tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26073610126163013322024-03-08T21:15:52.859+00:00Amanda Leigh CowleyAmanda Leigh Cowleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14473578405020011393noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607361012616301332.post-55322528410529625782017-01-18T14:54:00.001+00:002017-01-18T14:54:54.714+00:00THE COLD HARD TRUTH Kindle version now available<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSiyDb5INMHtSSRQAxVrn9dBZHQNDCO_BqtiDJsynslObmQeFW28B6k_Rt-u17nxq3R5vPaPnYGeMcXQfv-RX9RVDAnyGJfHHVXozI1OsqxCIywkyepAyqdV9cFwntHTUK3qIvfLvr_tOq/s1600/thecoldhardtruth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSiyDb5INMHtSSRQAxVrn9dBZHQNDCO_BqtiDJsynslObmQeFW28B6k_Rt-u17nxq3R5vPaPnYGeMcXQfv-RX9RVDAnyGJfHHVXozI1OsqxCIywkyepAyqdV9cFwntHTUK3qIvfLvr_tOq/s400/thecoldhardtruth.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Nothing could prepare Emily for what she witnessed that day.</div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
With no money to support herself and suffering from panic attacks, she reluctantly moves in with her estranged mother and half-sister overseas. But as fractured relationships start to heal and a new one threatens to blossom, she uncovers a disturbing secret.</div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">When the truth hurts this much, would you prefer not to know?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Cold Hard Truth is now live on Amazon Kindle.</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NAKA7FG">Amazon US</a> </span><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01NAKA7FG" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Amazon UK</a> <span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01NAKA7FG">Amazon AU</a> </span><a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Cold-Hard-Truth-gripping-secrets-ebook/dp/B01NAKA7FG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484751147&sr=8-1&keywords=the+cold+hard+truth+amanda+leigh+cowley"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Amazon CA</span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Amanda Leigh Cowleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14473578405020011393noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607361012616301332.post-15893966549926200032016-12-18T16:03:00.001+00:002016-12-24T21:48:23.367+00:00THE COLD HARD TRUTH available for pre-order<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Cold Hard Truth is available for pre-order at the special price of 99p/99c.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This price will rise when it goes live in January.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga8tCucqqbmiIFBR2fjJ66OjS9emXIEuKG2xPXzgVBO5SIUmkFaVTcaXQ_h8VifEHy6mU81K9DyH5h_t35T25RinUxTaPAOFzKzPHBENuHiXM8zFuzuGz0Sse1Vi5H9VZaOUsOPd1iEUMi/s1600/TCHTpre-order.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga8tCucqqbmiIFBR2fjJ66OjS9emXIEuKG2xPXzgVBO5SIUmkFaVTcaXQ_h8VifEHy6mU81K9DyH5h_t35T25RinUxTaPAOFzKzPHBENuHiXM8zFuzuGz0Sse1Vi5H9VZaOUsOPd1iEUMi/s400/TCHTpre-order.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px;">
Amazon UK: <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01NAKA7FG" rel="nofollow" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01NAKA7FG</a><br />
Amazon US: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NAKA7FG" rel="nofollow" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NAKA7FG</a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Nothing could prepare Emily for what she witnessed that day.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Broke and suffering from panic attacks, she has no choice but to move in with her estranged mother overseas. But as fractured relationships start to heal and a new one threatens to blossom, she uncovers a dark secret.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
When the truth hurts this much, would you prefer not to know?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
For the chance to win a £50 Amazon gift card, visit my Facebook page: <a href="http://amanda%20leigh%20cowley/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/AmandaLCowley/</a> </div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Amanda Leigh Cowleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14473578405020011393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607361012616301332.post-66332312533881244212016-10-29T11:43:00.000+01:002016-10-29T11:45:42.745+01:00A Little Update....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_gj0Jvb3eiQTETT_PIiH3uR-1NDt4bDAdnR2hUqoiEOAFfQqjJz9-NXVqeBau5lCLf3MyM0aw-PFhP2jBXfvhrRjPIHq7Ae7tD_76sjjqa6rWUUREPi3Q_DFoDxujbbE_cl7A0Pb3xDM4/s1600/thecoldhardtruth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_gj0Jvb3eiQTETT_PIiH3uR-1NDt4bDAdnR2hUqoiEOAFfQqjJz9-NXVqeBau5lCLf3MyM0aw-PFhP2jBXfvhrRjPIHq7Ae7tD_76sjjqa6rWUUREPi3Q_DFoDxujbbE_cl7A0Pb3xDM4/s400/thecoldhardtruth.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hello! How have you been? I'm still here! I'm furiously working on my latest book, The Cold Hard Truth, which is a standalone Romance/Thriller. I'm hoping to release it before Christmas, but to keep-up-to-date with news of the release you can sign up to receive an email alert (absolutely no spam - promise!). Just enter your email address in the box on the right-hand side.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In the meantime, here's a sneak preview of the first chapter....</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB">I heave open the front door, flop against its flaky blue
paint and fight to catch my breath. This is crazy. All I’ve done is walk five
minutes from the bus-stop to our house and I’m wrecked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB">“<i>Da-ad,</i>” I
call out. My voice is croaky and it catches. “It’s me, <i>Emily</i>….”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<i><span lang="EN-GB">No answer.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<i><span lang="EN-GB"> </span></i><span lang="EN-GB">Not surprising. He’s
got the TV turned up so loud I doubt he’d have heard a twenty-one gun salute if
it went off right in front of him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB">I’ll let him know I’m home and then I’m heading to bed to sleep off whatever lurgy has invaded my system and zapped
all my energy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB">I picture Dad lying on the sofa in his favourite spot,
the place he spends so much time that when he gets up you can still see the
imprint of his butt cheeks, and the worn-out, slightly grubby patch where his
head rests. Poor Dad. He’s a shell of the man he used to be.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB">I push myself off the door and dump my college bag on
the stairs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB">“I’ve come home early,” I say as I
make my way to the living room and nudge the door with my hip. “I feel crap.”
The door swings open and I shift my weight to take a step forward, but something
makes me pause.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB">The heavy brocade curtains are drawn making the room dark
but in the soft blue hue of the TV, I make out the shape of Dad
lying on the sofa.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<i><span lang="EN-GB">And I know something
is wrong.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB">My eyes are still adjusting to the darkness so I don’t see anything
amiss, but I <i>feel</i> it. It’s hanging in
the air making all the tiny hairs on my arms stand up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<i><span lang="EN-GB">For God’s sake, Emily,
get a grip.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB">I mentally shake myself, step into the room and hit the
light switch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB">And then I see it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB">Blood.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<i><span lang="EN-GB">Everywhere</span></i><span lang="EN-GB">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB">It’s up the walls, soaked into the carpet, and all
over my lovely Dad.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB">I hold onto the wall to steady myself as swirls of red dance
and collide before my eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<i><span lang="EN-GB">This has to be a bad dream</span></i><span lang="EN-GB">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"> I squint, forcing my focus to settle on Dad’s face.
His eyes are open and vacant, and he’s so pale. <i>I’ve never seen anyone that pale before</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB">My feet are anchored to the floor. I force one leg in
front of the other to go to him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB">I’ve only taken two, maybe three steps, when I catch
sight of something moving over by the curtains.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<i><span lang="EN-GB">Shit.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB">My heart picks up a new crazy rhythm as a dark figure
unfurls. <i>A man?</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB">I'm barely breathing. My eyes stay glued to the
intruder while in the background a TV chef harps on about the importance of
getting your oven to the right temperature before adding your soufflés.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<i><span lang="EN-GB">None of this is
real</span></i><span lang="EN-GB">, I remind myself. <i>None of this is happening</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB">The intruder is upright now, towering over my
five-foot-four inches. His hoodie, pulled tight around his face, is spattered
with blood.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<i><span lang="EN-GB">Dad’s blood</span></i><span lang="EN-GB">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB">Only his eyes are visible. Dark and menacing. They
meet mine for a split second before his head dips and he charges in my
direction, towards the door, knocking me off balance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB">Instinctively, <i>stupidly</i>, I reach out to steady myself
and grab hold of his arm. He rips it back in an attempt to shake me off, but my
knuckles turn white with a vice-like grip on his sleeve. I know I should let go
but I’m paralysed by fear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB">The monster's chest rises and falls in quick succession, but he says nothing. He looks
up from my hand and his eyes meet mine, the skin around them tightening and then
loosening. <i>As if he’s pleading with me</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<i><span lang="EN-GB">This is a just a
bad dream. If I just wake myself up, then everything will go back to
normal.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB">A flash of light bounces off metal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB">Before I can react, I realise a blade has been drawn
along my arm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB">The sound of the TV fades and the air around me stills
and it’s so surreal, I want to laugh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB">I raise my arm and hold it front of my face, unable to
take my eyes from the red line snaking an ugly path from my wrist to my elbow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB">I see it but I don’t believe it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB">There isn’t any pain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<i><span lang="EN-GB">It’s because I’m
dreaming and none of this is real.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB">The red line gets thicker until it gapes and I tilt my
head as dark red blood spills onto the pale skin of my forearm.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB">I
hear a sharp intake of breath and realise it’s coming from me. A rush of heat
spreads along my skin like someone’s dragging a red-hot poker along my arm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB">And then everything becomes sharp and clear and terrifyingly
real.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB">The front door slams and I snap my head in that
direction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB">This really happened.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 14.2pt;">
<i><span lang="EN-GB">My dad….</span></i><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Amanda Leigh Cowleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14473578405020011393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607361012616301332.post-77379610877934010232013-06-11T14:22:00.000+01:002013-06-11T14:22:06.719+01:00Master of Umbra by Poppet - your chance to win a free digital copy<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSt2GKomCa4LateSIHvtP3NCviEKuqsXixvtQrUhz6NNxupC_BmcM3KXvWLxcT0aEVnJjTviIx0YUfPd-vc4AEuw5lnDPNqqAlMty2wVMzv7f47jvwiFBAd2PTOs-JXw65uYT91Pbe1sLl/s1600/umbria.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSt2GKomCa4LateSIHvtP3NCviEKuqsXixvtQrUhz6NNxupC_BmcM3KXvWLxcT0aEVnJjTviIx0YUfPd-vc4AEuw5lnDPNqqAlMty2wVMzv7f47jvwiFBAd2PTOs-JXw65uYT91Pbe1sLl/s400/umbria.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have a treat for you on the blog today. Below is an excerpt from the Master of Umbra, book 2 in The Valhalla series from the uber-talented author, Poppet.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For a chance to win a .mobi copy, please leave a comment below and I will select (lucky dip) and inform the winner by Friday 14th June. Good luck!</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Title:</b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Master of Umbra by Poppet</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p><b> </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Genre:</b> Paranormal Romance</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p><b>Book description:</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Deliah is in grave danger, running for her life from a man
who needs her dead, when serendipity plants her in the path of the Master of
Umbra.<br />
<br />
Inducted into the mysterious Eagle clan of the Scottish highlands, Deliah is
torn between her fate and destiny when kin clash for her affections. Falling
for the scandalous villain who heads the Berserkers of the Hebrides, her
fragile hope is snuffed out early by revelation and impending war.<br />
<br />
The only mantra she can cling to is the one uttered in heartfelt promise; that
love comes back.<br />
<br />
Because that's what love does.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://amzn.com/B00D4E8UWE"><span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Link on Amazon US</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00D4E8UWE"><span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Link on Amazon UK</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Excerpt:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 10.0pt; text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“What do you want?” he snaps, in
that impatient drawl.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 10.0pt; text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Er... I can't get confrontational
in the dark,” I mumble, losing courage.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 10.0pt; text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“I bet you're plenty confrontational
in the dark.” Gripping my arm in the 'master is not pleased' grind, he marches
me deeper into the darkness, muttering, “Dressed like that only reinforces the
image.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 10.0pt; text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“What's wrong with the way I'm
dressed?” I argue, wishing he'd slow down already.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 10.0pt; text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He laughs, and it's cold, “Sweetie,
it looks like you're either going to put me over your knee, or beg me to put
you over mine.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 10.0pt; text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Oh go get knotted–”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 10.0pt; text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">“Did you leave any beer in the vat
when you finished sucking it dry? </span><strong><span lang="EN-US" style="font-weight: normal; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">Ulfhednar</span></strong><span lang="EN-US"> head is white and frothy, just the
way you like it.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 10.0pt; text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“I did not–”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 10.0pt; text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“You're more baked than clay and
you're going to be just as dehydrated come sunup. What the hell were you
thinking?” he chastises, hauling me into a grotto ready to raise the dead.
Candles and steam haunt the room like old lovers getting nostalgic.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 10.0pt; text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“What the hell was I thinking?” Now
you've done it mister twat. “I was thinking you require trepanning so you can
deflate your fucking ego.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 10.0pt; text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He turns to scowl down at me, his
chest embroidered with white scars which map bridges over his extreme
musculature. I'm trying very hard not to gawk, but bleedin' heck, he looks like
an action man who grew up on a uranium farm, except of course for the tortured
gaze he pegs me with when he folds his arms and bursts veins out in wild
rivulets. They ridge in the flickering candlelight, shadowing his bulk with a
net of strength.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 10.0pt; text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What was he doing here exactly, in
just his baggies?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 10.0pt; text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fuck! Was he expecting his date to
show up and I walked in where I'm not welcome?</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<span style="text-indent: 21.6pt;"></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbiechu4uN6hRu2OHV0mnKWATZtNLteVtwRQLRwacBQXoq1WDpHolbmc8fNyvhwWcyASxSoCmUoW96idf_ku2Pz7twN4o-U6Qh-5YI-cPZEU_8boRvGQd5XEKfpQTVLtUnnoWV4du2NBKO/s1600/Author+Poppet+pic+for+WWP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbiechu4uN6hRu2OHV0mnKWATZtNLteVtwRQLRwacBQXoq1WDpHolbmc8fNyvhwWcyASxSoCmUoW96idf_ku2Pz7twN4o-U6Qh-5YI-cPZEU_8boRvGQd5XEKfpQTVLtUnnoWV4du2NBKO/s320/Author+Poppet+pic+for+WWP.jpg" width="241" /></a>Links to Poppet:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Poppet/197111090356326">Facebook</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4457711.Poppet">Goodreads</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/PoppetAuthor">Twitter</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<a href="http://authorpoppet.weebly.com/">Website</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<a href="http://authorpoppet.wordpress.com/">Blog</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 10.0pt; text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<a href="http://pinterest.com/authorpoppet/">Pinterest</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 10.0pt; text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 10.0pt; text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<span style="text-indent: 21.6pt;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwnOH-uSHu5_UDhF0C5u_BIdaFyFcqwdVo3JWd_iPOQgs39qorOoWfIHWlF52rJO29CO8clHMak3-zZtLSmNj3XES8VIBye3mnfNr8NDQP6XxPgy0vzkNLcJAkbUhd4mgTi-mpl4qWljNm/s1600/valhalla.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwnOH-uSHu5_UDhF0C5u_BIdaFyFcqwdVo3JWd_iPOQgs39qorOoWfIHWlF52rJO29CO8clHMak3-zZtLSmNj3XES8VIBye3mnfNr8NDQP6XxPgy0vzkNLcJAkbUhd4mgTi-mpl4qWljNm/s1600/valhalla.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Amanda Leigh Cowleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14473578405020011393noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607361012616301332.post-86101985566345732962013-05-10T14:03:00.000+01:002013-05-10T14:09:07.295+01:00Elle Casey’s Springtime Indie Book Giveaway<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #373737;"><span style="line-height: 36px;">The wonderful Elle Casey is hosting a Massive Springtime</span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #373737;"><span style="line-height: 36px;">Indie Book Giveaway, where you can sign up to receive FREE books.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #373737; line-height: 36px;">Please share the link below with anyone you know who might like free</span> <span style="color: #373737;"><span style="line-height: 36px;">books. There are 190 titles and 1,554 copies to give away!!</span></span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'palatino linotype', palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 25px;">You can enter to win as many books as you like – </span><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #555555; font-family: 'palatino linotype', palatino, serif; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">BUT</span></em></span><em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #555555; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> – we</em><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'palatino linotype', palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 25px;"> ask that you do one thing first:</span></h3>
<div class="entry-content" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #555555; font-family: 'palatino linotype', palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 25px; margin: 20px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 940px;">
<h3>
<em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Please check </em><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">out the book’s description on Amazon before you enter to win it, to </em></h3>
<h3>
<em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">be sure it’s </em><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">something you’d read.</em><span style="font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;"> All </span><span style="font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;">of the authors are sincerely hoping that </span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;">you will read </span><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">and</em><span style="font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;"> review </span><span style="font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;">their books. They’re giving you a free </span><span style="font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;">book, and in </span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;">exchange, you’re helping them find new </span><span style="font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;">readers who will like their work.</span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;">Keep in mind we </span><span style="font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;">ask only for </span><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">honest</em><span style="font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;"> reviews! If you win, we </span><span style="font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;">ask that you</span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;">please </span><span style="font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;">post any reviews to Amazon at least and </span><span style="font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;">Goodreads too if you’re able.</span></h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
Thank you<span style="font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;">, and now on to the fun stuff. Here is the link to the post on </span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;">Elle </span><span style="font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;">Casey's </span><span style="font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;">page, where you </span><span style="font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;">will see the list of books participating and</span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;">the </span><span style="font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;">contest entry </span><span style="font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;">form. <a href="http://ellecasey.com/promotions/elle-caseys-springtime-indie-book-giveaway/" target="_blank">Springtime Indie Book Giveaway</a></span></h3>
</div>
Amanda Leigh Cowleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14473578405020011393noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607361012616301332.post-34112965604943241372013-02-14T14:08:00.000+00:002013-02-14T14:15:42.459+00:00A bit of Valentine's Day Fun<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQho90xmX7_9Cwu_XqytB-0zBl8Ol4ly3ZzG14RSrDYY9D_sf_M8A" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQho90xmX7_9Cwu_XqytB-0zBl8Ol4ly3ZzG14RSrDYY9D_sf_M8A" /></a></div>
It's February 14th; the day for lovers. Do you celebrate? Or are you like me, and find it a teensy bit commercial? I have to admit, I prefer to be given flowers on any other day than Valentine's Day, (but I won't mention that to hubby if he should come struggling home from work under the weight of a giant bouquet!).<br />
<br />
I am a sucker for a bit of cheesy romance though, so I thought I'd enter into the spirit of the day and spread some Valentine's fun...<br />
<br />
I was browsing the internet the other day and chuckled when I came across the following, (link below). I've removed the actors' names, so how far do you get before you guess the movie?<br />
<br />
1. Beautiful duck land<br />
2. xxxxx's lipstick<br />
3. xxxx's ugly beard, that still doesn't take away from his looks.<br />
4. "What are they all doing here?"<br />
5. She's psyched to feed these birds.<br />
6. xxxx's totally thinking: "If you're a bird, I'm a bird."<br />
7. He's so knowledgable about migration.<br />
8. "You look different, too...but in a good way." Oh, go on.<br />
9. "You know, you're kind of the same, though." xxxxx is waxing poetic.<br />
10. "It's beautiful what you did."<br />
11. "Well, I promised you I would."<br />
12. It's thundering, and xxxx is rowing feverishly.<br />
13. Her hair is down now.<br />
14. And the rain.<br />
15. And that laugh.<br />
16. And her laugh!<br />
17. "xxxx!" she exclaims, playfully throwing that small towel (?) toward him.<br />
18. Oh, they're really loving it.<br />
19. But a wave of seriousness washes over them.<br />
20. She's stomping away.<br />
21. While xxxx dutifully anchors his boat.<br />
22. "Why didn't you write me?"<br />
23. *Disbelief*<br />
24. "Why?!"<br />
25. And the line, delivered with the same passion as though he were ordering an ice cream cone: "I wrote you 365 letters."<br />
26. "I wrote you everyday for a year."<br />
27. "It wasn't over."<br />
28. Music swells.<br />
29. "It still isn't over!"<br />
30. xxxxx opens her mouth to scream!<br />
31. But instead...<br />
32. The Kiss.<br />
<br />
So, what number did you get to? This is one of my all-time favourite romantic movies. The original post is here:- <a href="http://news.moviefone.com/2012/11/12/ryan-gosling-birthday-the-notebook_n_2119126.html">Moviefone</a>Amanda Leigh Cowleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14473578405020011393noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607361012616301332.post-18615280565329024852013-01-10T21:36:00.002+00:002013-01-22T10:08:45.815+00:00I've Fallen In Love...<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKqZoev3SqC2GNl9AatSxuCunuhk-Kn4XPemQZG2iOjiKSs3Mb0pg5BMT_kyj6wjeDvO1ho8QOwHEq8Psy5kVMrilzxIqaWI5REfEfp5hakvbUfr_i57bXz5yrnET73DU90Ev3P1s68M7l/s1600/beachhutatnight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKqZoev3SqC2GNl9AatSxuCunuhk-Kn4XPemQZG2iOjiKSs3Mb0pg5BMT_kyj6wjeDvO1ho8QOwHEq8Psy5kVMrilzxIqaWI5REfEfp5hakvbUfr_i57bXz5yrnET73DU90Ev3P1s68M7l/s400/beachhutatnight.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Beach Hut at Widemouth Bay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
... with a BEACH HUT! <i>True story.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
This little gem is located in Widemouth Bay, North Cornwall.<br />
<br />
If you've read the second book in the Soul Protector series, 'The Betrayal,' you will have seen the sneak preview of the third book at the end.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: blue;">SPOILER ALERT: If you haven't read The Betrayal, and you intend to, then you should avoid reading the next paragraph.</span></i><br />
<br />
The sneak preview ends with the Soul Protector secret busted wide open, and Gracie and Dan going on the run. I wanted to send them into hiding at a remote cottage by the coast, so I searched online for inspiration. And look what Google threw back at me....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_2Zl29OS6IespjTgcpoh2yAQmTptLpFfdQljICkRswZn6Ob_CcwYVm7B91_jSyEqpLWlKD0T0gzW6ck8OFXvK_PM_g0nw90oisIVebhh20QLDc2Zq3_6vGTPxlx04XWTvtORICWH4UGw2/s1600/beachhutbedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKqZoev3SqC2GNl9AatSxuCunuhk-Kn4XPemQZG2iOjiKSs3Mb0pg5BMT_kyj6wjeDvO1ho8QOwHEq8Psy5kVMrilzxIqaWI5REfEfp5hakvbUfr_i57bXz5yrnET73DU90Ev3P1s68M7l/s1600/beachhutatnight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41a_uUKBP8iIn-_erSykGUbyAkYxL3D59dwjIGQhu3DRsFEwoDFMUXLdMgsbHHJwTijgu5BlNnqYw9rrd5xzxQMVQpc6eyxbsq0lms5TwHjYEtYNrobQOef0JbEDFY4rU1i9XexB7000G/s1600/beachhutkitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41a_uUKBP8iIn-_erSykGUbyAkYxL3D59dwjIGQhu3DRsFEwoDFMUXLdMgsbHHJwTijgu5BlNnqYw9rrd5xzxQMVQpc6eyxbsq0lms5TwHjYEtYNrobQOef0JbEDFY4rU1i9XexB7000G/s1600/beachhutkitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<br />
How gorgeous is this? I can just picture myself sitting on the deck wearing a nice pashmina. I'd be sipping my way through a bottle of Rioja and listening to the surf crash on the shore below while I stare thoughtfully at the waves for writery inspiration ;) Pure bliss!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_2Zl29OS6IespjTgcpoh2yAQmTptLpFfdQljICkRswZn6Ob_CcwYVm7B91_jSyEqpLWlKD0T0gzW6ck8OFXvK_PM_g0nw90oisIVebhh20QLDc2Zq3_6vGTPxlx04XWTvtORICWH4UGw2/s1600/beachhutbedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_2Zl29OS6IespjTgcpoh2yAQmTptLpFfdQljICkRswZn6Ob_CcwYVm7B91_jSyEqpLWlKD0T0gzW6ck8OFXvK_PM_g0nw90oisIVebhh20QLDc2Zq3_6vGTPxlx04XWTvtORICWH4UGw2/s320/beachhutbedroom.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Open plan living area</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://assets.uniquebookingservices.com/uf/press/836/thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://assets.uniquebookingservices.com/uf/press/836/thumb.jpg" /></a><br />
The website advertises it as the perfect location for a honeymoon, a writer's retreat or film shoot location. Apparently Kate Winslet stayed at The Beach Hut on her Cornish holidays, and it was a shoot location for Demi Moore.<br />
<br />
But priced at £1750 ($2730) for a 4 night stay, I don't think I could justify it to hubbie: <i>'You stay home, work and look after the kids, while I go and find my muse at The Beach Hut.</i>' Hmm, probably wouldn't go down too well.<br />
<br />
It may be out of my price range, but if you're interested in checking it out further, you can click through here: <a href="http://www.uniquehomestays.com/unique/details.asp?id=640" target="_blank">The Beach Hut</a>. <i>And no, I'm not on commission. Shame.</i>Amanda Leigh Cowleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14473578405020011393noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607361012616301332.post-76322210332622633872012-12-31T16:11:00.000+00:002013-01-01T12:20:01.880+00:00My New Year's Resolutions...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLhR7wm0ymSipDvoOG7VXHme1rSnuhZhONCku1b0v09JXIE_GolBWi9ZHItookBQbuqFn96FVDQik-3pPdAnzQzsANbeSY8dhHuparaHW51n7gL4CBan1p8V89JVpoWjF27Dd8JYZyuwLr/s1600/happynewyear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLhR7wm0ymSipDvoOG7VXHme1rSnuhZhONCku1b0v09JXIE_GolBWi9ZHItookBQbuqFn96FVDQik-3pPdAnzQzsANbeSY8dhHuparaHW51n7gL4CBan1p8V89JVpoWjF27Dd8JYZyuwLr/s400/happynewyear.jpg" width="400" /></a>I hope you've all had a lovely Christmas/ holiday/yuletide with your family/ friends/loved ones. I love this time of year and have, as usual, completely over-indulged on the Ferrero Rocher, mince pies, cheese and Baileys ... but boy did I enjoy eating/drinking them all, hic! We're off to friends' tonight to see the New Year in with bubbly and games, and then rounding off the celebrations with a trip to the in-laws for dinner on New Year's Day. More eating and drinking (well, it would be rude not to!) :D</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is the time of year when we think about making New Year's resolutions. I may not stick to them all, but I like to start off with good intentions. Here's my list for 2013:-</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Write at least 1000 words a day, and even more on a Wednesday, my designated 'writing' day.</li>
<li>... therefore publish 2 novels in 2013, and possibly one novella.</li>
<li>Lose that pesky stone (14lbs) that keeps hanging around. I've no idea where it came from *raises eyebrows innocently.*</li>
<li>De-clutter more. If I see something I don't need, I will chuck/recycle straight away, rather than 'deal with it later.'</li>
</ul>
<div>
That's all I can think of for now. How about you? Have you got any resolutions in mind for the New Year?</div>
<br />
<br />
Right, well I'm sitting here with wet hair when I should be getting ready for The Big Night Out, so I'll say ta-ra for now, and wherever you are, whatever time-zone you're in, I wish you a very happy and healthy 2013.Amanda Leigh Cowleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14473578405020011393noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607361012616301332.post-66483331865388032562012-11-15T11:36:00.000+00:002012-11-15T14:14:20.662+00:00The Betrayal - free chapterHello! How have you been? Is it really the middle of November already? My Autumn has been a bit of a whirlwind so far. I wanted to publish The Betrayal (Soul Protector series #2) before our Florida holiday at the end of October, which I did, but then I forgot to blog about it - doh!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjOl5R4p2hAT-jqG007YC7nUiMk57STTrL1s82V-LJP-dgR5CCfHLqjosp2KDyatxJJ7O83GKRW_QGxWupXeeiEfy9mqryTTVtA_mW3nXmXb5tiiio1xlG7h0oZMcnInDl6EU0-Aeyulof/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjOl5R4p2hAT-jqG007YC7nUiMk57STTrL1s82V-LJP-dgR5CCfHLqjosp2KDyatxJJ7O83GKRW_QGxWupXeeiEfy9mqryTTVtA_mW3nXmXb5tiiio1xlG7h0oZMcnInDl6EU0-Aeyulof/" /></a>While we were away we had a bit of a nightmare. To set the scene; hubbie had a tooth extracted a few days before our trip. We stayed at a hotel near Gatwick airport the night before our flight and he got up in the middle of the night in excruciating pain. He went to the local hospital for pain relief and they gave him something nice and strong which worked for a while, but the day after we landed in Orlando he was literally rocking in agony. We went to the local ER where he was prescribed antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and more strong painkillers, (total cost $1300 - how? So glad we had insurance!). Anyway, they promised the meds would give 6-hour's worth of pain relief but they only lasted one hour (and made him spaced out) :/<br />
<br />
We ended up making a trip to a nice Florida dentist who x-rayed his jaw and revealed the UK dentist had drilled right into the bone, and then he'd got a dry socket on top, meaning everything was raw and exposed. Ouch! The dentist started proper treatment and arranged a follow-up appointment and he started to improve until he eventually got to the point where he was enjoying his break rather than enduring it!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzbR09Cb_eQws3Lw9DyVXXaCLxelVCC0QmChj-ToNwTqXeYHLXo6aR1M-rH3z_dc0UQ8UXqeiuhIAe9Qi3Jx-Y8zzy4sfZXRsoXFcPUnaqdiEH8E_I6e9gkIX68VderRGtqX3Om2U2DV-/s1600/BetrayalCoverGimpAuraFinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzbR09Cb_eQws3Lw9DyVXXaCLxelVCC0QmChj-ToNwTqXeYHLXo6aR1M-rH3z_dc0UQ8UXqeiuhIAe9Qi3Jx-Y8zzy4sfZXRsoXFcPUnaqdiEH8E_I6e9gkIX68VderRGtqX3Om2U2DV-/s320/BetrayalCoverGimpAuraFinal.jpg" width="213" /></a>So, now I'm back, I thought I would share the first chapter from The Betrayal on my blog. It's only out on Kindle at the moment, but will be available on other platforms in the near future. I hope you enjoy it....<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Lovers Quarrel"; font-size: 48.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The Betrayal</span><span style="font-family: "Lovers Quarrel"; font-size: 36.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="stylecentered" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0cm;">
by
<span style="font-family: Yataghan;">Amanda Leigh Cowley<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="stylecentered" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">CHAPTER 1<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0cm;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(From Dan’s
Point of View)<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0cm;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A Shout<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dan
swiped his keys off the hall table and headed for the front door. He reached
out to grip the handle but before he could pull it down the phone jumped to
life in his pocket.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
closed his eyes and swore under his breath. A text on the work mobile meant one
of two things; he was either being summoned to the Office, or worse, being
called on a shout. Whichever it was, he knew he’d have to call Gracie and ask
her to cancel their table at the restaurant.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
shoved a hand deep into his pocket and withdrew the phone, tapping the message
icon with the side of his thumb. He skimmed his eyes over the text and when he
finished reading he swore again.<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Your presence is
required. Reports of female CSP seen entering house in Chesham area. Call
Office immediately for details.<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--></span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Not another one</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">. Christ, he
used to love his job, but lately it was taking up every spare minute of his
time. He knew Gracie wouldn’t give him a hard time for cancelling on her yet
again, but it didn’t make him feel any better about it.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
ran a finger under his shirt collar, wondering if he had time to get changed;
no point ruining another good top. He took the stairs two at a time, undoing a
couple of buttons on the way. When he reached the top he headed toward his bedroom,
yanked the charcoal material over his head and threw it on the bed.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
placed the phone on speaker and selected the Office contact. In the time it
took for someone to answer, he’d grabbed a plain black t-shirt from the top
drawer and whipped it on, and while Harry from Monitor Control filled him in on
the finer details of the shout, he kicked off his chinos and replaced them with
a pair of black combats. On the way out of the room he unhooked his stab vest
from the inside of the wardrobe door and slung it over his shoulder.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Within
two minutes of receiving the text, he was briefed, suited and booted and
grabbing his backpack on the way out the door.<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Four
monitors were summoned in total; Dan, his brother Tom, and two of their
colleagues; Jace and Nigel. They met up at London Gateway Services and piled into
Tom’s black Audi Q7.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dan
slid into the front passenger seat beside Tom and turned to greet his
colleagues in the back.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Tom
sniffed the air theatrically. “Mm, nice aftershave, Danny boy. Glad to see
you’re making an effort for us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Yeah,
don’t flatter yourself,” Dan said, directing the vent so the cool breeze hit
his face. “I was supposed to be seeing Gracie.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I
feel your pain, bro,” Tom said, putting the car into drive and wheel-spinning
out of the parking space. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">“I’ve just left a smoking hot girl mid-conversation
in the King’s Arms. I didn’t even have time to grab her number.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dan
turned to look at his brother and his lips twitched into a smile. Tom didn’t
look disappointed. In fact he looked anything but; his eyes were alight with
anticipation and everything about him seemed extra animated. He knew Tom was
never happier than when he was knee deep in danger and chasing down hostiles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">They
headed north up the M25, Tom weaving in and out of the lanes as fast as he could
without attracting the attention of the traffic police. Meanwhile, Dan, Jace
and Nigel passed around an iPad checking the address the suspect had been seen
entering and sussing out the layout of the neighbourhood to find the best route
into the property.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It
took just over half an hour to reach the street in question; a respectable looking
neighbourhood lined with a mixture of terraced and semi-detached properties and
a row of mature trees separating the front gardens from the road.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">There
were a few people outside making the most of the light summer evening. A man
wearing shorts, socks and sandals was busy mowing stripes into his lawn, a dad stood
shaking his head while two boys ran around, covered in more foam than the hatchback
they were supposed to be washing, and two women; one armed with a trowel, the
other with a pair of gardening gloves, took a break while they chatted across a
dividing hedge.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dan
wondered how they would react if they knew a body snatcher was hiding out in a
vacant property just up the road.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Tom
eased the car to a stop a little way up the street from the house in question.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Okay
then guys, ready for the cross-over?” Tom asked, referring to the switch they
needed to perform before they could continue. Monitors had to be switched in order
to spot other Soul Protectors’ auras. Instead of doing a single switch, they
‘crossed-over,’ meaning they switched into their partner’s body at the same
time their partner switched into theirs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dan
nodded and twisted round to face him, gripping hold of Tom’s forearms, closing his
eyes and visualising himself transferring into Tom’s mind. He felt the familiar
force of heat as Tom channelled his own energy into the cross-over.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">When
his head began to swim, he knew the cross-over was complete. He opened his eyes
and blinked a couple of times, registering he was now sitting in the driver’s
seat facing his own body as expected. He twisted round and saw the other two in
the back shaking their heads as they adjusted to the effects of their own
cross-over.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“We
all good?” Dan asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
others nodded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Right,
Jace you’re coming with me,” Dan said, confirming what they’d discussed on the
way up. “We’ll go round the back and enter via the rear boundary. Tom and Nigel,
you two are going to walk down the street and try to gain access from the front
of the property.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jace
nodded while Tom and Nigel pulled on their fake delivery jackets. The disguise
wasn’t to fool the CSP; she would spot their auras way before she could pick
out their faces. The delivery jackets were well-used props enabling them to do
their job without attracting too much attention from the civilians in the
street.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Good
luck, guys,” Jace said, his voice thick with tension. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dan turned to face him,
noticing how anxious he looked. His mouth was set in a determined line and his
jaw muscle twitched beneath his ginger stubble. It was obvious he didn’t relish
the idea of coming face-to-face with a Corrupt Soul Protector as much as Tom.
But that was a good thing, Dan thought. They all needed to keep in mind that people
who had everything to lose would stop at nothing to avoid being caught. And
just lately CSPs had been working together, so you never knew if you were going
to be up against one hostile CSP, or a whole group of them.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Keep
your wits about you,” Dan said. “If she sees any of us, she’ll make a run for
it.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Okay,”
Tom said, grabbing the customary parcel from the foot well and somersaulting it
through the air in front of him. “Let’s go catch us a CSP.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dan
stepped out of the car, and Jace jumped onto the pavement next to him. They gave
a nod to the others and turned right to head down an alleyway toward the allotments
which backed onto the gardens. They made their way along the perimeter fence
until they drew level with the property the CSP had been seen entering.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">This
part of the fence was dilapidated. Weeds, thistles and thorny plants competed
for supremacy on both sides. Dan and Jace stomped down as many as they could in
order to get close to the fence. Before they’d finished, Dan stopped and placed
two fingers behind his ear. Jace stopped too; his foot suspended in mid-air as
he turned his head to listen.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
soft sound of footsteps on dry grass came from the other side of the fence,
followed by the unmistakeable noise of a door creaking open.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dan
got a foothold on the fence and jumped up, peering into the garden beyond. There
was an abandoned washing machine, sofa, and rusty bike visible through the mass
of weeds. A few metres from where they stood was a small timber shed with peeling
blue paint.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
turned to Jace and pointed toward the shed. Jace nodded and the pair of them scaled
the fence, dropping down silently on the other side. They stooped low and ran
toward the shed, over to a small window on the side.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dan
slowly straightened and peered through the smeary, scratched glass. He saw a
young woman crouched on the floor, hugging herself. She didn’t see him; she was
staring wildly toward the door, and above her head, pulsing erratically, was a
dark red aura.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
moved away from the window and leaned back against the timber wall. <i>Damn, she only looked about twenty.</i> He closed
his eyes for a moment, wrestling with his conscience about having to overpower
a terrified young woman. When he opened his eyes he saw Jace watching him, his
eyebrows pulled together as he waited for instructions.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dan
blew out a deep breath. He forced himself to remember the girl’s face he’d just
seen belonged to the victim, not the CSP. And the CSP who had taken over that
body had no right to be using it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
knew he’d have to kick the door in and use the element of surprise. He’d learnt
from past missions not to underestimate anyone, no matter what.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
raised his palm, indicating to Jace to stay put as he took another quick peek
through the window. He registered the CSP wasn’t holding a weapon, and was sitting
far enough from the door that he could break it down without injuring her.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Call
the others,” he mouthed to Jace, pointing to the microphone concealed in his
stab vest.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> Jace nodded and adjusted his earpiece before lowering
his head.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dan
stepped round to the front of the shed and examined the door. Then he silently
counted to three and took a deep breath before side-kicking the area directly
below the latch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">There
was a loud cracking noise as the frame splintered and the door flew inwards.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dan
forced his way through the gap and came face-to-face with the CSP. She took
short gasping breaths and her eyes jerked from the wrecked door to Dan’s face
and then up toward his yellow aura. Her own aura throbbed rapidly, pulsing in
time with her heartbeat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Stay
where you are,” Dan shouted, his eyes staying locked to hers as he moved
closer. “Don’t move.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
stayed in a squatting position, wrapping her arms tighter around her body. Her
eyes were wide with terror; two dark orbs contrasting against her pale skin. He
couldn’t get over how tiny she looked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Please,
don’t hurt me.” Her voice was breathy and high-pitched.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dan
wasn’t planning to hurt her. But they both knew it was his job to take her to
the Switch Enforcement Chamber; returning the body to the rightful owner, and
unavoidably ending hers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
crouched down beside her, his senses on high alert, expecting her to run or
kick out at any moment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“You
know why I’m here, right?” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
was still over-breathing. “Because of my red aura.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
gave a small nod. “So you know I have to take you to the Office … let this girl
have her body back?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
met his eyes steadily and a tear spilled onto her acne-scarred cheek. “Yes, I
know what happens next.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dan
looked away, shifting his focus to her hands. He couldn’t let personal feelings
stop him from doing his job. He reached into his pocket and withdrew a set of
wrist restraints. They made a jangling sound and her eyes fixed onto the metal.
Her brow creased and she peered up at him. “Th-they’re not necessary. I’m not
going to put up a fight.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Maybe
not,” he said, giving her a sad smile. “But I can’t take any chances.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
held the restraints up and raised his eyebrows, encouraging her to hold her
wrists out. He saw her eyes flick toward the broken doorway, but she made no
effort to move. It would be pointless anyway; he was blocking her route and he
knew Jace would have been joined by Tom and Nigel; all of them standing just
outside the doorway. There was no way she would get past all of them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
dipped her head and slowly raised her wrists. He placed the cold metal around
her tiny bones, fastening the jaws and taking care to make sure they weren’t
too tight. Her skin looked tissue-thin and already had plenty of bruises and
track marks running up her arms. He didn’t want to add to them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">As
he worked, he felt her eyes burning into him. It made him uncomfortable. When
he couldn’t bear it any longer, he looked up and met her gaze.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I
… I feel really ashamed,” she said, her lips forming a wobbly line. “I just
want you to know that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
looked away again. Why did she care what he thought? The damage was done. She’d
gone corrupt and there was only one way this was going to end.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“It’s
just … I don’t want you to think badly of me,” she added, as if she’d read his
thoughts. “I’m not a bad person. I never broke the code before.” She stopped
speaking to look down at the body she inhabited. “<i>Until this happened</i>.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dan
frowned. “Look, don’t worry about it.” He let her shackled hands drop onto her
thighs. “I’m not judging you. I just need to make sure you do the right thing
now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
nodded and the movement caused more tears to spill onto her cheeks. She tried
to lift an arm to wipe them, but the handcuffs restricted her movement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Brushing
her tears with his thumb seemed too intimate. He’d spotted an old pack of paper
towels to his side so he grabbed the pack and pulled one out, running it along
the damp tracks on her face. He noticed again how marked her skin was. The
person this face belonged to was definitely a user.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Thank
you,” she said, sniffing and gave him a crooked smile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dan
nodded, thinking how pitiful she looked. He shook himself mentally, clearing
his mind. This job was testing him to the limit. Most CSPs were male, and the
majority were aggressive making it much easier on his conscience when he had to
restrain them and take them to the Switch Enforcement Chamber. She was
different; about as far from the usual type you could get. He couldn’t
understand what had possessed her to go corrupt. It reminded him of the first
time he met Gracie although, thank Christ, her aura hadn’t advanced to the red
stage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Let’s
get you standing up,” he said, placing his hands under her arms and supporting
her into an upright position. She was about five foot he guessed, and
ridiculously light.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I
need you to tell me your primary name.” he said, releasing her as soon as she
got her balance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
swallowed. “It’s Marie … Marie Stapleton.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dan
repeated the name in his mind a couple of times, and although he recognised the
surname; it was common among Soul Protectors, he was certain he didn’t know
Marie. It wasn’t that surprising; there were too many regular Soul Protectors
to keep track of.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Okay,
Marie,” he said gently, “Can you tell me what happened - why you went corrupt?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
took a deep breath, looked up at the shed roof and let out a small laugh. “Would
you believe me if I told you it was an accident?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
didn’t take his eyes off her. “Try me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
looked back at him, sizing him up. “Okay,” she said, shrugging. “I switched into
a friend of a friend. She’s a junkie and I knew she was struggling to break a
heroin habit. I thought I could help her to stay strong, you know, maximise her
chances.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dan
nodded. He’d helped with similar cases before he became a monitor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“But
then after I switched, her so-called boyfriend came round and wanted a fix
buddy. I tried to refuse, but he wouldn’t take no for an answer.” She stopped
speaking and pressed her lips together, frowning as she struggled with the
memory.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dan
swallowed, a sick feeling growing inside him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“He
gave me too much. An overdose. I didn’t know anything about it until I came
round in hospital a day later, and by then it was too late. My aura had gone
red.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dan
shook his head.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I
was too scared to report it in,” she carried on, rushing her words. “I didn’t
want to die. I didn’t even meet up with my primary body in case she … my other
self … wanted to do the right thing and make me go to the Office. So I ran.
I’ve been in hiding for the last couple of weeks.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dan’s
mind was stuck at the part where the boyfriend gave her an overdose. His blood
felt like it was heating to the point of boiling as it pumped round his body.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“None
of this is your fault,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
shrugged her shoulders. “It doesn’t change anything though, does it? There’s
only one way this girl is going to get her body back.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
shook his head, trying to kill the emotion. He had to stay focussed on the
task. “I’m sorry, Marie,” he said quietly. “I wish there was another way….”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Her
face creased as she tried to prevent a fresh wave of tears. “Me too.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dan
clenched his jaw and took hold of her upper arm. He was amazed at how easily
his fingers wrapped around her tiny bicep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
looked up at him. “Please … I don’t want you to feel bad. I know there’s no way
round this. Believe me, I’ve thought of nothing else for the past two weeks.
It’s almost a relief to get caught.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
raised his eyebrows.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I
always knew I was on borrowed time,” she said, giving in to a nervous laugh. “You
guys have a reputation for always getting the bad guy. Especially you, Dan.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">His
eyes widened. She knew his name?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Her
pale cheeks flushed with colour. “Or are you Tom? You guys have quite a fan
base among the female Soul Protectors.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Dan,”
he said, his eyebrows pressing together. He couldn’t share a laugh with her at
a time like this. He dragged his fingers through his dark hair. “Come on, we need
to go.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
other monitors watched silently as he led her out of the shed, parting to allow
them through. Dan knew they would have heard every word, so there was no need
to brief them.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dan
hopped over the fence first, and Tom helped Marie over the fence toward him. Dan
took hold of her, easily lifting her tiny frame above the weeds and placing her
down on the grassy area beyond. He noticed she was shivering and asked Tom to
hand him the delivery jacket he was wearing. He placed it around her shoulders
before they continued walking up the alleyway.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Once
she was secure inside the Audi, Nigel climbed in next to her, and Jace jumped
into the front passenger seat.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dan
remained outside the car. He slammed the door behind Nigel and closed his eyes
briefly. When he opened them, he swore and punched the side of the Audi.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Hey,
take it easy,” Tom said, eyeing him warily. “That’s my car you know.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“This
whole situation is messed up.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Buddy,”
Tom’s voice came calm and deep. “We don’t have a choice here. We’re just
following protocol.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
skin round Dan’s eyes tightened. “That doesn’t make it right.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Maybe
not, but you, me, and her,” his eyes flicked toward the inside of the car. “We’re
all bound by the Soul Protector code. You have to remember the owner of this
body didn’t do anything wrong either. We have to get this girl to the Office
for the switch-back. It’s what we’re paid to do.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dan
placed both hands on the roof of the car. “She was just trying to help someone,
Tom.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I
know, I heard. Some dickhead gave her an overdose. If she was a normal person
she could sue for compensation ... but we don’t live in the normal world. And
we’re bound by a different set of rules.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“But
shouldn’t we challenge them at times like this? The minute her mind is
extracted, her primary body will keel over and die.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Tom
sighed. “And a post mortem will be held, a pathologist will scratch his head as
he tries to work out what happened, and the death certificate will read ‘cause
of death: unknown, leaving her family and friends devastated. It’s a crap
situation, I agree. But there is nothing we can do to change it.” He gave Dan a
warning look. “You need to stay focussed, bro. Our priority is to enforce a
switch back.” He opened the driver’s door, climbed in and shut it.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dan
stayed where he was for a few moments, breathing heavily. Then he walked round
to the other side of the car, climbed in next to Marie and slammed the door
harder than was necessary.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">No
one spoke. The mood in the car was black and heavy as they headed back round
the M25.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">When
they reached the Office, they filed into the monitor’s holding area.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Just
give me a minute,” Dan said, wanting to speak to Lehmann before they entered
the Switch Enforcement Chamber. Tom nodded and sat next to Marie, taking over custody.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dan
knocked on Lehmann’s door, walking in without being asked. He told Lehmann everything
Marie had told him, and then watched as Lehmann logged onto his pc and searched
the files for a Marie Stapleton.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A
profile popped up of a twenty-two year old woman. Dan flicked his eyes over the
brief text and saw she came from a long line of Soul Protectors and had an
exemplary record. Lehmann clicked on a thumbnail and the small photo enlarged,
filling the screen. Smiling back at them was a vibrant young woman with long dark
hair, sitting on a picnic blanket raising a plastic glass of bubbly.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dan
dragged his eyes away from the screen while Lehmann shook his head. “What a
waste of a young life.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Do
we know where her primary body is?” Dan asked impatiently. “Can we go and warn
her or something?”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“And
what, exactly, are you planning to tell her?” Lehmann said, the grooves on his
forehead deepening. “<i>Oh, you must be
Marie. By the way, in about five minute’s time you’re going to drop dead</i>?’
How the hell will that help?”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dan
frowned.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“This
is just one of those situations where there is no happy outcome,” Lehmann
added. “It doesn’t matter if we think it’s right or wrong. It’s out of our
control. I know it’s unfortunate, but there really is no other choice. Marie
Stapleton has to go into that chamber.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dan
narrowed his eyes and his hands balled to fists by his side.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Daniel,”
Lehmann said, looking down at his hands. “You can’t protect her. It’s not your
job.” He pointed to the plaque which took pride of place above his desk.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dan
glanced up at the engraved writing and formed the words in his mind. ‘<i>Above all else, protecting the innocent</i>.’<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lehmann
moved closer to the plaque and slapped it with his hand. “That’s our priority,
right there,” he said, his cheeks reddening. “We protect civilians from Corrupt
Soul Protectors. It’s that simple.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dan
took deep breaths, trying to get his emotions under control.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I
need to know if you’re having a problem with that right now,” Lehmann said, a
patronising tone creeping into his voice. “Because if you are, I’ll gladly hand
the job to someone else and take away your rank.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dan
looked down at his hands, forcing them to relax. Then he dragged his eyes back
to meet Lehmann’s. “Sir, I’d like to request you do hand it to someone else. I
can’t be a part of something I don’t agree with.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lehmann’s
jaw dropped, his chest heaving with fury as he glared at Dan. This was the
first time Dan had ever failed to do his duty, and Lehmann looked like he
wanted to knock him out for having the audacity to refuse.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dan
stood still, meeting Lehmann’s glare and saying nothing.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A
few seconds passed before Lehmann broke the silence. “As you wish,” he said,
forcing each word through clenched teeth. “I’ll do it myself.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dan
gave a single nod and turned to walk out of Lehmann’s office.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Daniel.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dan
stopped in his tracks, pausing before turning to face his boss. He noticed the
tension round Lehmann’s eyes had smoothed a fraction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Sir?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I
wasn’t serious about taking away your rank. Go home, get some rest and I’ll see
you back in the morning.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dan
nodded before pulling the handle down and walking back into the holding area.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Tom
was leaning forward on his plastic seat talking to Marie. When they heard Dan’s
footsteps, they both turned toward him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dan
noticed Marie holding her breath as she waited for him to speak. He crouched
down in front of her and put his hands on her arms. “I really am sorry,” he
said gently. “You don’t deserve this.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Is
it happening soon?” she asked, her eyes jerking between him and the door to the
chamber.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
nodded, a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach. “Someone will be along to take
you to the room shortly. I really am sorry.” He clenched his jaw, sick of
repeating the same useless line over and over. He took a deep breath. “You’re a
good person, Marie. You put yourself at risk to help someone. You did a good
thing.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
was surprised when she smiled at him; a smile filled with genuine warmth.
“Thank you,” she said, her eyes filling with tears.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
swallowed hard and managed a smile in return. Then he straightened up and turned
to walk away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Dan,”
Marie called out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
stopped and twisted round to face her. Her smile had gone, and she looked even
smaller somehow. “Will you be the one who does it? The one who operates the
switch?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
shook his head. “No, it won’t be me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Tom
tipped his head to one side, a puzzled look creeping onto his face. Marie just looked
relieved.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“In
that case, I have a last request.” She paused mid-sentence to blow out a shaky
breath. “Will you stay with me? In the chamber? I need someone to hold my hand.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Betrayal-Soul-Protector-ebook/dp/B009UDNTH4/ref=la_B005CV0LRY_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1352988538&sr=1-2" target="_blank">The Betrayal - Amazon.com</a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Betrayal-Soul-Protector-Series-ebook/dp/B009UDNTH4/ref=sr_1_19?ie=UTF8&qid=1352988673&sr=8-19">The Betrayal - Amazon UK</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
Amanda Leigh Cowleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14473578405020011393noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607361012616301332.post-6496031575925373432012-10-17T09:59:00.000+01:002012-10-17T09:59:10.406+01:00<!--StartFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG8DwAyFw-JpUWUHnDDFGtAo9XHNPojGO4DBY9UJz29N960bsjBvZN0zdbCucQRStZwrTm1yy_cqR8WPNcdspEteEjolejAwOvCw-eJJ6Fz9IJKohPqN1QRh-mVPP-SocmInmSOGJsgDg/s1600/Resistance+Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG8DwAyFw-JpUWUHnDDFGtAo9XHNPojGO4DBY9UJz29N960bsjBvZN0zdbCucQRStZwrTm1yy_cqR8WPNcdspEteEjolejAwOvCw-eJJ6Fz9IJKohPqN1QRh-mVPP-SocmInmSOGJsgDg/s640/Resistance+Banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Copperplate Gothic Light"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Copperplate Gothic Light"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>It's Day #3 for our Resistance Character Quest. Today we are so happy to welcome Clara to the blog.</b></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Copperplate Gothic Light"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXaSzfhhT9B75tT-gmgWbtBSD2_oahrc1-ljpt592ttOMR1mSn0TeZoBpb7w4IhhwmvitwF2zcKdHovpNoCJhbLmf9I_LDW1Sxm6DCEDNUU9dCyj0lndHEN0j8LLjGodrlUg32DPxQdOU/s1600/Clara+aura.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXaSzfhhT9B75tT-gmgWbtBSD2_oahrc1-ljpt592ttOMR1mSn0TeZoBpb7w4IhhwmvitwF2zcKdHovpNoCJhbLmf9I_LDW1Sxm6DCEDNUU9dCyj0lndHEN0j8LLjGodrlUg32DPxQdOU/s320/Clara+aura.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Copperplate Gothic Light"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Copperplate Gothic Light"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Clara's Bio: </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 115%;">Guardian</span></b></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b> in Homer’s clan. Clara is outspoken and determined, which sometimes leads to trouble. She loves playing Scrabble with Jeremy though she pretends she doesn’t. And while she always says exactly what she means, she often keeps the most important things to herself.</b></span><span style="font-family: Goudy Old Style;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"><b>Welcome, Clara! It's so great to have you with us today. We hope you don't SHIELD yourself too much!</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<div>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>What’s your favorite movie?</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>My favorite movie is Pride and Prejudice. My favorite film version is the one with Matthew McFadyen as Mr. Darcy and Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennett. I can’t help it. I’m really a romantic at heart. But don’t tell Jeremy. He’ll tease me to no end.</b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>In history, who inspires you the most?</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Queen Elizabeth I really inspires me. She was a powerful woman in a man’s world. It would’ve taken great courage to accomplish all she did in trying to bring her country together. She wasn’t a perfect leader or person. Who is? But she was intelligent, beautiful, and brave. I admire that very much.</b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>What do you like most about Gabe? Least?</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>He is determined, strong, loyal, and caring. He also looks awesome in blue jeans and a t-shirt. J What bothers me is when he gets tunnel vision about things and doesn’t listen to what I’m saying. He might hear me, but he’s not listening, if that makes any sense.</b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>In your Setti clan, who is the most difficult to live with and why?</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Oh, Jeremy is the most difficult. No contest. He’s such a scamp. He’s always stirring things up and getting Ben all bent out of shape. Honestly though, I love the guy to death. He’s the brother I never had. I imagine a brother would pick on me just as badly as he does, too.</b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Describe your most perfect guy.</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>He would be handsome, compassionate, confident and loyal. He would be a good listener, a leader, attentive but not jealous, and he would be someone who fights for what they want in life.</b></span></div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"><b>Thanks for stopping by and chatting with us, Clara. It was great having you here!</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"><b>You can buy a copy of Resistance at the follow sites: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Resistance-Saga-Setti-ebook/dp/B009Q45FNS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1350180114&sr=8-3&keywords=stephanie+judice">Amazon</a>, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/resistance-stephanie-judice/1113474382?ean=2940015587647">Barnes and Noble</a></b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"><b>Stop by tomorrow to have a little meet and great with Jeremy. We promise, you won't be disappointed!</b></span></span></div>
</div>
<strong><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Verdana;">Please visit these blogs to show your support:</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Verdana;"><div class="ecxMsoListParagraphCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span>1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Brooke DelVecchio The Cover Contessa: <a href="http://thecovercontessa.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">http://thecovercontessa.blogspot.com/</span></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span><div class="ecxMsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span>2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Rebekah Campbell Reflections of a Bookworm: <a href="http://reflectivebookworm.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #b84d53;">http://reflectivebookworm.blogspot.com/</span></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span><div class="ecxMsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span>3.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Amanda Cowley Blog: <a href="http://amandaleighcowley.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">http://amandaleighcowley.blogspot.com/</span></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span><div class="ecxMsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span>4.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span>Christina M Condy<span> </span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-decoration: none;"><u>Blog: </u></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.recentread.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.recentread.com/</span></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span><div class="ecxMsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span>5.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Bethany/YA Vixens: <a href="http://yavixens.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="background: white; color: #666600;">http://yavixens.blogspot.com</span></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span><div class="ecxMsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span class="ecxMsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-decoration: none;"><span><u>6.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></u></span></span></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Rhomy </span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Blog: <a href="http://iknowthatbook.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">http://iknowthatbook.wordpress.com/</span></a><span class="ecxMsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;"></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span><div class="ecxMsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span>7.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Soma/ Insomnia of Books<span> </span>Blog: <a href="http://insomnia-of-books.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #b84d53;">http://insomnia-of-books.blogspot.com/</span></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span><div class="ecxMsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span>8.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Marni Jarman/Word to Dreams: </span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://wordtodreams.blogspot.com/p/contact-me.html" target="_blank"><span><span style="color: blue;">http://wordtodreams.blogspot.com/p/contact-me.html</span></span></a></span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span><div class="ecxMsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span>9.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Helena Ison/</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Accepted Wisdom: </span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://icanonlybehele3.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span><span style="color: blue;">http://icanonlybehele3.blogspot.com</span></span></a></span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span><div class="ecxMsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span>10.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span> </span>Stephanie Judice/ A Writer’s Rest Stop: <a href="http://stephaniejudice.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">http://stephaniejudice.blogspot.com/</span></a><span> </span></span></div>
</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<!--EndFragment-->
Amanda Leigh Cowleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14473578405020011393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607361012616301332.post-66414525492348500212012-10-16T08:16:00.000+01:002012-10-16T08:16:51.944+01:00<!--StartFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><b></b></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: small;"></span><br /></b></span></b></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14pt; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG8DwAyFw-JpUWUHnDDFGtAo9XHNPojGO4DBY9UJz29N960bsjBvZN0zdbCucQRStZwrTm1yy_cqR8WPNcdspEteEjolejAwOvCw-eJJ6Fz9IJKohPqN1QRh-mVPP-SocmInmSOGJsgDg/s1600/Resistance+Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG8DwAyFw-JpUWUHnDDFGtAo9XHNPojGO4DBY9UJz29N960bsjBvZN0zdbCucQRStZwrTm1yy_cqR8WPNcdspEteEjolejAwOvCw-eJJ6Fz9IJKohPqN1QRh-mVPP-SocmInmSOGJsgDg/s640/Resistance+Banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 14pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><br /></b></span></b></span></div>
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Welcome to day #2 of the Resistance Character Quest! We are fortunate to have with us today a really "BRIGHT" guy, his name is Ben.</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Copperplate Gothic Light"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixwo75OV6ir1Jrh_H4EreLTmikKQhV-sdtwzbEXra_ti0vYz2pikkwGJaz_xu73m6p-aNQz5F0E1wjrrFvQ5FrBG188yMbGv5XE1VslP3_XAAjJldoiea2hfptx0N3qcoarEqQWyksyuk/s1600/Ben+lightning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixwo75OV6ir1Jrh_H4EreLTmikKQhV-sdtwzbEXra_ti0vYz2pikkwGJaz_xu73m6p-aNQz5F0E1wjrrFvQ5FrBG188yMbGv5XE1VslP3_XAAjJldoiea2hfptx0N3qcoarEqQWyksyuk/s320/Ben+lightning.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Copperplate Gothic Light"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Copperplate Gothic Light"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px;">Ben's Bio: </span><span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 14pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 21px;">Light-bearer</span></span><span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px;"><span style="color: blue;"> in Homer’s clan. Ben is an all-American boy who sees life through optimistic, glass-half-full lenses. Nothing annoys him. Well, except for Jeremy. Favorite hobbies? Eating!</span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px;"><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></span></b>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now that we know a little bit more about Ben, let's see what he has to say in answer to our most pressing questions, shall we?</span></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"><b>Thanks so much for being here with us today, Ben! It's gonna be great having you ENLIGHTEN us about who you are!</b></span></span></div>
<b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b><b style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What was your favorite subject in high school?</b><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="color: blue;"><b>P.E. I love running. I like to watch the girls run, too.</b></span><br />
<b style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></b><b style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What do you miss most about life before the Reapers came?</b><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="color: blue;"><b>Smoothie King, McDonald’s French fries, and Seinfeld reruns. Oh, yeah. And sleeping late on Saturday mornings. And my mom’s chocolate-chip pancakes. . . and my dad’s famous barbeque ribs.</b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>What is your most embarrassing moment?</b></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="color: blue;"><b>That would have to be the 9th grade “Back to School” dance at Beau Chêne High School. Gabe and I went and met up with our friends Mark and Zack in the school gym where the dance was.</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><b>I got thirsty so I went to get some punch. Mel was there, standing by herself in a yellow dress, I remember. She had started to kind of hang out with us at school, but I didn’t know her that well back then. She looked kind of lonesome, and I wanted to talk to her. I took one of the canned cokes on ice, fumbled with it on the table, then offered it to her.</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><b>I’ll never forget I said, “You look like you could use this.” When she opened the tab, coke fizzed and sprayed all over her yellow dress. At first, she was really mad. Her eyebrows scrunched up the way they do now when she gets mad. But after I said I was sorry about a hundred times, she was so nice about it. She’s always really nice about things like that, when I screw up or whatever.</b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>In your Setti clan, who is the most difficult to live with and why?</b></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="color: blue;"><b>Dude, are you kidding me? It’s Jeremy! He’s so freakin’ annoying sometimes—always giving me a hard time and stuff. But I know that’s just the way he is. Some people operate like that, because they don’t know how to just be cool, ya know?</b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>When did you realize you were “different”?</b></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="color: blue;"><b>Hmm. Am I different? When I realized I was a Setti, Gabe and the rest of my friends realized they were, too. So I wasn’t any different from them. We were sort of all the same, so I never</b></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Thanks so much for stopping by with us today, Ben.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>If you would like to buy a copy of Resistance, you can do so at the links listed here: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Resistance-Saga-Setti-ebook/dp/B009Q45FNS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1350180114&sr=8-3&keywords=stephanie+judice">Amazon</a>, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/resistance-stephanie-judice/1113474382?ean=2940015587647">Barnes and Noble</a></b></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Tune in tomorrow to find out a little about Clara and hear what she has to say to us!</b></span><br />
<strong><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana;">Please visit these other blogs to show your support:</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana;"><div class="ecxMsoListParagraphCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Brooke DelVecchio The Cover Contessa: <a href="http://thecovercontessa.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">http://thecovercontessa.blogspot.com/</span></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span><div class="ecxMsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Rebekah Campbell Reflections of a Bookworm: <a href="http://reflectivebookworm.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #b84d53;">http://reflectivebookworm.blogspot.com/</span></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span><div class="ecxMsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">3.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Amanda Cowley Blog: <a href="http://amandaleighcowley.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">http://amandaleighcowley.blogspot.com/</span></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span><div class="ecxMsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">4.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>Christina M Condy <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-decoration: none;"><u>Blog: </u></span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.recentread.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.recentread.com/</span></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span><div class="ecxMsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">5.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Bethany/YA Vixens: <a href="http://yavixens.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="background: white; color: #666600;">http://yavixens.blogspot.com</span></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span><div class="ecxMsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span class="ecxMsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-decoration: none;"><u>6.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></u></span></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Rhomy </span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Blog: <a href="http://iknowthatbook.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">http://iknowthatbook.wordpress.com/</span></a><span class="ecxMsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;"></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span><div class="ecxMsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">7.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Soma/ Insomnia of Books Blog: <a href="http://insomnia-of-books.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #b84d53;">http://insomnia-of-books.blogspot.com/</span></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span><div class="ecxMsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">8.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Marni Jarman/Word to Dreams: </span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://wordtodreams.blogspot.com/p/contact-me.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">http://wordtodreams.blogspot.com/p/contact-me.html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span><div class="ecxMsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">9.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Helena Ison/</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Accepted Wisdom: </span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://icanonlybehele3.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">http://icanonlybehele3.blogspot.com</span></a></span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span><div class="ecxMsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">10.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Stephanie Judice/ A Writer’s Rest Stop: <a href="http://stephaniejudice.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">http://stephaniejudice.blogspot.com/</span></a> </span></div>
</span></strong><!--EndFragment--></div>
</div>
Amanda Leigh Cowleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14473578405020011393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607361012616301332.post-85976613203717164302012-10-15T11:39:00.000+01:002012-10-15T11:39:24.304+01:00Character Quest: 7 Layers Deep<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG8DwAyFw-JpUWUHnDDFGtAo9XHNPojGO4DBY9UJz29N960bsjBvZN0zdbCucQRStZwrTm1yy_cqR8WPNcdspEteEjolejAwOvCw-eJJ6Fz9IJKohPqN1QRh-mVPP-SocmInmSOGJsgDg/s1600/Resistance+Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG8DwAyFw-JpUWUHnDDFGtAo9XHNPojGO4DBY9UJz29N960bsjBvZN0zdbCucQRStZwrTm1yy_cqR8WPNcdspEteEjolejAwOvCw-eJJ6Fz9IJKohPqN1QRh-mVPP-SocmInmSOGJsgDg/s640/Resistance+Banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>I'm very excited to be participating in the release blast of my friend and author Stephanie Judice's latest book <u>Resistance: Saga of the Setti Book 2</u>. If you haven't read the first book in this series, <u>Rising: Saga of the Setti Book 1</u>, run, do not walk, and get yourself a copy!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZh1aCIi3NeXQFcDEN5FlnafFcNoHcAMdCHl7HZDvA8YOvdqoLctUXQjgmpfVef4xiF359PHAOo1VW7S7Xv1-vMVxL-l7VY2pNh_02G64hPClIzUm5ATwl8VCdHwv7eXtTg7xVApftvOU/s1600/15845513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZh1aCIi3NeXQFcDEN5FlnafFcNoHcAMdCHl7HZDvA8YOvdqoLctUXQjgmpfVef4xiF359PHAOo1VW7S7Xv1-vMVxL-l7VY2pNh_02G64hPClIzUm5ATwl8VCdHwv7eXtTg7xVApftvOU/s320/15845513.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><b>Title: Resistance (Saga of the Setti Book Two)</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><b>Publication Date: October 15, 2012</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><b>Publisher: StudioKae Publishers</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><b>Buying links: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Resistance-Saga-Setti-ebook/dp/B009Q45FNS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1350180114&sr=8-3&keywords=stephanie+judice">Amazon</a>, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/resistance-stephanie-judice/1113474382?ean=2940015587647">Barnes and Noble</a></b></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">The world is covered in darkness. A constant gray pall reminds the Setti that reapers are still here—watching, waiting, hunting. Gabe, Clara, and their clan must leave the relative safety of Beau Chêne, Louisiana, in order to train with others gathering in the north. No one knows what lurks when night falls. Yet, Gabe and Clara both know that they must chance the danger in order to fulfill a dark destiny.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">While Gabe grows in confidence, Clara begins to doubt everything, including her feelings for Gabe. Looming between them is a growing chasm. Clara’s constant defiance against Gabe begins to sever the bond between them. New clansman and fellow Guardian, Michael, steps in all too willingly to take Gabe’s place as her confidant and more. Good-looking and self-assured, Clara finds his charms difficult to resist. She wonders why she should resist at all.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">Jessie, now a shadow scout, defies the reapers’ malevolent power. She reaches out to Clara, yearning for the impossible—to be free of the reapers’ enslavement.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">Beyond Clara’s battle to save a lost loved one and to keep Gabe close to her heart, another threat stirs, whispering to Clara in the dark. Something evil hunts her. Will she listen to the one who calls to her in nightmares and eventually finds her in the flesh? Will she succumb to his will or will she cling to her human soul and her human heart?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Every day this week, you will be introduced to one of the wonderful characters from this series via a bio and then a short interview! So make sure you come back every day to learn more and more about these awesome characters.</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Today, we are lucky enough to have Melanie with us!</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqnMXeCWYupF0NAakZWwZVYf3E7MJZh5_MDGrKK8F28R7HScjKvO-ocCoiGJ9-m-O18iG9m2xgDfX3qMm-gwk_sVMkyDQl_A18PimTAmM_XSOuHWJd6nuFEFMPYpoAimMfM2MmVSN678o/s1600/Mel+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqnMXeCWYupF0NAakZWwZVYf3E7MJZh5_MDGrKK8F28R7HScjKvO-ocCoiGJ9-m-O18iG9m2xgDfX3qMm-gwk_sVMkyDQl_A18PimTAmM_XSOuHWJd6nuFEFMPYpoAimMfM2MmVSN678o/s320/Mel+tree.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;"><b>Mel's Bio: HEALER for Homer’s clan. Mel is kind-hearted, patient, and wise. Her feathers are rarely ruffled, except when the boys behave too much like “boys.” She is the glue of her Setti clan.</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Now that you know just a bit about Mel, let's see what she has to say in answer to a few questions!</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Melanie, thanks so much for being with us today. We are excited to have you here to answer a few of our most pressing questions! We hope you can CURE our curiosity.</span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b>
<b><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>1. What was your favorite subject in high school?</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>I liked Math the most, because I like it when problems have a definite solution. On the other hand, I also love English because stories and literature can teach us so much about life.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>2. Who inspires you the most and why?</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Helen Keller is truly one of my heroes. How someone can be born without sound or sight and still find a way not simply to communicate, but to teach the world such lovely, wise things is amazing to me. She once said, “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched—they must be felt with the heart.” And this is so true, isn’t it?</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Another thing that keeps coming to mind lately, since our world has changed into this bleak and sometimes lonely place, are these words of Helen Keller’s: “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” No matter what is in store for us in the future, no matter how desolate and dark things become, we must remember</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>the wisdom of this woman who lived her whole life in the dark.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>3. In your Setti clan, who is the most difficult to live with and why?</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>I would have to say it is a tie between Jeremy and Ben. For some reason, those two love to push each other’s buttons, and sometimes it is so tiresome to listen to their tedious arguments back and forth. However, for the most part, it is not difficult living with my friends at all. I treasure each one of them for their special gifts and for their devoted friendship. They are a family to me.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>4. What’s a quote that would represent your philosophy on life?</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>“It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt.” –Mark Twain</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>5. If you could have a theme song, what would it be?</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Interesting, because Jeremy has asked me the same question so many times, and I refuse to give him an answer. But I will tell you.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>My Gram used to play these old records when I was little. Yes, actual records on a record-player if you know what those are. And I think one song has seeped into my subconscious. “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong really reflects how I see the world. I wish everyone did, even now, with our future so precarious. It still is a wonderful world.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mel, thanks so much for stopping by the blog today. It was a lot of fun having you here!</span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b>
<b><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stop by again tomorrow as we welcome Ben to the blog to let us in on some of his most intimate secrets!</span></span></b></div>
Amanda Leigh Cowleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14473578405020011393noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607361012616301332.post-56311978881299241532012-06-29T11:13:00.000+01:002012-06-29T11:20:19.642+01:00Climbing the UK paranormal charts...Hello! How are you all? I know, I know, I've been a very neglectful little blogger. There just doesn't seem to be enough minutes in the day to fit everything in - what with my 'proper job', and writing, and not neglecting hubby and kids, and the new dog-sitting business and ... ahem ... probably my biggest hurdle - my little procrastination habit!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpx8JWEh5dI0w8FZFPgG5VVUc4-CEwFAbZY2S1Ehkodm7jDdl_M9UMgA7N5JDSfStp7ly6_Fn9MXNURNTyFz0Z4o7_1AD0TXDe_lg9YHCPx6MJFlEoMuVIyrm0mnBnfJpt24MSjBNYZPgV/s1600/coverforfb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpx8JWEh5dI0w8FZFPgG5VVUc4-CEwFAbZY2S1Ehkodm7jDdl_M9UMgA7N5JDSfStp7ly6_Fn9MXNURNTyFz0Z4o7_1AD0TXDe_lg9YHCPx6MJFlEoMuVIyrm0mnBnfJpt24MSjBNYZPgV/s320/coverforfb.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
But I am making progress. I'm just shy of 50K words into book two in the Soul Protector series, 'The Betrayal.' The good thing is I've been editing as I go along, so once I finish writing, it will already be about the fourth and final draft! I realised I haven't shared the cover mock-up on here yet - so voila! I need to play around with the title and my name to make them stand out a bit more and then I'm good to go!<br />
<br />
Also, I wanted to share some happy news about the first book in the series. For the past six weeks, Soul Protector has been sitting in the Amazon UK Paranormal charts, (woo hoo), peaking at #22 this week. I'm getting a bit obsessed with checking the ranking ... it gives me such a buzz. I'm making the most of it, because I know at any minute it will probably crash back out, but it's been a blast seeing my book up there with people like Charlaine Harris and Amanda Hocking. Also, I've made more money this month (on Amazon UK) than I have in the past ten months. I'm not talking shedloads; I'm a long way from giving up the day job, but we can all dream...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Qp4AiKGNiyMipM7frh5pN6U2n-gDja0Rd7Ls3b_5di7PewzzAg9Tq9ujr9QQpFNsAdwvIl37UVRn0CmO3tIzVkE8LcgWM0vyKhHXcxASH0RFW05FwTdoGu91hyp8iORz3bUUuGhjFOgC/s1600/1001+badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Qp4AiKGNiyMipM7frh5pN6U2n-gDja0Rd7Ls3b_5di7PewzzAg9Tq9ujr9QQpFNsAdwvIl37UVRn0CmO3tIzVkE8LcgWM0vyKhHXcxASH0RFW05FwTdoGu91hyp8iORz3bUUuGhjFOgC/s320/1001+badge.jpg" width="201" /></a><br />
Oh, a random fact for you. Soul Protector has ended up in '1001 First Lines' by Scarlett Archer. I'm not sure if Scarlett thinks my first line is great, or if she thinks it's a rubbish one... But still, it's nice to be mentioned :)<br />
<br />
Must dash. Hope you all have a productive day and an amazing weekend!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Amanda Leigh Cowleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14473578405020011393noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607361012616301332.post-45117811299110509412012-05-28T11:51:00.001+01:002012-05-29T08:32:10.894+01:00Original Sin - fun, games and giveaways!Hi everyone, just wanted to bring you some news and give you a link to some fun, games and freebies.<br />
<br />
Author pal, Samantha Towle, has just released her latest book - Original Sin. It's the second book in the Alexandra Jones series.<br />
<br />
The first book in the series - First Bitten - is currently riding high in the Amazon charts, and is getting great reviews. (I'm halfway through myself and can vouch it's excellent - one of those book you can't read quick enough!).<br />
<br />
To celebrate the release of Original Sin, Samantha is having fun, games and giveaways over on her facebook page today, so I recommend you pop round for a visit! Click here: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Books-by-Samantha-Towle/230032170346603" target="_blank">Books by Samantha Towle</a><br />
<br />
<b>First Bitten blurb: </b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41907b1ODpL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-64,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41907b1ODpL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-64,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
A love story with bite …...<br />
<br />
Walking home after a night out drowning her sorrows with her best friend, Carrie, Alexandra Jones stupidly takes a phone call from her cheating ex-boyfriend, Eddie, and in her anger hurls her phone into the forest before her.<br />
<br />
But when Alex goes to retrieve her phone from the undergrowth, she and Carrie come face-to-face with a monster they never even knew existed, a Vârcolac (a nightmarish vampire-werewolf hybrid) and he's in search of fresh blood. The next thing Alex knows, she is staring at the impossibly handsome but mysterious Nathan who has helped bring her back to life, but not to the life she left.<br />
<br />
To her horror, she discovers she has now become a blood-drinking Vârcolac herself and she is the only female of her kind, with the potential for breeding a whole new army of Vârcolacs if they can only track her down and press her into service.<br />
<br />
And while Alex gets to know Nathan and his shape-shifting family as they offer her the protection she so desperately needs, unbeknown to all of them, the Vârcolacs are getting closer …<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/First-Bitten-Alexandra-Jones-ebook/dp/B0070RVB1S/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1338201845&sr=1-1">First Bitten on Amazon.com</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/First-Bitten-Alexandra-Jones-ebook/dp/B0070RVB1S/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1338202101&sr=8-3">First Bitten on Amazon.co.uk</a><br />
<br />
<b>Original Sin blurb: </b><br />
<div>
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51zyH4Xe2ZL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-64,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51zyH4Xe2ZL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-64,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Original Sin is book two in the Alexandra Jones series, the sequel to First Bitten.<br />
<br />
Alex has run. Leaving everything she knows and loves … Nathan, behind. She’s a fugitive; hiding from the Original Vârcolacs who want to claim her for themselves.<br />
<br />
Hiding in Italy, she has changed her identity and her appearance; working in a coffee shop in the quiet town of Sassano.<br />
<br />
Then Zeff steps into her life. He’s solid, sturdy, but more so he’s human – he’s someone real, tangible, a friend throwing her a lifeline in a world of loneliness.<br />
<br />
Believing she's safe from attack, nothing prepares Alex for what's lurking in the woods, on her doorstep, intoxicating her into a web of control and deceit.<br />
<br />
Danger is closer than her shadow ... the hunt is on again, forcing Alex into the hardest dilemma yet. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://amazon.com/">Original Sin on Amazon.com</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Original-Alexandra-Jones-Series-ebook/dp/B0085M2Y2M/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1338202158&sr=8-4">Original Sin on Amazon.co.uk</a></span><br />
<br /></div>Amanda Leigh Cowleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14473578405020011393noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607361012616301332.post-78567114907381439602012-03-29T19:40:00.001+01:002012-03-29T20:10:20.396+01:00Guest Blog - Meet the Characters (First Five Chapters)<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; position: relative;"><a href="http://paradox-theangelsarehere.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/charater-interview-grace-connors-from.html" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">Character Interview - Grace Connors from the Paradox Series - Guest blogger Julia Crane</a></h3><div class="post-header" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-6168387718498490088" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px; position: relative; width: 676px;"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5t_S6ghnhExm90iSNnd15_8Lu7yNJN3UjOFjhw06vAII12ocwRXKi1Vzp9m851YyF1cHY8y9D1gxmMberbT-SWGsDtw96vNKy4FL5Rv9eYr0LpfxS3k5iCpdSp0MN3F2eByrbYzmRY14/s1600/First+Five+Chapters+Large+Blog+Tour+Button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: black; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5t_S6ghnhExm90iSNnd15_8Lu7yNJN3UjOFjhw06vAII12ocwRXKi1Vzp9m851YyF1cHY8y9D1gxmMberbT-SWGsDtw96vNKy4FL5Rv9eYr0LpfxS3k5iCpdSp0MN3F2eByrbYzmRY14/s320/First+Five+Chapters+Large+Blog+Tour+Button.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.199219) 0px 0px 0px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: transparent; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: transparent; border-top-left-radius: 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.199219) 0px 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></div><div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Let me start out by saying that Patti Roberts is </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">one </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">of my favorite young adult authors. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Not only is she a phenomenal writer, she is truly </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">a giving person. She is always friendly and willing </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">to </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">lend a helping hand. I’m not sure how I </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">stumbled across the first book in her series, but </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">I’m glad I </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">did. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I fell in love with Patti’s writing and her characters. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The below interview takes place with one of the </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">main characters from the Paradox series at the </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">age of 14. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">In book two—which I just finished—</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">Grace is now 16, and I am anxiously awaiting the </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">third book.</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://juliacraneauthor.com/2012/03/interview-with-grace-connors-age-14-main-character-in-paradox-series/" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><u><b>Julia Crane - Blog</b></u></a></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">If you would like to check out Paradox Patti is one authors of <b>First 5 Chapters – Volume 1.</b></span></div><div id="zw-13330281904242nnpBI" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">This ebook will give you the opportunity to discover & read the first 5 chapters from 6 new Authors in the very </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">popular YA – Fantasy – Paranormal genre. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007IVVI7I/ref=as_li_ss_sm_fb_us_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=youaduaut-20&linkCode=shr&camp=213733&creative=399837&creativeASIN=B007IVVI7I&ref_=sr_1_7&qid=1333028823&sr=8-7" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">Amazon</a> Only .99 or <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/140165" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">Smashwords</a> Free!</span></div><div id="zw-13330281904242nnpBI" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Good morning Grace, it a pleasure to have you with us today</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">Thank you, it is nice to be here.</span></div><div id="zw-1333028190424c_n9Ps" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div id="zw-1333028190424I2KDnH"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>We know it’s been difficult for you and your mother Kate, since your father died. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>How are </b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><b>things </b></span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">going now? Is Kate eating and sleeping normally? </b></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Oh mum is fine now, we both are. At first I wasn’t sure if either of us was going to make it – or if we even </span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">wanted </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">too. I was so young, eleven, and I felt so lost without my dad. But with the help of my amazing friends </span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">Josh and Angela, life has been, well different, but good. And I never thought I would be able to say that. I know </span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">that mum is really grateful that Wade has been here – for the both of us. He is like a surrogate dad. My dad </span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">would really have liked him. When I was little, I used to close my eyes and pretend that my dad was still there. </span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">That Wade was my dad.</span></div></div><div id="zw-1333028190425lO9ikZ"><a href="http://juliacraneauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/paradox-book-1.jpg" style="clear: left; color: black; float: left; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-616" height="300" src="http://juliacraneauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/paradox-book-1-211x300.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.199219) 0px 0px 0px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: transparent; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: transparent; border-top-left-radius: 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.199219) 0px 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px; position: relative;" title="paradox-book-1" width="211" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Angela has become your best friend and you admit </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>she is a </b></span><b style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">bit odd. Have you ever talked to her about </span></b><br />
<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">her strange </span></b><b style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">behaviour? <span style="background-color: white;">And do you ever feel </span></span></b><br />
<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">frustrated </span></span></b><b style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">by the things she </span></span></b><b style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">says? </span></b></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b></b> At first I did – not that I had any friends to compare her with! Other </span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">than Patrick who died so young, Angela was my first real friend. </span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Then of course Josh came along… He had a huge crush on Angela</span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> – he still </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">does! I was never frustrated by Angela. Surprised, yes – </span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">often! </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">Angela has this special way about her that makes it </span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">impossible for </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">me not to </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">want to be around her. And Josh, well he is </span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">just like a brother.</span></div></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div id="zw-1333028190426ZyS4SZ"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Do you think your match making efforts with Angela </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>will ever </b></span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">work? </b></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Okay, well that is frustrating!!! Here is this great guy who just </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">adores her to bits and it’s like she just doesn’t get it! I would do </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">anything to have a boyfriend that loved me like that!</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div id="zw-1333028190426BpFy4l"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Tell us a little more about Josh? </span></b></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Josh is adorable – I could hug him to death. Mum calls us the three musketeers’, Angela, Josh, and I. Josh </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">is so great, he would make a wonderful knight in shining armour. And he always makes me make me laugh. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Not Angela though. But then no one can make Angela laugh… Dad would have called her an old soul in a </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">young body.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div id="zw-1333028190427iw-6El"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Most children and many adults want a Guardian Angel or an imaginary friend. So I </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>was shocked to </b></span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">learn that you sent Hope away when you needed her the most. Hope </b><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">was part of your life for over </b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">three years; do you still remember her? and do you miss her? </b></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b></b>Hope was just a dream, an imaginary friend. I know that now. Mum needed me. She used to say that I just </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">made Hope up when I was little because I didn’t have any real friends. Hope sure felt real at times though, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">and dad even used to play along. He made us both swords when we used to play dress-ups for one of my </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">favourite movies The Lord Of The Rings. I would love to have a real Guardian Angel, that would be great!</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div id="zw-1333028190428pwdSDk"><a href="http://juliacraneauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/book-2-progeny-of-innocence.jpg" style="clear: left; color: black; float: left; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-617" height="300" src="http://juliacraneauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/book-2-progeny-of-innocence-193x300.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.199219) 0px 0px 0px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: transparent; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: transparent; border-top-left-radius: 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.199219) 0px 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px; position: relative;" title="book-2-progeny-of-innocence" width="193" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Eleven is very young to have to care for an adult when your m</b></span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">other should have been caring for you. We understand she </b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">was grieving, <span style="background-color: white;">but you were so young, </span></b><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">do you feel robbed of your childhood because of the </span></b><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">way your mother reacted after your </span></b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><b>father died?</b></span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"> </b></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b></b> It was a sad and weird time. I missed dad so much but I was more </span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">afraid </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">of what would happen to me if mum died too. I used to have </span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">such </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">vivid dreams about losing both my parents. So just having mum </span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">there, in </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">any condition, was good enough for me. And then there was </span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">Wade, so…</span></div></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div id="zw-1333028190429LpqK7s"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>The visions you have are certainly intense, how </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>much </b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><b>of these </b></span><b style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">do <span style="background-color: white;">you remember and can you see </span></span></b><br />
<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">a connection </span></span></b><b style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">to your current </span></span></b><b style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">life?</span></b></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">At the time I have my visions or dreams – I’m really not sure what they </span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">are </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">– but they always feel so real – like they really happened. But I </span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">don’t think they are connected to my real life. I read somewhere that </span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">dreams are just your mind trying to make sense of random thoughts </span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">you have throughout </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">the day. Maybe I just have a vivid imagination.</span></div></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">What is Darwin like? I have always wanted to visit but it seems like another world </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">away.</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Darwin is </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">really great. I like living here. Not that I have ever lived anywhere else. It will always be my home too me. </span><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Some people don’t like the heat and the rain </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">that much. Well okay, it does get hot sometimes but I don’t mind, </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">I’m used to it. And the rain, well that can </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">be smothering at times but I really love the thunder storms – they are </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">kind of amazing and scary but at the </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">same time they are powerful – energizing! That does that sound weird?</span></div></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div id="zw-1333028190430l2sRUw"><a href="http://juliacraneauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/FIRST-FIVE-CHAPTERS-cover-PARA-VOL-I-forest.jpg" style="clear: left; color: black; float: left; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-625" height="300" src="http://juliacraneauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/FIRST-FIVE-CHAPTERS-cover-PARA-VOL-I-forest-207x300.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.199219) 0px 0px 0px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: transparent; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: transparent; border-top-left-radius: 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.199219) 0px 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px; position: relative;" title="FIRST FIVE CHAPTERS cover PARA VOL I forest" width="207" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Wade has been very helpful and supportive. Do you </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>think he </b></span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">is falling in love with your mother? </b></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b> </b>When I was little things like that never crossed my mind. My </span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">mother wasn’t capable of loving anyone other than my dad. But now, </span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">well sometimes I think it would be kind of cool. She shouldn’t have </span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">to be </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">alone for the rest of her life. And sometimes Wade reminds me </span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">so </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">much of my dad that they could be related. Like they are brothers </span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">or something…</span></div></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div id="zw-13330281904312ARBlA"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Are you still a vegetarian? </b></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b></b>Oh yes, ever since I saw those cows being slaughtered at the abattoir </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I have never been able to eat red meat ever since. It was just so </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">horrible, and the smell… I feel sick just thinking about it. I really like </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">fish though.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div id="zw-13330281904317pe76W"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Thanks for talking with us today Grace,</b></span></div><div id="zw-1333028190431Du_lpe" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Thank you, it has been fun. Easiest homework ever… Well kind of homework. </span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Everyone starting high school has to do these interview </span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">type assignments for the new student councilor, Miss Siena Cintra. </span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">She is </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">so pretty and I wished I had hair like that.</span></div></div><h2 style="border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: -15px; margin-right: -15px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.5em; padding-left: 15px; padding-right: 15px; padding-top: 0.6em; position: relative;"><a href="http://juliacraneauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/patti.jpg" style="clear: left; color: black; float: left; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" class="alignleft wp-image-615" height="240" src="http://juliacraneauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/patti-295x300.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.199219) 0px 0px 0px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: transparent; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: transparent; border-top-left-radius: 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.199219) 0px 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px; position: relative;" title="patti" width="236" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">About the Author</span></h2><div id="zw-13330280563192Mdk8U" style="border-top-color: rgb(225, 225, 225); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; padding-top: 8px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Name - Patti Roberts</span></div><div id="zw-1333028056319nPJ9_J" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Location Cairns Queensland Australia.</span></div><div id="zw-1333028056319nPJ9_J" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div id="zw-1333028056320_wZv2l" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">On any given day you can usually find me sitting at my desk in </span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">front of my laptop pounding away at the keys writing another </span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">chapter in </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">the Paradox series. That would be a run of the mill </span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">kinda day for me!</span></div></div><div id="zw-1333028056320_wZv2l" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div id="zw-1333028056320ToNvwr" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A packet of Cruskits and a water bottle, that is now at room temperature, is sitting on the desk beside me. There is also a </span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">mass of USB cables, notepads, bills to be paid, bills to be filed </span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">a bunch </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">of pens and a printer that is forever running out of ink. </span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">Sound familiar.</span></div></div><div id="zw-1333028056320ToNvwr" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div id="zw-1333028056320NZ6jsM" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">On most days I have to remind myself to eat and drink. I Should be thinner!!!</span></div><div id="zw-1333028056320ArcoFE" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I am sure my housemates are very thankful that I still manage (usually at some ungodly hour) to bathe, brush </span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">my </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">hair and clean my teeth.</span></div></div><div id="zw-1333028056320ArcoFE" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div id="zw-1333028056320m7UJQt" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I don’t know about you. But I am usually mortified when visitors just pop around, only to find me sitting at my </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">desk and still in my PJ’s. I don’t even want to broach the hair situation! Did I remember to put last nights dishes away???</span></div><div id="zw-1333028056320m7UJQt" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div id="zw-1333028056320EJsBN1" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Now, they say to be a good writer, you must read, read, read. Then read some more…</span></div><div id="zw-1333028056320VxUfgl" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Thankfully, due to the invention of the electronic reader (I have a kindle and love it) I get to read more these </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">days. Correction… I have my kindle read to me! The only thing is, I have so many great books on my kindle that</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">it is so hard to know where to start. So many choices.</span></div><div id="zw-1333028056320VxUfgl" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div id="zw-1333028056320dschK2" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A little more about me… And how you can contact me.</span></div><div id="zw-1333028056320NJhEaY" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Born in Brisbane Qld Australia.<br id="zw-13330280563206-fXvK" />Grew up in Darwin in the NT.<br id="zw-1333028056321eotrEf" />Now living in Cairns Qld. Where the Rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef.</span></div><div id="zw-1333028056320NJhEaY" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div id="zw-1333028056321WDtNUr" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><b>Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Paradox-Series/150822348341990?sk=wall" id="zw-1333028056321WnnAAo">http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Paradox-Series/150822348341990?sk=wall</a></b></span></div><div id="zw-1333028056321SC3L9h" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><b>Blog: <a href="http://theangelsarehere.wordpress.com/readers-questions-answered/" id="zw-133302805632156jQcJ">http://theangelsarehere.wordpress.com/readers-questions-answered/</a></b></span></div><div id="zw-1333028056321yjToFT" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><b>Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/PattiRoberts7" id="zw-1333028056321VePluv">http://twitter.com/PattiRoberts7</a></b></span></div><div id="zw-1333028056321yjToFT" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div id="zw-1333028056321LTAArY" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Thank you to all those souls that have read my book – you make my day!</span></div><div id="zw-1333028056321nUWrKd" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">PS: If you are thinking about popping a round for a coffee, that might be nice. But please give me a quick call </span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">first </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">so I can brush my hair and smear a bit of colour across my lips.</span></div></div></div></div></div>Amanda Leigh Cowleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14473578405020011393noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607361012616301332.post-32106421200176758462012-02-10T11:37:00.004+00:002012-02-10T12:05:42.498+00:00Magic Eye Video<div style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1kCHUrrw8QkVYStA8tBYG73aBqygd6_DLK1IKNjfMulnuzQJSaHqgMNbO9qPa2QKwPnxUznhtNG3V7M7hqg_yO16t7LCCF1fSp_YYoNa9O12_7Gjw71TC7779f03aifZaVmWXRrXPgYU/s1600/winterwonderland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1kCHUrrw8QkVYStA8tBYG73aBqygd6_DLK1IKNjfMulnuzQJSaHqgMNbO9qPa2QKwPnxUznhtNG3V7M7hqg_yO16t7LCCF1fSp_YYoNa9O12_7Gjw71TC7779f03aifZaVmWXRrXPgYU/s400/winterwonderland.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">This first picture is not the Magic Eye - please don't waste time trying to <i>see</i> it. This is the beautiful Winter wonderland outside my window. </span></div><div style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My kids and I were thrilled to see snow falling again last night, although hubbie was a bit grumpy, as it interferes with his work. Y</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">oungest son was awake early checking the school closures website, </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">and was gut</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">ted to find his school was open today. At least he was happy to wrap up warm for h</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">is (short) walk to school. But it was a full-on battle to get oldest son - who has a cold - to wear the right gear for his twenty minute walk. Apparently it's not cool to wear a coat at secondary school... And when I suggested wellies, he actually laughed. The youth of today, eh :o/ Hopefully he'll find the dry socks I shoved in his bag when he wasn't looking.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: -webkit-auto;">As for me; I'm staying in the warm, writing, getting through my work chores and hoping there will be time for sledging and snowball fights later... that is if I can actually move around in my thermals, big coat, scarf, gloves, hand-warmers and thick socks... </span><br />
<div><br />
</div><div><i>Now, here's the Magic Eye, and it's a video one; the first I've ever seen. Enjoy! (It does look like interference, but keep looking and you should see him, right in the centre of the picture).</i></div><div><br />
</div><div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ArWY-Ck-CPc?fs=1" width="459"></iframe>I <br />
<br />
Have a fab weekend everyone!</div>Amanda Leigh Cowleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14473578405020011393noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607361012616301332.post-85617110134196641702012-01-30T14:17:00.000+00:002012-01-30T14:17:39.740+00:00Introducing... Stephanie Judice<div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsJmQZmhJdYsQ0VXw8gzrXHxuV6wSeR_XyWwTxAQ0J39rlZ31Bj1QNcSArx8UDZfAA9pPn0f1FdgRdt4f5DszSbEi4mwvFjy3oG5BqmvXYkD-K-RgVP6tNAGX1dLcHw8GHRny1xNpfxKsJ/s1600/Steph" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsJmQZmhJdYsQ0VXw8gzrXHxuV6wSeR_XyWwTxAQ0J39rlZ31Bj1QNcSArx8UDZfAA9pPn0f1FdgRdt4f5DszSbEi4mwvFjy3oG5BqmvXYkD-K-RgVP6tNAGX1dLcHw8GHRny1xNpfxKsJ/s320/Steph" width="284" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm thrilled to be able to introduce you to talented author, Stephanie Judice. Stephanie resides in Louisiana, USA, and is the author of the YA novel, RISING (Saga of the Setti).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">On a personal note, Rising is one of the first books I read on my Kindle, and I can't recommend it highly enough.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The book's video trailer is included after the interview below.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rising-Saga-Setti-ebook/dp/B004YXL72O/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1327931208&sr=8-2" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Amazon.com</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Saga-of-the-Setti/203566846334918" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Facebook</span></a><br />
<a href="http://website/" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Website</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51buJJXpYpL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-46,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51buJJXpYpL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-46,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;"><b>BOOK EXCERPT</b>: </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;">I stepped steadily through an endless field of sugar cane in a haze of night fog.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;">I’d been here before in this eternal nightmare.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;">Knowing I wouldn’t wake up until I saw them, I walked on.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;">I gripped the cold, black stone in my palm, disturbed by its familiar presence.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;">The stone was always there in this nightmare, freezing my palm till it burned.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;">I never knew what it was or why I held it, but there was deep power in it.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;">Something compelled me to move on.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;">The thin blades of cane sliced my exposed skin.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;">The row of green stalks lashed at my arms and bare chest as I pushed my way farther into the field ahead.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;">Abruptly, the cane field ended.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;">I found myself standing alone at the edge of a brackish swamp.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;">Pain seared through every vein in my body, pulsating from the burning stone in my hand.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;">I stood still, staring into the darkness.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;">A storm was brewing.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;">Lightning flashed, revealing cypress trees bending in the wind and waves of rippling black water.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;">I held the stone tightly in my fist.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;">A sudden gust of wind swept across the water.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;">I stood firm although the gale threatened to topple me.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;">A whispering, rustling sound began to build.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;">A streak of purple lightening split the sky.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;">To my horror, hundreds of ghastly shapes flew toward me.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;">The whispering was not the wind, but the movement of these creatures drawing closer.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;">I was frozen to the spot, doomed to watch them advance.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;">Another flash of lightening.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;">One of the creatures hovered right in front of me.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;">At first, I thought it wore a sleek, gray cloak, then realized instantly that it was not cloth, but wings that fluttered with every breath of wind.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;">A sheet of ashen skin hung in tatters over its skeletal body.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;">Its cloak-like wings were dry, cracked and frayed at the edges.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;">What horrified me most about the monster was the lack of any facial features at all, except for a black, gaping hole for a mouth.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;">It hissed once then inhaled deeply.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;">I felt excruciating pain, like needles pricking along every surface of my skin.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;">I looked down at my chest, which began to break like glass.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;">My skin literally shattered into tiny shards and pulled away from my body. The creature inhaled again, sucking the pieces toward its mouth.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;">Instinctually, I pressed the black stone to its head.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 48px;">Piercingly, the creature screamed as smoke rose from seared ghastly flesh, then—</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Q&A</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What/who inspired you to write?</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">From as early as I can remember, I’ve been in love with stories and lost in my own imagination. I even remember my 1<sup>st</sup> grade teacher Ms. Newman writing on every report card that I “daydreamed too much.” Little did I know this “flaw” would eventually flourish into writing my own stories.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">It was not until 10<sup>th</sup> grade when my English teacher asked the class to write a creative short story where I first realized my deep love for this craft. I have been writing ever since.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span><span lang="EN-US"><b>What is your writing process/when do you find the time?</b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Well, Ms. Newman was right. I daydream too much. Any spare moment I have to wander away inside my own in my head, while driving to work or fetching kids, I think about my characters and things they will do. I spend countless hours just thinking about things they would say or just observing nature and considering how it would fit into the imagery of my stories.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">Because I’m a teacher, wife, and mother of four, I have to snatch any moment I can to put the words down that float around in my head during daytime. Usually, it’s late at night when the house is quiet and still that I get my best writing done.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
<b> Any triumphs/eureka moments?</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m not sure if this counts as a “eureka” moment, but there’s one thing that has helped me in the process of writing this series. I’ve given myself permission to write any part of the story when the inspiration comes upon me, no matter that it may not fit into the series until later on. Inspired pieces shouldn’t be ignored because you’re not chronologically there yet. For example, I have a rather bewitching scene for Book Two that was written nearly two years ago. And, on the way to work last week, I watched a rather magnificent sunrise pushing back gray clouds to reveal pinks and purples illuminating the landscape. I wrote the final page of the final book (Book Five) for my Saga of the Setti series that very day. Sometimes, it’s important to get the words down and make them fit into a sequential pattern later. I’ve discovered that the inspiration must not be ignored and put off until later. Snatch the words from your mind and keep them for when they’re needed.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit;"><b> What advice would you give someone wanting to write their first book?</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Be patient. The process is long and requires patience in every stage. Be patient with your writing, your editing, the publishing process, and the marketing process. I’ve discovered that being an author isn’t about finishing and producing a product then wiping your hands with a glorious, “It’s finished. I did it.” While there are moments of pride in your work and what you’ve accomplished, being an author is a never-ending process that requires patience all along the way. Just enjoy the ride. </span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5DVYqpRy6yE?fs=1" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><span style="font-style: italic; line-height: 19px;">Thanks for stopping by, Stephanie. And don't take too long with that next book, I can't wait...</span>Amanda Leigh Cowleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14473578405020011393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607361012616301332.post-61572768167952067562012-01-20T11:19:00.001+00:002012-01-20T11:38:58.288+00:00Instead of a Magic Eye... what's wrong with this picture?<a href="http://i.imgur.com/ydfcO.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="http://i.imgur.com/ydfcO.gif" width="320" /></a>Happy Friday! Hope everyone is okay and looking forward to the weekend.<br />
<br />
Instead of posting a Magic Eye this week, I wanted to share this picture. Can you see what's wrong with it?<br />
<br />
When I first saw it I couldn't see anything wrong at all... but after a while it becomes clear...<br />
<br />
I've had a productive week this week. My boss (hubby) has given me Wednesdays off to write, and it's been really helpful. But I had to be ultra-disciplined to avoid the temptation of 'social-networking,' instead. I think next Wednesday I'm going to unplug and take the laptop to a nice coffee shop, and that way I can't be distracted (And I just love the thought of spending hours writing in a coffee shop!).<br />
<br />
I was thrilled to be interviewed on the <a href="http://thebookhookup.com/2012/01/19/author-interview-with-amanda-leigh-cowley/" target="_blank">The Book Hookup</a> yesterday, by the lovely Celeste. If you have a chance, go and check it out. The Book Hookup is a great book blog site, so you may want to go ahead and give them a follow anyway.<br />
<br />
Have a great weekend everyone!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FydfcO.gif&h=XAQFVzh0IAQGoZW-F-0YmYDilzCh_i4ECelUmECprxc399A" target="_blank">Picture Source</a>Amanda Leigh Cowleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14473578405020011393noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607361012616301332.post-90933501744752343192012-01-16T10:55:00.001+00:002012-01-16T10:55:35.696+00:00Introducing... Marie LandryWhat a stunning day I've woken up to. It's one of those cold, bright, crisp mornings with a twinkly frost covering everything in sight. I've just waved goodbye to the kids as they venture out on their chilly walk to school, and now I'm settled in front of the computer with a nice, warm latte. Do I feel guilty? ;o)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jhjjCKM8ax-YE3RzyK8XjGnRMX_TTQetDNAFIteeGUQHotmOiFhSixV-aBLtL4OT1f4Fbzu_cdXqGejuGTS5AYEkNqnovSS5INORSL9lmoJA4UZrwNnFNwyNx6-6Ay3z1LvzF-iwV4BR/s1600/BlueSky+Indie" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jhjjCKM8ax-YE3RzyK8XjGnRMX_TTQetDNAFIteeGUQHotmOiFhSixV-aBLtL4OT1f4Fbzu_cdXqGejuGTS5AYEkNqnovSS5INORSL9lmoJA4UZrwNnFNwyNx6-6Ay3z1LvzF-iwV4BR/s320/BlueSky+Indie" width="240" /></a>As promised on Friday, I have the pleasure of introducing you to Marie Landry, whose debut novel <i>Blue Sky Days</i> is officially launched tomorrow. <i>Blue Sky Days</i> is a contemporary YA romance and coming-of-age story. Marie is also a book blogger and you can find her over on <a href="http://sweetmarie-83.blogspot.com/">Ramblings of a Daydreamer</a> .<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jhjjCKM8ax-YE3RzyK8XjGnRMX_TTQetDNAFIteeGUQHotmOiFhSixV-aBLtL4OT1f4Fbzu_cdXqGejuGTS5AYEkNqnovSS5INORSL9lmoJA4UZrwNnFNwyNx6-6Ay3z1LvzF-iwV4BR/s1600/BlueSky+Indie" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-family: inherit;">Book Blurb:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="freeText8324508137357673083">A year after graduating from high school, nineteen-year-old Emma Ward feels lost. She has spent most of her life trying to please her frigid, miserable mother - studying hard, getting good grades, avoiding the whole teenage rebellion thing - and now she feels she has no identity beyond that. Because she spent so many years working hard and planning every moment of her life, she doesn't have any friends, has never had a boyfriend, and basically doesn't know who she is or what she really wants from life. Working two part-time jobs to save money for college hasn't helped her make decisions about her future, so she decides it's time for a change. She leaves home to live with her free-spirited, slightly eccentric Aunt Daisy in a small town that makes Emma feel like she's stepped back in time.<br />
<br />
When Emma meets Nicholas Shaw, everything changes - he's unlike anyone she's ever met before, the kind of man she didn't even know existed in the 21st century. Carefree and spirited like Daisy, Nicholas teaches Emma to appreciate life, the beauty around her, and to just let go and live. Between Daisy and Nicholas, Emma feels like she belongs somewhere for the first time in her life, and realizes that you don't always need a plan - sometimes life steers you where you're meant to be.<br />
</span></span><br />
<div class="ecxmsonormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Life is wonderful, an endless string of blue sky days, until Nicholas is diagnosed with cancer, and life changes once again for Emma in ways she never thought possible. Now it's time for her to help Nicholas the way he's helped her. Emma will have to use her new-found strength, and discover along the way if love really is enough to get you through.</span></div><div class="ecxmsonormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div class="ecxmsonormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;">First paragraph:</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span id="freeText8324508137357673083"><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;"><br />
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24px; text-indent: 21.6pt;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;">It was infatuation at first sight. An infatuation that quickly turned into love, but at that moment I didn’t know what love was.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24px; text-indent: 21.6pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24px; text-indent: 21.6pt;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;">I was sitting on a hilltop in the park when our eyes met, making my stomach flip like it had never done before. He was the most beautiful boy I’d seen in my entire life and he was looking at <i>me</i>. When he stood up from the bench at the bottom of the hill and walked in a slow, almost lazy gait toward me, my heart raced. I told myself to stay calm; he probably just wanted to know the time, or ask for a quarter to make a phone call. He wasn’t interested in me—he couldn’t be, things like that just didn’t happen to me. In fact, I was so sure it <i>wasn’t</i> about to happen to me that I ducked my head and cast a look around to see if there was anyone else nearby that he might be heading for.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24px; text-indent: 21.6pt;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="ecxmsonormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>It sounds great, but before I start reading, I'm definitely going to need a box of tissues at my side!</i></span></div><div class="ecxmsonormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="ecxmsonormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So Marie, what made you decide to write a book?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="ecxmsonormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">First, I’d like to say thank you so much Mandy for having me on your blog! I’m honoured.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="ecxmsonormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I’ve always been a writer. I’ve been writing stories for as long as I can remember, and before I could write, I would tell stories to anyone who would listen. It wasn’t something I decided to do one day, it was something I always knew I would do. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="ecxmsonormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I was in my teens when I wrote my first novel, and I was about 20 when I wrote the first draft of <i>Blue Sky Days</i>. I’ve written several other novels over the years, but there were times I worried I would never be able to write a full-length novel. Most of my novels, including the original draft of <i>Blue Sky Days</i> were novella length, but after setting <i>BSD</i> aside for seven years, I was able to triple the word count and finally have a completed novel. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="ecxmsonormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="ecxmsonormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">When do you fit writing into your day?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="ecxmsonormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I’m lucky enough to work from home, so I can fit writing in any time. I try to treat it like any other job, and work at it 8-12 hours a day, sometimes more. Although, with finishing <i>Blue Sky Days</i> and getting it ready for publication, I haven’t done any proper writing in quite a while!</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="ecxmsonormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="ecxmsonormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Self-published or traditional? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="ecxmsonormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I always figured I would be traditionally published, but once I started researching self-publishing, I knew it was the right path for me. I like the idea of taking my future into my hands and running with it. I like having complete control over my own work and what I do with it. When I originally researched self-publishing several years ago, there were only bad things said about it. It used to be the only option for hacks, wannabes, and generally people who could never cut it in traditional publishing. Now, there are many extremely talented people who <i>could</i> be traditionally published, but choose to do it on their own for a variety of reasons. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="ecxmsonormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="ecxmsonormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">How was your experience?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="ecxmsonormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The publishing process has been a whirlwind. I’ve done pretty much everything on my own: designed my own cover, did the formatting, created the book trailer, found people who were willing to beta read and proofread, and even made an exchange with an editor - she edited my book for free so she could put on her resumé that she helped a debut author. I knew it would be a lot of work, but I had no idea just how much work it would be. With the exception of a 3-day weekend in late November, I’ve been working seven days a week for the last few months. I can’t really complain though, because I’m living my dream - how many people can honestly say that? </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="ecxmsonormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="ecxmsonormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Tips for would-be authors<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If you really want to be an author, don’t let anything or any</span><i style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">one</i><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> stop you. If you want to write a book, but don’t know if you can do it, do it anyway - you might surprise yourself. The first draft might be garbage - in fact, it will almost certainly be garbage - but that’s what second and third and fourth drafts are for. That’s what beta readers and editors are for. Don’t let fear and self-doubt stop you. There are times when you might be terrified and wonder what you’re doing, or </span><i style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">why</i><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> you’re doing it, but that’s normal. Keep at it, dream big, and let your imagination run wild.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">That's great advice. Thank you, Marie, and best of luck with the book launch!</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #1f497d;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Sky-Days-ebook/dp/B006U97B20/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1326710728&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Blue-Sky-Days-ebook/dp/B006U97B20/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1326710767&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Amazon.co.uk</a> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/120238" target="_blank">Smashwords</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><br />
</b></span></div>Amanda Leigh Cowleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14473578405020011393noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607361012616301332.post-61006048179841857592012-01-13T16:15:00.004+00:002012-01-15T15:27:34.228+00:00Superstitions and Magic Eyes<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> <a href="http://williambennett.blogspot.com/2007_10_01_archive.html">magic eye source</a></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://physicaplus.org.il/zope/home/en/1113405067/art_multi_en/tamir9_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://physicaplus.org.il/zope/home/en/1113405067/art_multi_en/tamir9_4.jpg" width="316" /></a><br />
A Magic Eye for Friday 13th. Does this date ever cause you problems? Are you superstitious, or is it all stuff and nonsense?<br />
<br />
I must admit, even though I don't think of myself as superstitious, there are things I do that suggest otherwise; crossing my fingers for luck, not walking under ladders, always finishing a bottle of red wine once it's opened. That's not a superstition..?<br />
<br />
So I was thinking, <i>h</i>ow <i>did </i>Friday the 13th become such an unlucky day?<br />
<br />
On <a href="http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/02/0212_040212_friday13.html">National Geographic</a> website, according to Donald Dossey, you can trace the fear of 13 to a Norse myth about 12 gods having a dinner party at Valhalla, their heaven. In walked the uninvited 13th guest, the mischievous Loki. Once there, Loki arranged for Hoder, the blind god of darkness, to shoot Balder the Beautiful, the god of joy and gladness, with a mistletoe-tipped arrow.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">"Balder died and the whole Earth got dark. The whole Earth mourned. It was a bad, unlucky day," said Dossey. From that moment on, the number 13 has been considered ominous and foreboding.</blockquote><br />
I don't know about you, but I think people should worry less about the number 13 and more about this Loki character. So what about you, do you have any strange superstitions?<br />
<br />
Have a great weekend everybody. I'm back on Monday with an interview from author Marie Landry, whose debut novel 'Blue Sky Days' is being published on 17th January 2012.Amanda Leigh Cowleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14473578405020011393noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607361012616301332.post-68130534842021879842012-01-06T21:19:00.003+00:002013-01-02T23:32:23.138+00:00The Betrayal - short excerpt, and Magic Eye<a href="http://www.magiceye3ds.com/3dpics/img/005magiceye3d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="http://www.magiceye3ds.com/3dpics/img/005magiceye3d.jpg" width="400" /></a>Hi everyone, and a belated Happy New Year to you all. Hope you had a wonderful festive season and are now ready to make the best of 2012. The Cowley family had a lovely time, eating too much, drinking too much and staying in our PJs way too long! It made a lovely change from the usual hustle and bustle.<br />
<br />
Please enjoy the Magic Eye above. I very nearly posted a rude picture. The green swirly patterns were pretty, but when I looked closer, there was a... erm... let's just say a certain part of male anatomy and it was having a good time :o/<br />
<br />
In-between all the eating and drinking I've been doing, I did, manage to get on with writing a few chapters of the next book in the Soul Protector series, so for anyone who may be interested, here's a short excerpt...<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
I sat in a corner of the Lakeside Café, a position where I could watch all the comings and goings without being noticed. There was no real need to hide away. What did it matter if he saw me when I was switched into Ruth’s body? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
I twiddled the biro between my fingers, unable to take my eyes off the door. I’d intended to jot down prompts for Ruth’s current project, but fighting to keep her mind pushed into the background, ignoring the guilt at slipping into bodysnatching territory and watching for Dan, I was at my multi-tasking limit. I had no idea how this was going to play out. The best case scenario, the one I was praying for, would be Dan not showing and me having wasted my time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
On my second latte, he walked in. I shrank back into my seat as I watched him. Even though it was obvious he wouldn’t be switched, it was a relief to see no aura. I couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling though; like he would turn and somehow know it was me. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
He was wearing a thin Navy sweater over a white shirt, rolled up at the sleeves. His tanned forearms contrasted with the cold steel of his watch and as he rubbed a hand over barely-there stubble, the gesture was so familiar I wanted to jump out of my seat and go to him. Instead I sat still, barely breathing as I waited to see if my lover was cheating.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
He walked purposefully across to the large windows overlooking the lake. I wasn’t the only person to notice; several women turned their heads as he walked past.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
He came to a halt and I followed his line of sight towards a woman with long dark hair. She was seated alone at a small table. Her gaze was steady on him, a hesitant smile under the lip gloss. I only saw Dan’s side profile at this point, but I could tell there was no return smile for her and I let myself breathe a little more easily. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
The woman pressed perfectly manicured hands onto the table and stood up in one graceful movement. She was wearing a simple blue silk dress, and in her heels she was almost as tall as Dan. I’d heard that Claire had done some modelling, but for some reason I’d pictured her less perfect than this. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
Without taking her eyes off Dan, she moved slowly towards him. He stood completely still, neither encouraging or discouraging her. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
When she was just inches from him, her smile dropped and she wrapped her arms around him, burying her head into his chest. I couldn’t tear my eyes away, waiting for him to disentangle himself, wondering if he was going to let her down gently, or, as I hoped, make it blatantly obvious he was tired of her stalking. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
I watched his arms peel away from his sides and that was when everything seemed to slow down. He placed one arm around her back and the other round the small of her waist before drawing her in tighter. My eyes were stinging, but I couldn’t blink. And just in case there was still any doubt in my mind, he tilted his head so that his face nestled into her hair. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
They stayed that way for a long time. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
I felt the burn of bile rise up my throat. I forced my hand to remain steady while I placed the full glass of latte back on the saucer, stood up, and quietly made my way out of the café.</div>
Amanda Leigh Cowleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14473578405020011393noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607361012616301332.post-91969925354611968012011-12-16T16:28:00.002+00:002011-12-17T05:11:24.285+00:00Christmas Magic Eye<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvoMeXpy6z6ekGJV2HPLnY76Fd-E9D_3HswDCwe663T9U80dYKxYhA_ZxEeWKeqfX4d4YF_1BozUt5d4JPvRX6ivpkyqubbP-hl-R2x0HVEhTlGd-MRn9poteVsZuzJH4J5D6H63fvM0/s400/3dsanta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvoMeXpy6z6ekGJV2HPLnY76Fd-E9D_3HswDCwe663T9U80dYKxYhA_ZxEeWKeqfX4d4YF_1BozUt5d4JPvRX6ivpkyqubbP-hl-R2x0HVEhTlGd-MRn9poteVsZuzJH4J5D6H63fvM0/s320/3dsanta.jpg" width="220" /></a>Hey, everyone! This is my last Magic Eye of the year, so I thought it should be a festive one...<br />
<br />
I'm finishing on a high note - my kids are happy and excited about Christmas, hubbie's business is going well and we're hopefully going to exchange contracts on the new-build Bungalow any day now, my WIP is coming along nicely and I'm looking forward to cracking on with it over the Christmas holiday, and to top it off, I've just received another 5-star rating on Goodreads (Soul Protector's 19th) and a lovely 4-star review on <a href="http://zoe-harrington.blogspot.com/2011/12/soul-protectors-revie.html" target="_blank">Zoe's Corner</a>.<br />
<br />
So, last but not least, I'd like to wish everyone reading this a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year. xxx<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
<a href="http://catravens.blogspot.com/2007/12/more-magic-eye-pictures-for-christmas.html" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Magic Eye Source</a>Amanda Leigh Cowleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14473578405020011393noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607361012616301332.post-39249418025454661432011-12-12T14:45:00.005+00:002011-12-12T14:53:52.796+00:00Introducing... Kathryn Brown<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Happy Monday everyone. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas... tra la la la la. Hope you're enjoying the twinkly lights everywhere, and getting into the festive spirit. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Today I'm pleased to introduce you to fellow author Kathryn Brown. Kathryn's book <i>Discovery at Rosehill</i> is available in Paperback and Kindle.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ_HS-Z9D5TfKaDRkIWvwojY01z-daB2JU7r6C-soLZ_tcKfbvcxd8dFd0Pne8fkBBeboJ-LxCiKGUhV0ObMQD3ZsUogv0qp4l1cAtusBJACjeE1aKdUWgPWFc-G10H6w_90MLF-Vu6DpB/s1600/Discovery+Indie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ_HS-Z9D5TfKaDRkIWvwojY01z-daB2JU7r6C-soLZ_tcKfbvcxd8dFd0Pne8fkBBeboJ-LxCiKGUhV0ObMQD3ZsUogv0qp4l1cAtusBJACjeE1aKdUWgPWFc-G10H6w_90MLF-Vu6DpB/s200/Discovery+Indie.jpg" width="133" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Paragraph (taken from the end of Chapter One after Camilla has moved into Rosehill) </i>- </b> And when I stood at my new ceramic kitchen sink, looking at the distant orange glow of horizon lights, I was alerted once more to a soul with no face; the silence broken in the wake of a repetitive knocking on my new kitchen table. "Do you like it?" I asked after turning round to face the answer. The reply: two knocks, knuckle bound on ancient Pine.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Discovery-at-Rosehill-Kathryn-Brown/dp/1447501055/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1320089514&sr=8-2">Amazon.co.uk - paperback</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Discovery-at-Rosehill-ebook/dp/B004T3HB5Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1320089514&sr=8-1">Amazon.co.uk – Kindle</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Discovery-at-Rosehill-Kathryn-Brown/dp/1447501055/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1320089672&sr=8-1">Amazon.com – paperback</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Discovery-at-Rosehill-ebook/dp/B004T3HB5Q/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1320089672&sr=8-2">Amazon.com – Kindle</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://crystaljigsaw.blogspot.com/p/discovery-at-rosehill-blurb.html">Signed paperback copy direct from Kathryn (via her website)</a></span></div><br />
<u style="line-height: 18px;">So Kathryn, what/who inspired you to write?</u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfTt4dcwnaIE2vlXSfRmqV319eRbhZTHzGUHfgktm2G78N2VOFkAhZVK09VxPDQaiNWRZsOq5rj1OkINJ1B8frEwuS6_VJNEDGXNgLt1DLdDhrOuTXoyhIIvn9dT_IJ1Fabxh_iIrSw1Y8/s1600/KBrown+Indie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfTt4dcwnaIE2vlXSfRmqV319eRbhZTHzGUHfgktm2G78N2VOFkAhZVK09VxPDQaiNWRZsOq5rj1OkINJ1B8frEwuS6_VJNEDGXNgLt1DLdDhrOuTXoyhIIvn9dT_IJ1Fabxh_iIrSw1Y8/s200/KBrown+Indie.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The real inspiration came from my father, after his death. It took me a few years to write my debut novel, <i>Discovery at Rosehill</i>, but I knew that when I did start to write it, it was the right time to start. I guess you say it was a calling. But inspiration also came from the house in which I live. It’s an old farm house, built in 1750 and containing beautiful Georgian features. I moved here ten years ago after falling in love with the farmer (who is now my husband). The house has a wonderful atmosphere; it’s original character which surrounds the magnificence of its structure, oozes with paranormal embrace and draws anyone sensitive to spirit, like myself, to the recorded history within its walls. Each room has a certain ambience, perhaps a little eerie in some cases, but always welcoming and friendly. This is exactly how I have described Rosehill to be and have based the mansion in the book on my fascinating home.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><u><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">What is your writing process/when do you find the time?<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I try to start writing in the morning, usually around 10am; this is generally when I feel at my best. I tend to carry on until I feel no longer able to concentrate, or, if time is running away with me, it will be when my daughter is due home from school. I did a massive amount of research for <i>Discovery at Rosehill</i> and got to know several mediums due to my main character being one herself. This helped me to develop my own abilities and gave me more confidence about what I felt able to write with regards to spirit communication, manifestations and mediumship. As a subject I’m most interested in together with living in what I describe as a spiritually active house, choosing to write about the paranormal wasn’t a difficult decision. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><u><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Any triumphs/eureka moments?</span></span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I would have to say most of the book I wrote was like having a eureka moment. It felt natural to tune into the world of spirit, albeit as an author writing about a medium. I remember many occasions when I would be sitting at my desk and suddenly hear someone in the next room. Then there were times when I would actually feel someone standing over me, breathing beside me, their eyes perhaps looking at my computer screen. I felt that often and those times always switched on the light bulb in my head, enabling me to write about yet another finding in my already chaotic mind. I think the triumphs started when the book had been published and people were actually buying it. That was one of the biggest achievements of my life and something I am immensely proud of.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><u><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">What piece of advice would you give someone who wanted to write a book?<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The same piece of advice I gave myself when I started working on my current novel; plan, structure and research. I meticulously planned my new work-in-progress, having everything ready, including my notes, characterisations and plot, before my daughter broke up for the summer holidays this year. When she returned to school in September, I was able to start writing. Less than two months on, I am now almost at 70,000 words and feel I’ve sailed through the first draft. I find that if you don’t have a plot sorted out before you start writing the manuscript, it will take twice as long because you’ll keep going back to change bits here and there. I know they’ll be a colossal amount to change once the editing starts, but this time I’m just getting on with the writing. Just to write a book without it being edited is an achievement in itself. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">When I was researching <i>Discovery at Rosehill</i> I remember an established author telling me, “don’t worry too much about your facts”. What she meant was this: if the book is fiction, it’s make-believe, therefore, we can get away with creating a few facts from our imagination. I probably went a little over-board with research the first time round because I wanted to make sure whoever read my work would be satisfied I’d done all the necessary research for such a complex subject as mediumship. But it can also be the case that a reader can get confused if the author digresses too much with facts and information instead of just telling the story. Personally, I’m not keen on reading a fiction book where I have to keep turning back a few pages to remind myself of what was happening, and filling a reader’s head with facts is, in my humble opinion, best kept to reference books.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Blog: <a href="http://www.crystaljigsaw.blogspot.com/">www.crystaljigsaw.blogspot.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Twitter: @CrystalJigsaw<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Facebook: CrystalJigsaw</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal">Thanks, Kathryn!!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Amanda Leigh Cowleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14473578405020011393noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607361012616301332.post-47584576045278090682011-12-05T14:14:00.002+00:002011-12-05T14:23:35.882+00:00Introducing... Jennifer SnyderHappy Monday everyone. Hope you are all well and looking forward to Christmas. We put our tree and lights up yesterday so the house is looking very festive. All I need to finish the ambience is to bake something nice and cinammony. Or maybe I'll just buy a scented candle...<br />
<br />
Today I have the pleasure of introducing you to <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Jennifer Snyder</span></b>. Jennifer is the author of Touch, a paranormal novella.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 18.0pt;"><div style="text-indent: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Seventeen-year-old Rowan Harper knows her life is forever changed the moment her schizophrenic mother commits suicide. What Rowan doesn’t realize is how much her mother’s choice altered her own fate. It’s not until after meeting Jet, a sapphire-eyed dead boy, Rowan begins to learn of her new destiny as becoming her mother’s replacement for something she never knew existed. Touch is an approx. 18,115 word novella. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 18.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 18.0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxdY4yoIZZVjuiXpOLtD5pQWz0_YFgMCHOQuxkBYotur3-r9aOHbXewTbRQHRRd7DwDpNnr82p0aEbIX4yBY6pYjbV5A3bT4jrxk_BIWn1OGR-TdcwYnBJZ_CsHx88RXK9gDc1UxXdrC87/s1600/TOUCHcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxdY4yoIZZVjuiXpOLtD5pQWz0_YFgMCHOQuxkBYotur3-r9aOHbXewTbRQHRRd7DwDpNnr82p0aEbIX4yBY6pYjbV5A3bT4jrxk_BIWn1OGR-TdcwYnBJZ_CsHx88RXK9gDc1UxXdrC87/s400/TOUCHcover.jpg" width="268" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">He stood at the edge of my yard, leaning against an old oak which had been dead for years, watching me in an unabashed way. Even holding my gaze, his cheeks never reddened and he remained eerily still and silent. A flurry of snowflakes began falling and a whistling wind blew across my face as I continued to meet his gaze. My eyes watered, but I refused to blink, afraid that if I did he’d disappear.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left; text-indent: 18pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Q&A</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Jennifer, what made you decide to write a book? </b>I've always had an overactive imagination and always loved to read, so writing just seemed like the natural thing to do for me. <b><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>When do you fit writing into your day? </b>I am a stay at home mother of two, so it can be a bit of a struggle, but I do kind of have a system. I write everything by hand in a notebook first. I start with any plot ideas, scenes, or clips of dialogue that pop into my head... then I write it all out a chapter at a time. When nap time rolls around, which is usually around 1:00, I then sit at my desk and type up as much as I can before the hour is up.<b><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Self Published or Traditional? </b>Self Published.<b><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>How was your experience? </b>Bumpy, but I think that goes with either path you choose. They both have their up and down moments. I'm really happy with my choice to steer down the self published road, though. I've learned an incredible amount of information in the last year that I never thought I would be able to learn in ten years. <b><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Tips for would-be authors? </b>Which ever path you choose, do not just dive right in head first. Take some time to study. <b><o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">If you're wanting to go the traditional route then check out a place called QueryTracker.net. They have a forum that is filled with wonderful, friendly people who are very knowledgeable. <b><o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">If you prefer to go the self published way there are tons of books you can purchase to learn all the how-to's from. Because believe me, there is a TON you will have to learn! If you poke around my website, <a href="http://jennifersnydersblog.blogspot.com/" style="font-weight: bold;">http://jennifersnydersblog.blogspot.com</a><b> </b>, some of my earliest blog posts are about tips for newbies.<b><o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Touch-ebook/dp/B005JKMWRU/ref=pd_rhf_ee_p_tab0_t_2">Touch on Amazon.com</a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">~~~~~</div><br />
That's great advice. Thanks, Jennifer, and best of luck with the book.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br />
</b></div>Amanda Leigh Cowleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14473578405020011393noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607361012616301332.post-59436048727511478032011-12-02T13:27:00.000+00:002011-12-02T13:27:57.450+00:00Magic Eye Friday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://stereogrammes.org/d/1936-3/head.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://stereogrammes.org/d/1936-3/head.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">I was browsing the net for a decent Magic Eye picture and for some reason I really struggled to see the hidden 3D images. Usually I just look and 'bam' there it is. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">I'm now a little bit nervous I'm losing my special Magic Eye powers...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">I have an interview with author Jennifer Snyder on my blog on Monday. Until then... xx</span></span></div>Amanda Leigh Cowleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14473578405020011393noreply@blogger.com3