Angels Of The Fallen, The Watchers

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Crossroads by Mary Ting


We are going to learn all about the Crossroads Saga.
Hi Mary, If you could meet up & chat with one author who would it be and why?
It would have to be Stephenie Meyer because she wrote Twilight based on her dream.  Crossroads is also based on a couple of dreams I had in high school.  She was one of my inspirations to write this book. 
How long of a process is writing a book? 
Ahhh!!!  I say this in a good and bad way.  First, it was so much fun writing about these characters, and many characters are based on people I know.  In some ways, Claudia is a lot like me, so her character was easy to write.  There was one time when I wiped out the last five chapters because my friend thought I could do better.  I’m glad she told me I could, but deleting those chapters brought me to tears. Then there is re-reading, re-writing and re-editing.  Let me just say that I found a new profound respect for authors. 
Did you always want to become a writer?
Never in my wildest dreams did I ever thought about becoming a writer.  To tell you the truth, I didn’t really enjoy reading.  I read because I had to.  Not until I became a teacher did I find reading truly enjoyable.  I started writing because it was a way for me to heal from the death of my grandmother.  She is also a character in my story-Gamma J.
What were some of your "inspirations" for writing this novel
One of my inspirations for writing this novel was my grandmother.  Writing was a way for me to heal.  Another inspiration was my dreams I had in high school.   I can vividly recall all the details of them, which comprises chapter one and two.  
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Besides spending time with my hubby and my two children, I enjoy shopping, watching movies, oil painting and making jewelries.  I also enjoy reading young adult novels.  They help me escape the stress of everyday life.
http://www.amazon.com/Crossroads-Saga-ebook/dp/B005F768GI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1361982176&sr=8-2&keywords=crossroads+by+mary+ting 
Which character in Crossroads was the most fun for you to write?
It’s difficult to say because many of the characters are based on people I know.  But I can narrow it down to two characters, Claudia and Michael.  Claudia’s character is based on me and my experiences.  The first car, the first job, camping, and yes…I was very sheltered…lol!!!  Michael is also somewhat based on my husband, the protector and romantic. I especially had fun writing about them being together and the chemistry of getting to know each other, knowing that they didn’t have that much time.
The end of Crossroads book there is a tiny snippet into the next book, can you give us a fun little spoiler about that next book?   
Austin plays a bigger role and there are more angels on earth.  I just finished up to chapter ten.  It’s still a rough draft but here are some teasers that I have not shared with anyone yet. 
“I give you my soul . . . willingly upon thee,” Claudia said reluctantly, as tears streamed down her face.  Aliah gave a deceiving smile and placed his left hand behind her back as if to give her a hug and with the other hand, drove his sword straight into her heart.  
“Love doesn’t just go away that easily.  It clings to your heart.  It goes with you wherever you go, even if you don’t want it to.  Love is like the ocean.  Sometimes it’s smooth and sometimes it’s rough, but it’s constant, it never dries out,” I stated, hoping this kind of love is not what he felt for her.  I love you, not her,” he said, inching his way toward me.  
What is one book everyone should read?
The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch.  I cried so much!!! I can’t imagine writing this book knowing you will never see your family again. As my kids grow up, I would urge them to read this book.
What is your dream cast for your book?
Claudia-Nina Debrov
Michael-Ben Barnes
Davin-Channing Tatum
Vivian-Megan Fox
Caleb-Chase Crawford
Patty-Amanda Seyfried
Philip-Orlando Bloom
Agnes-Courtney Cox
Margaret-Angelina Jolie
Gamma-Susan Sarandon
Aden-Huge Jackman

What is your favorite Quote?
I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.  Maya Angelou
Can you see yourself in any of your characters?
Though I don’t like to admit it, Claudia is just like me.  Her experiences are my personal experiences…first car, first job, first time camping, but too bad there was so Michael when I was in high school…lol!!! 
Hidden talent?
I oil paint. I once painted the cover of New Moon. I sold it for $100 at a Twilight convention. I also make jewelries. My friends and I started a website called www.inspiredbytwilight.com  I also love to dance. I teach a dance routine every year for a talent show for my daughter’s group, the school I work at.
Favorite Candy?
Giant Chewy Sweet Tarts. I can eat one pack as I write…lol!!!
What movie and/or book are you looking forward to this year?
Breaking Dawn
How do you react to a bad review?
I know that my book will not please all. It’s impossible!!! I think about the reasons why I wrote this book and the great reviews I got. My husband, family and my friends are proud of me. I’ve been told many times that they don’t know how I do everything that I do. I don’t either…lol!!!
You have won one million dollars what is the first thing that you would buy?
A publishing company…lol!!!  I would love to help other authors publish their first book.
What do you do in your free time? 
Besides spending time with my family. I enjoy shopping…hehe!!! I enjoy reading, listening to music and watching movies..
What's your favorite season/weather?
Fall. I love to wear boots, scarves, and jackets
What is your guilty pleasure?
Chocolate…yum!!!  Especially with nuts.
Have any last words?
I took on a journey not knowing how rewarding it would be for me. I’ve meet so many wonderful people from all over the world through facebook, twitter, goodreads and blog sites.  I’ve made everlasting friendship where friendship knows no boundaries.  And I have to thank my grandmother who continues to watch over me from Heaven. Thank you so much for having me!!!  
I would love you to pickup my book Crossroads, the first one is free in Kindle and on Nook. 
Mary it was a pleasure learning about you and your work. 





Sunday, February 24, 2013

Lelani Black, Author of Moonlight Collection


Aloha Patricia, since this article isn’t very long I’ve added extra pictures for our readers.

Lelani Black’s article 
Under the Hawaiian Sun





























Thank you so much, Patricia, for inviting me to stop in for a visit!

I’ve come bearing pictures, and gifts! 
I’ve recently released two books in a collection of tropical romances with a softer tone of sizzle than what is contained in my erotic works of fiction, and I wanted to share some of the scenery and places in my stories that, often in fiction, authors are expected to paint the picture for readers to savor, visualize and enjoy. 

 
Here are some photos of our last visit to the islands to see my kids’ tutu (granny) who lives on the island of Oahu. Oahu is also the setting in Book 2 of my Island Moonlight Collection, Doctor, Doctor—a humorous, sexy read, rich in multi-culture and mayhem about a bachelor M.D. whose temporary housekeeper gives him fever, heartburn, and a bad case of lust-itis.

Thanks again for having me come by, Patricia, and as a special thank you, I’ll be drawing commenter names for a FREE e-book, winners choice! Either from the Moonlight Collection, or for any one of my erotic romances currently on Amazon.     
Lelani it has been a pleasure having you visiting, sharing your new work, all these awesome photos.

 OMG you're giving away an eBook. This is awesome! Readers please leave a comment to win this amazing read!







P. T. Macias on Amazon