I encounter is doing fantasy or paranormal of some kind. Do you think it's harder being in that genre with that much competition?

I think the PNR genre is just about filled to the rim and is ready to overflow its mug. Over the past few years PNR has grown so popular that the market is now glutted. That can be a real boon for readers like me, who love the genre, but it`s a double-edged sword also. With so many books being released in one genre the lack of original plots and characters is beginning to show. Fantasy is also seeing a huge rise, in good part I think, due to the amazing success of ‘Game of Thrones’ on HBO and the wonderful books themselves written by George R.R. Martin. I`ve read four of the novels so far and cannot leave them alone!

So yeah, if you`re in a genre that is packed full of books and authors, it`s much harder to carve out your niche. I don`t view my gods and goats stories as fantasy, or paranormal romance though. Libby and Ares are what I like to call ‘Rural romantic comedy with a healthy dose of Greek mythos’ but making up my own genre generally doesn`t work, so romantic comedy fits well.

Any advice to anyone who wants to start out writing?

            Read. Read a lot. Read a lot and then read more.

Also don`t let people tell you that you are too old, too young, not educated enough, over educated, too thin, too fat, too rural, too cosmopolitan to EVER be published. Don`t listen when they tell you that stay-at-home moms can`t be authors, or women who are past menopause can`t be authors, or the thousands of things people will tell you to keep you from realizing your dreams. Ignore the titters of family when you reveal your new passion. Tell them, as kindly as you can, to flake off and keep writing. Even if your book never leaves the files of your laptop you have done something many people talk about doing but very few ever accomplish. You have written a novel. You are good enough. You`re better than good enough, you are an author!

            Find a writers group if you can. The support and friendship, gentle critiques and comments you will get at a writers group will be your life raft when the sea of doubt rises up. It will keep your noggin above water when snickers and eye rolls of friends and family and rejection slips splash over your head. I can honestly say that without my writers groups and the friends I have made in those groups, this dream of mine would not have been realized. If you can`t find a group nearby, there are wonderful groups on the internet. Support and understanding of just how hard being a writer is will bolster you in ways you can`t even begin to imagine.

To add to the question if there was one thing you could do differently what would that be? 

            I would have started writing many years ago.

Well, I guess it's time to wrap things up. Thank you for stopping by and chatting with me today. Anything you would like to add before we sign off.  

            I`d like to thank Angel for giving me air time on her blog, for reading my book, for being a dear and supportive friend, and for helping Wilma Flintstone here with all the computer tech stuff that I stumble through. You are a dear heart, Angel. *hugs*

I`ll be giving away a free eReader copy of my book here on Angel`s blog! Anyone who comments will be entered into a drawing for a free copy of ‘Of Gods & Goats’ so leave your thoughts for Angel down below! This is my first giveaway of an eReader copy and it`s pretty danged exciting!

For anyone who wishes to grab a print copy of my book, you can head over to my website for ordering info-eReader owners can find ‘Of Gods & Goats’ at Smashwords by following this link-

After a hectic start this summer I`m getting back into blogging about my life, writing, coffee, goats, and whatever other random thing pops into my head. Feel free to drop in and have a cuppa with me-

And last but not least, if anyone enjoys web strips I am privileged to be working with Mr. Paul Rose on a delightful strip called ‘Don`t Ever Tell Alex’. It`s a fun look into the life of a single woman who is slightly quirky to say the least- 


http://essentialwebcomics.com/writersguild/

Don`t Ever Tell Alex web strip-http://dontevertellalex.blogspot.co.uk/




Thanks again Vicki! I'll be sharing my book review on the site tomorrow. Make sure ya'll stay tuned and enter in to win a copy of, 'Of Gods and Goats.' You don't want to miss out! Cya everyone tomorrow. 

My hiatus has ended! I'm back :)

I almost forgot what a blog was it's been so long since I've written anything up! Let me start by apologizing to anyone who has asked me to write a review for you or have messaged me on Twitter or FB and I haven't responded back. The last couple of months have been rough. Rough actually barely describes what I've been through. I'm glad though that after being sick, losing a friend, and then being sick again, I'm finally starting to get things back on track. My mother continuously tells me that everything in life happens for a reason. After these last couple of months it's hard to believe, but I keep hearing her say it in my ear and I forge on.

First, I want to thank everyone for their support with my first novel Such is Life. Without really being able to promote it once I started feeling under the weather I've still manage to keep the books selling and the numbers rising. For that I have to thank you guys! It's always a pleasure having people come up to me telling me how much they enjoyed the book or messaging me through FB and TT. The good news is now that I'm starting to feel better I am able to get back into the game with Such is Love and Happiness, the sequel in the Such is Life series. I'm about to have my first round of beta readers look it over and I'm hoping to have it out by Valentines day. I was hoping for Christmas, but I'm sorry fans that's just not going to happen without a miracle.

Also in the works I'm hoping to do a blog tour in August so if any of you want to be a stop or know anyone who would be interested in being a stop let me know. I've been away from twitter for what it seems like forever and my social media is slightly rusty. I plan on doing giveaways, sneak peaks of Such is Love and Happiness, free e-book and paperbacks. I'm pretty much giving everything away except the kitchen sink. (I'm sorry I need my kitchen sink). Hopefully by my tour I'll have my short novella, Sweet Red Rose, ready for ya'll to check out.

Hmmm....Let's see what else...I think for right now that is it. I'm going to be doing a review of a good and talented friend of mines book next week and hopefully an author interview. V.L. Locey the author of, "Of Gods and Goats" a contemporary comedy with action, love, and well, let's just say "good times." Trust me when I say you don't want to miss out on it.


Thank you guys for still sticking by me! If you haven't gotten a chance to write a review for Such is Life stop by Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, and Goodreads. I could definitely use more reviews. Reviews help out more than you'll ever know. I know ya'll read it so let's review it ;)

Happy Friday the 13th Bloaders!!!!

Hope by Victoria Ferrante

Review 

(I apologize in advance for the long review. Happy reading)

When I was first emailed to review this novel I was thinking about turning it down. Reading the description of Hope I found it to be interesting, but I don’t like reading sad books. I prefer to watch a sad movie and read a happy book.

The story of Hope is about a mother's struggle dealing with her little girl, Hope, who is autistic. Juggling between having to deal with a husband who doesn't help out unless it with money and trying to remember that she also has another son, the story of Hope leaves you praying for the families who have children with mental disorders. 

The story read to me like a diary. I felt like I was reading a mother's struggle through life with her children and husband. I'm not sure if that's how the story was supposed to read, but I felt like that's what I was reading. In my opinion it read better as a diary than as a book to me. (Though it was not a diary). Reading through the novel I couldn't help but to keep referring to the movie My Sister's Keeper. I'm not sure if you guys have ever read it or seen the movie, but it's about a girl who has cancer and her sister who was born to be a pin cushion and body supplier (bone marrow, blood, etc.) to her sister. Even though dealing with a child who has cancer and dealing with a child with autism don’t correlate with one another, it's what kept ringing in my head as I read it. I didn't want to watch My Sister's Keeper because no matter how much I watched and hoped there to be a happy ending I knew there wasn't going to be. In Hope I had the same feeling. The feeling that no matter how much I wanted to believe that it was going to have its happily ever after, in the back of my mind I knew it was just wishful thinking. 

What I liked about the novel is the way the author Victoria Ferrante describe the way that Hope would have a meltdown. It was like you were there watching a her have the meltdown and hearing it piercing your ears. I also enjoyed how the story flowed. One day didn't drag on for a chapter. It was a quick and easy move throughout the story that kept me reading trying to figure out if I was going to be happy with the way the story ended.

What I didn't per se like about the story is somewhat complicated to voice. Bear with me as I try and explain this as clearly as possible without sounding like an idiot :) The main character in the novel frustrated me(Christina) I was having a hard time in some cases feeling sympathy for her character being a character. Does that make sense? Let me explain. If it was a true story I would have without a doubt understood where the character was coming from and why she was the way she was. From a work of fiction there was never a happy moment. I refer back to My Sister's Keeper and even though it was a heart wrenching story there were parts where I felt happy that the character was happy. In Hope I never felt like the character had a moment to breathe. There never seemed to be a happy moment.

It's so hard for me to write this and try to explain. Maybe this is a way to clear what I mean up. Even in the saddest of books that I've read there was always a moment that I was elated with the characters. I didn't feel it in this novel. I felt nothing but sorrow for the mother, but that could have been what the author was going for. To give a true vision to the folks of what it's like to deal with an autistic child. 

(novel point of view) I hated reading about the father and how his character didn't seem to really care about how hard Christina worked and tough the situation was for her. (From real life point of view) I understood what would made him frustrated. The same things that made him frustrated were the same things that made me frustrated throughout the story. I was truly surprised he lasted as long as he did. I also have to add though that his weakness seemed to make her stronger. I liked that.

Now for the controversial ending which I will warn you that this might be somewhat of a spoiler. It reminded me of Gone Baby Gone movie. (If you haven't seen it drop everything and run out and rent it :p Just a suggestion!) You ask yourself the question, "What would you do?" How could one judge the ending without being in the situations? I could see people saying that was a terrible ending how could someone do that? Then I could see people saying that they weren't surprised with the amount of stress that Christina felt dealing with her daughter after years of trying to find a cure or at least a solution to deal with the meltdowns and the constant feeling that no matter what you did it wasn’t right. You might ask well what did I think? I thought it was a sad ending to a realistic story. I could without a doubt see it happening. I also believe I've heard of situations like it before. Though reading about it and seeing it on the nightly news is two totally different situations. In the book it's fiction on the news you feel the sadness from it being real and you judge no matter what the person has to say. Reading the book though I didn't feel the same way, I felt as if I understood. I don't feel the same way when I watch the news, but this book has made me see things differently.

I hope this all make sense. I haven't ever written a review where it was a realistic story. Therefore I might be all over the place with my opinion. I recommend picking up a copy of this novel if it's the type of drama that you enjoy reading. 

 

The Forever Girl: Sophia's Journey

Review

Click cover for goodreads description


When I first started reading The Forever Girl and when I read the description it wasn't a book that I thought I was going to be into. I'm really not into the whole vampire thing, yes I did read Twilight, but other than that I'm not into vampires, werewolves, leprechauns, unicorns, all mythical creatures. I'm not into the it, but yet again this was another fantasy book that has changed my mind about the genre.

(I always forget to add a little tidbit about the story so I'm adding this in after I wrote the rest of this) The novel is about Sophia Parson, an outcast Wiccan, who gets thrown into a world that she doesn't understand or truly believes exist. After dealing with the knowledge that their are vampires, shifters, and other out of the ordinary beings she needs to figure out who she is and what she's truly capable of. With the help of Charles Liette she learns more about her family tree and gets the answers she looking for, while all along forming a bond with the mysteries Charlie along the way.

There isn't many times that I've said that I loved the female lead, but the main character Sophia Parson kept me interested throughout the whole book. There was never a time when I thought, holy crap I can't take her anymore or was annoyed. Even in some of my favorite books I get frustrated with the characters, but I didn't with her. I found her to be very likeable, smart, and strong. I would also like to add that it was also the first time I liked the female character better than the male. (I'm a sucker for a hot male lead) Speaking of the hot male lead Charles Liette I wanted to shake him and tell him to make up his mind about his feelings. Though those are the best part about books. The sexual tension and attraction between two characters I believe is what keeps you reading. This book does not lack that at all. I found myself smiling a few times as I read about the two of them.

From start to finish the book will keep you guessing the storyline. I would have never been able to guess what the hay was going to happen. The concept of the forever girl and the background of how one becomes a forever girl is not only creative, but the way she created the back story was amazing. Without giving anything away my favorite part of the book was the back story about her best friend Ivory. The whole concept that Rebecca Hamilton wrote going back to the Salem witch trials made me sad but happy that someone could love someone so much. I absolutely loved it!

I would have to say that the only thing that threw me off a little was the cover. The character that I pictured and the character on the front cover in my head didn't match up. From the cover I thought it was a YA book and that also threw me off once I began to read, but I was happy that I was wrong. To make clear I like the cover, but I guess I'm a fan of not seeing a picture of the character so I can use my imagination instead.

I highly recommend The Forever Girl even if it's not something you're normally into. It has everything you need for a good story: action, romance, mystery, magic, and sass. I love sass! Definitely looking forward for the next book in the series.

Author interview

FreeEbook
Hey to all my followers! If you haven't gotten a chance to stop by http://noveldtales.blogspot.com/ My author interview is today the first five to stop by and leave a comment will receive a  free ebook copy of my novel Such is Life!  There is an excerpt on the site but here's a little extra my book trailer! There are still three spots left for a free book so make sure you stop by!

The Hidden World Blog Tour with author S.M. Boyce

Hey guys! Thanks for stopping by for the Hidden World Blog Tour. It's my pleasure to have S.M. Boyce with me today. I've gotten to know Boyce over the last few months and I've learned there is no end to her many talents. I'm glad to have her with us today! Now on to the interview :)

Where did you come up with the concept and the names for your characters?
The concept for the Grimoire Trilogy is a snowball. By that, I mean that I first had the idea almost a decade ago. I didn’t really think much of it at first. I’d have a daydream here or there about a character, but it wasn’t until I was 16 and started taking writing seriously that the idea for the trilogy came about. After that, I’d get an idea there or be inspired by something here, and over time, Lichgates came about. It’s been a 7-year journey, and an amazing one at that. I’ve never put this much effort into any one thing besides learning the writing craft itself.
The characters are half mine and half my writing peers’. Kara had about 7 names before I settled down with one, including Fiona and Kait. It’s been a long road! Ha. My friends J. N. Chaney and Aly Sanger were some of my greatest aids in coming up with names. Point is, don’t be afraid to ask for help!

When is the second book in the series going to be released?
Treason is coming out as early as Summer 2012. My goal is to have the entire series published this year. I’m still not sure if that’s possible, though, so at the latest, you’ll see Treason in Fall 2012 and Origins (Book 3) in Fall 2013. That’s the latest, though. You should see them both sooner.
On top of the trilogy, I will also be releasing an encyclopedia of the world, a collection of short stories and deleted chapters from the series, and even a few novellas from the perspectives of minor characters. At latest, everything in the Grimoire Trilogy should be available by the end of 2013. Exciting times!
If you’re impatient (like me) and want some of these extras now, you can check out the official book website by clicking here.

EBook versus print which do you prefer?
Ah, the great debate! My eReader rocks, because I can have hundreds of books at any moment, anywhere – as long as I charge it. Print books don’t ever run out of battery, but they’re a beast to store and transport. So, I have a compromise: I buy almost all of my books as eBooks, and then buy my favorites in print. 

Who is your favorite author and book?
The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien. I know it’s a children’s book (I’m a seven-year-old at heart) but it’s just a good story. It’s timeless, magical, and fun!

What are your plans for your books?
After the Grimoire series is finished, I’m going to dive into zombies and ghosts. It’s going to be freaking amazing.

Are you self-published?
I am! It was a hard decision to make, and I spent weeks researching and debating my options. I’m pretty sure I drove my husband a little crazy with it, since he’s my go-to for venting and advice on tough decisions. However, I couldn’t be happier with my choice. If you want to read more on why I went indie without querying agents, you can check out my blog post here. I have nothing against traditional publishers, of course. I just feel that this is the best way for new writers to break into the market.

If you could be any fictional character in your book or in any other book who would you be and why?
Whew, lots of options!
Well, from my book? Probably Kara. We share a lot of the same humor (I’m a sarcastic twit, too), so it wouldn’t require much adjustment.
From any other book…Arwen Evenstar. Elvish princess, a destined king’s lover, and gorgeous? Yes, please. She’s fiercely loyal, can ride a horse like a pro, and she’s immortal. What’s not to love?

What/Who is your inspiration for writing?
My husband is one of my many inspirations. He’s a computer programmer, and yet helps me tweak the plots I design. His mind is incredible, and I know that I am one lucky lady to have him.
…I know. We’re gooey.

When did you realize that you wanted to be a writer? and was it always fantasy or do you write in other genres?
I’ve written everything from fantasy to literary fiction. I’m game for anything, really, because I’m a daydreamer. I love to come up with stories and conflicts, no matter what genre. I’m biased towards fantasy, urban fantasy, and paranormal fiction, though, because I’m a magic-nut and love to see the impossible.
When I was five, I wrote my first story…it was about a lonely pickle. It was pretty bad. I’ve improved since, though, and writing has just always been a part of my life. I’m just so lucky that my parents supported me, even when I had to break the news that I wouldn’t be a lawyer. Ha!



Thanks for the interview today and letting me apart of your blog tour. This was my first time so I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I have. I'm going to have a button made up that says, "I survived my first blog tour!" I'm just kidding, although that would be pretty sweet! Before I bid you all farewell, I would also like to mention that Boyce also has an editorial service. She's my editor and saved me from pure embarrassment of spelling simple words wrong and putting commas everywhere! If you need an editor you should without a doubt check out her services. I am definitely using her for the rest of my series and editing my blog tour post. JK ;)  http://edit.smboyce.com/ 

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Cupcake MADNESS

It's been awhile since I've had time to blog about cupcakes but here goes. I made peanut butter cupcakes awhile ago and I wasn't happy with them. I got the recipe off food network where I get most of my recipes. As I was making the peanut butter recipe from the website I found that at first taste the peanut butter was good but as thirty seconds after it had the worst after taste. JUST HORRIBLE! So I gave up and worked on perfecting my vanilla icing (which I have) The other day I was staring at my Reese peanut butter chips that I bought for reason that I don't remember but not the point, I decided that I would try and make them the same way I make my chocolate frosting. Turned out to be the best way to do it! Using peanut butter is some peoples preference but I can't stand it, everyone else enjoyed them, but I said no way Jose. So what I do is take two separate recipes and mix them together. At first I thought it would be too sweet, but if you cut the ingredient in half it turns out to be perfect. Probably not the healthiest but I'm not making Tofu here! :)

Okay so here is the recipe I used: (secret ingredient left out and no it's not love...although love is added)
Use whatever vanilla icing recipe the you prefer, but cut the ingredient in half except the salt.
-3c confectionery sugar
-1/4c crisco or non salted butter
-2tsb salt
-1/4c milk
-2tsb vanilla
-I always sift in the confectionery sugar because sometimes you don't need a full three cups. Also add the milk then sugar then milk than sugar. You might not even need 1/4 cups of milk.
-I also freeze my bowl before I use it and then put whatever icing I make in the fridge for five minutes

For the peanut butter icing
-1/2 bag of Reese's chips
-1/4 cream cheese
-2 oz (secret ingredient)
Endless cups of love (See I told you it was in there)
-add more peanut butter chips for more of a stronger peanut butter taste

I recommend using a double boiler for the chocolate chips and the cream cheese when you melt it down. I put a picture below of how I make my own double boiler since I don't have one.

Who want em?

These are the first peanut butter cupcakes
I made. See how far I've come?
(actual peanut butter)

Had to slap my dad's hand away he kept taking them and adding chocolate frosting I had left over from a cake I baked.

My double boiler :)

Happy baking!!!

Had to use a zip lock bag to do the icing because I didn't have piping bags



YUMMY!




Next cupcake I'm trying are going to Orange flavored. We'll see how they turn out ;) Till next time! Happy baking!



My ebook is finally here!!!

After months of trying to figure out the best way to publish my book my ebook is now available! It's a day late due to techincial difficulties, but IT'S HERE!!

I've been working on this for the past two years and I am hope y'all will enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!  So cheesy right? Everyone always says that, but it's so true! I had a great time writing about Melissa, Brett, Shawn, and the rest of the gang and I can't wait to get started in the editing process of the second book in the series (no title yet). I am looking for Beta readers though! Let me know if your interested.

It's very true that once you start writing your characters, they become a part of you. A big part of you! Surprisingly, enough I also found out things about myself that I didn't notice until reading through the book. Apparently, I'm not very girly when it comes to relationships. My first editor told me I think like a man. That was something I found to be rather interesting to learn. I also found out the type of man I go for. (Brett *wink wink*) Ladies you'll him. Advisory warning, he is not real and if he would be taken...by me!

And although I've already thanked them. I would once again like to thank my editors: Cara, Glenna, and Sarah. I would also like to thank everyone in my writer's group! Sitting through unedited versions of my work must have been rough. From My Shelf for answering the million questions I had. Vicki and Michele for putting up with my constant fear about EVERYTHING and to the rest of my friends and family that have supported me throughout the entire process! If I missed anyone specifically I apologize, I'm going on a week of barely any sleep!

Again, thank you guys for all your support and If you would like to purchase a copy of my first book, Such is Life, click on Such is Life tab for directions. Don't forget to click on Follow this blog for updates on the upcoming release of the print edition of Such is Life, Contest and Giveaways, book signings, and much more. It'll take ya two minutes just to click Follow this blog and sign up :)

Love (poem)

Another poem I wrote in college. This one I really like, hope you enjoy.

Love can be described through interaction

Love can be described through touch

Love can cause pain for some

Love can bring happiness for others

When I think of love I think of happiness

When others think of love it could be anything

For love is a powerful gift for those

For love is a powerful sin for those

The world can experience love in different ways

The world could experience love the same

Love can make you do crazy things

Love can open your eyes to see

All the wonderful things love can bring

Could leave you wanting everything

Hidden (poem)

I wrote this poem in college. I'm not sure why I named it hidden, it's been a long time. It's interesting to read something that I wrote so long ago compared to the poems previously posted.

Empty inside with no place to hide, I run for the door but my feet stick to the ground. I try to gasp for air but I start falling, falling into a place that feels so far from home. When I get there there’s a black hole on the wall that seems to hold all the answers that I am looking for. I run toward the black hole but the closer I get the further it is away. I reach out to touch it but my hand gets pulled back as if someone not wanted me to achieve my destination. I slip and fall! As the wound exposes and the blood comes out of my knee it's black too. But I had to ignore what was happening, I had to ignore this black thick liquid coming out of me. I picked myself up and start running full speed toward the hole. My legs are pumping, head is sweating, I can feel failure on my tongue as this damn hole keeps moving! Why! Why won’t it let me reach it? Why can't I just feel like I am at home again? Why do I feel belittled and degraded as if this hole is in a way mocking me?

I wipe the sweat from my forehead, I know longer feel the blood running down my leg, my legs move faster than the last train departing from the station! As if I am the train and it's heading right towards the hole! It's not a dot to me anymore, actually it's very close! Did I need to feel failure in order to make me reach the hole? Did I need to trip and fall so that there was an obstacle that would make me stronger? Is the black circle even a hole? I stop, I'm standing right in front of this bitch of a hole but it's not a hole, it's not a black circle! It's me! I am whole! It took obstacles, and hard work but I made it to the place where I am whole! I look down at my knee and it's not cut, I go to wipe my forehead and It's dry, my legs don't hurt from running like a mad women, I can breath and feel the fresh air. It dawns on me everything I do I will need to be ready to stop and think about the journey that it took to make me whole! I have to try my best, every single day! I can fall down, but I should never let it stop me, I'll have hurdles everyday but I have to jump over them. But most of all, all my fears I have I will know that I just need to spit out that taste of failure, because you aren't a failure unless you let yourself be one! I know that if I never stop letting myself feel as if I am not whole I won’t have to go finding myself! Because in the long run I think I was whole the entire time I just needed a little help finding myself.

My first poem for Viewshound

Metamorphasis-Leave it to the butterflies 

I used to be fat, but now I’m thin
I used to be natural, but now I wear makeup
I used to be Plain Jane, but now I’m the prettiest in the room
I used to hide, but now I stand out in a crowd
I used to like to look in a mirror, but now all I see are my faults
I used to smile, but now I cry behind closed doors
I used to be fun, but now I only worry if others think I’m fun
I used to have real friends, but now I have social media
I used to be nice, but now being cruel is a game to me
I used to see everything half full, but now everything is empty
I used to have confidence, but now I have none
I use to be myself, but now I don’t know who I am
I used to have one face, but now I have two
I used to want to make a difference, but now I’m the one who’s different
I used to be a butterfly, but now I’m a snake

Article category: Poetry
Article tags: changing, butterflies, inspirational, confidence

The second poem I wrote for Viewshound

When one door closes...

There was a time when it was just you and me
We would spend time together so happily
But something’s different in the way you look
I feel as if you’re ready to let me off the hook
I tried in the past to hold on to something we’ve lost
But let’s face it I’m glad we’re a lost cause
Now I’m sitting here trying to figure out what to do
When you’re out on the town with God knows who
See we’re about to do things a little differently
So what I want is for you to do is pay attention closely
I thought I needed you because you made me feel small
But it turns out I’m the big one after all
You once told me a woman should stay in her place
It was the first time you ever got in my face
I should have realized then that you were no good
But I was so caught up on doing what you told me I should
No longer will you push me around
Being slapped and kicked and knocked to the ground
I feel so empowered I wish you were here to see
This I the first time since I met you that I feel so alive and free
I have a surprise for you sweetie and I hope you’re sitting down
Because you might not like this once it gets all over town
You told for so long that no one would ever take me as their lover
Well, guess what baby I’m running off with your brother

...another door opens

Article category: Poetry
Article tags: confidence, self-esteem, women, drama