Sunday, August 23, 2015

Life Inside Out
Lyn Densem-Chambers
Living with cancer: A brave woman's journey...

Welcome to Indie Lindy Author Blog, Lyn.  Please tell us a little about yourself.  Also, what are you favorite pastimes?

Thank you for inviting me to join your blog, Linda.
I am a longtime communications professional who has practiced my love for language in a variety of ways throughout my life—from teaching English, French and Italian and serving as a public relations executive and consultant, to freelance writing for various publications, and, most recently, as the author of Life Inside Out, a book that chronicles my journey through a deadly form of cancer.

I also enjoy painting, traveling, and spending time with my husband and two dogs on our boat by the beach in Ventura, California.

Sounds fascinating and frightening, Lyn.  How could readers benefit from the experiences you write about in Life Inside Out?

This book explores my personal journey through a very deadly brain cancer, providing information and inspiration to anyone who deals with cancer or other life-threatening illnesses. It is, most of all, a story of hope that focuses on the positive actions anyone can take to stay healthy and happy throughout the physical and emotional challenges of life.

I also have given presentations on the content of the book to groups as diverse as holistic health practitioners and senior citizen groups.

Practical and helpful, indeed.

Did you design the beautiful cover for your book?

I painted the cover picture, inspired by the work of a New Zealand artist whose style I admire, and a good friend who is a graphic designer helped me put it all together.

I have a dear author friend in New Zealand.  She wrote a fictional story about cancer, based on a true account. It's a small world!

What are your future writing plans?  Do you have a blog readers can follow?  If not, where can they connect with you?

I recently started a blog with material that may form the basis of a sequel to Life Inside Out (working title, Life Rightside Out).  In the blog, I describe my “Latest Learnings,” as I call them, about health, cancer, and the psychology of resilience, a topic of great interest to me particularly now, as I was recently diagnosed with a recurrence of the cancer (http://lynchambers.com)

I call my first blog entry “Elephant Strong,” after the animals I most admire and the traits we humans can learn from them.  I invite readers of this blog to also follow and contribute to mine as I explore this new chapter of my life and health.

I am simultaneously working on a historical novel based on the stranger than fiction, real-life story of my husband’s father in World War II.

I'm sorry to hear that your cancer has reoccurred.  It hasn't stopped you from being productive and positive, which are focal points of your book.  I read Life Inside Out and reveled in your encouraging and inspiring passages.

What advice can you give other nonfiction authors who would like to write a book?  Also, where did you publish Life Inside Out and why?

My best advice is to write on a topic you know and care about. If you write from the heart, the words will flow like water onto the page.  Secondly read and learn from other good authors in your genre.  Last but definitely not least, write frequently, and, if the words don’t come easily, try journaling in stream-of consciousness, without self-correcting.

As a first-time author, I published independently because I was pragmatic about my ability to capture the interest of an agent or big-time publishing house.  I chose Lulu because a friend had used this self-publishing house, but I will likely go with Amazon for the next book or two, also because of a recommendation from a friend (who happens to be the author of this blog.)

Agree with you entirely, Lyn.  If we write from the heart, we remain true to ourselves.

Where can readers find Life Inside Out?

Life Inside Out is available on all book Websites and by request in libraries and bookstores (Registered with Books in Print.)

Blurb: 
Life Inside Out follows the author’s personal journey confronting the fears and challenges of cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.  It is for all who are dealing with cancer and for those who love and want to help them.  It is also for those who want to cultivate healthy habits to help keep their immune systems strong against all disease.

"Elephant Strong"
BIO:
Lyn Densem-Chambers, MA, APR, is a Denver writer and part-time artist who survived a very deadly form of brain cancer.  A former educator and international exchange executive, she hopes her story will inspire and inform people around the world who are dealing with cancer or other life-threatening illnesses.

Author Links:

If interested, check out my artwork at https://www.LynChambers-FineArtAmerica.com
Lyn with her son, Ryan, who's a paramedic. This is the same helicopter that took her to the hospital ten years ago, when she was first diagnosed with brain cancer.

Lyn, it was a pleasure featuring you on Indie Lindy.  Thanks for sharing your courageous story with us!

Readers, comments and shares are always appreciated.

Sunday, August 16, 2015

Interview with Carole McKee
Author of Perfect
What inspired you to write Perfect?
"Perfect" is based on a true story. I was so moved by the actual characters and events that took place, that I knew at some point I had to write the story.  It was my first novel, and it won an award.  That was exciting, but the publishing company had such a high price on it, that it just wasn't selling. That's why I decided to republish "Perfect" and offer it at a more affordable price.
Good decision, and your cover is gorgeous!

Where is the story set?
The story takes place in three different places. Katrina grew up in Pittsburgh, Nathan grew up in Cleveland; and they met here in Florida, just a little farther South than where I live now.

Can you tell us a little about your protagonists?
Sure.
Katrina was a miracle baby, and as she grew, it became obvious to everyone that she was gifted. She was beautiful, smart, and talented. She could sing, and dance, and her artwork was awesome. She was lucky to have a warm, loving, supportive family. She had two brothers who adored her and would go to great lengths to protect her.

Nathan was also a talented, gifted child. As a child he ate, slept, and breathed baseball. And he was an awesome player. His dream was to make it to the major leagues, and he did achieve that. He was the light in his parents’ life, but he had a brother who was just the opposite from him. His brother Steven created a lot of heartache in the family.

Even though Katrina and Nathan are the main characters, many of the characters with whom they interacted are quite memorable, especially Katrina’s two brothers and her best friend. Nathan’s best friend plays a major role in their lives as well.
A "family drama."  The best kind of story!

Does your book have an underlying theme?
Well, I guess you could say that. Maybe there is more than one, actually. The easy one to point out is that “true love is forever.” But another underlying theme might be that love and caring can be contagious. All of the love and care given to Katrina all of her growing up years made her the loving, caring, and giving person she became. 
Paying it forward from the heart...a "perfect" theme.
*   *   *
Blurb:
Katrina: Beautiful, bright and talented, she grew from a beautiful child into a beautiful woman. As the youngest in the family she grew up with two adoring, protective brothers. They, as well as everyone else recognized that she was special—perfect, actually. 
Nathan: A handsome replica of his father, he grew up to be exactly what his father had hoped for—the perfect son. He was the source of his parents’ pride. His brother was the opposite end of the spectrum. Suffering from mental problems, Steven’s actions cast a shadow over the family for much of Nathan’s childhood and adolescent years.

Katrina and Nathan: A wicked twist of fate brought them together, and they are perfect for each other. Their life is beautiful—perfect. Another wicked twist of fate tears them apart. Or does it?
*   *   *
Excerpt from Perfect 
They had just finished eating the delicious spaghetti dinner, and Nathan was tying up the trash bag to set outside, when someone knocked at the door.  Katrina was in the bathroom, so Nathan answered the door.
“Who the hell are you?”  Danny and Kathy were standing at the door.
“You must be Danny.”
“Yeah, I know who the hell I am, but that wasn’t my question.  Who….” Danny was cut off by Kathy’s shriek.  Danny followed Kathy’s line of vision and saw Katrina standing there, her face a mess.
“Kat, what happened?  Who did that to you?”  He turned on Nathan.  “Did you do that?  I’ll kill you!”  Katrina saw Danny’s hands ball up into fists.
“Danny, no!  Danny!  Stop!”  Katrina started crying.
“No, I didn’t do that.  I would never….”
“What the fuck happened to her?  Kat…somebody better start talking…..NOW!  What the fuck happened to her face?”  Danny was facing Nathan again, and shouting at him.
“Danny, stop….stop now, and listen!”  Katrina was on the verge of hysteria.  She fell into a chair at the table, and Kathy went to her and put an arm around her.
Nathan stared at Danny, put his hands up, palms down and started toward Katrina.  “You’re upsetting your sister, can’t you see that?”
“Yes, my sister…..I still haven’t gotten who you are….”
“Danny!”
Nathan went to Katrina and stood behind her with his hands on her shoulders.  “I think you better tell him what happened to you.  He’ll find out eventually anyhow.”  He squeezed her shoulders gently, letting her know that he was there for her.
“Yes, I think somebody better tell me…whatever it is.”  Danny glared at Nathan.  “You better not have anything to do with it…”
“Danny, Nathan saved my life!”  Katrina took a tissue from Kathy and waited for Danny to calm down.  He stared at Nathan, mellowed a little, and sat down in front of Katrina.
 *   *   *
Buy links:
CreateSpace - http://bit.ly/1Pf5lLA

BIO:
Carole McKee is originally from Pittsburgh, but has resided in Florida since 2002. Most of her contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels take place in the Western Pennsylvania area, the place she will always call home. Carole is a passionate writer, making readers feel the emotions of her characters. One reader exclaimed, "Carole McKee's books help cleanse the tear ducts!" Her first novel, "Perfect" brought out so much emotion that she got phone calls from people who were in tears when they finished the book. Another reader says that she laughs and then she cries with every one of McKee's books.
Carole's writing career actually began in 1995 when she wrote a tribute to her beloved black Labrador Retriever when he passed away. The tribute was published in a veterinary magazine a few months after it was written. Although the stories were in her head, she didn't begin writing seriously until 2006 with her first novel, "Perfect." It was published in 2007. She entered "Perfect" into a contest and the book won an award, which was just the encouragement she needed to seriously pursue a career as a writer. “Perfect” has since been republished in 2015 with a new cover and an affordable price. Her second novel was “Choices.” Readers loved the characters in the book, so, using the same characters, she wrote “The Bushes are Red,” and then “The Full Nelson.” She finished the series with “Consequences.” "Choices" lead to "Consequences," eventually. In addition to these books, which are available in paperback and eBook formats, Carole also published these four eBooks:
Kisses from the Heart” “Second Chances”Maddie’s Garden” and “Going Home.”
And now the trilogy “Testosterone Poisoning,” available in paperback and eBook format.
Another book, "Angelface” is in the works. More on that later.
*   *   *
Thanks for joining Carole McKee and me on Indie Lindy. Comments and shares are always appreciated!
     Best wishes,
     Linda

Sunday, August 9, 2015

New Release: A Little Magick by Marie Lavender

Little Rosie goes to stay with her uncle. There she meets some new friends…and some enemies. She doesn’t know that her emotions will trigger something unusual. So far from home, suddenly Rosie has become a full witch like her mother. For a time, it is great fun to use her powers the way she wants, but can Rosie figure out how to use these newfound powers for good or will she be lost to the dark side forever?
*  *  *
"Marie, what inspired you to write a children's book?"
It really wasn't planned. Often, as writers, our characters surprise us, and nothing describes it better in this case. After writing Magick & Moonlight, I assumed the story was finished. Not so much. About two months after the book's release, little Rosie came to me, asking for her story to be told. Well, not so much asking as demanding. LOL. I was compelled to write the book, and go on her adventures along with her! After that, her adult story, Magick Sunrise, came to me, which I'm working on now. The trilogy is a lighthearted fantasy series.


What readers are saying about A Little Magick ...

***** Sweet, July 25, 2015
This review is from: A Little Magick (Magick Series Book 2) (Kindle Edition)
I loved it! What is a sweet little girl to do when she learns she is a witch? That she can make things happen? Nine year old Rosie goes to stay with her Uncle Adam while her father is training for a new job and her mother is at a festival employing her craft. There are lots of surprises in store for both Rosie and her uncle. Very nice story with strong characters. I love Marie Lavender's work.

**** Sweet and thoughtful story, not just for children, July 25, 2015
This review is from: A Little Magick (Magick Series Book 2) (Kindle Edition)
I had read the prequel to this book, "Magick and Moonlight", and I really loved it. Seeing things from a child's perspective this time was certainly different. The author pulled it off very credibly, I really felt as if I were in little Rosanna's head. It was fascinating to see how she dealt with discovering her magick, and there was just the right amount of adult world and children's world in the story. I really want to read about a grown-up Rosanna now.

***** Like mother, like daughter..., August 3, 2015
 This review is from: A Little Magick (Magick Series Book 2) (Kindle Edition)
When nine-year-old Rosie discovers she’s a witch, she learns that along with supernatural powers comes accountability. In the first novella, Magick & Moonlight, her mama, Jessie, learns the same lesson. Although geared toward young children, adults will also enjoy this sweet story. I recommend reading Magick & Moonlight for yourself and then reading A Little Magick with your little girl!
Purchase Links for A Little Magick
Universal Amazon link: http://bookgoodies.com/a/B00YJSGE40
Ethan Hamilton moves to a lazy little town in Oregon, hoping to escape his demons. But, instead he discovers a woman dancing nude in the moonlight. This woman who claims she is a witch dazzles him with her sensual presence. He thinks she’s crazy, but what if she’s not?

Jessie Anderson has been taught that her kind hides who they really are. And she has a problem on her hands. Someone knows her secret and she has to do all she can to protect herself. What other choice does she have? Jessie casts a love spell on a good man, a man with whom she can’t fight her attraction. The spell doesn’t work quite as planned – she ends up falling for Ethan.

To top if off, Ethan’s treatment of her, his “love”, is so addictive.  Deep down, she knows the spell will wear off, and yet his feelings seem genuine.  It’s just a spell…right?
*  *  *
Author Bio
Bestselling multi-genre author of UPON YOUR RETURN and 20 other books. Poetry winner of the 2015 PnPAuthors Contest. Honorable Mention in the 2014 BTS Red Carpet Book Awards. Finalist and Runner-up in the 2014 MARSocial's Author of the Year Competition. Honorable mention in the January 2014 Reader's Choice Award. Liebster Blogger Award for 2013 and 2014. Top 50 Authors on AuthorsDB.com. Winner of the Great One Liners Contest on the Directory of Published Authors.

Marie Lavender lives in the Midwest with her family and three cats. She has been writing for over twenty years. She has more works in progress than she can count on two hands. Since 2010, Marie has published 21 books in the genres of historical romance, contemporary romance, romantic suspense, paranormal romance, fantasy, mystery/thriller, literary fiction and poetry. Her current series are The Heiresses in Love Series, The Magick Series and The Blood at First Sight Series. 

A list of her books and pen names are as follows:

Marie Lavender: Upon Your Return; Magick & Moonlight; Upon Your Honor; Second Nature; "Lovers Like Us" (from the book anthology, Poets & Writers in Action); A Little Magick; Second Chance Heart (coming soon)

Erica Sutherhome: Hard to Get; Memories; A Hint of Scandal; Without You; Strange Heat; Terror in the Night; Haunted; Pursuit; Perfect Game; A Touch of Dawn; Ransom; Leather and Lace

Kathryn Layne: A Misplaced Life

Heather Crouse: Express CafĂ© and Other Ramblings; Ramblings, Musings and Other Things; Soulful Ramblings and Other Worldly Things

Saturday, August 1, 2015

My vampire romance series is finished--finally!

      Blood & Company was many years in the making.  It was with relief and joy that I published the final book, Brothers of the Night, on July 20.  The novel wraps up the story of the Slater clan, vampire-human hybrids living in Lincoln Park, Chicago.

     In Old Town Nights, Book 1, we meet Ambrose Slater and Abby Lawrence, the woman he's set his sights on.  We learn about him and his quirky family, who owns two successful bakeries--one in Old Town and the other in Lincoln Square.  Despite his deception, Abby falls in love with Ambrose. She watches, with distress, as his brother Stefan's marriage to a regular woman falls apart.  After that, complications ensue...with one serious repercussion after another.

     In Sisters of the Night, Book 2, we meet the ladies: Juliana, who is Ambrose's cousin; Emaline, his former "bite buddy"; and Gretchen, who used to date his cousin Lance. The story revolves around the three friends and the men they love--Chad, Garrett, and Bertram. Two are "regular guys," and one is a vampire.   We experience the challenges of being female vampires from the women's perspectives.

     In New England Nights, Book 3, we meet Geoff Hammond and Norah Sheridan.  Norah comes into Geoff's life at a time when he needs someone most.  In this novel, we take a jaunt to Connecticut, where our "artsy vampires" live.  The third novel connects to the fourth in a special way.  Characters from this story and the previous books have a profound effect on one another's lives.

     In Brothers of the Night, Book 4, we meet Herschel and Trudy Kohler, who run a resort in Traverse City, Michigan.  Trudy thinks they have a marriage of convenience--that her vampire husband is only interested in one thing.  After Herschel's mother dies, Trudy learns the terrible secret he's hidden from her...a secret that forever changes not only their lives but also Stefan Slater's.  The main players from all four novels reappear.
     This series was an incredible journey for me.  When I wrote Old Town Nights, I had no idea the first book would give birth to three more!  But new characters kept suggesting themselves to me, and a mystery needed to be solved.  All told, I worked ten years on the Blood & Company Series--which, incidentally, started out as a short story I wrote two decades ago.
     If you like traditional vampire stories with werewolves, shape-shifters, angels, demons, and witches, then this is not the series for you. However, if you enjoy stories with unusual characters and quirky families and friends, you might enjoy Blood & Company. Old Town Nights is only .99.  I priced the other three eBooks at $1.99, figuring that a "boxed set" for $6.96 was a pretty good deal.
      I'm pleased to say that two of the books, Old Town Nights and New England Nights, made it to the number one positions on Goodreads' Listopia for the categories "Most Addictive Vampire Romances" and "Yummy Adult Paranormal Romance Books."
     As an indie author, it's tough getting the word out about my books--as every other indie will attest to.  I seldom self-promote, but I thought I'd use the beginning of August to "pimp my vampire romance series."
     To learn more about me, please visit http://www.lindaleewilliams.com.
     If you'd like to read a character interview with Herschel Kohler, please visit: http://marielavender.blogspot.com/2015/07/a-character-interview-with-herschel.html.
     Thanks for reading my blog post. Comments and shares are always appreciated!
     Best wishes,
     Linda