Guest Post with Author Dusty Crabtree

I am pleased to welcome author, Dusty Crabtree, to my blog! 

She is here to share a little about herself and the inspiration behind her novel, Shadow Eyes.

~ABOUT THE AUTHOR~

Dusty Crabtree has been a high school English teacher at Yukon High School in Oklahoma since 2006, a challenge she thoroughly enjoys. She is also a youth sponsor at Cherokee Hills Christian Church in Oklahoma City and feels very blessed with the amazing opportunities she has to develop meaningful relationships with teens on a daily basis.  Her passion for teens has poured into her writing as well.  She is the author of the young adult urban fantasy, Shadow Eyes, through Musa Publishing, which she wrote in order to give teens an intriguing and provocative book series that promotes moral messages.  She lives with her husband, Clayton, in Yukon, Oklahoma, where they often serve their community as foster parents.

~GUEST POST~

Many writers say they always knew they wanted to be a writer.  My writing journey was slightly different.  Sure I occasionally attempted short stories as a child…that I never finished, but since then I didn’t think about writing fiction until just before starting my young adult urban fantasy, Shadow Eyes.  In truth, I never would have become a writer if it hadn’t have been for two things: my friend’s suggestion and a crazy, unique idea that ignited my passion and wouldn’t leave me alone.  In fact, the best advice I give to aspiring authors is to come up with a concept that is so amazing and that you are so passionate about that you will never get bored with it and never want to give up.
The idea for Shadow Eyes actually first came to me as a screenplay for a Christian horror movie, if there ever was such a genre.  The movie would have been about a cast of intertwined characters going about their lives and making mistakes with dark, creepy shadows (demons) hovering around them, whispering to them, and influencing them to do evil things.  Only the audience would see the shadows.  The characters would be completely oblivious.  I could see it all in my head, and it was awesome!  But I had no idea how to write a screenplay.
A few years after I’d had that idea, my friend suggested I should write a novel like the paranormal angel books we’d been reading and loving.  I’d always loved the concept of angels and demons in stories and immediately thought back to that screenplay idea.  After realizing 3rd person omniscient was not a great narrator choice for a novel, I decided on a 1st person narrator, Iris, who had a special ability to see the shadows, as well as light figures (angels), but nobody else could.  
The more the story developed in my mind, the more crazy I was about it.  All the mysterious characters, the big mystery about what happened to Iris when she was 14 that first gave her the ability, her making mistakes and discovering who these characters were and, more importantly, who she was – all of it just fell into place on an outline out of my crazy, overly-creative, overly-stimulated mind.  Shadow Eyes, my pride and joy, my baby, is the result.

~SHADOW EYES SYNOPSIS~

Iris thought she could ignore the shadows...

until they went after everyone she loved.

Iris Kohl lives in a world populated by murky shadows that surround, harass, and entice unsuspecting individuals toward evil.  But she is the only one who can see them.  She’s had this ability to see the shadows, as well as brilliantly glowing light figures, ever since an obscure, tragic incident on her fourteenth birthday three years earlier. 

Although she’s learned to cope, the view of her world begins to shift upon the arrival of three mysterious characters.  First, a handsome new teacher whose presence scares away shadows; second, a new friend with an awe-inspiring aura; and third, a mysterious and alluring new student whom Iris has a hard time resisting despite already having a boyfriend.

As the shadows invade and terrorize her own life and family, she must ultimately revisit the most horrific event of her life in order to learn her true identity and become the hero she was meant to be.

CHECK OUT THE SHADOW EYES BOOK TRAILER!

You can find the author on any of the following sites:

Check out Dusty’s blog at http://dustycrabtree.wordpress.com/

Find her on facebook: Facebook

Follow her on twitter @DustyCrabtree

Dusty is also a Goodreads author! Visit her Goodreads Page

Also look for my review of Shadow Eyes coming soon!

If you would like to purchase your own copy it is available from
Musa Publishing 
(also available at all major online bookstores)

Guest Post with Author Kea Noli

 I would like to welcome Kea Noli to my blog!

Author of the YA novel, Pearl Lover

A French heiress coming-of-age novel:

Although Nixie Veidt loves a Russian danseur, she marries a bureaucrat to save her inheritance from a domineering mother. If she is unfaithful, her mother, a wealthy socialite, will become guardian. 

When Nixie hires the danseur for her ballet company, her mother hires a private detective and spies on her daughter.

Pearl Lover is a debutante's conflicting love for two men, and the struggling rebirth of Ballets Russes, a ballet company.

Is it moral to love two men?

Be prepared for an unconventional ending!

~GUEST POST~

Kea Noli is here to give us a behind the scenes look into her life as an author.

I am Australian by birth but American by choice.  Pearl Lover reveals a lot about me.  Nixie Veidt (MC) is based on me, an heiress, rebellious, ran away from home when she was in her teens with a fortune, (mine was smaller) following her bliss and giving her money to the man she loves (I'm doing the same today).  She will do anything for him because she is a romantic. The ballet part is fictitious, but the character is very real.

When I was a designer in the building industry, I was frustrated because of the bureaucracy, permits, licenses, and inspections.  I quit my job, and said: “to hell with all that;” and I started writing.

After about 4 years of shredding manuscripts, I finally knew what I wanted to write. Seven months later, Nixie Veidt and her wild tale became my novel, Pearl Lover. However, this was not with out determination and facing some challenges along the way. The greatest challenge I came across while writing was implementing drama into every scene. 

With this book I wanted to challenge the status quo on the traditional ideas of jealousy. I’d had enough of romances with hysterical females venting negative emotions.  

The most prominent inspiration behind my work was the famous Rudolph Nureyev, and the Ballets Russes.  Kolya Kosov is modeled after Nureyev. The Ballets Russes (Ballets Russia) was a 20th Century Company.  Most of the ballets produced in the west can be traced back to the Company’s influence.  Pearl Lover is a contemporary story backed by the rebirth of Ballets Russes.

I am also inspired by Ayn Rand's, Atlas Shrugged, which has become my favorite book of all time. After I read it I ran away from home. 

To all the aspiring writers out there, I would like to say this: If you do not know the answer to a problem, look beyond yourself.  Do not think that there is something wrong with you, just because you cannot work it out.  Find the answer. I found that comment in Fiction Writing by Ayn Rand and it couldn't be any more true.

Seriously, I have been writing for about 5 years, living frugally, on breadcrumbs, so to speak, but I have one purpose—to succeed as a writer—that means to write.

I hope you enjoyed getting a little peak into my life. I always love receiving emails from readers, so don't be shy to write me one!

I am also looking for bloggers and book reviewers who would be willing to review and post about Pearl Lover. If you are interested, please do get in touch. My email is authorkeanoli@yahoo.com.

Kea Noli is an Aussie from Sydney living in the US.

Pearl Lover' is her debut novel, published July 2012.

To find out more about the author and read sample chapters of her work,

Please visit her at: Website / Goodreads 

Pearl Lover is now available for purchase from Amazon

Throwback Thursday #3

It's time for another Throwback Thursday!

This weekly meme is hosted by 

The Housework Can Wait and Never Too Fond of Books

"It’s the nature of book blogging to focus mainly on new releases, but there are thousands of great books out there that haven’t seen the “New Releases” shelf in years. We hope to be able to bring attention to some older titles that may not be at the top of the current bestseller list, but still deserve a spot in your To-Be-Read pile."

This week I have chosen to remember Ann M. Martin's classic series,

THE BABYSITTERS CLUB!

For those of you who didn't know, The Babysitters club was out of print for a little while in anticipation of it's re-release in summer of 2010. Along with updated covers of selected titles, Ann M Martin also released a brand new prequel to the series, titled The Summer Before. 

This was a promising step for these timely classics. 

"Kristy thinks the Baby-sitters Club is a great idea. She and her friends Claudia, Stacey and Mary Anne all love taking care of kids. A club will give them the chance to have lots of fun-and make tons of money.But nobody counted on crank calls, uncontrollable two-year-olds, wild pets, and parents who don't always tell the truth. And then there's Stacey, who's acting more and more mysterious. Having a baby-sitters club isn't easy, but Kristy and her friends aren't giving up until they get it right!"

I always wanted to be Claudia from BBC when I was little. My sister was always Kristy. I loved these books! Every weekend my mom would take me to the library and I was allowed to choose 10 books. I always got several from this series. I remember when I received my standee and promotional items for the re-release of this series at work. I was so excited. The other girls and I stood around and giggled about it for quite awhile. I even read the prequel just for kicks. 

To me, these are the type of books children should be reading. For all the parents of youngsters out there and those who just want a blast from the past, I suggest taking a look at this series! 

The Secret of Ravelston Review

Author Sergio Silveira brings us his YA historical fiction,

The Secret of Ravelston

As a young and well-to-do British lady of 1805, Jane Freemont's fate was solely decided by others. But her spirit was that of of a fearless sleuth, determined to discover the fate of a poor young woman who had vanished. 

If you enjoy the genres of English manners (Pride and Prejudice) and English mysteries (Miss Marple), you will enjoy the Secret of Ravelston. It attempts to put together both. It also has much satire of aristocratic, well-to-do, individuals, who spend most of their idle lives attempting to amuse themselves, and being served by countless human beings they don't see as real people.

~From The Author~

Jane Freemont is a British young lady with a very big problem.  She is modern girl...but she lives in early 19th Century.  Jane has a critical, inquiring mind that is always ready to state her honest opinions--no matter whom she may inconvenience.  This causes the young gentlemen to run away from her--for men can surely welcome a women's criticism much more than they do. But that's our loss.

Jane's older brother, and only living relative, has sent her to live far away in the north, where he believes her critical and inquiring mind will no longer create problems for him. But, as Jane arrives in beautiful Ravelston, she becomes determined to discover the fate of another, yet much less privileged, young woman who has mysteriously vanished. In Ravelston no one seems to care about what happened to Mary Hale, who was seen as unimportant because she was poor. 

Jane will risk everything, even her future, to find out the truth. 

Remember, powerful love, when not accepted in oneself, 

is one of the cruelest things there is. 

~MY REVIEW~

Sergio Silveira is a promising self published author. Often, self published authors are over looked and I am glad I had the chance to read The Secret of Ravelston. Historical fictions are not something I usually pick up, but this story had an unusual premise that sparked my interest. 

I rather enjoyed the historical setting of this novel and it will definitely compel me to read more like it. 

Sergio's writing style is original and very fitting for the time period he is aiming to portray. 

I really loved the mystery aspect of this story, and it was this that really drew me in. However, the mystery itself was a little slow to develop and I found my self practically begging the pages to shed light on what Jane was experiencing. The story did deliver, but not until the end of the novel. 

The ending itself was fantastic. The secret of the town and the twist it brought with it was worth the wait.

Sergio has a great way with imagery and succeeded in bringing the town of Ravelston to life. 

Jane is a wonderful main character and her atypical behavior for a lady of her time was most enjoyable. 

She was intensely determined to keep digging, even when the odds were against her. Her attitude and drive really kept the story going. 

I do wish Lord Andrew's character was a bit more prominent through out the story. He is, after all, the key to the mystery and I felt his character warranted more face time. 

Sergio has managed to bring some humour into the drama and suspense, which at times really lightened the mood. The banter of the Lords and Ladies was comical and gave some great insight into the social structure of the 1800's. 

Overall, The Secret of Ravelston was a delightful read and I would recommend it to historical fiction fans.

The Secret of Ravelston is available for purchase 

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Interview with author Ashley Andrews, My Review

I am happy to be starting the week off with 

ASHLEY ANDREWS!

Author of The Heaven I Found in Hell 

Ashley Andrews was born in New York to Canadian parents.  She moved to Canada when she was a very young child. She currently resides in Toronto. For years she has been a teacher, writer, and actress. She can normally be found in a coffee shop typing away at her latest work. She is the author of Bleeding Love, The Heaven I found in Hell and Breaking the Arm, Healing the Heart. 

~INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR~

Q: Tell us something unusual about you.

A: I can actually be quite shy when I am in the spot light.  The success of my books so far has meant I have had a lot of people interested in me and my books.  Sometimes it is a bit overwhelming!

Q:  What gave you your start as a writer? 
A:  I was always the dreamer, fantasy type as a child.  If anything I was more involved with the drama club and acting in school rather than becoming a writing, was just putting those ideas down on paper from my imagination.  I never really thought of myself as a 'writer' type, but rather someone who just wants to share what my imagination was thinking. 

Q:  If you could pick a favorite character from your childhood who/what would it be? 
A:  Carmen, from Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego.   I was what you called a 'granola head' in school, which meant I really liked geography with the possibility of traveling the world one day when I was older.  I loved watching the Carmen Sandiego TV game show when I was younger.  The winner of each show would could choose a trip to anywhere in North America as their prize.  My dream was to go on that show one day.  Sadly, that dream never materialized but I did dress up like Carmen for Halloween last year! 

Q:  Who is your target audience and why? 
A:  The older YA audience. Some guys are now reading and telling me they like the books too. 

Q:  Who/What has been your greatest inspiration for you books? 
A:  I probably would never have published a book in the first place had it not been for ereaders like the Kindle.  I guess my inspiration was that anyone nowadays can make something and upload it to the internet where thousands of other people can share in what you have made.  For an indie author like me it was something I could take advantage of without having to go the traditional route of book publishing where you need a publisher, book deal, physical books to distribute, etc.  

Q:  Who has been your biggest support in your writing career? 
A:  My readers and some of the other indie authors I have chatted with since publishing. 

Q:  What has been your biggest challenge in writing? 
A:  The more technical parts of publishing a book; lots of tricky little technical details like formatting I don't really get. 

Q:  Where is your favorite place to write and what do you snack on? 
A:  My local coffee shop.  I'm always working (or at least look like I'm working) during the day time.  I normally a nice big mug of coffee, or two, and maybe some food like a bagel, or peanut butter cookies if I have a sweet tooth that day.  

Q:  What advice would you give an aspiring writer? 
A:  Just go out and publish your first book.  It has never been easier for an indie writer to upload and sell their material on the internet with amazon, smashwords, etc.  Even if your first book is not 'good', you will learn so much from the process of creating something that will stay with you.  You don't really know in life until you try. 

Q:  Currently, who is your favorite author? 
A:  Ironically since I've been writing so much I haven't had any time to read lately!  I did read a bit of E L James 50 Shades at my friend's house and it seemed really exciting.  I'll probably download the trilogy soon on my kindle.   

Q:  What can you tell us about your upcoming works? 
A:  I'm putting the final touches on my latest work Sunnyside up with Red Ketchup. Red is a secret agent who on her first undercover mission to protect arrogant, rich Zane Noble from a planned kidnapping. Innocent Red is Zane's new target and he wants her out. Can she gain his approval?

I am aiming to have it published in less than a month from now.  I'm looking for reviewers to read it over when it comes out and offer their opinion.  I can be reached at ashleyandrewslp@gmail.com 

If you would like to know more about the author and her work,

Please visit her on :

Her BLOG/

Goodreads/Book Blogs

Alex is a Victoria's Secret model that is forced by her parents to go to Boarding School. Being downright gorgeous, she can make any guy, both male supermodels and high school boys, turn head over heels in love with her. But why is she having a hard time catching the interest of her roommate's handsome brother?

Full of sexual tension, high school parties, tease fests, and a certain reappearance from a superstar ex, this story is a wild ride of teenage humor and romance.

~MY REVIEW~

The Heaven I Found in Hell is a very fun read! Perfect for when you are in the mood for something light.

I enjoyed the authors writing style. She has written a relatable and attention grabbing book. This story also has an important message which makes it perfect for young adults.

The main character, Alex, is a wild girl who is used to a glamorous life style. Being thrown into boarding school helps her realize there is more to life than just looks and outrageous partying habits. 

She is shown what having real friends is like and learns to accept the love that is given to her. I liked that Alex's guy friends have her back when she gets herself into certain situations. You can tell that what she needs the most is support and she definitely finds that in her new friends. Good thing too, because with  the degree of drama that seems to follow her she needs them a lot! 

Alex's relationship with her parents is similar to one I am sure many young adults have with theirs. This makes it easy for the reader to relate to the characters and situations through out the story. 

As a whole this book was well written and thought out. Alex's character developed and grew nicely as the story progressed. 

I do feel that this book dragged a little at parts. Some chapters seemed to be more filler than constructive to the plot, which is why I have given it a three strawberry rating. To be honest I was on the fence about it because I did enjoy the story line but in the end I felt that it lacked a certain depth to it.

Ashley Andrews does know how to write a romance novel! The romance in this book was great and ripe with sexual tension. If the book focused solely on the romance aspect, I am sure it would be even better.

Anyone who enjoys a good romance should pick up one of Ashley's books. I recommend this book as an easy beach read!

If you would like to purchase your own copy of 

The Heaven I Found in Hell or one of Ashley Andrew's other books,

They can be found on AMAZON 

Short Story Sunday

I am pleased to introduce 

two wonderful short story fictions.

THE RED VELVET BOX

BY Christine Keleny

I started writing in college (a while ago!) and haven't stopped since. For a reason I don't really know, round about 2003 I decided I wanted to write a novel. Up to that point I had been writing short children's storys, but never pursued publication. In March of 2008 "Rosebloom" was born. And as any writer can tell you, it was a birth! It was perhaps a bit more for me since I self published the work, which isn't particularly hard, but just takes a lot of time. 
Now I'm done with book II in the series - "A Burnished Rose" - and I'm busy on the screenplay and a memoir for a friend. I'm having the time of my life!

~THE RED VELVET BOX~

This story is set in the early 1950s and can be enjoyed by anyone of any age. The Red Velvet Box is a book about a thirteen year old girl by the name of Katherine who is forced to spend her thanksgiving break at her Grandmothers helping her mother clean out Grandma’s attic. Grandma Blanch has to move soon. She has been forgetting things lately, so Katherine’s mother, Ruth, doesn’t feel she can stay alone much longer. What they don’t realize is that Grandma is worse off than they thought.

~MY REVIEW~

This story is such a heart warming one! I really enjoyed it all the way through. You can tell the author is writing from a place in her heart and I just loved that about this story. 

Katie is a darling young girl from the 50's, who has a love for Nancy Drew and nice outfits. Her character really stood out to me and I was captured by her right away. 

The author has a wonderful writing style and a lovely way with imagery. The descriptions she gives truly make this short story pop out of the pages. It was more like I was watching an old film. The fact that The Red Velvet Box was set in the 50's made it even more special and the time period was very fitting.

The author has taken the subjects of aging and family and retold them in such a great way. 

I have worked for six years in assisted living facilities and have seen how troubling memory loss can be. 

This story brought tears to my eyes at the end. Katie handles her grandmother perfectly and with such love.

I would definitely recommend this short story for any age who wants a story that warms your heart!

If you would like to know more about Christine and her works;

Please visit her website CKbookpublishing

She also has an author page on Goodreads and a blog @ CKBooksBlog

ALLESANDRA'S BEQUEST

BY R.M. Fraser

I am 36 and live in New England. Been here all my life. My wife, whom I lovingly refer to as ELF on my blog, is my main motivator to write. I am a CODA (Child Of Deaf Adults), meaning both of my parents are culturally deaf. It gives me a unique perspective on life. I am a poet and musician who is now delving further into the realm of the written word. I enjoy reading fantasy novels and other genres as well. I also write a blog in my spare time, where I review books, local music, and mostly talk about Deaf/CODA related topics. I am currently working on a novel that is based on the life of someone with Deaf parents. It's tentatively scheduled to be released by the end of this year.

Do you believe in soul mates? 

Can the demons that haunt Allesandra's past be overcome with the love and support of her newlywed husband, Izz? 

Perhaps suicide is the solution? 

There are lessons to be learned by both in this epic short of a couple who fall for each other, and what they must do to stay together forever.

~MY REVIEW~

This short story will blow you away. It has so much depth and passion behind it. Originally it started out as one song the author wrote. From there it took off and became a concept album. Eventually Allesandra's Bequest had transformed into a narrative poem. Knowing that makes this short story even more wonderful. The entire thing is written with bits of the poem intertwined with story. On it's own it is a moving piece of poetry. Combined with the narration of the story it really reaches a new level. At times this did not even feel like a short to me at all.

I was really taken in by Allesandra and her dark past. It is truly haunting. The love she shares with her husband is heartwarming.

The author calls Allesandra's Bequest an epic and I would have to agree with him. It shows the damage the past can imprint on one's soul. It deals with loss in several heart wrenching ways and the impact misplaced guilt can have on the human heart. 

Despite it's tragic and constant dark tone, this story also has the light that is behind every darkness. It speaks of forgiveness as well.

This story might not be for everyone. Abuse can be a hard topic for many to read about . However, I would gladly recommend it to mature readers who want a real life story. 

I hope the author does record the music to this one day. I also hope to see more of his work in the future.

If you would like to know more about the author and his work;

Visit him on Goodreads or

His personal blog @ The Fraser File

R.M. Fraser is also on Twitter! @TheRMFraser
ALLESANDRA'S BEQUEST is available for purchase 
On SMASHWORDS in multiple formats.
Through the end of July, purchase yours for only $1!