Welcome to another fabulous Friday! Cat Connor is back and she’s dishing about her latest novel, exacerbyte.
JET: Can you tell us a little about exacerbyte?
Cat: EXACERBYTE is the 3rd _byte book. It starts 17 months after TERRORBYTE, there is a little bit of a revenge element going on, and there’s a rock star. Have to say - creating him was a lot of fun!
Here’s the blurb:
Hawk is hunting again. SSA Conway is his nemesis – she wants justice and is determined he should keep his appointment with the electric chair.
FBI Agent SSA Ellie Conway has decided it is time to step up and stop Hawk, not only to prevent the abduction of vulnerable children, but to avenge the murder of FBI Agent Mac Connelly.
The pursuit takes the Delta A to New Zealand, where Hawk has widened his net and increased his activity.
As the FBI team track him and investigate the disappearance of more children, a far more sinister reality emerges which demands the might of the Military, CIA, NCIS and the Russian FSB.
Exploiting her quirky intuition, together with help from an unlikely source, Ellie realizes she must heed the augury ‘it is all about the music.’
JET: What’s the craziest thing you’ve done in the name of book research? Most interesting fact you uncovered?
Cat: There are so many, crazy and interesting things. (Chances are they’re only interesting to me though.) I did learn a lot about rock stars and life on tour while writing exacerbyte, which was very interesting and fun. And am lucky enough to have a very cool friend who helped me out with that. (This is where y’all run off and buy the album ‘Soul Shifter’ by Lorenza Ponce – don’t question me, just do it!)
JET: Of all the novels and stories you’ve written - which one is your favorite? Why?
Cat: Recently it was terrorbyte but I have to say – exacerbyte is now my favorite. Yeah, there is this rule, the most recent work is always the favorite… but exacerbyte is certainly worthy of favoritism. Let’s hope the others don’t get too jealous!
If we disregard that rule and I can choose any book I’ve written… I’d be tempted to go with my first, which very few people have ever seen and will ever see. It’s sitting on my hard drive waiting patiently for me to make a decision regarding its future. Meanwhile, two of the characters have made it into The _byte series.
As for short stories, a story titled “Into the Daylight.” It’s the newest story on my blog, and I just like it. Can’t tell you why, because the others are good too – but that one just does it for me. (And no it’s nothing to do with the latest work rule!)
JET: What’s on your ‘to read’ list right now?
Cat: Absolutely nothing! How awful is that? Mostly because I’m smack in the middle of writing and don’t need the distraction. At the moment my waking hours are consumed by writing and music, it’s simultaneous arrangement. I do have plans to read a lot while I am away. (Presuming there will be some down time!)
JET: I understand you will be visiting stateside this year. Do you have any book tour plans for your visit?
Cat: My editor is working on that right now! We’ll see. It will be an awesome trip, and there will be filming for upcoming trailers. Everything is all done now – I even have my authorization to travel from Homeland Security. (That wasn’t at all scary…. Does anyone seriously ever answer yes to the espionage and terrorist question? I had to speak to myself severely and remind my mouse hand that it would not funny to check yes!)
Roll on April!
JET: All right – since you’ve been here before, you know what’s coming next. Yes it’s the geeky quick ten of mine. . . starting with: Leather or Lace?
Cat: Both
JET: Angels or Demons?
Cat: Angels
JET: Paper or Digital?
Cat: oh tricky… I’m going with both
JET: Silent Film Classics or Cheesy B Rated Horror?
Cat: cheesy B rated horror
JET: Twilight or True Blood?
Cat: NEITHER – I think I just threw up a little in my mouth.
JET: Top 10 best seller or Unknown Back Shelf Find?
Cat: Both. Although I do love the joy of discovering those unknown books.
JET: 2012 Mayan Prophecy Believer or Ain’t Gonna Happen?
Cat: Ain’t gonna happen – and if it does will probably be my birthday 12/12/12 (I kid you not)
JET: Sword wielding ninja or Gun toting momma?
Cat: Not a fan of blades. Going with Gun toting momma.
JET: Chocolate bar or Ice cream cone?
Cat: Chocolate
JET: Classic werewolf or Modern werewolf?
Cat: Classic
JET: Thank you for indulging me. Before we wrap this up, can you tell us what you're working on now? What's next?
Cat: Flashbyte - my publisher is looking forward to it. This is the same woman who told me I out did myself with exacerbyte – no pressure, right? (and a new _byte book has just emerged… it’s got diamonds and thievery.)
JET: Thank you so much for taking the time to chat on my blog.
Cat: Thank you for having me over!
Folks, you can find out more about Cat Connor and her work at the following places:
Blog http://catconnor.blogspot.com/
Website http://catconnor.wordpress.com/
Publisher http://www.rebelepublishers.com/
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cat-Connor/76140493745
Thanks for joining us today. Next week I have Thea Atkinson on my blog. Swing by and say hello!
Until then,
Ciao.
JET
Friday, March 4, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Jenny Craig week 25
Another no-loss, no gain week. Inches went down a little though, so that is good.
Next week I'll see a loss - At least that's what I keep telling myself.
Happy March all!
Until next week.
Ciao
JET
Next week I'll see a loss - At least that's what I keep telling myself.
Happy March all!
Until next week.
Ciao
JET
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Happy March First!
Welcome March!
Today my daughter turns sixteen and is getting her driver’s permit – Lord help us all!
With such a thrilling event on tap, I figured I’d share with you folks some equally as heart pumping books. In the mix are my Backspace brethren’s releases as well as some from a great group of Indie authors. Relax, grab a glass of wine and one of these puppies and enjoy a nice quiet evening.
Blake Crouch – RUN – February 26, 2011
5 D A Y S A G O
A rash of bizarre murders swept the country...
Senseless. Brutal. Seemingly unconnected.
A cop walked into a nursing home and unloaded his weapons on elderly and staff alike.
A mass of school shootings.
Prison riots of unprecedented brutality.
Mind-boggling acts of violence in every state.
4 D A Y S A G O
The murders increased ten-fold...
3 D A Y S A G O
The President addressed the nation and begged for calm and peace...
2 D A Y S A G O
The killers began to mobilize...
Y E S T E R D A Y
All the power went out...
T O N I G H T
They're reading the names of those to be killed on the Emergency Broadcast System. You are listening over the battery-powered radio on your kitchen table, and they've just read yours.
Your name is Jack Colclough. You have a wife, a daughter, and a young son. You live in Albuquerque, New Mexico. People are coming to your house to kill you and your family. You don't know why, but you don't have time to think about that any more.
You only have time to....
R U N
Mel Comley - FINAL JUSTICE – February 18, 2011
After suffering a breakdown and quitting the force, former Detective Inspector Lorne Simpkins is contacted by a friend at MI6 to help in a covert operation. Against her will, Lorne is convinced to help track down an old enemy, a sadistic and calculating criminal whose ambition is to become the world's richest man.
It’s up to Lorne and the agent to prevent him, which results in a chase through France.
Claudia Gray – AFTERLIFE – March 8, 2011
Destiny awaits Bianca and Lucas . . .
Bianca and Lucas have always believed they could endure anything to be together. When a twist of fate not only transforms Bianca into a wraith but also turns Lucas into a vampire—the very creature he spent his life hunting—they are left reeling.
Haunted by his powerful need to kill, Lucas can turn to only one place for help . . . Evernight Academy. Bianca is determined to remain with him. But with the vampire leader of Evernight waging a war against wraiths, her former home has become the most dangerous place she could be, despite the new powers her ghostly transformation has given her.
A battle between wraiths and vampires looms, and Bianca and Lucas face a terrifying new reality. They've overcome every obstacle life has thrown at them, but is their love strong enough to survive the challenges after life?
Michael Haskins – FREE RANGE INSTITUTION – March 9, 2011
Mick Murphy, the newshawk hero of Haskins’ latest Key West mystery, makes a classic reporter goof. He pretends to be a little closer to the action than he really is. Both good and bad guys take him at his word, and the chase is on. At the heart of it all is a plot to bring a particularly cheap and addictive drug called paco into the U.S. As the good guys assemble behind Mick and check their guns, echoes of Miami Vice reverberate, with both its pastel glitz and its underlying despair. The cartels have more money and guns; the best the rest of us can do is hold together. Things get lively as the confrontation approaches, but this really isn’t a high-concept action novel or even a stripped-down thriller. It’s about adult relationships, and its generous use of the Key West setting will appeal to readers who like local color. Since it’s the Keys, a lot of beer and rum goes down, and there’s much eating of cheeseburgers, dolphin sandwiches, and breakfast eggs with hot sauce. --Don Crinklaw – Booklist
Carrie Ryan – THE DARK AND HOLLOW PLACES – March 22, 2011
There are many things that Annah would like to forget: the look on her sister's face when she and Elias left her behind in the Forest of Hands and Teeth, her first glimpse of the horde as they found their way to the Dark City, the sear of the barbed wire that would scar her for life. But most of all, Annah would like to forget the morning Elias left her for the Recruiters.
Annah's world stopped that day and she's been waiting for him to come home ever since. Without him, her life doesn't feel much different from that of the dead that roam the wasted city around her. Then she meets Catcher and everything feels alive again.
Except, Catcher has his own secrets -- dark, terrifying truths that link him to a past Annah's longed to forget, and to a future too deadly to consider. And now it's up to Annah -- can she continue to live in a world drenched in the blood of the living? Or is death the only escape from the Return's destruction?
Tracey Alley - SLADE'S DESTINY - March 2011
The war has begun but there is no sign of the shadowy witch Shallendara. Her allies, Prince Ulrich of Vestland and The Dark One rain down death and destruction on the Emirate of Kemet but the witch herself pursues her own goals from the safety of Ieriendi palace. Lord Michael and Solomon do their best to lessen the damage caused by the witch’s ally’s war of conquest but the enemy are more interested in causing death and destruction and Lord Michael’s Knights and Solomon’s Monks are badly outnumbered.
Meanwhile with the help of Roulibard and a sympathetic dragon Slade and Ursula seek out their dying father, High King Erich in the bowels of Ieriendi’s dungeons. Facing death at every turn the siblings know only that to strike a blow against the witch’s plans they must somehow save their beloved father before it is too late.
Can Slade manifest his destiny in time to save, not just his father, but an entire world?
And on the non-fiction side of the fence, check these books out…

Eileen Kennedy-Moore, PhD – SMART PARENTING FOR SMART KIDS – March 1,2011
"My kid is smart, but..."
It takes more than school smarts to create a fulfilling life. In fact, many bright children face special challenges:
• Some are driven by perfectionism;
• Some are afraid of effort, because they're used to instant success;
• Some routinely butt heads with authority figures;
• Some struggle to get along with their peers ;
• Some are outwardly successful but just don't feel good about themselves.
This practical and compassionate book explains the reasons behind these struggles and offers parents do-able strategies to help children cope with feelings, embrace learning, and build satisfying relationships. Drawing from research as well as the authors’ clinical experience, it focuses on the essential skills children need to make the most of their abilities and become capable, confident, and caring people.
John Elder Robison – BE DIFFERENT – March 22, 2011
“I believe those of us with Asperger’s are here for a reason, and we have much to offer. This book will help you bring out those gifts.”
In his bestselling memoir, Look Me in the Eye, John Elder Robison described growing up with Asperger’s syndrome at a time when the diagnosis didn’t exist. He was intelligent but socially isolated; his talents won him jobs with toy makers and rock bands but did little to endear him to authority figures and classmates, who were put off by his inclination to blurt out non sequiturs and avoid eye contact.
By the time he was diagnosed at age forty, John had already developed a myriad of coping strategies that helped him achieve a seemingly normal, even highly successful, life. In Be Different, Robison shares a new batch of endearing stories about his childhood, adolescence, and young adult years, giving the reader a rare window into the Aspergian mind.
In each story, he offers practical advice—for Aspergians and indeed for anyone who feels “different”—on how to improve the weak communication and social skills that keep so many people from taking full advantage of their often remarkable gifts. With his trademark honesty and unapologetic eccentricity, Robison addresses questions like:
• How to read others and follow their behaviors when in uncertain social situations
• Why manners matter
• How to harness your powers of concentration to master difficult skills
• How to deal with bullies
• When to make an effort to fit in, and when to embrace eccentricity
• How to identify special gifts and use them to your advantage
Every person, Aspergian or not, has something unique to offer the world, and every person has the capacity to create strong, loving bonds with their friends and family. Be Different will help readers and those they love find their path to success.
On Friday, I’ve got the talented Cat Connor on my blog talking about her latest release exacerbyte. Swing in and say hi!
Until then,
Ciao.
JET
Today my daughter turns sixteen and is getting her driver’s permit – Lord help us all!
With such a thrilling event on tap, I figured I’d share with you folks some equally as heart pumping books. In the mix are my Backspace brethren’s releases as well as some from a great group of Indie authors. Relax, grab a glass of wine and one of these puppies and enjoy a nice quiet evening.
Blake Crouch – RUN – February 26, 2011
5 D A Y S A G O
A rash of bizarre murders swept the country...
Senseless. Brutal. Seemingly unconnected.
A cop walked into a nursing home and unloaded his weapons on elderly and staff alike.
A mass of school shootings.
Prison riots of unprecedented brutality.
Mind-boggling acts of violence in every state.
4 D A Y S A G O
The murders increased ten-fold...
3 D A Y S A G O
The President addressed the nation and begged for calm and peace...
2 D A Y S A G O
The killers began to mobilize...
Y E S T E R D A Y
All the power went out...
T O N I G H T
They're reading the names of those to be killed on the Emergency Broadcast System. You are listening over the battery-powered radio on your kitchen table, and they've just read yours.
Your name is Jack Colclough. You have a wife, a daughter, and a young son. You live in Albuquerque, New Mexico. People are coming to your house to kill you and your family. You don't know why, but you don't have time to think about that any more.
You only have time to....
R U N
Mel Comley - FINAL JUSTICE – February 18, 2011
After suffering a breakdown and quitting the force, former Detective Inspector Lorne Simpkins is contacted by a friend at MI6 to help in a covert operation. Against her will, Lorne is convinced to help track down an old enemy, a sadistic and calculating criminal whose ambition is to become the world's richest man.
It’s up to Lorne and the agent to prevent him, which results in a chase through France.
Claudia Gray – AFTERLIFE – March 8, 2011
Destiny awaits Bianca and Lucas . . .
Bianca and Lucas have always believed they could endure anything to be together. When a twist of fate not only transforms Bianca into a wraith but also turns Lucas into a vampire—the very creature he spent his life hunting—they are left reeling.
Haunted by his powerful need to kill, Lucas can turn to only one place for help . . . Evernight Academy. Bianca is determined to remain with him. But with the vampire leader of Evernight waging a war against wraiths, her former home has become the most dangerous place she could be, despite the new powers her ghostly transformation has given her.
A battle between wraiths and vampires looms, and Bianca and Lucas face a terrifying new reality. They've overcome every obstacle life has thrown at them, but is their love strong enough to survive the challenges after life?
Michael Haskins – FREE RANGE INSTITUTION – March 9, 2011
Mick Murphy, the newshawk hero of Haskins’ latest Key West mystery, makes a classic reporter goof. He pretends to be a little closer to the action than he really is. Both good and bad guys take him at his word, and the chase is on. At the heart of it all is a plot to bring a particularly cheap and addictive drug called paco into the U.S. As the good guys assemble behind Mick and check their guns, echoes of Miami Vice reverberate, with both its pastel glitz and its underlying despair. The cartels have more money and guns; the best the rest of us can do is hold together. Things get lively as the confrontation approaches, but this really isn’t a high-concept action novel or even a stripped-down thriller. It’s about adult relationships, and its generous use of the Key West setting will appeal to readers who like local color. Since it’s the Keys, a lot of beer and rum goes down, and there’s much eating of cheeseburgers, dolphin sandwiches, and breakfast eggs with hot sauce. --Don Crinklaw – Booklist
Carrie Ryan – THE DARK AND HOLLOW PLACES – March 22, 2011
There are many things that Annah would like to forget: the look on her sister's face when she and Elias left her behind in the Forest of Hands and Teeth, her first glimpse of the horde as they found their way to the Dark City, the sear of the barbed wire that would scar her for life. But most of all, Annah would like to forget the morning Elias left her for the Recruiters.
Annah's world stopped that day and she's been waiting for him to come home ever since. Without him, her life doesn't feel much different from that of the dead that roam the wasted city around her. Then she meets Catcher and everything feels alive again.
Except, Catcher has his own secrets -- dark, terrifying truths that link him to a past Annah's longed to forget, and to a future too deadly to consider. And now it's up to Annah -- can she continue to live in a world drenched in the blood of the living? Or is death the only escape from the Return's destruction?
Tracey Alley - SLADE'S DESTINY - March 2011
The war has begun but there is no sign of the shadowy witch Shallendara. Her allies, Prince Ulrich of Vestland and The Dark One rain down death and destruction on the Emirate of Kemet but the witch herself pursues her own goals from the safety of Ieriendi palace. Lord Michael and Solomon do their best to lessen the damage caused by the witch’s ally’s war of conquest but the enemy are more interested in causing death and destruction and Lord Michael’s Knights and Solomon’s Monks are badly outnumbered.
Meanwhile with the help of Roulibard and a sympathetic dragon Slade and Ursula seek out their dying father, High King Erich in the bowels of Ieriendi’s dungeons. Facing death at every turn the siblings know only that to strike a blow against the witch’s plans they must somehow save their beloved father before it is too late.
Can Slade manifest his destiny in time to save, not just his father, but an entire world?
And on the non-fiction side of the fence, check these books out…

Eileen Kennedy-Moore, PhD – SMART PARENTING FOR SMART KIDS – March 1,2011
"My kid is smart, but..."
It takes more than school smarts to create a fulfilling life. In fact, many bright children face special challenges:
• Some are driven by perfectionism;
• Some are afraid of effort, because they're used to instant success;
• Some routinely butt heads with authority figures;
• Some struggle to get along with their peers ;
• Some are outwardly successful but just don't feel good about themselves.
This practical and compassionate book explains the reasons behind these struggles and offers parents do-able strategies to help children cope with feelings, embrace learning, and build satisfying relationships. Drawing from research as well as the authors’ clinical experience, it focuses on the essential skills children need to make the most of their abilities and become capable, confident, and caring people.
John Elder Robison – BE DIFFERENT – March 22, 2011
“I believe those of us with Asperger’s are here for a reason, and we have much to offer. This book will help you bring out those gifts.”
In his bestselling memoir, Look Me in the Eye, John Elder Robison described growing up with Asperger’s syndrome at a time when the diagnosis didn’t exist. He was intelligent but socially isolated; his talents won him jobs with toy makers and rock bands but did little to endear him to authority figures and classmates, who were put off by his inclination to blurt out non sequiturs and avoid eye contact.
By the time he was diagnosed at age forty, John had already developed a myriad of coping strategies that helped him achieve a seemingly normal, even highly successful, life. In Be Different, Robison shares a new batch of endearing stories about his childhood, adolescence, and young adult years, giving the reader a rare window into the Aspergian mind.
In each story, he offers practical advice—for Aspergians and indeed for anyone who feels “different”—on how to improve the weak communication and social skills that keep so many people from taking full advantage of their often remarkable gifts. With his trademark honesty and unapologetic eccentricity, Robison addresses questions like:
• How to read others and follow their behaviors when in uncertain social situations
• Why manners matter
• How to harness your powers of concentration to master difficult skills
• How to deal with bullies
• When to make an effort to fit in, and when to embrace eccentricity
• How to identify special gifts and use them to your advantage
Every person, Aspergian or not, has something unique to offer the world, and every person has the capacity to create strong, loving bonds with their friends and family. Be Different will help readers and those they love find their path to success.
On Friday, I’ve got the talented Cat Connor on my blog talking about her latest release exacerbyte. Swing in and say hi!
Until then,
Ciao.
JET
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Sample Sunday - Hunting Season sneak peak
Hunting Season, A Steve Williams Novel - release date: May 13, 2011 - Here's a couple quick samples to whet your appetite.
The first one that came through the door was Chris Ryan, led by his guide dog, his blue eyes staring sightlessly from behind the tinted glasses. “Agent Williams,” he said. The dog led him to the spot in front of Steve.
“Sir,” Steve acknowledged the older man.
“To what do we owe the pleasure?” Chris asked. His expression guarded and his German Shepherd took a seat next to him.
Steve studied the man in front of him and saw his jaw tense. He’s reading my thoughts. “I would rather wait until your wife is in the room before I discuss what brings me here,” he said. His mind flowed through the remnants of memories from Eric and the research he had done the day before, the flurry of activity rendering mind reading useless.
Chris turned slightly at the sound of the sliding glass door opening.
Jessica Ryan stepped inside with both Tommy and CJ in tow. “You two head up to the playroom,” she said. The boys ran by Steve and up the stairs while she removed her gloves and stepped into full view. “Hi.” Unbuttoning her coat, she stepped by her husband’s side.
Steve stared at her. She looked identical to what he envisioned Jennifer would look like if she reached forty. “Um,” he said and diverted his eyes to the man in front of him. Jesus, this is Ty Aris.
Both Jessica and Chris took a step back, their eyes widening a fraction.
Oh Christ, they both can read my mind. “I’m sorry to inform you that there was an accident down at Quantico.” Accident, it wasn’t a fucking accident.
* * * *
He stood in the bathroom staring at the mirror. The eyepatch fell from his slack fingertips and drifted to the floor. Baby blue irises stared back. Both of them. He covered his right eye and the room went black. Blind, but an eye just the same. He uncovered his eye, staring at the reflection again. A hell of a lot better than the sunken deflated eye it was a couple of hours ago. A slightly hysterical laugh escaped.
He leaned closer; the small scar on his cheek was gone too. “Holy Mary, Mother of God!” The muttering mantra continued and he ripped through the buttons on his shirt. The words fell away and he stared at his perfect chest, running his fingers over the skin. There wasn’t a mark on him. He leaned against the wall and the world tilted again. Slowly he sank to the floor. Steve didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. He jumped at the soft tap on the door and scrambled to his feet as it swung open.
“Are you all right?” Her soft imploring voice reached his ears.
Steve uttered a high laugh and looked in the mirror. “I haven’t been all right since the day my daughter died.” He glanced at Jessica when she cracked the door. “Somehow this makes it worse.”
Jessica offered a smile. “Be careful what you wish for.”
The first one that came through the door was Chris Ryan, led by his guide dog, his blue eyes staring sightlessly from behind the tinted glasses. “Agent Williams,” he said. The dog led him to the spot in front of Steve.
“Sir,” Steve acknowledged the older man.
“To what do we owe the pleasure?” Chris asked. His expression guarded and his German Shepherd took a seat next to him.
Steve studied the man in front of him and saw his jaw tense. He’s reading my thoughts. “I would rather wait until your wife is in the room before I discuss what brings me here,” he said. His mind flowed through the remnants of memories from Eric and the research he had done the day before, the flurry of activity rendering mind reading useless.
Chris turned slightly at the sound of the sliding glass door opening.
Jessica Ryan stepped inside with both Tommy and CJ in tow. “You two head up to the playroom,” she said. The boys ran by Steve and up the stairs while she removed her gloves and stepped into full view. “Hi.” Unbuttoning her coat, she stepped by her husband’s side.
Steve stared at her. She looked identical to what he envisioned Jennifer would look like if she reached forty. “Um,” he said and diverted his eyes to the man in front of him. Jesus, this is Ty Aris.
Both Jessica and Chris took a step back, their eyes widening a fraction.
Oh Christ, they both can read my mind. “I’m sorry to inform you that there was an accident down at Quantico.” Accident, it wasn’t a fucking accident.
* * * *
He stood in the bathroom staring at the mirror. The eyepatch fell from his slack fingertips and drifted to the floor. Baby blue irises stared back. Both of them. He covered his right eye and the room went black. Blind, but an eye just the same. He uncovered his eye, staring at the reflection again. A hell of a lot better than the sunken deflated eye it was a couple of hours ago. A slightly hysterical laugh escaped.
He leaned closer; the small scar on his cheek was gone too. “Holy Mary, Mother of God!” The muttering mantra continued and he ripped through the buttons on his shirt. The words fell away and he stared at his perfect chest, running his fingers over the skin. There wasn’t a mark on him. He leaned against the wall and the world tilted again. Slowly he sank to the floor. Steve didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. He jumped at the soft tap on the door and scrambled to his feet as it swung open.
“Are you all right?” Her soft imploring voice reached his ears.
Steve uttered a high laugh and looked in the mirror. “I haven’t been all right since the day my daughter died.” He glanced at Jessica when she cracked the door. “Somehow this makes it worse.”
Jessica offered a smile. “Be careful what you wish for.”
Friday, February 25, 2011
Dishing it up with Mel Comley
Welcome to another fantastic Friday and another dish session, this time with Melanie Comley. Mel left her job as a store manager in Worcester (England) and moved to France nine years ago despite never having set foot in the country before. She renovated a French property, decorating 22 rooms in six months.
Renovation completed, she began to follow her dream of becoming a writer. After completing a creative writing course, she penned a romance, which was a near miss with Mills & Boon. Then she decided to turn her hand to crime writing and DI Lorne Simpkins was born.
Impeding Justice is the first in a series of novels featuring Lorne Simpkins. The book gained a Gold Star on the writer's site, Authonomy, with a Harper Collins editor saying, "It keeps the reader focused on the dramatic interest of the story."
She is currently finishing the sequel which should be completed early in 2011.
In her spare time, Mel loves pottering in her garden - which has, for the past few years, won a local award. She also enjoys painting and walking her dogs.
JET: Can you tell us a little about your October 2010 release, Impeding Justice?
MEL: Impeding Justice is a fast-paced thriller featuring feisty new BritCop, DI Lorne Simpkins in a gritty crime novel set in London. After The Unicorn kills her partner, Lorne knows if she doesn't bring the underworld criminal to justice soon, she will be his next target.
In a race against time, Lorne has 24 hours before the Unicorn uses her kidnapped daughter as a human bomb. Can Lorne track the criminal down before it's too late?
This book highlights the horrendous crime of people trafficking.
JET: What drew you to writing thrillers?
MEL: I started out writing romances but found that the adrenaline rush a writer gets from writing thrillers too great to ignore.
JET: What’s been your most challenging hurdle on the road to publication?
MEL: I wondered if some of the scenes in the book might be too graphic for some readers. I actually cried when I wrote some of the worse parts.
JET: What was your favorite moment in the journey?
MEL: The way I was able to bring the characters to life in my head and on paper.
JET: Which authors had the most influence over you growing up?
MEL: Stephen King, Danielle Steele and most recently James Patterson.
JET: When did you know you wanted to take the plunge into the writing world?
MEL: After I moved to France and finished renovating our farmhouse I became bored and started a Creative writing course, the rest is history as they say!
JET: What’s the craziest thing you’ve done in the name of book research? Most interesting fact you uncovered?
MEL: I had to research expensive Yachts, the Super Yachts and reading about the luxury on board these vessels had me drooling at times.
JET: Of all the novels and stories you’ve written - which one is your favorite? Why?
MEL: Impeding Justice because I can’t believe how well it is being received by the general public.
JET: Any advice (from a writer’s standpoint) for the novices out there?
MEL: Sign up to a writer’s site, i.e. Authonomy or Youwriteon, you’ll learn lots you never realized goes on in the craft. And never be afraid to cut what you originally wrote in half, we all tend to overwrite to begin with.
JET: All right - now that I’ve hammered you with the big questions, let’s tackle my favorite (and geeky) quick ten. . . starting with: Paper or Plastic?
MEL: Paper
JET: Steak or Tofu?
MEL: Steak
JET: Beach or Mountains?
MEL: Mountains
JET: Country or Rock-n-Roll?
MEL: Rock-n-Roll.
JET: Leather or Lace?
MEL: Lace
JET: Angels or Demons?
MEL: Angels
JET: Paper or Digital?
MEL: Digital
JET: Silent Film Classics or Cheesy B Rated Horror?
MEL: Cheesy B Rated Horror
JET: Twilight or True Blood.
MEL: Twilight
JET: Coffee or Tea?
MEL: Coffee
JET: Thank you for indulging me. Before we wrap this up, can you tell us what you're working on now? What's next?
MEL: The sequel to IJ is now at the editors and should be ready for release in February, it’s called Final Justice.
JET: Thank you so much for taking the time to chat on my blog. Folks, you can find out more about Mel Comley and her work at the following places:
http://melcomley.blogspot.com/
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0045UA6F0
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0045UA6F0
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/28137
Thanks for joining us today. Next week, one of my favorite new authors and a very good friend of mine Cat Connor is on tap for dishing up what’s happening on her side of the world.
In case you were not aware, Cat Connor is from New Zealand and while she does not live in Christchurch, she does have family in that area. Thankfully, all are well, but it has been a trying couple of weeks. If you have a moment, please say a prayer for all those affected.
In the meantime, mark your calendars and swing by next week to say hello.
Until next week,
Ciao,
JET
Renovation completed, she began to follow her dream of becoming a writer. After completing a creative writing course, she penned a romance, which was a near miss with Mills & Boon. Then she decided to turn her hand to crime writing and DI Lorne Simpkins was born.
Impeding Justice is the first in a series of novels featuring Lorne Simpkins. The book gained a Gold Star on the writer's site, Authonomy, with a Harper Collins editor saying, "It keeps the reader focused on the dramatic interest of the story."
She is currently finishing the sequel which should be completed early in 2011.
In her spare time, Mel loves pottering in her garden - which has, for the past few years, won a local award. She also enjoys painting and walking her dogs.
JET: Can you tell us a little about your October 2010 release, Impeding Justice?
MEL: Impeding Justice is a fast-paced thriller featuring feisty new BritCop, DI Lorne Simpkins in a gritty crime novel set in London. After The Unicorn kills her partner, Lorne knows if she doesn't bring the underworld criminal to justice soon, she will be his next target.
In a race against time, Lorne has 24 hours before the Unicorn uses her kidnapped daughter as a human bomb. Can Lorne track the criminal down before it's too late?
This book highlights the horrendous crime of people trafficking.
JET: What drew you to writing thrillers?
MEL: I started out writing romances but found that the adrenaline rush a writer gets from writing thrillers too great to ignore.
JET: What’s been your most challenging hurdle on the road to publication?
MEL: I wondered if some of the scenes in the book might be too graphic for some readers. I actually cried when I wrote some of the worse parts.
JET: What was your favorite moment in the journey?
MEL: The way I was able to bring the characters to life in my head and on paper.
JET: Which authors had the most influence over you growing up?
MEL: Stephen King, Danielle Steele and most recently James Patterson.
JET: When did you know you wanted to take the plunge into the writing world?
MEL: After I moved to France and finished renovating our farmhouse I became bored and started a Creative writing course, the rest is history as they say!
JET: What’s the craziest thing you’ve done in the name of book research? Most interesting fact you uncovered?
MEL: I had to research expensive Yachts, the Super Yachts and reading about the luxury on board these vessels had me drooling at times.
JET: Of all the novels and stories you’ve written - which one is your favorite? Why?
MEL: Impeding Justice because I can’t believe how well it is being received by the general public.
JET: Any advice (from a writer’s standpoint) for the novices out there?
MEL: Sign up to a writer’s site, i.e. Authonomy or Youwriteon, you’ll learn lots you never realized goes on in the craft. And never be afraid to cut what you originally wrote in half, we all tend to overwrite to begin with.
JET: All right - now that I’ve hammered you with the big questions, let’s tackle my favorite (and geeky) quick ten. . . starting with: Paper or Plastic?
MEL: Paper
JET: Steak or Tofu?
MEL: Steak
JET: Beach or Mountains?
MEL: Mountains
JET: Country or Rock-n-Roll?
MEL: Rock-n-Roll.
JET: Leather or Lace?
MEL: Lace
JET: Angels or Demons?
MEL: Angels
JET: Paper or Digital?
MEL: Digital
JET: Silent Film Classics or Cheesy B Rated Horror?
MEL: Cheesy B Rated Horror
JET: Twilight or True Blood.
MEL: Twilight
JET: Coffee or Tea?
MEL: Coffee
JET: Thank you for indulging me. Before we wrap this up, can you tell us what you're working on now? What's next?
MEL: The sequel to IJ is now at the editors and should be ready for release in February, it’s called Final Justice.
JET: Thank you so much for taking the time to chat on my blog. Folks, you can find out more about Mel Comley and her work at the following places:
http://melcomley.blogspot.com/
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0045UA6F0
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0045UA6F0
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/28137
Thanks for joining us today. Next week, one of my favorite new authors and a very good friend of mine Cat Connor is on tap for dishing up what’s happening on her side of the world.
In case you were not aware, Cat Connor is from New Zealand and while she does not live in Christchurch, she does have family in that area. Thankfully, all are well, but it has been a trying couple of weeks. If you have a moment, please say a prayer for all those affected.
In the meantime, mark your calendars and swing by next week to say hello.
Until next week,
Ciao,
JET
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Jenny Craig - week 24
Ugh - no gain, no loss this week. I know why - I didn't get to do the usual length of time exercising. My schedule went to hell and I have been way too exhausted to put the time in. So based on that, a no gain/no loss situation isn't bad.
Time to refocus and get moving again.
Hope you all are meeting your goals!
Until next week,
Ciao.
JET
Time to refocus and get moving again.
Hope you all are meeting your goals!
Until next week,
Ciao.
JET
Friday, February 18, 2011
Dishing it up with Betty Sullivan La Pierre plus a giveaway!
Today I have the pleasure of having author Betty Sullivan LaPierre on my blog today. Not only has she taken the time for my Q&A, she also has been kind enough to raffle off a copy of “THE SILENT SCREAM to a lucky commenter.
Born and raised in Oklahoma, Betty Sullivan LaPierre now lives in Silicon Valley California and writes Mystery/Suspense/Thriller novels, which are published in digital format and print. Her Hawkman Mystery Series is developing quite a fan base. She’s also written two stand-alone mystery/thrillers and plans to continue writing. ‘BLACKOUT,’ Betty’s story about a bingo hall (of the Hawkman Series), ranked in the top ten of the P&E Reader’s Poll, and won the 2003 BLOODY DAGGER AWARD for best Mystery/Suspense. EuroReviews picked ‘THE DEADLY THORN’ (One of Betty’s stand alone thrillers) for their 2005 May Book of the Month.
JET: You’ve written twelve books in the Hawkman series, can you tell us about the latest?
BETTY: My twelfth book of the series is “SHADOWS IN THE NIGHT”. Tom Casey, Private Investigator, better known as Hawkman, was hired by George and Maggie Hampton to investigate the deaths of their friends living in Morning Glory Haven. The facility houses people capable of independent living, along with those who need twenty-four hour assistance. It baffled him to think someone would kill people who were in the last stages of their lives, and doubted the Hamptons, but as he delved into the case, he found out there were definitely murders taking place.
The Thirteenth in the Hawkman Series, “THE ARCHER” has just been published and is up at my site and my publisher’s for purchase. It’s about a young college woman, Laura King, who is being harassed on her cell phone, and the calls have escalated into vile and treacherous threats. Hawkman takes it upon himself to find out who’s tormenting her. It leads him into the world of archery.
JET: What drew you to crime thrillers?
BETTY: I’ve always enjoyed reading, and loved the plotting aspect of mysteries, even as a child. I never dreamed I’d take up writing, but with encouragement from my family, I finally tried my hand and love it.
JET: What’s been your most challenging hurdle on the road to publication?
BETTY: Being rejected over and over again by the big publishers. I finally got tired of putting out the money to send manuscripts and then get a ‘good, but not our thing’ comment stamped across the front page. There were times when I could tell the manuscript had not even been read. Very frustrating.
JET: What was your favorite moment in the journey?
BETTY: When I turned to e-publishing. I could see it would be the “wave of the future”. Then came the royalty checks....’How sweet it is...” and to know someone is actually reading your work and likes it.
JET: Which authors had the most influence over you growing up?
BETTY: Carolyn Keene. I loved the Nancy Drew mysteries and tried to read every one.
When I couldn’t find them, I’d go to the Hardy Boys Series by Franklin Dixon. I started reading mysteries at a very young age.
JET: When did you know you wanted to take the plunge into the writing world?
BETTY: After I wrote the first book, “THE ENEMY STALKS” where I introduced Hawkman, I couldn’t phantom not sharing the stories about him. He’s a fantastic man. That’s when I decided to take the plunge.
JET: What’s the craziest thing you’ve done in the name of book research? Most interesting fact you uncovered?
BETTY: I had to think about this, because I do so much of my research on the internet. However, when I first started researching, I remember being in the library when a young police officer came in. I grabbed him by the arm and said, “I need to talk to you.” I’m sure he thought I was going to report some lewd man exposing himself to children behind the shelves. When I started asking questions about his job, he almost breathed a sigh of relief.
As far as the most interesting fact I’ve uncovered was when I was writing “THE SILENT SCREAM”. I needed to know how to skin a large animal and cure the hide. I had no idea there were so many ways this could be done. A very fortunate finding as I needed a specific method and found it.
JET: Of all the novels and stories you’ve written - which one is your favorite? Why?
BETTY: My favorite is ‘THE SILENT SCREAM’. I graduated from college with a degree in Speech Therapy, with a speciality in the Deaf. I did my student teaching at a deaf school on the campus, Jane Brooks School for the Deaf. These children were taught to speak and were not allowed to use sign language. They were extraordinary, and what they accomplished was close to miraculous. When I started writing, I wanted to do a book about a deaf person. In “THE SILENT SCREAM’, Richard is my protagonist, a young deaf lad. Everyone who read the book fell in love with him, and I loved writing about Richard.
JET: Any advice (from a writer’s standpoint) for the novices out there?
BETTY: Research what it takes to write a book. It’s not easy. You need to know the genre and what is required. Once you’ve written your book, had it critiqued, edited, and polished to the best of your ability, then submit it to a publisher, either a big house or small house. In this day and time, I’d suggest an e-book publisher. Then wait to see what they think. If you’re turned down, go back to the drawing board and work on it some more. Never, never, never give up. Someone out there will like your story.
JET: All right - now that I’ve hammered you with the big questions, let’s tackle my favorite (and geeky) quick ten. . . starting with: Paper or Plastic?
BETTY: Both (prefer Paper)
JET: Steak or Tofu?
BETTY: Steak
JET: Beach or Mountains?
BETTY: Mountains
JET: Country or Rock-n-Roll?
BETTY: Country
JET: Leather or Lace?
BETTY: Lace
JET: Angels or Demons?
BETTY: Angels
JET: Paper or Digital?
BETTY: Both. I just received a Kindle for a gft, so this is up in the air as yet. ;-)
JET: Silent Film Classics or Cheesy B Rated Horror?
BETTY: Silent film Classics
JET: White Chocolate or Dark Chocolate?
BETTY: Dark Chocolate..yummy
JET: Coffee or Tea?
BETTY: Coffee (I like iced tea)
JET: Thank you for indulging me. Before we wrap this up, can you tell us what you're working on now? What's next?
BETTY: I’m working on #14 of the Hawkman Series. Just started, so I can’t reveal much. Other than it will involve Randy, a ten year old boy.
Thank you so much for taking the time to chat on my blog. Folks, you can find out more about Betty Sullivan LaPierre and her work at the following places: http://www.bettysullivanlapierre.com/
http://synergebooks.com/ebook_thearcher.html
http://www.fictionwise.com/eBooks/BettySullivanLaPierreeBooks.htm
Kindle version of Betty Sullivan LaPierre's books
Also for the Kindle version you can get at the above link.
It’s been a pleasure, and before I go, I’d like to give away a book to a lucky commenter. Once you’ve removed the blog, we’ll draw a name for the winner of “THE SILENT SCREAM”. So everyone be sure and put your e-mail address on your comment, so we can reach you.
Thanks for joining us today!
Next week I have sensational author of Impeding Justice - Mel Comley on tap.
Until then,
Ciao
JET
Born and raised in Oklahoma, Betty Sullivan LaPierre now lives in Silicon Valley California and writes Mystery/Suspense/Thriller novels, which are published in digital format and print. Her Hawkman Mystery Series is developing quite a fan base. She’s also written two stand-alone mystery/thrillers and plans to continue writing. ‘BLACKOUT,’ Betty’s story about a bingo hall (of the Hawkman Series), ranked in the top ten of the P&E Reader’s Poll, and won the 2003 BLOODY DAGGER AWARD for best Mystery/Suspense. EuroReviews picked ‘THE DEADLY THORN’ (One of Betty’s stand alone thrillers) for their 2005 May Book of the Month.
JET: You’ve written twelve books in the Hawkman series, can you tell us about the latest?
BETTY: My twelfth book of the series is “SHADOWS IN THE NIGHT”. Tom Casey, Private Investigator, better known as Hawkman, was hired by George and Maggie Hampton to investigate the deaths of their friends living in Morning Glory Haven. The facility houses people capable of independent living, along with those who need twenty-four hour assistance. It baffled him to think someone would kill people who were in the last stages of their lives, and doubted the Hamptons, but as he delved into the case, he found out there were definitely murders taking place.
The Thirteenth in the Hawkman Series, “THE ARCHER” has just been published and is up at my site and my publisher’s for purchase. It’s about a young college woman, Laura King, who is being harassed on her cell phone, and the calls have escalated into vile and treacherous threats. Hawkman takes it upon himself to find out who’s tormenting her. It leads him into the world of archery.
JET: What drew you to crime thrillers?
BETTY: I’ve always enjoyed reading, and loved the plotting aspect of mysteries, even as a child. I never dreamed I’d take up writing, but with encouragement from my family, I finally tried my hand and love it.
JET: What’s been your most challenging hurdle on the road to publication?
BETTY: Being rejected over and over again by the big publishers. I finally got tired of putting out the money to send manuscripts and then get a ‘good, but not our thing’ comment stamped across the front page. There were times when I could tell the manuscript had not even been read. Very frustrating.
JET: What was your favorite moment in the journey?
BETTY: When I turned to e-publishing. I could see it would be the “wave of the future”. Then came the royalty checks....’How sweet it is...” and to know someone is actually reading your work and likes it.
JET: Which authors had the most influence over you growing up?
BETTY: Carolyn Keene. I loved the Nancy Drew mysteries and tried to read every one.
When I couldn’t find them, I’d go to the Hardy Boys Series by Franklin Dixon. I started reading mysteries at a very young age.
JET: When did you know you wanted to take the plunge into the writing world?
BETTY: After I wrote the first book, “THE ENEMY STALKS” where I introduced Hawkman, I couldn’t phantom not sharing the stories about him. He’s a fantastic man. That’s when I decided to take the plunge.
JET: What’s the craziest thing you’ve done in the name of book research? Most interesting fact you uncovered?
BETTY: I had to think about this, because I do so much of my research on the internet. However, when I first started researching, I remember being in the library when a young police officer came in. I grabbed him by the arm and said, “I need to talk to you.” I’m sure he thought I was going to report some lewd man exposing himself to children behind the shelves. When I started asking questions about his job, he almost breathed a sigh of relief.
As far as the most interesting fact I’ve uncovered was when I was writing “THE SILENT SCREAM”. I needed to know how to skin a large animal and cure the hide. I had no idea there were so many ways this could be done. A very fortunate finding as I needed a specific method and found it.
JET: Of all the novels and stories you’ve written - which one is your favorite? Why?
BETTY: My favorite is ‘THE SILENT SCREAM’. I graduated from college with a degree in Speech Therapy, with a speciality in the Deaf. I did my student teaching at a deaf school on the campus, Jane Brooks School for the Deaf. These children were taught to speak and were not allowed to use sign language. They were extraordinary, and what they accomplished was close to miraculous. When I started writing, I wanted to do a book about a deaf person. In “THE SILENT SCREAM’, Richard is my protagonist, a young deaf lad. Everyone who read the book fell in love with him, and I loved writing about Richard.
JET: Any advice (from a writer’s standpoint) for the novices out there?
BETTY: Research what it takes to write a book. It’s not easy. You need to know the genre and what is required. Once you’ve written your book, had it critiqued, edited, and polished to the best of your ability, then submit it to a publisher, either a big house or small house. In this day and time, I’d suggest an e-book publisher. Then wait to see what they think. If you’re turned down, go back to the drawing board and work on it some more. Never, never, never give up. Someone out there will like your story.
JET: All right - now that I’ve hammered you with the big questions, let’s tackle my favorite (and geeky) quick ten. . . starting with: Paper or Plastic?
BETTY: Both (prefer Paper)
JET: Steak or Tofu?
BETTY: Steak
JET: Beach or Mountains?
BETTY: Mountains
JET: Country or Rock-n-Roll?
BETTY: Country
JET: Leather or Lace?
BETTY: Lace
JET: Angels or Demons?
BETTY: Angels
JET: Paper or Digital?
BETTY: Both. I just received a Kindle for a gft, so this is up in the air as yet. ;-)
JET: Silent Film Classics or Cheesy B Rated Horror?
BETTY: Silent film Classics
JET: White Chocolate or Dark Chocolate?
BETTY: Dark Chocolate..yummy
JET: Coffee or Tea?
BETTY: Coffee (I like iced tea)
JET: Thank you for indulging me. Before we wrap this up, can you tell us what you're working on now? What's next?
BETTY: I’m working on #14 of the Hawkman Series. Just started, so I can’t reveal much. Other than it will involve Randy, a ten year old boy.
Thank you so much for taking the time to chat on my blog. Folks, you can find out more about Betty Sullivan LaPierre and her work at the following places: http://www.bettysullivanlapierre.com/
http://synergebooks.com/ebook_thearcher.html
http://www.fictionwise.com/eBooks/BettySullivanLaPierreeBooks.htm
Kindle version of Betty Sullivan LaPierre's books
Also for the Kindle version you can get at the above link.
It’s been a pleasure, and before I go, I’d like to give away a book to a lucky commenter. Once you’ve removed the blog, we’ll draw a name for the winner of “THE SILENT SCREAM”. So everyone be sure and put your e-mail address on your comment, so we can reach you.
Thanks for joining us today!
Next week I have sensational author of Impeding Justice - Mel Comley on tap.
Until then,
Ciao
JET
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