Holiday Hullabaloo, Day #7

As you know, I'm participating in the Holiday Hullabaloo Twelve Days of Giveaways. Young Adult authors across the country have gotten together to spread a little Christmas cheer!

Be sure to check on the Mr. linky below to see the other fabulous prizes being given away, and don't forget the $200.00 gift card from either Amazon or Barnes and Noble!

Day seven brings a great read from one of my favorite people in the whole round world. Kriste Cook is not only well into six figures sold, but she also is an advocate for children, heads up relief efforts, and is a champion for battered woman. She is absolutely one of my favorite people, and I'm so excited to be able to offer a signed copy of her first book in the Soul Saver Series, Promise.

Here's the synopsis:

Alexis Ames has a life full of promise…but not all promises can be kept.

When Alexis Ames is attacked by creatures that can’t be real, she decides it’s time she learns who she really is, with or without the help of her mother, who guards their family’s secrets closely. After meeting the inhumanly attractive, multi-talented Tristan Knight, however, Alexis retreats behind her façade of normalcy…until she discovers he’s not exactly normal either. Then their secrets begin to unravel.

Their union brings hope and promise to her family’s secret society, the Angels’ army, and to the future of mankind. But it also incites a dangerous pursuit by the enemy – Satan’s minions and Tristan’s creators. After all, Alexis and Tristan are a match made in Heaven and in Hell.

Check out the other blogs participating in the fun!
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Giveaway Hop!

It's giveaway time again!

In honor of our auspicious leap year, I've decided to give away a signed copy of The Light of Asteria! Just fill out the rafflecopter for a chance to win and be sure to click on the frog to visit other blogs taking part in the hop!

 If Nora Johnson hadn't been on campus that day she would have never known her true destiny. Helping her friends move into the dorm that she wanted to call home, Nora accidentally collides with mysterious stranger, Gavin Frey. His very first touch sends flames through her heart. The world seems different-something within her has changed.

Nora tries to resume her mundane life, but she is now consumed with the one whose very presence ignited her soul, the one with eyes of emerald. Nora soon learns that an energy buried deep within has been unleashed. She now wields unimaginable power and has become Gavin's source, his strength.

Her newfound joy is shaken when she discovers that Gavin is not who he appears to be and she has been thrust in the middle of a war of mythical proportions. Negativity has allowed all things evil to flourish, the earth is under siege. The fate of creation hinges on the power within her heart. Will she be strong enough to survive?

A gripping tale of unbounded love and ancient power, The Light of Asteria will take you on an epic adventure filled with war, treachery, and demons, as well as unimaginable delights.

Let the blog hop begin!

As you know, I love I am a reader not a writer, and this time she has a blog hop just right up my alley! And so I'm giving away two copies of the Kailmeyra series on ebooks and a signed copy of The Light of Asteria!

Entering is easy! Simply join this blog (either through GFC or Networked blogs on the sidebar), and like the fan page. That's it!

The hop goes until the 12th, and if you'd like to visit other sites just click on the pic!
Thanks so much for stopping by!

Congrats!!!

Here are the winners of the Holiday Giveaway! Winners please email me with your addy and I'll get the books to you in the mail ASAP.

We will be doing another giveaway in January, so be sure to check back! :-)

The Light of Asteria-- Michele Luker

The Secret of the Keepers-- Lisa Richards

Holiday Giveaway!

 

Seriously starting to stalk Kathy a little over at I'm a reader not a writer. It's incredible the way she runs her blog, seamlessly working in blog hops, reviews, interviews, and giveaways. It's no wonder she is adored by all!

I participated in her thanksgiving hop a few weeks ago, and I loved branching out and seeing other blogs, meeting new people, and giving away a few ebooks along the way. It was so successful I thought I'd do it again. In honor of the Holidays, I'm giving away a signed copy of The Light of Asteria, and one of The Secret of the Keepers!

 

The only thing you have to do to get it is to join this blog and comment with your email addy. If you've already read Asteria and would like to just be in the hat for Keepers, or if you are new to the Kailmeyra series and would like to start with the first book (The Light of Asteria), please let me know that as well.   

Also, if you get a chance I'd love it if you'd join me on Facebook, and follow the official author blog. 

Because of shipping, this is US only. My apologies to my international friends. But I do have a bit of great news for those across the pond! In January and February, Megan over at Reading away the days is hosting back-to-back European tours of Asteria and Keepers. Each stop will offer a chance to win an ebook! I'll post the specifics under the blog tours tab once I get them. :- )  

Thanks so much for stopping by and Happy Holidays!

 

Congrats!

Congratulations to Momo and TValeros for winning the Book giveaway. I've sent you an email. If they don't respond within 48 hours, I'll pick two more names out of the hat. Thanks so much everyone for participating in the blog tour! This has been fun! We'll have to do it again sometime!

Giveaway Hop!!!

I'm so excited to take part in my first ever Giveaway Hop! To some this may seem like old hat, but for me, it's like an adventure. :-)

As you know, The Secret of the Keepers went live just last week on ebooks, and, good Lord willing, the soft cover will be up and running at the end of this week, beginning of next at the latest.

I wanted to take a few days and just say thank you to those that support indie authors. Therefore, I'll be giving away a signed soft cover of  The Light of Asteria, and a signed soft cover of The Secret of the Keepers.

I was going to try and put one of those new-fangled sign-up copter things that the pro's use on their sites. But sadly I found out that it's invite only to get one, so I'm going old school and doing what writers know best ... I'm making it up as I go along! :-D

Now here's all you have to do: follow this blog, and comment below. That's it! Easy as pie! I'll take the number of comments and put them in a hat, and then pull out two numbers. I'll email you, and if I don't hear back in 48 hours, we'll pick two more.

Contest starts at midnight tonight! Thanks so much for stopping by, I love meeting new people. Also, I'd like to thank Inspired Kathy over at I'm a Reader, not a Writer for hosting such a wonderful event!

P.S. If you'd like to win both books in ebook format, be sure to visit my friend Patricia over at Patricia's Particularity

The Secret of the Keepers tour!

I'm so excited that so many fantastic bloggers wanted to participate in the debut tour of Keepers! I'll update daily, so feel free to check in!

Nov. 9th-- Tracy Riva's book review
Nov.  8th-- Blkosiner's Book Blog Author this-or-that
Nov. 7th-- Tale of Many Reviews Guest Post and Giveaway
Nov. 6th--Novels on the Run
Nov. 5th--Hope Collier book review 
Nov. 4th--Narratively Speaking: Author interview 
Nov. 2nd--Blkosiner's Book Blog review
Nov. 1st-- Narratively Speaking: Review
Nov. 1st-- Patricia Particularity: Review

The Secret of the Keepers is finally here!

It's not even 4 a. m. and I just checked Amazon for the third time since midnight. There's nothing that sends the old adrenaline pumping like seeing this for the first time:

It's both terrifying and gratifying to see your name on the jacket of a book cover. I've discovered with every book I write there's a little piece of me within those pages, and that feeling of being vulnerable, exposed, is still there. I thought that writing another book would make it go away. If anything it got worse!

Still, it's times like these that make me realize that I'm living the life I want to live. I wake up every morning and put my imagination on paper, and then I spend the bulk of the day inspiring young minds to dream. I couldn't ask for more!

Thank you to those who have supported me, encouraged me, and been a part of this journey. I'm so blessed to call you friends, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to live an authentic life.

Question of the Day--What's up with the Jeweled eyes?

OH MY GOSH!!!!



Now that I'm done freaking out, today's FAQ is the most asked question of the year. And it's the most complicated to answer, but I'll try to keep it as succinct as possible. 

FAQ--Why do the Alfar have jewel-toned eyes? 

First of all, trying to create a different race of people is just as difficult as creating a new land, but the same principles apply. Readers have to have an anchor, something that helps tie fantasy to reality. The trait must be distinguishable but not get in the way of the storyline.

The difference between human and Alfar eyes is explained in The Secret of the Keepers, and so today I'll concentrate on why the characters were given their specific eye colors. As with everything, there is significance in the choices made.

Gavin--I researched personality traits of eyes and discovered that people with green eyes yearn for lasting relationships. They are extremely passionate and long for the touch of another. Symbolically though, Emeralds in the Bible reference the glories of God, flourishing, essence of life, growth, and prosperity. Sounds like Gavin, doesn't it? :- )

Nora--In the beginning of the book, Nora's eyes are hazel. They actually are fashioned after Kate's (my daughter) eyes. It made perfect sense to me that people with hazel eyes are known to be beauties. They have unusual relationships, and are masters of diversity. They also jump in when trying new things, and they rarely say no to a challenge. After the golden lake changes Nora's eyes to light brown topaz, symbolism takes over. Biblically the topaz family represents beauty, worthiness, and honor.

Malachi--Obviously there are no personality traits that I could research on diamond eyes, but Malachi came into my head that way and so that's what I went with. Symbolically, however, diamonds represent stability, brilliancy, virtuous, and right standing with God.

Rena--The personality traits for brown eyes are: attractive, adorable, and love to make new friends. Brown eyed people will do anything for someone they care about. Kind and polite, they can make anyone laugh or cheer them up. You can read more about Rena here.

Tark---Tark's a lot like Malachi in that no one has Lapis stone colored eyes. Symbolically though, Lapis is known best for its healing powers and bringing a sense of peace. It is said to have calming effects and was a gem for the kings of Egypt. It also is known to protect the wearer from emotional harm. I liked the fact that Lapis protects. Just seemed right that Rena's mate would have Lapis eyes.

Elias-- Ah, my man, Elias. He had have to have Sapphire eyes. People with blue eyes are intense, they love long lasting relationships, and they are kind. Symbolically, sapphires are mentioned several times in the bible, from Exodus in the old testament all the way to the book of Revelations. In most of these passages, sapphires represents guarding or protecting in someway. Aaron's breastplate and the new Jeruseleum wall in Revelations both have Sapphires in them. But what I really love is that Sapphires represent foundational truth.

Elaine--Jade has been used for thousands of years in ancient Egypt and by the mayans. It is said to have a connection to the divine and the eternal, but what I love about Jade is it is a stone that brings balance. Between Elias' intensity and Gavin's passion, Elaine does just that, doesn't she?

Queen Lera--light purple in Lera's opal eyes was an obvious reference to royalty. The reason for the opal is the fact that it's my mother's favorite gemstone, and it seemed appropriate being that my Great grandmother's name was Lera. Thought I'd keep it in the fam. :-D As to the symbolism, opals are known for their ability to help the wearer see both sides of an issue. They help bring balance when giving and receiving.

This will the be last "behind the scene" post until the third book gets ready to go live. In a little under 48 hours I'll be starting a new frequently asked question pile, so keep the questions coming!

Question of the day--What's up with Malachi?

Two more days till Keepers goes live!

FAQ--What inspired Malachi's character?

Malachi is near and dear to me for many reasons. His inspiration comes from a myriad of people, none of whom I know personally. He's also the only character that named himself, and so I freaked a little when I did a little research on his name. 

The word "Malachi" is not actually a proper name, but literally means messenger of God. Malachi wrote the last book of the old testament of the Bible, which was penned around the time of Aristotle and Socrates. It was a time when Greece thrived while the Israel struggled to survive. 

What I find fascinating about the Bible's Malachi and the Ancient One is that they both saw their people through a time when they were sure that they had been forgotten. When they thought that their power was dwindling at that they were simply left to suffer in the hands of fate. Yet Malachi kept reminding the people to keep their faith, and his dedication prepared the way for what was yet to come. 

 

Question of the Day--Why is the moon purple?

Three more days till Keepers goes Live!

FAQ--What's up with the moon being purple? 

Good question!

One of the most difficult aspects of making a different world is finding a way to infuse fantasy into reality. Readers must have familiar images woven in the story so they can anchor the imaginary to the real. It makes the world believable and allows the setting to add to the story, not smother it. When a balance between reality and fantasy is maintained, the reader wants to go to that world. And so when creating Kailmeyra, I had to find distinctive traits that would identify the land without being overpowering. Something that could be a constant and yet not get in the way of the story itself.

At first, I was overwhelmed. Edna's mountain seemed perfect to me. How could I improve on that?

I decided to go back through the first half of the book and take a look at the environment as a whole. The thought was to contrast the two worlds in such a way that the reader would naturally pick up the difference between the two lands without an abundance of descriptive passages.

Color is one of the simplest, yet most powerful, ways of changing someone's perception. Purple is symbolic for royalty. It is the product of mixing a warm color and a cool color, and in most societies throughout the ages was used only on the finest cloth. The fact that the moon is often described as an "Amethyst light:" is no accident. Amethyst was believed in mid evil times to control evil thoughts, quicken intelligence, and keep demons away.

For me, though, the most important aspect of including amethyst as a descriptor of the moonlight is the religious connotations of the stone. It was one of the twelve stones that adorned the breastplate of Aaron (Exodus 39), and it is the last stone laid on the foundational wall of the new Jeresulem in the book of Revelations.

Question of the Day--What's up with the Portal and the Tree?

Five more days until Keepers goes live!

FAQ--Why is the portal in water?  And what's up with the Mighty Oak? Why not a Mighty Elm, or a Mighty Cherry tree?

Both of these questions bring to light my obsession with symbolism.

First, I couldn't help but make the portal  a lake. Water has symbolized sanctity, change, and washing away the old since the beginning of time. Every ancient culture/religion I studied views water in a similar vein. And so, when Nora pours out her intent and asks for forgiveness, I could think of nothing that would be more appropriate than to have her submersed in water. It only seemed right that the same water that protects Kailmeyra would embrace her,  flaws and all, and strengthens her so that she could reach her full potential. In my mind there was never another option. Everyone who enters Kailmeyra must first be washed clean. The fact that the water turns gold is symbolic as well. Gold is the most precious metal, symbolizing the divine nature in us all.  This golden symbolism is also carried throughout The Secret of the Keepers as well! :-)

As for the Oak trees, I looked to the Celtic culture on that one.  According to the Celts, the oak is a storehouse of wisdom encased within its mighty strength. It's towering presence serves as a reminder to nature that it is the "king of the greenwood." Oaks are said to bring a calm determination to survive, to help solve problems in times of trouble. Their logs are burnt in sacred fires at the brink of the summer solstice. The Celts, as well as the Greeks and Romans, often wore oak leaves as a sign of special status. The Celtic meaning of the oak tree includes qualities such as life, strength, wisdom, nobility, family, loyalty, power, heritage, and honor.

If that doesn't describe the Mighty Oak, then I don't know what does.

Question of the Day--New Characters in the Keepers?

Six more days until Keepers debut!



FAQ--Are there any new characters in the second book?

I think it would be difficult to write a sequel using only the characters from the first book. When you add a new world, that becomes impossible.

In The Light of Asteria, Nora and Gavin spent the majority of their time surrounded by only their clan. We didn't get a chance to meet the thousands of kinsmen that live in the castle, the servants, the leaders, or even the Elite Guard. And trust me, they are all there, in the back of my head, just waiting to be explored. :-)

I could spent years fleshing out characters and roaming the countryside, and while I'm sure I'd find it fascinating, the rest of the world would be bored senseless. Trying to create a believable world while not overwhelming the reader is difficult at best, and so I went back to the basics, only introducing those that drive the story forward.   

To be honest, these new characters in The Secret of the Keepers that are so strong I struggled finding words to do them justice. They are an amazing addition to Gavin and Nora and I can hardly wait to share them with you!