Visit at Black Rose

Today is my day at The Wild Rose Press's Black Rose blog. For the month of June the authors from the dark side of the garden are discussing POV, also known as Point of View. Stop by and read the posts. I've added my 2 cents worth, too. Feel free to comment and add your thoughts. See you there!

PARTY 'TIL YOUR HEELS FLY OFF: MEGA AUTHOR BLOG HOP TOUR (JUNE 13-20) WITCH PARTY

For this month's blog hop, I'm having a party celebrating my e-books which are available from The Wild Rose Press. Both The Witch and the Wolf and The Witch and the Vampire are about The Merriweather Witches; sisters who are attempting to escape the clutches of their evil uncle. He wants to marry them off to his cronies in exchange for money to fund his obsession with alchemy, the search to turn metal into gold.

Here's a little about the books:

The Witch and the Wolf
Lord Jeremy North's curse is to become a werewolf during every full moon, turning into a bloodthirsty monster that kills with no remorse. When he finds a woman nearly frozen upon his doorstep, his sense of honor compels him to help her, even at the risk he might kill her himself.


Lillian Merriweather hadn't planned to get caught in a blizzard while traveling the English countryside. Nor had she planned on finding refuge in a house full of secrets. But Lillian has secrets of her own. And what she's running from is not far behind...

The Witch and the Vampire
Melora Merriweather is searching for a fellow witch to protect her from a scheming uncle with plans of marriage. When her carriage overturns on her journey, she is rescued by a mysterious man whom she learns is the very person she seeks. But, he’s not the witch she thought he was…

Sebastian Collins should have left for London days ago. Now a snowstorm has trapped him with a woman who has come seeking protection, a woman who intrigues him like no other. And with each passing hour, his hunger for her grows…hunger for her kiss, her caress, and her blood.

Witches and magic spells have captured my fascination since I was a young girl. My fictional witches have the power to create, to manipulate energy and substance. They simply enthrall my imagination with the mystical capabilities they possess. Add a sexy romance to that mix, and any other paranormal elements that can be found (perhaps a werewolf or vampire!) and I have some great fun writing my stories!

TOUR RULES:

1)  HAVE FUN!!!

2)  INVITE ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS!!! SPREAD THE WORD!!!

3)  THIS TOUR STARTS:  Monday, June 13, at Midnight (Arizona Time)
      THIS TOUR ENDS: Monday, June 20, at Midnight (Arizona Time)
      Winners will be drawn and posted June 21st! *** 

4)  MEET AND MINGLE WITH ALL THE AUTHORS! EXPERIENCE A NEW PARTY DESTINATION AT EVERY STOP! PARTICIPATE IN EVERY BLOG CONTEST AND BE ENTERED FOR CHANCES TO WIN MULTIPLE PRIZES! EVERY BLOG VISITED IS ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO WIN!!

5)  PARTICIPATION AT ALL BLOGS IS RECOMMENDED, BUT NOT REQUIRED. REMEMBER, THE MORE BLOGS YOU HOP, THE BETTER YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING PRIZES. EVERY AUTHOR IS WAITING TO MEET AND INTERACT WITH YOU, SO PLEASE BE SURE TO SHOW EVERY AUTHOR SOME LOVE!

6)  DID I MENTION TO HAVE FUN?  WHOO! HOO!! HERE WE GOOOOOOOOOOOO!

***Authors have full discretion to choose an alternate winner in the event any winner fails to claim their prize(s) within 72 hours of their name being posted or after notification of  win, whichever comes first. Anyone who participates in this blog hop tour is subject to these rules***


Contest:

To win a one-of-a-kind handcrafted bracelet from Lady Dragonfly Gifts, simply follow my blog and leave a comment on this post. Two winners will be selected using random.org. Be sure to leave your e-mail address so I can contact you if you win! One winner will be chosen on June 21. Good luck!

Also, be sure to visit me on Facebook, Twitter and GoodReads where I post information on my current and upcoming releases!

Thank you so much for visiting!  

To continue to your next party destination, visit Nell Dixon at her Bring a Dish Party!

Splash Into Summer Giveaway Blog Hop

School is nearly finished and summer is right around the corner! Time to start making those plans for picnics, walks in the park, days at the beach, or just relaxing in the shade with a good book to read. In fact, I have plans to do some day-trips with my family this summer. We want to visit Hershey Park and Knoebels Grove, both amusement parks near where I live in Pennsylvania. Getting to the pool would be great. I’d love to teach the kids how to swim. And every year my husband and I visit Gettysburg. It’s a charming little town that saw a tremendously bloody battle during the Civil War. During the summer there are many re-enactments and plenty of knowledgeable people to talk to about what life was like back then. But, let’s face it; I’m there to see the ghosts! I’ve been visiting every year since I was 10 years-old, and I still haven’t found any. Maybe this will be the year! 

As always, I have a growing list of books to read. My summer fun books! This year I’m participating in a number of challenges over at GoodReads, so my reading list is quite long! Wicked Appetite by Janet Evanovich, Anybody Out There? by Marian Keyes, When I Fall In Love by Lynn Kurland, Waking the Witch by Kelley Armstrong, Stardust by Neil Gaiman, Darkfire Kiss by Deborah Cooke, The Smoke Thief by Shana Abe, and The Viking Takes a Knight by Sandra Hill, just to name a few. And, because I need to watch the budget this year, I’m reading Novel Destinations: Literary Landmarks from Jane Austen’s Bath to Ernest Hemingway’s Key West. This looks like a great book to sweep me around the world with only the price of a book! I’m hoping to have some nice relaxing summer days to kick back, sip some home-brewed iced tea, and lose myself in a romantic adventure. Now, all I need is a baby-sitter for the kids, and I’m set!

What’s on your agenda this summer? Any summer traditions or new experiences planned for this year? How about your summer reading list? What do you read during the summer?

Contest:

Follow my blog and answer any of these questions in the comment area and you can be entered to win a free .pdf copy of my novella, The Witch and the Wolf. Be sure to leave your e-mail address so I can contact you if you win! One winner will be chosen on June 1st. Good luck!

My blog is #279 on the Splash into Summer Blog Hop. Please be sure to continue to the next blog on the list on I'm am a Reader, Not a Writer's blog.   

Thank you for visiting and have a fun summer!

Also, be sure to visit me on Facebook and GoodReads, too!

Trip Around the World: Mega Author Blog Hop: Ticket to Paradise (May 16-23)

WELCOME ABOARD TO THE

VACATION OF YOUR LIFETIME!

Welcome, Travellers!

You're next stop is historic Bamberg, Germany! Though, I'm sorry to say this vacation spot really has nothing to do with either of my published stories, it did serve as inspiration, and I thought to share this beautiful location with my readers.

My husband and I visited Germany in 2002. I've always been interested in Germany, especially since I learned several branches of my family tree emerged from the Bavaria region. Beautiful Bamberg, Germany really looks similar to my homeland Pennsylvania, which is one of the reasons my ancestors chose Pennsylvania for their new home.

Though we're missing the awesome sight of castles rising in the distant forested mountains.

This is the Ruine Neideck, a castle built possibly around A.D. 900, but first mentioned in records in 1219. They were in the process of reconstructing a portion of the ruins for historical purposes and to make it safe for visitors. Most of the walls were crumbling and over-run by vegetation. In 2008, the Archaeological Park opened the stairs on the main tower. It is now possible to take in an unobstructed view from the top of the tower. When I visited, I could only reach the lower floor.

Not far from the Ruine Neideck is the city of Bamberg, Germany. This city has a rich history that began when it was first mentioned in 902. Bamberg became known as the "Rome of Germany" when it became the seat of a prince-bishop. It is also the site of the only papal grave north of the Alps (Pope Clemens II died in 1047). Bamberg had the good fortune to survive the numerous bombings that occurred in Germany during WWII, leaving this city largely intact and historically preserved.

This (above) is the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall), also known as the 'Island Town Hall' because it was built on an artificial island on the Regnitz river. The building was started in 1461, with the half-timbered addition built in 1668, the Rottmeisterhäuschen.  

Along the bank of the river Regnitz, lies Klein Venedig (Little Venice). It is a picturesque view of fisherman's houses decorated with tiny gardens.

The Imperial Bamberg Cathedral houses the tomb of Emperor Heinrich II and his Empress Kunigunde. Heinrich II founded the Bishopric of Bamberg in 1007. The Imperial Cathedral was consecrated in 1012 but was almost completely destroyed by fires in 1081 and 1185. It was re-built a third time in 1215 and then re-modeled in the 18th century.

Statue of St. Kunigunde on the Lower Bridge by the Regnitz river.

This is Michaelskirche (St. Michael's Monastery), founded in 1015. An earthquake felled the first church in 1117 and a catastrophic fire took its toll in 1610. It was reconstructed in the 13th and 15th centuries, and re-built in Baroque-style in the 18th century.

This is just a taste of what I experienced in beautiful Bamberg, Germany. I hope you enjoyed your visit here!

TOUR RULES:

1)  HAVE FUN!!!

2)  INVITE ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS!!! SPREAD THE WORD!!!

3)  THIS TOUR STARTS:  Monday, May 16, at Midnight (Arizona Time)

     THIS TOUR ENDS: Monday, May 23, at Midnight (Arizona Time)

4)  MEET AND MINGLE WITH ALL THE AUTHORS! EXPERIENCE A NEW DESTINATION AT EVERY STOP! PARTICIPATE IN EVERY BLOG CONTEST AND BE ENTERED FOR CHANCES TO WIN MULTIPLE PRIZES! EVERY BLOG VISITED IS ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO WIN!!

5) PARTICIPATION AT EVERY BLOG IS RECOMMENDED. BUT REMEMBER: THE MORE YOU HOP, THE MORE CHANCES YOU HAVE TO WIN. EVERY AUTHOR IS WAITING TO MEET AND INTERACT WITH YOU, SO PLEASE BE SURE TO SHOW EVERY AUTHOR SOME LOVE!

Contest:

To win a .pdf copy of The Witch and the Wolf, simply follow my blog and leave a comment. Be sure to leave your e-mail address so I can contact you if you win! One winner will be chosen on May 24. Good luck!

Thank you so much for visiting! To continue to your next destination, visit Nell Dixon in Cornwall, England.




To learn more about my books, please visit my website or you can visit my publisher, The Wild Rose Press to purchase my books. You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter and GoodReads.

Visit the Black Rose Authors

During the month of May at the Black Rose Blog we're talking about rejections and how writers handle them. Stop by as I talk about my first rejection letter and what I learned about good rejections.

Interview at Once Written, Twice Shy

Have you ever met a shy writer? Someone who avoids the spotlight? You know, a person who is much more comfortable blending in with the background instead of jumping into the fray of conversation?

"Well, hello!" [waving a virtual hand in greeting]

Yes, I am a recovering introvert. I've been interviewed today about my introvert tendencies at Once Written, Twice Shy. Stop by and learn how I handle being a shy writer (and bookseller!) and my method for overcoming it.

This blog is a fantastic learning experience, by the way. It is a comfort to discover that I'm not the only shy author out there! I enjoy reading the posts and interviews with other authors. While you're there reading my interview [wink], definitely take the time to read the others. I'm not alone with my bravery in stepping out of my comfort zones! :)

LASR Book of the Week

My book was up against some great competition over the weekend at Long and Short Reviews. The Witch and the Vampire was nominated for Book of the Week. I was notified yesterday that it won!! This is the first contest my book has won and I'm ecstatic! Be sure to check out the fabulous 4.5 book review, too!

In addition to winning the right to display the cool button below, they also created an awesome book trailer for The Witch and the Vampire. This is my very first book trailer and I think it's beautiful!! Check it out! And a huge thanks to everyone who voted! I could not have won if it weren't for your votes! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Book of the Week

Here's some exciting news! My book, The Witch and the Vampire, is up for Book of the Week at the Long and Short Reviews! I implore you to stop by, read the reviews and vote. There are some really good books up this week. I'm honored to be among them.

Voting is held Saturday, April 9th and Sunday, April 10th. The author of the winning book will earn a custom made book video and a button for their website and blog. 

http://www.longandshortreviews.com/LASR/index.htm

Interview: Toni Anderson, Author of Her Sanctuary

Please welcome, Toni Anderson! Thank you for joining me today, Toni! It's lovely to have a chance to ask you a few questions!

         Do you belong to a writing group or other professional organization? Do you feel belonging has benefited your writing? 

      I belong to Romance Writers of America and a Chapter within that organization called ‘Kiss of Death’. I felt a little odd joining at first because I was in the UK and I’m not American. And then I kind of figured out that although it started in the States, in reality, it is now a global organization. They helped me in many ways. I’ve attended two national conferences which have been incredible experiences both personally (meeting other writers, editors and agents) and professionally (meeting writers, editors, agents J and attending workshops). The Kiss of Death Chapter always organizes a conference pre-tour for its members, to Sheriff’s departments, the CIA, State Department, FBI, etc. This year they’re going to the US Coastguard in NYC. The programs they arrange are fantastic. Kiss of Death also run online writing courses designed for people who write mystery and romantic suspense--like me!

2.     

           If you hadn’t become an author, what career path would you have chosen?  

        My career path was pretty set. I was a Fish Biologist/Research Scientist with two Post-doctoral Research Fellowships under my belt. I took a break to have babies and during that break I started writing. After that I was hooked :)

1.      Where is your favorite place to travel? A favorite vacation spot? Have you ever used this place as a setting in one of your stories? 

       This is a tricky question in some ways. When I lived in Scotland I’d have said my favorite vacation spot was France or Australia, but now I’m in Canada I have to say my favorite vacation spot is back home in the UK—Shropshire and Scotland. When not making giant jaunts across the world, we make giant jaunts across Canada. So I guess my favorite new vacation spot would be Bamfield on Vancouver Island. Great remote beautiful part of the world. Peaceful and wild.

And yes, I’ve set stories there. Two in Scotland. One planned for Bamfield. 

1.      What book or author has influenced your writing the most?

It has to be the great Nora Roberts. Perhaps not her prose or her characters precisely, but I love the breadth of her storylines and the fact some often avoids the run-of-the -mill ‘serial killer out to get me’ trope. I’m also a big admirer of her work ethic and her productivity. I strive to be as professional as Nora.

2.      If you could have dinner with 3 people (dead or alive), who would you choose?

3.       Hmm, Nelson Mandela, Bruce Springsteen and Sandra Bullock. These people inspire me and I can imagine we’d share a few laughs. 

Author Biography

Toni Anderson is a former marine biologist who conducted her Ph.D. at the Gatty Marine Laboratory in St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland.  She was born and raised in the U.K., but now lives in the Canadian prairies with her husband and two children, living about as far from the ocean as possible. Her stories are set in the stunning locations where she’s been lucky enough to live and work—the blustery east coast of Scotland, the remote isolated mining communities of Northern Labrador, the rugged landscapes of the U.S. and the Red Center of Australia.  She escapes the long brutal Canadian winters by writing Romantic Mystery and Suspense stories.

Toni’s first Romantic Suspense novel, HER SANCTUARY, was released in 2009 and she published two more in 2010, both set in Scotland (SEA OF SUSPICION & STORM WARNING).

Connect with Toni on her blog

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HER SANCTUARY 

Running for her life, ex-FBI agent Elizabeth Ward escapes to Montana with a new identity. She craves peace and solitude, but instead finds handsome rancher Nat Sullivan.

Nat is trying to hold his ailing family together, while struggling to keep the ranch from bankruptcy. The last thing he needs is a beautiful stranger reminding him there is more to life than work.

But Elizabeth isn't what she seems. And when a murderer and rapist track her down to the remote ranch, they all find out about the power of revenge.

Revenge or Redemption...Which would you choose?

ISBN-13: 978-1601544186

ISBN-10: 1601544189

AVAILABLE in print and digital from many online retailers including The Wild Rose Press and Amazon.com

Interview at Emma Lai's blog

Today I'm at Emma Lai's blog. She's interviewed me about writing and my new novella, The Witch and the Vampire. If you have a moment, please stop by and say 'hi'!