BaSatai - Suzan Battah

BaSatai: Outside In - Suzan Battah 

About the book:

Seventeen year old, Armani Radnelaq a full blooded BaSatai is plagued by a curse in her blood. A curse created from hate and designed to break the divide between two parallel worlds of Earth and H-trae when Armani's blood is spilled in attack and she dies.

S'teuqoubs have been travelling back and forth across the divide for centuries without trouble. The BaSatai and Guardians monitoring activity and enforcing rules to ensure peace and harmony but if the divide splits and opens, a much greater number of supernatural S’teuqoubs will filter into earth destroying equilibrium which the BaSatai and Guardians will be unable to control. Humanity and the BaSatai will suffer and perish. The parallel divide must remain secure at all costs.

Armani has remained hidden on earth with her adopted father Elijah since her birth. She has been raised in the human way and fights her natural instinct to evolve into a BaSatai. The BaSatai in her requires her to evolve and shift, use her powers and strength. Yet Armani is freaked out by the need to shift. She smokes, has a bad attitude, must deal with aggressive bullies and control her natural BaSatai instinct. Her Guardian with BaSatai Warriors are coming for her. She refuses to accept her fate and doesn't believe any BaSatai should die to protect her.

The blood curse maturing in her veins makes her a target for her enemies. Her Guardian Karhl and an elite BasSatai Warrior Rafael are the first to arrive and prepare her for her crossing over. Her attraction to Rafael complicates her purpose to stay on earth even more. They both insist she fall into line and follow their lead but she is not ready to leave earth just yet...

5/5

My Review:

First of all i was hooked on this book from the very start, reading my way through it and not wanting to put it down. With an amazing story-line and even better characters there is something for everyone to take away from this book. I loved Armani with her self doubt and struggles at coming to terms with who she is and what she is expected to do, her interaction with Karhl as the relationship forms between them is well written and believable. With Rafael wanting to get closer to her it builds tension between the three main players, but this only adds to the story-line and makes you want to read on and find out more. What will happen in the growing bonds between them, will Armani come to terms with who and what she is and will they ever manage to deal with what is happening around them. Overall i loved the tangled web that Suzan has weaved for her characters, bringing not only the story to life but the whole world is written in such a way you really want to be there and experience it for yourself. I would recommend this book firstly to Paranormal readers and young adults, but i feel that anyone who want's to try something new or just wants an excellent read should go and check out this book and others by this author. 

Road to Hell Series- Gracen Miller -Blog Tour

Please welcome Pheonix (Nix) to Madsheep Reading, give him a big cheer as he gives us an interview.

How do you feel about your family now that you’re an adult?

Nix: They’re my best friends and they watch my back. We keep each other safe and I know I can count on them above anyone else. If something happened to them…*expression darkens*

If you were granted three wishes, what would you ask for?

Nix: Wish one…I’d want Mads—that’s my nickname for Madison just in case someone doesn’t know—to have the normal life she desires. Wish two…I’d want all monsters eradicated from the earth. Wish three…I’d ask that Aunt Georgie receive whatever it is she wants most.

Which living person do you most admire?

Nix: If you’d asked me that a year ago, I’d have said James or Gage. But after surviving Hell with Mads, knowing all she’s gone through and she still managed to resist temptation…I’d have to say Mads. Never met a stronger person in my life or one more determined to defy fate.

When you walk into a room, what do you notice first? Second?

Nix: The layout and exits of the room. *sheepish grin and offers a shrug* Sounds kind of Jason Bourne, but it’s much more complicated than that. Getting hemmed in by a paranormal monster can mean life or death, and not for just me, but those present. Second thing I notice are the hot chicks. Well, before Mads anyway.

What three things would you take to a Desert Island?

Nix: Mads, Amos and the necessary supplies to survive.

How do you fall in love? At first sight? Over a long period?

Nix: Not at first sight, although I was attracted to Madison from the get-go. *runs fingers along his jaw, stubble making a rasping sound* Who wouldn’t be, she’s hot. But, right off I knew there was more to her than looks. Not just smart, but feisty and I have a soft spot for feisty women. *face softens* I really fell hard for her the night she fought against her husband. God, the woman’s got gumption.

Is one sense more highly developed than another? (Are you more visual, or audial, etc., or do you rely on the famous sixth sense?)

Nix: I can tell if someone is lying to me. I call it lie-radar. *chuckles* It’s more like a sixth sense though because there’s not one thing I can pinpoint that tells me when someone lies.

What do you wish your special talent was?

Nix: Killing monsters with my mind. *flashes mischievous grin* A bit sci-fi-ish, but cool, too, like having super powers!

What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done? Why?

Nix: This question’s going to hurt. *runs palm down his face* I fell in Hell and became one of the monsters I despised and had dedicated my life to eradicating. I’m not proud of what I became or the atrocities I committed with Micah. Neither can I change them. All I can do is try and make up for them.

What is your favorite occupation?

Nix: Sherlocking. *crosses ankle over knee* It’s all I’ve ever known and I cannot imagine being holed up in an office all day. *shudders*

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

Nix: Mads.

What is your greatest fear?

Nix: *fingers clench into a fist* Losing Mads to Micah. 

Gracen's bio:

Gettin' to Know Mamma Hellhound

Gracen Miller is a hopeless daydreamer masquerading as a "normal" person in southern society. When not writing, she's a full-time football/basketball/guitar mom for her two sons and a devoted wife to her real-life hero-husband. She's addicted to writing, paranormal romance novels and movies, Alabama football and coffee…addictions are not necessarily in order of priority. She is convinced coffee is nectar from the gods and blending coffee and writing together generates the perfect creative merger. Many of her creative worlds are spawned from coffee highs. To learn more about Gracen or to leave her a comment, visit her website at www.gracenmiller.com. 

Gracen's books-

Madison's Life Lessons :

Amazon kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Madisons-Life-Lessons-Road-ebook/dp/B0067DC1UG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1337227572&sr=8-1

Amazon paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Madisons-Life-Lessons-Prequel-Series/dp/1467954799/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1337227720&sr=8-3

Barnes and Noble Nook book: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/madisons-life-lessons-gracen-miller/1107759503?ean=2940032865650

Pandora's Box:

Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Pandoras-Road-Hell-Series-ebook/dp/B005HRSZRG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1337228571&sr=8-2

Amazon paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Pandoras-Box-Gracen-Miller/dp/1613331576/ref=tmm_pap_title_0

Barnes and Noble Nook book: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pandoras-box-gracen-miller/1105010763?ean=2940011467097

Barnes and Noble paperback: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pandoras-box-gracen-miller/1032773730?ean=9781613331576

Hell's Phoenix:

Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Hells-Phoenix-Road-Hell-ebook/dp/B0079RD82Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1337229194&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble Nook book: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hells-phoenix-gracen-miller/1108905173?ean=2940033057610

From Decadent Publishing:

Pandora's Box ebook: http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=82&products_id=326&osCsid=6c1232251c1e45744bd0b3ee7262f414

Pandora's Box paperback: http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=82&products_id=426&osCsid=6c1232251c1e45744bd0b3ee7262f414

Hell's Phoenix ebook: http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=82&products_id=474&osCsid=6c1232251c1e45744bd0b3ee7262f414

Where to stalk Gracen:

The Road to Hell series on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Road-to-Hell-series/112564408814796

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/gracen.miller

Twitter: http://twitter.com/GracenMiller

Gracen's website: http://www.gracenmiller.com/

Gracen's blog: http://madisonroadtohell.blogspot.com/?m=0

Para-Posse's blog: http://paraposse.blogspot.com/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1378521.Gracen_Miller

Links to books on goodreads:

MLL's: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13059556-madison-s-life-lessons

Pandora's Box: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12394732-pandora-s-box

Hell's Phoenix: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12891034-hell-s-phoenix

Fairy Casanova: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11327914-fairy-casanova

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Past Undone - Viviane Brentanos

Past Undone - Viviane Brentanos

About the book:

At nearly twenty-one, Sofie Jameson is a little tired of paying the price for her director father’s caped crusader routine. She wouldn’t mind so much but the bodyguards he periodically hires to protect her possess as much charm and wit as gulag guard.
Nik Lloyd is no exception. Mr. Lloyd has one simple set of rules: do as I say and don’t speak unless spoken to. Sofie wants to hate him on sight but it’s a little difficult when every time she looks at him, her feet leave the ground and she spins on an emotional roller coaster. Hidden away together in his beautiful Greek island home, Sofie soon realizes Mr. Lloyd is an ‘international man of mystery,’ and a man, if his housekeeper is to be believed, who is hiding dark secrets. The housekeeper claims he is a tortured soul. The livid scar on his back convinces Sofie she may be right. Who does he cry for at night? And just who is the mysterious young girl, Bella, who turns up out of nowhere, latching on to Sofie with all the tenacity of a limpet?

5/5

My Review:

Sitting down to read this book i will admit i haven't read this genre in a while, but boy did this blow me away. The whole story-line was really well written with characters that you both loved and hated. Going through the book feeling every emotion along with them the feelings of love, dis pare, hatred and everything in between pull you along and immerse you within it's pages. Sofie is the type of female i love feisty, intelligent, yet has an undercurrent of insecurity and love that she hides behind her brick wall that she builds to keep herself safe. But oh when it starts to tumble she falls hard and fast. Nik is the most loveable lead male in this book although suffering with his own inner emotional toil, he too gets a kick when he meets Sofie and that's where their battle of wills start. The story-line itself is gripping and captivating, with a great flow and ease to it, leaving the reader in no doubt as to what is happening and how everyone is feeling. All credit to the author,  she has done a great job of making this book such an enjoyable read. I would recommend anyone who loves a good story , and a gripping loveable read with romance and emotion throughout to pick up this book and read it. 

Poe's Mother- Michael Meeske - Blog tour

Please Welcome Michael to Madsheep Reading, show him some love as we interview him.




1. 5 words to perfectly describe you.


This is a tough one because we change throughout the years, but if I had to pick: compassionate, adaptable, organized, creative and Romantic (in the 19^th Century sense of the word).

2. Any shout outs to people who have helped you along the way?


James Gunn, my creative writing professor at the University of Kansas. Sometimes, I’ve wanted to curse him for what he stirred up within me, but he opened the door to Oz. The journey has been fraught with difficulty – more than I would have ever imagined. But when I see a review from a new reader who loves my work, the hardships melt. It makes it all worthwhile.

3. Give us a sample of your work.


Here’s a snippet from Poe’s Mother. Setting the scene: Madeline and Edgar are in the greenhouse tending the poppies. Madeline is thinking about Sissy Baxter, who has come to visit their home.

Edgar was pensive as he watered the plants and tended to their needs. I wondered if he could read my thoughts. Had he been able to, my dear thoughtful Edgar would have heard: “Sissy, your education is only beginning. Oh, what you will learn! How I envy you – as the master envies the novice. Through the novice the master lives again.”

            Edgar. My dear lovely, Edgar. My dear silent, Edgar.

            He stopped his watering and studied me, much as the portraitist absorbs the personality of the sitter. If he could read my mind, I could not read his. He walked to the bowl of raw opium and swiped his finger on the rim. He withdrew his finger and rolled his tongue around it. Tasting the opiate, he managed a gentle smile and went back to his work.

4. How do you build your character world?


I pretty much see the novel before I start writing. That doesn’t mean I know everything that’s going to happen or every detail. I’m a panster who has a decent scene outline in my head before I start. Upon revision, I start to fill in the world in greater detail.

5. Favorite character you have written and why.


That’s a tough one, too. I have a favorite per book, usually my protagonist. I love Madeline in Poe’s Mother because she is so sublimely evil. Yet, I hope I’ve also given her enough sympathetic qualities that the reader doesn’t see her as a cartoon figure. I genuinely feel sorry for her, as despicable as she is.

6. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?


Every writer would love to write full time, but with the changes publishing is experiencing, it’s hard to say where any career will be in five years. For now, I would say I’ll be happy to be healthy, writing new books, finding new readers and earning money from my fiction.

7. Will you ever stop creating art? and have you ever had a moment that you felt like quiting and why?


Of course, I’ve felt like quitting. We all do. However, if you are a writer, you pick up the shattered pieces and get back to work. Give yourself the pity party, let the anger and depression out and then start again with the work. The work is what keeps you sane, if you’re a writer. The true writer realizes that it’s more than money or fame that keeps the words flowing. Something drives us. No, I won’t stop, although I’ve been tempted several times. Every time that thought comes up, I honestly think I might as well sit back in my easy chair and wait for death to come.

8. Do you think that the future is ebook or print?


Both, with an emphasis on e-book. It is the publishing wave that will carry us into the future. I love paper books, but I also love e-books. Paper will continue, but only for certain work. My e-reader was a revelation to me, much like digital music was to vinyl. Technology will change the world’s reading and writing habits. Resistance is futile.

9. Where have you had the most success in selling your work?


Through Amazon without a doubt.  I know that authors love it or hate it, but it’s kept my dog in dogfood and that’s good enough for me.

10. Do you use video to promote your work? Do you think that giving people a visual helps with sales?


I have two video trailers on my website at www.michaelmeeske.com. One is for Poe’s Mother and the other is for Frankenstein’s Daemon. Everyone wants to know if they increase your sales, and I would say I really don’t know. Unless you have a click through sales button on your video, no one knows. What I do know is they are a blast to make, relatively inexpensive to do yourself (there’s lots of good advice out there) and they add value to your own website and your social media venues. I love them as part of the creative process and will continue to produce them.

Book:

 Poe’s Mother by Michael Meeske

Blurb:

1975. A 15-year-old young woman. A small, dusty town. A family that worships the great American author Edgar Allan Poe, and carries his surname.
Poe's Mother is a startling new novel of dark family secrets, the lure of the supernatural, the claustrophobic isolation of a dying town and a cautionary tale of the power of words.
This is the story of Sissy Baxter and her strange relationship with Edgar and Madeline Poe - two people who claim they love her. What Sissy discovers will change her life forever, and love will never be the same.
(This book is for mature readers.)

Author Bio:

Michael Meeske writes across genres, including romance, mystery, suspense, horror and gothic fiction, a genre that blends horror and romance, and has its roots in some of the earliest novels ever written. Poe’s Mother is his latest release available exclusively on Amazon. com. 

From 2008 to 2010, he served as Vice President of Florida Romance Writers (FRW). He has been a member of FRW and the Romance Writers of America since 2002. He also was an active member of the Writers’ Room of Boston, a non-profit working space for novelists, poets and playwrights.

Michael’s writing credits include Frankenstein’s Daemon, a sequel to Frankenstein, offered through Usher Books. He also is the co-author of His Weekend Proposal, a tender category romance published in August 2009 by The Wild Rose Press under the pen name of Alexa Grayson (soon to be published in Greece); Zombieville, a short story included in a 2011 anthology by FRW writers, available at Amazon.com, and Tears, a short-story published in the Fall 2000 issue of Space & Time, a magazine of fantasy and science fiction. Usher Books will publish additional works by Michael in 2012 and 2013.

Some of his influences are Edgar Allan Poe, H.P. Lovecraft, Shirley Jackson, Oscar Wilde, Daphne du Maurier, Richard Matheson, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and any work by the exquisite Brontë sisters. You can contact Michael at michaelmeeske@live.com.

Author Links:

FB:  http://www.facebook.com/michael.meeske?ref=tn_tnmn 

FB Fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Michael-Meeske/252387778133954

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/MichaelMeeske/followers 

Website: www.michaelmeeske.com 

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4575677.Michael_Meeske

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Poes-Mother-ebook/dp/B007TMQMG8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1336691920&sr=8-1

Trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6b-ldOvbgYw

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Kymberlee Burks Miller - Blog Tour

Please welcome Kymberlee, Lilyann, Dax and Mason to the blog today and give them a warm sheepy welcome 

Hi everyone! My name is Lilyann Moon, and *she clears her throat and points on either side of her* This is my boyfriend, Mason Shaw, and his brother Dax. We're part of the Moon Coven Series.

*Dax laughs, and saunters to the forefront*

Stop being so modest, little witch- you should tell them just how powerful you are. We're the stars, well Lily and I are stars, my little brother is just a lapdog.

*screaming from the author in the background*

Are you going to follow me everywhere, you Banshee author?

*Mason places himself in front of Lily*

Dax, you might want to back off! Lilyann and I will tear you to shreds, and Kymberlee will write you...powerless! *Mason chuckles*

*Lily clears her throat*

Cool it, boys! Why don't we tell the readers a little bit about our book series.

Compulsion, the first full length novel in the series is the beginning of "our" story. My family and I find out about our little secret after my grandmother is found dead.

*Dax whistles, smiling innocently*

*Mason continues*

And then the Moons' find out that my brothers *Mason gives Dax a dirty look* and sister, and I are vampires. But, we should probably leave it there, and not give anymore away so that you can read it.

*Lilyann speaks up again*

Thank you so much for joining us. And thank YOU Jenny for having us!

PS~ Please don't mind Dax...we don't, LOL!

Hey guys, I'm Kymberlee, author of the Moon Coven Series. I wanted to personally thank each of you for joining us on Jenny's blog! She has been a great supporter of this series and I from the beginning, not to mention...she's my right hand!

Love, Hugs, and Twitchy-Witchy Kisses

XOXO

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/Kymberlee1975

Website: http://kymberleeburksmiller.weebly.com/

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/587566577

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KymberleeBurksMillerAuthor

Blog: http://kymberlee-burks-miller.blogspot.com/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5029571.Kymberlee_Burks_Miller

Haunted Moon on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Haunted-Coven-Series-Novella-ebook/dp/B007SC0LFM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1338786780&sr=8-1

I Am Wolf - Joann H. Buchanan

I Am Wolf - Joann H. Buchanan

About the book:

Angel, hero, monster, devil--we all become what we really are. I Am Wolf --The journey of a boy about to become a man who inherits his ancestors gift and must learn the right way to use it. He falls in love with Alaynee and begins to feel like he is normal again. When their world is shattered by the kidnapping of Alaynee's little brother, Jonah breaks the cardinal rule of his gift and bites the kidnapper, creating a creature called the unnatural. This sends him and all his friends on an adventure across the states to a place in Tennessee. There they find not only must they stop the unnatural creature, but they must save Cara--the girl the creature is after. Jonah must ask himself the most important question of all, would you sacrifice yourself to save another?

4/5

My Review:

I really enjoyed reading this book, is i well paced and well written. With in depth characters that capture the heart, giving the reader depth and clarity yet still managing to pull you in and hold on to you making you want to read more. Jonah is such a complex loveable character right from the word go you know this is someone you want to find out more about, the way he deals with everything that happens in his life is believable and well written. His relationship with Alaynee is encouraging and heart felt, with all the twists and turns when everything goes bad, having this relationship growing and developing in the background the whole time is captivating. Cara well what can i say about her she is a loveable little girl, with a heart so pure that it brings joy to everyone around her. I loved the story-line with the twists and turns, following along with the characters and really being pulled into everything. I would recommend this book to paranormal lovers and those that just love a good story. Go get a copy and give it a read. 

News from Dead Mule Swamp - Joan H Young - Blog tour

Please welcome Joan to Madsheep Reading give her your best welcome as we interview her and find out all about her work.

1. Do you find that it is hard to get people excited about what you do?

My interests have almost always been a bit out of the mainstream, so I’m quite used to having difficulty getting most people excited about my outdoor writing. It’s been encouraging that when people see my multi-media programs they often catch my excitement and then will buy the book about my hikes. People tell me they are surprised that it is so interesting, and not just for hikers.

2. What is your opinion on people who post bad reviews?

My first full book was published in 2005, and is a collection of essays about hiking the North Country Trail. It’s called North Country Cache. It was reviewed by several outdoor writers, one of whom gave it a bad review. It hurt then, and it still hurts now. Not because he’s not entitled to his opinion, but it seemed as if he either didn’t read the book, or was not familiar with other books in the genre. That said, people are not all going to agree. I’m much more philosophical now, and try to examine whether there is a grain of truth in the criticism.

3. Are you an independent artist or are you represented by an agency?

All of my publications have been released independently. I knew that North Country Cache was not going to appeal to mainstream publishers. I was a middle-aged woman, hiking an unknown trail, slowly. Therefore, I self-published, and I’ve never regretted it. I found that I enjoy the details of the publishing process.

4. Have you made any mistakes along the way?

Despite having no regrets, there are a couple of things I should have done differently. I was overly optimistic about how many books I could sell.  To get a lower printing price, I made a large order. For a self-published niche book, it’s done well. I’ve sold over 1100 copies, and it still sells. However, I haven’t yet paid back the money I borrowed for the printing. Despite every effort to eliminate typos and other errors, there are plenty. It would have been better to print a shorter first run, and then issue a second edition with corrections.

5. Did your art come from just a need to express yourself or a particular experience that you had?

North Country Cache was based on a particular experience. However, I’ve always liked expressing myself through media, and enjoy being able to bring others into the experience with my words. Now that I’m writing more fiction, I write both to make people think, or just to give people something to enjoy. The Anastasia Raven mystery series is very light, purely recreational reading.

6. What is your opinion on Indie publishers versus Self publishing?

I’m independent, sometimes too much so. I looked at several self-publishing houses, but with North Country Cache, I had very specific ideas of what I wanted to do. I did not find a publisher who would let me create the book I desired. So, I registered my own publishing company. Once that was done, it just made sense to continue, and self-publish my own e-books.

7. Do you think that the future is ebook or print?

Print books are not going away, probably not ever. That said, I think recreational reading will be more and more digitally served. Some books just don’t work well digitally, picture books, or instructions with large diagrams for example. Some books people just like to physically own. However, for light reading, there is little value in having the paper copy. Digital books are perfect for recreation.

8.  Any shout outs to people who have helped you along the way?

With North Country Cache, I learned the value of listening to editors. Two friends edited the manuscript. Prior to that time, I arrogantly thought that my writing was too good to need an editor. Ha! Both of these patient people helped me read passages through other people’s brains, and showed me that even I make grammar mistakes and typos, and yet, we still emerged as friends.

Now that I’ve moved into fiction, the Accentuate Writer’s Forum, run by Michelle Devon has been a great source of encouragement and professional tips. I’ve also joined a local writers’ support group, the West Side Gang. They are always honest and encouraging.

Blurb for News From Dead Mule Swamp by Joan H. Young

Anastasia Raven is running from the pain of a failed marriage, and hopes to hide from the world in an old farmhouse she has purchased at the edge of Dead Mule Swamp. When a hundred-year-old newspaper she finds inside a wall is stolen by Cliff Sorenson, and then Cliff disappears, Ana is convinced that the paper holds the key to the mystery. But what old news could be important enough to put Cliff in danger?

Author Bio for Joan H. Young

Joan H. Young has been writing stories about the outdoors since the age of 7, when "The Adventures of Skippy the Field Mouse" made its debut. The work survives, but is best left in the box with crayon drawings of squirrels and pressed leaves.

"The Family Christmas," a seasonal poem made it as far as the local newspaper when she was 12, proving that the serious child was already harboring an evil sense of humor.

As an adult, Joan has made a career of proving that she can bumble through life without ever deciding what to be when she grows up. She began with a degree in Communication Arts with an emphasis on theater. Realizing that drama, for her, was like whiskey to an alcoholic, she left a possible career in stage management for a driven man and 10,000 teenagers. (What was she thinking?) A few years later the couple had legally adopted one of the teens, and two younger children, but were still feeding most of the stray 10,000 teenagers as well. No time there for writing anything except grocery lists, and a journal of the wild ride!

In 1986, still longing for a career in sciences, she went back to school, taking higher math and chemistry in hopes of being accepted into the University of Michigan graduate program. From 1992-1995 she lived in Ann Arbor, and did receive a Masters in Environmental Engineering, cleverly getting U of M to pay for it too! Meanwhile, the writing bug still squirmed, and Joan worked hard at collecting rejection slips from a nice series of reputable magazines and publishers. Also during this time slot she began hiking the North Country Trail (NCT), the longest foot path in the United States.

Now armed with an "advanced degree" she returned home and attempted to establish a reputation as a wetland specialist. Well, she was one, but she wasn't very good at marketing herself, and when offered a job as a web site manager, that became the next career. Essays about her hikes on the NCT demanded to be written, and friends urged her to publish.

In 2005, /North Country Cache/ made its debut for the 25th Anniversary of the North Country Trail. Since then, more and more of her time has been spent writing. If only more and more money came from that endeavor, it could be called a career!

Recently, she has begun writing more fiction, including several award-winning short stories soon to be published by Twin Trinity Media, and the Anastasia Raven mystery series.

Young has enjoyed the out-of-doors her entire life. Highlights of her outdoor adventures include Girl Scouting, which provided yearly training in camp skills, the opportunity to engage in a 10-day canoe trip, and numerous short backpacking excursions. She was selected to attend the 1965 Senior Scout Roundup in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, an international event to which 10,000 girls were invited. She has ridden a bicycle from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean in 1986, and on August 3, 2010 became the first woman to complete the North Country National Scenic Trail on foot. Her mileage totaled 4395 miles.

Buy Links

http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/sharkbytes
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B001K8UBU0

Paddy Plays In Dead Mule Swamp is tentatively scheduled to release June 1^st. So be prepared to plug that too. I will send info.

The Hollow Tree at Dead Mule Swamp is FREE on Smashwords and hopefully soon Amazon, we should plug that too. Here is the Smash Link, but I will update when it goes free on Amazon. http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/154647

Stalker Links

personal blog: http://myqualityday.blogspot.com
author blog: http://joanofshark.com
book website: http://www.booksleavingfootprints.com
FB: facebook.com/jhyshark
Twitter: sharkbytes
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2871176.Joan_H_Young

Amazon link

http://www.amazon.com/Time-For-Death-Baker-Book/dp/1105464717/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1335641338&sr=1-1

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Time for Death - Christie Silvers - Blog tour

Please welcome Christie Silvers to the blog today, and don't forget to give her a huge Madsheep Reading cheer.

A Day in the Life of Me

At the time of this writing my kids are still in school, with only days to go until summer break.  My writing schedule changes during the summer (nil to nada output), so I'll talk about my schedule during the school year.

The darn alarm clock goes, "na-na-na-na-na" at 5:30am.  *Yawn*  Yuck!  I'm so not a morning person...ever!  Get the kids up and make sure everyone stays awake.  Then I head out the door with three girls in tow at 6:45am.  I'm back home by 7:15am.

I spend the time between 7:15 and 9:00am tending to the dogs, chickens, breakfast, some housework, and even a dose of the Today show.  I also check in on Facebook, Twitter, respond to e-mails, and browse around some of my favorite websites.  And then it's time for work.

9:00 to 12:00pm I work on my current project.  Between bouts of written word happiness, the dogs will always want to go out for a potty break, the phone will ring and/or beep (usually it's my husband texting about something unimportant because he's bored at work), or someone will show up.  Some days it's a miracle I get any writing done at all.

From 12:00pm to 1:30pm I have lunch, do more housework, respond to more e-mails, and check in on Facebook.  I might even take the time to watch something from my extensive DVR list.  You just never know with wild and crazy me!

 

1:30pm to 3:30pm is occupied by school pickup time between three children.  At this point I have to go to two different schools, but in the fall I'll be stretched even thinner by having three children in three different schools.  Eek!

After 3:30pm it's all about homework, dinner, bath times, bed times, and then time spent with the hubby.  Somewhere between 11pm and midnight I'll head to bed.  Then we do it all over again.

Once school it out the writing schedule changes dramatically and my daily word count output is reduced to ashes.  I have to write something every single day, but in the summer it might be nothing more than a blog post, a few paragraphs for my next story, or a simple character outline for the next ruthless monster to attack my beloved Liz Baker.  But at least it's something!