everyone deserves a happily-ever-after
07 May 2013 1 Comment
in Tuesday Book Talk Tags: authors, books, e-books, Raelyn Barclay, readers, reading
09 Apr 2013 5 Comments
in Tuesday Book Talk Tags: authors, books, Charlaine Harris, Christina Hamlett, Dead Reckoning, e-books, Phantom, Phantom of the Opera, Raelyn Barclay, readers, reading, Sookie Stackhouse, Susan Kay, The Enchanter
Let’s talk books!
Dead Reckoning
Why I picked it up: That Man brought this home for me. I have the rest of the series, have read and loved the majority of the series, but hadn’t been in a rush to pick this one up.
What I liked: The quirkiness of Sookie is always fun. There’s the expected danger and love and paranormal drama. Once I sat down with it, I flew through the pages.
What I disliked: It’s feeling tired. Perhaps Ms. Harris should have ended the series a few books ago. The thing that got me were the inconsistencies, continuity issues. However, someone just coming to the series, or reading this as a stand alone, wouldn’t pick up on them.
The Enchanter
Why I picked it up: Someone, quite awhile ago now, raved about this book. It’s out of print now, so I’ve been searching for it off and on since hearing about it. I managed to land a retired library copy a few months ago.
What I like: We’ve got Merlin in “present” day (book was published in 1990) as the illusionist Kyle Falconer. We have Catherine, a reporter, who’s strangely drawn to Falconer. And wrapped around their story is the Arthurian myth. I’m enjoying Catherine. I’m not far enough into the story to see if we have Falconer’s POV.
What I dislike: There’s a bit of an omnipresence to the narration and it occasionally pulls me from the story.
Phantom
Why I picked this up: Um…I’m involved in a love affair with the Phantom of the Opera. And I have no intentions of giving it up!
What I expect to like: “None of us can choose where we will love.” ~ Erik. The Phantom’s POV! It appears the entire story is told in first person. The book is broken down into parts and we open with Erik’s mother’s POV.
What I expect to dislike: I’m not sure. I’ve never read anything by Ms. Kay before so don’t know what to expect.
05 Mar 2013 4 Comments
in Tuesday Book Talk Tags: authors, books, e-books, Raelyn Barclay, readers, reading
01 Jan 2013 12 Comments
in Tuesday Book Talk Tags: authors, books, e-books, Raelyn Barclay, readers, reading
06 Nov 2012 8 Comments
in Tuesday Book Talk Tags: authors, books, e-books, Raelyn Barclay, readers, reading
30 Oct 2012 12 Comments
in Books, Guest Post Tags: Angela Wallace, authors, blog, blogging, books, e-books, Earth Tones, interviews, Raelyn Barclay, readers, reading, Rebecca Enzor, writers, writing
It’s my great pleasure to have Angela Wallace here today! I can’t remember how I came across her blog but I’m so glad I did.
Welcome Angela!
Let’s start with something fun. If you could have a quiet dinner with any writer, living or dead, who would you choose?
Hm, that’s a tough one. I think I’d actually like to have a chat with William Butler Yeats, the Irish poet. We don’t really have anything in common, but he was my favorite to read in college.
Earth Tones is the third book and I’m curious about the rules you created for the Elemental Magic world. Was it more of a discovery process or did you work out the boundaries before ever writing a word?
It was a little of both. I started off writing the first book knowing what I wanted, but once I started the second and expanded a little, I had to work out some things. It didn’t get me into a corner exactly, but there have been a few times where I’ve wondered if I should regret something established in the first book.
What is your favorite line or moment from Earth Tones?
Hm, I think it might be the trip out to Hubbard Glacier. It’s a pretty mundane scene, Nita and Keenan on a date, but the natural wonder of the glacier enchants me, along with the sweet normalcy before the supernatural storm.
Aww 
What was the most surprising thing you learned during Earth Tones?
Not so much surprising as disturbing, but I did research on pathogens, how they worked, various symptoms, etc. And unfortunately one website on fungus had pictures of what infections can do to the human body. Let’s just say, too much information.
Grew up with a RN for a mother so I can imagine! Some of her text books were NOT for the general public, LOL. What piece of mythology did you use this time?
Since Nita is Native American, I wanted to play with a Native American tradition. I also knew I wanted it to be some kind of cat. Thus, I found the mishupishu, or underwater panther. I used a lot from the legend, such as its scales, spiked tail, and horns, though took a little creative liberty modifying them.
I’ve got to say I loved the idea of an underwater panther, especially with Keenan being a water elemental. If you could be an elemental, which one would you choose and why?
Earth. I’ve developed a love of having certain plants in my room, but they always die. In fact, my like sixth orchid just bit the dust. If I had earth magic, problem solved.
What is your best or favorite setting for writing? Time?
I would love to be productive in the morning or afternoon, but it seems evening is when my brain likes to work. Between 8 and 11pm, which unfortunately conflicts with an early work schedule the following morning. I always write at my desk, but my day job has been so busy lately, I’ve taken to writing in a notebook when on the go.
What’s your favorite stage when producing a book?
Editing. I’m a perfectionist, so the first draft is very frustrating to get through. Once I’m able to slow down and start putting some coherence and polish on, I feel better.
Interesting, I have to say I love the first draft because I send that inner editor on a cruise…hmm, maybe to the Hubbard Glacier next. Are there are any fun scenes that didn’t end up in the final draft?
There was this cute scene I wanted to use, but it just didn’t fit anywhere in the story. Nita and Keenan are leaving the house when they find a moose on the porch. I learned that this is a very dangerous situation and that people are actually trapped in their homes until the moose decides to leave on its own. Now, Nita could just tell the moose to get lost with her earth magic, but instead she says they’ll have to put their plans on hold, and with a suggestive smile, hints that they can figure out something else to fill their time with.
Oh yeah, that can be a very sticky situation. I haven’t personally experienced it but a couple cousins have.
We got to see Aileen in the first two Elemental Magic books; will Nita be returning for number four?
Yes. Aileen sort of set the precedent for a protagonist to get two books. I already have some ideas churning.
If your book were made into a movie, who do you picture playing each character?
I’m actually not so good with actors’ names and stuff. I could tell you the Native American police officer guest star in Season 4 of In Plain Sight would be good for Nita, lol. But Keenan has remained elusive. If any readers have suggestions, I’d love to hear them.
What say you, dear blog visitors, have you read Earth Tones? Share your suggestions in the comments.
Everyone seems to complain when their favorite book is made into a movie or mini series. What is your favorite movie based on a book?
I actually love comparing books with their movie adaptations. Even as a kid, I sat down to watch the Wizard of Oz with the book open in my lap. While I agree some movies or mini series don’t do the book justice, I loved the Lord of the Rings movies.
Since we’re all readers at heart, let’s talk books. What was your favorite childhood, I’m thinking middle school or younger, book?
Tamora Pierce’s quartet series, particularly The Immortals. The young protagonists always possessed a special and unique form of magic, and the quartets followed them growing up.
I don’t think I’ve ever hear of Tamora Pierce. I’ll definitely have to check that out. We all have favorite books, ones we nag our friends to read, buy our loved ones as gifts, and, of course, the books we read over and over again. What books have you read more than twice?
When I was in elementary school, I read the Baby Sitter’s Club, its spin-off the Little Sister series, and the Animorph series about three times each. But I wouldn’t recommend those now, LOL. Actually, my all-time favorite book, the one I’d want on a desert island, is a nonfiction book by A. W. Tozer: The Pursuit of God. I read that book over and over.
What do you think readers would be shocked to discover about you?
Hm… Okay, so I write about elementals, and Earth Tones takes place in Alaska: lots of wildlife. Now, I do love and appreciate nature—as long as there’s a sealed glass window between us. Or a camera lens. I love looking at nature, but I really, really don’t like to be in it.
LOL, no camping for you, eh? This is a bit of an extension of the last question — What’s a unique hobby of yours?
I like to draw My Little Ponies. Sometimes I even create custom designs to go with books. And on November 4th, you can see the Earth Tones pony I designed revealed on Rebecca Enzor’s blog!
Cool. What’s your favorite sweet food?
With my new, healthy diet, the only dessert I can make, and I make it often, is almond cookies with chocolate and peanut butter chips.
Oh, that does sound good…for those who like chocolate and peanut butter, LOL. The wee beasties and That Man would be all over it 
We talk about the tarot quite a bit here on the blog. If you were a tarot card which would you be? Or which card do you feel represents you best?
Ok, I kind of cheated by taking one of those personality tests so it could tell me which one represents me best, and I scored as The High Priestess. The subconscious and conscious mind always whirring, devoted to knowledge but still recognizing that God leaves mystery in the world. That works.
Wrap-Up Quickies:
Blog: http://angelawallace.wordpress.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AngelaRWallace
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Angela-Wallace/232511253453440
Angela Wallace loves gun-toting good boys and could have been a cop in another life except for the unfortunate condition of real blood making her queasy. Good thing writing gun and sword fights isn’t a problem. In her books you’ll find the power of love, magic, and redemption.
~ * ~
Nita Young doesn’t know if she has a future with college sweetheart Keenan Donovan—two star-crossed lovers of opposing elements—but she invites him up to Alaska to see if Earth and Water can rekindle their old flame.
When a series of wild animal attacks strike the inhabitants of Yakutat, Nita has to put her romantic plans on hold. Mangled bodies are turning up, and a mysterious black panther has been spotted in the woods. Fur, scales, and a venomous bite suggest the cat is supernatural in origin—and evidence indicates that someone not only summoned it, but is using it to target those Nita cares about. It’s the perfect murder weapon: no fingerprints, no evidence. And in a town this small, the killer is someone she knows.
Nita’s strength will be put to the test as she faces losing her friends, her town, and the man she loves.
13 Sep 2012 10 Comments
in Books, Tuesday Book Talk Tags: Angela Wallace, authors, books, Dry Spell, e-books, Earth Tones, Elemental Magic, Fantasia Frog Designs, Raelyn Barclay, readers, reading
If you’ve hung around here much you know I have a soft spot for the elements. This series by Angela hits all my buttons…in a great way And I’m thrilled to help Angela reveal her latest cover in the Elemental Magic series!
To catch up with the series:
Book One: Elemental Magic
Book Two: Dry Spell
Cover design by Tara at
Fantasia Frog Designs
Earth Tones
Elemental Magic Book ThreeNita Young doesn’t know if she has a future with college sweetheart Keenan Donovan—two star-crossed lovers of opposing elements—but she invites him up to Alaska to see if Earth and Water can rekindle their old flame.
When a series of wild animal attacks strike the inhabitants of Yakutat, Nita has to put her romantic plans on hold. Mangled bodies are turning up, and a mysterious black panther has been spotted in the woods. Fur, scales, and a venomous bite suggest the cat is supernatural in origin—and evidence indicates that someone not only summoned it, but is using it to target those Nita cares about. It’s the perfect murder weapon: no fingerprints, no evidence. And in a town this small, the killer is someone she knows.
Nita’s strength will be put to the test as she faces losing her friends, her town, and the man she loves.
Earth Tones is releasing October 20th. To add it to your Goodreads lists click here
~ * ~
Bio:
Angela Wallace has been penning adventures ever since she was sucked through a magical portal as a child. What she saw and whom she met gave birth to exciting and complex fantasy worlds where defying the laws of physics was a bonus. She has since come back down to earth, only to discover this mortal realm has magic of its own. Now she is quite at home in the world of urban fantasy, though believes that love, faith, and hope are of a stronger magic than fire wielding and sorcery. She loves gun-toting good boys, and could have been a cop in another life except real blood makes her queasy. She’ll have to stick to solving supernatural mysteries. Language is her pleasure, whether it’s weaving words on a page or lassoing linguistics into translations as a sign language interpreter. Angela is currently working on her next book.
Follow Angela on her Blog, on Facebook or Twitter, or sign up for her Newsletter.
11 Sep 2012 10 Comments
in Tuesday Book Talk Tags: authors, books, e-books, Raelyn Barclay, readers, reading
04 Sep 2012 8 Comments
in Books, Tuesday Book Talk Tags: Amazon, authors, Barnes & Nobel, books, dogs, e-books, Maria Zannini, Mistress of the Stone, Raelyn Barclay, readers, reading, Samhain
Arrgh…Tank and Iko made me do it!
But seriously, with faces like that, how could I refuse?
As I mentioned during the last Tuesday Book Talk, I’ve been looking forward to Maria’s latest book. Just released last Tuesday, August 28th, this baby is burning a hole in my eReader
It’s with great pleasure I’m able to help Maria spread the word.
Mistress of the Stone
Paranormal-Historical
A young woman at the helm of a pirate ship braves ghouls, ghosts and werewolves to find her father–or avenge his death.
Luísa Tavares has a list of sins the length of the Antilles, but there’s no time to repent for them now. When a pockmarked Frenchman hands her Papa’s ring—still attached to his severed finger—she orders the Coral back to the Caribbean, despite her father’s earlier warning never to return.
It’s Luísa’s luckless fate that the only man who can help her is a blasted Inglés pirate hunter who’s more dead than alive and locked in a curse he doesn’t want lifted. Worse, his feral sensuality sparks a hunger she can’t ignore.
Xander Daltry hadn’t planned on kidnapping this wild woman—or succumbing to his uncontrollable desire for her. But he needs Luísa and the moonstone she wears around her neck to rescind a witch’s spell. His sister, long dead, and others like her have been cursed to remain in the mortal plane for eternity. Only the stone can set them free.
The only way to convince the reluctant pirate queen to help him is to withhold one small bit of the truth. For if she learns who really betrayed her father, the longing in her fiery eyes could easily turn to murderous wrath…
, or B&N
