Tag Archives: paranormal

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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September 16, 2015 · 5:00 am

Author Showcase/Review of “Digging of the Past (Tales From Atlantis) ” – Sandi Brackeen

 

bookcover

 

The Spade of Apocatequil can raise the dead and grant immortality—and it’s been stolen!

When supernatural agents Riley Perez and Jason, her partner at the clandestine government agency DUE, are given the task of tracking down the magical artifact, they discover that the culprit may be one of the workers at an archaeological dig at Shady Shores. Is it John Braden, the head archaeologist on-site, who was involved in the original discovery of the spade? Or is it Danny Roget, the anthropologist, who claims that there have been strange sightings? Riley and Jason’s hunt for the spade is endangered by a rash of sudden, unexplainable deaths of people involved in the dig. Together with Cameron Delaney, the intriguing alpha werewolf who runs Cerberus Security, the company in charge of protecting the archaeologists at the dig, Riley and Jason must find the spade before it can be used to destroy the world!

 
 
 
 

Immortality? Now that’s tempting. Throw in an army of the dead, and hey, any evil overlord would kill for that package.

 
When the Homeland Security Service’s Department of Unusual Events, or DUE, assigned my partner, Jason, and me to this case, the file said the spade we’re looking for was valued at eighteen million dollars and belonged to the Peruvian Government. Stolen during shipment from Peru to the local University, the spade was scheduled for study, along with a number of the other artifacts uncovered on a dig site in Peru. According to our file, the HSS believed it had been stolen for financial gain or, perhaps, to cause an international incident. Not our usual type of case, but not unheard of either.
 
What the file didn’t mention was that this wasn’t just any gold spade. This was the Spade of Apocatequil. Peruvian legend has it that anywhere Apocatequil stuck this spade in the ground people sprang up. Now, the spade is believed to grant the holder immortality…

 
 
PURCHASE LINKS – Kindle – Paperback
 
 
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 
 
We’ve all encountered books that we didn’t 100% love or hate. For me, this is one of them. 
 
Since this story included a demon, were, shifter/empath, I expected more action. More suspense. 
 
Just more. 
 
Let me describe my feelings as such…..
 
Think of the build-up, the excitement you feel when a rollercoaster climbs higher and higher. You can’t wait for the sudden drop. You’ve been waiting for it. The rush it brings you.  
 
Now imagine you get to the peak and instead of the powerful descent, the coaster creeps down the slope. There’s no screaming; arms raised into the air. No, there’s just a slow, easy decline back to ground zero. 
 
There were parts of “Digging of the Past” I found quite enjoyable. Jason, for one, was a very likable demon. I enjoyed how he made assignments fun. Plus, he adored pizza and so do I. Nuff said. 
 
One scene in particular was very humorous. The altercation between Cam and the guard. I guess when dealing with a were, “Sit Fido,” just won’t do. 
 
Heart Rating System – 1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤1/2
 

PURCHASE LINKS – Kindle – Paperback

 

 
Website
Goodreads
Facebook

 

I live in Texas with a roommate, two Yellow Labs, a Shepherd/Border Collie mix, and two terrier mixes. The animals were all rescues, and I’m a strong supporter of rescue and the fostering program.

 
I have always been an avid reader of mysteries, fantasies, and romances, and I like being able to combine the three into one story. My full time job is as the Public Information Officer for the local Sheriff’s Office, and I teach English part time at the local Community College.
 
I have a couple of degrees lying around somewhere, and I’ve been writing ever since I can remember. I took time off for work and school, and previously my writing has been more geared toward short stories and academic papers. I have now switched to writing fiction and currently have several more books in the works. 

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September 8, 2015 · 5:00 am

Author Showcase / Interview and Review of “Dream Student” and “Dream Doctor” – J.J. DiBenedetto

 Welcome, J.J. DiBenedetto!!
 
 
 
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?
 
(J.J.) I’ve been writing since at least junior high school.  But I didn’t really finish anything of any length until after college, and I never really did anything with those stories.  It’s not until about 3 years ago, when a friend sold her first novel, and I decided, “why can’t I do that, too?” and then I got moving.
 
2.  Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? If so, please share how you handle it.
 
(J.J.) Usually, I try to work on a different story, or skip ahead to a scene I know I need later in the book, just to get myself writing something.  It generally works.  But there have been times I’ve gotten stuck for 2-3 weeks before I could really pick up writing again.
 
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?
 
(J.J.) I’ve got my day job (in the marketing department of a large non-profit organization), taking care of my Mom, spending time with my wife, and then there’s being trained by my cat.  All that keeps me very busy!
 
 
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?
 
(J.J.) It’s no secret with me – everyone knows.  Friends and family are all very supportive, and I’m grateful for that!
 
 
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.
 
(J.J.) Frank Herbert, Stephen R. Donaldson, Nick Bantock, Alistair Reynolds, Katherine Kurtz – I think that’s a good start to a list!
 
 
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?
 
 
(J.J.) Obviously I’d love to see my own books on the screen.  I think the Dream Series would make a fantastic TV series or series of movies on the Hallmark Channel or someplace similar.  I can totally see Danielle Panabaker (Dr. Caitlin Snow on “The Flash”) playing Sara.
 
 
Danielle Panabaker – aka Sara
 
 
For someone else’s book, I would love to see Mark Helprin’s “Winter’s Tale” adapted properly as a movie.  I don’t know who I’d cast in it (but definitely not Colin Farrell!)
 
 
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.
 
(J.J.) I’m working on the final book of the Dream Series (Dream Wedding, out October 20th). Once that’s done, I’ve got a couple of ideas about what will come next, but right now all they really are is ideas and not even fully formed yet.
 
 
8. Where can we find your stories, and is there a particular reading order?
 
(J.J.) All my books are on Amazon, and you can see them at http://viewAuthor.at/JJDiBenedetto.  They’re in a series, so you should read from book one straight onwards – time passes and life happens to the characters as the books go on.
 
 
9. Would you please share how your present and future fans can contact you?
 
(J.J.) They can visit my website: http://www.writingdreams.net.  Or on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DreamSeriesBooks.  Or on twitter at https://twitter.com/JJDiBenedetto.  Or via email at mailto://james@writingdreams.net.
 
 
10. Before we conclude this enlightening interview, do you have anything else you’d like to share? The stage is all yours.
 
(J.J.) Basically, THANK YOU!  to everyone who’s read my books, everyone who’s been supportive and encouraging, and to my friends and family, my wife most of all.
 
 
Ok ladies and gents, before you run off, I want to share my thoughts on book 1 and 2 in the Dream series. I’ve also attached images for the entire series so make sure and check them out as well. 
 
Oh and don’t forget to drop us a line below!! 
 
 
 
 

College junior Sara Barnes thought her life was totally under control. All she had to worry about was her final exams, Christmas shopping, applying to medical school – and what to do about the cute freshman in the next dorm with a crush on her. Everything was going according to plan, until the night she started seeing other people’s dreams.

It’s bad enough that Sara is learning more than she ever needed to know about her friends and classmates, watching their most secret fantasies whether she wants to or not. Much worse are the other dreams, the ones she sees nearly every night, featuring a strange, terrifying man who commits unspeakable crimes. Now Sara wonders if she’s the only witness to a serial killer – and the only one who knows when and where he’s going to strike next.

 
 
 
 
 
 

Between adjusting to life as a newlywed and trying to survive the first month of medical school, Sara Alderson has a lot on her plate. She definitely doesn’t need to start visiting other people’s dreams again. Unfortunately for her, it’s happening anyway.
Every night, she sees a different person and a different dream. But every dreamer has one thing in common: they all hate Dr. Morris, the least popular professor in the medical school, and they’re all dreaming about seeing him – or making him – dead.
Once again, Sara finds herself in the role of unwilling witness to a murder before it happens. But this time, there are too many suspects to count, and it doesn’t help matters that she hates Dr. Morris every bit as much as any of his would-be murderers do.

 
 
 
 
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 
 
Have you ever wondered what your friends or family dream about at night? Especially when you see them smiling or hear them talking in their sleep. Since I have two chatterboxes living with me, I admit I’m curious. 
 
To walk in happy dreams would be a kick. Heck, I wouldn’t mind stepping into the mind of some wacky ones, too. Maybe not ones with giant ants though (referencing passage in book). 
 
However, to step into the dream of a killer and watch helplessly as they end a life. Man, that’s rough. On one hand, you could do as Sara did and use the dreams to your advantage; save a life. On the other hand, you’re watching a murder unfold and might not be able to help. What that would do to a person’s psyche…. Can’t even fathom. 
In Dream Doctor, Sara is engrossed into a more twisting mystery. She steps into the dreams of many “suspects” and has a real conundrum on her hands. Who wants Dr. Morris dead and who’s actually trying to kill him? 

Doesn’t this sound like the theme to a Lifetime Movie? *grins*

My only small issue with the story was the jerky feeling I had while reading it. Comparison: Have you ever ridden with someone who was attempting to learn to drive a stick? 

Stop. Start. Stop. Start. Repeat! 

That’s how the flow of the book was for me.

However, I did enjoy “viewing” the dreams right along with Sara. J.J. made me, as a reader, feel like Watson to her Sherlock. 

 
 
Heart Rating System – 1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤1/2
 
 
Want More? Then check out these titles too!! 
 

 

 

 

 

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August 26, 2015 · 5:00 am

The Eternity Road by Lana Melyan (Book Review)

YA Paranormal

 

When her best friend’s brother tells her that two strange men are following her, Amanda thinks that Craig is just being overprotective. Amanda has nursed a secret crush on Craig for years, but he’s never seemed to notice or care about her before.

But Craig’s warning coincides with a strange dream, and Amanda starts to get the sense that nothing in her life is what it seems to be—and that perhaps nothing in her life will ever be the same again.

Then Hanna and Craig start acting really strange. They forbid Amanda from going anywhere without them and insist that she’s in danger.

What Amanda doesn’t know is that Craig and Hanna are Hunters. And their job is to protect Amanda from the vampires chasing her so that she can fulfill her mission. The only catch is that Amanda has no clue she even has a mission to fulfill…

 

 

 
images-19
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 

 

This book might be geared towards the YA crowd but I found enjoyment in it as well and I’m well above the teeny-bopper age bracket. 
 
Now, it’s not a real shocker who Amanda really is or shall I say was. Lana obviously wasn’t attempting to keep us guessing. This book was about Amanda’s journey to the knowledge hidden deep within and reclaiming her life. 
 
Along the way, the group of hunters lost key family members. 
 
Power is tempting and when one of your own craves the dark side….. watch out. I won’t name names of who were the casualties of the battle but I will say more than one of the good guys died for their cause — to protect the human race against evil. 
 
Ladies and gents, young and old, I can say (without a single hesitation) you will adore this book if you fancy vampires, witches, and immortal hunters.  
 
And after you read this tale and see the words “to be continued”, you’ll be saying the same three little words I am about to type……..  
I WANT MORE!!! 
 
 
Heart Rating System – 1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
 Score: ❤❤❤❤❤
 
PURCHASE LINKS: Kindle / Paperback
 
 
 
 

When she came home from work one day and, tired, crashed on the couch in front of the TV, she found her daughters (13 and 17 years old then) watching some TV show with horrible monsters. She couldn’t convince them to switch the channel, so she watched it with them. Later she would love that show as much as they did. That TV show was “Buffy The Vampire Slayer.” She was always interested in supernatural stories, but this was something new, something different, that made her want to create her own story in that genre.

 
Twitter: @lanamelyan

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July 24, 2015 · 5:00 am

Review of “Possessing the Witch” – Elle James and “Siren’s Call” – Debbie Herbert

 

Possessing the Witch by Elle James
Selene Chattox doesn’t know what—or who—she’ll find when she follows her premonition to the river’s edge. When she discovers Gryph Leone, the spirit witch brings the injured stranger home, determined to resist the desire he stirs. But as he heals, she knows fate has brought them together. And as their passion ignites, so does the danger…

Siren’s Callby Debbie Herbert
Lily Borsage is the ultimate siren: gorgeous, aloof, and irresistible to all men in Bayou La Siryna. That is, until Nashoba Bowman returns to town. The Native American kid whose innocent first kiss Lily remembers fondly is all grown up, hot as an Alabama summer—and immune to Lily’s charms. What self-respecting mermaid could resist finding out more?


 
 
Witches, shifters, and psychopaths should’ve held my interest but unfortunately I found the stories lacking in intrigue. The whack-jobs’ identities were no mystery at all and their climatic demises were far from climatic. Here I thought a battle between a wolf and lion (Possessing the Witch) would be epic. It was epic…..an epic fail.  
 
Same disappointing battle between Nash/Lily/and their nemesis. 

 

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

 Amazon Purchase Link 

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