Guest author on board!

Welcome to Guest Author D. L. Cocchio 

                                  D. L. Cocchio is fascinated by all things mystical and magical. Born and raised in New Jersey, she weaves these topics into all of her stories. The author of four novels, Cocchio has a degree in Psychology and Education. A former elementary school teacher, she now works in the business world by day and is an author by night. She is currently working on Book 2 in The Psychic Circle Series. Debbie lives in Northern New Jersey with her husband, daughter, and a crazy black and white cat. She is available for author events such as book talks, panel discussions, school visits, and signings.

                                                               

The Psychic Circle

Book 1 of the Psychic Circle Series

Souls Entwined

Sixteen-year-old Rachel’s psychic world is shaken when Billy introduces her to telepathy and astral travel, awakening her desire for more spiritual adventure. She can’t get enough. Together with a teenage shaman, a healer, a psychic and a witch, they form “The Psychic Circle” to secretly explore the paranormal.

Romance blossoms between Rachel and Billy as they realize they have such a strong connection. Could Rachel possibly have found her soul mate? But when Rachel’s best friend becomes jealous and causes issues using black magic, it can sabotage her chance at having the true love she’s been yearning for.

Now Rachel must decide if she should fight fire with fire in order to protect and pursue this obvious soul connection. After all, all’s fair in love and war, right?

Books Available:

The Psychic Circle ~Souls Entwined (Book 1)     So You Wanna Read Tarot?                                     Be Careful What You Wish For (Book 1)             Magic By Moonlight (Book 2)

 

What inspires you to write?

I have always loved to write, ever since I can remember. As a kid, I would spend most of my summers reading and writing. I think it was a great escape, being able to create a fantasy world. Mostly, I am inspired by places I visit and people I meet. I tend to be able to weave a story around the things that interest me. They say to write about what you know and love, so I do.

How did you come up with the story of a psychic circle?

My friends and I started a meditation group where we would practice meditation, learn about tarot cards, crystals, energy, and whatever else a member would bring to the group. It was all about experimentation. Some of our experiences were wild and crazy. We thought that no one would ever believe some of the incredible stuff that happened to us. Well, I kept a journal of our meetings and it lead to my book.

Are all of the adventures in the book true?

Many of the adventures are true. Some of the experiences that we had together blew our minds. They were incredible. I am hoping that readers will learn to be cautious and protect themselves when exploring the psychic realm. It can be tons of fun, but also can be dangerous.  The romance between the two main characters is purely fiction, though- what is a young adult book without romance?

Will the saga continue?

I plan on writing two more books in the Psychic Circle Series. I am hard at work writing book two. I will post more on that as it develops on my website: http://www.dlcocchio.webs.com.

What was your favorite book growing up?

I think I read the entire mystery section of the local library in about two summers. I loved the Nancy Drew type books. In high school, my favorite book was Lord of the Flies.

What is a book on your To Read Bucket List?

I have been meaning to read something like Switched by Amanda Hocking. I came across her blog and wanted to check out her writing. I love to read the YA genre.

Do you have a favorite author?

Some of my favorite authors are: Alyson Noel (Immortal Series), Kelley Armstrong (Summoning, etc.), Addison Moore (3:AM Kisses series), Jennifer Armentrout (Lux series and Wicked Trilogy) and Cait Tiernan (Sweep Series).

If you were stranded on an island, which book would you want with you? Why?

I would probably want to have a classic like Swiss Family Robinson. It might give me some survival ideas and provide good reading.

What advice to you have for writers?

To keep on writing, rewriting and rewriting some more. That’s what perfects your work. Let friends read it and comment. And most of all… never give up!

What is your hobby?

My hobbies are reading and writing, of course. And I enjoy doing crafts.





                                                                   

LINKS

Website: http://www.dlcocchio.webs.com

Twitter: @dlcocchio

Email: debbiecocchio@yahoo.com

Amazon: www.amazon.com/author/dlcocchio

Blog: http://dlcocchio.blogspot.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/dlcocchioAuthor

HELPING OTHER WRITERS

In 2009, I started this blog to hold myself accountable. After deciding to write a story if it became difficult it would be easy to give it up, to stop, but declaring my intentions to friends, family, strangers, and other writers it was much harder to back down from that promise.

It wasn’t my intention at the time to turn my passion into a career; I didn’t start to write because I imagined I would earn millions. I started because of an undeniable and insatiable need to write!

A story that I wanted to tell in some way or other wanted to be born.

I didn’t question how or worry over if I could, I simply started to write. First with a pen, writing in a notebook, I wrote day after day for hours not following any plan or logical sequence. My first draft was a total embarrassment, but I managed to churn out over 120,000 words!!!!



                                            

That was the first lesson, I learned that I could actually sit down and string words together. Of course, when I actually read through the rough as hell story it was like searching for a needle in the haystack because it was a complete jumble! I had several stories going on.

Anyway, there are many discoveries you make about yourself along the way as a writer and lessons that are helpful for any aspiring writer…


                                                          

1. Develop a thick skin fast.
2. Unless your friends and family are writers they won’t get what you’re going through so get to know other writers it really helps.
3. Write whenever you can, don’t wait for the perfect moment it may never arrive.
4. Celebrate every achievement no matter how small.
5. Every time I start a new story I panic that I will never be able to fill the pages, but once I start the words flow. Don’t procrastinate just get on and write!
6. Don’t worry what anyone else thinks, write what you have a passion for.
7. Write the best story you can with all your heart and soul.

 8. Love what you do or do something else.




                                             

I am a self-published indie author with a YA romantic trilogy and an adult paranormal romance under my belt. I am learning every day, aiming to get better as a writer, always imagining the next story. If you would like some support as a writer or need advice about any part of the writing or publication process drop me a line and I will try to help you. 

Thanks for reading the blog! Keep reading and writing.




                                             

Interview with romance author Holly J. Gill

I am honored to have the lovely romance author Holly J. Gill on my blog today talking about her latest release. I wish you all the best and hope you sell millions, sweetie!

Innocence of Love

Release Day!

This book comes as part of a series!

                                   Genre: Contemporary Romance with sexual tension
                                                                Published by: Holly J. Gill
                                                                 Word count: 110.256

  Tagline

Two directions, one past

Lives tipped upside down.

Forgiveness and pain.

Love and respect.

Can two hearts heal?

                                            Quote: ‘I never make promises I don’t keep!’

Blurb

Calvin Edward’s life has been tipped upside down, never had he imagined encounter his first one true love. Only she held a massive secret from him for nine years— his son. His flesh and blood. How could have Sophie denied ever telling him about his child, now adopted to another family? Struggling with his emotions for Sophie, he has to deal with how to handle his son. Could he find it in his heart to forgive Sophie or is all lost?

Sophie Richards couldn’t believe the turn of events— how could the man who saved her turn out to be her first partner? Now the truth is out, her secrets discovered and finally she shared all her pain, never to have imagined the one man who showed her true care and affection is the father to her first child. She loves him, only Calvin resents her. How could she ever say sorry?

                                          Excerpt

“I don’t hate you…I would never hate you. I just wish you had come to me, I would’ve helped you. I would certainly not have seen you out on the street or allowed you to have him adopted.”
“Calvin, please don’t.” Her eyes filled with tears. Her heart ached to his kindness that she really didn’t deserve.
“I want to be here to support you and Kacey.”
Sophie snapped her head to glare at him. “She isn’t yours.” He stared back at her horrified. His lips pressed firmly together, eyes peering harshly at her. She swallowed heavily and could feel her heart being ripped out of her chest. “Sorry,” she managed to say feeling larger knots in her tummy.
“I just want to help you.”
“You don’t need to.”
“I want to. Regardless!”
With that, Calvin stood.
She watched him walk away, heading toward the main building indecisive if to chase after him to explain. So fed-up of allowing her mouth to run away with her, but the truth was Kacey wasn’t his to worry about.
Sophie allowed him to go. She hitched her breath, aching in every limb.

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Book 1 Innocence

Author Bio

Holly is a wife, mum of three grown up and not starting to flee their nests she's also a proud nana to twins. Holly lives in England a town called Grimsby. The J in her name stands for Jody. She enjoys spending quality time surrounded with her family. Her and hubby have a secret hideaway for peace and quiet in a sweet idyllic campsite where they like to pitch a tent close to York one of her favourite cities. Holly also likes touring around the UK, sight-seeing, visiting stately homes and castles. Her hobbies are reading, writing, socializing and listening to music.

Writing is where Holly’s heart is… 

Where to find Holly

 Facebook

 Romance Blog

 Erotic Blog

Twitter

Google+

 Goodreads

 Pinterest

 Website

Books available from Holly J. Gill

Erotic Romance series

Desires

New Year and goals for 2016!

I cannot help but feel excited for 2016. I have many ideas for future stories that I want to write, and they may not all be of a romantic nature. You see one of the ways I gain inspiration is to read and when you read a book that is a page turner, that you cannot put down, and you find yourself analyzing how the story was put together, and how the characters were developed. It makes you wonder if you are capable of writing something in that genre. The reason being because you loved the book so much!

I love great plots, believable characters and beautiful writing. I like a story that moves, that shows us what is going on more than tells us.Anyway, I think as a writer we have to explore and challenge ourselves, and that is a goal of mine for 2016. To write in a way that scares me, to keep stretching myself with the aim of getting better.

I have to share this piece of news my debut adult paranormal romance Capturing the Last Welsh Witch was released at the end of 2015, and I’m delighted with the sales to date. I’m also ecstatic about my review from the Paranormal Romance Guild who provided an honest and unbiased review.






                                                            

                                                 5*****Stars

                                                Novel: Capturing the Last Welsh Witch

                                                                  Author: J.M. Davies

                                                     Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal Romance

                                                                         Rating: Adult

Ella Masters is a 500 year old soul-shifter. She is from the clan of Ariana, Moon Goddess and this is her fifth life. If Ella doesn't find her soul mate this death will be permanent. For 500 years she has not found him, all she ever found was men that in one way or another led to her early death. Trusting men is something she has difficulty with.

Her newest pretend boyfriend is Professor Aiden O'Connor. Their relationship is anything but sexual and one night at dinner their relationship takes a horrible turn. Ella wakes up beaten and bleeding in the woods trying to remember what happened. The last thing she remembers is her and Aiden arguing. She has no idea that Aiden is dead and she is wanted by the FBI. The agent sent to bring her in is Marcus Drayton. Bringing in Ella would result in the promotion to New York he so desperately wants. Once a Navy SEAL Marcus will stop at nothing to get Ella. He has been undercover working at a coffee shop surveying her and figuring out the best time to make his move. In addition to the FBI the Elusti is also looking for her. The Elusti is an old religous sect who have hunted her kind to extinction. Is she really the only one left?

When Marcus finally gets his woman, so to speak, he finds himself drawn to her. He is convinced that she is innocent. Marcus grew up with a mother who always said she could see things and wound up in a psychiatric center for years leaving Marcus to go from foster home to foster home. He grew to hate his mother and refuses to accept anything she said and now refuses to believe what Ella is tryng to tell him about being a soul-shifter. Marcus' beliefs will shortly be tested and he will find out things about himself and his mother he never saw coming.

Marcus is going against the FBI and his superior who he has begun to distrust. Why would Ella be one of the FBI's ten most wanted? She is tiny and there was no way she could have overcome and beaten Aiden to death. When the name Elusti comes up Marcus realizes he is fighting a very dangerous enemy and he is determined to destroy them. The attraction between Ella and Marcus is getting hotter by the minute, but can she trust him or will he be another man in her life to cause her death and can he believe what she says? The two of them have a lot to learn and everything will be revealed by the end of the book.

I am not going to say any more because I do not want to slip and give anything away. There is betrayal, kidnapping, secrets, surprises and sex. My only problem with reading the book was "my husband" who seemed to think he would starve to death if I didn't stop reading and feed him, well I accomplished both. There is no cliffhanger but for some reason I had the feeling there might be more coming and I hope so.



                                                            Reviewed by: Linda Tonis

                                     Member of the Paranormal Romance Review Team

 

                                 

Windham, New Hampshire, local fiction Author

I am delighted to introduce my lovely writer friend Jennifer Smith, who shares my passion and determination for crafting stories that readers will love. Her debut adult fiction novel Flying Backwards was released in August 2015, and she is currently working on a fantasy trilogy!  


Jennifer W Smith lives in a quaint New Hampshire town with her husband and two children. Her kitty, a beautiful blue-eyed Balinese is always nearby, and she’s recently adopted a four-year-old collie who’s made herself at home.  She debuted her first woman’s fiction novel in late August of 2015 titled FLYING BACKWARDS.

                                             About the book: FLYING BACKWARDS

Would it be exciting to travel to exotic places, meet a man who makes your heart summersault, and become a person you admire?  Eleanor (Nora) Clark realizes the key to an interesting life is eluding her. Never leaving the small Pennsylvania town she grew up in, living in a house her fiancé bought his ex-girlfriend, and spending weekends helping in the family business. She realizes life is passing her by as her twenty-ninth birthday looms on the horizon. Why hasn’t she taken any gutsy chances in life?

On a whim, she applies to become a flight attendant. Suddenly, she is jetting off to London, Rome, and St. Petersburg where she finds herself romantically entangled with three very different suitors. Eleanor’s new life exceeds all her wildest dreams.To find fulfillment, Eleanor must discover success, confidence, friendship, and love. As her daydreams become reality, the choices she makes both build and break her heart. But her last choice decides it all.

                                                                    USA AMAZON

                                                                     UK AMAZON

I thought it might be fun to ask you some questions so the readers out there can get to know you a little better....

1.      Who is your favorite author and do you aspire to write like him or her?

I don’t have one favorite author. I think it’s their particular story that touches me and sticks with me. If you read a lot, it’s like treasure hunting, and I know I get excited when I finish that one book in a pile of many, that I could start reading all over again.

2. How do you come up with ideas for your stories?

I like history, traveling, reading…things in my everyday life spark ideas, and then, I hunt down more information to support my budding story.

3. Your first book was an adult fiction story and I hear you're writing an adult fantasy trilogy. Was that switch hard for you and what was the inspiration behind that series?

Switching from mainstream romance to fantasy isn’t hard for me. Both require believable characters and a solid storyline. It’s a little more fun writing fantasy because I get to invent a new realm and all the creatures in it. When I was a teenager I was writing fantasy, so I decided to give it another go.

4. Being a busy mom, with two kids, how do you manage your writing? 

I write around their schedules, mostly when they are at school. I’m the mom on her laptop in the parking lot during dance and soccer practice.

5. You are a self-published author, do you think you will try to submit to a traditional publisher?

During the last nine months, I’ve finished my first novel and set out to publish it on my own. I’ve worked so hard learning how to hire an editor, cover artist, build my own website, market, and so much more. I’m not saying I’ll never submit to a traditional publisher, but I’m doing pretty well on my own.

6. Any advice for aspiring authors?

Becoming an author was a dream come true for me. I worked hard to make it happen, that said, it was my passion. So if having a book published is your passion, it is attainable.

7. Aside from writing and being a mom what hobbies do you enjoy?

I’ve dabbled in many things from scrapbooking to knitting, but I always enjoy traveling to interesting places and learning local traditions. I also love jigsaw puzzles – I think of it as linking a story together.

8. How do you cope with stress or bad days when nothing is going right?

As Scarlett O’Hara  said “Tomorrow is another day.”

9. What is the BEST part about being an author?

Aside from personal fulfillment of achieving a life-long goal, when a stranger tells me they LOVE my story, not only is it validating, but humbling and my heart swells. Also, if I can be an inspiration to others, that too, brings me great joy.

10. What do you see happening for you as an author in 2016?

In 2016, I’ll be working on writing and releasing three books in the Broken Water Series. I’ll be releasing the first book in this adult fantasy series The Lavender Pearl in the spring. The second book in the Broken Water Series is being worked on now, and may be released as early as the fall of 2016. I will also be scheduling book signings and I look forward to meeting fans!

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Guest author Dilys J Carnie

I'd like to welcome the lovely Welsh romance author Dilys J Carnie, who has been my go-to person for several years. When I had a question about writing and the publication process, Dilys was there! I have read several of her twelve books, and I can tell you she spins a lovely story with ease.

Dilys J Carnie


My home is on the beautiful island of Anglesey on the west coast of North Wales. Anglesey has been my home since the age of eleven after moving here with my mum and dad and three sisters from Scotland.
I'm the proud mother of two grown children. My daughter Emma is a primary school teacher, and my son Christopher is part of the family business.
I'm a health freak and a vegetarian. Pilates class combined with visiting the gym at least four times a week keeps me fit. I love clothes, makeup, and having my nails and hair done. I'm just a girl's girl.
If I'm not in my office pounding the keys I'm sitting in my favourite chair reading books and discovering new authors on my Kindle.
As a young child I loved to write. I always carried a notebook and pen around with me and wrote about everything. I never thought for one moment I would ever be able to pick up a book with my name on it and say "I wrote that". It was a dream come true when I signed with a publisher for my first book in November 2012. So, dare I say at the young age of fifty I think it's time for me to see if those dreams are everything that I hope they will be.
http://www.dilysjcarnie.com/
https://www.facebook.com/dilysj.carnie.3
http://dilys-j-carnie.blogspot.co.uk/
Chester in England, Llanberis in Wales and Kinneff in Scotland.

Three glories places to spend a romantic Christmas, A chance to be naughty and nice with men who we would all like to find in our Christmas stockings. 

One touch…one moment in time.

Belle Jones never did anything that wasn't planned…that was until she met Ethan Thompson on one steamy afternoon.

Now he’s come looking for her and he discovers more than he bargained for.

Belle is trying to come to terms with her first Christmas on her own. Until Ethan throws all her plans out the window and leaves her with a decision to make.

Will the secret she is hiding from this man bring them together or push them apart?

Amazon USA
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Blurb
Holly Berry is grateful to be alive... so she has a new bucket list. No more nice girl for the new Holly... this year her wish for Santa is on the naughty list.
Noah Miller plays Santa Claus at Snowdrop House, where he is surprised to find a very grownup...and willing...Holly Berry on his knee. He’d never guessed that a Santa costume and twenty-four hours would make such a difference to his Christmas.
Will this little sexy little bundle of fun who rocks his world change his future too?

Amazon UK
Amazon USA

Blurb
Come to the Scottish Highlands for a delightful romance. Skye heads off to a remote village for peace and quiet over Christmas but doesn't factor in Callum McIntyre, the man broke her heart ten years ago. When she is snowed in and has to stay at his cottage...will she be able to resist his charms this time...or does she really want to?

Amazon UK
Amazon USA

NEW BOOK RELEASE!

The last two months have been busy with personal issues, which are now resolved and getting my YA trilogy back out there for readers as my publisher closed its doors suddenly in September. As you can imagine it's been a tough time. Eighteen months ago, I signed a contract and was delighted to have some validation of my work, but in all honesty, it's been a bumpy ride.

Through the summer, I had decided to self-publish my first adult paranormal, but I hadn't anticipated having to use every penny that I had earned to re-publish my books and pay for the editing and art work for the third book.

Anyway, this is life, and you have to roll with it. I am very fortunate that I could  start over, and I'm happy to say the books are all available on Amazon worldwide. I'm also delighted that I managed to complete the books I set out as my goals for 2015.

Releasing Capturing the Last Welsh Witch is really the icing on the cake.

I have a new editor and cover artist, and I am very happy working with both ladies!  My goals for 2016 are to keep writing, I have 2 projects that are started, possibly a sequel, and another series all good fun....

If you pop over and like my author page, make sure you leave a comment and you'll be entered in a competition to win an ARC copy of Capturing the Last Welsh Witch.

                                                        Capturing the Last Welsh Witch

Ella Masters’s soul is five hundred years old and in each life, she has been fatally betrayed by men. This is her fifth and final life, and legend says she must meet her true love or this time death is eternal. Wanted for the murder of her latest boyfriend and on the run from the FBI, as well as the ruthless group the Elusti, it doesn’t bode well for any would-be suitors.

Marcus Drayton has a sixth sense when it comes to knowing people, which has helped in his career as a special agent for the FBI, as well as his previous stint as a Navy SEAL. His latest assignment is to deliver Ella Masters, the Witch, which will give him the prized promotion in New York. After he meets the mysterious Ella, and realizes the Elusti are involved, the ghosts of his past force him to seek the truth, making every one he loves a target.

As she runs for her life and freedom, Ella needs to discover whether Marcus is the warrior she needs. And can she trust him with her heart and soul before it’s too late?



                                                        A little snippet from the beginning!


Her fingers touched the torn edges of the material and she stared into the distance, blinking as an old memory shook her.
“Come here, before I come and get you.” Aidan’s voice was deep and hoarse. His piercing eyes glared into hers, and she looked back as she contemplated her options. She glanced toward the door; if she moved, he would grab her. She could try to seduce him. However, that would be hopeless with Aidan. No, the only way was to trick him.
Aidan inched closer. So close, she could smell his musky aftershave. Ella let him get closer still. Let him think he had won. Her heart pounded violently against her ribs, but still she waited, barely breathing. Aidan inched closer, his eyes never leaving her face.
“Are you ready to admit defeat?” He raised one eyebrow, and his mouth spread into a lazy smile.
“Never, Professor.” She flicked her leg outward and kicked as hard as possible, just like he had taught her.
“What the…” He fell to the ground, doubled over and clutched his stomach.
Sucking on her lower lip, she hesitated before she turned away. That split second of doubt was her undoing. Arms came from nowhere and grabbed her legs. Whoosh. The view of the room shifted, and the floor went from under her feet. She ended up flat on her back, with Aidan’s body impaling her to the floor.
“Never trust the enemy,” he said.
She spluttered and coughed as the memory swirled away. Professor Aidan O’Connor was an enigma: a historian, friend, pretend-lover, and expert at martial arts. He’d taught her how to use her body as a weapon.
“But last night wasn’t practice, was it? Aidan, what have you done?”

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