Tuesday 28 July 2015

Blog Post - Lucien and I by Danny Wynn





Book Genre: literary fiction
Publisher: Bright Lights Big City
Release Date: Late August 1994
Buy: Amazon

Book Description:

Be Careful What You Wish For…

What if you had the chance to relive your twenties the way you really wanted them to be?

Thirty-nine-year-old David is presented with that opportunity by Lucien, a charismatic young Englishman. Ranging from downtown Manhattan to Istanbul, Majorca, and the Hamptons, the two of them live a life of excess—drugs, beautiful women, and adventure—and forge a strange but great friendship.

But with every journey, there comes a price; and in every paradise there lurks a temptress. For David, will his quest for excitement lead him to betrayal and loss?

"Wynn immerses readers in psychologically rich studies of his characters and their quiet but fraught interactions. The prose is subtle but vivid, intellectually engaged but never arid, as the author provides readers with a flurry of glittering snapshots that gradually coalesce into a picture of tarnished longings. An engrossing and vibrant...meditation on friendship and the deep currents that run beneath its surface." 
—Kirkus Review

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Author Bio:

Danny Wynn is a full-time fiction writer, and before that, he was an executive in the record industry and part-time fiction writer. He has lived in New York City, Los Angeles, and London, and now makes his home in the West Village with his wife and two children. His other favorite place in the world (after the West Village) is the island of Mallorca, Spain

He is currently finishing two novels.

Danny describes himself as a creature in search of exaltation. In addition to attending the original Woodstock Music Festival, some of the other great concerts he’s been to include: Roxy Music on the Avalon Tour at Radio City, Bon Iver at Town Hall and subsequently at Radio City, The National at BAM and later at The Beacon, and The Waterboys at the Hammersmith Palais, Bruce on his solo tour, U2 on Zooropa and later tours, Dylan on the right night, and Van on the right night.

Among his favorite movies are: PerformanceBad TimingMcCabe and Mrs. Miller, and Withnail and I. His favorite novels include: The New Confessions by William Boyd; A Flag For Sunrise and Dog Soldiers by Robert Stone; The Magus by John Fowles; Legends of the Fall by Jim Harrison; andThe Comedians and The Quiet American by Graham Greene.

He derives enormous sustenance from his close friends.

Website dannywynn.net




Excerpt:

Late August 1994


It was around three in the morning in a pulsating Istanbul nightclub when I caught Lucien’s eye. The club was called Twenty-Nineteen—written 2019—and we were dancing with the exquisite Azine, Lucien’s Turkish ex-girlfriend who lived in the Eurasian city—light brown hair, golden skin, stylish, the epitome of feminine elegance as far as I could see. We were moving loosely, sweat-drenched, Lucien in that whirling, psy­chedelic dervish way of his. I was in a transcendent state, one of those all-too-rare moments when the pure act of dancing makes you high, fills you with euphoria. I caught his eye and shouted above the blasting tech­no-soul, “I’m alive!”
He nodded and grinned his grin. He knew.
That’s the way he made me feel. He enhanced my capacity to enjoy life, made the good times better. And the most acute thread of the feeling was the sensation of living life to the full, which I yearned for like a parched plant with long twisting roots seeking moisture. The sensation was a drug for me, just a notch or two below the jolt of ego-juice a guy gets when a sexy woman looks at him with desire, or better yet, succumbs. Some of my many demons.
I was a creature in search of exaltation.
There was, however, an element of desperation in my quest, and in the moments, or longer times, when I was in the sought-after state, the heady pleasure was bolstered by a strong sense of relief at having made it to that elusive place.
In a way, the trip to Istanbul was the peak of my friendship with Lucien and the night at 2019 the high point of the expedition. Not in any exact sense. It’s just that when I look back, Istanbul seems like the pinnacle of our bond, and the night at the club the time we soared the highest. The experience of connecting, of shared good times, was distilled to its very essence. And yet the stain was already there, dark and spreading.

10 Tips for Becoming a Better Writer. 

1.  Always tell a story.  Telling stories is the essence of the dramatic arts, and don’t let any idiot ever tell you plot isn’t important. 

2.  Become a close reader of the books you  read for pleasure, read slowly and see what the sentences accomplish, both via their actual words and the inferred information and meaning they contain; 


3. When you read other writers, stop and think how they are accomplishing what they are accomplishing (e.g., how did they convey the story or progress the story other than  by just telling you, the reader. 

4.  Take workshops – they are an inefficient, painful way to learn, but they’re the best method we have. 5.  do your best to find workshops led by people that treat leading a workshop as a skill, rather than something any writer can do. 

6.  Try to find workshops with writers who are as good as you or better. 

7.  Open your mind to input from others – yes, you will get a lot of feedback that reflects a failure to get your work, or is just stupid, but you will also occasionally get input that you initially disagree with that gradually makes some sense to you (and you can only get this benefit if you allow for the possibility that you are wrong on the point concerned – always consider that possibitity).  A highly successful workshop will give you input, 10% of which is helpful; some workshops fall far short of that; be happy if you get a 10% workshop. 

8.  Learn your craft – all the little things good writers do to make their writing professional (e.g., learn POV rules, how to create a pause and add a telling a detail at the same time, learn about the aversion to adverbs and the aversion to “ing” words, learn what you can leave out – nothing is more amateurish than including words containing info a close reader would naturally supply for you. 

9.  Extremely unoriginal advice, but show don’t tell- let the reader see and hear things for themselves and form their own conclusions – e.g., don’t tell them someone is brave; show them being brave. 

10.  Understand that you will have to write in the face of tremendous self-doubt most of the time – you will regularly think your stuff is crap and that you are deluding yourself to think you can write a decent dramatic work.  Accept that tremendous self-doubt is part of the process, and don’t let it stop you, however close it comes to making you quit your efforts.  Do everything possible to preserve the tiniest flame of inspiration you have in the face of constant criticism from others and their lack of belief in you.  Very, very few people thought, based on my early efforts, that I could write a good book, but I continued to make a lot of effort to figure how to write well, and I got better, and I have written some very respectable works of fiction, and the best is currently in the works





Tuesday 14 July 2015

Book Blitz - Love In The Gilded Age (Fissure Chronicles, #1) by Saruuh Kelsey




Love In The Gilded Age (Fissure Chronicles, #1)
Release Date: 10/28/14

Summary from Goodreads
Once in a hidden queendom…


There is an ocean: In the infinite distance, between one hidden world and the next, is an unmeasurable expanse of twenty seas. One sprawling edge of the world to another is filled with waters as beautiful as they are deadly, as miraculous as they are fraught. Treasure and treachery litter their ocean beds, sleeping side by side with adventurers whose travels ended abruptly, lives caught and held under a wave until all breaths fled. 

There is a land: Tucked into a corner where four oceans fold together, land rises up illustrious in a jagged slash of mountains and forests, with secrets and wonders as plentiful as any water. 

There are chronicles: Not of the twenty savage seas but of the fissure of land and the people who sigh life into it.

In an original epic fantasy world, Love In The Gilded Age reimagines the heroes and heroines of Grimm fairy tales as ethnically diverse, LGBT, disabled, and gender flipped. 


Buy Links

Excerpt
Xanna drove herself forward, leaning into the run to propel them along. Her mother was trailing behind her but didn’t have an option except to follow as Xanna leapt from the last bit of land and crashed into the pond. She heard Koal’s strangled shout as she broke the surface, gasping and paddling wildly. She fought every bit of tiredness in her muscles as she dragged her mother from the depths of the water; she emerged spluttering and angry. “He will kill you for that,” her mother said without emotion. No fear for her daughter’s life, no regret, no anger, just a blank statement of facts.
“No,” Xanna hissed. “I won’t be the one dying today.”
“Three souls will pass in this last fight.” Her mother dissolved into the senseless chanting of before, only repeated the ominous three souls will pass in this last fight. At least she had the good sense to pump her legs and move her arms to stay afloat.
Xanna had to get the rope off them if her plan was going to work. She pulled at their bound wrists, fearful and frustrated, and the vine uncoiled as if in response to her wish at the same moment the Wolf reached the edge of the pool and leapt in. It loves my mother, Xanna thought, but found she didn’t care. She gripped the rope in a fist as she put three lengths between her mother, watching the Wolf wade sloppily through the water to the woman it loved.
She didn’t have long. Xanna had to act, and she had to be both quick and quiet about it—a impossibility now that her every movement made a splash. Still, she had to try. Koal was shouting at her from the clearing but she blocked out his warnings.
The Wolf only noticed her presence when she wrapped the vine around its neck and pulled it taut. Growling, it fought to face her but couldn’t spin and remain afloat at the same time. Xanna kicked her legs faster, unable to use her arms to keep her from a drowned death as she strangled the animal. She was slipping, on the verge of sinking. Without warning, the Wolf dipped underwater, testing her grip on the vine. She lost the rope.
Xanna looked around for it desperately. It was her only weapon.

The vine didn’t resurface but the Wolf did.
 

About the Author
Saruuh Kelsey is the author of several novels for young adults, including the free Lux Guardians series and The Legend Mirror series. Her latest releases include THE BEAST OF CALLAIRE, the first novel of a new YA fantasy series, and a collection of diverse fairy tales in LOVE IN THE GILDED AGE. Find her online at saruuhkelsey.co.uk.

Author Links:
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Thursday 9 July 2015

BLOG TOUR + Giveaway - Not Every Girl by Jane McGarry

WELCOME TO THE NEXT STOP IN THE NOT EVERY GIRL BLOG TOUR!
 



Not Every Girl
by Jane McGarry 

Release Date: 04/27/15
Clean Reads
275 pages

Summary from Goodreads

Olivia Davenport’s plan is destined to fail.

She is going through with it anyway, of course. After all, it is the chance of a lifetime. The unreasonable rules of others should not stand in her way.

In her small kingdom of Stewartsland, Olivia trains with the squires and harbors a secret dream. She longs to become a knight under the command of the Master-of–Arms, who just happens to be her father. He has indulged her passion so far, but they both know a simple fact – girls may not attain knighthood. Dismayed by the constant discouragement of her ambitions, she makes an impetuous decision to disguise herself as a boy in order to sneak on a mission. The consequences are not at all what she anticipated.

When her deception is revealed, she is sent home in disgrace; however, an unexpected turn of events puts her at the center of a dangerous plot against the King. The ensuing adventure finds her grappling with mercenaries and outlaws, yet these pale in comparison to her newly awakened emotions. She finds not only her life at risk, but also her heart, when the aloof Prince Liam begins to affect her in ways she never thought possible. In the end, it is her courage and unique spirit which must guide her through the challenges she encounters both physical and emotional. 



 Buy Links:




 
 
 
 
Excerpt


"I came to offer the young lady one of my guards as an escort home."

What?

That is not part of my plan! And besides, my father could not seriously consider sending me off into the woods with a strange man, royal guard or not. It takes every ounce of my restraint to not jump up and protest.

"That is gracious of you, Your Majesty," my father answers. "However, I am concerned about the propriety of that arrangement. Not," he adds hastily, "that I would expect anything less than the highest scruples from one of your men."

Good. So Father has a grasp on the situation. Sending me back with any strange man and no female chaperone is entirely inappropriate. And there are no other women on the trip. Too bad Puck isn't here; my father would trust him with me. Now, they will all have to work out the only viable option—that I continue on the trip. I merely sit quietly and wait for them to come to this inevitable conclusion.

"Well, I certainly understand your feelings. Especially since the young lady in question is your daughter," King William agrees. "I am sure if I had a daughter of my own, I would feel much the same way."

They discuss me as if I am not sitting right here, as if I have no capacity for thought—or hearing. I am actually quite capable of taking care of myself and could get home without help from any man, thank you anyway. Not that I will suggest this as an option, of course.

Time drags into a prolonged silence. Birds chatter in the trees, the river bubbles happily by, the men are all packed and ready to go. They stand in a huddled mass waiting for instructions from their superiors. Come on guys, surely one of you can figure out the answer. My father must be aware of the only solution, so why isn't he saying anything? Perhaps he is waiting for the King to suggest it, so it appears he thought of the idea and can take credit for it.

"If I may make a suggestion, Sir Jack…" Prince Liam begins.

I am so happy someone is finally going to state the obvious, I don't even care that it is coming from his egotistical mouth. But then, he decides to become the next person to throw a wrench in my plans.

"Why don't I accompany the young lady home along with one of the guards. I give my word that everything will be handled with the utmost discretion."

 


Extra Links


Author website:

YouTube Book Trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgI3NW02qgk

Instagram link:
https://instagram.com/janemcgarryauthor/

Pinterest link:
https://www.pinterest.com/janem0378/


About the Author

Reading was always a big part of my life. Creating my own stories developed out of this love. Finally, I decided to try my hand at writing a novel and that was when Not Every Girl was conceived.

 
I live in New Jersey with my husband, two sons and an extremely spoiled cat. When I am not running around with my family or writing, I can be found curled up with a good book and said cat. It is my belief that a good book, a loyal pet and anything made of chocolate can brighten just about any day.

 

Author Links:



Author Interview with Jane McGarry
1.      Where did you get the idea for Not Every Girl?

 
Stories about knights, castles and adventure were always favorites of mine, so that was the jumping off point. First, I had the idea of this strong female protagonist and what her experience would be in a world full of men. I wanted her to be strong, but have enough self-doubt to resonate with readers as authentic. Of course, both character and plot evolved in different ways as I wrote, and not always in the manner I expected. But, the end result is more or less what I originally imagined.

 
2.      What inspired you to become a writer?

 
I’ve always love to read. When I was young, I might imagine a story had a different ending or plot twist. Eventually, I started creating my own stories, but always thought the idea of publishing a book was just a dream. Over the years, I read voraciously and found that I enjoyed the young adult genre. The idea for Not Every Girl developed and I finally decided the time had come to give the “dream” a shot. 

 
3.      Of the writing process, what do you enjoy most?

 
I love the limitless possibilities to create stories and worlds. The excitement when you start a new project and all the elements are half-formed waiting to be hammered out into something that does the idea in your brain justice. (Of course, that’s when the hard stuff starts!)

 
4.      What is your top writing tip for new writers?

 
I am asked this a lot and my answer is simple—write.  There will never be a perfect time, life will always try to get in the way.  But, if you write something—anything—you can always go back and edit it. You can’t edit a blank page.  If you just manage to get a small bit down every day, over time it will add up to something substantial.

 
5.      What are you working on right now?

 
Right now I am working on the sequel to Not Every Girl. Now that she has proved herself in battle, Olivia has some new troubles to work through with Liam. It is exciting to be able to continue their story and I look forward to sharing it with everyone.

 
GIVEAWAY

 


 
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Thursday 2 July 2015

BLOG TOUR + Giveaway - Wildflower by Alexandra Forry




Title: WILDFLOWER
Author Name: ALEXANDRA FORRY


Author Bio: 

Alexandra Forry has an incredible talent for living vicariously through the colorful and intriguing escapades of her strong female characters and successful leading men. Her first book, “Omerta Affair,” based on the true story of mafia boss Tony Torino and his paramour Evelyn Rosenberg has recently been adapted and re-released as “Timeless Endings”–romance fiction. Her latest book, “Wildflower,” is an adventure in coming of age for both a young orphan and her repressed aunt who is trapped in a destructive marriage. It is a beautiful story of life, hope, growth, and triumph and deals with many of the traumas of youth, such as bullying.

Alexandra Forry is familiar with life’s challenges. She was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, where she lives with her loving grandparents. Alexandra has conquered the limitations of Cerebral Palsy to write exciting and engaging novels. She has completed a number of talks and internet book tours and is a member of the Las Vegas Romance Writers and RWA.

Author Links - 




Book Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Release Date: March 4, 2014

Book Description:

In this beautiful and moving story of love, growth, and redemption among the stunning red rocks of Sedona, Arizona, Sydney—a teenaged Army orphan—discovers that love knows no bounds and life has many twists and turns of fate. After she is forced to move in with her late mother’s sister Blanche and Blanche’s abusive alcoholic husband Dean, Sidney finds purpose and friendship in Lexy, the daughter of Max Heller the City’s most prominent widower and business magnate. Unknowingly, the girls’ antics awaken Blanche’s lost and suppressed passions and stirs Max’s long-thwarted drive to build a loving and complete family. What emerges is the wonderfully successful Epicurian Café, the brainchild of Blanche and Sydney actively encouraged by Max and Lexy. The Café quickly becomes a center of the community, the start of a new life for Blanche and Sydney, and a chance for Max and Lexy to discover true love and the meaning of commitment. An emotional roller-coaster with its exciting twists and turns, Wildflower is an exhilarating and satisfying read.

Excerpt One:

Why don’t we open a business? Like a simple sandwich and coffee shop,” Sydney announced with a glimmer of hope in her eyes.
A sandwich shop?” Blanche asked, looking surprised and a bit taken aback.
Yeah, why not?”
While Sydney waited for an answer, Blanche just looked at her, dumbfounded
“Sydney, I would love to open a sandwich shop, but it takes a lot of money--money that we just don’t have.”
Oh please, Aunt Blanche! I bet you can get a loan from the bank. It will be exciting!” Sydney pleaded.
I don’t think that your uncle will approve. Sydney I love your idea, truly do! I was taken aback at first, because it has always been a dream of mine to open a little shop of some kind on Main Street,” Blanche said wistfully. ”It costs a lot of money to open up a business, besides I have an offer for a job in Prescott.”
Pooh on Uncle Dean, and turn down that job. For me, please? You can ask Annette how to open a business--she will know, since she owns her own business.” Sydney said begging her aunt.
I will think about it, okay, Sydney?” Blanche said making her way to her closet and picking out a dress.