Erin Albert's THE PROPHECY

Today I am THRILLED to be part of my close friend (and CP and partner in crime) Erin Albert's blog tour for her debut release, THE PROPHECY, the first book in The Fulfillment Series.

Be sure to check out the Rafflecopter at the end!






I had the privilege of reading THE PROPHECY (and part of the sequel) as Erin's CP, and let me tell you this- I can't wait to read more and see where she takes these characters!

Now, to whet your appetite, here's my review of Erin's debut novel:

Follow Layla as her world falls apart when she's proclaimed The Fulfilment. In love with one man, duty bound to another, or is she? 

Not all is as it seems and darker powers are at play in this epic 
fantasy. I really enjoyed this debut novel from Erin Albert. She weaves a fantastic tale and leaves you on the edge of your seat for the next in the series.

THE PROPHECY by ERIN ALBERT

Growing up on a small farm in the kingdom of Vanguard, seventeen-year-old Layla Givens lives a deceptively tranquil existence. But her carefully constructed life quickly falls apart when she’s abducted by a religious zealot who proclaims her The Fulfillment of an ancient peace prophecy and whisks her away to marry her greatest enemy.

Wilhelm, Prince of the Ethereals, is reluctant to meet his new bride. He's grown up believing Vanguards are evil, an enemy to fight and fear...not love. Can he set aside his prejudices and work alongside Layla to bring lasting peace after centuries of war?

Nash, a loner who has never fit in, carries a huge secret, one big enough to destroy both kingdoms. When he accidently meets Layla, he’s no longer content to live in the shadows, but he must resist his growing attraction—for her safety and for the longevity of the two kingdoms.

When Nash's secret is revealed, a firestorm sweeps through both realms, with Layla at the center. Now she must choose between duty and desire while the fate of two nations hangs in the balance.

Available at:

MuseItUp Publishing, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other major retailers.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Let the Joust Begin!!!

The joust has begun, and today is my day!!!Stop by http://mpaxauthor.com/blog/ between 3AM-8PM EST, and comment on the posts with my words of valor: 

Lady Mary, Charmed, and Mayhap 

to help me out and enter a drawing for a prize (or two) of your own!

Not sure what to say? Try this:


"Mayhap Lady Mary Charmed them into submission."


Remember you can cheer for me 3 times a day from today through Friday.
You can also find us on FACEBOOK or tweet about us on Twitter using #grogz


Thanks and good luck to you with the prizes!!!

2013 Realms Faire Joust

This year, I am participating in the REALMS FAIRE JOUST, hosted by the marvelous M. Pax, from 11/11-11/15.

Here's my Knight badge (isn't it awesome? Thanks M. Pax for such an awesome badge!)

By entering this joust, I am hoping to win a years worth of promotion by winning this contest.

So, if you'd like to help, I could use a a cheering section. See, each day, from 3AM-8PM EST, you can comment on the posts and earn me points (up to 3) by using my words of valor: Lady Mary, Charmed, and Mayhap. You can do this 3 times, earning me 9 points a day, just from you!

What do you get from it? Of course those cheering us on should get something in return. In addition to my undying gratitude, you'll be entered to win the daily prize as well as a grand prize at the end of the week.

So, if you would, from 11/11-11/15, stop by http://mpaxauthor.com/blog/ and cheer me on with this phrase:

"Mayhap Lady Mary Charmed them into submission."

You can also find us on FACEBOOK or tweet about us on Twitter using #grogz

Thanks and good luck to you with the prizes!!!

How Authors Write- Heather Fraser Brainerd

Today I welcome (back, in a way) fellow Muse author Heather Fraser Brainerd. Heather has been here before with her brother, David, but today she's here to talk about her individual writing process and share her new release with us (and a giveway to a lucky commentor)!



Welcome, Heather. Would you please tell us what you write?
I’ve dabbled in several genres, from Paranormal to SciFi to Chick Lit, even delving into YA and MG. Everything I write seems to involve some element of mystery. I guess this makes sense, since I love to read mysteries.



Do you use 1st person, 3rd person, multiple POVs?
It really depends on the piece. I write it down the way I hear it in my head. That only sounds a little crazy, right? [I totally get that- it's a writer thing for sure. The same way our characters 'talk' to us.]


How do you get started with a book- is it an idea, a character, vary from story to story?
It totally varies from story to story, but usually seems to start with a seed of “what if…”

Do you do research before your first draft, during?
I absolutely love research, and work it in as needed — sometimes before I write one word, sometimes mid-manuscript.

Do you name everything up front when you are drafting or do you leave comments for yourself to go back and fill in later so you don't lose the flow of what you are working on?
I enjoy coming up with names, and usually just go with the first one that pops into my head. They always seem to be more natural than a name I’ve agonized over. [I love it when the character's name just pops up naturally like that.]

Do you work with CP's or Beta's?
On my solo works, my brother Dave is my beta reader. He’s brutally honest, which I greatly appreciate. He’s my co-author on other books, so we know each other’s strengths and weaknesses very well.

How does writing on your own differ from writing with Dave? Do you prefer one to the other?
Dave and I email our co-authored works back and forth to each other. One of us will work on it for however long they feel inspired, then pass it back to the other. While Dave is in possession of our co-written work-in-progress, I work on whatever solo piece I have going. I love the fact that I get to switch back and forth between co-writing and solo writing. It helps to keep things fresh and is a great antidote to writer’s block. [Oh! That sounds like a great way to avoid writer's block. Also sounds like it gives you some space to let things rest and look at your work with fresh eyes.]

You and Dave write adult paranormal. What made you decide to go with YA for your solo book?
Actually, Dream Shade (YA paranormal) is the first thing I ever wrote to completion. After I finished the first draft, I told Dave about it. I actually thought he might tease me about my newfound “hobby.” Instead, he was extremely encouraging, and even expressed the thought that writing might be a good creative outlet for himself. A year or two later, we started writing our first co-authored piece. That one turned out to be my first published work. After the success of publishing a co-written book, I found the courage to submit my solo effort. {Wow! That is awesome. And yay Dave! Way to support your sister!!]

What's your favorite thing about writing on your own?
I can write whenever inspiration strikes, without waiting for it to be my “turn.”

What do you miss about your team writing?
It is SO MUCH FUN to bounce ideas off a co-author! Dave and I have the best conversations when we call each other to discuss a work in progress.

Do you have more solo books planned and if so, what genre(s)?
I’ve already written two other solo novels — one SciFi and one Chick Lit — and a slew of short stories of various genres. Will they ever see the light of day? After many revisions, maybe!

What do you have out now, or coming out? Any upcoming events? A website we can find you and your books at? An author photo? A booktrailer? Anything else you want to share?


Dream Shade was just released on 10/25/13. It’s available through MuseItUp Publishing.


As if high school wasn't tough enough, sophomore Sarah Pasmore has one extra little problem: ghosts have started appearing to Sarah and they seem to want something from her. With help from her brainy best friend, as well as a few new friends (including the hottest guy in school), Sarah must solve the mystery of what the spirits want in order to put them back to rest. To complicate matters further, a more evil spirit will go to great lengths to make sure this doesn’t happen. As they investigate the past to unravel this supernatural mystery, the teens learn a lesson in the powers of friendship and love.

You can find me on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrainerdFraser
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HFBrainerd
Blog: http://drivingblindproductions.wordpress.com
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/hfbrainerd


Thanks for having me, Mary!


Be sure to leave a comment below for a chance to win the prize of your choice! If your name is randomly selected, you’ll get to choose either the YA paranormal mystery/romance Dream Shade, or one of the paranormal mysteries from the José Picada, P.I. Series: Deception Al Dente (book one) or The Sound of Sirens (book two).

MASKED LOVE by Nicole Zoltack

Today I am thrilled to be a part of Nicole Zoltack's release day celebration for 

MASKED LOVE!!!!

Isn't that cover just wonderful??

You can read my review of this Regency Holiday Romance, published by Swoon Romance, HERE

Now, Nicole isn't just a super talented author, she's also a good friend of mine. And, like any good friend, she convinced one of her characters to interview with me.So, without further ado, I present to you Isabelle!

MW: Welcome, Isabelle and thank you so much for coming over to chat with me. I really enjoyed reading your story, and I know there are many others out there who will love your tale as much as I did. Being Lady Theodosia's maid, you must have been quite worried about being found out at the masquerade ball. What made you agree to her plan?

Isabelle: Oh, I was so worried! I didn't want to disgrace Lady Theodosia or her family. I desperately didn't want to get caught. It was such a silly thing to do, but Lady Theodosia was so worried about meeting her betrothed for the first time the next day that she wanted to make certain she knew one friendly face behind the masks. Lady Theodosia has always been so good and kind to me. I didn't even think about refusing her.

MW: I can understand that. Think back to the first time you met your masked suitor. What word first comes to mind when you think of him in that moment?

Isabelle: I had been so flustered! I was quite beside myself. The first word... Well, it would have to be shocking. Shocking that he would pick me out of the crowded room full of beautiful ladies to talk to and dance with. And shockingly handsome, of course!

MW: Ah, yes. Lord Adrian is quite handsome. Did you ever wonder if perhaps the man behind the mask was a groom, masquerading on behalf of his master, as you did?

Isabelle: Why no! What Lady Theodosia asked of me just isn't done. To think that another man might have been there on behalf of his master never crossed my mind.

MW: I guess I'm just a bit more suspicious than you. Could have to do with the gentleman I have masquerading as a prince in a story, but that's for another time. What is your most favorite thing about Adrian?

Isabelle: That he sees me. He actually sees me. Most men, even male servants, don't see me. I'm just a lowly handmaiden to them and unworthy of their time. But Adrian doesn't allow our different classes to shield his eyes. I never dreamt that anything like this could ever happen to me.

MW: That is so lovely. I can see why you fell for him! What is your most favorite Christmas memory?

Isabelle: Oh, I have too many to share! Christmas with my mother was wonderful. She used to get me small trinkets or presents to show how much she cared for me. Present giving isn't usually done at Christmas time, but it's something we shared.

MW: What a lovely memory. OK. Now time for a few random Christmas questions. What's your favorite Christmas Carol?

Isabelle: Now that is another impossible question to answer! I love all of them and know all the words by heart. I do tend to sing "While Shepherds Watched their Flocks by Night" and "Here We Come a-Wassailing" a fair amount.

MW: Great choices. Mine's "O Come, O Come Emanuel". There's just something about the minor key that calls to me. What's your favorite Christmas food?

Isabelle: Marchpane, a delicious cake I only ever eat after the Christmas meal. Just the smell of it baking makes my mouth water and gives me hope and much happiness.

MW: I have often read of marchpane, but never eaten it. I think I will need to rectify that this year! What's your favorite Christmas tradition?

Isabelle: I enjoy everything about Christmas, especially the church service, but also the lighting of the Yule Log. It warms the entire house and makes me feel so much lighter and happier, despite my mother's passing.

Those truly are great traditions. Thank you so much for visiting, Isabelle.


Now, I'm sure after all that, you want to know more about Isabelle's story. So, here it is! (Go ahead, swoon some more over the cover!)

Title: Masked Love

Author: Nicole Zoltack

Genre: Holiday/Christmas Regency Novella

Publisher: Swoon Romance

ISBN: NONE

Publication Date: November 1, 2013

Formats: eBook (mobi and ePub)

Masked Love by Nicole Zoltack

Isabelle is content being a maid, and will do anything for her lady, even accompany her to a masquerade ball. Lady Theodosia needs extra support and encouragement on this night, for tomorrow she will meet the man her parents have pledged her to.
Isabelle has never had occasion to attend such an event, and is at first ill at ease. But meeting an enchanting young man during the course of the evening makes her wish for a life she can never have. Thinking she will never see him again, she returns his flirtation and even reveals her face. Imagine her shock when he shows up the next morning, announcing his claim on Lady Thedosia.
Isabelle does all she can to avoid Lord Adrian Wingave, but then he not only sees her, he recognizes her. To make matters worse, Isabelle fears her feelings are not one-sided. Torn between duty and desire, Isabelle hopes for something more this Christmas.

Nicole Zoltack

Nicole Zoltack loves to write fantasy/paranormal, romances, horror, and historical, for all ages. When she isn't writing about girls wanting to be knights, talking unicorns, and zombies, she spends time with her loving family. She loves to ride horses (pretending they're unicorns, of course!) and going to the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, dressed in period garb. Her current favorite TV show is The Vampire Diaries.

AUTHOR LINKS

http://www.NicoleZoltack.com

http://NicoleZoltack.blogspot.com

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorNicoleZoltack

http://twitter.com/NicoleZoltack

www.myswoonromance.com 

@swoonromance

Facebook.com/SwoonRomance