When You Miss Home

Yes, I know I wasn't born in Las Vegas. But it was the closest feel of a "home" I have ever been. and I have lived in, now, 12, places. No place felt more like home than Las Vegas. 

I have amazing friends all over. But in Vegas I had my NaNo Family, Blogging Family, some amazingly talented artist friends and I was able to go to events, shows, premiers and more. 

I have been talking to a few of my Vegas friends and luckily, I am not along. Many would never leave Vegas and some have left and gone back. I hope, someday, I am one of those that left and will go back! 

I am hoping to go for my birthday, but that probably will not happen. I was invited to a blogger event in January and, sadly, that will also not happen. I have made it the plan to not go too long without going back. 

I see so many people who have just visited, most who have not even gone off the strip, who don't like it there. It's too bad they never experienced the "REAL" Las Vegas. 

I have really been in an "I miss home" funk lately. I am just happy I have a few people who understand and who I can talk to about it! 

November Is Nearing It's End!

I just sent off a few interviews for some amazing authors this morning. I can't wait to get them back and share them with you guys!

Also, thank you for your support during NaNo. Even though I haven't written anything since the 2nd week of November, I have a good feeling I may continue this story down the road. But first, I will work on Xander, my main focus. 

Love you all! 

Becka 

Author Interview:Taylor W. Law

I had the honor of interviewing author Taylor W. Law, on his release of his very first book, Return To Me. I had recently reviewed the book and wanted to give everyone more insight into the mind of this very talented author.

Enjoy! And thank you Taylor, for letting me conduct this interview! 

How old were you when you first became interested in writing?

I developed an interest in writing when I was ten. It was a natural thing for me. I remember I was always the first one to finish an essay in class.

Who are your target readers?

I didn’t really think about that while writing, but I would have to say people like my protagonist, Jill.

How long did it take for you to write Return to Me?

It took me almost a year to finish the book. It shouldn’t have taken that long, but I had other projects going on, so I had to put the writing on hold after only finishing a few chapters. Looking back, I think it actually helped a lot because I was given the chance to revisit my work with a fresh eye. 

What was the inspiration for this book?

The story was inspired by some very special people I met during my time in a small town in North Carolina. I think it is a beautiful place to fall in love. Writing the book gave me a chance to relive the dream I was once in. Now that I have put all these wonderful moments into words, it makes it easier for me to revisit my past.

Are there any plans to continue Jill’s story?

Right now, I can’t say one way or another. I would encourage readers go to www.TaylorWLaw.com to sign up for my mailing list to find out. Something fun is actually brewing in the kitchen, but I can’t share what it is yet.

Did the story pan out the way you planned, or did the characters take another direction?

Since the story was inspired by a series of true events, the story was pretty much planned. I just had to make some changes to make it into a novel.

Would you like to see your book come alive on the big screen?

I wrote the story as if I’m writing a treatment for a screenplay. You cannot take the TV guy out of me, so the answer is yes.

If so, who would be your dream cast?

I have a couple people in my mind, but I’m very interested to know what the readers think. Who do you think should play Jill Edwards? Let me know! 

Twitter or Instagram @TaylorWLaw 

www.Facebook.com/TaylorWLaw

What are your favorite genres?

For personal enjoyment: suspense

Who are some of your favorite authors?

I don’t really have a favorite author. I’m currently reading a book by Seth Godin.

Did you ever think you would become a published author?

For the longest time, I thought if I was ever going to write a book, it would be non-fiction. I also didn’t think it would happen this soon in my life. So it all surprised me.

If you had any writer’s block, how did you work around it?

I map out all the possibilities a character would do within a scene, and then pick the most interesting one and expand the story from there.

What do you want your readers to take away, from their trip to Faithville?

It is never too late to find love. Even when things don’t go our way or how we planned, we have to stay hopeful. You just have to keep believing. 

Any other thoughts or words of wisdom you would like to pass on?

I don’t think I’m qualified to offer any words of wisdom. But I feel like many people around me wanted to love or to be loved, yet didn't have the courage to do so. Life is too short; sometimes you just got to make the move. If you are one of the lucky ones that have found love, you should always remember to cherish your partner.

Flashback: Twitter Interview: Brian McGreevy

An interview I did on Twitter in 2014 with my friend and Author, Brian McGreevy. I am hoping I get another chance very soon to interview him again!

My Book Was Reviewed!

Thank you Hannah at Little Letters Lost

Review of Life Changes: The Short Story of My Long Life

Yup, it's book review time again.  Halloween, and so time for a bit of a Halloween-y tale.

I got an author request to review "Life Changes: The Short Story of My Long Life" by R L Marsch.  I read an online copy, and more information on the book can be found here:

http://www.amazon.com/Life-Changes-Short-Story-Long/dp/1503186253/

Please spread this post around to spread awareness about this cool story!

Now, onto my review.

(The story's cover.)

-

Firstly, I have to say, I really enjoyed the storytelling format of this story.  It's written like a true autobiography, with a bit of a folk tale-ish nature.  Very straightforward, but still with mystery in it. It sets things up nicely and the tone is enjoyable, showing the progression of the main character and others smoothly.

Speaking of which, the characters are another really enjoyable part of this story.  They're very interesting, different from the norm, and draw you in to caring about them from the start.  They play right into the world, including the setting and the supernatural elements.  Overall, the characters and their voices are one of the strongest parts of the story.

Another strong part is the characters relationships.  Instead of a focus on the romance as is in so many paranormal romances, we see a strong and unique sibling relationship brought into the spotlight from the very start.  We see other family relationships and platonic ones as well.  Yes, there is romance, but it's not quite in the same way as many books in the same genre, which is a refreshing change.

The only issue I really found with the story -- and a minor one at that -- was that in the copy I read, the conventions, spelling, grammar, etc., were not all fixed up; I don't know about the Amazon copy, however.

Back to the strong points, though: in addition to very enjoyable characters and relationships, the setting is also very clear, vividly described and easy to picture, wherever the story takes us.  There's a strong sense of it in the characters, in the "props" of the story, and in the language itself.  It's also a different setting than a lot of people read stories in for parts of the story, which is a nice change, and lets you immerse yourself in another culture and time while you read.

The fantasy elements that are introduced to us in this vivid world are also a nice change.  There are unique twists to them; this leads to a unique storyline.  Throw in the strong world-building, and character and relationship development, along with the storytelling format, and you've got yourself a very pleasantly non-typical story.

Don't worry about it being too much, however; this story is a very quick and easy read.  Not that it's light -- but it goes by quickly and isn't too difficult to understand, in the best way.

If this is your type of story, take a look at "Life Changes: The Short Story of My Long Life"!

Author Interview From My Book Place

Check out My Book Place

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
That’s a loaded question. I wrote a few when I was younger. But those, sadly, are long gone. I am sure I could have made more of them. The one I finally self published on Amazon was a short story. Only 20,000 words and 10 chapters. I am currently working on 2 others. Someday, they will be finished.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My very latest book has a working title of I Will Wait For You. It was inspired by a character/story line that I have been working on since 2012. It will be my first non fantasy/paranormal novel.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have to have a notebook, pens and some kind of snack and drink while writing. Or, if I am with a writing group, I prefer Mountain Dew. Which is weird, because I really don’t like it.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have a few author friends that have inspired me. Deb Dorchak and Wendi Kelly, who wrote The Bonds Of Blood And Spirit 4 book series was a major influence.

What are you working on now?
Two novels. One entitled Xander and the other I mentioned above. Two very different genres.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook, Twitter and other social media. I also rely on a few friends that are at the ready and willing to help me promote my writing.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Start slow, just write. Don’t worry about mistakes, spelling, etc… its just a first draft. It’s not supposed to be perfect. It will get there.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The same advice I gave above.

What are you reading now?
I am reading way too many books. My current favorite series is Deadly Angels by Sandra Hill.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To finish my novels and get them published. I just want people to like what I write. That is what will make me happy. Just being able to touch people with my writing.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Little Women. And a non classic, Hemlock Grove.

Xander's Story Chapter 1

For those that have asked, there may be a story written in the point of view of Regan, you will have to follow my partner in writing crime, Lisa Owen. In the meantime, know that there has been a WIP of Xander's point of view for some time. It currently has a word count of almost 8000 (Eliza's is 20,130) and 14 chapters. (Eliza has 10) 

So here is the first chapter of Xander...when his story will be available, one never knows wink emoticon

Growing up, my mother would tell me of a very special family that moved to Stockholm from Romania when she was a young girl of around three years of age. A mother, Amelia and her young seven year old daughter, Eliza. According to my grandmother Elsa, Eliza was a very bright young girl who had a passion for writing. Grandmother was her school teacher and told me of a writing journal Eliza kept, that she gave to my grandmother before she moved from Stockholm after her mother had passed. Amelia had passed when Eliza was twenty one. After that she left our village to journey back to her home in Romania. My mother, Brianna, was sixteen when Eliza left. My mother told me she was very sad to see her go but had hopes that she would see her again. Eliza looked after my mother when she was young and they grew very close. Mother told me Eliza was the one to teach her to read and to love books. Eventually, my mother also kept a journal. I still have her journals. After my mother and grandmother had passed and Eliza had not come back, I assumed I would never get to meet this amazing young girl they both loved.
Brianna Bielvenstram was older than most women were then they had their first child. She had me at the age of twenty nine. I know nothing of my father, except he was not an honest or faithful man and he was barely home nor spent any time with his family. I never learned the things I should have from my father such as hunting. Luckily, the men in our village adopted me and taught me everything I needed to know. Even to this day, I am unsure of why she stayed with him. Though I am much like him, I am trying to be a better man. The last thing I remember about him is he has been gone from around my thirteenth birthday to almost my fourteenth. Many months after he had come back, at the age of forty three, my mother gave birth to my only sibling, my brother Liam. Father had left right before he was born. Mother had died as my grandmother brought Liam into the world. I never saw my father again and I am glad I never did.
I, like my mother, never thought about love. I was much older than most when I found my first love. I was too busy helping my grandmother raise my brother, being a father to him because ours was not there. My grandmother, though she still taught until she just couldn’t anymore, was reaching an age where most of the women in our village passed on. At the age of twenty four I knew she would not be with us much longer and her declining health did not make this realization any easier. My brother being only ten years of age, still needed to learn so much and I was soon to be his only family. Our grandmother passed shortly before my thirtieth birthday, right after Liam had turned sixteen. At the age of seventy seven, our grandmother was the oldest woman in our village at the time. I remember some of her last words to me as if she spoke them to me today: “Xander, I will be with your mother soon. She would be so proud of you and Liam. I want you to be happy. I know you have an eye for the new girl that moved to the village,” I did, “she would make a beautiful bride and a wonderful mother.” Grandmother passed shortly after, with my brother and I at her side. Britta did make a beautiful bride and I loved her with everything I had in me.
I met my true love at the age of thirty. It was obvious that my grandmother liked her, which may have made me fall in love with her even more. Because I dedicated many years to raising my brother, I was considered very old and the people of my village wondered if I would ever marry. Britta, at the age of twenty, moved to our village about a month before my thirtieth birthday. She had lived about a hundred miles from my village before coming here. All of the single men in our village fell instantly for her. But I was the lucky one that she could not keep her eyes off of.
I remember the day she moved into our village. I had just come back from hunting with some of the men in the village. Her and her parents were in the town square. She was the most beautiful woman I had ever laid eyes on. Golden blond hair in loose curls down the middle of her back. Blue eyes that sparkled as the sun hit them. And a smile that lit up the whole country. I knew from the the moment I saw her, that I must make her my wife.

Almost one month

It's been almost one month since we got to Tennessee via Las Vegas. The first thing I have to say is, I miss my Vegas bloggers and NaNo family. The most amazing group of people I have ever had the pleasure to meet. Of course, I am still in the Vegas blogging and NaNo groups, but it will never be the same.

So far, we like it here. It took forever to get my oldest in school. For some reason, the schools seem to always run into road blocks with him. But luckily he is there and I am in Starbucks, blogging and writing.

I am lucky to have 2 established friends here. One from back in the day, from middle and high school. She even stopped by unexpectedly after we had gotten here. Another, one I met through one of the pages I run. It's funny, how you can click/connect with someone you never met before. And once you do meet them, it's like you have been friends for centuries.

The book I had published on Amazon has had almost 100 downloads now. I should have put that out much sooner. So far the reviews have been great. I always welcome constructive criticism, which I have yet to receive. Soon, I'm sure.

I hope this is our last big move. Though, I would not complain if my husband ever got transferred back to the West Coast. I miss my palm trees, hot weather, being close to the ocean and In N Out, to name a few.

Soon, I will be doing another year of NaNo. I already have my idea set and even started. It was something that came to me suddenly, last November. It will be my first non paranormal work. I hope it turns out well! I also have to finish Xander. His book isn't even halfway complete at 44K words. I need to make up the 6K words I somehow lost last time my macbook crashed.

Return To Me: A Book Review

It's been a while since I have done a book review. And I needed to do one for this book!

Return to me is very different from my usual reads. My normal genre is Paranormal Romance but once in a while, a book comes along that just pulls me in from the very first sentence.

Jill Edwards lives in a very rural town in North Carolina called Faithville. A small college town where everyone knows you and everyone knows what you are doing. Jill lived across from what was, for many years, a girls dorm. When boys start moving in the semester, Jill knows it will be different.

Jill''s life changed the second Sean showed up on her doorstep with a mis-delivered package.

Within the time frame of the book we go through Jill's love, loss and self discovery. From her first meeting with Sean to a spontaneous trip to New York City, the first time she has really ever been out of her little small town, to tragic loss, friendship and more. Its an emotional roller coaster that will make you wishing for more.

Take a small trip with Jill today and visit these links

Like him on Facebook Page

Get the book on Amazon

Visit his Website

And follow him on Twitter

Return To Me

It's been a while since I have done a book review. And I needed to do one for this book!

Return to me is very different from my usual reads. My normal genre is Paranormal Romance but once in a while, a book comes along that just pulls me in from the very first sentence.

Jill Edwards lives in a very rural town in North Carolina called Faithville. A small college town where everyone knows you and everyone knows what you are doing. Jill lived across from what was, for many years, a girls dorm. When boys start moving in the semester, Jill knows it will be different.

Jill''s life changed the second Sean showed up on her doorstep with a mis-delivered package.

Within the time frame of the book we go through Jill's love, loss and self discovery. From her first meeting with Sean to a spontaneous trip to New York City, the first time she has really ever been out of her little small town, to tragic loss, friendship and more. Its an emotional roller coaster that will make you wishing for more.

Take a small trip with Jill today and visit these links

Like him on Facebook Page

Get the book on Amazon

Visit his Website

And follow him on Twitter

Blog Action Day 2015: Raise Your Voice

I almost forgot about Blog Action Day this year. With moving across the country and other distractions. I happened to see a post about it and remembered how I loved doing this in past years. Since this particular blog is fairly new, I decided it would be a great thing to participate in. 

I absolutely love the idea of #RaiseYourVoice. There are so many out there that need us to speak for them, because they can not speak for themselves. 

In 2012, I discovered an organization call ISF: The Ian Somerhalder Foundation. Strangely, I found the organization before I even knew WHO Ian was or what his show, The Vampire Diaries was about. It was after I found him that I started watching the show. 

In the last 2 years, I have seen hundreds, if not thousands, of people come up with ways to help their world, one community at a time. By acting globally and thinking locally, they are finding new ways to help animals and the environment. 

The goal of Ian's foundation is to build animal sanctuaries all over the world, but first right in his own back yard. The firs sanctuary to be built will be in St. Tammany Parish in Louisiana. Ian great up in that area, so it is very special to him, to have this land for his dreams of the future. 

ISF has brought attention to the way the world treats animals. From dog meat festivals to puppy mills to poaching and the Ivory Trade. We need to eliminate those threats to our innocent voiceless animals, so that our future generations can enjoy our almost extinct species, for years, decades and centuries to come. 

My dream is to see animals and people co existing as best they can, without humans using animals for their entertainment purposes. This includes zoos (some do help, but many do not), circuses, place like Sea World and other ways that we capture and harm these beautiful living creatures. 

As I once heard, eliminating just one species can throw off the entire food chain. That is a scary thought. Let's start with our own communities. If even 1 person spoke loud enough, we could all make a difference. 

I think this sums it up well

For The Love Of Bajen!

People, usually from Sweden, ask me why I love Hammarby so much. Well, I have always loved soccer. Watched it, played it, my kids played it, my daughter still wants to play...and I have coached it. I love some US teams: LA Galaxy, D.C. United and, because I am a good, supportive friend, Sporting Kansas City. I also cheer on Arsenal. Seems 2 of my teams have something in common...can you figure which ones and what?

I came to watch/listen to my first Hammarby game about 3 years ago, or there about. It was then that I fell in love with the boys in green. They, like my other teams, always work as one unit, they are a family. They are just an amazing team in every way. When they made their Premier League in 2014, I cheered, I cried and I was ecstatic that all their hard work finally paid off, after so many years out of the league.

And now they will be right where they belong next season as well. It's great to see them get what they deserve!

About a year ago, I created the page Hammarby Fans...a page for all to come and talk all things Hammarby. Though, currently, there isn't much talking. I am hoping the page will gain popularity over time.

In 5 days, Hammarby takes on Helsingborgs IF. One of 3 remaining games. As we say in the world of Hammarby... FORZA BAJEN! Good luck guys, I know you will do great things!

Top 10 Must Read Vampire Romance Series. Ever.

Name: 

Email: 

Original Source: Love Vampire Novels 

We all love paranormal novels – especially those that come in series! The more to read, the better after all. Especially when it comes to steamy, immersing vampire romance!

We asked our fans to give us their top picks when it comes to fanged romance. Here are the results! Some of these may just surprise you.  #7 really blew our minds.

#10: Love At Stake Series By  Kerrelyn Sparks

Fun, super-romantic, with twists of danger and great humor.  In a few words: Pure vampire and shifter candy!

Vampires and shifters work side by side to protect Roman Draganesti, a vampire super genius who has spent his time dedicated to making the other vampires happy without having to drink blood directly from humans.  There are many great scenes where “in the closet” vampires fall for humans.  A fantastic series to read.

#9: Southern Vampire Mysteries By Charlaine Harris

Eric.  Nuff said.  He goes from Southern sweet to bad-ass hungry vampire, and is always sexy along the way.  TV’s True Blood is based on this amazing series.

The story is told from the perspective of Sookie Sackhouse, a waitress and telepath living in Bon Temps, Louisiana.  In the book’s universe, the public is well aware of vampires and has been for a few years.  As the story unfolds, more and more supernatural creatures pop into the public eye.  The mega-hot romance between Sookie and Eric is fantastic.  This is a must read series for anyone who loves the genre.

#8: Argeneau Vampire By Lynsay Sands

Very romantic.  Very funny.  Very manly.  This series is packed with page turners and contains well over twenty books!

In A Quick Bite, humans are turned into vampires via nano-technology from the time of Atlantis.  While Turning gives vampires the ability to heal quickly and live for hundreds of years, it does so at the cost of needing blood to survive.  The romance stems from the fact that vamps are only allowed to turn one person – their mate.  Finding this perfect love can take decades, sometimes centuries.  You’ll love the romance, the humor and especially the reveal as the lucky ladies finally discover the truth about these mysterious men!

#7: Veiled Series By Victoria Knight

An exhilarating thriller, this series of six books takes place in a small town in Massachusetts. Action, suspense, and intoxicating romance make this books difficult to put down!

Nikki Gilmore’s 20th birthday is a bit of an event: Not only does she discover that the attractive town recluse, Saul Benton, is a thousand-year-old vampire, but she gets sucked into his other-worldy drama! As the relationship between her and Saul progresses, Nikki finds herself in the middle of an age old battle between vampires, vampire-shifters, and immortals.

Mysteries, plot twists, steamy scenes and larger than life battles makes this series stand out from your typical vampire romances. A page turner, this series came highly recommended from our readers.

#6: Anita Blake Series By Laurell K. Hamilton

The tiny hard-ass known as Anita Blake is loved and lusted after by only the sexiest of the paranormals. On top of being super-tough, Anita has the power to control the dead.  Caught in a dangerous love triangle between Jean-Claude (a vampire) and Richard (a werewolf), Anita and her beaus try to make their strange relationship work.

Sometimes it does… and sometimes it definitely doesn’t. LOTS of love/sex.  Very hot.  Oh yes.  This is very hot.

#5: A Shade Of Vampire By Bella Forrest

On the evening of Sofia Claremont’s seventeenth birthday, she is sucked into a nightmare from which she cannot wake.

A quiet evening walk along a beach brings her face to face with a dangerous pale creature that craves much more than her blood. Sofia is kidnapped and taken to an island where the sun is eternally forbidden to shine. An island uncharted by any map and ruled by the most powerful vampire coven on the planet. She wakes there as a slave, a captive in chains.

The entire, award winning series is told from different perspectives and as of this minute contains 17 books with more on the way soon!

#4: Vampire Academy By Richelle Mead

Now a very popular movie, the novels nonetheless describe the world of Vampire Academy better and take the story much further than the live adaptation (don’t they always?). In this world we see a large society of vampires protected by beings that are half-human, half vampires.  The Academy is where the society’s young go to grow in their respective roles.  The entire series is packed with action and (as you might expect) some solid romantic angst along with pretty risqué situations for being technically YA.  Between the nonstop attacks from “True” vampires who want to take over and ever expanding love interests, this series is a major page turner from start to finish.  This series contains six books.

#3: Midnight Breed Series By Lara Adrian

Midnight Breed features a group of hot male vampire warriors who protect their species as well as all us humans from pure evil. Lots of alpha-infused testosterone gives the story a nice “brotherly” feel as the vampires try as hard as they can to resist any real romance.  But as all great vampire males need a mate, each character is inevitably drawn to “specially marked,” gifted human females who are reserved just for the Breed.

As you might guess, these women have absolutely no clue how special they are and that tends to lead to some hot ‘n steamy trouble 😉

#2: Night Huntress Series By Jeaniene Frost

What do government cover-ups, half-human half-vampire hybrids, vampire wars, ghosts, zombies and fantastic non-stop action have in common?  A freaking great series, that’s what!  Cat, the half Human half Vamp, really hates vampires and spends quite a bit of time killing them.  Then she meets this super-hot guy named Bones who rocks her world on what vampires really are.  The series is chock-full of humor, heartbreak, steamy fun-times and a great deal of truly great back-and-forth between the main characters. You don’t want to miss this one.

Currently, there are seven books in the Night Huntress series as well as a twelve book collection based in the universe.  AKA spinnoffs.

#1 With A Bullet: Black Dagger Brotherhood By J.R. Ward

Shocking 😉 This series is hands-down the favorite obsession of every fan we spoke to.  BDB is a series almost everyone reads over and over and over.  It’s about Warrior vampires protecting us humans from an evil race of soul-less ex-humans.  Each Brother has a unique backstory and personal demons to take care of, which makes the stories that much better.  Currently there are thirteen books in the series, with a fourteenth on the way.  While that sounds like a lot, beware… once you start reading, you’ll end up ripping through them pretty fast.