Indie Author Spotlight – Angela Norton Tyler and “Queen Mother”
I’ve got another great indie author for you to meet this morning. Say hello to Angela Norton Tyler!
And here’s a little more about her:
Who is your favorite author?
My sister- Meredith Norton. She passed away a year ago, but she lives through her book, Lopsided.
How do you describe your writing style?
What writing style? I am all over the place with genres, schedules, etc.!
Use no more than two sentences. Why should we read your book?
You will be uplifted. Your outlook on a horrible event will be forever changed.
Have any of your characters been modeled after yourself?
I’d like to think that I am as resilient as Nala, the Queen Mother, but I am probably just flattering myself. I am, however, VERY familiar with loving someone and not being able to reach them literally and figuratively.
If you could exchange lives with any of your characters for a day which character would you choose and why?
I would be Brownie, the eight and three-quarter years old heroine from my latest work, Princess Brownie of Terraria: The Secret Poem. She is a princess and lives in a terrarium! Can you imagine how cool that would be?
What books have most influenced your life?
Their Eyes Were Watching God
Memoirs of A Geisha
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
If you could select one book that you could rewrite and add your own unique twist on, which book would that be and why?
Bastard Out of Carolina. That ending is absolutely unforgivable.
Beatles or Monkees? Why?
Monkees. I watched the TV show after school, and they seemed so silly. I have no real recollection of the Beatles.
Who should play you in a film of your life?
Angela Basset
You can follow Angela at her website and on Twitter and you can also email her.
And here’s here book, QUEEN MOTHER:
Slavery is a tragedy that continues to haunt us. Consider the millions of Africans that did not even reach the Americas but died during the horrors of the Middle Passage. The world has yet to recover from the loss of two million souls, three million loved ones gone forever, four million lives brought to a final and violent end.
Was the Middle Passage their last journey?
Imagine that not all of those counted as dead are truly gone.
Imagine that some of the bravest found freedom in a paradise beneath the ocean and joined others who chose to die rather than suffer through slavery.
Imagine that they sent us a King.
Queen Mother is the adventure of Nala, an orphaned African whose search for romance and relevance takes her from slavery and the Middle Passage to wisdom and royalty in The Kingdom.
NALA RUNS!
Nala, a young African woman orphaned half her life, has been treated more like servant than a beloved member of her uncle’s family. Nala dreams of true love and a life free from her cousin Shazila’s constant demands and bullying. After a magical night of romance with Prince Adomi, the future King of Swaziland, Nala becomes pregnant. When she hears of a prophesy foretelling that either she or Shazila will be Queen Mother, Nala knows that she is the Chosen One. The problem? Adomi intends to marry Shazila. Determined to tell Adomi that she is carrying his child and that he has chosen the wrong bride, Nala sneaks away from her village.
NALA WALKS!
Nala falls into the clutches of Red Beard, a brutal slave catcher who subjects her to nights of degradation and days of non-stop walking. After a harrowing, months-long journey, Red Beard eventually sells Nala onto a slave ship headed to America. After learning that she and her child will never reach Adomi, Nala jumps ship.
NALA LIVES!
Nala arrives at The Kingdom, a paradise beneath the ocean filled with others who chose death above slavery. Nala’s child, Matai, is born and lauded as King. Wise friends arrive to teach Matai The Seven Lessons to prepare him to someday leave The Kingdom and begin his own epic journey.
Will Nala, now Queen Mother, allow Matai to leave The Kingdom so that he can save his ancestral home and assume his rightful place as King?
This adventure written by African American author Angela Norton Tyler blends historical fiction with a touch of fantasy. Adults and teens will fall in love with Nala and Matai and will benefit from the life lessons taught by the wise teachers of The Kingdom. Queen Mother gives us a proud alternative history and an exciting, hopeful future.
Let Queen Mother Inform, Entertain and Transform You!
QUEEN MOTHER is available on Amazon, right now! Just go to: http://amzn.to/1l3Hkxc
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Author Spotlight – Mickie Sherwood and “Cherished Moments”
I’ve got another fantastic author to introduce you to this morning. Meet Mickie Sherwood:
I’m a cruise-loving, people-watching, picture-snapping baby boomer with time on my hands. So, I write sweet, and spicy relationship-based mainstream contemporary romantic love stories.
Find more about me at:
Mickie’s Mutterings:http://www.mickiesherwood.com/blog
Twitter:https://www.twitter.com/MickieSherwood
Pinterest:http://www.pinterest.com/MickieSherwood
BlurbsinBloom:http://www.blurbsinbloom.com
Goodreads:http://www.goodreads.com/Louisiana_Lady
And her book is “Cherished Moments”
Senator Jordan Dupré is reluctant to revisit her past. That thought crumbles at the sight of Deacon Burke. His commanding presence and charming smile transports her back to her youth. Back then, she kissed, loved, lied, and left him—taking a life-changing secret with her.
Scorned by Jordan’s dishonesty, Deke swears he never wants to see her lying face again. However, his heart knows better, and he never stops thinking of her. When Jordan’s husband is killed, Deke is summoned to the Senator’s aid, by an unlikely source—Unfortunately, he brings a secret of his own.
Will secrets from their past reignite their cherished moments?
You can buy it directly from Topaz Publishing. You can also find it at:
Mickie’s given us an excerpt from the book…
(It’s Deke to the rescue after Jordan’s narrow escape.):
Head now in the refrigerator, Jordan looked over the door when he spoke. He set the box on the table. After taking a few steps, he stood in her space. Jordan found her body commandeered. He gave her a tender hug that lingered until she had no choice but to hug him in return. At his touch, her insides sizzled.
Cold air from the refrigerator spread over her hot skin, causing the fizz in her ears. Deke seemed satisfied just to hold her, and she sensed nothing passionate in his embrace. On the contrary, his hold alluded to a deep-seated predicament. Something she presumed he hesitated to share.
She nudged him. “Do you want to talk about it now?”
“There’s a lot—”
“You deserve to have your say.” Jordan delayed his offer. “Let’s eat first.”
“I make a mean omelet.”
She stepped out of her comfort zone, tiptoeing to peck Deke on the cheek. “Thank you for all you’ve done—especially—when you didn’t have to do it.”
Deke looked at her with a bemused twinkle in his eyes. “The thanks should go to Howard. If it wasn’t for him…” His voice trailed off.
“What?” she asked, with brows raised.
“Let’s just say, things would be a whole lot different.”
Deke knows of which he speaks. Jordan has the secret. He lives with the results.
And, last but not least, I’ve got a great interview with Mickie…
Who is your favorite author?
At this time, my favorite author is Allan Folsom.
How do you describe your writing style?
I get my innovation from everyday nuances. So, I believe my creativity is fueled by emotions. I’m an emotive, (beware of upcoming cliché), fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants writer.
Use no more than two sentences. Why should we read your book?
You should read my book because it’s entertaining and leaves you feeling good, and wanting more.
Have any of your characters been modeled after yourself?
No, indeed. Well…now, I need to rethink that answer. I do believe I just might share similarities with one of my heroines. That’s definitely something I try to avoid.
If you could exchange lives with any of your characters for a day which character would you choose and why?
My choice would be Veronica Torres from Cutie and the Cowboy Trucker. She possesses and exhibits a quality I would love to have—spontaneity.
What books have most influenced your life?
My life has been influenced by biographies that I enjoy reading.
If you could select one book that you could rewrite and add your own unique twist on, which book would that be and why?
Actually, rather than dissect someone else’s book, I would prefer to write my own book.
Beatles or Monkees? Why?
Although they were outrageously popular groups, R&B was my favorite music during that time.
Who should play you in a film of your life?
If a film was to be made of my life, I’d like one of these three wonderful actresses to portray me: Taraji P. Henson, Regina King, or Nia Long.
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Free!
“Dream Student” is now FREE on Kindle, for at least the next month or two. So if you haven’t checked it out yet, there won’t be a better time…just hop on over to Amazon and download it!
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Indie Author Spotlight – Michael Lee and “Titanium Black”
I’ve got a great author for you to meet today – someone I’ve known for a long time. Say hello to Michael Lee:
After graduating from that great institute of higher learning, Case Western Reserve (noted for its student meals) I bounced around a lot and wrote a lot. After placing in the Disney Fellowship competition I moved out to Los Angeles. I worked for a little bit as a creative executive and script reader. In 2009 I moved back to Cleveland to be closer to my parents and to escape LA prices. I still work as a script reader, screenplay contest judge and freelance consultant. Titanium Black is my third Kindle eBook. The others are My Frankenstein and From Russia with Blood.
I knew Michael in college; he lived in the same dorm as I did (the building that “Carson House” in DREAM STUDENT is modelled on). However, I’m embarrassed to say that Michael didn’t make it into the book, even with his name changed. If I ever do a new edition, I’ll have to rectify that!)
And here’s Mike’s book, which is FREE today, so you really need to check it out!
A generation after the Plague, the automated Grid still functions and keeps humanity alive. The new young generation has built a society based on gangs and racing., In this world Grady Bannion is an outcast. He has no gang affiliation. His fantastic discovery makes him a force to be reckoned with on the road but also attracts the attention of an adversary who threatens the world and will push Grady to his limits.
And here’s where you can find it – remember, it’s FREE today!
US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MI16PQW
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00MI16PQW?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
CAN: http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00MI16PQW?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B00MI16PQW
finally, I’ve got a great interview with Michael…
How do you describe your writing style? I like to think that I vary my style to fit the material. But I’m definitely of the less is more school.
Use no more than two sentences. Why should we read your book? I love action scenes and I finish this book off with a doozy. Plus I think I’ve presented a unique look at a dystopia.
Have any of your characters been modeled after yourself? Grady definitely has a lot of me in him.
If you could exchange lives with any of your characters for a day which character would you choose and why? Grady when he’s driving Raven. That’s when he feels a rush of freedom.
What books have most influenced your life? Book of the New Sun, Hunger Games, Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and Blood Meridian
If you could select one book that you could rewrite and add your own unique twist on, which book would that be and why? The Dragonlance Chronicles. Because man they should have fallen through a wormhole into Gamma World at the end. (James’ note: I’d pay to read that!)
Beatles or Monkees? Why? I’d probably be playing the Kill Bill soundtrack but since I have to pick one, The Beatles. Because their cartoon is a guilty pleasure.
Who should play you in a film of your life? Danny Lee from The Killer. I dressed up as him one Halloween. Scared the security guy because I was walking around in a blood stained shirt.
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Cover Reveal – Jill Hughey and “Eruption”
I’m happy to be hosting the cover reveal for Jill Hughey’s new novel, “Eruption” (book one of the Yellowblown series).
First, let’s meet Jill…
J. Hughey knows what a girl wants. Independence. One or two no-matter-what-happens friends. A smokin’ hot romance. A basic understanding of geological concepts. Huh? Okay, maybe not every girl is into geology, but J. Hughey is, and in the Yellowblown series she combines her passion for a timeless love story with her interest in geeky stuff to help Violet Perch get a life, despite an ongoing global catastrophe.
Don’t forget to subscribe to the Jill Hughey Romance newsletter at http://www.jillhughey.com/contact for your chance to win some swag! And tell us what you think of the cover in our comments
I’ll let Jill tell you a little more about her cover reveal…
Today is cover reveal day for J.Hughey’s New Adult romance, Eruption, first in the Yellowblown™ Series that follows a college sophomore from her perfect semester through the life-changing disruptions caused when the Yellowstone volcano erupts.
Contest! All new subscribers to the J. Hughey’s newsletter between August 12 and August 19 will be entered to win some Eruption cover swag. You’ll have your choice of a necklace, bracelet, or bookmark decorated with the Eruption cover and the Yellowblown Series charms. Subscribe here http://www.jillhughey.com/contact. A winner or winners will be chosen using the number generator at random.org, and contacted via the email address given in the subscription.
And here’s the cover…
The perfect semester for Violet Perch starts with an awesome roomie and a freshman crush intent on becoming a sophomore reality. Yay! With everything going right, it only makes sense for the Yellowstone caldera to erupt for the first time in 630,000 years.
Violet struggles to maintain her new perfect normal as devastation in the west combines with the volcano’s ash to muck up the works all over North America. Her deny-deny-deny strategy does the trick…until college closes.
Hitching a ride home to Indiana with her hopeful boyfriend softens the blow of saying good bye to her roomie, Mia, even if it does mean Boone will be exposed to her family in apocalyptic prepper mode. When his parents warn him to stay away from their ash-pelted Nebraska ranch, Violet buys more precious time with the all-American guy she’s admired from afar for a year.
Having Hotness within arm’s reach definitely makes a global disaster more palatable. But a man with Boone’s sense of responsibility won’t stay away from his family for long, which will leave Violet where? Exiled at home with her parents, separated from Boone and Mia, lonely and single forever. Though forever might not be a long time if the eruption continues.
Eruption is book one in a series. While no major characters are left hanging from their fingernails on the last page, there’s definitely more to come.
In a unique bite J.Hughey pulled from the book, just for this blog, here’s Violet after admitting she’s having a good time on her first date with Boone:
I screwed up my courage to check his reaction. He smiled, not in a ha-ha funny way, but in a thoughtful, I-think-I-might-like-you way. How I knew that, I’m not sure, since not many guys had exactly gone gooey for me over the years. Or, to be accurate, no guy had ever gone gooey over me.
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Wined, Dined and Read
I was invited by author Renee Meland to participate in this really clever blog hop, so here I am! This is all about pairing books with food and drink, which is something I never really thought of. But here goes…
1) If your main character were a glass of wine, which one would they be? Sara Barnes, heroine of “Dream Student,” would be a glass of Rivanna Red (a beaujolais blend from a local Virginia vineyard). It’s fruity and smooth – easy to drink, but there’s a lot more to it than you’d think at first glance. And her best friend, Beth, would be a variation on that wine, the Spicy Rivanna (take the Rivanna Red and add cinnamon, cloves and other spices for a unique kick).
2) Describe your book in one meal: I’d say it’s something you’d make in a crock-pot. Maybe a really flavorful beef stew. Just as you’ve got beef, potatoes, carrots, and probably a dozen other ingredients, all blending together for hours to make a unique combination, “Dream Student” combines humor, romance, suspense and a lot of heart to deliver a unique reading experience.
3) What candy would your book be? Ghiradelli milk chocolate. Sweet, classy, and it leaves you wanting more.
4) What does your book smell like? “Dream Student” smells like fresh winter snow, I ‘d say. It’s tranquil and beautiful, but also covering up what’s underneath, and maybe portending danger.
5) Your book’s snack would be: tough one. Nachos, maybe? Again, a lot of things mixed together, and never made exactly the same twice.
And about me…
1) Describe your most memorable meal: Paella, in Mallorca, Spain, on the last night of my Earthwatch trip. Made by a local chef in a HUGH paella pan. Just glorious!
2) One food word to describe your writing style: Slow-cooked. Take a lot of different elements and genre aspects, toss them together, cover the pot and let ’em all meld together for a few hours.
3) What will someone find you eating/drinking when you’re really into a good book? Drinking? either water or soda. Eating? Chips of some kind – whatever’s handy, really!
4) Sweet or Salty? Either, depending on my mood, and the time of day. Sweet at breakfast and for dessert. Salty at lunch and dinner.
I’ve got a couple of great authors who will be following me next Friday. Be sure to check out:
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Book Launch! Crystal Miles Gauthier and “Troianne”
I’m happy to be hosting Crystal Miles Gauthier for the launch of her novel “Troianne” today.
First things first, meet Crystal!
Crystal is a retired paralegal, housewife, mother of five, and grandmother of 13. “Troianne” is her first novel, but far from her first writing project; she began writing at the age of eight! She was inspired by the writing of Melanie Corona, and began working on “Troianne” last year, and she’s thrilled to be releasing it to the world today…
You can follow Crystal at her blog, on Facebook, on Twitter, on Pintrest and on Booktropoulos
And here’s the book!
HE SAID ALL THE RIGHT THINGS
Troianne Shelden, is your everyday, intelligent student. With a love of history and a stunning figure,
she’s a catch for any guy. But after a night of passion with a handsome stranger, introduced to her by
their mutual friends, she finds herself pregnant with nowhere to turn for advice.THEN LEFT HER ALONE
Her parents passed away long ago and, soon after Troianne finds out she’s pregnant her grandmother passes, too. Let with large inheritance, she looks forward to a life with her new baby.
Fate takes the wheel when she goes into labor. On her way to the hospital, she passes out from intense
pain and wakes up in a very different place…The next thing she knows, she’s hearing carriage wheels and voices shouting for help. Lightening
illuminates the inside of what was, only moments before, the back of a taxi cab. When the door opens
she’s greeted by a handsome man dressed like he stepped out of the past. In shock, she realizes that she’s somehow traveled back in time—-
…and she has no idea how to return.
You can buy the book, RIGHT NOW, on Amazon. And be sure to stop by Crystal’s launch party on Facebook, too!
And I’ve got a great interview with Crystal:
Who is your favorite author? Ernest Hemingway – Right now my favorite authors are Melanie Corona and Scarlett Jade.How do you describe your writing style? Historical, I like writing in old English but my publisher doesn’t understand so I have to critique my own work.Use no more than two sentences. Why should we read your book? Not only does it have Romance and Time Travel, it also has Humor. My characters come to life.Have any of your characters been modeled after yourself? No I am not an interesting person. I want my characters to be interesting.If you could exchange lives with any of your characters for a day which character would you choose and why? Daria the Dowager Duchess. I would throw big parties and have a loving son.What books have most influenced your life? Those that keep me interested from the very first line to the last. Angel Unaware, Dale Evans. Salems Lot, Steven King.If you could select one book that you could rewrite and add your own unique twist on, which book would that be and why? Twilight the first one. It needed more in the way of mystery.Beatles or Monkees? Beatles.Who should play you in a film of your life? Katherine Heigl.
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