Book Spotlight/Giveaway: A String of Stories

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Ann Chiappetta will be awarding a $15 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

A demon deer and a ghost cat. Sibling rivalry and sexual awakening. Self-image and self-confidence. The chance for an offworlder to breathe free at last on a new planet. Those are just some of the diverse themes of these remarkable stories. Some endings are happy, some are sad, and some are intriguingly open-ended. But once you step inside the author’s world, you cannot emerge unmoved.

Read an Excerpt from "From Lafayette 10"

Finally, Avril heard the hum of the rover. She popped in her eye shields, tightened the band on her ponytail, and put on the sunhat. When the security camera identified the rover as Ralen’s, she grabbed her bag and left to meet him.

The small, light touring craft was outfitted for eight, plus the flight crew. Ralen invited Avril to sit up front with him, since the other passengers in the group knew one another. “You’ll be bored back there by yourself. Besides, I could use the help.”

Avril frowned. “I don’t know anything about aircraft.”

“You can always climb back over if you change your mind.” He turned to welcome the other passengers, greeting them and telling them where to sit.

The aerial tour took them on an east–west parallel and highlighted the colonies. Many of the settlers chose the now defunct volcanic craters to house them, as the rim rock was a natural barrier from the heat and sandstorms. Lafayette 10 was recovering from mineral pirating millennia before. Advanced techniques in modern terraforming and mining restoration proved that planets like this one could eventually be nursed back from the brink.

Ralen turned to face her. “We’re in a holding pattern until I get clearance to land.”

Avril looked out the window. “Is that where we’re going on the lava boat?”

“Yes. We’ll be cleared to land in a few minutes. The port will bring us in by tractor beam.”

Avril watched the air commerce. “This is ten times busier than Strata,” she said as another small craft crossed the airspace beneath them.

“Lava City is a tourist’s dream if you like that sort of thing,” he said.

The craft began its descent. Ralen touched her knee. “Here we go. Welcome to Lava City.”

Dozens of humanoid species milled around in the spaceport’s terminal.

Avril thought she saw a few Hepsonites but couldn’t be sure because of the moisture suits. One was male and the other female, apparent by the size and shape of the bodies. Avril had thought she was the only Hepsonite here, and she felt a twinge of fear in her belly. The only one who didn’t hate her for being so different was her mother.

“Do you know them?”

She started, turning to find Ralen looking at her, an unreadable expression on his face.

“What? Oh, no. Just, well, a little homesick, I guess.”

Ralen nodded, watching the couple move past. Avril couldn’t help noticing that he was more than a little interested in them.

“Time for the tour,” he said, breaking off his observation and gesturing to the tunnel leading to the boarding area.

The craft was narrow and cramped. The group had to climb a ladder to access the passenger fuselage and cockpit area. Ralen loaded them back to front. He offered a hand–up to Avril, who gratefully took it.

She climbed the ladder, stumbling into him, her shoe catching the last step. Panicking, she flung out her arm and grabbed his utility belt. Their bodies bumped into one another, and Ralen put an arm around her waist to keep her from rebounding.

“Sorry,” she muttered, her face flaming with embarrassment.

“Are you okay?” he asked, steadying her.

She nodded, too embarrassed to look up.

He put a finger under her chin and tilted her face so their eyes could meet.

“Look at me,” he said, his voice low. “I’m a nice guy. Honest. I don’t bite.”

Avril searched his face for the glint of cruelty she was an expert at detecting but found only her own reflection in the eye shields.

“Damn eye gear,” he mumbled, then shaded his eyes. The shields cleared, revealing a true blue, clear gaze.

About the Author:

Making meaningful connections with others through writing.

Ann’s nonfiction essays have been printed in Dialogue magazine, among others. Her poems are often featured in Poesis, The Pangolin Review, the Avocet, and Magnets and Ladders. Her poetry is also included in Breath and Shadow’s 2016 debut anthology, Dozen: The Best of Breath and Shadow.

Her first two books, a poetry collection, UPWELLING: POEMS C 2016 and memoir, FOLLOW YOUR DOG A STORY OF LOVE AND TRUST C 2017, are available from all eBook sellers in electronic and print softcover, and as audio books from Audible.

Ann’s third book WORDS OF LIFE: POEMS AND ESSAYS C 2019 can also be purchased in all eBook formats and in softcover. The Audible audio book will be released in Fall 2020. Ann’s newest title, A String of Stories: From the Heart to the Future C 2020, is also available as an eBook and softcover.

Ann’s blog: http://www.thought-wheel.com
Ann’s personal website: http://www.annchiappetta.com
Ann’s author page: http://www.dldbooks.com/annchiappetta/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annie.chiappetta
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Thought-Wheel-from-the-mind-of-Ann-Chiappetta-1635335713146080/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnnieDungarees

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/String-Stories-Heart-Future-ebook/dp/B085BZJ1MK/ref=sr_1_1

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Guest Author Day with C. Rose

Please welcome new author C. Rose to the Reading Nook.

Thanks for stopping by to talk a little about your writing! Let's jump right in. When did you begin writing and why?

Thanks for hosting me! I've written on-and-off for the past twenty years, but I seriously began writing in a concentrated way about 4 years ago. I'm not sure why I write. I think it's because I'm a bit of an introvert.

Do you have a favorite genre? Is it the same genre you prefer to write?

My favorite genre to read is science fiction. I particularly enjoy focusing on women science fiction authors. I think they should be supported in such a male-dominated genre. I also quite enjoy paranormal fiction. Really, I enjoy reading…and writing…anything that stretches the imagination. My book Posh Bytes is science fiction, so there you go.

Do certain themes and ideas tend to capture your writer’s imagination and fascinate you?

Yes. First and foremost, i'm interested in the human story irrespective of genre. I like characters that are as complex as real people, so regardless of the backdrop, I like to explore what drives the characters along. In Posh Bytes, I was interested in exploring what life would be like in a society where physical beauty is easily attainable. If everyone can be beautiful, then what's left? How would that affect the fashion industry? How would models be chosen? How would business that trade on looks be affected? How would the average person on the street be affected? What sets a person apart, if not their looks? Humans are such visual animals. We allow our sense of sight to make decisions for us on a daily basis, to our own detriment, I think. Life is deeper than that. This is what fascinates me in a constructed universe where everyone is "perfect."

Do you have a favorite author who introduced you to the genre?

My favorite author, hands down, Is Lois McMaster Bujold. You just don't get any better than her. For me, she's the gold standard. She incorporates the more technical aspects of science fiction with real character development. She's interested in the protagonist's journey. She gets inside a character's thoughts and feelings better than any other contemporary author. Period.

What advantages or challenges does a writer in your genre face in today’s fiction market?

I hate to say it, but I do think it's harder for female authors to break into the science fiction market. I think that's changing, but there is still truth to it. Women have a voice and viewpoint on life - for better or worse - different than male authors. Science fiction doesn't have to be sterile and hard. It can have a soft, human side, too. That said, I think there is a real opportunity for female science fiction authors to stand out and make a name for themselves - if anyone will give them an initial listen. It's a market that could really open up. I think the readers are ready. I'm not sure the industry quite gets it yet.

Tell me a little about the characters in Posh Bytes.

Posh Bytes is a collection of short stories set in a constructed, futuristic world, much like our own. Each story contains a main character that has to overcome some problem related, either directly or not, with their neural implants that affect how others visually see them, and how they, in turn, see the world around them. The stories run the gamut from funny and quirky to sad and tragic. For example, one of my stories is about an astronaut who suffers a head injury; his brain no longer supports a neural implant. What does that mean for him? He loses his job, and is no longer "connected" to his wife. What happens to him? How does he overcome this challenge?

One of my other stories, by contrast, is a classic "heist" story involving a thief who steals celebrity sex pheromones for black market trade. His story begins at the point where he's given a contract he can't quite deliver on. What's that all about?

I have another story that is a sweet, young-love story about letting go of the past, and opening oneself up to an unexpected love that presents itself.

There are other stories about the fashion and modeling industry - about how neural implants and beauty programs would affect all of that. You don't buy actual clothes or makeup any longer. You buy programs that allow you to wear and apply certain looks. What's that all about? And does it make a difference - in the dark - with your clothes off? 

I do have one character that pops up in a majority of the seven short stories. Her name is Valerian. She's basically a "good girl" but with a hard, naughty exterior. Hers is an interesting story. So far she's only been a supporting character. I have plans, though, to write a novel featuring her. She's kind-of the anti-me. I'm good on the outside, but some of my thoughts aren't always so nice… It'll be interesting to see what happens with her. I always allow the characters to write themselves, so I'll see what she has to say when I begin writing her story.

Where’s the story set? How much influence did the setting have on the atmosphere/characters/development of the story?

All the stories are set in a constructed universe known as BeautyWorld. The scenes all take place in a city that is a direct cross between Los Angeles and New York. Los Angeles is the center of the world - for now, at least - of the film industry. New York is the center of power and money and, some would argue, fashion. You have a powerful one-two punch of beauty, influence, money, and power. This is BeautyWorld.

If you had to write your memoir in five words, what would you write?

I've worked hard for everything.

How often does your muse distract you from day to day minutiae?

I'm a daydreamer by nature. It's just what I do. As a kid, I'd sit and just daydream for hours on end. These days, I'm sure I'd be slapped with some silly label and put on drugs, but i have to say, it hasn't harmed me one little bit. It's what you do with your dreams that counts.

What do readers have to look forward to in the future from you?

Well, as previously mentioned, I am going to write a sequel to Posh Bytes. It'll be a novel featuring Valerian, but also bringing into the story many of the characters readers already know from the collection of short stories. But - before any of that…I plan on publishing a novel later this year. It's a paranormal romance of a good girl who falls in love with a nice guy, but is physically attracted to a not-so-nice guy who turns out to be a were-wolf. Does all of this sound horribly trite? It is, and isn't. My monster story will feature no actual monsters, per se. The monsters are the kind that live within the human soul. Of course, what better place to set a monster story than Washington, D.C.? I think we all know our Capitol is crawling with them :)

FALL INTO POSH BYTES, WHERE EVERYONE IS BEAUTIFUL...

In a universe where anyone can choose to be beautiful, who really is? Appearances can be deceiving, and usually are. When reality is shaped by illusion, anything can happen.

Eye of the Beholder - Lavender is a woman who hasn't been able to get over the death of her spouse until the day she meets an unusual man who captures her heart. Will the secrets the two keep from one another jeopardize their budding relationship?

The Hawk - Sparrow is an astronaut whose world is turned upside down after an accident that claims his neural implant and almost costs him his life. Surprisingly, his limitations provide him with a unique opportunity beyond his wildest imaginings.

Supernova - Mink is a rising, young supermodel who craves perfection and immortality, and will go to any lengths to achieve her goals.

Shark Bait - Shark is a professional thief, unable to complete a heist to steal celebrity sex pheromones for the black market. Is he being set up for failure?

The Death Mask - Beetle is an elderly mortician who crosses paths with a young woman unable to deal with the death of her mother.

Clover Fields Forever - Clover is a beauty and fashion program junkie who can't stop spending money, despite the consequences.

Moth to Flame - Moth is an unassuming fashion programmer who gets drawn into the dark world of corporate espionage and human slavery.

These Posh Bytes: Tales of Whimsey and Woe explore the human element in the BeautyWorld Universe, where nothing is quite as it seems.

Buy at Amazon

Meet the Author

C. Rose works by day as an archivist an records manager. Alternately, she enjoys daydreaming and scribbling by night. She lives with her loving husband and a very demanding cat named Danny. He runs the real show. No, really, he does. And don't you forget it...

Check out www.poshbytes.com for upcoming news from the author.

WRITERS WRITE... WRITING PARTNERS FEUD ~ Interview with Amy McKinley

A:  (Decked out in red, Angelica arrives at the office, singing off-key but exuberantly)  “Just hear those sleigh bells jinglin', ring ting tinglin' to….   Come on it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with yooooou….”

Z:  Someone is merry.

A:  No, my name is Angelica, remember?  Are you having another senior moment?

Z:  (Opens his mouth to explain but then notes the huge sleigh outside the window)  What is that?

A:  Oh, our ride to our interview with Amy McKinley.  Her book HIDDEN was just released November 2, 2015 by CBG!

Z:  Seriously.

A:  Yes, and I heard our friends Tattle and Wrye are going to review it very soon!

Z:  I meant the sleigh.

A:  (Grins)  That’s what being merry is being all about!  Gotcha!

(The two arrive on Amy’s roof, and appear in her kitchen, decorate the table with festive spirit, adding Reindeer mugs and peanut butter cookies as well as gluten-free, dairy-free, peanut-free, everything free imitation treats just in case.  (Ok, so maybe the sleigh is from Santa’s workshop, and maybe we are fantasying, but it’s the holidays, can’t help ourselves.)

(Amazingly, Amy doesn’t look a bit surprise at the intrusion.  Obviously, she has heard of their antics, and is ready to be interviewed.)

A:  Wonderful to meet you.  (Hands her a mug and points to various hot beverages)  We can’t wait to read HIDDEN.  The tagline:  Cursed since birth, Hunted by Gods, And desperate for Love – Jade never stood a chance, is totally intriguing!

Z:  (Tips his hat.  Yes, a hat appears out of nowhere.)  Greetings and salutations!  Ready to be interrogated… errr… meant interviewed?

Amy:  Ahh, interrogate? (pulls at the collar of her shirt and begins to gather all sharp objects with a shaky smile) Of course, I’m definitely ready to be interviewed. It’s wonderful to meet you both as well.

A:  Now, this is a very serious question, so think before answering.  If you were one of Santa’s reindeer, which one would you be and why?

Amy:  Well, I’d have to say Dasher since I have been known for my knee jerk reactions in situations like interrogations, I mean interview questions, and…we should probably just stop there. (taps fingers on the table) But, giving it more thought, Comet represents my love of world building and, at times, my spacey nature. Yep, Comet is my final answer.

Z:  Ahhh, spacey, eh?  We like spacey.  (Wiggles bushy brows)  As for you, Ang, you have Christmas on the noggin’, m’jingle-bell partner-bud!  (Holds up a hand to still any protest)  I know, ‘tis the season.  Considering that, Amy, what would Jade want most for Christmas?

Amy:  Your response Oh, that’s easy (grins) Roen gift wrapped and tied to their bed. Wait, can I say that here?

A:  (Grins at her response)  Of course, you can, we’re an equal opportunity tie-em-up and enjoy source of entertainment.  Anywho, which of your characters in HIDDEN is most deserving of coal in their stocking and why?

Z:  If someone handed Jade lemons with no sugar to make lemonade, what would she do?

Amy:  Angelica, I’d really like to tell you who’s deserving of coal, but I don’t want them after me. Seriously, he’s one mighty god. There’s still four more books in the series and, um, this god has a terrible temper so I think I should keep that quiet. He still has a few tricks up his sleeve and puppet strings to manipulate; I don’t want to fuel his angst. And Zi, Jade would never give up, no matter the odds.

Z:  (Throws out another question before Angelica can.)  Do you have a funny bone, or are you a serious Gus.  (Looks intense)  Not talking about Gus-Gus from Cinderella.  I know you’re not a mousette.

Amy:  I’m a sucker for most Disney movies (smiles). I’m hilarious…in my head. But in reality? Just not that funny ;)

A:  Me too!  I wonder why others don’t get it?  Hmmmm….  (Places a Santa hat on Amy’s head and then holds up a mirror)  Oh, you look adorable!  Doesn’t she look adorable?  (Looks at Zi for confirmation.  He agrees and mouths an apology to Amy for Ang’s antics) So, if you were interviewing you, what would you ask yourself?

Amy:  (Tucks hair behind ears and fluffs some fuzz from the hat out of her eyes) I’d ask many things, bhwahahaha. Oh wait, I’m freaking myself out a little. Okay, seriously. I’d want to know something about how the book was written. Or something personal like maybe a phobia or I’d ask about a pet, or of there is anything else, writing wise, in the works.

And in answer to a few of those questions I’d say: Of course I have phobias, one is actually in the book—spiders (shudder). I’m a plotter, meaning I love to outline before I write. However, this book did not begin that way. Hidden is my debut novel in the Five Fates Series and I hope you all enjoy it. The second in the series will be released this spring.

I have three cats that are a constant, and much needed, distraction. On occasion, I’ve been known to text my kids pictures of them while they’re at school—hopefully none of their teachers are reading this!

A:  Ooooh, adore cats!  Three is just a perfect number, and five books in such an interesting series sounds like Tattle and Wrye over at CBG are  gonna have a lot of reviewing to do! As for spiders…. Yikes! 

A & Z:  Thank you so much for joining us, and we do hope your holidays are extra sweet.

Amy:  Ending response Thank you for a lovely time Angelica and Zi. Happy Holidays!

Amy McKinley is a freelance writer and author. She lives in Illinois with her husband, their four talented teenagers, and three mischievous cats. Hidden is her first novel in the Five Fates Series with Taken, the second, due to release in the spring of 2016. She is excited to finish the series and begin the next that’s already demanding attention.

Connect with Amy

www.amymckinley.com
https://www.facebook.com/amymckinleyauthor
Goodreads
Amazon
Twitter

Hidden is available for sale:

Champagne Book Group
Amazon
B&N Nook
Kobo
All Romance ebooks

***

We'd love to hear from anyone interested in what we do. Anyone who writes us at writingteamcw@yahoo.com (Write - Blog Dawn - in subject line) and leaves an s-mail address, we will send you a free ebook (choose erotic or romantic thriller) and add you to any future mailings.



Angelica Hart and Zi ~ Vixen Bright and Zachary Zane
www.champagnebooks.com - www.carnalpassions.com - angelicahartandzi.com

WRITERS WRITE... WRITING PARTNERS FEUD ~ REVIEW AWARD WINNER

DONA PENZA TATTLE, ESQ.

AND

ASSOCIATE WRYE BALDERDASH

Greetings!

The couple sweep onto the stage in appropriate attire.  Yes, Associate Wrye Balderdash in top hat, tux and tails, an exceptionally large beaver tail to be exact.  Dona Penza Tattle adorn in a glitter walk-the-red-carpet burgundy slender silhouette style gown.  (She wants all to notice the slender part cause she is wearing a corset that has sucked everything in to the point of her making her eyes buldge and her breathing shallow.) 

(Applauds from the cyber crowd of readers.)

"Thank you, thank you."  Wrye bows graciously.  "The true applauds go to all the nominees and their riveting books.  It has been an incrediably difficult decision, but at last we have found our WINNER and TOP NOMINEE for the Tattle and Wrye Book Award.”  Otherwise known as:

THE FABULOUS FICTION FABRICATOR FEATHER IN THE FEDORA, WRYE TOAST FROM BALDERDASH AND TATTLE... JAM OPTIONAL AWARD, DENOTING THAT BALDERDASH BABBLES AND TATTLE PRATTLES AND GOOD WRITERS WRITE WELL... TAA DAA!  WITH BOW AND CURTSY

(More applauds from the cyber crowd of readers.)

Angelica smiles broadly, trips over the hem of her gown, feels a stitch pop, sucks in her breath and breathes out in one long gasp, “Please find below the criteria we used.

CRITERIA

(humorous)

~Reviewed by Tattle and Wrye, separately and donut free (so as not to create an artificial zone of contentment)

~Dimensional characters who morph over time, and not into dinosaurs (unless that is a plot device)

~Faceted universe like a kaleidoscope that brings flashbacks to psychedelic Tuesdays of our 80s (someone digressed)

~Compelling like chocolate truffles you can't resist (no one can write chocolate, but what if, the world would eat it up)

~Good conflict - think clashing swords or sparing armadillos or Feuding Writing Partners (shameless plug)

~Smart/snappy dialogue, without using finger-snapping or gingersnaps or snapping turtles with red polished toenails unless they speak

~Believable inner voice even if crazy voices.  Note:  Crazies seem to have more fascinating inner voices.

~Memorable, even more so then remembering getting lost in a cupcake factory without your blood sugar testing kit

~Unpredictable plot that brings the cat ate the canary snigger as, get this, the canary ate the cat

~Stunning twists that cause spontaneous "Weoooos!" and pee-pee dances around the Rug Doctor

~Keeper-upper-til-all-too-late, as good as any date, and the perfect purchase avoiding the bad book rebate

~Ultimately, an irresistible urge by both Tattle and Wyre to high five the author

~Bottom line:  Was it good?

 

“Just so you all know, as much as we love our fun and games, we do have a serious side as well.  We truly took our time, and thoughtfully considered everyone’s book as you can see by the following true criteria,” says Wrye, looking somber.

(non-humorous)

~Reviewed by Tattle and Wrye 

~Dimensional characters who change

~Believable universe 

~Passionate (weather humorous, dramatic, or mysterious, etc.)

~Compelling

~Good conflict

~Smart/snappy dialogue

~Credible inner voice

~Memorable

~Unpredictable plot

~Stunning twists

~Page-turner

“Now, for our TOP FINALIST!  The envelope, please.”  A large off-white envelope appears in her hand as Tattle and Wrye announce in unison: "JULIE EBERHART PAINT in recognition of MEDIUM RARE!"

(Cheers and applauds from the cyber crowd of readers.)

 “And, finally our WINNER!  The envelope, please.”  A large off-white envelope appears in Tattles’ hand as the duet announce in unison: "RON D. VOIGTS in recognition of THE WITCH'S DAUGHTER!"

(Cheers, whistles, feet stomping and applauds from the cyber crowd of readers.)

Congratulations to both Julie and Ron!  Your books were fabulous and we were so honor to have read them.  We will be sending you a cyber copy of the certificate as well as an icon for your webpage.  Again, CONGRATULATIONS!

(You can find the reviews in their entirety at http://angelicahartandzi.com/index_files/Page814.htm)

Until next month, keep reading!

Dona Penza Rutabaga Tattle, Esq. and Associate Wrye Balderdash

of Blather City, Wannachat

Created and written by:  Angelica Hart and Zi

Books by: Angelica Hart and Zi

KILLER DOLLS ~ SNAKE DANCE ~

CHASING YESTERDAY ~ CHRISTMAS EVE...VIL

http://www.champagnebooks.com/

Books by: Vixen Bright and Zachary Zane

STEEL EMBRACE

BOOK NOOKIE-A LIBRARIAN'S BUIDE TO THE DO-ME DECIMAL SYSTEM

http://www.carnalpassions.com/

angelicahartandzi.com

***

We'd love to hear from anyone interested in what we do. Anyone who writes us at writingteamcw@yahoo.com (Write - Blog Dawn - in subject line) and leaves an s-mail address, we will send you a free ebook (choose erotic or romantic thriller) and add you to any future mailings.



Angelica Hart and Zi ~ Vixen Bright and Zachary Zane
www.champagnebooks.com - www.carnalpassions.com - angelicahartandzi.com