How Was Last Year? It's Complicated

How Was My Year? It's Complicated

All in all, I am not sorry to see 2014 pass. There were some very good things that happened: my oldest son graduated college and is off to a five year masters to doctoral program in music composition—on a full scholarship. Yes, that was a very good thing—but bittersweet since my firstborn has now moved to California. After two weeks of holiday togetherness, his imminent return will not be a dreadfully tearful affair. Nor will the return the following week of my middle son to his final semester at college. This May, another graduation celebration and I'll be happy to see them both again—for a little while.

I finished my doctorate. Four words that sum up two and a half years of scholarly research, reading, and writing. For those who know me personally—and I've been nicknamed the brainy brunette—this might not seem such a big deal. But for those who know me as a writer of fantasy fiction who still has not mastered use of the comma, researching Santeria and studying astrology and Tarot, this may come as a big of a surprise. But I have figured out a way to combine the two and found out that me wandering the streets of The Bronx, going in an out of botanicas is a legitimate form of research: ethnography. How I will publish that in academia remains to be seen but I really don't care. I CAN GO BACK TO WRITING FICTION!!!

Despite the rigors, I have managed to finish two short stories (both fantasies) that need revision. The Widow's Walk, which is the first in the Unfinished Business paranormal romance series was published in November. The prequel, Breakwater Beach, is being novelized from the novelette published in Haunted. I hope that will be published in 2015. And then I will write the third and final in that series. Boulevard of Bad Spells and Broken Dreams has made the rounds of agents and publishers, with some very encouraging but heartbreaking rejections. Nevertheless, I plan to hit the mean streets again to research the sequels and keep on submitting. Snippets published in Bites: Ten Tales of Vampires, Seers: Ten Tales of Clairvoyance, and Beltane: Ten Tales of Magic have gotten good reviews so I believe this urban fantasy series will find a good home.

It was a rough transition to middle school for my daughter—and unfortunately the New York City Public Schools are not getting better-despite what former mayor Bloomberg and the current mayor and batty school chancellor say. I had to take her out of public school and send her a local Catholic academy—for all of our sanity. Those who know me, and how committed I am to public education, understand what a hard decision that was. But last year they would not let her play in the orchestra, there were no field trips,  no foreign language classes, and no science fair at her school. That was the first time my kids did not participate in that March ritual since my first son began in Kindergarten in 1996! I feel like I caved, gave up, sold out and still have regrets, but I have some control over her curriculum choices and am not up at the school for some issue or another once or twice a week. She misses her old friends, and for that I am sorry but there are always new ones to be made.

All our Beta fish died. The last one, who belonged to my oldest, lived with us for three years. She waited until Nick got home for Christmas to give up, though she was failing for weeks. We just had her funeral. This may seem very silly, but since I wound up taking care of them all, I got very attached to those very social creatures. Sure, they'll eat each other alive but being so solitary they have personalities and interact with their caregivers for far more than just getting fed. Maybe they're fantasizing that they're going to eat me alive but I'd like to think they're as feisty as I am—and very kind until you cross a line at which time you better watch out.

I had the distinct pleasure of traveling to London and environs this summer to attend Lon Con, where I met other members of Anticipation workshops for tea and an Indian buffet. There was no one there from Taos Toolbox 2011, but they're all doing quite well with sales and I'm very happy for Alan Smale and Scott Hawkins, both of which have big releases coming up. I was able to meet with my good writing friend and mentor since 2007, Rayne Hall, meet her lovable Sulu cat, another Professional Author's group member Jonathan Broughton in Hastings. Another highlight of the trip was spending an evening with Andrew Richardson, who also is churning out new novels. Andrew and I have been critique partners for ten years. Meeting them all, and Noura all the way from UAE was a delight and I hope to get back to England someday soon. 

And yes, I did stand on line for more than an hour for a photo op at Kings Cross Station.

                                                               

And then here was that part of the year I really want to forget. Since March of 2014, a series of rather serious health challenges have come up. It could be worse, and I don't want to complain or dwell on it, but if you have not seen me around town at KGB Fiction readings or cons or other events, suffice it to say I am limiting myself to one activity per day because I am still feeling the after effects. So, in addition to getting back into creative writing, I have gotten back to the ballet barre again and resumed my general exercise routine. Sitting at a computer writing research papers with breaks to track research participants down all over The Bronx do not provide enough physical exercise and emotional release to maintain sanity—and I have been very depressed and very bitchy.

But it's January 2015. I am now Dr. Moleti. I am getting a new Beta fish tomorrow. Downton Abbey returns tonight. The 18 year old cat, 12 year old dog, and I are hanging in there. My daughter and I already started her science fair project. May will mark the tenth anniversary of my entry into creative writing—and the release of the last Star Wars film that spurned me into becoming a novelist. My Star Wars spin off is in a box in my attic, where most first novels wind up, but it seems strangely synchronous that in 2015, another Star Wars film is being released. That helps me look forward rather than back –and I've got many things to look forward to on my brand new calendar.

The December Chill Paranormal Book Party

Join us at the Facebook December Chill Paranormal Book Party 

hosted by

Debbie Christiana and Carole Ann Moleti

5pm 12/5/14 to 5pm 12/6/14 (Eastern Standard Time)

Our guests will be stopping by for an hour or so (at least). We'll be chatting about our new and old stories, writing, and whatever. Yes, there will be giveaways!

Author Guest List

Friday

Gianna Bruno   7 pm

Lissa Trevor  9 pm

Saturday

Kathryn Orzech  10 am

Mark Cassell 12 pm

Andrew Richardson 3 pm

Zrinka Jelic  4 pm

We'll be chatting for as long as we can all stay awake-and there will be prizes and giveaways.

Not on Facebook?  Join the Twitter party using hashtag #ParanormalBookParty

Welcome Cathy McRae Talking About The Highlander's Tempestuous Bride

Shortly after joining Soul Mate Publishing, I met Cathy McRae. She's here to talk about her new book The Highlander’s Tempestuous Bride, which is Book 3 in The Highlander’s Bride series. Check out this beautiful cover.

Buy Link

Cathy enjoys weaving tales of romance in the Highland mists. Her stories feature strong heroes and feisty heroines in pursuit of their happy-ever-afters in medieval Scotland. 

When not writing, Cathy can be found curled up in a chair with a book or enjoying the outdoors with her corgis and newest member of the family, Freki. A member of RWA and Celtic Hearts Romance Writers, she is currently working on another Highland romance novel and planning her next trip to Scotland.

Set in the Highlands of Scotland in the late 1300’s, The Highlander’s Tempestuous Bride brings together two young people from different clans who risk everything for a chance to love.

Returning home after a ten-year absence, Ryan Macraig falls for a fiery, red-haired lass from the wrong side of the firth. He can’t ignore his need to see her again, even knowing she must be a hated Macrory. Gilda Macrory trespasses Macraig land, but haunting memories of the young man she once met there draw her to the forbidden place. Learning he is Laird Macraig’s son threatens her dreams, for her father would never agree to a marriage between his daughter and their enemy’s son.
With pirates raiding the coast, bad blood between the Macraig and Macrory clans could cost Ryan and Gilda their love—and their lives.

Here's an excerpt:

Even in the moonlight, Ryan saw the deepening shade on her cheeks and knew she blushed.
She lifted her chin. “Ye ogled my legs!”
Ryan nodded his head in agreement. “Ye have verra pretty legs.”
Gilda drew back with a hiss of breath. “Ye are a rogue, Ryan Macraig!”
“We have already agreed on this, aye?”
“This meeting tonight ‘twas for the clansmen to decide what to do about the pirates, not for ye to seek me out in my home.” Gilda crossed her arms beneath her breasts, shoving them to the squared neckline.
Ryan mumbled the first response that came to his suddenly awkward tongue. “I dinnae know ye would be here.” His tone remained reasonable even as he fought the dryness in his mouth.
“Dinnae stare at me like that.” Gilda dropped her hands as she spun away, and Ryan’s concentration returned with a snap.
“I dinnae know how to act around ye, Gilda Macrory. I know our parents are nae likely to agree for us to meet, but I am willing to ask. To do this right.”
Gilda slowly turned, lifting her gaze to his. “To do what right?”
“To talk to ye. Listen to ye laugh. Watch yer eyes change color when I vex ye.”
Gilda’s quick grin told him he’d scored a point and he smiled. “I am good at vexing ye, aye?”
“Aye.” Her expression remained puzzled. “Do ye like to be around me? No’ just to ogle my legs?”
This time Ryan laughed. “I will ogle yer legs any chance I get. I cannae lie to ye. But, aye. I like being around ye.”

* * *

Wow, that sounds like a great read. I love the way you've woven the accent into the dialogue. I know how difficult that can be--especially when you're editing! Thanks for stopping by.

Check out Cathy's website for information about the two other books in the series that look pretty interesting to me, updates, writing and author posts, and her thoughts on gardening and dogs. You can also follow her on Facebook.  She would love to hear from you!

The Widow's Walk Has Been Published

It's here! The Kindle edition is out now, and the print version will be forthcoming in the next couple of months.

Buy Link

Mike and Liz Keeny are newlyweds, new parents, and the proprietors of the Barrett Inn, an 1875 Victorian on Cape Cod, which just happens to be haunted. By their own ghosts. The Inn had become an annex of Purgatory, putting Mike, Liz, and their infant son in danger. Selling the historic seaside bed and breakfast was the only answer, one that Liz and her own tortured specter refused to consider. Were Mike and Liz doomed to follow the same path that led to disaster in their previous lives? Was getting out, getting away, enough?


Check out Andrew Richardson's preview/review.

I've created a special page right here on Blogger to keep in touch with readers. In addition. Soulmate Publishing has created an author page as well.

On Goodreads? Check my profile here.

On Pinterest? Check out my pins.

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Check out my Forum

Some Thoughts on the Eve of the Publication of The Widow's Walk

Now that I have finished the final edits on The Widow's Walk (and my doctoral paper, but that is another story), I have time to sit and think back on all the people who've helped me get this novel--and the entire series--launched.

I started writing Unfinished Business as short story back in 2006! While opening up a summer cottage, pulling off dust covers and vacuuming up dead flies, the inspiration for a story about a woman finding a trunk of antique clothes and the aftermath came to me. Two days later, the story was done. I missed all the Fourth of July festivities, and my husband was really pissed. But as all writers know, when you've got the inspiration you've got to go with it. So, that's the first thank you. John has read every draft of both Breakwater Beach (the novelized version of the Book 1) and of The Widow's Walk. 

It took until 2011 to find an editor, by the name of Rayne Hall, who was willing to publish Breakwater Beach as a novelette. She'd been working me on it since 2007 as the moderator of the Professional Author's Group, and the stars converged. Thank you, Rayne, for a wonderful Christmas present that year.

But before I got to that point, there was Barbara Gordon, at Anticipation Workshops in 2009, who took the time to help me get both the historical and British details correct. And Andrew Richardson, my critique partner since 2005, who has also read just about every piece of fiction I have ever written, if not all of it. It was a thrill to meet him and his lovely wife, Emma, on my trip to England this summer for LonCon.

Breakwater Beach is Liz's story, The Widow's Walk is Mike Keeny's story. As such, the input of male writers is critical to avoid mistakes like a seaman marveling over the details of a Victorian gown. Nope, they'd be more interested in cleavage than the emerald green slubbed silk, bustled high in the back, with matching shoes. Thank you, John Blackport for many such insights. And for your unending exuberance about The Widow's Walk. I will never forget your last comment: "If all romance was like this I'd read a lot more of it."

Going even further back there is Oliver Waite, who helped me sink the boat in Breakwater Beach. A racing sailor, he was able to enhance that scene as I could never do. Despite the fact that I grew up on and around all types of boats, I was never on one that sank.

I owe my love of the sea, of sailing, and of Cape Cod to my father, Frank Moleti, with whom I spent many days on the waters of Long Island Sound and on Cape Cod. There was that  particularly memorable Whale Watch out of Provincetown that was so rough, even he--US Navy veteran--had white knuckles and was looking for the life jackets. I wish you were still alive to share this with me, Daddy. You too, Gramps. Alexander Bruno was the captain of The Sea Mist, a wooden cabin cruiser that my mother was on while pregnant with me. And from which my Uncle Mickey tossed me into Long Island Sound off Half Moon Beach at age 4-without a life jacket--since I needed to learn to swim.

They're all gone now, looking down on me, I fancy, very proud as they always were of the first born daughter, grand daughter and niece who they assured every day of my childhood that I was going to go far in life. I learned to be strong, and brave, and independent at a time when all girl were supposed to be playing with were Barbie dolls. If you knew them as I did, you'd be able to see a little of each in the male characters. And Liz and Mae don't take no shit from no one. For that, I credit growing up in The Bronx (but that also is another story).

Frank Moleti on the Seamist II
circa 1980

I just came in first in a swimming race, about age 12.

Welcome Debbie Christiana Talking About Twin Flames and Forever Flames

When I thought of who to ask about hosting the cover reveal for The Widow's Walk the first person that came to mind was Debbie Christiana. Like me, she writes paranormal romances. And we've participated in many promotional events through our RWA chapters, Colony and CTRWA, such as Fiction Fest and the Nutmeg Book Festival.

It turns out she has a new release as well, so we are doing a blog swap/hop! She's here to talk about her new release. When you're done reading this, hop over to Debbie's blog to see the gorgeous cover for The Widow's Walk.

In honor of the paranormal, we're giving away two downloads of Haunted: Ten Tales of Ghosts. All you have to do is stop by both both blogs by September 19 and say hi for a chance to win.

Welcome, Debbie!

Thank you, Carole, for hosting me today.  I’m excited to be here because last month I released a revised edition of my debut novel, TWIN FLAMES and it’s companion novella, FOREVER FLAMES. I’m currently working on the third and final installment of the series.

One of the most frequent questions I get asked is why reincarnation? My mother introduced me to the concept. She found it fascinating and had books about it all over the house. I shared in her fascination and by the time I was twelve or so, I was writing short stories that involved people discovering they had lived in a previous time.

The more I learned about the rebirth concept; more interesting facts came to light. During client regressions many therapists found that birthmarks are often sites of injuries endured in a past life, as are chronic areas of pain in certain parts of the body. Something experienced in past life can cause certain fears or phobias in a current life.

After college I got married, moved to a different state, worked, had three kids, and my writing got put on the back burner.  As my kids got older and I had some free time, the stories stirred around in my head again, but nothing concrete. I wanted to write a reincarnation story. I had read a few good fiction novels about it but there wasn’t a huge selection. But it wasn’t coming together.

Then one winter afternoon at the end of yoga class our yogi read something of inspiration to us during Shavasana (final relaxation). I thought it was so beautiful that I asked her for a copy. After hearing these wise words, I had my story.

On Finding The Pieces To The Puzzle by Rabbi Lawrence Kushner

“There must have been a time when you entered a room and met someone and after a while you understood that unknown to either of you, there was a reason you had met. You had changed the other and he had changed you. By some word or deed or just by your presence, the errand had been completed. Then perhaps you were a little bewildered or humbled and grateful. And it was over.

Each lifetime is the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. For some there are more pieces. For others the puzzle is more difficult to assemble. Some seem to be born with a nearly completed puzzle.

But know this. No one has within themselves all the pieces to their puzzle. Everyone carries with them at least one and probably many pieces to someone else’s puzzle. Sometimes they know it. Sometimes they don’t. And when you present your piece, which is worthless to you, to another, whether you know it or not, whether they know it or now, you are a messenger from the Most High.”

I believe Rabbi Kushner gave me one of my missing puzzle pieces and I’ll be forever grateful to him.

****

She’d never met him before, or had she?

The last thing forty-year-old Natalia Santagario expected was to be sitting on a Manhattan barstool, ogling a man she’s never met, but swears she knows.

He didn’t know her at all, or did he?

The mysterious dark-haired woman at the end of the bar stops twenty-eight-year old Marc Tremonti in his tracks. His head says she’s a stranger, but his heart tells him otherwise.

Together they embark on an adventure that will change their lives forever.

Marc’s aunt Mariella, an expert in reincarnation, persuades them to relive their past to help explain their enigmatic attraction. As they open the doors to their past lives, they discover they have been lovers for hundreds of lives, are connected by an ancient bond, and are considered Twin Flame soul mates. But their reunion in this life is complicated by an almost ex-wife, a temporary bout of amnesia and a mischievous and meddling ghost with its own agenda. Will their strong connection find a way to bring them together? Or is this the lifetime they must go their separate ways?

Sometimes the past won’t stay where it belongs.

Marc and Natalia are settling into parenthood, but can’t shake the feeling of déjà vu when it comes to their new baby.

Sensing they’ve been a family before and something horrible happened, they journey back in time, through hypnotic regression, to eighteenth century Belgium. Here they relive a shocking lifetime that challenges their love more than any other, and brings repercussions back into their present life.

Last time, remembering their past lives brought Marc and Natalia together, this time it may tear them apart.

OMG, I have to read Forever Flames now!
Where can I get it?

Twin Flames at Amazon and Barnes and Noble

Forever Flames at Amazon and Barnes and Noble

  

How can readers connect with you to find out about numbers three and four?

www.debbiechristiana.com

Facebook: Debbie Christiana, Author

Twitter: @DebChristiana

Thanks for swapping and hopping with me, Debbie.

Now remember, hop over to Debbie's blog to see the The Widow's Walk cover and excerpt. 

And for a chance to win a download of Haunted:Ten Tales of Ghosts, Twin Flames, or The Widow's Walk say hi on both blogs by this Friday and we'll get certificates out to the lucky readers. 

The Widow's Walk Will Be Released in Mid-September

I spent much of the flight back from London (and Lon Con) doing another round of edits and they are now in the hands of editor Janine Giordano. The tentative release date is September 17, and the cover (soon to be revealed) is gorgeous.

While I was in England, I visited Surrey and some of Elisabeth's haunts (pun totally intended). And really enjoyed the Victoria and Albert Museum where Liz spends some time acting normal while being fueled by a possession.

Mike and Liz Keeny are newlyweds, new parents, and the proprietors of the Barrett Inn, an 1875 Victorian on Cape Cod, which just happens to be haunted. By their own ghosts. The Inn had become an annex of Purgatory, putting Mike, Liz, and their infant son in danger. Selling the historic seaside bed and breakfast was the only answer, one that Liz and her own tortured specter refused to consider. Were Mike and Liz doomed to follow the same path that led to disaster in their previous lives? Was getting out, getting away, enough?

I'm in the process of setting up release week events and a cover reveal so please stay tuned. But I've posted an excerpt here.

It wasn't until Liz placed her hand on the banister and started up the steep staircase to the roof that Elisabeth's needling eased. Like an addict in the throes of withdrawal, just the promise of being up there, Elisabeth's spirit once again united with a body communing with her long lost sea captain, offered relief.

Cold air blasted as Liz pulled open the door. Ice crunched under her feet as she stepped out onto the widow's walk. Steel gray waves capped with frigid white foam danced under the leaden sky. Frosty air filled her lungs. Tiny ice crystals blew off the bay and melted on her cheeks. Ghostly kisses ran down her neck like tears, dampening the neckline of the dress.

Elisabeth took control of her tongue. "Green was always your favourite colour, my love. Our son's birthday is coming. Almost a year since you last came to me. Pray tell, will you return once again?" Elisabeth's longing, her anguish, released itself into the wind. 

A gust carried his response, a whisper for only her ears. "Stay here, in our house. Honour my memory by living your life. 

Stay tuned for more information abut the cover reveal, release day events, and special prizes, contests and discounts. You can subscribe here or follow me on Facebook or Twitter.

If you'd like to read an excerpt adapted to the short story format, check out "Breakwater Beach" in Haunted: Ten Tales of Ghosts.