The Book Nymph Publishing and Promotions November 2014 Issue

Foreword Thank you for reading The Book Nymph Publishing and Promotion’s November issue. In this issue you will find exclusive excerpts, writing tips, interviews, book reviews, features, and more. Please show your support to all of the authors and visit their websites and Amazon pages.

At The Book Nymph Publishing and Promotions we strive to represent a variety of authors book traditionally and independently published.

Inside you will find:  Adam Dreece’s Top 5 Tips for Budding Authors  A Review of Maya DeLeina’s “Fire and Ice: Seasons of the Vampire 1”  A Quick Fire Q&A with Mel Massey  Celia Kennedy’s Top 10 Favorite Songs  A Review of “Life Discarded” by, Dena Haggerty  An Interview with David Revilla  An Exclusive Excerpt from A.J. Adwen’s “The Choice”  An Interview with Kait Carson  “The Fallen” Book Feature  “Hearts of Larceny” Book Feature and Author Spotlight, Stephann Ibrahim  An Interview with Debbie White  “Aware” Book Feature  An Exclusive Excerpt from “The New Mrs. Collins”  “A Harem Boy’s Saga” Book Feature  Author Spotlight, C.P. Mandara  Exclusive Excerpt from “The Curse of the Quill”

AUTHOR, ADAM DREECE'S TOP 5 PIECES OF ADVICE HE GIVES TO BUDDING WRITERS 1.

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FINISH IT Get real Beta readers Learn how to listen to feedback Set deadlines & make them real Hustle or die

Discover More About Adam Dreece and his Emergent Steampunk Series, The Yellow Hoods!

Adam Dreece Author of emergent Steampunk series The Yellow Hoods Young Adult written for everyone

Book 1 - Along Came a Wolf at Amazon, Amazon.ca, Kobo, Smashwords, The Yellow Hoods Store Book 2 - Breadcrumb Trail at Amazon, Amazon,.ca, Kobo, Smashwords, The Yellow Hoods Store

3 Chapter free samples available

Blog: AdamDreece.com Twitter: @AdamDreece

FIRE AND ICE: SEASONS OF THE VAMPIRE 1 MAYA DELEINA BOOK REVIEW

The Book Nymph 4 out of 5 stars Fire and Ice: Seasons of the Vampire 1 is the gripping tale of Noel, a vibrant young woman, and Grayson, a sexy mysterious vampire that she encounters after a dangerous accident one winter.

Noel is on the quest for solitude one fateful Christmas holiday. She has a cabin reserved in the woods, where she plans to spend her time free from civilization. With snow falling in smothering sheets, she takes a perilous turn off the highway, where she plummets to what seems to be her end. A ray of hope arrives in the form of a mysterious man that rescues her from her car, and carries her off to safety.

In his cabin, Grayson cares for her and nurses her back to her usual vibrancy. Though mysterious, she finds him attractive in ways she has never

experienced. It does not take long for sparks to fly. Noel is drawn to him within hours. With this, the readers finds that our protagonist is far from shy and reserved.

She seeks to seduce him, bend him to her desires. Perhaps it is his vampiric allure.

We cannot be sure of what attributes to this almost unnatural instant attraction.

If your scruples aren’t disturbed by this, you will be captivated by their chemistry and subsequent erotic endeavors. Bear in mind that Fire and Ice is a paranormal romance with a heavy erotic undertone.

Noel and Grayson seem to be a compatible match, and yet their heartwarming romance comes to an abrupt end. They enjoy one another’s body, and company, and yet their time ends when Grayson vanishes, leaving her well off with her car intact and bags packed.

This ends the story of Noel and Grayson. Or so it seems. She learns of his vampire nature, and misses him dearly, and hopes that they will meet once again.

A new man enters Noel’s life, and the reader will easily miss this unless they read both the prologue and epilogue of the story. Noel falls for and marries a man named Dante, a once business partner of Grayson’s that dies shortly after their marriage.

Poor Noel seems destined to be alone.

It is the second half of the book, where Noel and her best friend, Suzanne take a trip to Key West to find closure for her loss. This turn of events reveals new revelations, intriguing new characters, and mysteries that will leave the character thirsting for more.

Available on Amazon and Maya DeLeina's Website

A QUICK FIRE Q&A WITH AUTHOR, MEL MASSEY!

1. Coffee or tea?

Although it sounds fancy to drink tea, I'm a die hard coffee girl. I love my Keurig with a passion that boarders on inappropriate. The only tea I drink is a Dream Tea from one of my favorite Magickal Witch shoppes, Scarlet's Cauldron. Helps you have awesome dreams.

2. Favorite music to listen to when writing?

Well, that depends on what I'm writing. I always listen to Pandora radio but change stations depending on which character I'm writing about. A lot of Kesha for when I'm writing Mela, Classical music for basic story writing, and Skrillex for fight scenes. Funny thing is, I edit to rap music. Something about the rhythm that helps me focus on technical writing.

3. Best source of inspiration for your books?

My being a practicing Pagan really helped shape the world Mela lives in. Starting with the spelling of the word 'magick'. It is an old spelling used to separate illusion (magic) from power (magick). Weaving my collegiate anthropological studies with my own practices of the craft helped firmly define her world. That is an important step when writing magickal fantasy - defining the laws of the world and never breaking them. It helps the reader accept the impossible if there are certain "rules" for the main character and the world she lives in. Having those perimeters set before writing helped shape her story and toss all of those road blocks in her way.

Then I turned to a wide range of mythos to pepper in along the way. Greek mythology, Norse mythology, Voodoo, Witchcraft, even Christianity have a place in the series.

4. If you could meet any celebrity, who would it be, and why?

I have two that I would love to meet for completely different reasons. First, I would love to sit and have a beer with Bill Maher. He's a funny man, sure, but he's one of the most intelligent television personalities. I love his bravery about politics and our country's issues. I may not agree with him 100% all of the time but I admire him greatly. The second would have to be Rory McCann (if you don't know who he is, Google him.) That man is just a huge slice of Scottish beefcake.

Sure, I'd have a beer with him as well but I think I'd spend the evening swooning.

And if you know me at all - I don't swoon for just anyone.

5. Favorite snack when writing or reading?

It used to be the tiny marshmallows but they're nothing but sugar so I had to stop. I can't eat while I'm writing but while I read I like salt and vinegar chips. Delicious with a beer!

Author bio:

Mel Massey is a native Texan but has called California, Florida, Missouri, and Washington State home. Mel went to college in California and studied Cultural

Anthropology where her field of study had a huge impact on the creation of the Earth's Magick series. Mel is also politically active and a (sometimes loud) supporter for equal rights, non-GMO products, animal rights, and against obnoxious politicians.

Mel can be found tweeting nonsense or having hilarious discussions with readers on Facebook. Occasionally, she leaves those particular vices and writes about magick, witches, monsters and all the lovely dark things lurking in the shadows.

Earth’s Magick, Book 2 ~Water~ Mela's story continues in the second book in the Earth's Magick series.

Mela Malone is one of the most powerful Witches in Texas. While learning how to defeat Evil using magick, and a sword, the unexpected departure of two of her closest friends disrupts the balance of her world. Meanwhile, a new threat comes to Trinity Hills, Texas that puts even the innocent townspeople in danger. Mela must step up and defend, not only those she loves, but the entire town. Both old and new friends bring additional complications into her chaotic life...especially since one of them is a handsome Witch on a mission of his own.

Amazon

CHARLOTTE'S RESTRAINED BLOG TOUR (TOP TEN LIST)

Top 10 Favorite Songs: "Music and me, we’re BFF’s!" -Celia Kennedy

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1) Perfect, by Pink 2) Remember When, Alan Jackson 3) Open Arms, Journey 4) Stronger, Kelly Clarkson 5) Impossible, James Arthur 6) Like Real People Do, Hozier Almost all things sung and written by Ed Sheeran 8) Crazy, Patsy Cline 9) Twist a St. Tropez, Peppino di Capri 10) Volcano, Phil Phillips

Celia Kennedy was born in Wurzburg, Germany on an American Army base. Her parents' penchant for traveling the world, via a Volkswagen Minibus with a Porsche engine, sparked her

imagination. Staring out the window, sometimes through fog and rain, at other times at sunny blue skies, she began to make up stories for the places and spaces they passed by. The inbetween time, the most fascinating to her.

The imagined world has always fascinated Celia. She has studied Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Interior Design, and pretty much every other subject matter. Like her childhood, it was the ride that was the most entertaining, arrival at a degree, not anywhere as important.

Mark Twain said, "Write what you know." When combining this concept with her unusual life experiences (working at a nuclear submarine base when Chernobyl blew, testing software Bill Gates kept close tabs on, travelling extensively while quite broke, or falling in love with her boyfriend's close friend) thinking of what to write about isn't challenging; there just needs to be more hours in the day.

Celia published Charlotte's Restrained, The Accidental Stalker in December of 2012 and Venus Rising in August of 2013. Look for Kathleen's Undressed, The Accidental Enigma, a companion novel to Charlotte's Restrained, to be published in November 2014.

Currently she lives in Washington State with the loves of her life.

LIFE DISCARDED DENA HAGGERTY BOOK REVIEW The Book Nymph 4.5 of 5 Stars

Life Discarded is the tale of Morgan, a woman who believed that her fairy tale romance with her new husband would lead to a happily ever after. However, shortly after her wedding she learns the truth about her husband, but not before suffering constant emotional and physical turmoil.

Dena Haggerty’s Life Discarded dissects the deep seeded issues associated with emotional and mental abuse, and how it can unravel even the most innocent of people and cause them to do things they would never imagine. It also goes a step beyond and adds a layer of intrigue with its suspenseful subplot of a serial rapist on the loose that targets women that resemble our protagonist, Morgan.

Instantly gripping, Life Discarded is an intimate look at Morgan and her secretive husband, Daniel. The story also flashes a brief spotlight on the supporting cast, Ellie and Eric, the best friends of the main characters. While some of Daniel’s actions are far beyond the normal range of emotion and reactions to Morgan’s innocent inquiries and concerns, the reader quickly discovers that there is something not right about him. Nonetheless, this can be attributed to his unstable, somewhat maniacal psyche. With this in mind, one may suspend their level of disbelief and be mindful that many of Daniel’s actions are over the top because he is not a normal person.

The point of the story is to further add to this fact.

Morgan is the extreme opposite of the spectrum. Calm, docile, naïve, and blind to the reality of her husband’s actions. It takes her Ellie, Eric, and a coworker to constantly take care of her and ultimately show her just how dire her situation is.

Despite the minute flaws of the story and its characters, the reader will find themselves sucked into their world. They’ll will and hope for Morgan to discover the truth about her husband before it is too late.

After multiple suspicious miscarriages, and her heart broken, it will ultimately be too late once Morgan does discover the unimaginable truth.

Available on Amazon Goodreads

AN INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR, DAVID REVILLA! Author Bio David Revilla wrote his first book with pencil and paper, a work lost in the innumerable passages of time…i.e., his basement. Years of procrastination and several short-stories later, The River Styx is his first published novel. The only thing harder than writing the book, he admits, was restraining himself from editing it “just one more time,” because as everyone knows authors are their own worse critics.

A native son of NYC, he dreams of one day moving to someplace less sunny.

When did you start writing?

When does anyone start breathing? Okay, it's not like I was born with a pencil in one hand and a piece of paper in the other, but creating stories has been a part of me since as far back as I can remember. The first time I recall putting a story on paper was around third grade. A lot of kids today don't know what book

fairs are, but my school used to host them. After reading a few great novels I started to think, "this is something I can be good at" and that's when it all started. I hand wrote my first novel before I was in fifth grade--on paper with pencil, erasing and rewriting like they did in olden times. It was fun, and before I knew it I was typing those stories on my computer. It seems like only yesterday when I penned my first opening line: "It was a dark and stormy night..."--------------Real original, right?

Is there a message that you want to communicate with your writing?

If there is a concept I want to portray, is that there are no perfect characters.

I dislike characters who seem godlike, all-knowing, unbeatable. It makes them unrealistic and not relatable. Real people have faults, and it's how they deal with those faults and learn to overcome them that make those characters so memorable.

It doesn't matter whether you're writing about a demigod or an alien, the reader has to be able to understand where the character is coming from or else the character is nothing more than a word on a page, not a person.

Who is your favorite author, and why?

I have no favorites per say, but if I had to choose one it would be the man who inspired me to write in the first place: R.L. Stine. His Goosebumps series were a collection of children's horror stories that made me lose sleep at night. I hold him personally responsible for putting me on this path. I'd like to meet him, to shake his hand someday and say "Thanks." Why do I like him so much? It was like he wrote his novels for me specifically. As a child, I felt that most intelligent books were written for adults and that children's stories were, well, childish. Stine wrote books that challenged his young audience. He made me appreciate sentence structure, plotline, foreshadowing, and of course, cliffhangers. When I wrote my first works, it was his knowledge guiding the pencil. Through years of practice I became better and better, but it all started with him.

Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

A lot of people who are asked this question say "don't' give up on your dreams." But what many do not understand is that dreams take a lot of hard work

and (more importantly) patience. In fact, I would say dreams are about one percent hard work and ninety-nine percent patience. When I began writing The River Styx it was a completely different story than what it is now. I went through so many rewrites, spent so many countless hours erasing entire passages, throwing away paper, changing one paragraph after another until I just gave up and started from scratch....again, and again, and again. If someone had told me I'd actually finish the novel back then I'd never have believed them.

So many young and new authors don't understand just how hard it is to write a book. From the moment of its conception, The River Styx took seven years to complete. That's right, SEVEN YEARS. Other books have taken longer. Some series have decade-long gaps between installments, meaning that an entire generation of readers can grow up without actually finishing the story. It's the main reason I decided to make my debut novel a stand-alone book, because I have no idea when, if ever, I'd get around to writing the next novel.

So my advice is this: be patient. Finish what you're working on no matter how bad it is. Remember that the next step is to edit the story. That's actually the fun part because you can hammer out all the details and make the story better than before. The first step is just to finish. Everything else comes later.

Tell us about the main character from The River Styx.

There are actually two main characters, Hope and Charon. Hope who is a fourteen-year old girl who has just survived a storm and is floating on the sea. She is rescued by a passing galley (that's an ancient Greek sailing ship) on its way to the city of Dis Pater, the capital of the Underworld. Hope has lost much of her memories after the traumatizing incident and has no idea how she wound up in the realm of the dead. She seems like an ordinary girl at first, but inside her is a unique gift that connects her to the gods of Olympus. Despite this special power, it is her humanity that defines her, and her spirit that inspires the crew on their journey. She is the only human on the ship and it is her humanity that is her greatest strength.

On the flip side, Charon is an immortal who is the captain of The River Styx.

Cold, aloof, and apathetic, his only goal is to see his ship and crew to Mt. Olympus to discover why the gods have fallen silent. He's a tough commander, often manipulative, but overtime he begins to feel something for his crew. Much of this is Hope's doing as she's the first human being he's ever gotten to know. Through

their interactions, Charon begins to appreciate what it means to be mortal and learns that all life is precious. He is willing to risk everything, even his own immortality, to make sure they are all survive.

Which actor would you like to play the main character in the movie?

Maisie Williams is the actress who plays Arya Stark on Game of Thrones.

When I told my illustrator to create a few concept ideas for the character of Hope, I chose Maisie as my template. She has the look I was going for (the short hair, the eyes, the build) and the attitude. She's spirited, like Hope, and while not physicallyintimidating or martially-inclined, it is her will that separates her from all other characters in the show. Hope's strength comes from her willingness to whatever it takes to protect those she cares about.

For Charon I'd go with Tom Wisdom who plays the archangel Michael on the SyFy series Dominion. Tall, stoic, cultured in voice, powerful, these are all traits that Tom displays in his portrayal as Michael and I believe he'd easily fit the role of Charon. He also carries that aura of mystery and deep introspection which I believe is crucial to understanding Charon's character and motives.

What are you working on next?

I'm working on several projects at once. I have been developing this dark YA story about two siblings, a brother and sister, who must save their village from things that live beneath the earth. It's a work in progress but it's something that would have chilled me to the bones in my youth. I definitely want to work on my first series. It will probably be science fiction and geared towards an older audience. My goal right now is to build up my portfolio and develop a fan base.

After writing, editing and self-publishing, advertising is proving to be the biggest challenge of my career. The River Styx is my first voyage into the choppy waters of authorship, and it's a journey I don't plan to take alone.

Purchase Links

The Choice by, A.J. Adwen How do you heal from your past when you're still trapped within it?

I lost myself the night of the party. Just like that, my innocence and my sanity were torn away.

I would like to say that time heals all wounds, but it doesn't. And I would like to say that falling in love is what rescued me, but it wasn't. Nobody told me what to expect in the coming days and weeks and months after conceiving a rapist's child. Years later, my wounds are still just as fresh as the night they were made. It would be so easy to disappear and allow the memories to consume me.

But that's the choice, isn't it? To live instead.

**This book contains rape triggers. Discretion is advised.**

***EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT*** I stepped into my house with a slight limp, hardly remembering the drive home.

My lip felt swollen. Everything hurt. I walked numbly up the stairs and went into my bathroom to shower; I had never felt more dirty in my entire life.

Removing my dress was painful. I tried not to look in the mirror, but I caught a glimpse and couldn't look away. My lip wasn't as bad as it felt; probably not even noticeable to anyone else. There were no visible bruises on my body. Looking at myself, it was easy to imagine that I had dreamt it: that I would wake up tomorrow and breathe a sigh of relief that it hadn't been real. But then a memory of Tyler tearing his way into me while I stared at the ceiling made me rush to the toilet, heaving for what felt like an eternity. I sobbed, clutching the icy porcelain.

I finally sank down with my back against the cabinets until I could hug my knees to my chest. That was when the shaking began, stealing control of my entire body.

And that was when I replayed everything that had happened, trying to make sense of it; trying to understand what I had done wrong to instigate him.

What did I do? His frantic voice returned to mind.

He had hit me; I hadn't asked for that. He had taken control.

Yet his response when it was over contradicted his actions, and somehow I knew I had misunderstood.

I was so confused. My cheek still throbbed where he had slapped me. Steam from the shower clouded around me in a suffocating haze as I gripped the bathroom rug beneath me. It was the only thing that made me feel somewhat

stable. I sat there until sweat began to roll off my face. I tried to understand. I tried to understand what I had done to ask for this.

But no matter how much I reasoned with each passing thought, and no matter how many times I tried to recall what I had done to instigate him, the reality of what had happened was finally crashing down over me. There was only one explanation: one that I never in a million years thought would be something I would have to experience firsthand.

I had been raped.

And I had no idea what to do.

AN INTERVIEW WITH KAIT CARSON, THE AUTHOR OF DEATH BY BLUE WATER

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When did you start writing? Wow, harder than it looks – I think all my

life. And I always knew that was what I wanted to do. I guess the first thing I

remember writing was a poem, it was in the 4thgrade and it began, pop, pop, pop, here comes the cop. I was destined for mysteries. 

Do you write full time? Oh that is my dream. No, I have a full time job,

more than one if you count a husband, 8 cats and 3 birds! 

What did you do before you became a writer? I am a certified paralegal

with a trusts and estates practice. I’m lucky, my boss is super supportive. 

Who is your favorite author? What is about them that inspires you? I have

so many. It’s amazing and it would be impossible to pick just one. I am inspired by so many different things, but it boils down to the ability to write a rich and vibrant story and put the reader in the picture. 

What inspired you to write Death by Blue Water? NANOWRIMO – Yep,

Death By Blue Water started out as Diving Diva during the National Novel Writing Month competition. I was living in Maine – it was November – I wanted sunshine and a scuba dive. The rest is history. 

Are any of the events based on something you've experienced in your

life? Yes, I am rabid scuba diver. The Humboldt is a stand in for the wreck of the Thunderbolt. I’ve done the dive often, but never alone and no bodies were involved. I also had the frightening experience of having my first stage go bad on that dive and having to swim up while breathing from the tank. Not recommended, but I was glad my training included it. 

If you could pick any actor to play the main character in Death by Blue

Water, who would it be? Hayden Kent – wow. Who would play her. Allison Brie would be my first choice. 

Do you have any advice to fellow authors? This is going to sound silly. It’s

write. It’s the only way to learn your craft. Keep at it, even if no one else seems interested. I keep a little tube of Boudreaux’s Butt Paste on my desk. I think it’s for diaper rash, but it reminds me that if my bottom is not in the chair and my fingers not on the keyboard, then I’m not having fun!

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Is there anything you'd like to say to your readers? I hope you enjoy

reading about Hayden Kent’s adventures as much as Hayden enjoyed living through them! I’d love it if you would all write honest reviews after you read the book. 

What are you working on next? Death by Doubloons. It’s the second in

the Hayden Kent series. It’s still a work in progress, but this one includes treasure on the sea floor and murder, of course.

THE FALLEN: BOOK FEATURE

For hundreds of years, the Blaukenev clan has wandered across Tilzam, from one end to the other and back. Each wagon carries history, love, laughter, pain, sorrow, and secrets. Their greatest secret of all may be Chavali, the clan Seer.

Spirits claim/use/save/damn her.

With her gift/curse, nothing surprises her anymore, no one keeps secrets from her. She, on the other hand, has more than enough secrets to keep. Secrets of her own, secrets of her clan, secrets of the world, secrets she even keeps from herself.

There are always people who want secrets.

Some will do anything to get what they want.

The Fallen is the foundation of the story of The Greatest Sin, of a world adrift from its God that desperately wants Her back. Chavali's comfortable, predictable life will be ripped apart and burnt to ashes as she's forced into the middle of that struggle. Change, she hates it passionately. It hates her right back.

"As every reader knows there are certain books we don't want to end, and when we finally do close the book, we seem to grieve it. Well, The Greatest Sin, is definitely one of those books. The author did a great job pulling me into the story immediately, and then keeping me there. The story moves along at a good pace, allowing the reader to connect with the characters, while keeping the action flowing. The main character, Chavali, is mystical, strong, and caring, making her very likable. I found this book to have everything a great fantasy needs, from humor to action. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. Do yourself a favor and read it." - Kim S.

"The other reviewers are right. The Fallen is an excellent fantasy read! As I was reading through it, I could almost picture this Lord of the Rings type of hobbit village meets gypsies. And reading The Fallen was like stepping into this fantasy world of theirs and getting a behind the scenes peek at their lives. You'll want to read The Fallen when you have a lot of time on your hands, it's not a short read!

Also, I would describe this book as an EPIC fantasy! The authors have created such a world that it would be a shame to not continue this series." - Carrie January

Visit Write Like A Wizard for an Exclusive Excerpt from Fallen: Greatest Sin Book One Purchase links: The Fallen

About the Author: Lee French lives in Olympia, WA with two kids, two bicycles, and too much stuff.

She is an avid gamer and active member of the Myth-Weavers online RPG community, where she is known for her fondness for Angry Ninja Squirrels of Doom. In addition to spending much time there, she also trains year-round for the one-week of glorious madness that is RAGBRAI, has a nice flower garden with

absolutely no lawn gnomes, and tries in vain every year to grow vegetables that don't get devoured by neighborhood wildlife.

HEARTS OF LARCENY: A NOVELLA (SIN BOOK 1) STEPHANN IBRAHIM

Synopsis:

Jordan Thatcher is a man eater.

According to Detective Angelo she is not only a man-eater but also a serial killer leading her male acquaintances to horrifyingly gruesome endings and leaving their bodies at the scene literally heartless.

This rookie Detective is determined to prove her guilt, but there's a few kinks in his case. All of the evidence is circumstantial and his interrogation with the elusive Jordan Thatcher has Detective Angelo second guessing his investigation.

With Jordan's agreement to provide information regarding the victims as well as her involvement in crimes of a lesser degree can the rookie detective solve the case of Highland Massacres? Will he find the evidence he needs to put perp behind bars? Most importantly, will Jordan's corporation not only lead Detective Angelo to another prime suspect but also to the missing hearts of the victims?

This twistical dark story will take readers on mentally thrilling ride.

Available on Amazon

Stephann Ibrahim is a writer of many genres including mystery, romance, fantasy, and children's literature. At the young age of five she knew that writing would be her calling. After ghost writing for several small publications and pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in English, she decided to follow her dream of writing novels and novellas. Her goal is to captivate the mind of readers and allow them to get lost in another world just by reading. It has been a long term aspiration for Stephann to give readers the same wonderful reading experience she received not only as a child but also as an adult. She believes that everyone needs a mental escape even if it is just for a few hours. When's she not substitute teaching, she spends her days writing. Stephann currently resides in Maryland with her husband.

An Interview with Author, Debbie White

Where are you from?

I was born in Petaluma, California. However, my dad was in the Air Force and we traveled a bit, and then I married someone in the Air Force and we traveled some more. We moved back to California in 2005 to help care for elderly parents. We call California home for the time being.

What inspired you to write your first book?

I hope readers won’t take this wrong and see me as being conceded…I’ve read a lot of books. I actually used to work in a library so I had access to many. After more than one time of reading mediocre books, I felt I could at least take a stab at it and see what I could do. I’m improving with each book, but I’m no Nicholas Sparks (although one of my reviews said they enjoyed my book as much as one of his!)

Do you write full-time or part-time? How do you balance your writing life with your family/work life?

I work outside the home full-time so writing for me is part-time. I also have an elderly mom who I spend a lot of time with. I’ve been known to get out of bed because I can’t sleep and type away. I also jot things down while I’m at work, typing them in later.

How did you come up with the title?

Both of my titles are self-explanatory. Passport To Happiness involves a real passport for travel, and The Salty Dog is the name of the boat that trolls the salt water off the coast of California.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

All my books feature strong, independent women. That’s the new sexy, ya know!

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

Event’s in my own life with details embellished to make them a bit more interesting.

What book are you reading now?

I’m reading an Elizabeth Berg book, Once Upon A Time You Were Here.

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

Yes. My friend and fellow author Bethany Turner.

What are your current projects?

I’m working on two. I’m in the middle of editing my very first book. I didn’t use a professional editor so it had a lot of things wrong with it. I decided (based on advice from a friend/reviewer) to work on my characters, and fix the grammar issues. I’m almost done with my part, and then I’ll send it to my fabulous editor.

The other project I’m working on is loosely based on my moms’ adoption. It will be more of a romantic suspense.

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

I’ve gotten a lot of help from so many, but if I had to name one…hmmm…it’s a toss up between Twitter and Facebook.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

No, I’m satisfied with the latest book. My second book The Salty Dog – maybe a different cover. I’ve had a couple of people suggest that I change it. When I mention I’m going to change it to others they are outraged. Don’t change it, they say!

Who designed the covers?

It was a collaborative effort (hubby and myself!)

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Writing is easy, it’s the editing that I hate!

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Just that it is rare that your book will become a best-seller so hang in there and keep writing.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

To my readers…I hope you’ll continue to follow me and read my books. I feel I have a place in this industry if given enough of a chance. For readers of your wonderful blog, I hope they take a chance on me.

What do you think about e-publishing versus technical publishing?

I think e-publishing is great, but it’s hard to get the word out about our work.

Marketing is hard, and most of us are struggling and on budgets. I’m blessed I have a job that I earn money regularly so I can invest a little more into marketing.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

Well, I’m living in a pretty cool place right now. Northern California is beautiful.

However, my darling granddaughters live on the east coast. Ideally, if I could maintain two homes, one on the west coast and one on the east, I’d be a happy camper!

Thank you for taking the time to chat with us, Debbie! Good luck with your writing pursuits.

AWARE BY, DAVID S. REYNOLDS

An accident in space has left Navigation Specialist Jenkins alone on a ship that is dying. She is almost certain that the initial malfunction was caused by a robot, proving in her mind that all robots are useless. Jenkins finds this conviction challenged by Repair Bot 3, the last of three bots that is struggling with becoming aware. The two advisories must find a way to understand each other and work as a team in order for both to survive.

Author Bio: I am somewhat of a rarity - A Tucsonan that was actually born in Tucson, Az. Other than one semester of college at Northern Arizona University where I learned I don't like snow, always lived in the Tucson valley and consider myself a certified desert rat.

I enjoy reading and writing many different styles and genre, from political satire to mindless theater. Sometimes I write with a message in mind, sometimes I don't.

When I'm not writing I enjoy traveling, photography, riding motorcycles, building and flying model aircraft and trying new stuff.

You can find more about me and find out about new releases on Facebook by looking up Renaissance Redneck Media.

I hope you get something from my writings, even if it is just a laugh.

Thanks for reading.

Dave

Available on Amazon

Book Info Title: The New Mrs. Collins Author: Quanie Miller Genre: Paranormal Release Date: October 13, 2014

In the small town of Carolville, Louisiana, no one knows that Adira Collins inherited mystic powers from her great grandmother. All they know is that she’s beautiful, poised, graceful, and ruthless—especially when it comes to love. And no one knows that more than Leena Williams, who was all set to marry the man of her dreams until Adira swooped into town and stole the man’s heart.

Being left at the altar is bad enough, but Leena and her ex share custody of their son, so she has to see the new Mrs. Collins on a regular basis.

And it burns every time she does.

But soon, Leena starts to suspect that there is more to Adira Collins than meets the eye. And it’s not because she owns some kinky lingerie shop or allegedly insulted the pastor’s wife—it’s the strange way she can make a door close without touching it, or take one look at something and make it drop dead at her feet.

Leena starts digging for answers and soon discovers that, unlike her public persona, Adira’s true nature is somewhere on the other side of grace. She also learns, a little too late, that some secrets are better left buried.

Excerpt Even though Johnny’s house was a good ten miles away, it did not occur to Leena to put on a pair of shoes, or to comb her hair, or wash her face. She walked along Elmer Drive until she got to Stoney Way. She ambled along, not paying attention to anything in particular, when she looked up and saw a woman in a white nightgown walking towards her. There was nothing really remarkable about her except for the fact that her face was on fire. Leena stopped and pointed at the woman.

She was going to ask her if she knew her face was on fire when the woman smiled at her. To Leena’s horror, the woman’s face transformed into her face. The woman was her. She looked at her reflection in a store window and saw that it was true: her face was ablaze.

Leena looked down at her fingertips and noticed that they were on fire as well. She wondered — if she touched something, would it burn? She turned her attention to a mailbox on the corner and winced when it blurred, went back into focus, disappeared, and then returned. She walked towards it, stuck her burning finger out, and was shocked to discover that the mailbox wasn’t real. Her finger went right through it as if the mailbox were made of clouds. She was stumped. She

looked at her hand again when it dawned on her what she had gone to the kitchen for that morning — to cut the tips from her fingers.

She turned around, headed back to her house and wondered who left her front door wide open. When she got to the kitchen, she laid her hand on the cutting board and took the biggest knife from the cutlery set. She would start with the pinky first. She laid the little finger there, raised the knife high in the air, and just as she was coming down to slice, heard the whisper once more, and this time, it was as clear as a blue diamond sitting in a shallow pool of water: Go to McCullens Bridge.

McCullens Bridge! Well, that made sense.

Her face was on fire so it was logical that she should go to McCullens Bridge and stick her head in to put the fire out. Why hadn’t she thought of it before? She walked outside and noticed that the sun was hanging lower than usual, almost on top of her neighbor’s house. She wagged her finger as she walked past it, thinking that if it fell on her head, she’d be in a world of trouble. She looked at it one more time to make sure it would stay put, then she continued walking.

Author Bio

Quanie Miller grew up in New Iberia, Louisiana. She fell in love with reading at an early age and spent most of her time at the Iberia Parish Library discovering authors like R.L. Stine and Christopher Pike (she was often found walking back home from the library with a stack of books that went up to her chin). She holds degrees from Louisiana State University and San Jose State University. She has been the recipient of the James Phelan Literary Award, the Louis King Thore Scholarship, the BEA Student Scriptwriting Award, and the Vicki Hudson Emerging Writing Prize. She is the author of The New Mrs. Collins, a southern paranormal novel, and It Ain't Easy Being Jazzy, a romantic comedy. She lives in South Carolina with her husband and is currently, as always, working on another novel. To find out more about Quanie and her works in progress visit quanietalkswriting.com.

Amazon (US)

A Harem Boy’s Saga, by Young.

This series of books is a provocative, true, coming-of-age story about a Malaysian teenager nicknamed “Young” who, after being sent to a British boarding school for his formal studies, is willingly initiated into a secretive sexual society. From his UK boarding school, he is spirited to the Middle East, to prepare to serve elite, wealthy patrons in all male harems.

E.R.O.S. (Enlightened Royal Oracle Society) – the organization that operates this program out of the British boarding school provides Young, fellow students and his Valet named Andy, and active recruit rarified opportunities to experience other cultures so that they may continue to grow and develop beyond the regular curriculum afforded other students at this British boarding school.

E.R.O.S. recruits are introduced to an arena of international influential players, celebrities and world-renowned movers and shakers of their day.

Matters became complicated when Young and Andy fall in love with one another, and must navigate their feelings, along with their commitment to serve the households to whom they have been assigned.

Bernard Foong (Young) Author Bio:

Young alias Bernard Foong is, first and foremost, a sensitivist. He finds nuance in everything. To experience the world he inhabits is an adventure which is mystical, childlike and refreshing. He has a rare ability to create beauty in a unique fashion.

His palettes have been material, paint, words and human experiences.

By Christine Maynard (screenwriter and novelist).

A Harem Boy’s Saga: A Memoir by Young.

This provocative story spanning 4 decades and 3 continents is about a boy who was sent to a very exclusive English boarding school in the 1960s where he was initiated into a clandestine sexual society and then spirited away to serve in wealthy and elite Middle Eastern harems ."

A Harem Boy’s Saga series is published by Solstice Publishing and is available in print and E-books internationally.

Out of his busy schedule, Bernard is also working on a mini series of three contemporary paintings for the Rathe Galleries in Dallas, Houston and soon to open gallery in Austin, Texas.

Goals I hope to achieve through A Harem Boy Saga:

·

Provide Tolerance to Sissy Boys by understanding parents/peers and the community.

Anderson Cooper 360 documentary on the devastating treatment of effeminate boys influence me to tell my story.

·

·

Bullying can be Avoided through Big Brother/Big Sister volunteer programs in school or outside school system. Older students acting as mentors to younger students.

Gay Adolescent Tolerance – parents/child/siblings relationship issues.

Support/mentorship program to all parties involved to foster understanding and acceptance of Gay kids.

·

Provide an Alternative Educational System;

Understanding Big Brother/adolescent mentorship programs in schools, BB as protector to keep younger kids from being bullied.

·

Human Relationship Building Program; Between parents/teachers and young students on sexual topics/issues, especially when adolescent are just discovering their sexuality. They can be guided on a healthy and honest sexual journey instead of “don’t ask, don’t tell” hide it behind the closet policy.

This provocative story is about an adolescent who was initiated into a clandestine sexual society. He was spirited to the Middle East, from his UK boarding school.

He attended the Bahriji School (Oasis,) in The United Arab Emirates in preparation for serving in Harems for the wealthy and elite.

It is also a love story between the young man and his ‘Valet’ who served as his chaperone and mentor during the boy’s Harem service.

Author’s note:

I had a privileged and unique upbringing in Malaysia. Following in my brothers' footsteps, I was sent to an exclusive boarding school in England. It is there that I was inducted into a clandestine organization, E.R.O.S. The Enlightened Royal Oracle Society. For four years, unbeknownst to my family, I was willingly and happily part of a Harem.

My story has been kept under wraps for close to 45 years. The correct moment has arrived for me to make known my unique education.

Introducing Author, C.P. Mandara Christina Mandara was born in the UK, but has spent most of her life travelling the world. She speaks three languages and has been chiefly employed in the fields of finance and travel. Her favourite city is Sydney and her favourite holiday destination is the south of France.

She loves keeping fit and enjoys running, cycling and water sports. No, not those kinds of water sports; think surfing or sailing. That doesn’t mean that she doesn’t enjoy BDSM in all of its glorious forms, be that pony girls, bondage, edge play, orgasm denial or a damn good spanking. Her favourite item in the toy closet (a box simply isn’t big enough) is her riding crop.

In her spare time she’s usually cuddled up with a good book, exploring the countryside or baking in the kitchen. In fact, she loves her kitchen so much she’s one of few woman who wouldn’t mind being tied to it! Her first and foremost love is writing, however, and more often than not you’ll find her on a laptop spinning tales of romance, erotica or dark, paranormal fantasies.

An Exclusive Excerpt from K.N. Lee’s The Curse of the Quill Falling asleep and waking up were beginning to resemble a cruel game, where I no longer knew which scenario was real. Strange insects feasted on my open wound and I didn’t move to stop them. I couldn’t remember where I was, what I was doing in that ditch, and if I deserved to be there or not.

Evelyn hadn’t returned for me. Neither did the male shadow, Hartek. I wish I knew why he looked so familiar, even with half of his jaw unhinged, and slack like a zombie.

I missed the comfort of my bed in the palace. Silk sheets, and thick down comforters were now replaced with moist soil and craggy rocks.

Why did I have to die in the battlegrounds? There were so many other beautiful places in Rune.

My memories played in my mind like a movie on a screen.

I guess this is what being dead is like. Is it truly like being forgotten, surrounded by the bodies of your loved ones, and conscious to your own decomposing body?

At that moment, I no longer cared. I was content with revisiting my memories, trying to decipher where exactly I went wrong.

I hadn’t heard anything for what felt like days. Time was a blur full of moments of dozing and awaking.

I thought I was awake. I had no way of being sure. When I heard the crunching of bones from afar, my instincts seemed to pick up from where they left off.

I held my breath. I tried to stay still, and silent, so that I would blend with all of the other dead bodies around me. I didn’t want it discovered that while dead, I could still see and hear.

So far, I wasn’t sure if I could move. I was too afraid to try. But that was nonsense.

Dead people can’t move.

But wait. What if I’m a ghost?

That thought intrigued me.

Intrigue was replaced with shock when a man appeared, like a Viking god with short, messy blonde hair, and blue eyes that reminded me of two jewels.

I stirred, settling deeper into the disgusting blood-filled mud.

I can move.

He picked me up from my spot in the muddy ditch, and threw me over his shoulder, and ran into the field, far too quickly to be a mere man.

“I have you, Celeste,” he said. “I will protect you.”

That voice. It was familiar.

Stellan.

I remembered him. His voice, his scent, and his touch. I wished I could forget.

We could never be together, once he learns my secret. He’d never forgive me.

I’m not sure I can forgive myself.

Conclusion Thank you once again for reading The Book Nymph Publishing and Promotion’s November Issue. Each month we will bring new content from authors all around the world. You can always find current material on our website www.thebooknymph.com and social media. We love to connect!

Twitter @thebooknymph Facebook www.facebook.com/thebooknymph Pinterest www.pinterest.com/booknymphpub LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/the-book-nymph

Special thanks to all of the participating authors!

Adam Dreece Kait Carson Maya DeLeina Quanie Miller Stephann Ibrahim Young A.J. Adwen Debbie White C.P. Mandara Dena Haggerty K.N. Lee David Revilla Celia Kennedy David S. Reynolds Mel Massey Lee French and Erik Kort

Happy Thanksgiving!