My Personal Blog

2020-01-03T11:04:00.000-07:00

My friend, Ali Cross, has been encouraging me to pick a word to be the theme for my life for this new year. I've had several roaming around in my head over the past couple weeks, but the one I kept coming back to is "Unconditionally".

The word can mean so many different things to different people, but for me it means being open to not only receiving love from others, but being willing and ready to give it without expecting anything in return. To love unconditionally. To serve others unconditionally. And most importantly, to love myself unconditionally.

That means not making excuses--not blaming my limitations for the reason I don't succeed when I know full well that I can achieve anything I set my mind to in spite of them.

I came from a childhood, and later my entire adulthood, where those who should have loved me unconditionally, refused to accept me as I was. Instead, they constantly put me down and expected me to be someone I wasn't, and gave me the overwhelming desire to be loved unconditionally. I was never good enough. It didn't matter what I did, it never measured up to their expectations.

Honestly, as bad as that sounds, it made me a stronger person and gave me the tough skin I needed to survive. A shy, scared inner child who put up walls for protection, now stands up for herself--a warrior who recognizes crap when she sees it and calls it out to battle.

So, "unconditionally" has meaning to me. More so than anyone could ever imagine. I will work on loving myself this year. Putting ME first only after God and my Savior. Finding the good things in others, instead of their shortcomings. And finally, being the eternal companion my husband deserves and mother my son so desperately needs.

2019-02-14T10:48:00.001-07:00

Hello, out there!!

I can't believe I've been MIA for so long. It's frustrating for me. I can only imagine how frustrating it is for my readers--to fall in love with a series of books, then have the author fall off the edge of the earth and not write anything else.

Well, that's over. I hope!

I've been working on my next novel and would like to share a little blurb about it. Here ya go:

AQUATARA

Book #1 in the Spirit Hunter Series

Alone and dying in the middle of the desert isn't the best time to discover you might be a mermaid.

Seventeen, and armed with the clues from a single photograph, Tara sets out on a journey to discover who she is - or rather, what she is. After crashing her motorcycle in the Nevada desert, nineteen-year-old construction worker, Quinton, comes to her rescue. Together they uncover the startling secrets of Tara's past, and reveal the frightening truths that threaten her very life. But it's not just Tara's past that holds its secrets - Quinton's own heritage puts him at odds with his father, a Hunter, sworn to track down land dwelling water spirits like Tara and return them to the sea.

Refusing his birthright as a Hunter, Quinton will defy his father and do anything to protect Tara - even if it means risking his life in the frigid waters of the Atlantic.

Let me know what you think. I hope to have it out this summer. (fingers crossed)

2017-11-10T10:19:00.002-07:00

It's been over a year since I posted an update. The time has gone so quickly and with little or no progress in the writing department. I keep telling myself it will come in time, but the truth is I'm still struggling to find that passion I once had--that drive to tell the story that's in me. And I have stories. Lots of them. I even have two books completely outlined and half written, but when I sit down at my computer . . . NOTHING. It's like my brain completely freezes up and I can't think of a single sentence to put on the page. It's so frustrating.

I sooo wish I had better news, but for now I guess the possibility of a new book being on the market soon is pretty slim. That being said, I will continue trying.

Man, I miss being in the writer's loop. I miss my author friends and corresponding with my wonderful and loyal fans. Let's hope 2018 brings me closer to finding my muse.

Hugs to all.

Muse on Vacation

2016-08-05T13:13:00.000-06:00

I have to first apologize to my loyal fans that I haven't published anything new. I'm just as frustrated about it as you are--even more. It's embarrassing. What kind of author doesn't write or produce something of value--anything?

It seems my muse has been on an extended vacation and I'm beginning to worry. It's been over a year since I was able to write anything significant. I sit at the computer and stare at the blank screen where my words should be, but nothing comes. It's strange, too. I mean, the book I'm working on (or supposed to be working on) is completely outlined and over 1/3 of the way written. I know every chapter and even how it's supposed to end, but still . . . nothing inspires my fingers to move across the keys. Just writing this blog post is a struggle--been over a year since I did even that.

So I'm desperately sending out this plea to family, friends, fans and anyone reading this, to please send some positive vibes my way. Any prayers would also be much appreciated.

Anyone else have trouble controlling their muse? How did you finally break the silence and lack of inspiration?

When Trust is Broken

2015-06-17T11:46:00.001-06:00

A couple weeks ago I started searching for someone to mow our rather large lawn and possibly to take on a few small repairs around our property. There were several big outfits that sounded good, but my husband and I have always tried to support the little guy and help those just starting out. We were there once with our restaurant and appreciated the support from others, so try to pay it forward. So, when I found a couple guys in their mid-twenties who were trying to support their new families with their new business, I took a leap of faith.

Their initial work was impeccable. Within a few days the place was looking great and their prices were reasonable. But the best part was that it freed my husband from one of the many chores he does along with working a lot of hours at our restaurant. Win. Win. Right?

WRONG!

Last week I asked these men if they'd be interested in repairing and painting our deck and painting the trim on our house. They were thrilled for the work, but asked if I'd mind paying them in advance so they could get a few supplies and such. It should have been a red flag, but my trusting soul handed them a check. They did come out the next day to start on the deck, but didn't follow any of the guidelines from the paint manufacturer. Didn't use the deck-wash we bought. Didn't use the power sprayer we left for them, just did a little sanding on the rail and threw a sloppy coat of paint on PART of the deck and then left.

It's been a week and I haven't heard a word. The owner's cell goes straight to voice mail. The check was cashed. And nobody showed up Friday for the scheduled lawn care.

Above and beyond the financial aspect of this transaction is my broken heart. I really liked these guys. One even showed me a picture of his sweet twin girls and spoke of how much he loved them. I trusted them completely and that isn't easy for me to do.

So, what's next? Do I just wait and see if they call with some excuse about an emergency and that they couldn't call me because they had no cell service? Do I give them another chance? I'm pretty sure I'll never see that money again, but do I trust someone else to do the work and pay AGAIN to have it done right? Or do I add even more pressure to my husband and expect him to fix this mess? It's been weighing so heavily on my mind and heart that I actually had a panic attack yesterday. Haven't had one of those for years.

So, dear reader. What should I do?

Out With the Old, In With the New-ish

2015-06-12T11:54:00.000-06:00

About two years ago I began the process of switching rooms with my son. He had a small room in the front of the house, while my office was in the largest bedroom in the back of the house. About half way through the process our kitchen flooded and the whole thing was put on hold, leaving both rooms disorganized and barely functional.

Not long after the kitchen was fixed (which took three months), I got sick and the last thing I wanted to do was heft boxes around and move furniture. With my husband's help, my son's room was finally finished a few months before he moved out on his own (figures). But it's taken me quite some time to feel like diving back into my office project, which looked and felt like an overcrowded storage room with a hole cut into the center for my computer.

That is until I saw this little piece of inspiration for sale at a nearby boutique. It's a rescued piano that's been made into a desk. YES, a DESK!! Who wouldn't want to write the great American novel while surrounded by such beauty and ambiance?

So, I put it on layaway and began carving out room for it in my cluttered excuse for an office. That was the plan. Just a space for the new desk. But once I started, I couldn't stop, and now the whole space is organized and WONDERFUL.

It took me three months to pay it off and a pretty penny to hire a couple guys to deliver it (still has the cast iron harp in it and weighs a ton). It took them over an hour to get it out of the trailer, up three steps and onto my deck. Then they had to turn it on it's side to get it through my office door.

Here is, in all it's glory, right where it was always meant to be. Just seeing this picture brings tears to my eyes. It's SOOO ME, right down to the little white tiger watching over it.

And I'm all ready to write. That's the best part.

ME.

WRITING.

So, what do you think??? Do you like it?

Know Your Value

2015-02-27T12:17:00.000-07:00

As I watched the season finale of Marvel's Agent Carter, the main character, Peggy, said something that made me think about how we see ourselves and how we often let others devalue us by their words and actions.

After Peggy saved millions of people from death, someone else was given the credit and her colleague thought she should set things straight. Peggy turned to him and said, "I know my value. Everyone else's opinion doesn't matter."

How wonderful to have such confidence. That is my goal--to know my own value. To be able to say, "I am of great worth." And mean it. To not let others influence me and my life's work because they may think I'm less than I should be or that I'm not good enough.

I don't need to be a best selling author to know I am a great storyteller and that others enjoy my books. I don't need friends and family to stroke my ego to know that I have God given talents that make me unique and that I have every right to share those talents with others. And I certainly don't need to be a size 4 to love my body and not let the number on a scale define me. I am a daughter of God and he created me for a purpose. That alone should give me the strength to stand tall and confident in the storm of criticism and negativity.

I truly believe that each one of us can overcome anything that is thrown at us if we just remember who we are and that we have value. Be strong, my friends. YOU are of GREAT WORTH!!!

Take a Breath

2015-02-13T22:30:00.001-07:00

Several of my author friends have expressed their disappointment in book sales lately. Some have considered giving up on their career as an author. At the very least, they want a break from the stress caused from putting all their energy, time and money into marketing that doesn't pay off.

I totally get that.

There have been times when I considered quitting, especially in the beginning. But because I love being a story teller and writing about characters that live and breathe in my warped little brain, it's not in me to throw it all away.

That's not to say that we, as published authors, can't take a break once in a while. It's necessary to refill our cups and heal our spirits.

I took almost a year off in 2013-14 because of my health. Getting my physical health back was a priority for me and I had to put everything else on the back burner, regardless of promised release dates. Day by day, I've worked to get back into the habit of writing. It wasn't easy, and sometimes I lapse into a few days of ignoring my muse. But that's okay because this week I could finally see the old me returning and it feels great.

I guess what I'm saying is . . . it's okay to take a break. In fact, it's necessary. We all need to stop, take a breath and heal our emotional and spiritual selves. But that doesn't mean we need to quit. If you're anything like me, writing is in your blood. It's part of you. Killing it will kill a part of you that you may never get back.

Christmas Special

2014-12-17T15:33:00.000-07:00

Feed Your Kindle for Christmas!!!

The entire collection of

The Crystor Series

is now available for only

$ 2.99

For KINDLE Lovers

For NOOK Lovers

ENJOY!!!

Have a Very Merry Christmas!!!

The Bryant Family

Back to Writing!

2014-06-17T14:00:00.003-06:00

Whew! It's been a crazy 3-4 weeks. After school let out, I spent several days getting my son ready to move out on his own. He has autism and severe behaviors--meltdowns that were getting harder and harder to deal with--so we decided it was time to get more help. We found a wonderful agency that is providing him place to stay with two other boys his age who have similar problems. They have 24 hour staff to help them and make sure they are happy and safe. It's been such a relief to know he is doing well there.

AND, for the first time in 28 plus years of marriage, my husband and I are a COUPLE again. We have so enjoyed the past couple weeks, even took an overnight trip to Utah to see friends and go to a food show. We've never been able to do that without a kid in tow so it was nice.

I've also been taking a much needed break from writing to let my muse rest, but now it's time to get back in the saddle. My next project is to finish Aquatara. It's about 1/3 of the way finished so I hope it won't take me too long to get it done. *Fingers Crossed*

Anyone up for a giveaway???? I need to think about what I want to offer and such. Maybe next week, so check back.

BELOVED is finally here!!!!

2014-04-14T16:08:00.000-06:00

Yep, that's right. Today is the official launch day of BELOVED!!

Here are a few buy links:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

iTunes

Please be sure to leave a review at the above links when you're finished reading it.

ENJOY!!!

SQUEEE!!!

2014-02-20T14:37:00.000-07:00

Can you see it?????

That's a light at the end of that tunnel.

And I can finally see it!!!!

That's right.

BELOVED is almost done.

If all goes well, I should be done by next week. It still has to be edited and formatted, but it's soooooo close I can taste it.

I'm not giving a release date yet, but I hope to have it out by the end of April.

Thanks for your patience, guys. You've been so awesome and supportive.

HUGS

:-)

Cover Reveal - BLOOD CROWN - by Ali Cross

2013-12-11T14:15:00.000-07:00

About BLOOD CROWN: Serantha is the daughter of the Emperor of the West, who rules over the remnant of humanity who escaped a dying Earth and took to the stars a thousand years ago. With no habitable planets found during their exile, the android Servants who were supposed to care for them rose up, took the name of Mind, and murdered her father. Now the androids amuse themselves by forcing humans like her into mindless drudgery. But flashes of memory hint that Sera is no ordinary human.

On the other side of the galaxy, Nicolai, Son of the East, has abandoned his crown and joined the rebel forces in the war against the Mind. Humans have no real chance... unless the enhanced DNA developed by the Blood Crown scientists can unlock mankind's potential. When Nic and Sera are united, they discover their true potential--and together, humanity just might have a chance. But there's a legion of androids and nine years of mistrust between East and West... and coming together will require more than they ever expected.

Release date: February 20, 2014

Buy links: coming soon!

About Ali Cross: Ali Cross is the sensei of Novel Ninjutsu where she holds a black belt in awesome. She lives in Utah with her kickin' husband, two sparring sons, one ninja cat, one sumo dog and four zen turtles.

Ali is the award-winning author of young and new adult fiction and moonlights as Alex Cross when she can write wild middle grade adventures set in the faraway places of her imagination.

Social media links:

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ali_cross

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoralicross

Blog: http://www.alicross.com

Book on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19241969-blood-crown

Author on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5188441.Ali_Cross

Tumblr/Pinterest/Etc: http://desolationdiaries.tumblr.com/

Indelibles (indie authors): http://indeliblewriters.blogspot.com/

Emblazoners (middle grade authors): http://emblazoners.com/

Dauntless (authors): http://dauntlessauthors.blogspot.com/

Things Are Finally Looking Up

2013-11-21T12:30:00.002-07:00

I just love this time of year with the colorful leaves and excitement for the holidays. While everything outside is preparing for the winter chill, I find myself fighting the urge to hibernate. It would be so easy to curl up with a good book and a warm cup of hot chocolate and let the winter months pass, but I have better things to do.

Like WRITE!!!

So, I'm absorbing as much sunlight as I can get as it filters through my dirty windows and cranking up the tunes. It's time to get this book done.

I'm sure you'll all agree that it's about time. I'm currently a little over 3/4 of the way finished with BELOVED and hope to have it done mid-December. Of course it will have to go through edits and formatting, but I feel confident in saying it should be ready for a late January/early February release. I wish I could give an exact date, but until it is finished and I know for sure that my editor can squeeze it into her busy schedule, I can't be more specific.

In the meantime, some good news to go around. The most recent CT scan showed that all the blood clots in my lungs are GONE!!! YIPPEE!!! Can't tell you have happy I am about that. The right side of my heart is still enlarged, but is smaller than it was in the last CT, so they're hopeful for a full recovery. I'm still on meds and oxygen, which sucks, but I'll do whatever it takes to get back on my feet.

Oh, and I'm feeling MUCH better in the depression department. Trying to be positive and do things that make me happy. It helps that my prognosis has improved and that I'm writing again.

And for heaven's sake, I really need to blog more often. Sheesh.

Later!!

HUGS

NEW RELEASE - Awakening, by Christy Dorrity

2013-09-24T16:01:00.002-06:00

About the Book

. . . because some Celtic stories won’t be contained in myth.

A little magic has always run in sixteen-year-old McKayla McCleery's family—at least that’s what she’s been told. McKayla’s eccentric Aunt Avril travels the world as a psychic for the FBI, and her mother can make amazing delicacies out of the most basic of ingredients. But McKayla doesn't think for a second that the magic is real—it’s just good storytelling. Besides, McKayla doesn’t need magic. She recently moved to beautiful Star Valley, Wyoming, and already she has a best friend, a solo in her upcoming ballet recital—and the gorgeous guy in her physics class keeps looking her way.

When an unexpected fascination with Irish dance leads McKayla to seek instruction from the mute, crippled janitor at her high school, she learns that her family is not the only one with unexplained abilities. After Aunt Avril comes to Star Valley in pursuit of a supernatural killer, people begin disappearing, and the lives of those McKayla holds most dear are threatened.

When the janitor reveals that an ancient curse, known as a geis, has awakened deadly powers that defy explanation, McKayla is forced to come to terms with what is real and what is fantasy. A thrilling debut novel based in Celtic mythology, Awakening is a gripping young adult fantasy rife with magic, romance, and mystery.

Praise for Awakening

"AWAKENING is a wonder and a delight. Christy Dorrity is a talent to watch."
~David Farland, New York Times bestselling author of Nightingale

"I thoroughly enjoyed AWAKENING, a captivating and unique debut novel that creatively integrates Irish dance."
~ CHRIS NAISH, Riverdance member and Creative Director of Fusion Fighters Irish dancers.

About the Author

Christy Dorrity lives in the mountains with her husband, five children, and a cocker spaniel. She grew up on a trout ranch in Star Valley, Wyoming, and is the author of The Geis series for young adults, and The Book Blogger’s Cookbooks. Christy is a champion Irish dancer and when she’s not reading or writing, she’s probably trying out a new recipe in the kitchen.

Purchase Awakening by Christy Dorrity:

Depression Takes Over

2013-08-02T19:33:00.002-06:00

I suffer from depression.

There. I said it.

It's plagued me for years, but I've always been able to push it away with and without medication. I'd gotten so used to having it around, it didn't seem to bother me much and it certainly didn't control my life for any length of time. Maybe in spurts when things weren't going well, but for the most part, I've been able to . . . well . . . FAKE it. I guess that's the best way to describe it.

While people are around, I put on a happy face and pretend to be upbeat and positive. I even manage it online for the most part. Don't get me wrong. I do have a lot of wonderful days and I do seem to look on the bright side of things most of the time. But on those rare occasions when I'm down, I have a multitude of masks I can wear so people don't know.

Now is NOT one of those times.

Since my near-death health scare, I've been gradually sinking deeper and deeper into a dark hole. I don't think I realized it until this past week when tears started flowing for no apparent reason. I've managed to push my friends and family away and withdraw from most of my online groups and media venues because I didn't want this "mood" to rub off on anyone else.

No. That's not exactly true.

I didn't want anyone to know I was wallowing in self-pity. I write for teens and I want to be a good example and uplift them, not drag them down.

UGH!! I hate this.

Anyway, the reason I tell you this is because I'm not writing much. I feel horrible about it, but whenever I open up my word document I just sit and stare at the letters on the screen and nothing comes. It's not that I don't know the story. I have the whole thing outlined and planned out to the last sentence. I've just lost that burning desire to tell the story and I'm not sure how to get it back. I need my cup filled. I need to feel like I do when I get back from a writer's conference--all rejuvenated and inspired to be the best at what I do. I need great words of encouragement from my friends, family, fans, and writing buddies.

Sooooo . . . GIVE ME YOUR BEST SHOT!! Inspire me. Uplift me. Kick me in the butt so I can get back to writing. Whatever it takes. I'm ready, so let me have it.

Beloved Cover Reveal

2013-06-13T18:54:00.001-06:00

Sorry it's taken me so long to get this posted.

I hope you like it.

For more information about the release of BELOVED, please check out the update I posted HERE. Please don't send me hate mail. I'm doing the best I can.

And because I love you guys so much, here's the first two chapters to wet your appetite.

Chapter One

Kira slept for three days, waking only when her swelling brain would let her. She’d never felt so much pain. When Draego slammed her head against a tree, her world slipped sideways and crumbled into a million little pieces. She remembered some things, knew who she was and bits and pieces of what had happened, only they were jumbled and, she thought, in the wrong order.

She took in a deep breath of musty, damp air and rolled to her side. The constant drip of rain water echoing off the cave walls didn’t help her splitting headache. At her side, on the cold, clay-like soil, lay her bow, quiver of arrows, and knife. She glanced toward the small opening to find Nigel’s sleeping form slumped against the wall, silhouetted by the moonlight streaming in. As far as she knew, he’d not left her side except to find the few nuts and berries they’d eaten to stay alive.

Kira adjusted the wool blanket around her shoulders. When she drew her knees up, something moved under the blanket and brushed against her backside. She let out a squeal and shoved the blanket—creature and all—down past her feet, then grabbed her knife from its sheath. Nigel sprang toward her on his knees and scooped up the bundle, then thwarted Kira’s stab by clamping his fingers around her wrist. He shook his head, only letting go when she lowered her weapon.

“What is that?” All she could think of was a fat rat the size of a pit-bull and the thought of it snuggling up to her made the hair on her arms stand up. She hated rats, even more than she hated being called Mouse by her mother. “Get it out of here!”

The creature hissed and wiggled while Nigel slowly peeled back the blanket. Kira sat up and scooted against the wall, keeping her knife held tight in her hand.

“Are you crazy? Don’t let it out!”

The words had barely escaped her mouth, when the creature sprang from Nigel’s arms and came straight for Kira, stumbling before rolling over onto its back and begging for a rub.

“Mahli?” Kira smiled at the sight of her little friend. She remembered now—finding the cub in the forest, her mother’s throat slit and her brother’s little body ripped to shreds by some animal—most likely Shandira. Mahli had been found pressed against her dead mother’s tummy, pumping her front paws in rhythm with her heart wrenching whimpers.

Nigel shook out the blanket and draped it over the lower half of Kira’s body and legs. Mahli leapt onto Kira’s lap and curled into a fuzzy ball—or tried to. Her head drooped off one side and her butt off the other. She’d doubled in size since Kira had first seen her and it wouldn’t be long before she’d be too heavy to pick up.

Kira rubbed her arms in a frail attempt to warm herself. “Can we build a fire?”

Nigel’s brow furrowed.

“Have I asked that before? And you said no?” She vaguely remembered it.

Nigel nodded.

“I’m sorry. I’m just so cold and my head . . .” She reached up and felt the tender spot on the back of her head, her chopped-off hair still matted with blood. Each time she woke she tried to heal it. She’d managed to seal the flesh wound and stop the bleeding—even the small crack in her skull had mended on the third try—but her brain was a different story. She’d relieved some of the pressure, but the swelling that remained not only left her confused and disoriented, but nauseated as well.

“Maybe I should try healing again. I feel more awake now and the pain isn’t as bad.”

Nigel scooted closer and shrugged out of his hooded cloak, draping it around her shoulders. He’d offered it several times, but she’d always refused, knowing he had nothing but a thin tunic to guard against the frigid air. This time she accepted it.

“Thanks.” She wrapped the thick black fabric around her shoulders, taking full advantage of the warmth that remained from his body. She gently flipped the hood over her head to drown out the sound of the pounding rain, leaned over Mahli and rested her face in her hands. If she could endure the pain of healing long enough, it would rid her of the constant throbbing and maybe her memories would slip into place and make sense. She could do this.

Focusing on the pain in the back of her head, she tried to imagine the swelling slowly decreasing. With every second she felt nerve endings under her flesh spring to life, tingling and pulsing as the part of her brain associated with certain parts of her body shifted and adjusted. The fingers on her left hand jerked into a spasm that made them curl awkwardly into a claw. A moment later her hand relaxed and her right foot kicked of its own accord, making Mahli jump and scramble to the other side of the cave. She hissed and her fur puffed up across her back and shoulders.

Along with the peculiar gyrations came the memories, all pouring out of her mind like the rain outside the cave. At first they were muddled—Lydia snapping pictures of wildflowers, Mahli chasing a strange butterfly-looking creature, Zerek running his hands up the front of her shirt, Octavion brushing the hair back from Serena’s face.

Octavion.

With that memory brought deep, deep sorrow. Oh, how she loved him and wanted more than anything to be with him now. But that would never happen. Not after the King of Kazedon put a price on her head and sent his assassins to kill her. She remembered Shandira’s last words, telling her that if Kira lived, everyone she loved would die.

Kira had chosen not to believe her. After all, Octavion had gone to plead with the king to call off his men. But on the road back to Xantara, when Draego and his brother attacked her, she knew there would be no going back. Only her death would satisfy King Tyrius’ hunger for revenge—his avengement for Kira killing his son, the prince and only heir of Kazedon.

Kira slid her hand under the blanket and rubbed her thigh where the first swing of Draego’s blade had torn her skin. She’d healed the wound almost instantly, but the tear in her leather pants still remained. She glanced up to find Nigel watching her, concern on his face.

“I can’t really remember what happened after I hit my head. It’s kind of a blur.” She closed her eyes and rubbed her forehead with the tips of her fingers. “I . . . think Draego grabbed my braid and tried to yank me up, but . . .” She looked back at Nigel. “I cut off my own hair to keep him from doing that, didn’t I? He must have lost his balance because I remember him falling to the ground and then . . .”

She looked down at her hands, then at the moonlight filtering through the rain and causing a strange rippling light show across the cave walls. A sickening feeling settled in her stomach.

“I flew.” She wasn’t sure how she’d come to that conclusion, only that she remembered the feeling of being tied to the end of a pendulum and the way her stomach felt with each swooping motion.

Nigel leaned forward and touched her arm, shaking his head. He pointed to himself, then at the ceiling of the cave.

“You flew?” Something was seriously wrong with the way she’d healed her brain if she believed for one moment that either one of them could fly. She didn’t care how strange this world was, people didn’t sprout wings and fly. At least she didn’t think so.

A smirk lit up Nigel’s face and he shook his head again. He reached for a satchel that sat near her weapons, opened the flap and took out the sketch book Kira had knocked out of his hand in the village. He opened it and retrieved a small thin piece of charcoal from a pouch in the front.

Kira watched as he drew the scene in the forest. First he sketched a set of tall trees with thick branches. Then he drew the figure of a man standing on one of those branches, the handle of a whip in his hand, the popper end of the whip wrapped around another branch. Next he drew the figure of a girl sitting at the base of that same tree. He stopped drawing, but motioned with his hand from the man to the ground in front of the girl.

“You swung down and scooped me up into the trees?”

Nigel nodded.

“But . . . why? I mean, why didn’t you jump down and kill Draego?” Her mind wandered back to when she’d been held captive by Shandira—how Nigel waited until Kira had practically starved to death before bringing her food. He’d also been conveniently absent when she fought off Cael and Zerek until she’d spent all her energy and Cael had her pinned under the weight of his body, determined to rape her.

Her blood began to boil and her eyes burned cold, turning the cave a sparkly green. She could see him clearly now, as tiny flits of light bounced around their heads. She folded her arms over her chest. “Were you there the whole time, watching him beat the crap out of me?”

Nigel stiffened, shaking his head from side to side while reaching for her.

Kira backed away and stabbed a finger toward his face. “Don’t touch me.” She held his uneasy stare for a few moments while trying to figure it all out in her head. She remembered Octavion’s words about how Darkords could snap—turn from someone you could trust into a monster in seconds. Had she misjudged Nigel? Had he only saved her so she could be his pet or some kind of companion?

She shrugged out from under his cloak and shoved it at him. “You need to go back where you were. I need to think this through.”

The muscles in Nigel’s jaw tightened and his eyes darkened from their chocolate brown to ebony and back again—a quick flash of anger. He let out a huff of air then retreated to where he’d been sleeping, only this time he abandoned his cloak and exited the cave.

Kira let out a sigh of relief. The last thing she wanted was to anger him, especially since he was a Darkord, but until she figured everything out in her head, she couldn’t trust him. She couldn’t trust anyone.

Chapter Two

“What in Zi’ah’s name were you thinking?” Altaria barked as Octavion entered their father’s sleeping chambers—a place she’d grown to call her prison cell.

He put his hand up in hopes it would silence his sister, but she continued without missing a beat.

“Have you no brain? King Tyrius is furious. You have caught him in a lie and embarrassed him in the process. He will never agree to stop hunting Kira now. He will be more determined than ever.” Altaria poked a finger at Octation’s chest. “She is as good as dead and it is your fault.”

Octavion pushed her hand away. “I did no such thing. Draego is the one who could not keep his mouth shut. He let the truth out to his drinking cronies at the village pub. You cannot blame me for that.”

“You bribed the pub owner to serve Draego his strongest brew and to keep his mug full. You even paid the other patrons to bring up the subject of Kira’s death and to encourage Draego to tell them what really happened out there. It is your fault.”

“At least now we know she is alive. You have to admit my idea worked and was worth the price I paid.”

“You are missing the point. What you did put her in even more danger. And what about Draego’s family? They will seek to avenge his death as well—not to mention the death of his brother when she was attacked. And do not tell me you had nothing to do with Draego’s head adorning a pike in the middle of Kazedon’s village square.” She shifted her weight to one foot and propped her fists on her hips. “Well?”

Octavion slumped against the wooden door. That’s as far as he’d gotten before his sister came at him with her accusations. The last thing he wanted was to fight with Altaria. Mostly because she was right, except for one thing. “I had nothing to do with his death.”

“And his head?”

“What kind of a monster do you think I am? That did nothing to punish him for his crime, only tortured the innocent women and children who saw it. If it were up to me I would have ripped him to shreds with my bare hands and fed him to the . . .” He straightened and walked to the fireplace where large flames licked the cool night air. His imagined revenge was far worse that what anyone else could have done to Draego. Maybe he was a monster. “I did not kill him.”

Altaria softened her voice. “At least tell me you have a plan, that you know where to start looking.”

Octavion turned to face his sister. “Luka has sent out scouts to gather information, but has yet to receive word. Cade tracked Althros for several hours before it began to rain. The trail he did manage to follow took him north, toward Finvarra. We’ll start there.”

“So when do we leave?” Altaria twisted her long blonde braid between her fingers.

“We?” He moved closer, putting his hand on her shoulder. “Father would have my hide if I let you leave this room.”

He expected her to put up a fight, but she didn’t. Instead she shrugged out from under his hand and went to the window. She separated the drapes so she could peek out, causing a thin strip of light to splash across the room.

“Sometimes I can feel her.”

Octavion stepped to the window and placed his hand on the small of her back. “Kira?”

She turned and looked up at him. Though her eyes were the color of blue ice, warmth radiated from them. “My kindred spirit. It is as if we are both reaching, our fingertips almost touching, then she’s swept away into the darkness.” She lowered her head and leaned into her brother’s arms. “I feel empty inside, as if my soul has been taken from me.”

Octavion’s heart clenched. With all the concoctions he’d created in his lifetime, not one could cure what ailed his sister and her kindred spirit. He tightened his arms around her and whispered into her hair. “Have you drawn on your faith? Asked Felinea for her guidance?”

Altaria’s shoulders slumped as she slowly pushed away, her focus on her feet. “I haven’t prayed since I was a child. And I have no faith.”

“Then perhaps you should start there.” He lifted her chin with the tip of his finger until their eyes met. “If you can’t believe in the gods, believe in Lydia. When she is ready, you will find her.”

He left her standing near the window, her arms sagging at her sides, eyes staring at nothing. What he wouldn’t give to see the Altaria he remembered, the one who never backed down from a fight and believed she could do anything. This Altaria was nearly a stranger to him—broken and lost. There was nothing he could do to help her.

Zombies Can't Write

2013-06-09T12:41:00.000-06:00

A little play on the morbid, but the fact is . . . I should be dead. At least that's what all the doctors and nurses during my 5 day stay at the hospital said . . . over and over and over.

So here are the deets.

As some of you already know, I've been struggling with my health the past few months. Because of the gory details, I haven't posted exactly what was going on, but now, in order for you to understand what's happened, I feel I need to include that. Please forgive me if it's a bit much.

Starting in January, I had a non-stop period that got worse and worse until I was hemorrhaging. My husband took me to the ER on April 7th where they examined me and did an ultra sound. They found that my uterus is filled with fibroid tumors and is the size of a soccer ball. It's supposed to be the size of a pear. They also found an unusual cyst that was putting pressure on my cervix, causing a great deal of pain. They put me on 4 (FOUR) birth control pills a day and told me to make an appointment with my OB/Gyn.

The next day I called my Gyn and they said they couldn't get me in for 4 WEEKS. UGH. So I made the appointment, hung up and called my medical doctor who got me in two days later. After getting all the info and checking me out, he also suggested I stay on the pill and then he called my Gyn, told him it was urgent and had them move my appointment closer. It was still two weeks away, but at least it was closer.

Finally at the Gyn. office, he examined me and did a biopsy (later found out there was no sign of cancer. Whew!) He told me I needed to have a hysterectomy ASAP, but because of the cyst and that I'm somewhat high risk, he referred me to a specialist in Boise who can do the operation with the Da Vinci Robot. The surgery would be a lot less invasive and the recovery time would be minimal. He then told me to stay on the 4 pills a day until the surgery.

(Sorry this is getting SOO long. Hang in there)

So I saw the Boise doctor, scheduled the surgery for June 5th and tried to remain positive. While waiting I managed to lose almost 20 pounds (no appetite) and because I was only spotting, I figured I would feel much better and should be getting stronger. WRONG. Each day I seemed to be getting weaker and weaker and could do less. On the morning of May 30th, just 5 days before my surgery, I woke with a racing heart, chest pains and I couldn't breathe. My husband rushed me to the ER where they did an EKG, a chest xray and a CT scan. When the doctor finally came in with the results, he looked like someone had kicked him in the gut. He said he'd never seen a case as bad as mine and that I should be dead.

My lungs were FILLED with blood clots, CAUSED BY THE MASSIVE DOSE OF BIRTH CONROL PILLS I was on.

NO ONE told me what to watch for or the risk of taking all those pills. Grrrrrr.

I spent 3 days in ICU trying to stay alive. They ran every test imaginable on me, poked every vein I have and finally installed a central line in my neck (which sucked and was very painful).

So here's where it gets tricky. They took me off the pills (thank goodness) and put me on blood thinners to dissolve the clots. HELLO???!!! Any idea what that does to a girl? Yep, blood everywhere. So now I'm at risk of needed a blood transfusion which is why they are still watching me very closely.

On the fourth day they moved me to the Cardio-Pulmonary Unit so they could monitor my heart. It has become a victim of the lung problem. The right side, which pumps blood to the lungs, is enlarged from working so hard. We HOPE it will shrink down to the normal size once the clots are gone, but in the meantime I have weird flip flops (palpitations) that take what little breath I have away.

I was released on the evening of the 3rd and sent home with Oxygen and shots I had to give myself in the stomach. :-( I have strict orders to rest and not over exert myself. I have to have my blood drawn every other day to make sure the blood thinners are within the clinical range and have to see my doctor often to be sure everything else is progressing and that I'm not bleeding to death.

I will be on the blood thinners for 3-6 months, which means it will take that long for me to heal and get back to my regular routine. That also means I won't be able to have the surgery until then. :-(

NOW, what does this mean to YOU????

BELOVED is on hold. I only have 8-9 chapters left, so it won't take that long to finish it, but since I can't sit in one place for very long (need to keep blood in legs circulating so clots don't form there) it will take me longer to finish it. I'm not going to give a new release date because the last thing I need in my life is a little more pressure. But I promise I will work on it as much as I can and get it done as soon as possible.

In the meantime, I will release the cover and the first two chapters. I need to get that post ready and write up a newsletter, so it might take me a couple days, but watch for it THIS WEEK.

I'm truly sorry for all the delays, but they are beyond my control. I would give just about anything to have this book done and in your hands, but not my life. And like the title says, I don't think I could write as a Zombie.

Please know that I love each and every one of you and treasure your love of my writing. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful fan base and such great friends.

HUGS!!!

CK

Great Video on Bullying

2013-03-27T10:24:00.004-06:00

But it's not just about bullying. I loved the part in the beginning where he talked about how others try to change your dreams.

Check it out!

New Release !!!

2013-03-06T10:31:00.001-07:00

Announcing the release of Inevitable, the newest young adult suspense novel by Tamara Hart Heiner!

Visions of death plague Jayne, who thinks watching her boyfriend die is the worst that could happen to her. But when she witnesses a murder, Jayne finds herself caught up in a dangerous world of intrigue and suspense.

As it turns out, she is not the only one doing the stalking. The killer is on to her, and all of her visions of the dying don't reveal how her life will end. Somehow, she must stop the murderer before he arranges Jayne's own inevitable death.

First page
Available on Amazon.com, Smashwords.com, Barnes & Noble.com, and Kobo.com!

After an awesome ebook launch on Facebook, Tamara's trying hard to top that with the paperback. So here's the plan:

1) For the entire month of March, every comment on Tamara's blog gets entered into a drawing to win a HARD COPY of one of her books. (You get to choose which one!)

2) Leave a comment on THIS BLOG for a chance to win ALL of her young adult ebooks!

3) Enter the Goodreads Giveaway for another chance to win Inevitable.

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Inevitable

by Tamara Hart Heiner

Giveaway ends April 02, 2013.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

4) If you SPREAD THE NEWS, whether it's on your blog, on Facebook, on Twitter, or just plain word of mouth, you'll be entered into a drawing for a $50 Amazon OR Barnes and Noble gift card. Email Tamara at tamarahartheiner dot com and tell her how many times you did it, and you'll be entered into the drawing that many times!

Are we ready??? Get set! Go!

About the author: I live in Arkansas with my husband and three children, two crazy boys and one pretty little princess. I used to spend a lot of time writing until I had a baby and discovered Facebook. Now you'll often find me on there pretending to have a social life.

I am the author of three young adult suspense novels, PERILOUS, ALTERCATION, and INEVITABLE. You can find out more about what I'm writing and catch deleted scenes from my books on my blog at http://tamarahartheiner.blogspot.com.

UPDATE

2013-02-23T22:32:00.001-07:00

When Broken came out last June I planned to jump right into writing the 3rd and final book in The Crystor Series, Beloved, and have it out by the first part of 2013. I'm usually a fast writer and because I have a great support system, wonderful critique partners, editors, etc, I knew I could do it.

Then life stepped up to bat and hit a few foul balls in my direction.

Every day I get emails, blog comments, tweets and Facebook posts from fans who love the series and can't wait to read Beloved. You've all been so patient and understanding, and made it . . . well . . . easier NOT to write. I felt I needed to take a break so I could deal with some personal stuff and the love and understanding oozing through the online media venues has made that possible.

Until tonight.

I received an email from a fan who LOVES the series, but is extremely frustrated that I promised BELOVED would be out this month and it isn't. I have to admit, at first, I blew it off, thinking she just didn't understand the turmoil I've been dealing with. But now I realize she's right. If nothing else, I owe my fans a huge apology. So here it is . . .

I'm sorry!!

Sorry for the inconvenience. Sorry for the constant stream of excuses, even thought they were valid. Sorry for ending Broken with such a cliff hanger and making the wait for Beloved agonizingly slow. And sorry I've failed to produce the epic ending to the series I promised not only my fans, but myself.

So, baring any further disasters in my life, here's the plan . . .

I am currently 21,000 words into Beloved, which means about 1/5 of the way through. I have the entire thing outlined and I know every scene, every character and how it will end. The cover is done and I will reveal it a couple weeks before the book is released.

Today is February 23rd. I hope to have the first draft of Beloved done by the middle of April which could mean a late May/early June release. I know that seems like forever, and I don't want to make a promise I can't keep, but I'm shooting for that date. If I can get it out earlier than that, I will send out a newsletter and let everyone know, so please be sure to sign up for my newsletter on the left sidebar.

Thanks again for your patience and understanding.

And thanks for all your wonderful comments, emails, tweets and Facebook posts. Please keep them coming. They've given me the strength to work through the issues in my life and helped me move forward.

HUGS

Christine

Spring Fever

2013-02-01T18:54:00.003-07:00

There are still tiny piles of snow scattered all over the place, but there's enough of it gone that I can see grass peeking through and the tiny buds of my tulips pressing up through the dirt. For weeks it's been in the single digits, but for two days it's been in the high forties. I didn't even wear a coat when I drove up the road to pick up my son off the school bus today.

Mother Nature is a big tease, letting us taste a drop of spring here and there. She's mean, really.

What I want to do is throw open the windows and doors and let the cool fresh air fill my home and my lungs. But I know it's too early. Within minutes I'd be pulling a blanket over my bare feet and slipping my goose-bumped covered arms into the sleeves of a sweater. There's a reason I still have fleece sheets and an electric blanket on my bed.

It's still winter.

But oh, I wish it was spring.

For now, I will close my eyes and pretend I feel the warmth of the sun on my face and smell the blossoms tossing pollen into the air. For now, I will watch the frozen white mounds melt away and the puddles dry up.

Impatient as I am, I will wait.

Are you feeling a little spring fever yet? What are you doing about it?

Join the DOJO!!!

2013-01-28T13:06:00.001-07:00

A note from writing ninja & dojo creator, Ali Cross . . .

The Writer's Dojo is returning to its roots and invites you to join in on the fun!

When I first started the writer's dojo in 2008, she did it as a way to keep the glory of National Novel Writing Month alive all year long. I loved the camaraderie and support I received during the month of November and desired that same feeling of community every month of the year, in every aspect of writing--not just the drafting.

Beginning February 1st, 2013, the writer's dojo returns to its roots and ushers in a new age of ninjawesomeness. Each month we will open three training rooms at the writer's dojo website. A room for drafters (Writing Month, aka WriMo), a room for revisers (Revising Month, aka ReMo) and a room for those querying (Querying Month, aka QuMo).

We invite you to set your own goals, whether it's to write a thousand words a day, revise ten pages a week, or submit twenty queries in a month, and register your goal in the appropriate training room.

Every Monday we'll post the leaderboard for the previous week, and at the end of each month those who met their goal will be able to post the coveted Writing Ninja Warrior badge on their blog or website.

To help you reach your goals, we have a number of ways to support you:

WEBSITE: http://www.ninjaswrite.com

CHATS: At the dojo every Thursday at 4:00 p.m. Eastern time.

TWITTER: Anytime, day or night, at #writingninja.

GOOGLE+: Join our community for random write-ins and sprints.

NEWSLETTER: Subscribe to our Ninja News and once a month you'll receive an email with an encouraging note and a list of the top performers for the previous month. There will also be opportunities for giveaways, starting with February's newsletter!

We hope to see you at the dojo as you reach for--and achieve--your goals!

FREE Samplers - From the Indelibles

2013-01-19T13:25:00.000-07:00

Love a good love story?

Want to get lost in a great fantasy read or historical romp?

Enjoy mindbending futuristic tales?

We have a sampler for you...

Four amazing samplers! FREE!

Best-selling books. Best-selling authors.

Contemporary - Science-fiction - Historical - Fantasy

But this isn’t all about us.

This is about you, the reader, finding books you love to read.

Just click on the pictures for your free download!

Contemporary Sampler

Fantasy Sampler

Historical Sampler

Science Fiction Sampler

To celebrate the release of the samplers,

we're giving away free books!

Four winners will win the ebook of their choice from any sampler.

1. Download your FREE samplers today and enjoy the experience.

2. Fill out the rafflecopter form for a chance to win!

3. If the book is already free, you'll receive the second book in the series!

Enter now!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks! And enjoy!

Cover Reveal -SOUL CATCHER, by G.P. Ching

2013-01-18T00:30:00.000-07:00

It's here! I can finally share with you the cover of the fourth Soulkeepers novel, Soul Catcher.

Dane Michaels has been to Hell and back and isn't interested in repeating the experience. But as a human caught up in the Soulkeeper's world, his life isn't exactly his own. No one can explain why Dane was allowed through the gates of Eden, but it's changed everything. Now, the only one who can make him feel safe is Ethan, the telekinetic Soulkeeper with a dark past and a heart of gold.

When Malini asks Dane to be part of a mission to find the last Soulkeeper, Cheveyo, more than one team member thinks she's tempting Fate. But Malini suspects Fate has had a hand in Dane's life for some time and that he could be the key to unraveling Lucifer's latest plan of attack.

Add it on Goodreads!

About The Cover

Adam Bedore of Anjin Design creates all of the covers for The Soulkeepers Series. Book four revolves around Dane, pictured here, and introduces Cheveyo, a Hopi indian boy and the last Soulkeeper on the list Dr. Silva conjured in book 3. Cheveyo is represented by the dream catcher and adobe wall behind Dane. Fate, also known as Fatima, plays a role in the story. You can see her shadow hanging from the red stone in the dream catcher. (Yes, she is represented as a spider. She is a master weaver after all!) And if you think there is something up with that shadow behind Dane, you are not mistaken. There's more to him than meets the eye.

About The Book

Soul Catcher is slated for a March release and is the fourth book in the bestselling Soulkeepers series.