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The Mother of All Character Interviews ~ Wrap Up

5/29/2017

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I hope you’ve enjoyed my ‘Mother of all Character Interviews’ – a literary tribute to motherhood. Thanks so much to all of the lovely mothers who visited my blog this month! It’s always a pleasure to feature fantastic indie/small press authors & their characters.

Thanks to all who entered the giveaway! Congrats to Amie, who won the following ebooks:


Middle Eight & Dragon Cookie by Audra Middleton, Purgatory by Susan Stec, Sweet Thangs Cookbook by Ann Everett, Fortune Teller's Secret by Ron D. Voigts, Diamond Moon by Celia Breslin, Thin Ice by JS Marlo, Killer Dolls and Christmas Eve by Angelica Hart & Zi.
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Mom Interview ~ The mother with no name

5/25/2017

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The moms are still here on my blog and there's still time to enter the giveaway! Today we have a rare opportunity to speak to a Doppelgänger mother from Susan Stec's novel, Purgatory.

Tell us about your kids. Do they take after you at all? 

I've had hundreds. Elders are the guardians of a fledgling until it reaches legal age. Doppelgängers all look the same, a shadow, smoke cloud, a demon's blunder with no name, no sex, no flesh, and no identity unless we wear one of you. However, we each have a will of our own. 

What is your proudest mom moment? 

I have none. Motherhood is a deplorable burden.

My mom used to say “I’ve had it up to here!” and “Who do you think you are?” a lot. What is your go-to momism?

"You're a demon's creation, not a human. Act like one!"  and  "Do you want me to find a bottle with an air tight lid?"

What is the most valuable thing your mother taught you?

Not to leave any evidence of our existence. I try to instill the importance of this as well. It's fairly simple. Kill the hosts. Wear the body until it is no longer fresh. Shed, and find another. My current ward is my only challenge in this respect. She insists on doubling up, while leaving the real human to continue on without knowledge of a carbon copy wandering about. She will be the death of both of us. 

What do you see as the most challenging aspect of motherhood? 

Keeping my wardrobe fresh during a heated disciplinary discussion.. 
 
How about some This or That?:

June Cleaver or Morticia Adams?
MORTICIA
Bacon & eggs or cereal & milk?
NEITHER. WE DON'T FEED.
Themed party or meet for drinks?  
I CAN BE QUITE FESTIVE.
Curlers to bed or lucky to remember a morning comb through?
I PREFER A WELL COIFFURED CADAVER 
Cosmopolitan or beer?
COSMOPOLITAN   
Mini-van or Cooper mini?
WE HAVE INSTANT TRAVEL TOKENS. 
Home cooked or take out?
TAKE OUT OF COURSE. 
Neiman Marcus or Walmart?
BOTH CAN BE AMUSING
Wash your mouth out with soap or pay the swear jar?
I TRY NOT TO USE FOUL LANGUAGE.
Seinfeld’s Estelle Costanza or Lorelai Gilmore?
I'LL TAKE BOTH. I BORE EASLY.
 
Thanks so much for joining us, Ms. Doppelgänger, it was enlightening! And now, here's more about PURGATORY, a place Down Under - A New Adult paranormal romance/humor:

They were outcasts...

The doppelgänger: a myth, a night fright, as singular as an individual's nightmare—a demon's blunder in search of a love that can never be.

The wendigo: a half-breed, an abomination that hides from his own race. They won’t let him forget what he did, he can't fight who he is and a desire that ends in disaster.

...until they met.

Can two very different creatures find love in a world where hope leads to disappointment, and relationships end in death? They’ll have to fight all that is Down Under to find out.

To Purchase:
All of Susan's books are free with Kindle Unlimited.
Book 2 is scheduled to release in July.


For more info about Susan and her projects:
AMAZON: http://amzn.to/1NjkU6B
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/GratefulUndead
LANDING PAGE http://www.authorsusanstec.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html
TWITTER: https://mobile.twitter.com/suesan0814
GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4556170.Susan_Stec

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Mom Interview ~ Kit Cante

5/22/2017

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Lock up your diary and turn down that music! The moms have taken over my blog this month. Today we have Katrina "Kit" Cante from Angelica Hart and Zi's novel, Naked Twister.​

Thanks for joining us, Kit. Tell us, what do you see as the most challenging aspect of motherhood?


Raising my three year old daughter, Jessy, as a single mother while hiding her existence from a sadistic cult leader, David Masters.

Excerpt:

     Folding her arms across her full chest, Katrina stood very straight and very still.  She didn’t owe him any explanation.  Yet, she felt she owed him something, since he had stood between her and disaster tonight.  Besides, he wasn’t about to let it go, and Katrina couldn’t allow that.  For the sake of her little girl and her own sanity, she had to make sure the mesmerizing Caleb McBride left her world as quickly and as suddenly as he had entered it.  She relented, “It’s about my daughter, Caleb.” 
     She understood, though suspected he did not, that was more the euphemism than the cruel truth.  “One would think it would be because of your daughter you’d help.  I know being a mother you must understand the pain my sister’s child is feeling.” 
     “You don’t understand.” 
     “Help me understand.” 
     “I can’t.” 
     “You can.” 
     “Please…” 
     “What does your daughter have to do with this?” 
     “I can’t help you because David Masters is her father.”
 
What is your proudest mom moment?

There isn’t a moment that goes by that I am not proud of Jessy. She is bright, vivacious and for being so young, she sees the good in people that others might miss.

Excerpt:
     Before either said a word, Jessy ran into the kitchen, jumped into her mother’s arms kissed, and asked, “Who’s that?” 
Donna followed behind and responded, “Ah, Mister Wonderful-eyes.” 
     He nodded an acknowledgement.
     Jessy stared and then ran up closer to stare even more closely.  “Mommy, they are hug me eyes.” 
 
What is the most valuable thing your mother taught you?

When you give love, it is unconditional and forever.

Excerpt:
     Jessy asked Caleb to re-sing his Nosey song.  “For you gentle-eyes anything.”   And he did.
     She giggled. "Mommy's sleeping," Jessy said in a quiet voice as she began to regale Caleb with tales of bunnies and armadillos.  He'd glance at her every now and then in the rearview mirror to check to make certain her seat belt stayed secure and, oh, of course to sip of her glorious smile.  They stopped at an intersection.  He turned in his seat to face her.  She had unzipped her jacket and for the first time he noticed Jessy wore a unique, obviously handmade stone amber-tone arrowhead necklace attached to a woven fine hemp cord.  "Where did you get that necklace, sweetie-button-nose with the gorgeous eyelashes?"
     She giggled.  "Mommy gave it to me.”
     “It looks special.”
     “It is.”
     “Did she tell you where she got it?”
     “Uh-huh!” 
     “Where sugar eyes?”
     “From her box of memories.”
     “Did she say how she got?”
     “Uh-huh.” “How giggle face?”
     “She said it was from her first love." 
     A flash of something entered Caleb's gaze.  He shook his head in wonderment, stared down at Katrina's ethereal beauty and felt a smile grow from the inside out.  Jessy quickly reverted to her ‘dillo story, and Caleb listened, but part of his mind drifted elsewhere, wondering about that first love.
 
Tell us about your daughter. Does she take after you at all?

Jessy has amazing instincts and seems to notice things on a different level. Somehow, though, the haunting I sense in our apartment doesn’t seem to affect her adversely. It is as if she understands it’s a kind spirit.
As for being like me, I was always more bashful and self-conscience than Jessy, and not as quick to laugh. My Jessy, throws herself happily into every situation and has an independent streak that I fully admire. However, now and then, she worries about acceptance and she probably does get that from me.

Excerpt: (dialogue about meeting Caleb’s four year old nephew)
     Jessy pursed her lips thoughtfully.  “He’s a big boy.  Big boys don’t like little girls.”
      “Are you fun?” asked Caleb.  His voice was inquisitive. 
     “Yes.” 
     “Do you laugh?” 
     “Yes,” she giggled. 
     “Show me!” 
     She tried, “You are silly.” 
     “Can you run?”  “Fast!”
     “How could he not like such an adorable and perfect little girl?” Caleb refuted.  “I know I do.” 
     A bright smile widened Jessy’s lips, and she initiated an animated conversation that lasted over fifteen minutes.  Finally winded, Jessy plucked her stuffed gray and black ninestriped armadillo off the seat next to her and hugged it close as she stared out the window.  
 
OK, how about some This or That?  

June Cleaver or Morticia Adams? 
I think the way I approach life is more like June Cleaver, but the circumstances surrounding my life resembles Morticia Adams’ life.

Curlers to bed or lucky to remember a morning comb through?
 
When it comes to curlers to bed or lucky to remember a morning comb through, I am more the knot it up and forget gal.

Carol Brady or the Dowager Countess? 
Oh definitely I am more a Carol Brady than a Downton Abbey dowager countess. Having said that, give me a good old period piece to watch and I am hooked.

Home cooked or take out? 
Owning a restaurant makes it easy to gather up a home cooked meal, but I don’t mind when Caleb shows up with take out, or cooks a meal for me. For someone so manly, he certainly knows his way around a kitchen.

Fine China or paper plates? 
I adore fine china over paper plates, and the older the better. Only, I like my china mismatched and never complain about a chip.

Wash your mouth out with soap or pay the swear jar? 
Though my own mother would certainly grab the lavender soap to wash out my mouth or my sister’s, I go the sear jar route. Everything takes like soap for days, and I couldn’t do that to my little Jessy. Then again, she would put buttons and Legos in the swear jar.
 
 Thank you so much for the visit, and I hope to see you in the pages of my chaotic and harrowing world.
 ~Kit Cante

So glad you could be here, Kit. Here's more about Naked Twister:

Once a professional cult deprogrammer who had lived on the edge of danger, Katrina “Kit” Cante now devotes herself to a Philadelphia Society Hill restaurant and her three-year old daughter. Caleb McBride, though, needs Katrina to rescue his sister from David Masters' cult and intends to force Katrina out of retirement. 
 
Neither one is prepared for the provocative feelings that they arouses in each other so easily.  At the same time neither anticipated being haunted or being the heinous focus of Masters’ psychotic attentions.

For more about Angelica Hart & Zi and their projects:
angelicahartandzi.com (all books can be bought through the webpage)
http://dawnsreadingnook.blogspot (Writers Write... Writing Partners Feud - Every Thursday)
https://thewritersvineyard.blogspot.com/ (Monthly)
http://champagnebooks.blogspot.com/ (Tattle and Wrye Reviews 1st of every month)

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Mom interview ~ Mrs. Elizabeth Luparell

5/18/2017

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Mothers have taken over my blog this month - and they've brought a giveaway, so be sure to enter! Today Mrs. Elizabeth Luparell from Celia Breslin's book, Jasmine Moon is here with us.

We're so glad you could join us, Mrs. Luparell. Perhaps you could share with us what you see as the most challenging aspect of motherhood?

 
Oh my goodness, my dear, mothers face so many parenting challenges. When my three three Wolf shifter children were toddlers, for example, I wished I could clone myself to keep up with all of them, especially when they would run off in different directions in the forest around our home.
 
That would be challenging! Now, what would you say is your proudest mom moment?
 
Bless your heart for asking. My youngest child and only daughter, Lexi is marrying her childhood friend and soul mate, Jake. I’m so proud of her for following her heart and trusting in love.
 
My mom used to say “I’ve had it up to here!” and “Who do you think you are?” a lot. What is your go-to momism?
 
::chuckles:: “Take it outside, Luparells!” My children were so energetic, all day, every day.  I can’t tell you how much broken furniture and other household items we lost to their antics.
 
I can imagine! So tell us, what is the most valuable thing your mother taught you?
 
When your life feels out of control, when you feel like you’re hanging on by one, weak thread… Stop. Close your eyes. And breathe. It’s important to take small moments for yourself.
 
Sound advice! So tell us about your kids. Do they take after you at all?
 
I have three wonderful children, all adults now, and hopefully making me grandchildren very soon!  My eldest, Evan is in the technology business with his brother Ross. Their younger sister Lexi is a wonderful artist. I’d like to think they take after me a little bit. They have my eyes. Whiskey eyes, my husband says. My kids love the outdoors, as do I. As for their personalities, they’re as different as night and day, unique and special. Thanks for asking.
 
How about some This or That?
 
Bacon & eggs or cereal & milk?
Bacon and eggs. Wolf shifters require plentiful protein.

Themed party or meet for drinks?
Themed party.

Cosmopolitan or beer?
Guinness. And whiskey.

Mini-van or Cooper mini?
Pickup truck.

Home cooked or take out?
Home-cooked. Preferably by my gifted sister-in-law.

Paper plates or Fine China?
Both. Depends on the occasion, dear.
 
Thanks so much for being here, Mrs. Luparell! Here's more about the book, Jasmine Moon:

Tech mogul and workaholic wolf Evan Luparell has little time for distractions but takes a break for his brother’s wedding in South Dakota. When asked to escort another wedding attendee from the airport to Los Lobos, he agrees. Then he meets the curvy spitfire, and she ignores him.
 
Designer and wolf Mina Carver didn’t mean to be rude to the handsome, glowering man claiming to be her ride, but she was busy working. Now she must endure a ride to the Black Hills with the cranky but sexy dominant wolf. Unexpected mating energy sparks between them, but still—should she dismiss, or kiss him?
 
Kisses win and they agree upon a no-strings fling. But with each wedding activity throwing them together, and their powerful chemistry and mate compatibility complicating matters, can two workaholics truly have their fun then walk away?
 
Available at:
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Jasmine-Moon-Black-Hills-Wolves-ebook/dp/B01GKB9WMO/
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Jasmine-Moon-Black-Hills-Wolves-ebook/dp/B01GKB9WMO/
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/jasmine-moon-celia-breslin/1123876933
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/jasmine-moon-black-hills-wolves-49
Bookstrand: http://www.bookstrand.com/jasmine-moon-black-hills-wolves-49
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Celia_Breslin_Jasmine_Moon_Black_Hills_Wolves_49?id=Dw5IDAAAQBAJ
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/nz/book/jasmine-moon/id1120906279?mt=11
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/640868

And now, here's more about the author, Celia Breslin:
 
Celia lives in California with her husband, daughter, and two feisty cats. She writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance, and has a particular fondness for werewolves, vampires, and the Fae. When not writing, you’ll find Celia exercising, reading a good book, hanging with her family, or indulging her addiction to Joss Whedon’s TV shows and movies.
 
Web site: http://www.celiabreslin.com/
 
Blog: http://www.celiabreslin.com/blog/
 
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/celiabreslin
 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CeliaBreslinAuthor
 
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/CeliaBreslin
 
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/celiabreslin/
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celiabreslin/
 
Newsletter:  http://eepurl.com/bxqwRL

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Mom interview ~ Julie Lavoie

5/15/2017

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I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day! Speaking of moms, I have a mom character from J.S. Marlo's book, Thin Ice with me today. Why don't you introduce yourself, Julie?

​Hi! I’m Julie Lavoie, Thierry’s mother in Thin Ice. I swear that child of mine will be the death of me one day.
 
Okay, tell us more. What do you see as the most challenging aspect of motherhood?
 
To let go and worry less about my son’s choices and whereabouts. I know I raised him well, so after eighteen years, you think I would have figured out how to turn off the “mother” switch. Well, I’m still trying to locate that switch…
 
I see. And what would you say is your proudest mom moment?
 
When Thierry was about ten-years-old, he stood up—alone—against an abusive coach and fought for justice. It defined the amazing young man he became, and though it came at a cost, I couldn’t have been prouder.
 
What is the most valuable thing your mother taught you?
 
My mother taught me to be independent, to pursue an education and not to rely on anyone. So, what did I do? I eloped at eighteen to follow my heart and pursue my dreams. As a mother, I taught my son the value of integrity and hard work and encouraged him to listen to his heart and never give up his dreams.
 
Tell us about your kids. Do they take after you at all?
 
Though we would have loved more children, my late husband Matthieu and I were only blessed with one child. Thierry. Between you and me, I haven’t lost faith yet I might be given another chance at motherhood, but my internal clock is sure ticking like a bomb.
 
My son Thierry is an eighteen-years-old goaltender who plays junior hockey for a Canadian team. He doesn’t look for trouble, but trouble seems to chase after him. He’s on his way to attend an outdoor tournament in Spokane right now and I’m trying to rein in the bad feelings gnawing my insides.
 
Thierry takes after his dad. Same sense of duty, same work ethics, same sense of adventure, and same physique. Thankfully Thierry isn’t as reckless as his dad, which isn’t much of a consolation considering Matthieu was a fighter pilot in the Canadian Air Force until his plane crashed.
 
Sometimes I wonder if Thierry inherited anything from me—except my eyes.
 
Now let's try some This or That? :
 
Bacon & eggs or cereal & milk?
 
Cereal & milk for breakfast on weekdays. Bacon & eggs for brunch on weekends.
 
Curlers to bed or lucky to remember a morning comb through?
 
Are you telling me I’m supposed to care about styling my hair? I wash it and I brush it, that’s it! The only day it looks amazing is when I come back from the hairdresser.
 
Minivan or Cooper mini?
 
Minivan, though I admit I like the rental SUV I’m currently driving while my beloved minivan is being repaired. Can you believe the tailgate of a pickup truck sliced through the passenger doors of my minivan while spinning in the icy parking lot of my office?
 
Home cooked or take out?
 
It depends on the day, how tired I am, and if I’m eating alone. Take out is more convenient, but it rarely tastes as good as home cooked meals.
 
Paper plates or Fine China?
 
Well, I don’t like cutting anything in paper plates. It tends to cut through and make a mess on the table. On the other hand, I’m clumsy, so I’m afraid to use Fine China and chip or break a piece. So, I use cheap “everyday” dishes -- and still feel bad when I drop, bang, or break something.
 
Wash your mouth out with soap or pay the swear jar?
 
Though I have an extensive knowledge of “colorful” words, both in French and in English, I never utter them out loud. I “swear” my son didn’t learn any of them from me.

Thanks so much for stopping by, Julie! Here's more about Thin Ice:

Can the truth unleash the past and set their hearts and minds free?
***
Thierry Leboeuf, an eighteen-year-old goaltender, witnesses the drug problems plaguing his teammates. On the verge of exposing the traffickers, he vanishes on his way to a hockey tournament. 
Julie Lavoie is no stranger to personal tragedy, but as she contemplates giving love a second chance, she must face her fears regarding the occupation of Rubens “Luke” Lucas, a federal agent embroiled in an explosive investigation.
The sudden disappearance of her only son tests Julie’s courage and determination. She welcomes Luke’s help to search for Thierry, but their two investigations intertwine, jeopardizing her chances of ever seeing her son again.

To Buy the Book:

Champagne Books: http://champagnebooks.com/store/index.php?id_manufacturer=169&controller=manufacturer
 
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Thin-Ice-Heart-Endurance-Book-ebook/dp/B072DXQ524/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
 
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/thin-ice-21

For more about author J. S. Marlo:

Website: https://sites.google.com/site/jsmarloauthor/home
 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005715001393
 
Twitter: @JSMarloAuthor
 
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2079858.J_S_Marlo


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Mom Interview ~ Moira Robbins

5/11/2017

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The Mother of all Character Interviews continue here on my blog! Today's guest mom is Moira Robbins, from Veronica Hart's novel, The Prince of Keegan Bay. She is 34 years old, mother of Hamilton Robbins, aka Hamid al Wafiki, the Crown prince of Kushawa. She has since married her hero, Vance Everhardt.

So, Moira, what do you see as the most challenging aspect of motherhood?
At first it was keeping my son safe from KARP, the Kushawan Alliance of Royal Princes. They set out to assassinate him before he turned six months old. Now it is keeping him safe living in the rocky mountains inside a well-protected compound, but an area still rife with predatory animals and snakes.

What is your proudest mom moment?
It was on Christmas day when Ham turned six months old and I could still hold him in my arms. The assassins lost their chance to kill him before his official name day. He is now and will always be the Crown Prince of Kushawa.

My mom used to say “I’ve had it up to here!” and “Who do you think you are?” a lot. What is your go-to momism?
Now that we're several years beyond that episode and living safely in the Colorado foothills, my biggest concern is that he be safe from predators, like bobcats and rattle snakes. Mostly I find myself saying, "Have you got your leather boots on and your cellphone in your pocket?" before he goes out to play.

What is the most valuable thing your mother taught you?
I think it is that I should go for what I want in life. I grew up in a very small farming community in upstate New York. Not many kids went on to college. I did. Mom always encouraged me supported all my decisions right up until she drew her dying breath. She was the best mother in the world. I always wish I had been there for her those last few days, but she saw to Hamid's safety in spite of her sudden turn.

Tell us about your kids. Do they take after you at all?
Hamilton looks very much like his father, except for the red hair he got from me. Vanessa resembles her father, Vance; and Jessie is a great composite of the two of us. As for taking after me, I'd say Vanessa is most like me, personality-wise. At six, she's a tomboy and loves following Ham around the property. The two of them are always trying to elude their body guards. So far, after seven years out here, no one seems to be looking for us any longer. But, you never know about the middle eastern dynasties. 

And now, how about some 'This or That?' 

Bacon & eggs or cereal & milk?
Bacon and eggs, pancakes, berries.
Themed party or meet for drinks?
Meet for drinks, spontaneously. It's not good for people to know my schedule, so everything is always last minute.
Cosmopolitan or beer?
Actually, a single malt scotch. Sometimes a martini when we're out.
Home cooked or take out?
Home cooked. Vance and I love to work together in the kitchen, and the nearest take-out is about forty-five miles away.
Neiman Marcus or Walmart?
What's a Walmart?

Thanks so much for joining us today, Moira. And now, more about The Prince of Keegan Bay:
Based on the ancient Kushawan legend, the infant Hamilton Robbins must die before Christmas night. Seventy-year-old Doll Reynolds calls together residents of Keegan Bay to save him.

When the American born heir to the kingdom of Kushawa is hidden in an age-qualified retirement community, a battle of wits and tactics develops between the Kushawan Alliance of Royal Princes (KARP), determined to eliminate the infant, and a group of senior citizens, The Blenders, equally determined to save him. Doll Reynolds pulls the residents into a unified group while the baby's mother, Moira Robbins, risks her life to lure the KARP assassins away from her child.


To buy the book:
http://champagnebooks.com/store/index.php?controller=search&orderby=position&orderway=desc&search_query=The+Prince+of+Keegan+Bay

For more about Veronica Hart and her projects: 

www.veronicahhart.com
​Writing about Historical, Humorous, Adventurous, and always Strong, Women

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Mom Interview ~ Marbella Wellingway

5/8/2017

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Make your bed and wash behind those ears! The moms have arrived on my blog. Today I'm interviewing Marbella Wellingway from Ron D. Voigts' novel, The Fortune Teller's Secret.

So what is this all about, Audra?

I am doing an interview of a “mom character” for my blog “Audra Writes.” Ron Voigts suggested you from his book, The Fortune Teller’s Secret.

(Marbella clears throat, sounding like a chipmunk.) I am honored.

If you are ready, let’s try this. What do you see as the most challenging aspect of motherhood?

I don’t have to think long on that. Getting your child to realize that Mother isn’t an old fuddy-duddy or stupid. I am sixty-four years old and my daughter questions my actions, advice, and wisdom. When she was eight she believed I knew everything and now—? (Squeaks again.)

What is your proudest mom moment?

(Marbella smiles.) When my daughter, Alexandra, was twelve she found her great-great-grandmother’s spell book. Asked me to teach her some things. I was quite happy she took an interest in her witch heritage. She showed a real aptitude for casting spells. Opening locks with an incantation was here strong point. Couldn’t keep her in her room after that. She didn’t give two hoots for potions and herbal penchants.

My mom used to say “I’ve had it up to here!” and “Who do you think you are?” a lot. What is your go-to momism?

That is an easy one. “You’ll be the death of me yet.” And she will be too!

Tell us about your daughter. Does she take after you at all?

Alexandra and I are nothing alike. Night and day. Oil and water. We are polar opposites. I enjoy gourmet meals, a glass of cognac, and the opera. She is pizza, beer, and heavy metal music.

You mean you two never see eye-to-eye?

Well, we have our moments. When the chips down, she is there for me and I for her.

Let’s try something different. Something called “This or that?” Ready? Themed party or meet for drinks?

Themed party of course. I always loved a mask ball.

Wash your mouth out with soap or pay the swear jar?

What’s a swear jar?

Okay. Let’s try another. Cosmopolitan or beer?

I already told you I don’t like beer. This is a silly game.

I’ll take that as a Cosmopolitan. Downton Abbey’s dowager countess or Carol Brady?

Do you mean which am I most like? Well, not Carol Brady? Could not stand to have those six rug-rats under foot. I guess that means the Countess.

Curlers to bed or lucky to remember a morning comb through?

To be truthful, I do my own hair. I use to go to a little beauty shop downtown, but they never got it right. I don’t have to do much to my hair. (Touches a frizzy edge.)

Audra: Let’s call that one a tossup.

Oh, look at the time. I have a bridge game at three. Got to run. Ta-ta.
(She hustles off.)
​
Ta-ta, Ms. Wellingway! Here's more about The Fortune Teller's Secret:

A dead man on a Ferris wheel and a cold-case murder take Cavendish Brown into a world of carnival kooks, ghosts, and killers. The annual carnival comes to Maiden Falls, a small town in the West Virginia Mountains, but everything is not merry. The ghost of a woman appears to Cavendish Brown, a carnival worker lies dead aboard a car on the Ferris wheel, and a bullied teenager plots to kill people at the carnival with a homemade bomb. More complications arise. Cavendish again butts heads with the local sheriff, Clinton Pike. Marbella Wellingway, owner of the newspaper where Cavendish works, receives a visit from the Angel of Death. And a Fortune Teller at the carnival knows something that could forever change Cavendish’s life. With the aid of Jane, a disturbed psychic, and Alexandra, a Goth witch, he must find the killer, help the mystery woman, and risk his life to prevent more deaths.


To Buy the Book:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Fortune-Tellers-Cavendish-Paranormal-Mystery-ebook/dp/B06X9ZG7P6/
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-fortune-teller-s-secret-2
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/706690
CBG: http://champagnebooks.com/store/index.php?id_product=686&controller=product

For more info about author Ron D. Voigts and his projects:
http://www.authorrondvoigts.com/
https://twitter.com/RonDVoigts (@RonDVoigts)
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4939421.Ron_D_Voigts
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorRonDVoigts/



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Mom interview ~ Sybil

5/4/2017

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The mom interviews continue here on my blog! Today we have Sybil from author Andrea Cooper's book, Lyric.

Welcome, Sybil! Tell us, what do you see as the most challenging aspect of motherhood?

Learning to let go. Allowing kids to make mistakes and fix them on their own.
 
So true! How about 'momisms?' My mom used to say “I’ve had it up to here!” and “Who do you think you are?” a lot. What is your go-to momism?

Because I said so.
 
That's a true classic. What would you say is the most valuable thing your mother taught you?

Standing up for myself and following my heart.

 
Tell us about your kids. Do they take after you at all?

Cassandra has my siren voice, but as a half-breed, she can’t woo females, just males to her lair.


A siren voice, you say? That's a powerful legacy! Why don't you answer these This or That questions while I go find some earplugs...

June Cleaver or Morticia Adams? 
Morticia Adams

Themed party or meet for drinks? 
Drinks

Cosmopolitan or beer?
Cosmopolitan
Home cooked or take out?
Take out
Neiman Marcus or Walmart?
Please, Neiman Marcus

Wash your mouth out with soap or pay the swear jar?
Pay the swear jar

Well, thanks so much for joining us, Sybil! Order yourself a cosmo on me.

Here's more about Lyric by Andrea Cooper:


No man can resist a siren's song...

Half-siren/Half-succubus Cassie must convince a CEO to give her interior decorating company a chance at his offices in order to stay in the black. But even after using her persuasive voice, he refuses. What can she do to change his mind?

Daniel Davis has a secret he’s paid hundreds of thousands to keep that way. Now when exotic Cassie marches into his office, he can’t stop thinking about her and makes her an offer. Be his date for a high-profile party and he’ll consider her company for his office redecorating project.

After an accident, Cassie gives Daniel her blood to heal him. Trouble is, if she can’t keep him alive, he’ll become a soulless ghoul.

Worse, someone is out to kill him. Can Cassie keep him alive…both in fighting her nature and from whoever is after him?


Buy Link for Lyric:
 
Amazon/ KU : http://a.co/c64SbkO

About the Author:
Andrea has always created characters and stories. But it wasn't until she was in her late twenties that she started writing novels.


What happened that ignited the writing flame in her fingers? Divorced, and disillusioned by love songs and stories. They exaggerate. She thought. Love and Romance are not like that in the real world. Then she met her husband and realized, yes love and romance are exactly like the songs and stories say. She is now a happy wife, and a mom to three kids (two boys and a girl).

Andrea writes paranormal and historical romance. When not writing or reading, one may findAndrea dancing in Zumba.

She believes in the power of change and counting each moment as a blessing.
 But most importantly, she believes in love.
 
Author Website: www.AndreaRCooper.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndreaRCooper.author
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AndreaRCooper

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6934877.Andrea_R_Cooper


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Mom Interview ~ Ann Everett's Pattiecake McAlister

5/1/2017

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Be sure to tuck in your shirt and eat your veggies - it's the Mother of all Character Interviews month here on my blog! A new author & mom character will be featured every few days - plus there's a giveaway! Today author Ann Everett's Pattie McAlister steps out of the pages of the Tizzy/Ridge trilogy and takes over my blog.

Tell us, Mrs. McAlister, what do you see as the most challenging aspect of motherhood?
 
I think the answer to this changed over time. When the kids were small, it was keeping the peace, but as they got older, I think it became giving them freedom. I’ve always liked to keep my chicks close to the nest, so letting go was difficult.
 
 What is your proudest mom moment?
 
After Tizzy went to college, she wrote a letter to me and her dad to say what a good job we’d done leading by example. On days when I get overwhelmed, I take the letter out and read it again!
 
 My mom used to say “I’ve had it up to here!” and “Who do you think you are?” a lot. What is your go-to momism?
 
 “You’re making me crazy!”  “Excuse me, I forgot you know everything!”
 
 Tell us about your kids. Do they take after you at all?
 
That’s a hard one. In appearance, I think Dan looks like his dad and Tizzy looks like me. In personality, I’m not sure either take after me or their daddy! They’re both a little head strong and stubborn.
 
This or That?  

Themed party or meet for drinks?
Since I own a bakery, it’s definitely themed party. We host many of those at the shop. I’ve also been known to throw a wing-ding at my house!
 
Mini-van or Cooper mini?
Mini Van. A mini Cooper wouldn’t begin to have enough room for all of my stuff!
 
Home cooked or take out?
Home cooked most of the time, but getting take out now and again is really nice.
 
Neiman Marcus or Walmart?
My daughter, Tizzy loves a sale at Neiman’s, but I rarely have time to make the trip. The closest one is in Dallas, which is about two hours away, so I have to do most of my shopping at Walmart or online.

Thanks so much for stopping by, Mrs. McAlister. To read more about this character, check out Laid Out and Candle Lit:

Tizzy Donovan is having a run of bad luck. A bakery delivery gone wrong. A bar fight with an old classmate. The discovery of a dead body in the cemetery.

Texas Ranger Ridge Cooper’s luck isn’t much better. He’s finally gotten his first solo case, and it’s in the Podunk town of Brownsboro, Texas. But when he meets local beauty, Tizzy, he thinks his luck is about to change, until she becomes the prime suspect in his case! 

For more about author Ann Everett ~ NYT Best Selling Author (that’s New York, Texas, population 26):
Website: http://www.anneverett.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAnnEverett/
Twitter     http://www.twitter.com/TalkinTwang
Pinterest   http://www.pinterest.com/loacl/  
Amazon author page   http://www.amazon.com/author/ann.everett 

Don't forget to enter the rafflecopter to win Ann's Cookbook, Sweet Thangs plus four other ebooks!

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    Audra Middleton is a somewhat neurotic and terminally sarcastic author and mother of three from Washington State.

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