Author Interview: Sherry Chamblee

I'm really delighted today to introduce Sherry Chamblee. Sherry is the author of Babel, a historical novel set in Old Testament times. The premise of this book is unique, and as I read more about it from Sherry's interview I found myself becoming so intrigued that I'd like to offer three free downloads in a drawing. All you have to do is leave an encouraging comment and a means to contact (email or facebook) to enter the drawing. But be sure to read more about Sherry and her book, Babel, first!

Tell us a little about yourself?I am married to a wonderful man named Richard, and we have six children. We live in the San Fernando Valley of southern California with a cat named Happy.

Tell us about your writing journey. What led you to do this?Some of my very earliest memories are of telling myself stories, yet for some reason I did not start writing them down until I was much older. I always loved to read, and through books I found that I was transported to other worlds and places. Finally I began writing my stories down during a trying time in my life, and found that it was an incredible stress-reliever for me. When my husband first saw some of my writing he was very encouraging. Because of him I have kept working on my writing.

Please tell us a little about your new book.Babel is a story that developed over years. For quite a long time I had wanted to write a story set in Old Testament times, surrounding a Bible story, but not involving Bible characters. The Tower of Babel especially has always fascinated me, there seem to be so many mysteries surrounding it. My book is about two people who find themselves wrapped up in a generations-long struggle surrounding the building of the Tower of Babel - the original conspiracy theory. Jaiyl, a young girl from a mysterious family, has secrets of her own that she is too afraid to reveal. When she meets Van, a young man from a remote mountain village, she must decide if she can trust him with all her secrets. Together they must learn to trust God and each other, while they fight to save those they love.

Where do you find inspiration for your writing, and how did the ideas for these books come to you?I find inspiration everywhere. Sometimes an idea comes to me from an experience in my own life, or observing other people. One story has come from genealogical research of my ancestors, and others have come just from letting my imagination wander.

What message do you hope readers will take from it?The message I would hope readers see in Babel is that God’s love overcomes all obstacles, but not always in the way we plan. Oftentimes God’s plan looks nothing like our own, yet it’s always for the best. I’ve learned that people will come away with different messages though, sometimes things that I didn’t envision even while writing the book.

Do you have a favorite scene from your book, and why is it your favorite? There’s quite a few different scenes I really enjoyed writing. Usually they were the ones I think of as funny, showing a lighter side to this story. In real life people can find humor in the midst of trying situations, and that is what I wanted to show.

Care to share an excerpt? This isn’t a humorous excerpt, but it is one that I liked writing. She watched Thad at his table, writing by the light of a candle, and Jaiyl felt almost as if she had been transported back in time. The dark little cabin, filled with the smell of musty books, burning oil, and ink reminded her of another place and another time. The old prophet looked enough like her long ago friend Micah that she stopped and gasped in alarm, almost believing that Josiah might run in behind her with his sisters and brothers, laughing and joking. Quick tears leaped into her eyes, which she hastily wiped away hoping Van had not seen them. She watched in awe as Thad placed his quill down, picked up another and wrote a single word, then discarded the new quill and took up the first one again. She immediately knew that Thad must be of the same family, one who belonged to God, another like Micah and Rachel and Josiah.

When she could speak again she quietly approached the old man’s side.

"You write?" Jaiyl asked.

"Yes."

"Important things?"

"Oh yes, all-important."

"Are you a recorder?"

"Yes, of sorts....perhaps more accurately - a preserver."

"What do you preserve?"

"Signs, clues to the riddle."

"Riddle?"

"The riddle of the Tower."

Jaiyl paused at Thad's mention of a tower, seeming to recognize and accept something significant in Thad's answer.

"Ahh yes, that riddle," she continued. "Do you have the answer yet?"

At her question Thad looked up sharply. Seeming to actually take notice of Jaiyl for the first time he said, "Not quite, but almost..."

"I see."

Thad stayed silent for a moment, looking into Jaiyl’s eyes, then searching her form, gaze coming to rest on a curious golden bracelet she wore on her left wrist. Seeing his interest in it, Jaiyl twisted the delicate band to show him the symbol of who she was. What seemed like an age ago, Jaiyl had almost left the bracelet behind in her tent in the desert, but something had compelled her to keep it. She was still not sure if that had been a wise choice, and even now knew she was taking a chance in revealing herself to this stranger.

Thad looked shocked and suddenly guarded. “I have seen you in the scrolls.”

Plans for anything new?Right now I’m working on the sequel for Babel. It still has some development to do before it’s ready. I’ve also got some short stories, one is about a youth pastor that finds himself in the middle of a murder mystery. I’ve also got a young adult series I’m working on involving a college girl that solves mysteries and gets into all sorts of trouble while she’s doing it.

Do you have a favorite author or book that has impacted your life?I have read quite a few Janette Oke books, and I would say she impacted my decision to start writing. Her books are easy to read, about simple people, simple times, but engaging characters.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?I like to garden, make quilts, and of course read when I get a chance.

Where can readers buy your book and where can they learn more about you?My book is available on Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/35403 where it can be downloaded for Nook, Kindle, Palm Doc, as a PDF, LRF, RTF, Plain Text, or viewed as a webpage. It can also be bought directly through Amazon Kindle. I can be reached at chamblees@juno.com, or on my blog at http://schamblee.tumblr.com/

Stephanie Burkhart has ANOTHER Book Out!

Well Stephanie Burkharts has been one busy lady because she's got another story out, this time an Inspiratinal in a new Anthology. I'm excited to have her back to tell us about this new release, and hope to have her visit next month, too, when another new book of hers comes out! If you've not had the privilege of meeting this Stephanie, here's a little about my friends.

Shawna: Welcome Steph. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Steph: Shawna, thanks so much for having me here today. Let me just share a little about me: I was born in Manchester, New Hampshire. After graduating from Central High, I joined the US Army. I spent 11 years in the military, 7 in Germany. I left the Army in 1997 and settled in California, but my favorite football team is still the New England Patriots. I work for LAPD as a 911 dispatcher. I've been married for 19 years. I have two boys, Andrew, 8, and Joseph, 4. Little Odd fact: The 3 Wise Men are rumored to be buried at the Cathedral in Koln, Germany. I've been there several times.

Shawna: Tell us about your writing journey.

Steph: I've been writing since I was a little girl, but I never took it seriously until I left the Army in 1997. I joined Writing.com to help hone my craft and participated in several writing contests hosted by Writer's Digest. My best showing was 8th in the Mainstream/Literary category for my short story, "Spontaneous Decision" in the 2008 contest. After self-publishing a couple of novels, I'm now working with small presses.

Shawna: Please tell us about your new story.

Steph: "A Polish Heart" is a sweet family/inspirational short included in the Victory Tales Press spring/Easter anthology. Darrin Riverton is an architect from Newport, R.I. who is hired by a Polish construction company to help with the National Stadium which is under construction in Warsaw. (The National Stadium is a soccer stadium) When he falls for his beautiful Polish interpreter, will Sophia's faith give him his heart back?

Shawna: Where do you find the inspiration for your writing?

Steph: I start with a basic idea. For "A Polish Heart" I knew I wanted to write an international contemporary. Since the story was to have a strong Easter/family theme, I drew on my own Easter traditions. I'm Polish and when I was younger, we had strong Easter customs. From there, I set the story in Warsaw and did some online research. From the research I discovered the National Stadium and the story grew from there.

Shawna: What message do you hope readers will take away from the story?

Steph: God is always there for you. Always.

Shawna: Do you have a favorite author?

Steph: My favorite author is JK Rowling, but I would be remiss not to give a shot out to Victoria Holt, Judith McNaught, and Lisa Kleypas.

Shawna: What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Steph: Going to the gym and working out. I like watching Star Trek with my boys.

Shawna: Would you like to share an excerpt?

Steph: Sure! "A Polish Heart" is a sweet inspirational/family romance in the Victory Tales Press Spring/Easter Anthology.

Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lC6_397PerU

Blurb: When Darrin falls for his beautiful Polish interpreter, will Sophia's faith give him his heart back?

GOODIE TIME: Leave a comment and win an autographed print copy of the Anthology. I'll be back tomorrow to announce the winner.

The Set up: Darrin and Sophia are going shopping at a local market.

Darrin grabbed his leather jacket and wallet and locked the door behind him. A bit more confident now, he had no problems finding the train station and buying a ticket. One proverb he'd read last night had been lingering in the back of his mind. It was Proverbs 13:11: "Wealth quickly gotten dwindles away, but amassed little by little it grows." His parents had amassed much, but had superficial friends to go with their materialistic lifestyle.

Wealth, true wealth, was found in one's heart. It consisted of love, loyalty, honesty, faith, and honor. Those riches, however, had to be earned or proven over a period of time. They were examples of wealth amassed slowly. He wanted this type of wealth in his life. Reaching for it would be one of the most daring and scariest things he'd ever done.

Did he have the courage to do it?

He'd never backed away from a challenge before. He wasn't about to now. He'd take a chance if Sofia was willing as well.

The train came to his stop. He walked up the stairs and found Sofia waiting for him, her auburn highlights shining in the sunlight. Her face glowed like a rare gem.

"Hi."

"Hi, yourself," she replied. The warmth of her smile echoed in her voice.

Darrin fell in step beside her and pointed to a busy market square filled with retail shops.

"So, why do you want a prepaid phone?" she asked. Her chocolate eyes sparkled up at him.

"Well, I want something local so you don't have to make an international call to reach me."

"Me?"

"I'd like for you to be able to call me, and I thought it would be smart to put the construction company's number in there as well."

"All right. " She paused. "Do you like veal?"

"I do."

"Mama's making breaded veal chops for dinner. She wants me to stop by the local market for a fresh loaf of bread and vegetables. Do you like peppers and corn?"

"Yep."

"Papa also wants me to buy a bottle of his favorite vodka so he can share it with you."

"Really?"

"Interestingly, you have his approval."

"I do? How did that happen?"

"I suspect he was very impressed with the fact you opened the door for me last night."

"I was just being a gentleman."

Buy Links: Print Book: Create Space: https://www.createspace.com/3579108

Ebook: Lulu: (PDF) http://www.lulu.com/product/ebook/a-springeaster-collection-sweet/15166166

Smashwords: (multiple formats) http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/48682

The Anthology is also avail on Amazon as a Print & Ebook for Kindle.

Find me on the Web at:
BLOG: http://sgcardin.blogspot.com/ WEBSITE: http://www.stephanieburkhart.com/ FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1357922219
GOODREADS: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart
Some pictures in this post are courtesy of Dreamstime.

Interview with Author Regina Andrews

My friend Regina Andrews is visiting today. Regina last visited to talk about her book, Destiny's Designs. Today she's back to tell us about her latest release, and her new series. Welcome!

Regina, for those readers who've not had the privilege of meeting you before, would you tell us a little about yourself?
Sure! But first, let me thank you so much Shawna for having me visit today. I live in Providence, Rhode Island and grew up in nearby Barrington. After graduating from Providence College I attended the University of Delaware, and eventually earned my Master’s Degree in American Civilization from Brown University. I love the ocean and am inspired by the seashore and the song of the birds…anything to do with nature. My husband and I enjoy visiting nearby Cape Cod. I love to travel and especially am crazy about France. My dream is to some day have a little week-end getaway, by the sea, about an hour’s drive away. Currently I am Manager of Web Copy Services at Ross-Simons, a national jewelry company.

Tell us about your writing journey. What led you to do this?
Well, my wonderful mother read to me as far back as I can remember and I am sure that’s why I love reading so much. Loving reading, and being a natural talker, I think writing became the next logical step. It came in handy when I didn’t have an audience to tell my stories to, I could just keep going, and write everything down. That began early on, and I just never stopped. The publishing came later.

Please tell us a little about your new book and the series. The premise of the Sterling Lakes Series is how the renovation of the church in town leads to a rebirth of the entire town itself on many levels – physically, emotionally and spiritually, to name a few. “Light of the Heart,” book one on the series, deals with the effects of a difficult childhood on the heroine, Cascade Preston, now a very successful stained-glass artist. As a child she knew her father was abusing her mother but was powerless to stop it. She was aware as a child that the town knew of the trouble in her house, yet did nothing to stop it. Her anger and resentment are so intense that she refuses to return to Sterling Lakes. However, circumstances take a turn and the project to redo the stained-glass windows in the town church becomes hers. As she is challenged to let the light of God’s love shine into her heart, she also meets the hero, Dan McQuay.

Where do you find inspiration for your writing, and how did the ideas for these books come to you?
It seems that everywhere I turn I’m hearing stories that carry a message people would love to read, stories that would touch people’s hearts.

What message to you hope readers will take from it?
I have always wanted to be able to share a mission of God's love through writing uplifting, inspiring books in His honor. It's so basic, to me -- to gladden people through reading, and to bring the Word of God to their lives in another way, and to reinforce the love of God in their hearts. How come there's so much unhappiness? It seems like there's a vast expanse waiting to be brightened!

Do you have a favorite scene from either, or both? Care to share an excerpt? I love the scene where Dan and Cascade are in the church. They don’t really know each other very well yet. I’ve attached an excerpt of that.

Thanks, Regina. I've posted the excerpt so that it follows this interview. Plans for anything new?
Yes! Just finishing book two in the series, “Angels o the Heart, due out in August.”

Do you have a favorite author or book that has impacted your life?
I know this might sound funny, but I love Defoe’s “Robinson Crusoe” and Dumas’ “The Count of Monte Cristo”. I love Dickens endlessly! Favorite book, though, hands down – my father’s Bible.

What do you do enjoy doing in you spare time?
Well, I love music, and I sing in the choir at church. My husband and I love to play mini-golf. I love to read (of course!), travel and I really like restaurants, movies, theater, hanging around with my friends and going to the gym.

Where can readers buy your book and where can they learn more about you.
Ok!
My website is http://www.reginaandrews.com/
Tweet me @ regina_eileen
And my blog door is always open: http://www.reginaandrews.wordpress.com/
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-146/Regina-Andrews-Light-of/Detail.bok


Regina, thank you so much, and best of luck with this wonderful new book. I'll be looking forward to the next in the series!

For your enjoyment, here's an excerpt from Light of the Heart

Cascade watched the sun, dappled from the leafy trees nearby, play across the firm planes of his face. "Being back here, I don't feel like anything has changed."
"Does that surprise you?" he asked.
"The way things are going lately, everything is coming as a surprise. I'm just trying to process it all."
"Want to go into the church?"
"Sounds like a great idea." She looked over at him but could not read his expression.
They walked past the dirt piles toward the front of the church. A songbird trilled in one of the rhododendron shrubs as they moved by. Sunbeams glinted off the colorful stained glass windows. At the top of the wooden staircase, Cascade held the brass handle to open the ornately carved door.
"Go on." Dan reached beyond her and held the door open for her.
She entered the vestibule, blinking her eyes as they adjusted to the darkness. Images of the past flooded her mind. Some of the good, some of them not so good. She turned to Dan. "Come with me."
"You got it."
They walked together down the main aisle. Cascade inhaled the familiar scents of wood, candle, and incense. She stopped midway and turned to face the back of the church.
"These windows are beautiful," she whispered, looking up at the large round West window. "This is where I was inspired to do what I do and to be who I am today."
"Impressive." Dan touched her arm. "Let's sit down here."
They slid into a pew and sat back against the smooth, varnished wood. Cascade slowly scanned the interior of the church, looking at each window. It was as if she were seeing it for the very first time.
She turned to say something to Dan. His eyes were closed, and he sat motionless. It looked as if he were in prayer. Could he be?
Cascade took the opportunity to admire him. His profile was softened just a bit in the filtered light. Dark hair and a firm, masculine nose were all balanced by the strong jaw line which composed the proportions of his face. His lips, curved into just a hint of a smile, were slightly parted. The shadow of his long dark eyelashes danced upon his cheek. To Cascade, he looked completely and utterly at peace.
She reached over and gave his hand a friendly pat. To her surprise, he took her hand, holding it gently in his. Warm and weathered, it fit hers just right. For a moment, she let herself feel protected. She didn't know what had happened since he walked into her life. Everything had turned topsy-turvy, but she knew one thing: Dan McQuay was some kind of wonderful.
Then she remembered his words the first time he visited her showroom: "I come into town, do the job, and leave. No ties, no friendships, no tea parties and barbecues with the neighbors. In and out."
What was she thinking? She snatched her hand away.
"What's wrong?" Dan looked at her.
"Nothing. Nothing."
"Sure there is. Your lips are all tight."
"No, I'm fine. I was honestly just thinking about you."
He smiled.
"What were you thinking?" He smiled.
She took a deep breath, and listening to all the choirs of angels rejoicing at the sight of his smile and wondered, Why me? This guy is way too dangerous. He's attractive, kind, smart…and ready to leave as soon as the job here in town is finished.
Just then, the church doors opened. A black-cassocked figure hastened towards them.
"Excuse me, excuse me. This area is restricted. Masses and confessions will be held in St. Luke's school auditorium or the rectory."
"We were just leaving, Father Greene. I'm on the construction crew, and we came in to say some prayers."
"Oh, it's you, Dan." The furrows in the priest's brow vanished. A saintly smile replaced his scowl. "By all means, children. Stay a long as you wish. We have to be extra vigilant because of the vandals."
"You've had vandalism problems, Father?" Cascade asked. "That's horrible."
The priest blessed himself. "Just dreadful, my dear. What they did to the statue of Our Blessed Mother Mary last month was unthinkable."
Cascade cupped her hands over her mouth.
"Any luck finding the culprits?" Dan asked.
"No. We have no luck here at St. Luke's."
"Well, Father I don't know about that. Maybe this is the day that all that is going to change." Dan's voice sounded strong and reassuring. He shook the priest's hand.
"There's always hope. I'm Father Greene, dear."
"Cascade Preston." She smiled and shook his hand.
Wagging his index finger, Father Greene said: "I've heard of you, but I can't remember why."
"Cascade's designing the stained-glass windows for the project, Father. She's originally from Sterling lakes."
Turning to Dan, Cascade saw him give an eager smile. What was he thinking?
"How wonderful," Father Greene blessed himself. "So good of you, Cascade, to give back so generously to the town that you called home."
"It's my pleasure, Father." Cascade answered. Did I just agree to do the windows?
"Oh bless you, my dear. Bless you." Father Greene checked his pocket watch. "It's been so nice to chat with you wonderful folks. I have confessors waiting now." Turning on his heel, he bustled off through the shadows to the door.
"What were you thinking, Dan? I haven't agreed to do the windows. Now that nice priest is going to be all disappointed and flustered when he finds out," Cascade whispered.
"He might not be," Dan answered.
"I'm infuriated. You weren't asleep at all. Were you really saying prayers?" Cascade asked as they walked down the aisle.
Dan nodded. "Were you?"
"Oh yes," she answered. "Without a doubt. Lots of special prayers. Now there's one more special intention on this list -- me getting out of helping Father Greene." She turned to face him. "You look like you're going to laugh!"
"Well, it's just that..." Dan's eyes seemed to twinkle as he looked at her. It turned Cascade's knees to jelly.
"Let's change the subject." She cleared her throat and gripped the edge of the pew to steady herself. "Before we go, I wanted to tell you that my parents were the first couple married in this church."
Dan's eyebrows shot upwards. "Quite a distinction."
"They started out with lots of hopes and dreams for a bright future, I'm sure. Life takes some funny turns." She sighed. "Look, I've been thinking, Dan, of how stubborn I've been about not working in Sterling Lakes. I've been holding on to that way of thinking for years now. It really hasn't made me any happier in the long run, to think like that. Just kept me tied to this town in a negative way. I think the fight is over. I want my life to be filled with light and beauty and color. And love. God's love."
She blinked away the tears that filled her eyes. "You were right. Abby was trying to do me a favor, and I think she did. It's through forgiveness that we are set free. Maybe it's time for me to forgive what happened in the past. At least I can start, and this might be a good first step. Plus, I would never in a million years disappoint that nice priest. Father Greene has enough to worry about without me adding to it. So if it's at all possible, could I do the windows here?"

New Contest

Got a new contest going on for several Kindle downloads of NO OTHER, and some other goodies. Click HERE for the details.

Tracy Kraus has a New Book Out!

Tracy Krauss, author of ‘edgy inspirational’ fiction, is launching her book MY MOTHER THE MAN-EATER on Feb. 24 at amazon.com. You can help Tracy achieve ‘best seller’ status by purchasing the book at amazon.com TODAY!

About the book:

Loaded with humor, action, intrigue and romance, My Mother the Man- Eater is the story of a woman whose search for meaning in life finds an unexpected outlet. Joleen Allen is on the hunt for a man. Unfortunately, every time the mother of five meets one, he falls for one of her daughters instead! At forty-four, Joleen has lived a tough life. She became a mother at 16, and her five daughters are now grown. Her ex-husband, Harold, is out of prison and back in the picture, looking for revenge. He’ll stop at nothing – even murder – to ruin Joleen’s reputation as well as her relationship with their daughters. My Mother the Man-Eater makes for some truly tempting and redemptive reading.

About the Author:

Tracy Krauss is a prolific author, playwright, director and artist. Originally from a small prairie town, she now resides in Tumbler Ridge, BC, known for its scenic mountain vistas and many waterfalls. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon and currently teaches high school Art, Drama and English. .


BONUS!
Buy MY MOTHER THE MAN-EATER on February 24 and receive loads of FREE e-gifts from these generous supporters:

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All if you buy your copy of MY MOTHER THE MAN-EATER at amazon.com on Feb. 24! These free gifts are valid on Feb. 24 only. All the links will be operational on the ‘Book Launch’ site at www.tracykrauss.com/ Click HERE for more details link: http://mytinyurl.com/d3srfsw1f1/

DISCLAIMER: This Best Seller book launch has been coordinated with the help of the ‘John 3:16 Marketing Network’ and many other generous supporters. The free gifts are deliverable electronically over the internet or by email by individual authors and supporters. They are not in any way associated with, nor deliverable by, amazon.com.

Welcome Stephanie Burkhart!

I want to congratulate Stephanie Burkhart on the release of her newest book, The Count's Lair. This is the second in the Budapest Moon series, and I LOVE the cover.

Stephanie, welcome back!

I'm excited to be here with Shawna today and take a spin on the old Oldsmobile. Thanks for having me.

Just a little about me: I was born in Manchester, New Hampshire. After graduating from Central High, I joined the US Army. I spent 11 years in the military, 7 in Germany. While in the military, I earned a BS in Political Science from California Baptist University in Riverside, CA in 1995. I left the Army in 1997 and settled in California, but my favorite football team is still the New England Patriots. I work for LAPD as a 911 dispatcher. I've been married for 19 years. I have two boys, Andrew, 8, and Joseph, 4.

SHAWNA: Thanks for being here today, Stephanie. Can you tell us a little about "The Count's Lair?"

STEPH: The Count's Lair is a paranormal romance set in Budapest, Hungary during Christmas in 1901. "The Count's Lair" is listed as "intense" by the publisher, Desert Breeze, and there are several love scenes in the story.

Count Anton Varga has struggled to put his life together after he took his family's title, but he's only encountered hardship after hardship. In the Duma's bookstore, a spark ignites between him and Lady Amelia Andrássy which Anton wants to explore. Unfortunately for him, he has a dark secret. He'll give Amelia 3 clues. Will Amelia accept Anton for the man he is?


SHAWNA: How long did it take you to write?

STEPH: Approximately 3 months. This was my 2009 NaNoWriMo project so I wrote 50K in the first month. I probably wrote 10K in December, if that, because of the holidays. I finished the novel in FEB 2010.

SHAWNA: That's impressive, and inspiring, too! Did you do a lot of research?

STEPH: I did some – for example, what was Christmas like in Hungary. I also researched composers since Amelia was a pianist and impressionist artists since Anton liked impressionist art. It was fun to learn about Beethoven, the Moonlight Sonata, and Manet.

SHAWNA: Are there any contrasts or comparisons in the story? If so, what is the meaning behind them?

STEPH: Anton's residence, Ravenwind is dark, Amelia's Eaglemere is filled with light. Anton is the moon, Amelia is the sun. Amelia's heart is reflected in the music she plays – the Sonata Pathetique, for example.

SHAWNA: Now this book isn't an inspy but it does have a spiritual message. What role does religion play in the novel?

STEPH: Religion, any religion, is a big part of our lives. The majority of Hungarians are Catholic, with some Orthodoxy and Islam percentages. In the novel, Anton's lost touch with his religion. It's Amelia and her steadfastness who reminds him he's a man, not a beast, and God loves him for who he is regardless.

SHAWNA: I really love that message, Steph! How important is the setting? Why did you set the novel in Budapest?

STEPH: Setting helps create a mood, a tone, for the story. In "The Count's Lair," I'm striving to create a gothic setting in which the reader would believe the supernatural might exist.

SHAWNA: Very cool! Have you been to Budapest?

STEPH: Yes! In 1997. Budapest is a beautiful city and its truly a crossroads where east meets west. One of my favorite landmarks was the Fisherman's Bastian. It's a ½ mile long wall on Buda Hill overlooking the Danube and Pest side of the city. The view is amazing! Anton and Amelia meet there in the prequel, "Moonlight Sonata."

SHAWNA: I'm jealous! What's next in the Budapest Moon series?

STEPH: Book 3 is called "Danube in Candlelight." It's set in Budapest, 1922 after World War I. It's the story of Morgan Duma and Adam Varga.

SHAWNA: I love that time period. Can't wait! Do you have an ebook reader?

STEPH: Yes, I have a Kindle. And I love the text to speech aspect of it. I can read books on my way to work and on my way home.

Thanks for having me today, Shawna. Enjoy this excerpt:


Anton stood next to the tree, picking out the perfect spot to begin cutting. After sizing it up, he swung his axe and sank it halfway into the trunk. With one more swing, the tree fell over.
Amelia spun around. "That was quick. I just picked out my tree."
With a laugh, Anton walked over to her and used the axe to carve a small line at the base of the tree. "Well, I've chopped trees all my life."
"You have?"
"My father thought it would build character."
She rubbed her gloved hands together. Anton thought she might be catching a chill.
"Did you like chopping trees?" she asked.
"I found it to be boring, tedious work. I didn't understand why he sent me to do it when we had servants. In hindsight, however, I do think I benefited from it, but not in the way I think he wanted me to."
"I don't understand. Why didn't he have the servants chop the wood?"
Anton took a breath, steadied himself, and looked directly at her. "Perhaps he wanted me to feel more like a servant than a noble man's son."
Her face fell. "If that was his reason, it was cruel."
He did want to be honest with her about his father, but he didn't want to weigh down the fun they were having with such a heavy anchor. Instead, he stepped into her personal space. Her cheeks were raw from the cold. He cupped them and pressed the length of his body against hers. Again, her aura sparkled to life. Her soft curves fit snugly against his muscled physique. "I don't want to talk about him right now. He's depressing. You're cold."
"I am a little cold," she replied.
"Does this warm you up?"
"Yes," she replied. Her eyes trapped his, and he found himself drowning in those simmering pools of azure blue.
He lowered his head and took her lips with his. The glow of their auras blinded him. She closed her eyes. His heart beat wildly in his chest. She pressed against him, sending his senses into a pool of delight. He trailed his lips over her jaw line to her neck. She moaned as he stoked the embers smoldering deep inside them.
She placed her hands on his chest and gently disengaged from him. "That was some kiss."
"I just wanted to keep you warm until we got back to the auto."
"That will do."

YOU TUBE BOOK TRAILER:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaiYNNpETok


The Count's Lair is avail as ebook for Kindle, B&N Nook, Sony Ereader, and Kobo. You can also download a copy from the Publisher's Website at:

http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-142/Stephanie-Burkhart-Budapest-Moon/Detail.bok

You can find me on the web at:

BLOG:
http://sgcardin.blogspot.com/

WEBSITE:
http://sgcardin.tripod.com/

FACEBOOK:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1357922219

Good Time: Leave me a comment and I'll be back tomorrow to give away a PDF copy of The Count's Lair.

Smiles
Steph

Thanks so much, Steph!

I want to remind readers that while I'm an inspy author, I enjoy books from both the inspirational and general market and therefore interview authors from both. Please remember this if you choose to purchase a book based on my recommendation.

Author Interview: Marlayne Giron

Today Marlayne Giron visits. This is her first visit to my blog and she's going to spice it up a bit with the things she has to tell us.

Welcome Marlayne!Tell us a little about yourself. Instead of my usual “typical” boring answers I’m going to tell you unusual things about myself. I cluck like a chicken to classical music (because I can’t whistle); I used to ice-skate competitively in my early 20s and I still miss it. I take in strays…not animals but people. My family has played host to several adults who needed a place to stay for awhile. A little known fact that most people don’t know about me is that I never went to college (I don’t think one year in the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising counts) and that I am totally unqualified to be an author “on paper”. My last two years of high school I took typing, drama and sewing courses because I thought I was going to be a fashion designer. What do 17 year olds know about what they want to do with the rest of their life, I ask you?

Tell us about your writing journey. What led you to do this? My writing journey started when I was 12 years old when my best friend put us into a short story as main characters in our favorite television show from the 1970s (“The Six Million Dollar Man”). We loved it so much that we took turns writing hundreds of these short stories each (and one “feature length”) story of several hundred pages (illustrated). My best friend, who aspired to be a teacher, started red-marking my stories for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors which made me so mad that it taught me to write in better English and expanded my vocabulary exponentially.

You have two books available. Please tell us a little about each. The Victor was inspired by an Amy Grant song from 30 years ago called “Fairytale” who I actually got to meet for the first time last June. She autographed my copy of the book and we took a photo together. It is a fantasy/fiction love story set in a medieval realm that retells the fall of Satan, the fall of man and the redemption of Christ’s bride the church as a good old fashioned daring do, swashbuckling story for both men and women. It is my hope that The Victor will not only be enjoyed as a “good read” but as a way to introduce people to the Gospel who have no interest in reading the Bible, going to church and hate being “witnessed to” like I used to be before I became a believer. Make a Wish is a compilation of short stories written as gifts for other people where they star in their own “wish fulfillment” story. I wrote the first story, A Gift for Henry, as a way to cheer up a quadriplegic friend who lived across the country from me and after a year and many requests I had 34 of them done. I guess you could say the stories I wrote as a kid was the impetus behind Make a Wish. These stories seemed to have struck a very deep chord in both the people for whom they were written (and those who are not) in a very profound way.

Where do you find inspiration for your writing, and how did the ideas for these books come to you? Inspiration is often a fleeting and elusive thing. It can’t be summoned at will. The inspiration for both books came unbidden to my mind and heart. The Victor as a result of an image that popped into my mind from a verse in “Fairytale”: “two princes wage the battle for eternity but The Victor has been known from the start” and the other as a desire to cheer up a friend who lived on the other side of the U.S. from me.

What message to you hope readers will take from it? The Victor was written primarily for nonbelievers and the message I hope they take away from it is that they owe the King of the Universe (Who loves and sacrificed His Son for them) their allegiance and that they have a choice to make. Make a Wish was written to bless and renew hope in fellow believers that our childlike faith is the most important thing to God. Most of the people I have written these stories for have the sense that God is revealing Himself, too because they contain so many intimate details that only He and they have knowledge of. I have been told this so many times it even gives me the goosebumps.

Do you have a favorite scene from either, or both? From The Victor it is the reunion between Joshua (the hero) and Llyonesse (the heroine) whom he had thought dead for many years. Make a Wish – the story that made me cry the hardest was “Three Wishes”.

Plans for anything new? I’m trying my hand at writing Amish fiction but not just your typical Amish fiction. Paranormal Amish Fiction! How hard could it be? Working title is Old Order Alien.

Do you have a favorite author or book that has impacted your life? Okay this time I have to give the typical, all too often provided answer because it is the truth: J.R.R.Tolkien and The Lord of the Rings. The BEST fiction book ever written, bar none. I read The Hobbit and TLotR in ONE weekend when I was 12. Then I read it again the next weekend and then once a year, every year thereafter for decades. I think I’m now overdue to read it again.

What do you do enjoy doing in you spare time? I still work part-time five days a week to pay the bills and have a family to take care of. It used to be stamping, then scrapbooking but now all I have time (and money) for is writing, book promotion, cleaning house, cooking, and occasionally entertaining. I’m a frustrated Martha Stewart on a very tight budget. I have actually had some time to read some books lately so that has been nice.

Where can readers buy your book and where can they learn more about you? I have a book website that talks about how I found faith in Jesus at age 17 as a nonreligious Jew and various other blogs (which include photos of me with Amy Grant and Nicholas Sparks holding my book): www.thevictorbook.com

The Victor is available on Amazon (paperback or Kindle version), Borders, Barnes & Noble, Family Christian Stores, Books a Million, Ebay or directly from me (I have Paypal on my website) and comes with a companion Lesson Plan for those who home-school for $10 and a free downloadable Student Workbook. Make a Wish is currently available either through me, Amazon or Createspace. To find my books on Amazon just search on my full name. All links are below:
The Victor book website: http://www.thevictorbook.com/ and http://wishfulfillmentstories.blogspot.com/
Make a Wish: https://www.createspace.com/3522475

Marlayne has a special kind of giveaway. Leave a comment for the chance to win you own wish fulfillment story.