Author Archives: Kam Brook

About Kam Brook

#Reviewer #Proofreader - Yes, I'm a total #book addict & proud of it! #Authors: DM me & let me be your book pimp. 😉 #KamsPlace
October 4, 2015 · 5:00 am

Author Showcase/ Interview and Review of the “Tempered Series” – Pamela S. Thibodeaux

Welcome, Pamela S. Thibodeaux!!
 
 
1. For those who might not be familiar with you, would you
be a dear and tell the readers a little about yourself? How did you get your
start in the writing business?
 
(Pamela) Hi Kam, thanks for having me today! Thirty-three years ago,
after reading one-too-many insipid little romances, I picked up a notebook and
started writing. It took several years from that point to develop my skills and
confidence enough to start submitting what I’d written. In 1989 I recommitted
my life to Christ and committed my writing to Him, which caused my focus to
change from secular/sensual romance to inspirational. Years later, after
numerous rejections because my writing was too “steamy and gritty” for the CBA
market, Tempered Hearts (book 1 in my
series) was picked up by Writer’s Exchange Epublishing out of Australia and the
rest, as they say, is history.
 
2.  Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? If so, please share how you handle it.
 
(Pamela) Writer’s block for me usually comes when I’m overwhelmed,
overworked or just plain not listening to my characters and/or the Holy Spirit
in regards to how/where the story should go. To handle it, I take a break, get
some rest, repent if necessary and pay closer attention to my characters and/or
God.
 
3. Contrary to what some people envision about a romance
writer’s life, it’s not all glitz and glam. Well not for the majority of us.
With that bubble sadly busted, when you’re not writing, how do you spend
your time?
 
(Pamela) I love to read and that’s how I spend most of my spare time.
I also enjoy hiking, horseback riding and being out in nature…oh, and dancing!
I really enjoy a night out on the floor…two-step, line dance, waltz…doesn’t
matter as long as I’m out there moving.
 
4. I know many writers, such as myself, keep their
pastime/career a secret. Do those close to you know you write? If so, what are
their thoughts?
 
(Pamela) There was a time when I was a closet writer but not any
more. Although I’m careful not to brag or shamelessly promote myself, if I
don’t tell folks about my writing/book, chances are they may never find out and
my closest family and friends are my biggest supporters.
 
5. Will you share with us your all-time favorite authors? If
you’re like me, it’s a long list so give us your top ten.
 
(Pamela) Nora Roberts is my ALL-TIME favorite fiction author. I also
enjoy Francine Rivers, Julie Lessman, and too many Pelican Book Group
authors to list LOL! I read a lot of nonfiction though and my favorite authors
are Marianne Williamson, Wayne Dyer, Cheryl Richardson, Jillian Lambert,
Catherine Ponder and Louise Hay, but I’ll read anything that captures and keeps
my attention.
 
6. If you could choose one book to go to the big screen,
yours or otherwise, which book would you choose and whom would you love to see cast in the parts?
 
(Pamela) One book…that’s a tough one…. I believe the Tempered series
would make a wonderful television series…similar to Heartland which airs on UP
TV, but that’s not really answering your question. If I had to pick only one
book I think it would have to be The
Inheritance. As for casting the characters I like Melissa Gilbert (or
Sandra Bullock) and Matthew McConaughey.
 
 
 
 
7. Would you care to tell us what you’re working on now?
That is if it’s not top-secret information. If so, just whisper it in my ear. I
swear it’ll go no further.
 
(Pamela) Currently I am working on completing a couple of short
story/novellas for an anthology. I also have a women’s fiction novel in the
works as well as Tempered Truth, another to add to my series, and a whole host
of ideas just waiting to be developed.
 
 
 
 
8. Where can we find your stories, and is there a particular
reading order?
 
(Pamela) All of my titles can be purchased at Amazon for Kindle and my full
length books are available in print at Amazon and B&N. Although the
Tempered series will stand alone, some people find it’s best to read them in
order (Hearts, Dreams, Fire, Joy). Ebooks can also be found online at
Smashwords and all Pelican Book Group titles can be found here.
 
9. Would you please share how your present and future fans
can contact you?
 
(Pamela) Fans can contact me through my Website or Blog and connect with me on Facebook, Twitter (@psthib), Linked In and Pinterest. To stay
informed about my writing, they can sign up to receive my newsletter which only
goes out a couple times a year.
 
10. Before we conclude this enlightening interview, do you
have anything else you’d like to share? The stage is all yours.
 
(Pamela)Yes I’d like to Thank You again, Kam, for having me on your
blog and I’d like to encourage readers who don’t really like “Christian”
romance and yet, are tired of the more sensual/erotic reads, to give my books a
shot. They are not as conservative as other Christian/Inspirational works, yet
they stay within Biblical principles. In fact they’ve been tagged as “Inspirational with an Edge!” ™ and
reviewed as “steamier and grittier than the typical Christian novel without
decreasing the message.”
 
 
 Pamela S. Thibodeaux, it was a great pleasure meeting you. Thank you again for taking time out of your day to chat with me. Very sweet! 
 
Now folks, it’s your turn to let your voice be heard. If you have any
questions or comments for Pam by all means, leave her a message below. 


However, before you do that, lets check out the Tempered Series. Shall we? 🙂
 
 
 (book 1 in Tempered series)
URL for Cover: http://bit.ly/1noOBov 
 
Rancher Craig Harris and veterinarian Tamera Collins clash from the moment they meet.  Innocence is pitted against arrogance as tempers rise and passions ignite to form a love as pure as the finest gold, fresh from the crucible and as strong as steel.  Thrown together amid tragedy and unsated passion, Tamera and Craig share a strong attraction that neither accepts as the first stages of love.  Torn between desire and dislike, they must make peace with their pasts and God in order to open up to the love blossoming between them.  It is a love that nothing can destroy when they come to understand that only when hearts are tempered, minds are opened and wills are softened can man discern the will of God for his life.
 
Excerpt
Tamera awoke in a mild state of panic and confusion. Glancing around, she realized where she was and who was beside her. A blush warmed her cheeks as she struggled to sit up. She released the filly and fumbled with the front of her gown.

 
“I couldn’t sleep.” she explained, glancing into the steel gray eyes. His gaze, soft and warm like liquid metal, made her blush harder as he brushed strands of hay out of her hair with a gentleness that seemed out of character.
 
Craig knew he was treading on dangerous ground, that people were expecting them, but couldn’t seem to get past the moment at hand. “I guess a kiss is out of the question,” he queried, his voice tender, gaze unwavering.
 
Emotions, raw and unfamiliar, shivered through her. Tamera attempted to scoot away from him, emitted a shaky little laugh and tried to quench the feelings escalating to frightening proportions. “A kiss? Why would you want a kiss? I didn’t think you even liked me.”
 
Craig wound his hand in her thick hair, stopping her movements. “Like has nothing to do with desire,” he moaned and crushed her to him as his mouth covered hers in a thorough kiss. “Absolutely nothing,” he assured as she clung to his shirt and trembled in his arms.

 

Purchase Links:
Amazon Print: http://amzn.to/1Elwhpx
Kindle http://amzn.to/1rdBRzW
B&N Print: http://bit.ly/1uRZMfy
Nook http://bit.ly/19C6Q5q
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/16sLHL9
 
 
 (book 2 in Tempered series)
URL for Cover: http://bit.ly/1jeGwm8
 

Dr. Scott Hensley (introduced in Tempered Hearts) has built a wall around his heart since the death of his wife and parents.  Katrina Simmons is recovering from scars inflicted on her as a battered wife.  Can dreams be renewed and faith strengthened?  Can they find joy and peace in God’s love and in love for one another? 

 
Excerpt
“Spend the day with me,” he urged. “We’ll go to my place. I’ll take a short nap after which we’ll do whatever your little heart desires.” 

 
“Anything?” she teased.
Her voice was as enticing as silk and just as alluring. Her excitement set fire to his blood. “Anything.” he assured in a thick voice.
His smoldering gaze, as tender as a caress and just as potent, lowered to her lips, lingered, then raked over her in a hungry gesture before returning to capture hers in a heated embrace. Trina felt as though he was touching her in the most intimate of ways. Her cheeks grew hot, her breath lodged in her throat. Desire washed over her in angry waves. She swallowed hard and tucked trembling hands in her lap, desperately trying to form a coherent sentence. “Please, Scott, don’t look at me like that.”  
He could actually feel her trembling response across the table. His voice lowered another notch. “Like what?”
Trina shook her head. “Like you’re starving to death and could eat me up. Didn’t you have enough food?”
Pushing his plate away, Scott stood and held his hand out to her. Trina placed a trembling one in his firm grip. Pulling her gently to her feet, Scott raised it to his mouth, brushing his lips across her knuckles. “Food is not what I’m hungry for,” he informed her in a husky whisper.
Trina waited as he paid for their meal then followed him to the parking lot as gracefully as possible on legs that wobbled. He paused and in a silent gesture, signaled for her to give him her car keys. His fingers brushed sensuously over her wrist and palm, grasping hers gently when she placed them in his hand.
Locking his heated gaze with hers, Scott raised their clasped hands to his lips, this time lingering over the kiss. He nibbled on her knuckles, teasing the back of her hand with his mouth, then, in one swift movement, turned his attention to the sensitive flesh of her palm and wrist, relieving her of her keys and her senses.
Trina felt the caress to the very core of her being. She moaned, leaning against his hard frame when he pulled her closer. His heat enveloped her until she burned with him, for him. And his lips had never even touched hers.
 
Purchase Links:
Kindle http://amzn.to/1vJEqjk
Amazon Print: http://amzn.to/1q4Q8hV
Nook http://bit.ly/1b1jrNu
B&N Print: http://bit.ly/13l0LK4
Smashwords http://bit.ly/173ypSN

 

(book 3 in Tempered series)
URL for Cover: http://bit.ly/Qf1N3c
 
Amber Harris is a good girl on the brink of womanhood. Stanley Morrison is a young man at the start of his life. For each other, they have always felt the fireworks that two people in love should feel. But the questions about his past, his pride, and Amber’s father might be the end of what could be a strong relationship. As the two try to protect their budding romance, some unlikely but powerful forces conspire to keep them apart. Will they survive the wishes of everyone around them with their relationship intact?
 
 
Excerpt
Emotion burst to life within her and swarmed through Amber until it overflowed, warm and wet down her cheeks.

 
Stan tasted her tears and groaned. Loosening his hold he broke the kiss, burying his face against her shoulder. “God,” he mumbled, lifting his head to meet her gaze. “I’m sorry.”
 
She looked at him wide-eyed and trembling. Anger, desire, and wonder warred in her eyes. She rolled them in an exaggerated gesture. “Now, he apologizes,” she muttered then leveled her gaze on him.
 
“Why haven’t you kissed me like that before?”
 
His breath heaved while he struggled for control. “Didn’t think it was proper, still don’t.”
 
“So that’s what you meant by all lips and teeth and tongue?” she asked, her voice quivering with awe.
 
He stepped back, touching her cheek with his uninjured hand. “Yes.” His voice was raw, eyes fierce. “But not with anger, never with anger. I’m sorry.”
 
Grabbing his hand, she pressed a kiss into it. “Show me,” she urged her eyes soft and warm. “Kiss me again, Stanley.”
 
“No, Amber.” But she was pressing against him, her arms sliding around his neck. Senses dulled by fatigue, resistance clouded by pain, control ravished and weakened by desire, Stanley succumbed with a groan. Hauling her gently but firmly against him, he buried his lips on hers, this time with devastating tenderness.
 
His mouth embraced hers tasting, teasing, savoring her lips as though he were a starving man biting into his first meal in weeks. His teeth nipped at her lip, tugging a moan from deep within her. Amber clung to him weakly as they slid to the floor.
 
 
Purchase Links:
Kindle http://amzn.to/1uRR2WW
Amazon Print: http://bit.ly/Zwr3X2
Nook http://bit.ly/13HR0xX
B&N Print: http://bit.ly/1p1xeyI
Smashwords http://bit.ly/1h4vmLr
 
 
 (book 4 in Tempered series)
URL for Cover: http://bit.ly/1fVfLUl
 
All around rodeo cowboy and heir to the Rockin’ H Ranch, Ace Harris is determined not to fall in love.  He’s only loved one woman in his life, his mother, and no one can even come close to filling her boots. Lexie Morgan thinks rodeo cowboys have rocks for brains and a death wish for a soul.  A broken childhood and the death of her father and best friend leave her doubting and questioning God (despite her years of religious upbringing) and afraid of love. Can two young people who clash from the onset learn to trust in the healing power of God and find love and happiness amidst tragedy and grief? 
 
Excerpt
Her eyes narrowed when he took a step closer. “Ace,” she warned and wielded the brush like a lethal weapon.

 
Raising his hands where she could see them, he watched her try to brush some semblance of order to the thick mass of unruly auburn hair. The simple chore made him want to sink both fists in the silken locks and gave him a whole new insight to the word erotic.
 
Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes sparkled vivid green and spewed wrath. She glared at him as though the tangled tresses were his fault alone. Her chest quivered with each breath she took. He took another step closer and could feel her tremble. Locking his gaze with hers in the mirror, he reached around her and picked up a bandanna off the dresser. He ran it through his fingers in what could have been a caress then slid the cloth beneath her hair and left it trailing over her shoulders.
 
With hands that shook, Lexie pulled the ends together and tied her hair back into a ponytail. Those bright gray eyes had gone soft and warm, like liquid metal. Mouth dry as dust, she swallowed hard.
 
Purchase Links:
Kindle http://amzn.to/1uto0eH
Amazon Print: http://amzn.to/1xwIx12
Nook http://bit.ly/11zMuVx
B&N Print: http://bit.ly/1vpUpoG
Smashwords http://bit.ly/14KH0bX

 

 
 (short story spin-off of Tempered Fire)
URL for Cover: http://bit.ly/1jeGJWt

 
 Lori Strickland (introduced in Tempered Fire) has always been known as her father’s “wild child” with no desire to change until she meets ex-bull-rider-turned-preacher Rafe Judson. Her attempts to change her wanton ways come to naught until she realizes redemption only comes with true repentance.

 
Excerpt 
Lori headed toward Recluse, Wyoming after another round of rodeos where the cash and prizes vaulted her to the next level of achievement. She hadn’t thought of Rafe in months. Hadn’t allowed herself to think of him, and wouldn’t indulge in useless fantasies now.

 
She’d made peace with the fact she was nothing more than a bad seed and there was no way around it. Oh she tried to be good. She stayed out of the bars for weeks on end, attended the prayer services before or after each rodeo when available, even visited with a group of supposedly devout believers who traveled a state-wide circuit within the national itinerary, but nothing seemed to help or make an impact on her life. Nor had she found the support she’d hoped, only judgment and criticism. Answers to her questions only incited debates until she was scorned for her doubt and unbelief or shunned completely. Maverick was right when he said there was no in between and since she couldn’t succeed at being good, Lori figured she’d be bad. 
 
Just as she had all of her life.
 
More than once she thought about calling Stanley or Amber or even Lexie for counsel, but was too ashamed to admit the total mess her life was in. She even considered quitting. Just give up and go home. But she was too close to making pro status, too close to the culmination of the dream that began in her heart nearly four years ago. 
 
A dream she once thought came as a directive from God.
 
Now, she knew better.
 
God didn’t give success to losers; the devil lured them into it then left them to their own devices no matter how hard they tried to be good. Besides, even at her best, there was no way she’d ever be good enough for a preacher.

 

Purchase Links:
Kindle http://amzn.to/1CPrpHo
Nook http://bit.ly/16bn7Jn
Smashwords http://bit.ly/1a1Mm6q
Deeper Shopping http://bit.ly/14Hm4Cs
 
 
 
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 
 
1.)  Tempered Hearts: I have mixed feelings on this book. At times, I felt connected to Craig and Tamera. Case in point, the snake bite/hallucination scene. I can’t see many readers not getting invested in the pain pouring out in those pages. Delusional from the venom, Tamera “sees” her father and begs to join him and her mother in Heaven. Craig’s heart was literally ripping in two. 
Powerful!! 
However, the rest of their love story fell flat for me. I didn’t like Tamera raising a hand to Craig out of anger. Pamela kept speaking of God and their faith yet she deemed it “heavenly” to attempt to strike another person. I know Craig verbally unleashed his anger but violence? When is violence ever the answer? 
 
2.) Tempered Dreams: Pamela’s faith is prevalent throughout Scott and Trina’s tale. She spoke of God and the scriptures many times over. Also, the difficulty in forgiving others of wrongdoings. Tom (her father) beat her mother and, due to those injuries, her mom passed away. This act of violence was a the truest test of her faith. One, I see, many people failing. 

Did she?

Now, I think you already know the answer to that question. What sort of Christian writer would Pam be, what sort of religious woman would Pam be, if she didn’t have Trina forgive him? So yes, as you expected, forgiveness was delivered.

With all that said, something nagged at me.

As I mentioned above, this story was all about faith and forgiveness yet Pamela picked and chose when to follow this way of Christian living. I’m speaking in regards to Scott not “turning the other cheek” when Trina was abused by her ex-husband. He asked her to forgive her father when he beat and murdered her mother/his wife but why didn’t he when faced with a similar “test”? Seems hypocritical to me. 

Practice what you preach!! 

 
3.) Tempered Fire: I throughly enjoyed about 50% of this love story. It had many sweet, touching moments. However, the reason why I didn’t love it 100% was because it was just more of the same. A man struggling not to cave into his desires and bed his virgin love. Scenes where they kept apologizing for wanting to, repeatedly proclaiming to wait, and talk about the need to marry as soon as possible. Another reason why I didn’t wholeheartedly enjoy this installment was because, once again, Pamela had a woman strike a man. Violence is never the answer!!! 

 


4.) Tempered Joy: This is a true love story. Unlike the first three stories in the series, this couple didn’t speak harsh words or raise a hand to each other. Ace and Lexie played, joked, and were a joy (no pun intended) to read. Great job on this story, Pamela. 

 


5.) Lori’s Redemption: Pamela has a preacher (Rafe) punching a man. As a writer and a Christian woman, I found her actions contradictory. She can’t “preach” about “turning the other cheek” and also demonstrate an “eye for an eye”. You must pick a philosophy and stick to it — to your faith.  
 
Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤ for books 1,2,3
❤❤❤❤ for book 4
❤ for book 5
 

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September 30, 2015 · 5:00 am

September’s Sexy Selections!!

Source: queenofalltheworld
Source: inkeddolls
Source: inkeddolls
Source: mancrushoftheday
Source: mancrushoftheday
Source: mancrushoftheday

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September 28, 2015 · 5:00 am

The Ancient Book by G.E. Stills (Book Showcase) (Contest Included)

Amazon Link
 
Poor Jeff, not only did Gail buy a new house without him seeing it, the structure, in his opinion, looks like a rundown castle. His ill made comments cause an argument between them. Now, the ghost of her girlfriend is creating serious complications for him. Ones that threaten his relationship with Gail. As if these situations are not trying enough, Tanya, the Shifter, calls from Mexico and needs their help.
 
 
 
 
They pulled to a stop in front of a dilapidated structure and she proudly held out her hands.

“Ta da. This is it,” she said.

He looked at the––well he could only describe the structure as ruins. The stone walls were crumbling and in a sad state of repair. They were covered in vines and other overgrowth. It was big––huge really. He had to admit that. It looked to him like a medieval castle; one that had not had any maintenance since medieval times. He wanted to say something very derogatory but bit his tongue instead.

“Gail,” he started, “tell me you didn’t actually buy this… place.” He choked off the expletives that came to mind.

Gail looked at him and was able to read his thoughts like an open book without the use of her witch senses. She giggled.

“It will be nice. With a little fix up it will be comfy and cozy.”

“A little fix up?” he asked in disbelief, as he looked at what he considered a piece-of-shit.

“Well, maybe a lot of fix up. It will be nice when we’re done though,” she admitted. She was still in an almost giddy mood.

“I think we might be better off tearing the whole thing down and starting over.” Again, he choked off the words he wanted to use.

“That’s what the other bidder wanted to do. That’s why my offer was accepted and not theirs.”

“I think they had the right idea. Seems pretty reasonable to me.”

Gail placed her hands on her hips and got that stubborn look in her eyes. “Jeffery, it will be nice, you’ll see.” Her lips formed a pout as her temper began to flare. He knew he was in big trouble with her when she started calling himJeffery. She only called him that when she was either teasing him or when she was mad at him. He didn’t think she was teasing right now.

His cell phone rang. Well at least that works here.

“Yes, I’m interested. I have your number and I’ll call as soon as I get back to the office to get the details.” He hung up.

“What was that about?” Gail asked.

“I’ve been offered an assignment. I’m going to accept it because it pays a lot of money. On the down side, it will require me to be away for four months.”

“Four months!” she cried. “You’ll be gone for four months straight?”

“I’m afraid so. I’ll be working as a bodyguard for a music group while they’re on tour. A lot of the time we’ll be in Europe.”

“Jeff, I don’t know if I can stand to have you gone for all that time,” she whined.

“Aw, hon, you’ll be so busy here with your… renovations… you probably won’t even notice I’m gone.” He chuckled.

“That’s not funny. I’ll be terribly lonely. I was counting on you to help here.”

“Sorry. Duty calls. Besides, I think we’re going to need a lot of money to fix this… place.”

“You just took this assignment without even consulting me first!”

“Ah, like you failed to consult me before you bought this?” He waved his hands, indicating the structure.

She didn’t say a word. Instead, she turned on her heels and stormed back to the car, not even taking him through the broken and hanging front doors to show him the inside of the house. She climbed in the passenger seat, crossed her arms under her breasts, and sat in a huff.

Shrugging his shoulders, he joined her. They drove back home in total silence. When they got home, she went into the house and slammed the bedroom door.

I guess that means the couch for me tonight. As if to answer his thoughts, the bedroom door opened and she tossed his pillow out onto the living room floor, then slammed the door closed again.

 
 
 
 
Purchase links for books 1,2, and 3 in the series: 
 
 
 
 

Normally zany and often naughty talking, G. E. has a serious and compassionate side if you can find it. He cares deeply for his friends and hasn’t met an animal yet he didn’t like. He is terrified of heights so hasn’t braved the tramway ride in his home town. He lives in the southwest while longing to live by the sea. He often says, “We have the sandy beaches but where is the water?”

G.E. Stills heeds the call of the many characters that pop into his mind and demand to have their stories written. Their tales are both serious and humorous. A multi-published author, his stories cover many genres including contemporary romance, paranormal romance and science fiction. His stories are both erotic and non-erotic in nature.

Website
Blog
Gypsy Shadow’s Homepage
Hot Ink Books Homepage
Personal Facebook Page
Twitter

 
 
 
IT’S CONTEST TIME!!

Now that you’ve had a sneak peek at G.E. Stills hot new book, The Ancient Book, WHO IS READY TO WIN?

Ladies and Gents, G.E. is offering ONE LUCKY WINNER a chance to receive a KEYCHAIN.




To enter, all you have to do is leave a comment, question, or simple say hi. EASY PEASY, RIGHT! 

You’ll have until TUESDAY (midnight, central time) to enter. WEDNESDAY morning, I will post the winner’s name and message you. Be prepared to send your mailing info because without it G.E. won’t be able to send the wonderful gift.

Good luck!!!

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September 26, 2015 · 5:00 am

Cocky Bastard by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward (Book Review)

 

He was someone who belonged in my wildest fantasies instead of a rest stop in the middle of Nebraska.

A sexy, cocky, Australian named Chance was the last person I expected to run into on my cross-country drive.

When my car broke down, we made a deal. Next thing I knew, we were traveling together, spending sexually-tense nights in hotels and taking unplanned detours.

My ordinary road trip turned into the adventure of a lifetime. It was all fun and games until things got intense.

I wanted him, but Chance wouldn’t make a move. I thought he wanted me too, but something was holding him back.

I wasn’t supposed to fall for the cocky bastard, especially when I knew we’d be going our separate ways.

All good things must come to an end, right?

Except our ending was one I didn’t see coming.

 
 
REVIEW
 
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Amazon for suggesting this book to me. I love romantic comedies and this book was right up my alley. Chance had me in stitches on multiple occasions. Ex: the vibrator scene, the fainting goat, and every sexual innuendo that slipped from his mouth. 
 
Oh and the cover…….Just mmmm!!! They couldn’t pick a hotter model. Nick Ayler is simply yummy. (website link)
 
 

Heart Rating System – 1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 

Score: ❤❤❤❤❤

 
 BUY NOW AT  AMAZON:
(US) Kindle – Paperback

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September 24, 2015 · 5:00 am

Author Showcase/Interview and Review of “No Grits No Glory” – Elaine Calloway

 Welcome, Elaine Calloway!!
 
 
1. For those who might not be familiar with you, would you be a dear and tell the readers a little about yourself? How did you get your start in the writing business?
 
(Elaine) Thanks, happy to be here! I’ve written since I was young. I’m one of those bizarre people who has every day of junior high and high school written down in journals. As I grew older, I began to write short stories and eventually novel-length fiction. While several of my paranormal/urban fantasy books are available, the main series I’m working on is my Southern Ghosts Series, which readers are enjoying.
 
2.  Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? If so, please share how you handle it.
 
(Elaine) I’m still learning how, LOL. One thing to note is that writer’s block is different from not being motivated. Or procrastinating because the author is afraid of failure/success/the reappearance of bellbottoms/etc.
I write my books on the computer. To combat a real block, I will hand scribble down notes of what I intend to write, what needs to happen in a specific scene. Somehow the freeness of handwriting breaks through the block. And that’s what it’s all about—tricking your mind into working for you, not against you.
 
 
3. Contrary to what some people envision about a romance writer’s life, it’s not all glitz and glam. Well not for the majority of us. With that bubble sadly busted, when you’re not writing, how do you spend your time?
 
(Elaine) I enjoy reading (don’t we all?) but I admit I have the bad habit of Netflix binging. There are few truly amazing shows out there, so when the ones I love come on Netflix (LOST, Bloodline, Dexter, The Walking Dead), I get hooked and watch them. LOST was probably my biggest vice. There were a few days where that’s all I did. Laundry and watch 9 episodes of LOST. *looks around, waiting to be judged* That extreme is only for really, really good shows though, which I believe help me as a storyteller so it’s not all wasted time.
 
4. I know many writers, such as myself, keep their pastime/career a secret. Do those close to you know you write? If so, what are their thoughts?
 
(Elaine) My friends and family know that I write and they have been wonderfully supportive. That being said, I don’t tell anyone at my day job that I write. I have a fortunate situation where I have freedom/flexibility at my day job. As long as deadlines are met, I can balance day job responsibilities and writing.
 
 
5. Will you share with us your all-time favorite authors? If you’re like me, it’s a long list so give us your top ten.
 
(Elaine) In no particular order, with the exception of Dennis Lehane being first, here you go: Dennis Lehane, Cornelia Funke, Pat Conroy, Terry Kay, JR Ward, Deena Ward, Tiffany Reisz, Jennifer Weiner, Liliana Hart, and Diana Gabaldon.
 
6. If you could choose one book to go to the big screen, yours or otherwise, which book would you choose and whom would you love to see cast in the parts?
 
(Elaine) You should visit my Pinterest boards! I have photos all set up with who would play which character. (https://www.pinterest.com/elainecalloway/)
I would probably pick the first book in my Southern Ghosts Series, “No Grits, No Glory.” I set the book in Savannah, one of my favorite places on Earth, and I could see it doing well on the big screen.
Cast? Main heroine – Linda Fiorentino. Main hero – Tom Cruise. Heroine’s older brother Declan – James McAvoy.
I’m not one of those huge Tom Cruise fans, but the way he looked in “Rock of Ages” playing a musician is very close to how I pictured the character.
 
7. Would you care to tell us what you’re working on now? That is if it’s not top-secret information. If so, just whisper it in my ear. I swear it’ll go no further.
 
(Elaine) I’m continuing to write books in the Southern Ghosts Series. Book #3 (Krewe of Souls) comes out Nov 18 and I’m putting the finishing touches on it before sending it to my editor. I have 8 books planned for the series, though I haven’t decided which state to do next. Maybe Tennessee. Or Kentucky. The characters for both those states are vying for my attention and I can only pick one.
My other series, The Elemental Clans, still has 1 more book I want to write. Likely in 2016.
 
8. Where can we find your stories, and is there a particular reading order?
 
(Elaine) My books are available on most major retailers like Apple, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc. For buy links and to see the order, visit http://www.elainecalloway.com/books/
 
9. Would you please share how your present and future fans can contact you?
 
(Elaine) Yes! I love hearing from readers and fans.
My website has a contact form here: http://www.elainecalloway.com/contact/
 
Readers can also find me on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/authorelainecalloway
 
 
 
10. Before we conclude this enlightening interview, do you have anything else you’d like to share? The stage is all yours.
 
(Elaine) Feel free to reach out to me with any further questions! I also speak to groups about indie publishing and the business aspects of marketing, so use the contact form on my website if you’re interested.
Thanks again for having me here!
 
 
 
Thank you, Elaine, for sitting down with me. It was truly a pleasure!! 
 
Ladies and gents, I want to also thank you for stopping by today. Your visits always warm my heart. Now before you run off to the real world, stick around a bit longer and check out The Southern Ghosts series. 
 
As always, feedback – comments- questions- or a simple howdy is all welcomed and appreciated. *big smile*
 
 
 
 
 
Brianna fled to Savannah to escape the voices of the dead. Just when she thought she’d left all paranormal things behind, she discovers her house is haunted. Not just haunted, but haunted by Southern ghosts. These persistent beings not only hide her white shoes after Labor Day, but they leave grits-caked dishes in the sink, and swear to wreak havoc on her life – – unless she helps them.
Steven put Savannah in his rearview mirror years ago to follow his passion for music. When his band splits up and he can’t reach his little sister for weeks, he races home—only to learn his whole family died in a mysterious house fire. The house Brianna now lives in.
Together, Brianna and Steven learn who murdered Steven’s family and become caught in a web of intrigue.

 

 

—–> REVIEW <—–
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 
 
 
When I first started reading this story, I kept hearing in my head “I See Dead People”. Man, I really want to watch The Sixth Sense again. That movie, like this book, was awesome! 
 
Virginia was, by far, my favorite ghost. Gotta love a woman (ghost) who sings off key just to irritate someone. That’s gonna be me one day (if ghosts are real and I become one). 
 
However, the best parts of the book came towards the end. 
 
Two tear jerking reunions. I mean, I didn’t actual cry, but for softies out there —- grab a tissue. Very sweet!! 
 
I must mention why I gave this story 4❤  instead of 5. Unless I missed it, I don’t think Elaine explained how Begley knew Brianna broke into his office. Did he have cameras setup? If she explained it and I missed it, please let me know. 
 
 

Heart Rating System 
 1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤

 
 
 
 
 
 
WANT MORE !!
 
Book 2
Kindle
Paperback

 

Book 3
Kindle

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