Laurie's Paranormal Thoughts and Reviews: End of the Road by Karen Michelle Nut

Here's your chance to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card! Read and Excerpt of End of the Road and check out Laurie's thoughts about the book too, 

Laurie's Paranormal Thoughts and Reviews: End of the Road by Karen Michelle Nut

The Happiness Pact by Liz Flaherty #romance #newrelease #Harlequin

It’s never been a secret that I had a bout with clinical depression quite a while ago. It was one of those textbook case things where my doctor and I talked, he gave me a prescription (and monitored my use of it and its success), and all went well. Although there’s a little spot inside of me that is reserved for terror that it will come back, the truth is that life went on. I’ve been blessed. Oh, boy howdy, have I been blessed. Because it’s not that way for everyone.

I didn’t mean, when I started to write The Happiness Pact, for Libby’s story to be about anxiety. Or clinical depression. If I were assigning a trope to the book, I would have said it was an ugly duckling. Libby, after all, has freckles and a few extra pounds and a messy brown braid and is a poster child for average. Ordinary. She is the one who says, “Do you know I’ve stopped wearing brown because I’m afraid I’ll stand up against a tree trunk and disappear because that’s how monochromatic I am? Do you know what people say when they look at our high school yearbook? They say, ‘Who’s the girl standing between Tucker and Arlie? She looks familiar, but I can’t place her.’ That’s why I’m good at hospitality—because I am so much a brown part of the background.”

I was good with that. Good with Libby the way she was. But the plain, the ordinary, the average, the brown—they were all on the surface. Libby is everybody’s best friend. She wrote the book on nice. She’s not beautiful—she’s so average she never wears brown because she’s afraid she’ll get lost in the background. Among friends of many talents, she probably doesn’t have one.

What she has is a secret. Even from Tucker Llewellyn, her best friend since they shared the hospital nursery the night they were born (and from me, I might add.) No one knows that clinical depression and anxiety disorder are the monsters under her bed.

The story of Libby and Tucker’s journey was fun to write—Tucker is the most lovable of klutzes. It was also excruciatingly difficult. I’m so grateful to Jim Cangany for helping me through the murky waters of Libby’s painful illness.

I hope you come along for the ride.

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Tucker Llewellyn and Libby Worth—strictly platonic!—realize they’re each at a crossroads. Tucker is successful, but he wants a wife and kids: the whole package. Libby knows that small-town life has her set in her ways; the tearoom owner needs to get out more.

So they form a pact: Libby will play matchmaker and Tucker will lead her on the adventure she desperately needs. But the electricity Libby feels when they shake on it should be a warning sign. Soon the matchmaking mishaps pile up, and a personal crisis tests Libby’s limits. Will Tucker be there for her as a best friend…or something more?

PURCHASE A COPY OF THE HAPPINESS PACT AT THESE LOCATIONS.

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Harlequin / Kobo

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Liz Flaherty thinks one of the things that keeps you young when you quite obviously aren’t anymore is the constant chances you have to reinvent yourself. Her latest professional incarnation is as a Harlequin Heartwarming author and she is enjoying every minute! She’d love to hear from you at lizkflaherty@gmail.com or please come and see her at http://www.facebook.com/lizkflaherty

Paranormal Romantics: Ghosts and Unfinished Business by Karen Michelle ...

Paranormal Romantics: Ghosts and Unfinished Business by Karen Michelle ...

I'm
at Paranormal Romantics chatting about Ghosts and unfinished business.
Come on by and share your thoughts.
http://paranormalromantics.blogspot.com/2017/11/ghosts-and-unfinished-business-by-karen.html

A Grumpy Hero is Coming to Town by Cheryl Harper #Christmasstories #boxset

My hero Carter never did much celebrating of any holiday, and the over-the-top fairytale atmosphere of Christmas Town takes some serious adjustment. Only one person in the world could lure him out of his town, New York City. And only one person could convince him not to give up on her: the same guy who’d left him with a shiny red truck and a sweet red dog, things he’d never imagined he’d own in his lifetime. 

I share a little bit of Carter’s bemusement over Christmas decoration, usually when I’m standing in the pet food aisle of the local big box store and become aware of a large, looming presence over my shoulder. The massive Rudolph is watching me. In September. It’s a lot to swallow. Like Carter, for me the season comes into focus in the small moments, the kindness of strangers and the love that seems especially sweet in the holiday season. He’s grumpy and ragged around the edges, thanks to his beginning and his choices, but I like him. Here’s a bit of Carter.

This holiday season, warm your heart with 10 connected sweet, clean & wholesome holiday romances set in Christmas Town from 10 Harlequin Heartwarming authors who are USA Today bestselling authors. 

This collection of PG-rated holiday romances are all set in Christmas Town, Maine, a location introduced in the 2014 Harlequin Heartwarming release Christmas, Actually. 

A Heartwarming Holiday will bring you laughter, tears, and happily-ever-afters (no cliffhangers), for more than 1000 pages.

Santa's Secret Heart by Anna Adams
Merry Christmas Carol by Melinda Curtis
Miracle on Joyful Street by Liz Flaherty
Finding His Fiancée by Christmas by Cheryl Harper
The Christmas Window by Tara Randel
Mistletoe and Holly by Leigh Riker
Gingerbread Girl by Carol Ross
The Christmas List by Anna J Stewart
A Case for Christmas Magic by Amy Vastine
Jingle Bell Love by Cari Lynn Webb

Amazon /  B&N: / Google / iBooks

About Finding His Fiancée:

Dara Allen has retreated to Christmas Town in order to hide from a broken heart. Life there has softened some of her edges without changing her style. When ex-NYC cop Carter Howe follows her, they’ll have to come to terms with what’s true, what matters, and messages from a friend.

Excerpt:

Carter studied Boomer’s nest. “You warm enough, pal?” He scooped the fleece throw decorated with dog bones tighter under Boomer’s legs. The old dog sighed happily and blinked up at him, warm brown eyes sleepy but determined not to miss a thing. “Need a walk?” He stared down the street at what he figured had to be the town pet store. “Pawsitively Merry. Unbelievable.”

He managed to say the name without grimacing, so he was making steady progress.

Convincing Dara to give him a second shot might take some time. Snorting every time someone said a street name or business wouldn’t win him any friends.

When Boomer’s tail thumped hard on the seat, Carter said, “Yeah, I get the message. Let’s go for a walk, then we’ll get out of the snow. I can try again tomorrow.”

He was certain she’d still been in Dockery’s, but short of staging some kind of scene, what could he do? She had to be shocked to see him. After a year, she could have assumed he’d given up, moved on.

The last thing he wanted to do was spook her into running anywhere else.

As soon as Carter opened the truck door, Boomer slid carefully out. He ran across the street and paused to sniff the garland strung across white picket fence. “White. Picket. Fence. This place is unreal.” People were milling around the gazebo, cups of steaming hot chocolate in hand, even while the fat flakes of snow that had been threatening or dusting ever since he’d left the city floated steadily down. “Might as well be in inside a snow globe.”

A truly cliché Mrs. Claus-type beamed broadly at him as if she agreed and appreciated his comment. Her smile slipped at his dark frown, so he said, “Come on, Boomer. Let’s go get a treat.”

Everywhere he looked, something or someone was jingling or flashing bright lights or singing a carol. Red or green or some combination of both covered coats, hats, and buildings as far as he could see. It was kind of cute, but he couldn’t imagine living with it. The single guy dressed head to toe in gray and conspicuous by his lack of heavy winter coat stuck out like the single dead bulb on a strand of colorful lights.

For her, he’d stay. He could do it. His attire, perfectly suited to life in New York, would label him a visitor, and one not too in love with the town’s theme at that, but no one would call him on it. This was a nice town filled with happy souls.

He’d get out as fast as he could.

About the Author:

Cheryl Harper discovered her love for books and words as a little girl, thanks to a mother who made countless library trips and an introduction to Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House stories. Now she spends her days searching for the right words while she stares out the window and her dog snoozes beside her. Website

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Video teaser for End of the Road by Karen Michelle Nutt #EndoftheRoad #ghoststory

Win a Kindle Fire Loaded with 80 Paranormal Romance & Urban Fantasy Ebooks!
Paranormal romance and urban fantasy readers, this event is made for you! From July 17-31 enter to win our grand prize, a Kindle Fire HD 8 tablet filled with 81 PNR/UF ebooks or, you could win one of two $25 Amazon gift cards.

....and then stop by our Book Fair, where you'll find loads of great books from your favorite indie authors.

Enter to win:

PNR Giveaway!

I'm giving away a copy of Soul Taker!

No soul is safe…

A vampire from the Grim Sith sept is sucking the souls out of young women from the Boston area, but this sinister crime is far worse than a vampire seeking substance. He’s selling the souls to the highest bidder and it seems business is booming.

A vampire, a werewolf, and a Necromancer are a most unlikely team, but Garran, Harrison, and Isabella plan on putting a kink in the dubbed Soul Taker’s plans. It’s personal now. One of their friends has fallen victim to the Soul Taker’s charms, but to stop him from hurting anyone else, their efforts may involve raising the dead.

E-book Available at:

Amazon Kindle US / Amazon UK /Smashwords /Nook /Kobo /iTunes

Print Available at:

Amazon /Barnes and Noble

Audible is narrated by Guy Veryzer.

Available at: Audible US  / Audible UK

*****

Good luck and

Stay cool this summer!
Karen

A CHAT WITH JEFF WARD by Linda Swift

Today, in keeping with my intent to give males equal time, my guest is Jeff Ward. Welcome to Once Upon A Word, Jeff. To begin our chat, will you tell us a little about yourself?

Thank you for having me Linda. I am a mid-50’s Software Engineer working in the Banking industry. I live in Murfreesboro which is geographically the center of Tennessee. I remain in love with the wife of my youth, Carol. Together we have three wonderful children. I’m father of three, grandfather of 5 with another due any day now. I’m very conservative politically, pseudo-Jewish religiously.

You've condensed a lot of information in a few words. I need a man like you to write my book blurbs. And speaking of that, what kinds of books do you read?

Oh wow, books that would bore you to death, or make your eyes glaze over. My reading is about 98% non-fiction. One recent book is “Programming Erlang” by Armstrong. It was written by the architect of a computer language used by Erickson since the mid-80s and is regaining popularity. Not stuff to discuss at a party however. Outside the realm of my profession you might find a few interesting. “The Dark Side of Christian History” by Helen Ellerbe chronicles the history of Christianity in an unflattering but tragically realistic way. “Paul and Jesus” by James D. Tabor was the best illustration of the tension that exists between the philosophy of Jesus and the philosophy and world view of Paul of Tarsus. I absolutely love Bart Ehrman though he reaches agnostic conclusions that I do not. I love the Judy Woods book “9/11 – Where Did The Towers Go?” It puts a scientific eye to 9/11 that makes the 9/11 commission look completely lame. As you might notice, most of these books are topics that you could talk about at a party...and get kicked out of the party. I want people to like me, but I’m attracted to literature that tends to make people angry...why is that? Oh wait, round them all off with a book that changed my life, “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie. My mother says that book was like a “charm school” for me. God bless her, she knows I sure needed one. Now there’s how I avoid getting kicked out of the party!

I’m sure notably missing here is any kind of fiction. In my youth, I read the Hardy Boys Series, probably 30 of them. I then moved to the J.R.R. Tolkein “Lord of the Rings” series. After “growing up”, I sort of disconnected with reading fiction. You might be pleased to know that I recently reconnected with reading for pleasure with “This Time Forever” by none other than Linda Swift. I lost almost an entire night’s sleep because I couldn’t put it down.

Thank you, Jeff. You learned well from Dale Carnegie! Most of the books you mentioned, including mine, appear to be long. Are lengthy books your preference?

For non-fiction, I prefer lengthy and complete if it’s organized well. I don’t always read professional books cover-to-cover. I sometimes spot-read, put a summary of the book in my head, then shelve it until I need the specifics.

I think I love a short effective book. “War Is A Racket” by Major General Smedley Butler immediately comes to mind. It’s a tiny little book, but it leaves me crying every time I read it.

My brother frequently alludes to concepts in Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand which intrigue me. However, I picked up a copy and opened it. The thickness and tiny print left me thinking, “Am I going to live long enough to read this? How many books am I in the middle of right now? How important is this...really?”

Short  books are awesome!!

I get your drift. You can almost be assured of surviving long enough to finish the short ones. I wonder what criteria, other than length, contributes to selecting books you buy?

The term “out-of-the-box” comes to mind. The thinking that has been prescribed for us is a race to the middle of the herd. In that very middle is where almost everything is a lie or a distortion. I have a world view that there is a such thing as absolute truth. I’m attracted to those who see truths and express them effectively.

In fiction, I like themes that make me feel. This Time Forever for example made me grieve for the abused slave-girl and put me in touch with her heartbreak. It made me feel anger for those who create and perpetuate war. And oh yes, the love. Love always works.

Shades of Dale Carnegie again. And I'd love to spend the rest of our chat discussing my story with you but I'll resist the temptation. That book, and most of my others, are available as print or e-books.  Which do you prefer to read?

Print. I just can’t learn to like the e-books. After facing a computer screen for 8 hours a day, that’s not a way to relax and read a book. Give me a real book, perhaps a highlighter, and a cup of coffee.

Dare I say here online that my favorite is print also?  I imagine you have definite opinions about what pleases or annoys you in books.  Would you care to share that with us?

I don’t like it when people do things in books and particularly drama that people would not normally do. It’s like the writers are trying to influence human behavior, not illustrate it. They want to debase human behavior instead of glorify the good. Sitcom writers seem to love having elderly characters that are foul-mouthed and crude. The dialog all seems phony and unrealistic with an agenda of debauchery. Didn’t literature used to be something that helped build civilization? Am I crazy to think it should build what’s good and decent instead of tear it down?

Very well said, Jeff. I think you may have pointed out the reason I watch so little TV. Everything on screen seems so exaggerated. Do you ever give a print book a second read just because you like it?

Oh yeah, I’ve got my “Paul and Jesus” book out now. Well, I’m not really re-reading cover-to-cover. I’m skimming through my highlights from my first read. Looking at my notes in the margins. Try that in a e-book, right?

I've had a Kindle for several years and I'm still trying to turn its pages! Old habits die hard. Since your reading preference is print, do you spend any time online visiting websites or Facebook pages?

Yes, I do. Surprising how many you can send a “friend” request and they will friend you back. For me, Robert Eisenman was one such find. His research has had a huge impact on the Dead Sea Scrolls findings and its relevance to ancient Christianity. Do I want to know what crosses this guy’s mind on a daily basis? Oh heck yeah! Dr. James Tabor is another.

Some web sites are a tremendous wealth of information. For example, Douglas Del Tondo, author of “Jesus Words Only” has a web site that is chocked-full of wonderful information that you can’t get anywhere else I know of. Eric Jon Phelps, author of Vatican Assassins has a wealth of information, though his writing style is erratic and not very well documented.

Do you often read blogs such as this? If so, do you leave comments?

Well Linda, you’re talking now about the stuff that gets me in trouble. You know, a soapbox can be an expensive thing, and seldom a profitable one. It depends a lot on my mood which tends to run cycles. I try to be a gracious guest of someone else’s blog or Facebook page. I might temper my statements to what you would actually say standing in their living room. I’m more outspoken in my living room...my own Facebook page.

A well-advised word of caution. How do you find the books you choose?

Almost always Amazon search relating to a topic. On fiction, it’s almost always going to be a personal recommendation.

 Have you ever written an Amazon review of a book you have read?

Yes, I have. Several. As a matter of fact, you just might stumble across a review of This Time Forever out there. It wasn’t just a favor either Linda. It’s from the heart.

Thank you, Jeff. (Thank you, Dale Carnegie) I'll be on the lookout for it. But maybe you write your reviews under an assumed name as I do. It is often said that men should read romance novels if they want to know how to have a successful relationship with women. How do you feel about this advice?

Oh wow, very good advice. Common sense, right? If you’re going fishing, you need to fish with something the fish likes. What do women love? Storybook romance. But it’s got to be more than an act. It’s got to be sincere. And you know what? You don’t even have to do it well. You can flounder as long as you’re putting your heart out there. I can think of one romantic failure that would have been different I think. It was sort of a “love at first sight” for me. She made my heart pound so hard I could barely speak. What happened? Nothing. I “kept my cool”. She never knew how she made me feel. Hey, all you sixteen year-old boys out there...keeping your cool is stupid. Be real. Risk telling her how you are feeling and you just might be amazed. I used to say it had to be 100 percent real. I now think 75 percent real plus 25 percent inspired theatrics is a better formula. She’s smart enough to know what you’re doing, but she won’t mind. Be dramatic, she likes it.

I can tell you don't need to read a romance book. You've got this romance thing figured out. One last question for you.  If there is a love story in the book you are reading, do you expect a "happy ever after" ending?

No, I can’t say I expect it. I grew up listening to the soundtrack of “West Side Story” which has a romantically tragic ending. Maybe I’m affected emotionally by tragedy even more sometimes. Les Miserables always makes me cry. (sorry gentlemen, just look the other way cause this is ugly) It climaxes in so many themes that feel personal to me that I’m just overwhelmed. Among them are both the resolved love between Marius and Cosette, right beside the unrequited love of Eponine. The way the play wraps a half dozen very powerful themes into the finale is just amazing to me as a student of drama. As I speak of it, it makes me wonder how Victor Hugo accomplished that same simultaneous climax in the book. Hmmm…..

Have I just discovered another book I should read Linda?

I have one I could recommend, but it's currently out of print. It's been fun chatting with you today. And I'm sure our readers have appreciated your wit as much as I have. Readers, please share your own thoughts with Jeff. Just be sure to hit the "publish" box to have your comments appear on the page.

I regret to announce this will be my last chat with a reader for awhile. Since our publisher will be closing soon due to health issues, I will not be doing monthly posts on this blog.  I will, however, continue to post intermittently and will promote those posts online.

Thank you for visiting today. You can always find me at the links below:   

My Facebook Page

My Amazon Books Page

My Website

Books at the Beach Giveaway! #IARTG @KMNbooks

A Romance Reader’s Dream Summer Giveaway

How many books do you read over the average summer? Could you read 80? Because that’s how many ebooks one lucky winner will walk away with in the Books at the Beach Giveaway, including the latest titles from Nora Roberts, Catherine Bybee, Debbie Macomber, and Gena Showalter, plus dozens more. You could also win one of two runner-up $25 Amazon gift cards.

**Retweets Welcomed!** http://twitter.com/KMNbooks/status/876817079231332353

Books at the Beach Giveaway & Book Fair June 19-30

(Sponsored by the 54 authors listed below) Alina K. Field • Allyson Lindt • Amy L Gale • Anna Durand • Astrid Arditi • Barbara Lohe • Beverley Oakley • Bianca D'Arc • C. A. King • C.E. Wilson • Carmen Fox • Casi McLean • Catherine Kean • Chloe Flowers • Christa Paige • Constance Phillips • Cynthia Clement • Danica Favorite • Debbie White • Denise Jaden • Dianne Venetta • Elizabeth Rose • Gayle Parness • Helen Scott • Jacqueline Diamond • Jina Bacarr • Josie Riviera • Judith Keim • Karen • Michelle Nutt • Katherine Lowry Logan • Kris Michaels • Kristina Knight • Kristy Tate • Margaret Locke • Mari Carr • Naomi Bellina • PG Forte • Quinn • Raine English • Regan Walker • Sheila Seabrook • Shelique Lize • Soraya Naomi Stacy Gold • Stella Marie Alden • Stephanie Julian • Stephanie Queen • Sydney Aaliyah Michelle • Sylvia Hubbard • Tamara Ferguson • Tena Stetler • Traci Douglass • Vicki Crum

Enter the Giveaway Here a Rafflecopter giveaway

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And while you’re at it, shop our awesome summer book fair with over 50 fantastic romance titles for you to choose from. http://booksatthebeachfair.blogspot.com/p/find-your-favorite-summer-read-at-our.html

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My Last Blog For ONCE UPON A WORD by Sarah J. McNeal

Rebecca Vickery is closing her publishing business. In the sad wake of Publishing by Rebecca Vickery and Victory Tales Press closing its doors, my books there will be moving to another publisher, Prairie Rose and its imprints. Happily, most of the authors with both publishers already know one another, some through mutual acquaintances.

Because the blog site, Once Upon A Word was established for the purpose of keeping in touch with readers and for book promotion within the company. But with my books in transition, I think it’s time for me to go and see what the future has in store for me. This will be my last blog here. I continue to have monthly blogs with Prairie Rose Blog and Sweethearts of the West . I also have my own bog along with my website that I have neglected for far too long. http://www.SarahMcNeal.com/

It has been such a pleasure working with Rebecca Vickery, Karen Michelle Nutt, and Laura Shinn over the years. I loved that they always provided a kind and well run publishing business. Authors don’t get that very often from their publishers. I have nothing but gratitude for my experience here with all of the delightful and talented people associated with this outfit.

I liked that the company kept all its publications wholesome and that everyone on staff as well as the owner kept in touch and communicated with me whenever I had questions or ran into some problem or other. People who are not familiar with the publishing business may not understand how extraordinary and wonderful that is.

Just for fun. I found this chart on Pinterest: How to say goodbye in different languages.

So, I bid you all farewell and wish each of you great success and happiness for whatever comes next. I have had a delightful and wonderful journey with you. God bless you and keep you. I wish all good things to your corner of the universe until we meet again on down the road… 

A parting song from Sarah Brightman & Andrea Bocelli - Time to Say Goodbye 

https://youtu.be/g3ENX3aHlqU

(graphics from Pinterest)

Sarah J. McNeal

Author of paranormal, time travel and western romance

Sarah J. McNeal is a multi-published author of several genres including time travel, paranormal, western and historical fiction. She is a retired ER and Critical Care nurse who lives in North Carolina with her four-legged children, Lily, the Golden Retriever and Liberty, the cat. Besides her devotion to writing, she also has a great love of music and plays several instruments including violin, bagpipes, guitar and harmonica. Her books and short stories may be found at Prairie Rose Publications and its imprints Painted Pony Books, and Fire Star Press. Some of her fantasy and paranormal books may also be found at Publishing by Rebecca Vickery and Victory Tales Press. She welcomes you to her website and social media:

Website 

My Amazon Author’s Page

Facebook

Twitter

The Wildings

Fantasy and Dreams Blog

Sweethearts of the West

Prairie Rose Publications Blog

Beach Read Bundle is here! #giftcards #books @RebeccaJVickery @KMNBooks



Summer is here! To kick off the season, these authors have teamed up to giveaway 54 different books as well as $150 worth of Amazon gift cards.

For more details and to enter click HERE

Giveaway ends midnight on June 24th

Goodluck!


Denise Stout is giving away 1 autographed print book of Those Summer Nights!


Beach read bundle #9 – print copies of THEN COMES LOVE by Lindsay Detwiler, THE OLD CAPE HOLLYWOOD SECRET by Barbara Eppich, BACK TO THE BEACH by Denise Stout, and SEE YOU SOON BROADWAY by Melissa Baldwin (US only)

THEN COMES LOVE– Lindsay Detwiler – 1 autographed print

Three generations of women,
Three second loves,
All with a dose of chaos mixed in.
Sometimes in life, changes can be good…
After losing her husband, her five cats, and her home, Charlotte Noel hates feeling dependent. As Charlotte tries to find her identity in this
new stage of life, she comes to realize that drama never ends, dance aerobics can be a war zone, and love is always a possibility.
You never know when a midlife crisis is going to strike…
Charlotte’s daughter, Annie, is going through struggles of her own. Recently divorced, she is feeling frumpy and worn-out. Run ragged, Annie mourns her youth and wonders where her life is headed, all while hoping she can help her daughter Amelia get it together.
Settling down can be overrated, especially when you’re falling for a rock star look-alike…

THE OLD CAPE HOLLYWOOD SECRET– Barbara Eppich – 1 autographed print
In 1947, Maggie Foster and her cousin, Gertie, leave Cape Cod for Hollywoodland in search of glamour and fame. One girl returns home and the other disappears. Present-day Nancy Caldwell travels to Hollywood, where she discovers the paths of Maggie and Gertie.
In “The Old Cape Hollywood Secret,” a novel of historical suspense, Nancy’s curiosity gets her into trouble again. Along the way, a missing ring and a pearl-studded pouch are mixed in with the search. Using alternating chapters, across seventy years, the tragic stories of two young girls unfold and a murderous secret is uncovered.





BACK TO THE BEACH (From Anthology THOSE SUMMER NIGHTS)– Denise Stout – 1 autographed print
Darby McKinnon, preschool teacher, escapes to a beach rental to refresh her life. Running into a former boyfriend creates the distraction she needs. Alex Markham, workaholic owner of a cyber security firm, takes his job too seriously until an unexpected stay at the beach makes him pause. Their chance encounter begins with nostalgia, but kisses ignite into possibilities of the heart.
Summer fling or a second chance at forever? Almost losing each other when the past and present collide, both realize love requires determination to stay together when obstacles seemingly get in the way.





SEE YOU SOON BROADWAY– Melissa Baldwin – 1 autographed print
Maris Forrester has a wonderful life with an amazing boyfriend and a fulfilling job. She’s happy and content . . . or so she thinks. Maris has always had huge dreams of being on Broadway. Ever since her very first performance as a child, she has envisioned herself on the stage under the shining lights. Now she has to decide whether she should to give up her wonderful life to chase those dreams.
When her parents announce they are moving, she comes across a long-lost family treasure. She doesn’t realize that this treasure may hold the key to her future and to all her dreams coming true.
And if that wasn’t sign enough, a mysterious stranger throws another wrench in the mix at a dazzling rooftop party benefiting the Arts. These could be signs of things to come.
But will she remain content in her perfect world, or will she step into the unknown world she has always dreamed of?
Amelia is the wild child of the family. Working three jobs, because she just hasn’t figured out what she wants in life, she realizes happiness isn’t always settling down with a steady, dependable man; sometimes it’s about following your true passion and living on the edge.
No matter what age you are, life and love can be crazy…

A CHAT WITH KENNETH WEENE

A CHAT WITH KENNETH WEENE

This month I am deviating from my usual chat with a reader who isn't a writer.  I thought it might be interesting to hear from a writer who is a reader. And to make the reversal complete, I invited a male to share his views. I "met" today's guest some time ago through the blog Fifty Authors from Fifty States.

Welcome to Once Upon A Word, Kenneth (Ken) Weene. Please tell us a little about yourself.

Well, the first thing is I’m what I like to call a Broody New Englander, which is also the title of one of my books—not a memoir, but based on my experiences growing up in New England, especially Maine.

Later, I lived in New York where I practiced as a psychologist. That professional experience underlies a couple of my novels, Memoirs From the Asylum in particular. After a long career, I burned out and fled to the comparative sanity of Phoenix, Arizona, where my wife and I now live. That’s where I started writing. Before that, in New York, I did write some poetry and short non-fiction, but something about the Arizona sunshine has caused my writing to flourish. It may also have to do with joining a writing group.

That group inspired another of my books, Tales From the Dew Drop Inne. The connection isn’t that the group meets in a bar—we go with coffee houses like true artists— but those groups, however we form them, become like families—filled with quirks, jokes, and pathos.

Anyway, enough about me, let’s talk books. And, if your readers want to find my books and more, I hope they’ll stop  by. http://www.kennethweene.com

I think the entire Southwest  could have the effect on creativity you describe. And yes, let's talk books. What kind do you read?

You could say I’m an omnilectorem, that would be the reading equivalent of an omnivore, which I also am. I’ll try any book, or story, poem, essay, or whatever. Right now, I’m reading By More than Providence, a history of American diplomacy in the Pacific. Before that I read The House at the Edge of Night. Let’s see, before that, Paris Is Always a Good Idea. And just to show what I mean about reading everything, there was a book for teens finishing their studies at Montessori schools and entering high school.

Now, that doesn’t count the books that people send me to review either for comment on Amazon and Goodreads or for possible interviews on the internet radio show I co-host, It Matters Radio. Recently, for example, I read a new book, Goodbye My Love, by paranormal romance author Maggie Tideswell from South Africa. However, since those are solicited reads, I guess that’s a different category.

You have convinced me that you are indeed an omnilectorem.  Do you have a preference for  long or short books?

I don’t care about length only quality. It’s like the old joke: How long do your legs have to be? Long enough to reach the ground.

I will say that as a writer I have always tried to keep books short enough so that a good reader could read one on a plane trip from New York City to Los Angeles. Not that the folks who get on planes in Los Angeles can’t read, but I’m hoping that that hypothetical reader has connections in Hollywood. Actually, one of my books, Times To Try The Soul of Man, has been picked up and we’re working on the script. (Yeah, I know, shameless plug)

But, I do have to admit that the book on which I’m currently working will require a longer flight. I think it will probably work for New York to London.

What are the main reasons you buy a certain book and which of these is the most important to you?

Whim and whimsy mostly. I don’t buy a lot of books at bookstores. Most of the time, I get recommendations (and as I said before, requests). If the suggested book sounds good, I give it a go. Sometimes on Kindle, but usually in print. Typically, if it hasn’t been sent to me, I sample it at Amazon—sometimes on an author’s website.

Much as I love bookstores, I don’t get to them often, especially given the paucity here in Phoenix. When I do go shopping for books for fun, usually when we’re out of town, I roam through the store stopping to sample different sections. Strangely, bookstores bring out the primitive hunter and gatherer in me. I feel like I’m sneaking up on that elusive great read, or perhaps I’m more porcine and trying to find as many truffles as I can.

Do you prefer ebooks or print books?                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Print. I love the sensory quality of holding a book in my hands. I have to admit that I don’t treat books too kindly. I write marginalia and bend pages; that is unless it is an old book worth a lot that has somehow found its way to me or a personally dedicated copy from a fellow author. People sometimes wonder about that. “Why so disrespectful?” they ask. It isn’t disrespectful. I in no way want to have that book go on to a used-book store. Quite simply, I want people to buy new books so that authors get royalties. I know many readers love to pass that great story on, but please reconsider. We writers need money; we can’t live on love of words alone. 

Let me add a brief note on used-book stores. Personally, I find them fascinating except for the sneezing—mine not the stores. They are great places to hunt for books that are no longer in the regular stores. Typically, if I find something used that sounds good, my first response is to try to buy it new. If not, then I will resort to buying the used copy. Even if it is available on Kindle and not in print, I will go with the Kindle so the author gets their due.

By the way, why haven’t you asked about audio books? I love them for long car trips. A few of my books are available in that format. For some reason, Memoirs From the Asylum does particularly well as an audiobook.

An oversight on my part not to have included  audiobooks, especially since I have two recently released.  Are there things that please you or turn you off when reading or listening to books?

I love good writing, writing that carries me along in its flow. When I was younger, I did a lot of whitewater rafting. I loved going with the rush of the water. Sometimes, there would be a rock or a place where we’d lose control, which added to the sense of challenge, but in the end, we’d get ourselves right and on the flow would go. I look for that same sense of movement and pace with occasional moment to make me stop and think.

Do you ever read books a second time just because you like them?

Absolutely. The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien; I’ve read that a few times. Steinbeck—to whom I’ve been compared—Of Mice and Men and Grapes of Wrath in particular. Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse Five. And, of course, plays, particularly those of Shakespeare and Mamet.

I wonder if you often read blogs such as this?  And if so, do you leave comments?

I can’t say that I follow many blogs, but I do read them. For a long time, I co-edited one that was quite successful in getting hits, but we decided that it had become flatulent if not moribund. As for comments, I try to leave helpful and positive comments when I can.

Have you ever written an Amazon review of a book you have read?  

Yes. I write many, not only of books but other purchases as well. Sometimes, because I’m friends with an author or because Amazon’s algorithm has identified me with It Matters Radio, my reviews don’t get posted. However, I do write them. By the way, when I do reviews, I try to be honest. If I am really negative about a book, I probably won’t review it at all—in part because I probably haven’t finished reading itMy goal in life is to not harm others.

An admirable goal. A scathing review can do serious damage to a writer who often doesn't realize this is just one person's opinion.

However, if the author contacts me to ask why I never published a review, then I will tell him. If he had asked me to read it before he put it on Kindle, I also would have said something. Which brings me to one of my pet peeves, badly edited books. I don’t mean that occasional grammatical error or formatting flub. I don’t even mean that unusual word choice or slight problem of logic. I mean overall lack of editing and particularly lack of a clear idea of what the book is. I find bad editing to be like getting in my raft at the top of the river only to find that somebody has set a boom across the water, sometimes a boom with sharp spikes to make sure that the raft is not only stopped but that it sinks.

I have heard this from many other readers as well. It seems in our haste to get our book "out there" we often don't take the time to edit properly. And I believe the final responsibility lies with the author who knows the material better than anyone.

So, an unasked for but freely given bit of advice for those of your followers who write: Find yourself a good editor, not just a page editor to check grammar, but a real editor who can help you create a book that truly works for the reader.

Thank you for this suggestion even though it means additional effort for authors. And thank you for chatting with me today, Ken. As always, your wit and candid views are interesting to hear. I hope readers will join in by leaving their own views on our conversation today. If you leave a comment, be sure to click on the blue window that says "Publish" or your comment won't be shown and we do want to hear what you have to say!

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Creating Villains: The Difference Between Sociopath and Psychopath

I love a good villain. The more malicious and conniving the villain, the more the hero or heroine has to rise to meet the dire challenge. The creation of a good villain is no easy thing and, if they are going to seem real, they need to be based on some truth. Truth requires research. One of the best research subjects for villains is the psychological makeup of the character you want to incorporate.

While on my quest for discovering the characteristics of a truly vile villain, I wondered about the psychiatric terms sociopath and psychopath. Early on I believed the difference between these two antisocial disorders was the degree of misconduct they presented. A sort of bad villain must be a sociopath and a very bad villain must be a psychopath. But I was completely wrong.

I read a study done by *John M. Grohol, Psy.D. titled “Differences Between a Psychopath vs Sociopath” which helped me come to a better understanding of these two terms.

Here is what he wrote:

These two terms are not really well-defined in the psychology research literature, and so there is some confusion about them.

Nonetheless, there are some general similarities as well as differences between these two personality types. Both types of personality have a pervasive pattern of disregard for the safety and rights of others. Deceit and manipulation are central features to both types of personality. Contrary to popular belief, a psychopath or sociopath is not necessarily violent.

 The common features of a psychopath and sociopath lie in their shared diagnosis — antisocial personality disorder. The DSM-51 defines antisocial personality as someone have 3 or more of the following traits:

Regularly breaks or flouts the law

Constantly lies and deceives others

Is impulsive and doesn’t plan ahead

Can be prone to fighting and aggressiveness

Has little regard for the safety of others

Irresponsible, can’t meet financial obligations

Doesn’t feel remorse or guilt

In both cases, some signs or symptoms are nearly always present before age 15. By the time a person is an adult, they are well on their way to becoming a psychopath or sociopath.

Traits of a Psychopath:

Psychology researchers generally believe that psychopaths tends to be born — it’s likely a genetic predisposition — while sociopaths tend to be made by their environment. (Which is not to say that psychopaths may not also suffer from some sort of childhood trauma.) Psychopathy might be related to physiological brain differences. Research has shown psychopaths have underdeveloped components of the brain commonly thought to be responsible for emotion regulation and impulse control.

As you can see, according to Dr. Grohol, a psychopath is born with antisocial behavior whereas a sociopath becomes antisocial most likely from environmental influences. The following is a bit more about what I discovered:

Researchers tend to believe that sociopathy is the result of environmental factors, such as a child or teen’s upbringing in a very negative household that resulted in physical abuse, emotional abuse, or childhood trauma.

Signs and Symptoms of a Sociopath: There are a respected range of signs that can identify those who could be labelled sociopaths. These include an outward charm, potentially showing a chameleon like ability to be everything the person they are engaging with wants. As a former wife of a sociopath quoted “he morphed into a perfect being”. This is an indication of another of the traits, sociopaths will be often be deceptive and dishonest, and some would describe them as pathological liars. Sociopaths are by nature manipulative saying and do what is required to deceive those they wish to control. They often believe they are superior to those around them; they will also get bored if not constantly stimulated. Sociopaths appear to have a limited range of feelings, expressing little happiness or sadness, and with no sense of the suffering that they inflict on victims of their actions. At the extreme they can be seen as cold, callous and contemptuous.

Sociopaths, in general, tend to be more impulsive and erratic in their behavior than their psychopath counterparts. While also having difficulties in forming attachments to others, some sociopaths may be able to form an attachment to a like-minded group or person. Unlike psychopaths, most sociopaths don’t hold down long-term jobs or present much of a normal family life to the outside world.

When a sociopath engages in criminal behavior, they may do so in an impulsive and largely unplanned manner, with little regard for the risks or consequences of their actions. They may become agitated and angered easily, sometimes resulting in violent outbursts. These kinds of behaviors increase a sociopath’s chances of being apprehended.

Sociopath Pop Culture Examples: 

The Joker in  The Dark Knight 

Sherlock and Moriarty in the grip of battle

Of course there is the popular example of a “highly functioning sociopath” in the fictional BBC series “Sherlock” in which the main character, Sherlock, admits he is a sociopath. His villainous counterpart, Moriarty, on the other hand, seemed to be more of a psychopath. He would plan some devious and gruesome deed in great detail, taking his time to get it just right and seem to enjoy the discomfort and agony of his victims.

Real life sociopaths: (this list may astound you)

Winston Churchill, Prime Minister

Many people show sociopathic traits in their decisions and actions. For example, in recent history the UK Prime Minister during the Second World War, Winston Churchill, did nothing to stop the city of Coventry to be bombed by the German air force despite having warning from decrypted radio transmissions. He knew that if he had done something, the Germans would have realized that their codes had been broken and the allies would have lost the advantage they had gained. He was prepared to make a decision which cost thousands their lives. If a sociopath is as defined someone who can ignore the feelings of others and believe that their opinion is right such as the UK’s Winston Churchill, this could also apply to many leaders.

In the UK Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Margaret Thatcher, in the US President George W. Bush could be counted amongst the ranks of high functioning sociopaths.

Famous psychopaths:

Countess Elizabeth Bathory de Ecsed

Countess Elizabeth Báthory de Ecsed was a Hungarian socialite who, seeking eternal beauty, bathed in the blood of her victims. Remembered as “The Bloody Countess”, she murdered over 600 girls and young women during her twenty year killing spree.

Jeffery Dahmer

You may recall that Jeffery Dahmer was raised in a normal home by a loving family, and yet, he became one of the most gruesome of serial killers who devoured his victims rather like the fictional character of Hannibal Lecter.

Ed Gein

Ed Gein was the inspiration for the "Texas Chain Saw Murderer". He murdered at least two women, as well as dug up female corpses and wore their body parts. 

Speaking about prison in an interview:

I like this place, everybody treats me nice, some of them are a little crazy though.

When asked if he wore the skin face masks for prolonged periods, he had this to say:

Not too long, I had other things to do.

Even the interviewer purportedly felt ill at ease in Ed's presence. It doesn't take much to get that he was definitely not altogether. Psychopath? Most definitely.

Childhood Clues to Sociopathy and Psychopathy:

  

Clues to psychopathy and sociopathy are usually available in childhood. Most people who can later be diagnosed with sociopathy or psychopathy have had a pattern of behavior where they violate the basic rights or safety of others. They often break the rules (or even laws) and societal norms as a child, too.

Psychologists call these kinds of childhood behaviors a conduct disorder. Conduct disorders involve four categories of problem behavior:

     Aggression to people and animals

     Destruction of property

     Deceitfulness or theft

     Serious violations of rules or laws

These symptoms in a child or young teen predict they’re at greater risk for antisocial personality disorder.

Who is More Dangerous?

Both psychopaths and sociopaths present risks to society, because they will often try and live a normal life while coping with their disorder. But psychopathy is likely the more dangerous disorder, because they experience a much less guilt connected to their actions.

A psychopath also has a greater ability to dissociate from their actions. Without emotional involvement, any pain that others suffer is meaningless to a psychopath. Many famous serial killers have been psychopaths.

Not all people we’d call a psychopath or sociopath are violent. Violence is not a necessary ingredient (nor is it for a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder) — but it is often present.

Do not confuse the terms psychopath with psychotic. They are two different things. A person who is psychotic is one who has lost all touch with reality, and a psychopath is a person who does know reality, but doesn’t have feelings of remorse or follow societal moral codes or ethics.

In my story, FLY AWAY HEART, I wrote about Sid Efford, a young man who became a criminal after years of constant abuse from his father. Sid was more of a victim than a true sociopath, but his father, who showed no remorse whatsoever, was a psychopath.

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Also sold in a boxed set of 5 western novels: LOVE’S FIRST TOUCH

So, when you’re writing your next villain, you may want to keep in mind some of these differences between sociopathy and psychopathy to construct the villain you want in your story.

*Foot Note:

About John M. Grohol, Psy.D.

Dr. John Grohol is the founder & CEO of Psych Central. He is an author, researcher and expert in mental health online, and has been writing about online behavior, mental health and psychology issues -- as well as the intersection of technology and human behavior -- since 1992. Dr. Grohol sits on the editorial board of the journal Computers in Human Behavior and is a founding board member and treasurer of the Society for Participatory Medicine.

References for Further Research:

The Neuroscientist Who Discovered He Was a Psychopath - Smithsonian magazine

Hare Psychopathy Checklist - Wikipedia

Letter from a psychopath sent to Jon Ronson, author of The Psychopath Test

Sociopathy vs. Psychopathy - Kelly McAleer, Psy. D.

Psychopathy versus sociopathy: Why the distinction has become crucial - Jack Pemment, Psychology Today

Psychopathy – Wikipedia

Sarah J. McNeal is a multi-published author of several genres including time travel, paranormal, western and historical fiction. She is a retired ER and Critical Care nurse who lives in North Carolina with her four-legged children, Lily, the Golden Retriever and Liberty, the cat. Besides her devotion to writing, she also has a great love of music and plays several instruments including violin, bagpipes, guitar and harmonica. Her books and short stories may be found at Prairie Rose Publications and its imprints Painted Pony Books, and Fire Star Press. She welcomes you to her website and social media:

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