Last Chance Entries to Win a Kindle or $125.00 Gift Certificate from Amazon

Today is your last chance to enter to win a Kindle or $125.00 Gift Certificate from Amazon. If you can't post on the blog below--please email me at: admin@prather-author.com or connect with me on Facebook. All previous participants for Day 1 through Day 6 have automatically been entered daily in the Kindle/Gift Certificate drawing--HOWEVER--if you want to participate in the prize drawings below you need to re-enter for that.

It's been a wonderful week, and I'd like to personally thank all the entrants.Pursuant to my blog related to claiming your gifts, I am taking last chance entries for the following books, gift certificates and will be drawing the winners at 5:00 p.m. on 6/1/2011 U.S. Eastern time. I will draw the Kindle/Gift Card winner from all entrants, and then draw the following prizes from those entering today following the rules below.

I realize a lot of people entered only to win the Kindle or $125.00 Gift Certificate. I don't have a problem with that, but if you're entering this last chance entry, and you don't want the gifts below, or you already have one or more of the books, then please put the following after your name on your entry i.e. Linda S. Prather 2348--Kindle entry only or (I would love one of the below books, but I already have (name of book). That way if your name is drawn for that book, I can trade it for one of the others.

I hope you've all had fun, and I hope you'll give a big shout out to all our participating authors. A fantastic group that came together to help me celebrate my birthday bash by giving you gifts to treasure.


1) The Gift of Joy by Valerie Maarten

2) The Secret Diary of Alice in Wonderland by Barbara Silkstone

3) Henrietta The Dragon Slayer by Beth Barnany

4) Doubleback by Libby Hellmann

5) David McAfee - Winners Choice

6) In Search of Lucy - Lia Fairchild

7) With Proud Humility - Jess Mountifield

8) Sands - Lili Tufel

9) Four Years From Home - Larry Enright

10) Burn Out - Traci Hohenstein

11) Forever Mine - Elizabeth Reyes

12) Not What She Seems - Victorine E. Lieske

13) Erich's Plea - Tracey Alley

14) The Gifts, A Jacody Ives Mystery - Linda Prather

15) The Portal Sundered - Sarah Barnard

16) Warrior Path of Destiny - Tim Ellis

17) What Luck - Alex Knight

18) Street Justice - Charlie's Angel - Samantha Fury

19) Creepier By The Dozen - Stephen Hise

20) Sacred Secrets, A Jacody Ives Mystery - Linda S. Prather

7 - $3.00 Gift Certificates

Happy Birthday To Me!

Ha, ha. I'm taking off today but for all entrants that have entered in the Win a Kindle or Gift Card Birthday Bash--tomorrow I will be drawing new names for the books that have not yet been claimed and I will be posting a lists of entrants. If you haven't entered and would like to--leave a comment below (rules are on Day 1 of Birthday Bash--see previous blogs on the right).

HAVE A GREAT DAY! I'm off to celebrate, enjoy, and relax.

Linda



Smashwords Freebie!



Download Now!

Day 6 of Enter to Win a Kindle or $125.00 Gift Card from Amazon

Wow, it's been a great week with some great prizes and I've had a lot of fun. I hope you have too. Just for your information--TOMMORROW WILL BE RECAP DAY! I will post the winners from all six days again tomorrow, and instructions on how to claim your prize if you haven't already. Although there will be no prizes tomorrow you can still make an entry for the Kindle Giveaway. I will also be posting the names of all entrants so you can double check to make sure you're entered.


IMPORTANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ALL PRIZES NOT CLAIMED BY SUNDAY 5/29/11 WILL BE FORFEITED AND REDRAWN FOR NEW WINNERS! You will still be in the drawing for the Kindle, but will forfeit the earlier prize.

If you haven't entered before, please check out ENTER TO WIN A KINDLE from Day 1 for Rules.

Today's Prizes are:

1) Alex Knight - What Luck

2) Tim Ellis - Warrior: Scourge of The Steppe

3) Trine Daely - Life Games

4) Debra L. Martin - Quest For Nobility

5) Samantha Fury - Street Justice - Charlie's Angel

6) Stephen Hise - Creepier By The Dozen

8) Gary Hoover - Land of Nod, The Artifact

9) Vickie Johnstone - Kaliedoscope

10) Linda Prather - The Gifts, A Jacody Ives Mystery

ENTER TO WIN A KINDLE or $125.00 Gift Certificate from Amazon Day 4

I'm really feeling kind of old today, and blogger isn't making me feel any younger. Day 3 entries are closed and winners will be listed late this evening or tomorrow morning. Due to blogger comment difficulties I want to make sure I have all Day 1, Day 2, email entries and facebook entries in the hat before I pick the winners.

LET'S MOVE ON TO DAY 4--due to working 24 hours straight, I'm going to be lasy today, but you still get to win. I will pick 10 people to win a $3.00 gift card from Amazon.com. What can you do with $3.00--lot's of things. Check out the $.99 and $2.99 books below. They're all great buys. Good Luck! Just add your name, and a unique number in the comment section below, or--

SOME PEOPLE ARE HAVING PROBLEMS COMMENTING - IF YOU DO YOU CAN EMAIL ME AT: admin@prather-author.com OR SIGN UP ON THE FACEBOOK AMAZON KINDLE PAGE

ENTER TO WIN A KINDLE OR $125.00 GIFT CERTIFICATE - Day 3

Winners for day two will be announced at 12:00 today!

SOME PEOPLE ARE HAVING PROBLEMS COMMENTING - IF YOU DO YOU CAN EMAIL ME AT: admin@prather-author.com OR SIGN UP ON THE FACEBOOK AMAZON KINDLE PAGE

*****NOTE--Everyone who entered Day 1 and Day 2 are being automatically entered in Day 3 due to comment problems with Blogger.

May the 30th is my birthday, and some wonderful authors and I have joined together for a week long birthday party, and you get the gifts. On 6/01 I will be drawing one name from all the entrants and that entrant will win the a Kindle (See original post for model $114.00) or $125.00 Gift Certificate from Amazon (Winner's Choice).

So what do you need to do?

1) Leave a comment below with your name and some type of special identifying number that you will recognize. For example - Linda S. Prather 897124

2) You can only enter once a day. However--you can enter Every Day!

3) Each day a number of winners will be chosen to receive the prizes listed in each blog post. All prizes are in ebook format unless otherwise specified. Winners will be listed the following day with information on how to claim your prize. Prizes may be awarded through Smashwords or Amazon, or through the author.

4) Winning a prize on the daily blogs does not disqualify you for entry in the Kindle contest. The names of all entrants will be placed in the final drawing for the Kindle. If you enter every day then you will have 8 entries in the Kindle drawing.

5) Have fun and tell your friends and family to stop by. Please take a moment to visit the participating authors and say hi. If you win a prize please contact the author and let them know, and if you're so inclined please write a review after reading their book.

6) Don't forget to check out the freebies at the bottom of the page. I'll be adding to these daily.

Good morning everyone. It's Day Three of our week long Birthday Bash, and I have a great line-up of prizes today from the following authors:

1) Lili Tufel - Sands

2) Larry Enright - Four Years From Home

3) Traci Hohenstein - Burn Out

4) Elizabeth Reyes - Forever Mine

5) Donna K. Fitch - Second Death

6) Victorine E. Lieske - Not What She Seems

7) Susan Helene Gottfried - West Of Mars

8) Tim Ellis - Untended Treasures

9) Tracey Alley - Erich's Plea

10) Linda S. Prather - The Gifts

Enter to Win A Kindle and free ebooks - Day 2

Winners for day one will be announced at 12:00 today!

SOME PEOPLE ARE HAVING PROBLEMS COMMENTING - IF YOU DO YOU CAN EMAIL ME AT: admin@prather-author.com OR SIGN UP ON THE FACEBOOK AMAZON KINDLE PAGE

May the 30th is my birthday, and some wonderful authors and I have joined together for a week long birthday party, and you get the gifts. On 6/01 I will be drawing one name from all the entrants and that entrant will win the a Kindle (See original post for model $114.00) or $125.00 Gift Certificate from Amazon (Winner's Choice).

So what do you need to do?

1) Leave a comment below with your name and some type of special identifying number that you will recognize. For example - Linda S. Prather 897124

The odds are there are several people with the same last name somewhere, and to avoid any confusion the identifying numbers will let you know you're the winner.

2) You can only enter once a day. However--you can enter Every Day!

3) Each day a number of winners will be chosen to receive the prizes listed in each blog post. All prizes are in ebook format unless otherwise specified. Winners will be listed the following day with information on how to claim your prize. Prizes may be awarded through Smashwords or Amazon, or through the author.

4) Winning a prize on the daily blogs does not disqualify you for entry in the Kindle contest. The names of all entrants will be placed in the final drawing for the Kindle. If you enter every day then you will have 8 entries in the Kindle drawing.

5) Have fun and tell your friends and family to stop by. Please take a moment to visit the participating authors and say hi. If you win a prize please contact the author and let them know, and if you're so inclined please write a review after reading their book.

6) Don't forget to check out the freebies at the bottom of the page. I'll be adding to these daily.

Good morning everyone. It's Day Two of our week long Birthday Bash, and I have a great line-up of prizes today from the following authors:

1) David McAfee - Winner's choice of any of David's books

Just one of David's reviewers on 33A.D. - I can not stress how much I adore this book. I never review ANYTHING but this is book is the first that allowed me to answer the famous "what's your favorite book" question. Simple, 33 A.D.

2) David Gaughran - Into the Woods

One Reviewer says: Two interesting, quirky stories, these. I was a little disappointed that the second story (The Reset Button) came to an end when it did. I felt there was potential for a much longer story. That's my only gripe (and I always have at least one!). This was a promising debut. Nice to read something on Kindle that's well edited and free from typos. Looking forward to the next one.

3) Thea Atkinson - Formed of Clay

One Reviewer says: A very clever author indeed created, Formed of Clay. Thea Atkinson immediately plunges the reader into a fabulous tale written in the style of an ancient mythological tale with Gods and Goddesses in a stunning mystical view of creation. This introduction provides the mood for a masterful dark ancient tale.


4) L. C. Evans - We Interrupt This Date

One Reviewer says: We Interrupt this Date is a tale of love, family, and one woman's redemption as she tries to take back control over her own life - by taking a "Time out" from her free-loading family. As they move into her home, one by one, - her sis and baby and a dog, her son and his girlfriend, and her bossy mother, Susan ends up with four adults, (thought her son and his girl eventually leave) one baby, and three dogs to contend with and take care of. The situation is enough to to drive anyone out of their mind in the same situation. Then to top it all off, an old flame returns to town and she must put her family first - as always - and cannot pursue a relationship with him. Her bossy mom keeps telling Susan she simply cannot quit her present job to take on another one as a ghost tour leader. Who will take care of us? Follow along as one incident piles on top another and we, the reader, end up tearing our own hair out by the roots! Highly recommended for fun and a thrill ride as Susan tries to save her own life!

5) Lia Fairchild - Search of Lucy

One Reviewer says: In Search of Lucy is a heartfelt tale of two sisters with a bond that can't be broken no matter how the past has shaped their lives.
Lucy, the older sister, travels down a path that leaves her lonely and broken. Katie, the younger sister, also on a path of her own that is hopeful and loving. The sisters come together as only sisters can and continue their journey together to heal each other. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone, it is a wonderful story written with heart!

6) Kristina Jackson - Feathers

One Reviewer says: Cute cozy read of short stories and quaint with the European words we don't use in the US. The stories were different, nothing I've read before dealing mostly with people. The combination makes for a good book! Looking forward to more by this author!

7) Jess Mountifield - With Proud Humility

One Reviewer says: really enjoyed the book, it's not often that a romance grips me like that. It has the correct balance between romance, pirates, mystery and action! It includes sword fights, ship battles and tension between characters. Definitely a worthwhile read!


8) Sibel Hodge - The Fashion Police

One Reviewer says: Oh My Gosh, what's not to luuuvvv in this fantabulous romp of a read! I LMAO from page one all the way to "The End"! And, I'm here to tell ya, I can't wait to read the next Amber Fox Murder Mystery!!!

9) Tim Ellis - The Knowledge of Time Second Civilization

Earth 5036: When Gracie eavesdrops on her father’s meetings with the Grammers, and learns of a library that travels through time, she must undertake a perilous journey predicted three thousand years before to save the knowledge of humanity from the Beasts.


10) David Dalglish - Dance of Cloaks

One Reviewer says: A Dance of Cloaks is the fourth book I've read by David Dalglish. While I liked his other books a lot, I felt with them that there was something missing to make them 5-star books. That's not the case with A Dance of Cloaks. In this book, he's come into his own and A Dance of Cloaks is an exciting read. I've always said that Dalglish writes some of the best fight scenes I've ever read, and that doesn't change in this book. Added to the mix is plenty of intrigue and a large cast of characters, including some old favorites. The theme of redemption is still laced throughout the book.








Some additional freebies for everyone:

Bex Aaron - Independence Day, Book 1 The Beginning
Linda Prather - Food To Die Smiling For
Kristina Jackson - Shadows Of My Mind
C. J. West - End of Marking Time to everyone who emails him at: authors@22wb.com

Enter To Win A Kindle and Other Prizes--It's a Birthday Party! Day 1

IT'S A BIRTHDAY BASH--ALL WEEK LONG
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And you could win a Kindle or $125.00 Gift Certificate from Amazon!

SOME PEOPLE ARE HAVING PROBLEMS COMMENTING - IF YOU DO YOU CAN EMAIL ME AT: admin@prather-author.com OR SIGN UP ON THE FACEBOOK AMAZON KINDLE PAGE

May the 30th is my birthday, and some wonderful authors and I have joined together for a week long birthday party, and you get the gifts. On 6/01 I will be drawing one name from all the entrants and that entrant will win the above Kindle.

So what do you need to do?

1) Leave a comment below with your name and some type of special identifying number that you will recognize. For example - Linda S. Prather 897124

The odds are there are several people with the same last name somewhere, and to avoid any confusion the identifying numbers will let you know you're the winner.

2) You can only enter once a day. However--you can enter Every Day!

3) Each day a number of winners will be chosen to receive the prizes listed in each blog post. All prizes are in ebook format unless otherwise specified. Winners will be listed the following day with information on how to claim your prize.

4) Winning a prize on the daily blogs does not disqualify you for entry in the Kindle contest. The names of all entrants will be placed in the final drawing for the Kindle. If you enter every day then you will have 8 entries in the Kindle drawing.

5) Have fun and tell your friends and family to stop by. Please take a moment to visit the participating authors and say hi. If you win a prize please contact the author and let them know, and if you're so inclined please write a review after reading their book.

6) Don't forget to check out the freebies at the bottom of the page. I'll be adding to these daily.


Today we will have 10 lucky winners of the following books.

Prize #1



Winner can take their choice of an Amazon Kindle Copy or Smashwords Copy.

Reviewers say: What a great story! I bought/read it over the weekend, (wept) and thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Maarten's writing.

Visit Valerie and Learn More!

Prize #2



Winner will receive a Smashwords Coupon for Free Download

Reviewers say: Sarah Barnard's novel does something very well...it makes you believe that a different realm could actually exist. The characters are so well written, one is easily convinced that these characters really lived through this experience...

Visit Sarah and Learn More!

Prize #3



Author will gift depending on winners choice.

Reviewers say: Riveting and suspenseful, In Memory of Greed is an action-packed thrill ride that keeps you turning the pages in anticipation. Colorful characters and stunning locations keep the imagination running wild.

Visit Al and Learn More!

Prize #4



Winner will receive an Amazon Kindle or PC copy

Reviewers say: This is a book that catches you by surprise again, and again. At it's base, it's a plot about murder and some pretty vicious characters used to getting their way. But there are subtle romantic threads woven in and out of the story.

Visit Barbara and Learn More!

Prize #5



Winner will receive a Smashwords Code for Free Book

Reviewers say: Henrietta the dragon slayer is a charming book set in a fantasy world. Henrietta has slayed many dragons in her short life and has resigned not to take any more jobs, but when a pushy knight named Franc implores her to follow him to his lands and slay Mimoto the dragon she hesitates, until she learns her mentor, Master Chen is sick and only the Dragonitas from Mimoto can save him does she embark on her quest.

Visit Beth and Learn More!

Prize #6



Winner will receive an Amazon Kindle or PC copy

Reviewers say: I initially decided to read "What Luck" on the recommendation of a friend, as vampires are not my subject matter of choice. I'm glad I listened---Alex Knight's writing style is delightful and truly imaginative. Her ability to intricately weave characters into a tale is top notch, allowing the reader to believe the unbelievable. I really enjoyed the suspenseful twists and masterful use of language...it made this novel fun, with a writerly quality. Well done!

Visit Alex to Learn More!

Prize #7



Winner will receive a Smashwords Coupon

Grog the Orc is a coward, and has been banished from the Bloodwolf Clan for failing the passage to adulthood. So begins his prophesied quest to find the last human on Garagol, who it is rumoured knows witchery, and can give him back his courage.

Visit Tim and Learn More!

Prize #8



Winner will receive a Smashwords Coupon

Reviewers say: Loved this book plain and simply, the characters and plot drew me in and kept my attention throughout this book. I can't wait for the next installment!

Visit Valerie and Learn More!

Prize #9



Winner will receive either a Smashwords Coupon or Amazon Gift

Reviewers say: Mark Adair's 'The Father's Child' is a roller coaster, bungee jump, and treasure hunt all rolled into one! The story quickly develops a team of main characters, each of them uniquely talented with very intriguing personalities. You quickly get inside their heads; understand their motivations, desires, quirks and their synergistic dependencies...and BAM! There's an unexpected event that propels the college companions on a thrilling journey filled with suspense, mystery and high-tech adrenaline.

Visit Mark and Learn More!

Prize #10



Winner will receive a Smashwords Coupon

Reviewers say: "Doubleback," the latest from Libby Fischer Hellmann,is my first exposure to her work. Hellmann is the author of a series of suspense novels featuring video producer Ellie Foreman, and "Doubleback" is her second novel to feature Private Investigator Georgia Davis. Fans of the Ellie Foreman series will be pleased to learn that Ellie appears in "Doubleback" and helps PI Georgia Davis run down the bad guys. The relationship between these two very independent women is, in fact, so much fun to watch that I will be looking for Hellmann's earlier books.

Visit Libby and Learn More!

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And I have some freebies for everyone. Check them out!



Download Now

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Download Now

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C. J. will give a free copy to everyone that emails him at: authors@22wb.com

Tomorrow I'll list some more freebies along with more prizes!

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Love a good mystery? Take a moment and download a sample of The Jacody Ives Mysteries. You'll love them!




Day One Comments will be closed as of midnight on 5/22/2010.

You Could Win A Kindle--Join me for a weeklong Birthday Party!!!!!

LORDY! LORDY! I'M NO LONGER FORTY
As I get older birthdays become more and more of a blessing. Each day a gift. So this week to celebrate my birthday, which by the way is May 30th, I'm having a weeklong Birthday Party!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And you get the presents. For the next eight days I will be posting free books (donated by some of the most wonderful authors in the world); and every entrant will be entered into the final prize selection of:




So don't forget to check back tomorrow as we begin this birthday bash. Lots of presents, lots of fun and yes, you might win a Kindle.

Looking for something to read now? Check out my mysteries. Only $2.99 on Amazon Kindle, B & N and other places where Ebooks are sold.

Thursday Texts and Tweets - Humor

Thought I'd do some humor today. Social media and texting have become so popular that everyone is doing it. Have one you want to share? Add it in the comment section below.

10-year old boy text from camp

1) Mom, a kid got bitten by a snake last night. Think he died.
2) Mom, I don't have any clean underwear.
3) Mom, what do I do if a bear is chasing me?
4) Mom, nevermind. I outran John. It ate him.
5) Mom, don't you miss me?
6) Mom….uh, uh, night mom.

10-year old girl text from camp

1) Dad, come get me.
2) Daddy, it's dark here.
3) *Smile* I met a boy.
4) My first kiss. I'm in love.
(No future tweets as father picked her up shortly thereafter.)

Character to Writer

1) Really? Snakes? Can't you do better than that?
2) What's with all the tongue? Yuck.
3) Do I ever get to go to the bathroom?
4) I knew he was the killer all along.
5) How come heroes are always poor?

Running For President - my tweets

1) Of course I'll fix the econo-ME!
2) What can I do for you?
3) Elect me. I'm cute.
4) A chicken in every pot.
5) Free pots for everyone.

Dog to Owner

1) Woof!
2) I hate these dog treats.
3) Woof!
4) Bacon!
5) *pzzzz* Hee, hee, hee. Bet next time you give me bacon.

My First 1 Star Review--It's Official--I'm an Author

I know there's a lot of controversy about reviews today and if they're real, faked and written by friends. Rave reviews make an author feel good, and I've heard many author become livid over 1 and 2 star reviews, but truthfully, if I knew the reviewer I would say thank you. It's apparent from the review that the reviewer did attempt to read the book. They just didn't like the characters. I wouldn't read a book if I didn't like the characters either. They purchased the book, and have every right to express their feelings about it. I'm truly sorry they didn't like the book. However, if everyone that read my book loved it then I would have no reason to try to strive to be better next time.

So what did I get from my 1 star review--a jolt of reality. And I'm proud that I've grown enough over the years to accept and appreciate their view point. This was my baby, and yes we're all protective of our babies. However, I finally feel like a real author--not a protective mother. And a real author knows that bad reviews are a inevitable part of the profession.

Author Interview - Trine Daely - "Life Games"

A collection of poetry written over a span of dark years in my life, sometimes with hope for the future, sometimes without. I wrote about the images in my dreams, my daydreams, my nightmares - think of it as a verbal expression of a painting in my brain, with all the variations you would expect from colorful to minimalist, strict verse to free verse.

This is the journal of my dark travails as I came to accept the impending death of my mother, who passed away when I was sixteen, less than a month after my grandmother. I had been watching this happen since I was six, but coming to grips with the reality of it was something I had difficulty expressing until I started writing poetry.

Along that walk love was found, lost, found again, trust trampled, life expanded. I found my way through and learned to live again, trust again, and more importantly, to trust in myself. Here, I share that with you.
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Good morning everyone. Today it's my pleasure to have with me Trine Daely, a poet with just a little bit of a dark side. Of course, that appeals to me as I have my own dark side which is often reflected in my writing. I hope you enjoy the interview, and I hope you take some time to visit Trine's blogs, website and download a sample of her book. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

LP: Good morning, Trine. Why don't you tell us a little about yourself? Where you live now, and where you grew up.

TD: Hmm, that might be revealing a bit much. Suffice it to say I grew up down south, saw my share of hurricanes, and moved to the Midwest less than a decade ago. I'm a single mom, my daughter can be very challenging and time-demanding, so forgive me if I don't get written stuff out there as fast as everyone else seems to. The cat is spazzy, the fish are friendly. We're a strange household.

LP: Actually sounds rather normal to me. Having been a single mother myself, only our fish were spazzy and the cat was friendly. Do you feel that the environment you were raised in has any effect on your writing and your choice of genre?

TD: Definitely. I was raised in a house full of books, and got hooked on Edgar Allan Poe and Stephen King early, so even when I try to write a piece of any kind with lightness, there's always a bit of a shadow over it.

LP: Cool! Some of my favorite authors, and shadows can be very enticing. When and why did you begin writing?

TD: Young, maybe nine or ten when I really started with short stories, about eleven when I started writing poetry. As to why, I guess all the questions and rages I had about and at the universe had to go somewhere.

LP: Wow, that's very profound. You learned early to channel your feelings into words, and words into written context to express your feelings. I would consider that an early gift. So what inspired you to take that huge first step and self-publish your book?

TD: Putting my writing out there for people to read is something I've wanted to do for years, but poetry is a bit of a niche item. Legacy publishing does not seem to devote a lot of their time and attention to it, so seeing the opportunity to get it out myself was a wonderful thing.

LP: I totally agree, and I think there are millions of readers who truly enjoy poetry. Do you have any plans to try your hand at a different type of novel in the future?

TD: Certainly. I doubt I'll do anything with my small backlog of short stories, but I have an entire future world that's been running around in my brain since I was about thirteen, and I'm finally writing down the lives of those I see living there.

LP: That sounds like a fun journey. Is there a specific message in your poems that you'd like the reader to grasp?

TD: Am I trying to get some underlying idea to them? No. I'm not a read between the lines poet.

LP: Are any of your poems based on personal experience or real life issues?

TD: In some way all of them are. Some are just images from dreams that I've written down as poems, some are my version of story outlines, the (game #) ones came out of a challenge over a few games of Scrabble with a friend, some were written after a good bit of introspection. They're all pieces of me and my life.

LP: That's one of the things I love about poetry. Poets seem to have an ability to bring emotions to life and create wonderful images with simple words that take the reader into a dream of their own imagination. Each reader may feel, see or experience something different.

Do you have a specific writing style?

TD: I'm not altogether sure just yet.

LP: Still working on that, huh? I'm often wondered what I'm going to be when I grow up too. So, if you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

TD: Stephen King, he's got some great works about writing out there.

LP: There's no doubt about the fact that he's the book world's Elvis. What book are you reading now?

TD: Simon R. Green's “A Hard Day's Knight” has my full attention as a physical book at the moment, but it's not unusual for me to have a different book in each of several rooms and whatever room I'm in, that's the book I'm reading there. I also take my e-reader with me a lot so I always have plenty of things to choose from to read. Right now the Kindle is loaded with Valerie Douglas's “The Coming Storm.”

LP: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

TD: I'm not sure if they would be considered “new” authors, but some of the more recent additions to my list of favorite authors are Kat Richardson and Kelly Gay. Always looking for more authors to enjoy.

LP: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your first book?

TD: I would have gotten someone much more tech-savvy than me to format it for everything. Put them in chronological order as best I could. Maybe added an “About the Author” section at the back with some links, too.

LP: All easy changes, even now. Another great benefit of Indie publishing. Are you currently working on a new book, and if so, can you share some of it with us?

TD: That would be the aforementioned future stories. Right now it's looking like it will be a set of novella length stories of different people in that strange and scarred future.

LP: I hope you'll come back when you're finished and tell us more about that. What is the most challenging part of writing your current work in progress?

TD: Finishing it! That and really digesting the feedback from my beta readers when they give it a good (though admittedly needed) kick. Your first reaction is always to protect your “baby,” so learning to swallow that and really listen to them as serious readers has been both challenging and enlightening.

LP: One of the hardest lessons each of us has to learn, but one well worth learning. Who are your favorite authors and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

TD: That's a long list. Beyond the ones I've already mentioned I'd add Patricia Cornwell, Jeffery Deaver, Laurell K. Hamilton, Kim Harrison, Dean Koontz, C. S. Friedman, Piers Anthony, Robert Heinlein, Janet Evanovich. I'm pretty sure I missed some.

What strikes me about the work of my favorites? Their characters and the world(s) they move in seem to exist on their own.

LP: I see a couple of my favorites there and I totally agree. Did you design your own cover, and if so, what inspired you to use that image?

TD: The cover of Life Games started as a photo of the foot (paw?) of a lion statue in front of an abandoned building. For whatever reason, those statues (and others like them) fascinate me. The next cover will also feature the same lion statue from a different angle.

LP: Do you have any advice for other writers?

TD: Keep writing, keep reading, listen to your readers, connect with others. Actually I have no idea what to say to other writers in general, everyone is different, and while I've been writing for myself for years, I'm very new to the indie book industry. I've found some very interesting people among my fellow authors already. Great bunch of folks.

LP: I think that's one of the most amazing things about the Indie industry. I'm sure there's some of the "me" attitude out there, but it's the minority, not the majority. Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

TD: Thank you if you made this far, I hope you will join me on the future journeys. I wish you well and want you to know that I'm still new at this message to the readers stuff. I'll work on that, too.
*adds to list*

Thank you, Trine, for joining me today. I look forward to hearing more about your future works in progress. If you'd like to get to know Trine a little better, download her current work, or just stay in touch so you can see what she's doing in the future, visit the links below. Have a great day and Happy Reading!

http://www.facebook.com/Read.Trine.Daely
https://twitter.com/#!/TrineDaely
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/55168
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Life-Games/Trine-Daely/e/2940012438911
http://www.amazon.com/Life-Games-ebook/dp/B004WWQA5G / http://www.amazon.co.uk/Life-Games/dp/B004WWQA5G

#herbalsampleTuesday - The Gifts, A Jacody Ives Mystery - Excerpt and Grandpa's Liniment

I love herbal remedies, and the old time cures. Thought I'd share a few of my favorites as the weeks go by, along with an excerpt from The Gifts. Hope you enjoy!





From Chapter 10

“Good Lord, Mary, she said she fell. She doesn’t have the flu.” Joshua watched impatiently as his wife continued to pack items of food for Ella Mae. The conversation with Sarah earlier had left him on edge. He wanted to get out to Ella Mae’s and back to town as quickly as possible. He didn’t want to leave Mary alone after dark.

“Oh, that’s right. Wait just a minute.” Mary disappeared into the bedroom returning with a small jar of odd-looking gel.

“Grandpa’s liniment. Works wonders for sore muscles.”

“Yeah, and smells like a polecat.”

“Joshua Cross, you keep a respectful tongue in your head about my grandpa.”

Joshua grinned, catching her as she huffed by him. “I love your grandpa. After all, if it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have you,” he whispered as he ran his hand gently over the swell of her stomach. “Sure you don’t want to go with me?”

Of course, you should always consult your physician, however, if you love the old time remedies that may smell like a polecat, but seemed to work with great success, then give this one a try.

Grandpa's Liniment - for Rhuematism other maladies.

Combine 3 cups of cider vinegar and 1 cup of whiskey in large glass container (the SunTea jars are excellent for this). Add 3 eggs to the mixture (shells and all). Let stand until the eggs are totally absorbed and then add three cups of turpentine. Let stand for about a week and pour into glass containers to store.

Two Ends of the Pen: Review of THE GIFTS: A Jacody Ives Mystery by Lind...

Two Ends of the Pen: Review of THE GIFTS: A Jacody Ives Mystery by Lind...: "5 of 5 stars Gavin McAllister is a lost tortured soul, some say the very definition of a writer, but with a twist, evil knows him. The demo..."

Featured Author - Kristine Cheney and Trip Around The World Mega Author Blog Hop

Ready for a Trip Around the World with some fantastic authors and fantastic prizes? Well you came to the right place. Kristine Cheney will be kicking off the tour on May 16, 2011. For more information on the tour, and the vacation of a lifetime check out Kristine's Blog.





Kristine Cheney is 39, and is an Arizona native. Now living in Surprise, she has been married 21 years to her high school sweetheart Brett, and is the mother of Taryn, Brett, and Zackary. A young grandmother, she is Grammy to Parker, Ivy, and Evely'nn. A huge labrador lover, she is mom to yellow lab Magnus and to the very naughty (and huge) white Labra-doodle puppy Brody.

Hobbies include writing passionate love stories that involve chivalrous characters, dashing adventure, forked humor, and the ever-true good vs. evil dilemma. Her favorite place to relax is anywhere within close proximity to a beach or wooded lake. A huge history buff, she plans to one day make a trek across the US to get her fill of American wonder (with hubby, labs, and lap top in tow). She loves a good hot cup of coffee with Creme Brulee liquid creamer and sugar. A maestro with a bag of frosting, Wilton cake decorating lessons only fueled her artistic fire. She is pretty darn awesome at crankin' out a deluxe wedding, baby shower, or themed birthday cake that will make your toes curl.

Amazon Kindle UK Bargain Bin - Ebooks for less than £3.00

The Gifts, A Jacody Ives Mystery.wmv

New Video for The Gifts, A Jacody Ives Mystery

I just uploaded my new video and would love some opinions. I think I need a little tweaking.

The Gifts

Sacred Secrets, A Jacody Ives Mystery - Meet the Characters

Ms. Charity

Charity Froste closed her eyes. She could see the huge ugly bird as it descended. Red eyes glowing like the embers of fire. Snow white fangs that devoured everything in its path.

The wind howled, shrieked and sent forth blood-chilling screams. Tree limbs slapped and scraped the sides of the house, like the huge bird’s dagger-like talons.

The bones never lied.

Charity tossed the fossil stones, her eyes still closed. She would not easily be devoured. The white fangs, red eyes and razor sharp talons of the Piasa held no fear for her. She had faced it before. She feared little beyond the balance. And the balance had shifted. Billy had called the white wolf, weaved the dreams, and she had done what she had to do.

A distinct chill blew across her nape.

She opened her eyes, studied the bones. The bones never lied.


Billy

Coming into another curve Billy shifted his right foot, letting off the gas pedal, allowing the vehicle to gradually slow. His gaze drifted to the leather satchel on the seat beside him. His destiny. His grandfather had been so proud when he’d killed the buck. They’d worked side by side for days as his grandfather explained every stitch, each design, so that one day Billy could make the satchel for his own grandson. Pass on the gift.

He’d been too young to understand why his grandmother had turned away from him, hands clenched at her side, eyes brimming with tears. She had known. Even then she had known this day would come.

Father Michael

Father Michael sighed, placing his hand over the knotted arthritic joints of Father Peter’s fingers. “I have prayed, Father. I pray daily that God will take this cup from me.”

Father Peter felt the trembling in the hand covering his. Felt the despair. His words came unbidden. Words he knew not the source. Words he would ponder and regret in the days to come.

“Perhaps you must take the cup and drink from it.”

Father Michael embraced him. He had the forlorn feeling of being alone in the world. And that loneliness threatened to crush him. He whispered the words that sealed his fate. “Perhaps, Father. Perhaps I must.”


Claire

Claire felt her steps falter, a cold chill moving down her spine, descending down her legs. He sounded so smug. So sure of himself. Pretending to care. She wasn’t going to fall for his tricks. Not this time. And never again. They had been fine without him. Fine until he came back into their lives. Somehow this was his fault. She didn’t know how, but she knew Simon was behind Aaron’s unhappiness.

Claire refused to look at him. Give him the satisfaction of knowing he’d struck a nerve. She stood, hand poised over the doorknob. “You don’t know when to quit do you, Simon. You never understood Aaron, and you never will. Even at one in a million he’ll match. Katie O’Connor is one in a million. Don’t you go near Aaron again, and you stay the hell away from me.”


Katie

Katie wrung her hands in her lap as the intern took another curve, maneuvering the car onto the main highway at a rate of speed that was surely against the law. Everything was moving so fast. The tearful goodbye with Clover. The trip home. She had barely gotten unpacked before exhaustion overcame her. She’d slept most of yesterday, and then the phone had rung. Now the mad dash to the hospital. What exactly had Dr. Wagner said? We may have found you a heart. And what did that mean anyway? Was it possible that someone was dying as they rushed to the hospital? Could they maybe live? Had she truly gotten a pardon from death row, or was this some cruel joke of the executioner.



Clover

“Don’t go getting all happy on me, okay? I’m dying. You’re dying. That gives us something in common. It doesn’t make us best friends. In fact, if you look at it realistically it makes us pretty pathetic. We should be doing something absolutely amazing like diving to the bottom of the ocean, bungee jumping off the tallest building, or getting boinked by some good looking guy.” Clover paused for breath, swallowed hard and stated through gritted teeth, “Instead we’re just sitting here on death row.”


Jacody

Jacody Ives smiled, flexed the fingers still gripping the sink. Evil attracts evil. He’d heard its call in the nightmare. He would answer. There’d never been any other choice for him. Evil knew his name.


Tall Feather

The old man cackled, gumming away on another piece of bacon. “I tell you story.”
Tall Feather made himself comfortable on the couch, rubbing his greasy hands on the fabric.
“I, too, at times have a great hatred for those who have taken so much with no sorrow for what they do. But hate wears you down, and does not hurt your enemy.
“It is like taking poison and wishing your enemy would die. I have struggled with these feelings many times.”

Mother's Day Nook Book Special - Buy One - Get One Free

Mother's Day Nook Book Special - Buy One Get - One Free

I decided for Mother's Day I would do something special for Nook owners also. I hope to add other authors with other books throughout the day, but for now if you love mysteries that keep you guessing all the way to the end, a little paranormal and just a smidgen of romance, then you will love The Jacody Ives Mysteries.

To participate simply buy either The Gifts, A Jacody Ives Mystery or Sacred Secrets, A Jacody Ives Mystery and email me at: admin@prather-author.com

I will then send you a Smashwords coupon to use to download the second book free. (I've used my email address, as I don't like asking anyone to give away their email addresses. And FYI, I do not keep email addresses or solicit from email addresses. Once your coupon is sent your email will be removed from my computer data banks.)

Thank you, and Happy Reading!



The Gifts, A Jacody Ives Mystery $2.99

Sacred Secrets, A Jacody Ives Mystery

Featured Author - Jamie DeBree - Desert Heat $1.49

A webmistress by day, Jamie DeBree writes steamy romantic suspense novels late into the night, trying to create the perfect blend of sensual attraction, emotional connection and fast-paced adventure. Born and raised in Billings Montana, she still resides there with her husband and their two oversize lap-dogs. When she's not writing, she's reading everything in sight from a variety of genres including romance, erotica, action/adventure and thrillers.

For more information and contact links, visit her web site at http://jamiedebree.com.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When Marie Simco finds out that the money for her research is about to be cut, she’ll do anything to keep her lab funded. Pitted against her former professor in a race to publish on deadline, she finds herself in a desert oasis fighting sabotage, drug lords, natives and her attraction to one very hunky lab tech.

Darren Newbury is ready to follow Marie deep into the New Mexico desert if it will finally get her to acknowledge the connection between them. Determined to help her win the competition against his former employer, he fights to protect their work and break down the barriers around her heart.

Contains some graphic sensual scenes, ice water not included.

Novel (50,000 words)

Casseroles and The Gifts, A Jacody Ives Mystery - Meet the Characters

Shoepeg Corn Casserole

1/2 C. chopped onion
1/3 C. green pepper
1/2 C. Celery
1 C. French green beans - drained
1 C. shoepeg corn
1 C. celery soup
1 8 oz. sour cream
1/2 C. cheese - grated
Salt and pepper to taste
1 stack Ritz crackers
1 stick oleo - melted

Sauté onion, green pepper, and celery. Add remaining ingredients except crackers and butter. Crumble crackers as a topping. Dribble melted butter over all. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

English Pea Casserole

1 sm. Onion - chopped
1 green bell pepper - chopped
1 stick butter
2 cans English peas - drained
1 C. water chestnuts chopped (with liquid)
1 can mushroom soup

Sauté onion and pepper in butter. Add peas, water chestnuts and mushroom soup. Put in square baking dish and top with buttered crumbs. Brown until bubbly and crumbs are brown.

Sweet Potato Casserole

1 lg. can sweet potatoes
1/2 stick margarine
1/2 t. apple pie spice
1 1/2 C. sugar
3 eggs
3/4 C. condensed milk
2/3 C. potato juice
1/4 t. vanilla

Heat potatoes and juice. Drain and save 3/4 cup juice. Mash margarine with potatoes. Add apple pie spice, sugar, eggs, condensed milk, potato juice, and vanilla. Beat all together in mixer. Bake 1 hour at 350 degrees. Put mixed topping on baked casserole. Place under broiler until brown.


Topping
1/4 stick oleo
1/2 C. sugar
2 T. milk
1/4 t. salt
1 t. vanilla
1/2 C. pecan halves


Hamburger Casserole

1 pound ground beef
2 tablespoons butter
4 medium sized potatoes
2 onions
1 teaspoon salt
dash pepper
1 cup tomato soup

Brown the beef in skillet with butter. Cut potatoes in 1/2 inch cubes and spread in a baking dish. Cover with half the meat. Add half the soup and a sliced onion. Season with salt and pepper. Repeat, using remaining ingredients. Bake 1 1/2 hours in a 350 degree oven. More soup may be added during baking if needed.




Gavin The nightmares were getting stronger, the screams louder, closer. And this time there had been blood and pain. The knot in his stomach still hurt, and there was a strange ache in his chest. An eerie sadness. “What the hell have I done?” he whispered.

Sarah She hated the dreams. Hated the feeling of helplessness they created inside her as the dying reached out, sending messages to loved ones, or crying out for vengeance against their attacker. Only this time the dream had been different. This time the message was for Sarah.

Carl “Didn’t expect an old biddy like you to hit a man so hard.” He groaned, opening his eyes and glaring at Millie. Clarence stepped next to Millie, placing an arm protectively around her shoulders. “I’m afraid I hit you, Mr. Jackson. Saw you skulking around and followed you.” Carl turned his fierce gaze on Clarence, but held his tongue. The old fart looked pretty tough, even barefoot. Besides, he wasn’t in any shape to take on the two of them.

Rob The words cleared the remaining fog from Rob’s brain. Taking the mug of steaming coffee from Carl’s hand, he sat down at the table. His head still pounded, but his eyes were sharp and clear, his voice strong, “I’ve got your back, Carl.”

Nikki
A heartbreaking smile lit up the small face. Gavin found himself entranced, images flowing through his mind. He could see himself teaching her to play ball, pacing the floor while she was out on her first date, walking her down the aisle. He mentally shook himself, dispelling the images as he concentrated on what she was saying. “I’m going to write books some day about a beautiful ballerina who travels all over the world and solves crimes and helps people.”

Millie Millie couldn’t stop herself from lifting the blinds and taking a quick peek to see if he was still there. A slight pang of disappointment filled her when she saw he had already entered the flower shop. “Flirtatious old coot,” she muttered to herself as she opened the bookstore for business. Always calling me Millicent. She stopped her muttering as she caught sight of her reflection in the mirror behind the counter. The slight flush on her cheeks and sparkle in her eyes belied her age, as did the spring in her walk. The old fool had her feeling like a teenager. Maybe she’d just take a walk over there and see those new roses. He could probably use a good cup of coffee. Might even ask him over for dinner one night. Possibilities. The old coot had definite possibilities.

Joshua Taking the mike, Joshua lowered his voice. “Listen, Sarah, get everybody you can out to the old mill on Elliott Pike. I’m sending Gavin back with Nikki. I’ll stay here and watch Cooper until backup arrives.” Joshua clicked off, his eyes meeting Gavin’s over Nikki’s head. “That’s the way it’s gonna be, partner." Gavin nodded. He knew somebody had to stay. “No heroes?” Joshua grinned, popping a fresh toothpick between his teeth. “I ain’t the hero type.”

Clarence Millie smiled, still running her hand over the smooth surface. “She’s a real classic.” “Yep.” Clarence moved in, putting his arm around her. “Classics are hard to find today. When I find one, I tend to hold onto it.”